bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining Trinexapac‐Ethyl with a Soil Surfactant Reduces Bermudagrass Irrigation Requirements
Authors: Serena Matteo , Sportelli Mino , Sevostianova Elena , Sallenave Rossana , Leinauer Bernhard
Published: October 2018

Core Ideas

We describe the use of a plant growth regulator and a soil surfactant for water conservation.

We investigated whether the beneficial effects of a surfactant and a plant growth regulator on drought stressed bermudagrass were enhanced when applied in combination versus individually.

We investigated if both products affect soil moisture under reduced irrigation.

Soil surfactants and plant growth regulators (PGR) have shown potential to lower irrigation requirements and increase turfgrass quality under drought conditions. A study was conducted from 2014 to 2016 to investigate the soil surfactant Revolution, (modified methyl capped block copolymer [Aquatrols, Paulsboro, NJ]), or the plant growth regulator ‘PrimoMaxx’ (A.I. trinexapac‐ethyl [4‐(cyclopropylhydroxymethylene)‐3,5‐dioxocyclohexanecarboxylic acid]) (Syngenta, Basel, Switzerland), or a combination of both on percent green coverage, turfgrass color, quality, soil volumetric water content (VWC) and uniformity on Princess 77 bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) grown on a loamy sand (mixed, thermic Typic Torripsamments) and irrigated at either 80%, 65%, or 50% of reference evapotranspiration for short grass (ETOS). With the exception of plots irrigated at 50% ETos in 2015, bermudagrass receiving trinexapac‐ethyl (TE) either in combination with Revolution or alone exhibited darker green color when compared to untreated controls at all irrigation levels throughout the research period. At 50% ETos, plots treated with any of the three chemical treatments had greater quality (with 1 = worst, 9 = best) than control plots from July to September, with quality ratings of 6 or greater from June to August. Whereas VWC was not consistently enhanced by all treatment combinations, applications of Revolution, TE, and the combination of both resulted in increased VWC uniformity and greater irrigation use efficiency. Our results suggest that by using a surfactant, a PGR, or both, bermudagrass quality can be maintained with 15 to 30% less irrigation water than the optimal rate (80% ETos) without a reduction in color or quality.
Summary of Variables Associated with Application of Plant Protection Products in Peanut
Authors: Jordan David L. , Hare Andrew T. , Roberson Gary T. , Shew Barbara B. , Brandenburg Rick L. , Anco Dan , Balota Maria , Mehl Hillary , Taylor Sally
Published: October 2018

Core Ideas

Peanut acreage was positively correlated with tank size, boom width, and ground speed.

Peanut acreage was not correlated with peanut yield, spray volume, and spray pressure.

Co‐applying three or more products in the same tank was common among growers.

Flat‐fan nozzles were the most commonly used spray nozzles among peanut growers.

Growers spend approximately 18% of their time applying crop protection products.
Comment on “A Non‐Empirical Method for Computing Pore Radii and Soil Water Characteristics from Particle Size Distribution” by Arya and Heitman (2015)
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad Hossein
Published: October 2018

Core Ideas

Average soil pore cross section area is larger than that calculated by Arya and Heitman (2015).

Number of pores emerging at the face of the close‐cubic arrangement of particles is less than that estimated by Arya and Heitman (2015).

The length of pores emerged in close‐cubic arrangement should be recalculated.

The non‐empirical method developed by Arya and Heitman (2015) to estimate soil water characteristic should be revised due to the authors using improper assumptions arising from two dimensional imagining of the particle arrangements.
Pharmacotherapy of chronic venous insufficiency of the lower extremities
Authors: Dzhenina O. V. , Lobanov V. N. , Gordeev B. S.
Published: October 2018

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is the most common pathology of the peripheral vascular system. One of the main principles of conservative treatment for both small and complicated forms is pharmacotherapy with the use of venoactive drugs. The effectiveness of therapy is largely associated with the choice of phlebotrophic drug. The article discusses approaches to systemic and topical drug therapy depending on the form and stage of CVI.
Anesthesia in outpatient phlebology practice
Authors: Bukina O. V. , Sinitsin A. A.
Published: October 2018

Tumescent and/or conductive anaesthesia is the most frequently performed procedure to anesthetize the thermal types of surgical interventions, mini-phlebectomy and stripping of subcutaneous veins in outpatient settings. These interventions have become a common outpatient procedure almost everywhere, which made the issue of local anaesthesia more sensitive over the past 5 years in Russia. The aim is to compare the efficacy, safety and comfort when injecting various anaesthetic solutions to relieve pain during endovenous laser obliteration/radio frequency catheter ablation, stripping of the subcutaneous veins and mini-phlebectomy. Searching method. We searched for original articles in PubMed, in the archives of «Phlebology» and «Angiology and Vascular Surgery» journals issued for the period between 2001 and November 2018 and the search for official instructions in the state register of medicinal products. Selection criteria. We included all comparative studies: randomized and non-randomized, in which pain was assessed both during injection of a tumescent solution before EVLO and/or mini-phlebectomy and during surgery, as well as systematic reviews and monographs. Data analysis. In total, we identified 9 studies: 7 randomized and 2 non-randomized, one systematic review and two monographs. The advantage of a buffered solution over unbuffered one in terms of reducing pain during injection is revealed in three randomized, one simple comparative study and on the basis of systematic review data. A great efficacy of combining tumescent anaesthesia with a femoral nerve blockade, which was equivalent to spinal anaesthesia, was found in 4 randomized trials, two of which were double-blind, and one non-randomized. In addition, a smaller degree of motor block was reported after blocking the femoral nerve in comparison with spinal anaesthesia. In one randomized trial in which pain was assessed using cold and warm solutions, no significant differences in pain were observed either during or after surgery. In order to prepare a tumescent solution, lidocaine, prilocaine and mepivacaine were used at concentrations ranging from 0.028% to 0.2%; the advantages of higher concentrations over the lower ones have not been revealed. No adverse reactions and complications of anaesthesia have been reported in the studies, except for one where methaemoglobinemia of mild degree was detected in a small number of patients when using 0.2% prilocaine. The conclusion. Local anaesthesia, namely, conductive and tumescent anaesthesia, is an effective and safe anaesthesia method in outpatient surgery. Even very low concentrations of anaesthetic solutions are effective for tumescent anaesthesia. The use of buffered solutions increases significantly patient comfort during the injection. The combination of tumescent anaesthesia and femoral nerve block increases the effectiveness of anaesthesia. The femoral nerve block has significant advantages in comparison with spinal anaesthesia in terms of safety.
Calculation of the Parameters for the Process of Gas Injection into a Reservoir Saturated with Methane and Its Hydrate
Authors: Musakaev Nail G. , Borodin Stanislav L. , Belskikh Denis S.
Published: October 2018

Deposits of gas hydrates are considered by several researchers as a promising source of hydrocarbon raw materials. For their industrial use, it is necessary to solve a number of complex problems, including the creation and justification of methods for developing gas hydrate deposits.

This paper describes the various methane extraction methods from gas hydrate formations: temperature increase in the formation; artificial pressure reduction at the boundary of the hydrate-containing deposit (depressive effect on porous medium); injection inhibitors and a method of substituting CO2-CH4 in methane hydrate. In the plane-parallel approximation, the formulation of the problem of pumping a warm (with a temperature above the initial temperature of the formation) gas into a porous layer initially saturated with methane and its hydrate is presented. A mathematical model of non-isothermal gas filtration is proposed with allowance for the phase transition. A numerical study of how the volumetric flow of methane from the hydrate containing reservoir depends on the parameters of the injected coolant, the permeability, and initial hydration of the reservoir is carried out.
Utilization of Apatinib-Loaded Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Ocular Neovascularization
Authors: Halasz Kathleen , Kelly Shannon J. , Iqbal Muhammad Tajwar , Pathak Yashwant , Sutariya Vijaykumar
Published: October 2018

Background:

The current treatment of ocular neovascularization requires frequent intravitreal
injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents that cause severe side effects.

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to prepare and characterize a novel nanoscale delivery system of
apatinib for ocular neovascularization.

Methods: The optimized formulation showed a particle size of 135.04 nm, polydispersity index (PDI)
of 0.28 ± 0.07, encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 65.92%, zeta potential (ZP) of -23.70 ± 8.69 mV, and
pH of 6.49 ± 0.20. In vitro release was carried out to demonstrate a 3.13-fold increase in the
sustainability of apatinib-loaded nanoparticles versus free apatinib solution.

Result: Cell viability and VEGFA and VEGFR2 expression were analyzed in animal retinal pigment
epithelial (ARPE-19) cells.

The results confirmed the hypothesis that apatinib nanoparticles decreased toxicity (1.36 ±
0.74 fold) and efficient VEGF inhibition (3.51 ± 0.02 fold) via VEGFR2 mediation.
Docking Studies of Curcumin and Analogues with Various Phosphodiesterase 4 Subtypes
Authors: Yi Yau Xin , Gaurav Anand , Akowuah Gabriel A.
Published: October 2018

Introduction:

The primary aim of this study is to understand the binding of curcumin
and its analogues to different PDE4 subtypes and identify the role of PDE4 subtype inhibition in
the anti-inflammatory property of curcumin. Docking analysis has been used to acquire the above
mentioned structural information and this has been further used for designing of curcumin derivatives
with better anti-inflammatory activity.

Materials and Methods:

Curcumin and its analogues were subjected to docking using PDE4A,
PDE4B, PDE4C and PDE4D as the targets. A data set comprising 18 analogues of curcumin, was
used as ligands for docking of PDE4 subtypes. Curcumin was used as the standard for comparison.
Docking was performed using AutoDock Vina 1.1.2 software integrated in LigandScout 4.1. During
this process water molecules were removed from proteins, charges were added and receptor
structures were minimised by applying suitable force fields. The docking scores were compared,
and the selectivity of compounds for PDE4B over PDE4D was calculated as well.

Results:

All curcumin analogues used in the study showed good binding affinity with all PDE4
subtypes, with evident selectivity towards PDE4B subtype. Analogue A11 provides the highest
binding affinity among all ligands.

Conclusion:

Curcumin and analogues have moderate to strong affinity towards all PDE4 subtypes
and have evident selectivity towards PDE4B. The Oxygen atom of the methoxy group plays a key
role in PDE4B binding and any alterations could interfere with the binding. Tetrahydropyran side
chain and heterocyclic rings are also suggested to be helpful in PDE4B binding.
Shade Stability of Polymer-Infiltrated and Resin Nano Ceramics
Authors: Schürmann Martin Gabriel , Olms Constanze
Published: October 2018

Background:

The esthetics plays an increasingly significant role in today's dentistry.

Objective:

The objective was to investigate the shade stability of a polymer-infiltrated and a resin nano ceramic in comparison to a conventional feldspar ceramic and an acrylate polymer.

Methods:

20 specimens of each of the materials, CAD-Temp (CT), Mark II (M), VITA Enamic (VE) and Lava Ultimate (LU), were prepared using the standard method. These were divided into groups (n=5) and placed in the following stain solutions: Distilled water, coffee, Coca-Cola and red wine for 14 days. The shade of each specimen was measured before and after using a spectrophotometer (n=5). The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (p ≤ 0.05).

Results:

The largest ΔE mean values were observed in CT by Coca-Cola (4.38 ± 0.41), in M by coffee (5.95 ± 0.62), in VE (6.02 ± 0.78) and LU (8.61 ± 0.30) by red wine. LU had the largest and strongest overall shade differences (total score: SSC=16.95) and CT the least (SSC=8.74). Overall shade differences of VE (SSC=12.03) and M (SSC=12.48) were statistically indistinguishable. After 14 days, only Coca-Cola caused clinically relevant shade differences in CT (ΔE > 2.7); this was also caused by coffee, Coca-Cola and red wine in M and coffee and red wine in VE and LU.

Conclusion:

On average, VE showed fewer shade differences than LU. After 14 days of immersion, shade differences which exceeded the clinical acceptance threshold of ΔE=2.7 were shown by CT in Coca-Cola, by M in coffee, Coca-Cola and red wine, and by VE and LU in coffee and red wine.
Redox State of Human Serum Albumin and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Hemodialysis Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism During Oral Calcitriol Supplementation for Vitamin D
Authors: Nasif Wesam A. , Mukhtar Mohammed H. , El-Emshaty Hoda M. , Alwazna Ahmed H.
Published: October 2018

Background:

Hemodialysis (HD) patients with secondary Hyperparathyroidism (s-HPT) are exposed to increased inflammation and oxidative stress. In HD patients, oxidized albumin is a reliable marker of oxidative stress and its clinical significance has been rarely studied.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate Cys34 Human Serum Albumin (HSA) as oxidative stress biomarker in HD patients with s-HPT and its relationship with inflammation on bone turnover markers during oral calcitriol supplementation for vitamin D.

Patients and Methods:

Fifteen stable hemodialysis patients with s-HPT (mean age 48.67±8.15, 11 males and 4 females) were used in the experiment to receive calcitriol treatment for 16 weeks (0.25mcg or 0.5 mcg once a day according to serum level of Ca and P for each). The changes in the serum biochemical parameters (Ca, P, ALP, and iPTH), inflammatory markers (CRP and IL-6 levels) and serum oxidative stress condition (SOD, IS and albumin ratio HNA/HMA) were evaluated before and at 8 and 16 weeks of calcitriol treatment. The correlations between those factors were studied.

Results:

All patients responded to oral calcitriol therapy, with a significant decrease in the serum iPTH. The results showed that calcitriol could effectively suppress iPTH secretion with a significant elevation of serum Ca and P but ALP remained unchanged during the study. It can also effectively reduce the inflammatory markers (CRP and IL-6), while increasing the oxidative markers (SOD and IS). Oxidative albumin ratio HNA/HMA showed a significant (p=0.001) reduction after 16 weeks of calcitriol treatment and the redox state of HSA showed a positive prediction for hyperparathyroidism and for inflammation.

Conclusion:

The redox state of HSA could be used as a predictor for monitoring hyperparathyroidism and inflammation during calcitriol treatment by retarding albumin oxidation in HD patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Influence of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Application on Bulb Yield and Yield Components of Onion (Allium Cepa L.)
Authors: Tekeste Negasi , Dechassa Nigussie , Woldetsadik Kebede , Dessalegne Lemma , Takele Abuhay
Published: October 2018

Introduction:

Onion is an important cash crop for smallholder farmers in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia. However, the yield of the crop is low owing to a number of constraints out of which soil nutrient depletion and inappropriate soil fertility management practices are the most important ones.

Methods and Materials:

A field experiment was carried out for two consecutive years of 2011 and 2012 using irrigation at Melkassa, Central Rift Valley Region of Ethiopia, to assess the response of onion to different levels of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers and to identify economical rates of the fertilizers for optimizing the yield and quality of the crop. The treatments consisted of five levels of nitrogen (0, 34.5, 69, 103.5 and 138 kg ha-1) and four levels of phosphorus (0, 46, 92, and 138 kg P2O5ha-1). The experiment was carried out as a randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement with three replications.

Results:

The results of the study revealed that the main effect of nitrogen significantly (P≤0.05) affected most of the growth parameters and bulb characters which all attained maximum values at 138 kg N ha-1. The main effect of P significantly (P ≤ 0.05) influenced leaf number, leaf length, and bulb diameter. Nitrogen and phosphorus interacted to influence total and marketable bulb yields. Application of N at the rate of 103.5 kg N ha-1combined with 138 kg ha-1P2O5led to the production of the highest total and marketable bulb yield of onion. However, results of the economic analysis revealed that application of N at the rate of 103.5 kg ha-1and P2O5at 92 kg ha-1led to the highest net return.
Polymorphisms of Aldose Reductase (ALR2) Regulatory Gene are Risk Factors for Diabetic Retinopathy in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Wihandani Desak Made , Suastika Ketut , Agus Bagiada I Nyoman , Malik Safarina G.
Published: October 2018

Aim:

The study aimed to elucidate whether the polymorphisms of the aldose reductase regulatory gene were risk factors for Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) in type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Bali.

Methods:

This is a case-control study including 35 cases of T2DM patients with DR paired with 35 cases with non-DR as controls. PCR analysis and DNA-sequencing were carried out to detect the C(-106)T and C(-12)G polymorphisms at the regulatory region of Aldose Reductase (ALR2) gene. Genotype and allele distributions were analyzed by Chi-squared test and independent t-and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze other data.

Results:

Among all subjects in both groups, the baseline characteristics were homogenous except for systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and 2-hours post-prandial blood glucose. This study found two polymorphisms, C(-104)T and C(-9)G, in the regulatory region of ALR2 gene. The result showed that the C(-104)T polymorphism was a risk factor for DR (OR=36; 95% CI = 4.43-292.85;p=0.001), but not the C(-9)G polymorphism (OR=1.28; 95% CI=0.48-3.38;p=0.621). Other findings in the study revealed that CC/CC haplotype is a protective factor for DR (OR=0.198;p=0.002), whereas CT/CC and CT/CG haplotypes as risk factors for DR with OR=15.58;p=0.002 and OR=2.29;p=0.005 respectively.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that C(-104)T polymorphism in the regulatory region of Aldose Reductase (ALR2) gene was the risk factor for DR among T2DM patients in Bali, Indonesia. However, small sample size, systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and 2-hours post-prandial blood glucose could affect our finding.
The Effect of College Selection Factors on Persistence
Authors: Wood J. Luke , Harris Frank
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship (if any) between college selection factors and persistence for Black and Latino males in the community college. Using data derived from the Educational Longitudinal Study, backwards stepwise logistic regression models were developed for both groups. Findings are contextualized in light of Paulsen and St. John's (1996) financial nexus model. In line with this model, this study found that financial matters indeed impacted college selection. In particular, this research illustrated that the availability of financial aid and low expenses at the institution were integral selection factors. Implications for future research are extended.
A Schema Therapy–Based eHealth Program for Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder (priovi): Naturalistic Single-Arm Observational Study
Authors: Jacob Gitta Anne , Hauer Andrea , Köhne Sandra , Assmann Nele , Schaich Anja , Schweiger Ulrich , Fassbinder Eva
Published: October 2018

Background

Electronic health (eHealth) programs have been found to be effective in treating many psychological conditions. However, regarding borderline personality disorder (BPD), only a few eHealth programs have been tested, involving small interventions based on the dialectical behavior therapy treatment approach. We investigated priovi, a program based on the schema therapy (ST) approach. priovi is considerably more comprehensive than prior programs, offering broad psychoeducation content and many therapeutic exercises.

Objective

We tested the acceptability and feasibility of priovi in 14 patients with BPD as an add-on to individual face-to-face ST.

Methods

Patients received weekly individual ST and used priovi over a period of 12 months. We assessed BPD symptom severity using self-reported and interview-based measures. Qualitative interviews were conducted with both patients and therapists to assess their experiences with priovi.

Results

BPD symptoms improved significantly (Cohen d=1.0). Overall, qualitative data showed that priovi was positively received by both patients and therapists. Some exercises provoked mild anxiety; however, no serious threat to safety was detected.

Conclusions

priovi is a potentially helpful and safe tool that could support individual ST. It needs to be further tested in a randomized controlled study.

Trial Registration

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00011538; https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do? navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00011538 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/74jb0AgV8)
Gamified Cognitive Bias Modification Interventions for Psychiatric Disorders: Review
Authors: Zhang Melvyn , Ying Jiangbo , Song Guo , Fung Daniel SS , Smith Helen
Published: October 2018

Background

Automatic biases, such as attentional biases and avoidance and interpretative biases, have been purported to be responsible for several psychiatric disorders. Gamification has been considered for cognitive bias modification, mainly to address the core issues of diminishing motivation to train over time, as bias modification intervention tasks tend to be highly repetitive. While a prior review has suggested how gamification strategies could be applied to such tasks, there remains a lack of systematic evaluation of gamified cognitive bias modification interventions in the literature.

Objective

The objective of this review is to understand the overall effectiveness of a gamified approach for cognitive bias modification and inform future research that seeks to integrate gamification technologies into existing conventional bias modification interventions.

Methods

To identify the relevant articles for our review, the following search terminologies were used: (“cognitive bias” OR “attention bias” OR “interpret* bias” OR “approach bias” OR “avoidance bias”) AND (“training” OR “modification” OR “practice” OR “therapy”) AND (“gamification” OR “game elements” OR “game” OR “gaming” OR “game mechanics”). PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases were searched systematically for articles published after 2000. Articles were included if they described a gamified cognitive bias modification task and included participants with underlying psychopathological symptoms. Data were systematically extracted from the identified articles, and a qualitative synthesis was performed.

Results

Four studies evaluated gamified cognitive bias modification interventions. Two studies included participants with anxiety symptoms, one with affective symptoms, and one with alcohol problems. The conventional visual probe task paradigm was used in 3 studies, and the attentional visual search task paradigm was used in the last study. We found gaming elements incorporated to include that of animations, sounds, feedback, and a point-scoring system for response time and difficulty. Of the 4 identified studies, only 2 reported their gamified interventions to be effective.

Conclusions

Our review is the first to systematically synthesize the evidence for gamified cognitive bias modification interventions. The results arising from our review should be considered in the future design and conceptualization of gamified cognitive bias modification interventions.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

RR2-10.2196/10154
Mapping and size estimation of hidden key populations in low-income setting experiencing concentrated HIV epidemic: the case of Nepal (Preprint)
Authors: Deuba Keshab , Shrestha Upendra , Rawal Bir Bahadur , Bhattarai Rajan , Shrestha Bishnu Prasad , Amatya Prakash Bahadur , Rajbhandari Rajesh Man , Badal Komal , Paudel Tarun , Saidel Tobi
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Most low-income settings experiencing concentrated HIV epidemic lack information about key populations (KPs), including people who inject drugs (PWID), men who have sex with men (MSM), male sex workers (MSW), transgender (TG) and female sex workers (FSW) because they are hidden and marginalised in society and frequently undocumented. Out of several approaches to size estimation, mapping and size estimation is particularly useful when local estimates are needed for planning and monitoring of prevention programmes.

OBJECTIVE

To locate hot spots related to sex work, cruising spots, and injecting drug use, and to estimate the number of sex workers, PWID, MSM, MSW and TG at the district level (adjusting for double-counting, frequency of visiting spots, and low visibility), and at the national level using extrapolation algorithms .

METHODS

The mapping exercise among MSM, MSW, TG, PWID and FSW was carried out in 44 districts of Nepal between July and November 2016 by collecting relevant information directly from hotspots where KPs members congregate. Districts to be mapped were selected purposively, to both provide data to local programmes in areas with high concentrations of KPs, and inform extrapolation to unmapped districts as part of national estimation procedures.

RESULTS

Altogether 11056 KPs and 10977 non- KPs informants were interviewed from across the 44 mapped districts to identify the hotspots. District level adjustment factors (mobility adjustment, frequency adjustment and invisibility adjustment) were sequentially applied. The final estimates used all three adjustment factors. We found that the national estimate of FSW in Nepal ranges between 43,829 to 54,207. The national estimate of MSM/TG lies between 88,009 and 112,150, of which a minimum of 18,704 and maximum 24,216 are TG, and a minimum 53,373 and maximum 67,292 are MSM. And finally the national estimate of PWID ranges between 27,248 to 34,487. Among them, a minimum 24,572 and a maximum 30,561 are men, and minimum 2,676 and maximum 3,926 are women.

CONCLUSIONS

The size of KPs provided through mapping exercise can be utilised for setting benchmarks and measuring program coverage. The major limitation is that mapping may count the majority of KPs who visit hotspots on a very regular basis, while missing the subset who are not “hotspot based” or who visit hotspots less frequently. However, the strength of mapping is that it reflects hands-on knowledge and experience of people who have access to communities that outside researchers may not have, thereby accounting for people who might otherwise be invisible.
(Preprint)
Authors: Banasik Natalia , Jemielniak Dariusz , P?dzich Wojciech
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

There have been mixed results of the studies checking whether prayers do actually extend the life duration of the people prayed for. Most studies on the topic included a small number of prayers and most of them focused on people already struggling with a medical condition. Intercessory prayer’s influence on health is of scholarly interest, yet it is unclear if its effect may be dependent on the number of prayers for a named individual received per annum.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to examine if there is a noticeable increased longevity effect of intercessory prayer for a named individual’s well-being, if he receives a very high number of prayers per annum for an extended period.

METHODS

We retrieved and conducted a statistical analysis of the data about the length of life for 857 Roman Catholic bishops, 500 Catholic priests, and 3038 male academics from the US, France, Italy, Poland, Brazil, and Mexico. We obtained information for these individuals who died between 1988 and 2018 from Wikidata, and conducted an observational cohort study. Bishops were chosen for the study, as they receive millions of individual prayers for well being, according to conservative estimates.

RESULTS

There was a main effect for occupation F(2, 4391) = 4.07, p = .017, ηp 2 = .002, with pairwise comparisons indicating significant differences between the mean life duration of bishops (M=30489) and of priests (M=29894), but none between the academic teachers (M=30147) and either of the other groups. A comparison analysis between bishops from the largest and the smallest dioceses showed no significant difference t(67.31)=1.61, p = .11. Our main outcome measure is covariance of the mean length of life in each of the categories: bishops, priests, academic teachers, controlled for nationality.

CONCLUSIONS

The first analysis proved that bishops live longer than priests, but due to a marginal effect size this result should be treated with caution. No difference was found between the mean length of life of bishops from the largest and the smallest dioceses. We found no difference between bishops and male academics. These results show that the impact of intercessory prayers on longevity is not observable.
Associations of Health App Use and Perceived Effectiveness in People With Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes: Population-Based Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Ernsting Clemens , Stühmann Lena Mareike , Dombrowski Stephan U , Voigt-Antons Jan-Niklas , Kuhlmey Adelheid , Gellert Paul
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Mobile health apps can help to change health-related behaviors and manage chronic conditions in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and diabetes mellitus, but a certain level of health literacy and electronic health (eHealth) literacy may be needed.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with mobile health app use in individuals with CVD or diabetes and detect relations with the perceived effectiveness of health apps among app users.

METHODS

The study used population-based Web-based survey (N=1500) among Germans, aged 35 years and older, with CVD, diabetes, or both. A total of 3 subgroups were examined: (1) Individuals with CVD (n=1325), (2) Individuals with diabetes (n=681), and (3) Individuals with CVD and diabetes (n=524). Sociodemographics, health behaviors, CVD, diabetes, health and eHealth literacy, characteristics of health app use, and characteristics of apps themselves were assessed by questionnaires. Linear and logistic regression models were applied.

RESULTS

Overall, patterns of factors associated with health app use were comparable in individuals with CVD or diabetes or both. Across subgroups, about every fourth patient reported using apps for health-related purposes, with physical activity and weight loss being the most prominent target behaviors. Health app users were younger, more likely to be female (except in those with CVD and diabetes combined), better educated, and reported more physical activity. App users had higher eHealth literacy than nonusers. Those users who perceived the app to have a greater effectiveness on their health behaviors tended to be more health and eHealth literate and rated the app to use more behavior change techniques (BCTs).

CONCLUSIONS

There are health- and literacy-related disparities in the access to health app use among patients with CVD, diabetes, or both, which are relevant to specific health care professionals such as endocrinologists, dieticians, cardiologists, or general practitioners. Apps containing more BCTs had a higher perceived effect on people’s health, and app developers should take the complexity of needs into account. Furthermore, eHealth literacy appears to be a requirement to use health apps successfully, which should be considered in health education strategies to improve health in patients with CVD and diabetes.
Designing a Chatbot for a Brief Motivational Interview on Stress Management: Qualitative Case Study (Preprint)
Authors: Park SoHyun , Choi Jeewon , Lee Sungwoo , Oh Changhoon , Kim Changdai , La Soohyun , Lee Joonhwan , Suh Bongwon
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

In addition to addiction and substance abuse, motivational interviewing (MI) is increasingly being integrated in treating other clinical issues such as mental health problems. Most of the many technological adaptations of MI, however, have focused on delivering the action-oriented treatment, leaving its relational component unexplored or vaguely described. This study intended to design a conversational sequence that considers both technical and relational components of MI for a mental health concern.

OBJECTIVE

This case study aimed to design a conversational sequence for a brief motivational interview to be delivered by a Web-based text messaging application (chatbot) and to investigate its conversational experience with graduate students in their coping with stress.

METHODS

A brief conversational sequence was designed with varied combinations of MI skills to follow the 4 processes of MI. A Web-based text messaging application, Bonobot, was built as a research prototype to deliver the sequence in a conversation. A total of 30 full-time graduate students who self-reported stress with regard to their school life were recruited for a survey of demographic information and perceived stress and a semistructured interview. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by Braun and Clarke’s thematic method. The themes that reflect the process of, impact of, and needs for the conversational experience are reported.

RESULTS

Participants had a high level of perceived stress (mean 22.5 [SD 5.0]). Our findings included the following themes: Evocative Questions and Clichéd Feedback; Self-Reflection and Potential Consolation; and Need for Information and Contextualized Feedback. Participants particularly favored the relay of evocative questions but were less satisfied with the agent-generated reflective and affirming feedback that filled in-between. Discussing the idea of change was a good means of reflecting on themselves, and some of Bonobot’s encouragements related to graduate school life were appreciated. Participants suggested the conversation provide informational support, as well as more contextualized feedback.

CONCLUSIONS

A conversational sequence for a brief motivational interview was presented in this case study. Participant feedback suggests sequencing questions and MI-adherent statements can facilitate a conversation for stress management, which may encourage a chance of self-reflection. More diversified sequences, along with more contextualized feedback, should follow to offer a better conversational experience and to confirm any empirical effect.
A Novel Smoking Cessation Smartphone App Integrated With a Mobile Carbon Monoxide Checker for Smoking Cessation Treatment: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Nomura Akihiro , Tateno Hiroki , Masaki Katsunori , Muto Tomoyasu , Suzuki Shin , Satake Kohta , Hida Eisuke , Fukunaga Koichi
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Smoking cessation treatment programs have been widely available for patients with nicotine dependence. Despite intensive programs, the continuous abstinence rate (CAR) from weeks 9-12 is still about 50%. Recently, a smartphone app emerged as a novel tool for therapeutic interventions, including nicotine dependence. In this study, we developed “CureApp Smoking Cessation” (CASC), which consists of a smartphone app for patients and a Web-based patient management software for doctors with a mobile carbon monoxide (CO) checking device to improve the efficacy of the smoking cessation treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate whether the CASC app is effective for individuals with nicotine dependence in addition to standard smoking cessation programs.

METHODS

This will be a randomized, sham-controlled, open-label, multicenter trial. We will recruit participants with nicotine dependence, but are otherwise healthy adults. We will randomize and allocate participants 1:1 to the CASC treatment group or a control app group. Both groups will receive a 12-week standard smoking cessation program with pharmacotherapy and counseling. In addition, participants in the treatment group will have the CASC app installed on their smartphone, which will provide video tutorials, advice from an artificial intelligence nurse, a digital diary, and measure daily exhaled CO concentration. In contrast, the control group will have the control app installed on their smartphone, where all the functions that can potentially effect smoking cessation are removed. The primary outcome will be the biochemically validated CAR from weeks 9-24. The success of smoking cessation will be defined as self-reported continuous abstinence from weeks 9-24 and exhaled CO concentration ≤10 ppm both at weeks 12 and 24. The main secondary outcomes will be the CAR from weeks 9-12, weeks 9-52, and 7-day point prevalence abstinence at weeks 4, 8, 12, 24, and 52.

RESULTS

We will recruit 580 participants with nicotine dependence from October 2017 to September 2018 or until the recruitment process is complete. The final 52-week follow-up will be completed in October 2019. We expect all trial results to be available by the end of 2019. The trial is funded by CureApp, Inc.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of CASC. We expect that CASC, in addition to standard smoking cessation programs, has a significantly higher CAR during weeks 9-24 than the control app.

CLINICALTRIAL

University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000031589; https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000033555

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR

DERR1-10.2196/12252
Investigating the Adoption of Mobile Health Services by Elderly Users: Trust Transfer Model and Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Meng Fanbo , Guo Xitong , Peng Zeyu , Lai Kee-Hung , Zhao Xinli
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Although elderly users comprise a major user group in the field of mobile health (mHealth) services, their adoption rate of such services is relatively low compared with their use of traditional health services. Increasing the adoption rate of mHealth services among elderly users is beneficial to the aging process.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the determinants of mHealth service use intentions using a trust transfer model among elderly users facing declining physiological conditions and lacking support from hospitals.

METHODS

A survey comprising 395 users aged 60 years and above was conducted in China to validate our research model and hypotheses.

RESULTS

The results reveal that (1) trust in mHealth services positively influences use intentions, (2) trust in offline health services positively influences trust in mHealth services, (3) declining physiological conditions strengthen the effects of trust in offline health services regarding trust in mHealth services, (4) support from hospitals weakens the effects of trust in mHealth services on use intentions, and (5) the relationship between trust in offline health services and intention to use mHealth services is partially mediated by trust in mHealth services. The independent variables and moderators collectively explain a 48.3% variance in the use intention of mHealth services.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the trust transfer theory is useful in explaining the development of initial trust in mHealth services. In addition, declining physiological conditions and support from hospitals are important factors for investigating the adoption of mHealth services among elderly users.
Delivery of Peer Support Through a Self-Management mHealth Intervention (Healing Circles) in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Sakakibara Brodie M , Chakrabarti Santabhanu , Krahn Andrew , Mackay Martha H , Sedlak Tara , Singer Joel , Whitehurst David GT , Lear Scott A
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of hospitalization and death around the world. The prevalence of CVD is increasing and, therefore, development and investigation of effective programs to help people better self-manage their CVD and prevent secondary complications are needed.

OBJECTIVE

In this paper, we report on a protocol to evaluate Healing Circles—an evidence-based and patient-informed peer support mobile health program designed to facilitate self-management and support patients in their recovery from and management of CVD. We hypothesize that individuals with CVD who use Healing Circles will experience greater improvements to their self-management ability than individuals receiving usual care.

METHODS

In this single-blinded (assessor) randomized controlled trial, 250 community-living individuals with CVD will be randomized on a 1:1 basis to either Healing Circles or Usual Care. The primary outcome of self-management will be measured using the Health Education Impact Questionnaire version 3.0. Secondary outcomes include self-efficacy with chronic disease management, health-related quality of life, health resource use and costs, and electronic health literacy. Measurements will be taken at the baseline and every 6 months for 24 months.

RESULTS

The study started recruitment in September 2017. Individuals are currently being recruited for participation, and existing participants are currently on follow-up. Measurements will be taken every 6 months until the study end, which is anticipated in December 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

Healing Circles is a novel program aimed toward improving self-management through peer support. Given our real-world study design, our findings will be readily translatable into practice. If the results support our hypothesis, it will indicate that Healing Circles is an effective intervention for improving self-management and reducing health care use.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03159325; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03159325 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/74DvxVKUd)

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR

DERR1-10.2196/12322
Predicting Energy Expenditure During Gradient Walking With a Foot Monitoring Device: Model-Based Approach (Preprint)
Authors: Kim Soon Ho , Kim Jong Won , Park Jung-Jun , Shin Myung Jun , Choi MooYoung
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Many recent commercial devices aim at providing a practical way to measure energy expenditure. However, those devices are limited in accuracy.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to build a model of energy consumption during walking applicable to a range of sloped surfaces, used in conjunction with a simple, wearable device.

METHODS

We constructed a model of energy consumption during gradient walking by using arguments based in mechanics. We built a foot monitoring system that used pressure sensors on the foot insoles. We did experiments in which participants walked on a treadmill wearing the foot monitoring system, and indirect calorimetry was used for validation. We found the parameters of the model by fitting to the data.

RESULTS

When walking at 1.5 m/s, we found that the model predicted a calorie consumption rate of 5.54 kcal/min for a woman with average height and weight and 6.89 kcal/min for an average man. With the obtained parameters, the model predicted the data with a root-mean-square deviation of 0.96 kcal/min and median percent error of 12.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our model was found to be an accurate predictor of energy consumption when walking on a range of slopes. The model uses few variables; thus, it can be used in conjunction with a convenient wearable device.
The Challenges of Including Patients With Aphasia in Qualitative Research for Health Service Redesign: Qualitative Interview Study (Preprint)
Authors: Prior Sarah , Miller Andrea , Campbell Steven , Linegar Karen , Peterson Gregory
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Aphasia is an impairment of language, affecting the production or comprehension of speech and the ability to read or write. Aphasia is a frequent complication of stroke and is a major disability for patients and their families. The provision of services for stroke patients differs across health care providers and regions, and strategies directed at improving these services have benefited from the involvement of patients. However, patients with aphasia are often excluded from these co-design activities due to a diminished capacity to communicate verbally and a lack of health researcher experience in working with patients with aphasia.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this paper is to identify approaches appropriate for working with patients with aphasia in an interview situation and, more generally, determine the importance of including people with aphasia in health service improvement research. The secondary aim is to describe the experiences of researchers involved in interviewing patients with aphasia.

METHODS

A total of 5 poststroke patients with aphasia participated in face-to-face interviews in their homes to gain insight into their in-hospital experience following their stroke. Interviews were audio-recorded, and thematic analysis was performed. The experiences of the researchers interviewing these patients were informally recorded postinterview, and themes were derived from these reflections.

RESULTS

The interview technique utilized in this study was unsuitable to gain rich, qualitative data from patients with aphasia. The experience of researchers performing these interviews suggests that preparation, emotion, and understanding were three of the main factors influencing their ability to gather useful experiential information from patients with aphasia. Patients with aphasia are valuable contributors to qualitative health services research, and researchers need to be flexible and adaptable in their methods of engagement.

CONCLUSIONS

Including patients with aphasia in health service redesign research requires the use of nontraditional interview techniques. Researchers intending to engage patients with aphasia must devise appropriate strategies and methods to maximize the contributions and valuable communications of these participants.