bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fusobacterium Bacteremia Presenting with Mesenteric Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Sapkota Surendra , Shrestha Suraj , Solis Lauren A. , Kalla Abhishek
Published: September 2022

Background
Fusobacterium species are fastidious gram-negative anaerobes that frequently colonize the human oral cavity. Portal and mesenteric thrombosis associated with Fusobacterium are case-reportable; due to the rarity of these reports. Isolated mesenteric vein thrombosis from these species is even rarer.
Case presentation
A 59-year-old Caucasian male presented to the emergency department with a week of back pain and malaise. A CT abdomen and pelvis demonstrated an acute/early subacute partially occlusive thrombosis of the inferior mesenteric vein. Patient was discharged the same day with apixaban 5 mg twice daily. Attempts were made by the providers to contact the patient when one of the two bottles grew Fusobacterium species, but the patient didn’t respond. Patient presented to the hospital 2 weeks later with similar complaints. Patient was treated with intravenous piperacillin-tazobactam and discharged on amoxicillin-clavulanic acid for four weeks. A follow up CT in 2 months showed resolution of the thrombus. Patient completed 3 months of anticoagulation with apixaban.
Conclusion
We aim to increase physicians’ awareness regarding association of Fusobacterium to thrombosis at various sites. An early treatment of this condition with antibiotics and anticoagulation can prevent complications and result in favorable outcomes.
Study on the relationship between serum iodine and dysfunctions: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xu Tingting , Guo Wenxing , Ren Zhiyuan , Wei Hongyan , Tan Long , Zhang Wanqi
Published: September 2022

The relationship between serum iodine and thyroid dysfunctions in male and female adults is poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the relationship between serum and urine iodine and thyroid dysfunction in male and female adults. A total of 1320 participants were included in the final analysis. We collected basic demographic information, as well as blood and spot urine samples, to determine serological indices and iodine nutritional status of subjects. The median (IQR) of UIC, UIC/UCr, SIC were 155.8 (94.5, 211.1) µg/L, 138.1 (91.1, 207.6) µg/g and 70.6 (59.8, 83.9) µg/L, respectively. SIC was positively correlated with UIC and UIC/UCr (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). The prevalence of hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism in female was significantly higher than that in male (P = 0.02, P = 0.002). In male subjects, subjects with SIC༞97.1 µg/L had a higher risk of hyperthyroidism (OR = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.38, 6.19) and overt hypothyroidism (OR = 5.59, 95% CI: 1.88, 6.42). In female subjects, subjects with SIC < 49.3 µg/L had a higher risk of overt hypothyroidism (OR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.10, 4.06), TgAb positive (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.32) and TPOAb positive(OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.41, 4.26). In conclusion, serum iodine can be used as an indicator to evaluate iodine nutritional status and thyroid dysfunctions. Higher serum iodine concentration was associated with an increased risk of hyperthyroidism and overt hypothyroidism in men, lower serum iodine concentration was associated with an increased risk of overt hypothyroidism and positive TgAb and TPOAb in women.
Major Challenges Encountered by Novice EFL Teachers: A Meta-synthesis
Authors: DİNÇER PINAR
Published: September 2022

The first years of teaching are well documented to pose several challenges for novice teachers as their knowledge and skills of pre-service years are tested within real-life classroom settings. Accordingly, the current meta-synthesis paper aims to outline the challenges novice EFL teachers face to draw a general picture of the challenges recorded in the current literature and to establish guidelines for future studies. To this end, qualitative studies investigating novice ELF teachers’ challenges were scanned and filtered according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, revealing a total of 12 studies published in peer-reviewed journals within the last decade (i.e., 2010-2020). Subsequently, the results of the studies at hand were subjected to thematic analysis revealing four overarching themes: 1) Student-related challenges, 2) Lack of professional knowledge and expertise, 3) Workplace-related challenges, and 4) Educational system-related challenges.
Transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia into acute mixed phenotype leukemia myeloid/T neoplasm: a rare case report
Authors: Babaheidarian Pegah , Sadeghipour Alireza , Ansarinejad Nafiseh , Tajik Fatemeh
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is defined by the presence of lymphocyte in the blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen, with a median lymphocyte count of 20–30×109/L for more than three months. CLL is known to be rarely associated with myeloid malignancies. This study presents an extremely rare case of CLL, which transformed into myeloid /T neoplasm.Case presentation:A62-year-old man with a 10-year history of CLL was referred to our hospital because of multiple skin bruises and anemia. He was monitored for ten years without any treatment until this time when the disease progressed, and chemotherapy was started. After eight months of treatment completion, he deteriorated. This time, bone marrow biopsy immunophenotyping revealed the transformation of CLL into mixed phenotype acute leukemia, myeloid/T neoplasm with no residue of preexisting CLL.Conclusion:Transformation of CLL into acute leukemia may arise from the same clone. Still, there is some evidence that it may be therapy-related, so any deterioration in a patient with CLL should be evaluated promptly for a better outcome.
Analysis of the morphological characteristics and direction of morphology- based selective breeding of Procambarus clarkii
Authors: Wang Qishuai , Yang Siqi , Shi Ruixue , Zheng Feifei , Li Yanhe
Published: September 2022

In order to explore the breeding direction of morphological selection of Procambarus clarkii, the morphological characteristics of five P. clarkii basic populations from different regions in China were comprehensively analyzed by multivariate statistical analyses. The results showed that there were significant differences in most morphological parameters among populations and between sexes. In the discriminatory analysis, the most discriminant characteristics for distinguishing females among populations were body weight (BW), first abdominal segment width (FASW), third abdominal segment width (TASW) and third abdominal segment height (TASH), whereas for males, the characteristics were body weight (BW), carapace length (CL), carapace width (CW) and third abdominal segment width (TASW).The most significant variables of the differences between sexes were body weight (BW), third abdominal segment width (TASW) and double cheliped weight (DCW). This study would be beneficial to understanding the main morphological characteristics of P. clarkii, which could provide basic data of the collected germplasm resources and some reference for indicating the direction of P. clarkii morphology-based breeding. The germplasm resources with stronger abdomen, smaller carapace and smaller cheliped would be the selection targets, and all-female breeding would also be one of important breeding directions of for P. clarkii.
Toward successful project implementation: Integration between project management processes and project risk management
Authors: AL Jarrah Mufleh , Jarah Baker , Altarawneh Ikhlas
Published: September 2022

This study aims to identify the primary aspects contributing to the project’s successful implementation by considering project risk management as a mediating component. The paper uses the survey methodology to examine the impact of project management processes (project start-up, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closing the project) on successful project implementation by the arts of project risk management as a mediating variable. The study population consists of project managers employed by the Jordan Engineers Association, Jordan Construction Contractors Association, and King Abdullah Design and Development Bureau in Jordan, with a sample size of 96 project managers. A questionnaire was divided into three categories. The primary data were analyzed using the Partial Least Squares (3.3.3) software. The result shows that the arts of project risk management mediate the impact of project start-up, planning, execution, monitoring and control, closing, and management processes on successful project implementation. The findings recommend that integrated project management processes with project risk management could enhance the chances of successful project implementation for Jordanian project managers.
Causes for reforestation failure in Haiti and residents' willingness to pay for cleaner cookstoves
Authors: François Mathurin , Petit-Homme Ronald , Mariano-Neto Eduardo , Petit-Homme Marc Arthur , Junior Terencio Rebello de Aguiar
Published: September 2022

Trees provide services to human beings and protect the environment. This study investigates the causes of the failure of reforestation projects in the North and Northeast departments of Haiti. Two questionnaires with closed- and open-ended questions were used for face-to-face and semi-structured interviews with local and non-local authorities, respectively. The test of proportions was used for the statistical analysis, where a result was considered significant when the p-value was less than 0.05. The results showed that 86.8% of the non-local authorities were used to participating in projects of reforestation in their localities. The lack of follow-up and participation of residents in decisions about the type of trees planted were the main causes of the failure of these projects. The interviewees were accustomed to cutting trees to produce charcoal (95.8%) and enlarging their gardens (70.8%). However, 90.0% of each category would invest in purchasing cleaner cookstoves and stop using charcoal if the government agreed to finance up to 50.0% of such a project. The findings of this research could help both the decision-makers and the Haitian government to understand the causes of the failures of reforestation projects in Haiti and adopt an effective way to reduce deforestation in the country.
Willingness to pay for improved water supply service in coastal urban settings: evidence from Khulna, Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Karimul , Akter Rabbani , Haider Mohammed Ziaul
Published: September 2022

The provision of clean water and sanitation has been one of the challenging targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for developing countries like Bangladesh. The southern cities of the country confront the scarcity of fresh and improved water for drinking and sanitation. The study aims to investigate the demand for improved water service among city dwellers and the potential revenue for the water supply authority. The study surveyed 100 households in Khulna city by administering a simple random sampling method. The single-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation method revealed that years of schooling, household income, and excessive time in water collection positively affect willingness to pay (WTP) for improved water service. The households are willing to pay US$ 5.05 per month on average for enjoying improved water service, which in turn produces annual revenues of US$ 4.26 million, overriding the current level of revenue by 2.5 times. Additionally, the water supply authority is incurring around US$ 2.14 million of revenue loss annually which can be recovered by supplying improved water to the city households. This study suggests that the government may be able to address the fresh and improved water scarcity in the urban territory by capturing and utilizing the potential revenue efficiently through removing the structural barriers.
Comprehensive application analyses of elastic models and viscoelastic models in transient flows in polymeric pipelines
Authors: Duan Xiangyu , Zhu Jianghui , Li Xiaoqin , Tang Xuelin
Published: September 2022

Based on the MOC (Method of Characteristics), the applicabilities of both the elastic models of the SF (Steady Friction), the CB-UF (Convolution-Based Unsteady Friction) and the MIAB-UF (Modified Instantaneous Acceleration-Based UF), and the viscoelastic models of the SF-VE (SF-Viscoelasticity), the CB-UF-VE (Convolution-Based Unsteady Friction-Viscoelasticity) and the MIAB-UF-VE (Modified Instantaneous Acceleration-Based UF-Viscoelasticity), are investigated for hydraulic transients induced by a downstream rapid valve closure in a polymeric pipeline. The predicted results by the elastic models are very different from the experimental data, whereas the predicted pressure peaks and phases by the viscoelastic models agree well with the experimental data because considering the pipe–wall creep effect, the CB-UF-VE and the MIAB-UF-VE generate better results than the SF-VE. The creep effects near the first pressure peak are captured well by the viscoelastic models. The analyses of the contributions of different factors to pressure attenuation show that for transient flows in polymeric pipelines, the effect of VE is greater than that of the CB-UF and MIAB-UF. The spectrum analyses show that the pressure amplitudes and harmonic frequencies by the elastic models match badly with the experimental data, whereas those by the viscoelastic models match well with the experimental data. The harmonic frequencies by the MIAB-UF-VE are the best, followed by the CB-UF-VE, and are worst by the SF-VE.
Neuroprotective Properties of Ferulic Acid in Preclinical Models of
Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Zhou Siyu , Dong Xiaoyu
Published: September 2022

Background:

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common diseases in
the elderly, with a high incidence of dementia. The pathogenesis of AD is complex, and
there is no unified conclusion and effective treatment in the clinic. In recent years, with
the development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), researchers put forward the idea
of prevention and treatment of AD based on TCM according to the characteristics of multi-
target of TCM. Ferulic acid (FA), also known as 3-methoxy-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, is
an active ingredient in TCM that inhibits β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation and has antioxidant
and anti-inflammatory effects. FA derivatives have been reported to have low toxicity,
high biological activity, and high blood-brain barrier permeability. However, the multitarget
of FA in the treatment of AD has not been systematically elucidated.

Objectives:

In this systematic review, we aimed to comprehensively assess the neuroprotective
effects of FA and its derivatives on in vitro and in vivo AD models.

Methods:

We searched PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Baidu
Academic, and Wanfang databases for relevant pre-clinical studies until November 2021.

Results:

We identified studies that evaluated the efficacy of FA and its derivatives using
relevant keywords. 864 studies were included, of which 129 were found in PubMed, 111
in CNKI, 454 in Baidu Academic, and 170 in Wanfang. Due to duplication between databases,
and after applying the exclusion and inclusion criteria, 43 articles were selected.
Thereafter, the abstracts of the 43 articles were reviewed. Finally, 21 articles were included
in this review, including 11 in vivo, 5 in vitro, and 5 in vivo and in vitro studies.

Conclusion:

Previous studies have shown that FA or its derivatives have multiple therapeutic
effects on AD models and can improve the symptoms of AD and resistance of AD
cell models. FA and its derivatives have anti-Aβ aggregation, antioxidant, antiinflammatory,
and other effects and are potential drugs for the multi-targeted treatment of
AD. The result of our study showed that FA and its derivatives have significant therapeutic
effects on animal and cell models of AD, suggesting that they may be potential therapeutic
drugs for patients with AD.
Monoamine-oxidase Type B Inhibitors and Cognitive Functions in Parkinson’s
Disease: Beyond the Primary Mechanism of Action
Authors: Rinaldi Domiziana , Alborghetti Marika , Bianchini Edoardo , Sforza Michela , Galli Silvia , Pontieri Francesco E.
Published: September 2022

:

Symptoms of cognitive impairment are rather common since the early stage of Parkinson’s
disease (PD); they aggravate with disease progression and may lead to dementia in a significant
proportion of cases. Worsening of cognitive symptoms in PD patients depends on the progression
of subcortical dopaminergic damage as well as the involvement of other brain neurotransmitter
systems in cortical and subcortical regions. Beyond the negative impact on disability and quality of
life, the presence and severity of cognitive symptoms may limit adjustments of dopamine replacement
therapy along the disease course.

:

This review focuses on the consequences of the administration of monoamine-oxidase type Binhibitors
(MAOB-I) on cognition in PD patients. Two drugs (selegiline and rasagiline) are available
for the treatment of motor symptoms of PD as monotherapy or in combination with L-DOPA or dopamine
agonists in stable and fluctuating patients; a further drug (safinamide) is usable in fluctuating
subjects solely.

:

The results of available studies indicate differential effects according to disease stage and drug features.
In early, non-fluctuating patients, selegiline and rasagiline ameliorated prefrontal executive
functions, similarly to other dopaminergic drugs. Benefit on some executive functions was maintained
in more advanced, fluctuating patients, despite the tendency of worsening prefrontal inhibitory
control activity. Interestingly, high-dose safinamide improved inhibitory control in fluctuating patients.
The benefit of high-dose safinamide on prefrontal inhibitory control mechanisms may stem
from its dual mechanism of action, allowing reduction of excessive glutamatergic transmission, in
turn secondary to increased cortical dopaminergic input.
Isolation and Characterization of Cellulose Nanofiber Obtained
From Agriculture Waste
Authors: Al Rashdi Shabib Sulaiman Ali , Patil Ganesh N. , Al Balushi Noura Ali Moosa , Manivannan Saravanan Ayaavu
Published: September 2022

Background:

The fibers of date palm [DPFs] were used as a raw material to isolate cellulose nanofibers [CNFs] to assess their potential as reinforcements of composite materials in producing Bioplastic. The isolation of Nano cellulose [NCs] from DPF is still lacking, and the authors are not aware of any previous publication concerning the isolation of NCs from DPF.

Objective:

The date palm has huge potential in the application as a reinforcement agent to manufacture bio-nano composites and can be considered a renewable source of nanofibers with an etymology to agro-waste.

Method:

High-purity cellulose nanofibers were isolated from DPFs through an environmentally friendly treatment process that combined chemical [alkali & bleaching] and mechanical [ball milling].

Results:

A high yield of CNFs was successfully extracted, with 50% CNFs from overall DPFs. Scanning electron microscopy [SEM] results revealed the effects of isolation treatments on fiber morphology and showed long, loose nanofiber bundles with 8–100 nm in diameter. FTIR results showed that noncellulosic components were effectively removed. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the improved crystallinity of the processed fibers with a high crystalline index of 69.78%.

Conclusion:

TGA results showed an enhancement in the thermal properties of the nanofibers. The removal of hemicellulose and lignin increased the crystallinity of the fibers, and the extracted CNFs were used in the synthesis of Bioplastic by using glycerol as a plasticizer and corn starch as a matrix using the casting method. The feasibility study proved that NC production is feasible in Oman and was successfully yielding cellulose nanofibers with potential in advanced applications. The availability of raw materials is sufficient to sustain the plan with a total capital investment of OMR 9,694,127, an operating cost of OMR 10,058,976, and a total annual net profit of OMR 2,235,445.926 which shows an ROI of 23%/year with a payback period of 4.34 years.
Epidemic Progression in a Heterogeneously Distributed Population
Authors: Banerjee Malay , Ghosh Samiran , Volpert Vitaly
Published: September 2022

The chapter is devoted to a compartmental epidemiological model of infection

progression in a space-distributed multipatch population with communication between the patches

due to the movement of individuals. The subpopulations inside the patches consist of different

groups with respect to the intensity of disease transmission both within and between groups. The

heterogeneity of the population and its transfer between the patches influence the rate of epidemic progression, the final size of the epidemic, and the number of infected individuals.
THE RE-DOCUMENTATION OF JEPARA’S CARVING MOTIFS: AN EARLY STUDY
Authors: Iswahyudi Iswahyudi
Published: September 2022

This study aim to describe the development of carved art motifs in Jepara. The target population of artworks carving is some distribution of works that represent the period, so that the selection of data sources is also tight and considered representative. In this study it is required to produce a qualitative descriptive development study so that it approaches synchronic diachronik. The research step is done through the stages of observation, interviewing, making documentation, comparing historical information and see some works that have never been used by other researchers. The results: (1) Associated with the motive of the Queen of Sima money is considered the earliest is estimated in the VII century by physical evidence has not been found but on the myth is still attached to society carver Jepara. (2) The motifs that are representative of the era is Kalinyamat motif is believed to have existed at the beginning of the XVI century is still intact until now in the Mantingan Mosque Jepara. (3) Some artworks carved R.A. Kartini called Kartini motif by approach with her family can be presented in this research. (4) Various discoveries of masterpiece maestro Jepara artists can still be saved and are in Jepara carving museum. Followed by various colonial works both in the museum and in the home entrepreneur meubelair called the pre booming motif. (5) Contemporary sculpture art works can be found in groups called booming and post booming motifs that mostly reside and are displayed in some show rooms center meubelair Jepara city.Keywords: Jepara, development, carving motifs
Plate Number Recognition based on Hybrid Techniques
Authors: Yaba Hawar Hussein , Omer Latif Hemin
Published: September 2022

Globally and locally, the number of vehicles is on the rise. It is becoming more and more challenging for authorities to track down specific vehicles. Automatic License Plate Recognition becomes an addition to transportation systems automation. Where the extraction of the vehicle license plate is done without human intervention. Identifying the precise place of a vehicle through its license plate number from moving images of the vehicle image is among the crucial activities for vehicle plate discovery systems. Artificial intelligence systems are connecting the gap between the physical world and digital world of automatic license plate detection. The proposed research uses machine learning to recognizing Arabic license plate numbers. An image of the vehicle number plate is captured and the detection is done by image processing, character segmentation which locates Arabic numeric characters on a number plate. The system recognizes the license plate number area and extracts the plate area from the vehicle image. The background color of the number plate identifies the vehicle types: (1) White color for private vehicle; (2) red color for bus and taxi; (3) blue color for governmental vehicle; (4) yellow color for trucks, tractors, and cranes; (5) black color for temporary license; and (6) green color for army. The recognition of Arabic numbers from license plates is achieved by two methods as (1) Google Tesseract OCR based recognition and (2) Machine Learning-based training and testing Arabic number character as K-nearest neighbors (kNN). The system has been tested on 90 images downloaded from the internet and captured from CCTV. Empirical outcomes show that the proposed system finds plate numbers as well as recognizes background color and Arabic number characters successfully. The overall success rates of plate localization and background color detection have been done. The overall success rate of plate localization and background color detection is 97.78%, and Arabic number detection in OCR is 45.56 % as well as in KNN is 92.22%.
A Free App for Diagnosing Burnout (BurnOut App): Development Study
Authors: Godia Jordi , Pifarré Marc , Vilaplana Jordi , Solsona Francesc , Abella Francesc , Calvo Antoni , Mitjans Anna , Gonzalez-Olmedo Maria Pau
Published: September 2022

Background

Health specialists take care of us, but who takes care of them? These professionals are the most vulnerable to the increasingly common syndrome known as burnout. Burnout is a syndrome conceptualized as a result of chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.

Objective

This study aims to develop a useful app providing burnout self-diagnosis and tracking of burnout through a simple, intuitive, and user-friendly interface.

Methods

We present the BurnOut app, an Android app developed using the Xamarin and MVVMCross platforms, which allows users to detect critical cases of psychological discomfort by implementing the Goldberg and Copenhagen Burnout Inventory tests.

Results

The BurnOut app is robust, user-friendly, and efﬁcient. The good performance of the app was demonstrated by comparing its features with those of similar apps in the literature.

Conclusions

The BurnOut app is very useful for health specialists or users, in general, to detect burnout early and track its evolution.
Global Variations in Event-Based Surveillance for Disease Outbreak Detection: Time Series Analysis
Authors: Ganser Iris , Thiébaut Rodolphe , Buckeridge David L
Published: September 2022

Background

Robust and flexible infectious disease surveillance is crucial for public health. Event-based surveillance (EBS) was developed to allow timely detection of infectious disease outbreaks by using mostly web-based data. Despite its widespread use, EBS has not been evaluated systematically on a global scale in terms of outbreak detection performance.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the variation in the timing and frequency of EBS reports compared to true outbreaks and to identify the determinants of variability by using the example of seasonal influenza epidemic in 24 countries.

Methods

We obtained influenza-related reports between January 2013 and December 2019 from 2 EBS systems, that is, HealthMap and the World Health Organization Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS), and weekly virological influenza counts for the same period from FluNet as the gold standard. Influenza epidemic periods were detected based on report frequency by using Bayesian change point analysis. Timely sensitivity, that is, outbreak detection within the first 2 weeks before or after an outbreak onset was calculated along with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and timeliness of detection. Linear regressions were performed to assess the influence of country-specific factors on EBS performance.

Results

Overall, while monitoring the frequency of EBS reports over 7 years in 24 countries, we detected 175 out of 238 outbreaks (73.5%) but only 22 out of 238 (9.2%) within 2 weeks before or after an outbreak onset; in the best case, while monitoring the frequency of health-related reports, we identified 2 out of 6 outbreaks (33%) within 2 weeks of onset. The positive predictive value varied between 9% and 100% for HealthMap and from 0 to 100% for EIOS, and timeliness of detection ranged from 13% to 94% for HealthMap and from 0% to 92% for EIOS, whereas system specificity was generally high (59%-100%). The number of EBS reports available within a country, the human development index, and the country’s geographical location partially explained the high variability in system performance across countries.

Conclusions

We documented the global variation of EBS performance and demonstrated that monitoring the report frequency alone in EBS may be insufficient for the timely detection of outbreaks. In particular, in low- and middle-income countries, low data quality and report frequency impair the sensitivity and timeliness of disease surveillance through EBS. Therefore, advances in the development and evaluation and EBS are needed, particularly in low-resource settings.
Digital Health Interventions for Musculoskeletal Pain Conditions: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Valentijn Pim Peter , Tymchenko Liza , Jacobson Teddy , Kromann Jakob , Biermann Claus W , AlMoslemany Mohamed Atef , Arends Rosa Ymkje
Published: September 2022

Background

Digital health solutions can provide populations with musculoskeletal pain with high-reach, low-cost, easily accessible, and scalable patient education and self-management interventions that meet the time and resource restrictions.

Objective

The main objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of digital health interventions for people with musculoskeletal pain conditions (ie, low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, elbow pain, ankle pain, and whiplash).

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. We searched PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (from 1974 to August 2021) and selected randomized controlled trials of digital health interventions in the target population of patients with musculoskeletal pain with a minimum follow-up of 1 month. A total of 2 researchers independently screened and extracted the data.

Results

A total of 56 eligible studies were included covering 9359 participants, with a mean follow-up of 25 (SD 15.48) weeks. In moderate-quality evidence, digital health interventions had a small effect on pain (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.19, 95% CI 0.06-0.32), disability (SMD 0.14, 95% CI 0.03-0.25), quality of life (SMD 0.22, 95% CI 0.07-0.36), emotional functioning (SMD 0.24, 95% CI 0.12-0.35), and self-management (SMD 0.14, 95% CI 0.05-0.24).

Conclusions

Moderate-quality evidence supports the conclusion that digital health interventions are effective in reducing pain and improving functioning and self-management of musculoskeletal pain conditions. Low-quality evidence indicates that digital health interventions can improve the quality of life and global treatment. Little research has been conducted on the influence of digital health on expenses, knowledge, overall improvement, range of motion, muscle strength, and implementation fidelity.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO CRD42022307504; https://tinyurl.com/2cd25hus
Assessment of Frailty by the French Version of the Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 on Digital Tablet: Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Zolnowski-Kolp Victoria , Um Din Nathavy , Havreng-Théry Charlotte , Pariel Sylvie , Veyron Jacques-Henri , Lafuente-Lafuente Carmelo , Belmin Joel
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Frailty assessment is a major issue in geriatric medicine. The Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13) is a simple and practical tool that identifies frailty through a 13-item questionnaire completed by older adults or their family caregivers by self-administration (pencil and paper) or by telephone interview. The VES-13 provides a 10-point score that is also a recognized mortality predictor.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to design an electronic version of the Echelle de Vulnérabilité des Ainés-13, the French version of the VES-13 (eEVA-13) for use on a digital tablet and validate it.

METHODS

The scale was implemented as a web App in 3 different screens and used on an Android tablet (14.0× 25.6 cm). Participants were patients attending the outpatient clinic of a French geriatric hospital or hospitalized in a rehabilitation ward and family caregivers of geriatric patients. They completed the scale twice, once by a reference method (self-administered questionnaire or telephone interview) and once by eEVA-13 using the digital tablet. Agreement for diagnosis of frailty was assessed with the κ coefficient, and scores were compared by Bland and Altman plots and interclass correlation coefficients. User experience was assessed by a self-administered questionnaire.

RESULTS

In total, 86 participants, including 40 patients and 46 family caregivers, participated in the study. All family caregivers had previously used digital devices, while 13 (32.5%) and 10 (25%) patients had no or infrequent use of them previously. We observed no failure to complete the eEVA-13, and 70% of patients (28/40) and no family caregivers needed support to complete the eEVA-13. The agreement between the eEVA-13 and the reference method for the diagnosis of frailty was excellent (κ=0.92) with agreement in 83 cases and disagreement in 3 cases. The mean difference between the scores provided by the 2 scales was 0.081 (95% CI–1.263 to 1.426). Bland and Altman plots showed a high level of agreement between the eEVA-13 and the reference methods and interclass correlation coefficient value was 0.997 (95% CI 0.994-0.998) for the paper and tablet group and 0.977 (95% CI 0.957-0.988) for the phone and tablet groups. The tablet assessment was found to be easy to use by 77.5% (31/40) of patients and by 96% (44/46) of caregivers. Finally, 85% (39/46) of family caregivers and 50% (20/40) of patients preferred the eEVA-13 to the original version.

CONCLUSIONS

The eEVA-13 is an appropriate digital tool for diagnosing frailty and can be used by older adults and their family caregivers. The scores obtained with eEVA-13 are highly correlated with those obtained with the original version. The use of health questionnaires on digital tablets is feasible in frail and very old patients, although some patients may need help to use them.
Water quality of Guamá river in the surroundings of an insular environmental protection area in Belém - Pará, Brazil
Authors: Carneiro Carla Renata de Oliveira , Ribeiro Hebe Morganne Campos , Pantoja Danielle Nazaré Salgado Mamede , Silva Davi Farias da
Published: September 2022

The current research has as objective analyze the water quality of Guamá river in the surroundings of Combu island, insular area of Belém - Pará, through the following parameters: thermotolerant coliforms, E. coli and chlorophyll a. Six samples were collected in low tide, in rainy periods and in strategic points of the river, near tourism areas. After the collection were submitted to quantitative test technique with enzymatic substrate to the result of more probable number (MPN) to thermotolerant coliforms and E. coli. To chlorophyll a, the samples were submitted to the method of extraction and reading in the visible spectrophotometer. The results showed values above of the legal limits of 1,000 MPN/100 ml determined by CONAMA 357/2005 for thermotolerant coliforms and E. coli, with mean of 7,001 MPN/100 for the first and 2,330 MPN/100 ml for the second. About the chlorophyll a, although the values do not pass the legal limit of CONAMA 357/2005 of 30 µg/L in all collection points, with mean of 4,73 µg/L, the index of trophic state - ITS result in indication of river eutrophication. It can be highlighted the deficiency in basic sanitation services in Combu island, which interferes both in the quality of Guamá river, with high concentration of coliforms indicatives of fecal contamination, and in the health of local population, which demands the use of water for survival , but that has the potential risk of waterborne diseases in the most vulnerable communities.
Mirar la obesidad desde sus perspectivas
Authors: Guillén Riebeling Raquel del Socorro
Published: September 2022

Sin resumen
Obesidad como factor de riesgo para cáncer
Authors: Cruz Campos Fabiola Janeth , Delgado Jacobo Dolores Patricia
Published: September 2022

La obesidad es una enfermedad sistémica, crónica, progresiva y multifactorial que se define como una acumulación anormal o excesiva de grasa. En el adulto un IMC > 30 kg/m2. Además es responsable del 44 % de la carga de diabetes, el 23 % de la carga de cardiopatías isquémicas y entre el 7 % y el 41 % de la carga de algunos cánceres son atribuibles al sobrepeso y la obesidad. El sobrepeso y la obesidad resultan en mayores niveles de estrés oxidativo que puede producir inflamación crónica subclínica, así como alteraciones en el funcionamiento del sistema inmune. Se ha considerado que el tejido adiposo puede funcionar como un órgano con funciones endocrinas múltiples. Dicho potencial puede alterar el metabolismo celular e incrementar la proliferación celular de manera anormal.
Situación nutricional en el sobrepeso y la obesidad y el papel que tiene la dietología
Authors: Delgado Jacobo Dolores Patricia
Published: September 2022

Sin resumen
Acciones en salud frente a la disminución de la actividad física y el aumento del sedentarismo
Authors: Lara Rodríguez Cinthia Marlene
Published: September 2022

Sin resumen
Medidas antropométricas como predictores de riesgo cardiovascular en personas con obesidad (Segunda parte)
Authors: Ramírez Trinidad Linda Patricia
Published: September 2022

Sin resumen
Patologías en los trastornos alimentarios y emociones
Authors: Fonseca Torres Ana Karen
Published: September 2022

Alimentarse es considerado un proceso fisiológico, básico y necesario para la supervivencia del ser humano. Los diversos factores que están involucrados con la conducta alimentaria permiten establecer que ha perdido la forma particular de presentarse, que es mediante el hambre fisiológica que se da de forma general en tres horarios (mañana, tarde y noche), sino que hay factores como el emocional que puede provocar alteraciones en la misma, por lo que se hace relevante diferenciar entre comer por necesidad de comer, por deseo o por emoción. Por lo que diversos autores se ha enfocado el estudio de las causas y consecuencias de alimentarse emocionalmente, principalmente por los problemas que se generan en la salud física y mental. Teniendo en cuenta que los trastornos alimenticios están también relacionados con enfermedades crónicas y progresivas, de carácter psicosomático, además de los que tienen relación directa con algunas patologías. Con el propósito de observar la relación existente y la información teórica se llevó a cabo la revisión de publicaciones científicas durante el año 2019-2020, destacando algunos de los factores relacionados con la conducta alimentaria y las emociones.
Alternativas en la fijación, retención y estabilidad de las prótesis bucales y craneofaciales.
Authors: Garduño Guevara Alejandra , Jiménez Castillo René , González Cardín Vicente , Benavides Ríos Alejandro
Published: September 2022

La magnitud de los problemas que enfrentan los pacientes que requieren una rehabilitación protésica hacen necesario que los materiales que se utilizan posean características físicas, químicas y biológicas biocompatibles y brinden a cada paciente la posibilidad de métodos más seguros de fijación, retención y estabilidad, lo cual constituye un aspecto importante, debido a que existe el riesgo de desalojo de las prótesis, ocasionado por el tamaño y la complejidad de estas estructuras orales y faciales, como la oreja, la nariz o los ojos. Actualmente, la biotecnología, la estereolitografía, y el avance tecnológico en el terreno biomédico, nos permite seleccionar el método más adecuado para la rehabilitación protésica exitosa de cada paciente. Hoy en día, la técnica de oseointegración quirúrgico-protésica es la más aceptada por los pacientes, ya que les proporciona una excelente retención protésica, integrándolos a la vida social con una mayor libertad de movimientos, aumentando su seguridad y autoestima.
Investigation of the properties of alkaline binding materials with the addition of fine bentonite
Authors: Salamanova Madina Sh. , Gatsaev Zurab Sh. , Syzrantsev Vyacheslav V.
Published: September 2022

Introduction. Searching for new methods of making less energy-intensive materials by reducing their cost, adding local raw materials and industrial waste to the mineral resource base, as well as developing efficient production technologies is a relevant problem of the construction industry. A clinker-free technology for the manufacture of hydraulic binders will partially replace resource-intensive Portland cement in construction and help to solve these problematic issues to a certain extent and boost the environmental safety at the global level. The proposed binders, based on principles of structurization in alkaline systems as a combination of sequential and parallel physical and chemical transformations due to the contact interaction between fine powders of aluminosilicate nature and cations of alkali metals, contribute to the formation of strong and durable composites.

Materials and methods. The study of energy dispersive microanalysis of components of the binder system was performed using the QUANTA 3D scanning electron microscope; dynamic light scattering was employed to study the particle granulometry with the help of the HORIBA analyzer. The strength characteristics of the binder systems “aspiration dust – bentonite – Na2O∙SiO2” were determined according to GOST 30744-2001 using Testometric FS150AT testing machine.

Results. Electron microscopic analysis showed that particles of aspiration dust larger than 200 microns and smaller than 100 microns have a similar oxide composition, with a predominance of oxides of calcium, silicon, aluminum and carbon. The chemical composition of bentonite confirms the aluminosilicate nature. An increase in the physical and mechanical properties of specimens of the systems “aspiration dust – bentonite – Na2O∙SiO2” has been identified; it is the addition of higher dispersion bentonite that contributes to the dense packing of grains due to the volume-wise redistribution of particles, which positively affects the pore structure and water resistance of the cement stone.

Conclusions. The results of the study have proven the new prospects for the alkaline activation of complex powders made of cement industry waste and bentonite clay; the characteristics and dependencies, obtained by the authors, will allow using the proposed technology in construction.
Liability without Suzerainty: Making Sense of Qing China’s Alarmism during the Korean Trespasser Crisis of 1862-75
Authors: Yoon Sungoh
Published: September 2022

The Tongzhi reign (1862-1875) was marked by the Qing officials’ continuous voicing of concerns about Korean trespassing and illegal settlement in Primorsky Krai, part of Russia’s Far Eastern borderland. In fact, the Qing court in Beijing had been taken accountable by the French and American governments for the damage caused by the Chosŏn defense forces when the two Western countries invaded Chosŏn Korea in 1866 and 1871, respectively. The Westerners considered the Qing to be responsible for its tribute state’s acts on the grounds of their tribute relationship. Nevertheless, when Qing China attempted to preemptively spare itself from another diplomatic issue, this time with Russia, by asking both the Chosŏn king and the Russian ambassador to cooperate in repatriating Korean residents in Primorsky Krai, Russia refused to acknowledge China’s tribute relationship with Korea as its “ticket” to intervene in the matter concerning Korean trespassers. Therefore, although the Qing’s alarmism during the Korean Trespasser Crisis of 1862-75 first started for fear of facing another diplomatic issue with another Western imperialist power, Russia, it might not have continued incessantly if it weren’t also the time during which the Qing was taught that its ties with Korea could be but a “liability without suzerainty.” That is, it could be held responsible for its tribute state Chosŏn’s actions but was denied control over Koreans, not to mention unable to directly deal with the issue of Korean trespassers in Russian Far East which were the cause of potential trouble facing the Qing.
The Predictive Value of the Residency AOBFP In-Service Exam, Produced and Administered by ACOFP
Authors: Torres Jonathan W. , Bowling John R. , Zipp Christopher , Williams Nicholas , Sandella Jeanne M. , Martinez Lidia , Moore Bob
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives: Board certification is acknowledged as the mainstay for ensuring quality physician-delivered health care within medical specialties. The American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) administers the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians’ (AOBFP) In-Service Examination (ISE) to provide residents and program directors with a formative examination to assess competency and preparation for successful completion of the AOBFP certifying examination (CE). Unique assessment processes are integral to monitoring development of the osteopathic family physician throughout training and into practice, and to verify their competency for the safety and protection of the public. This study sought to investigate whether performance on the AOBFP ISE predicted performance on the AOBFP CE, and thereby successfully equipped residents to safely enter medical practice.
Methods: In 2020, data from 1,893 PGY-1 through PGY-3 residents (2016-2018), whose ISE scores could be matched with scores on the AOBFP initial board CE, were analyzed for this study.
Results: Correlations among ISE administrations across 3 years of postgraduate medical education were in the mid-to-high .6 range; the ISE scores correlated with CE scores in the mid .4 to high .5 range. Less reliable measures of positive predictive value were 0.99, and sensitivity was 0.91.
Conclusions: Results suggest that ISE administrations during residency training are effective in developing remediation strategies for subsequent successful CE performance. The inclusion of osteopathic principles in the AOBFP CE necessitates inclusion of osteopathic content in resident training exams like ISE.
Validation of the Jefferson Scale of Patient Perception of Physician Empathy Spanish (Spain) Version in Primary Care
Authors: Díez Nieves , García del Barrio Loreto , Cristina Rodríguez-Díez Maria , Martín-Lanas Raquel , Gea Alfredo , João Costa Manuel
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives: Empathy is considered a prerequisite for a successful physician-patient relationship. The Jefferson Scale of Patient Perceptions of Physician Empathy (JSPPPE) is a regularly-used, patient-rated measure of physician empathy. The aim of this study is to translate and analyze the reliability and validity of the JSPPPE Spanish (Spain) version (Sp-JSPPPE) in primary care in order to use it with medical trainees.
Methods: After translation and back translation of the JSPPPE, 369 patients from 21 primary care physicians in Pamplona (Navarre, Spain) completed the Sp-JSPPPE, a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Spanish (Spain) Consultation and Relational Empathy Measure (Sp-CARE), and a question about overall satisfaction. We studied internal reliability (Cronbach’s α and ordinal α), homogeneity (corrected item-total correlations), construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis [CFA]) and concurrent validity (Spearman’s correlation) of Sp-JSPPPE.
Results: Cronbach’s α and ordinal α were 0.870 and 0.919, respectively, for the Sp-JSPPPE, and all corrected item-total correlations exceeded the accepted cutoff of 0.30, demonstrating high internal reliability and homogeneity. CFA corroborated the one-factor structure proposed in the original version. The total score for the Sp-JSPPPE was significantly correlated with sp-CARE (Spearman’s ϱ 0.651, P<.001) and with overall patient satisfaction (Spearman’s ϱ 0.504, P<.001).
Conclusions: The results support the reliability and validity of the Sp-JSPPPE in primary care. Sp-JSPPPE could be useful in empathy assessment of medical trainees, both graduate and postgraduate, in the Spanish context.