bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical efficacy of Panchatikta Kshira Basti in
the management of Gridhrasi
Authors: Pathak Mridula , Mhatre Ashish
Published: December 2021

The study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Panchatikta Kshira Basti in the
management of Sciatica. Panchatikta Kshira Basti contains Guduchi (Tinospora cardiofolia). Nimba
(Azadirakta indica) Vasa (Adhathoda vasica), Kantakari (Solanum Surrattense), Patola (Trichosanthes
dioica), Kshira (Milk) Goghrita (Ghee), Madhu (Honey), Saindhava (Salt). This remedy prove
extremely beneficial as it can be performed on the OPD and IPD basis, gives significant relief in the
symptoms e.g. radiating pain, stiffness, twitching sensation. The subjective parameters like Pain, SLR,
VAD, VDS etc., were used to score clinical outcome. The average clinical improvement was calculated
by proper statistical treatment. Our experience with this modality has been encouraging as the
response pattern is good in considerably short duration of treatment. The patient improves gradually
after 4 weeks of treatment. The sustained improvement with Basti presents a window of opportunity
in the clinical management of Sciatica. Ideally this technique should be practically taught to the
physicians and should be evaluated scientifically using principles of biophysics and nerve conduction
studies.
Methodic for evaluating the performance of a continuous welded track according to the criterion of compliance of the actual rail fastening temperature with the standardized value
Authors: Volokhov G. M. , Chunin S. V. , Ushanov A. V.
Published: December 2021

Problem of safety evaluation of continuous welded track operation is considered. A comparative analysis of the current assessment methods is carried out and a method is proposed for identifying dangerous track sections according to the criterion of compliance of the actual rail fastening temperature with the standardized one. Under the actual fxing temperature in the article, the temperature of the rail is taken at which, as a result of its thermal expansion or contraction, a zero value of the longitudinal force is formed in it. A method is presented for calculating the actual temperature of rail fastening using the dependence of the natural frequency of rail vibrations on the applied longitudinal force, which was obtained by the computational method using the fnite element model of the track section created by the authors by means of modal calculations for various values of the longitudinal force applied to the rail. Its verifcation was carried out using experimental data obtained as a result of testing at a specialized stand. The method of tests carried out on the stand and section of the continuous track of the Ozerskaya branch of the Moscow Railway is described, which consists in determining the natural frequency of the first mode of rail vibration at different values of the longitudinal force, and in the case of field tests at different values of the rail temperature. The calculation of the actual temperature of rail fastening is given on the example of a section of a continuous-welded track of the Ozerskaya branch of the Moscow railway. It was found that the temperature of rail fastening on the investigated section corresponds to the normative for the given region.
VNIIZHT Scientifc Journal celebrates 80th anniversary! Part I. The war years
Authors: Kosarev A. B. , Rimskaya O. N. , Anokhov I. V. , Sirotenko I. V.
Published: December 2021

Development of the railway industry depends on the work of many engineers and scientists who master the advanced technical and technological frontiers. The results of their work require experimental verification by specialists, technicians and engineers in the field. At the same time, in a systematic setting of the case, the conduct of experiments should be preceded by discussion and scientific discussion. A scientific and technical journal is intended to serve as an absentee format for such a discussion.

In 2022, our magazine will celebrate its 80th anniversary. It was created by the order of the Political Administration of the People's Commissariat of Railways of the USSR in 1942, in the midst of the Great Patriotic War. The state entrusted our journal with a very important mission — concentration and dissemination of experience in the restoration of damaged communication lines and development of new technologies for military freight and passenger railway transportation. This extreme practical orientation and an urgent need for empirical knowledge was reflected in the choice of the original name of the journal — “Railways engineering”.

Since the creation of the journal, the editorial staff have striven to fulfll the mission entrusted to it and to maintain a high level of domestic railway science. Several stages can be distinguished in the eighty-year history of the VNIIZHT scientifc journal.

This article presents an analysis of the frst stage — the stage of the war years.
PENGARUH PEMBIAYAAN BAGI HASIL DAN TINGKAT KESEHATAN BANK TERHADAP KINERJA KEUANGAN DENGAN PEMBIAYAAN BERMASALAH SEBAGAI VARIABEL PEMODERASI
Authors: Utami Dian Ratri , Utami Tri
Published: December 2021

Abstrak: Pengaruh Pembiayaan Bagi Hasil Dan Tingkat Kesehatan Bank Terhadap Kinerja Keuangan Dengan Pembiayaan Bermasalah Sebagai Variabel Pemoderasi Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh dari variabel independent yaitu pembiayaan bagi hasil dan tingkat kesehatan bank terhadap kinerja keuangan dengan pembiayaan bermasalah sebagai variabel pemoderasi. Populasi yang menjadi obyek dalam penelitian ini adalah Bank Umum Syariah di Indonesia sebanyak 14 Bank yang terdaftar dalam Bank Indonesia. Pengumpulan data dengan metode purposive sampling. Sampel yang digunakan adalah 11 Bank Umum Syariah yang memiliki data sesuai dengan variabel yang dibutuhkan. Metode analisis data yang digunakan yaitu Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA). Penelitian ini menunjukan 1) Pembiayaan bagi hasil tidak memiliki pengaruh tehadap kinerja keuangan (ROA). 2) Tingkat kesehatan bank memiliki pengaruh positif signifikan pada profitabilitas kinerja keuangan perusahaan. 3) Pembiayaan bermasalah (NPF) secara simultan tidak berhasil memperkuat pengaruh pembiayaan bagi hasil terhadap kinerja keuangan. 4) Pembiayaan bermasalah (NPF) secara simultan juga tidak dapat memperkuat pengaruh tingkat kesehatan bank terhadap kinerja keuangan.Kata kunci: Pembiayaan Bagi Hasil, Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), Non Performing Financing (NPF), Retun On Asset (ROA)Abstract: Effect of Profit Sharing Financing and Bank Health Level on Financial Performance with Problem Financing as Moderating Variables. This study aims to determine the effect of the independent variable, profit sharing financing and bank soundness on financial performance with problem financing as a moderating variable. The population that is the object of this study is 14 Sharia Commercial Banks in Indonesia, which are registered with Bank Indonesia. Data collection using purposive sampling method. The sample used was 11 Islamic Commercial Banks that have data in accordance with the required variables. The data analysis method used is Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA). This study shows 1) Profit sharing financing has no influence on financial performance (ROA). 2) The level of soundness of a bank has a significant positive effect on the profitability of a company's financial performance. 3) Simultaneous financing (NPF) does not succeed in strengthening the effect of profit sharing financing on financial performance. 4) Simultaneous financing (NPF) also cannot strengthen the effect of bank soundness on financial performance.Keywords: Profit Sharing Financing, Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), Non Performing Financing (NPF), Retun On Asset (ROA)
MANFAAT DAN RISIKO YANG MEMPENGARUHI KELANJUTAN NIAT PENGGUNAAN FINTECH PEMBAYARAN SELULER
Authors: Putritama Afrida
Published: December 2021

Abstrak: Manfaat dan risiko yang mempengaruhi kelanjutan niat penggunaan Fintech pembayaran seluler. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menemukan bagaimana manfaat persepsian dan risiko persepsian mempengaruhi kelanjutan niat penggunaan Fintech pembayaran seluler dengan mendasarkan kepada Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). Pengumpulan data penelitian ini menggunakan kuesioner dengan metode purposive sampling dengan jumlah sampel sebanyak 104 responden. Pengujian hipotesis menggunakan Structural Equation Model (SEM) dengan alat ukur Partial Least Square (PLS). Penelitian ini menemukan bahwa manfaat persepsian lebih kuat dibandingkan risiko persepsian dalam mempengaruhi kelanjutan niat penggunaan Fintech pembayaran seluler. Faktor terkuat yang mempengaruhi manfaat persepsian adalah kenyamanan. Transaksi seamless dan manfaat ekonomi memiliki pengaruh positif namun tidak signifikan terhadap manfaat persepsian. Faktor terkuat yang mempengaruhi risiko persepsian adalah risiko keuangan. Faktor terkuat kedua yang mempengaruhi risiko persepsian adalah risiko hukum. Risiko keamanan dan risiko operasional memiliki pengaruh positif tidak signifikan terhadap risiko persepsian.Kata kunci: Fintech pembayaran seluler, manfaat persepsian, risiko persepsianAbstract: Benefits and risks that affect the continued use of mobile payments Fintech. The purpose of this research is to find out how the perceived benefit and perceived risks affect the continuation of the intention to use Fintech mobile payments based on the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). Research data collection using a questionnaire with a purposive sampling method with a total sample of 104 respondents. Hypothesis testing uses the Structural Equation Model (SEM) with the Partial Least Square (PLS) measuring instrument. This study found that the perceived benefit is stronger than the perceived risk in influencing the continuation of the intention to use mobile payment Fintech.  The strongest factor affecting the perceived benefit is convenience. Seamless transactions and economic benefits have a positive but insignificant effect on perceived benefits. The strongest factor affecting perceived risk is financial risk. The second strongest factor affecting perceived risk is legal risk. Security risk and operational risk have an insignificant positive effect on perceived risk.Keywords: Fintech mobile payments, perceived benefits, perceived risks
THE EFFECT OF LOCUS OF EXTERNAL INTERNAL CONTROL, FINANCIAL ATTITUDE, POCKET MONEY AND LIFESTYLE ON THE USE OF E-MONEY
Authors: Anggari Alya Nurul , Dewanti Patriani Wahyu
Published: December 2021

Abstract: The Effect of Locus of External and Internal Control, Financial Attitude, Pocket Money and Lifestyle on The Use of E-Money. This study aims to determine the influence of Locus of external internal control, financial attitude, pocket money and lifestyle on the use of e-money in accounting students in Yogyakarta. The population is all students of accounting study programs that are still active in 4 universities in Yogyakarta with a total of 200 respondents and 134 is a sample of this research. This study was conducted by questionnaires using multiple liner regression tests. The results showed that the locus of external control and lifestyle positively influenced the locus of internal control, financial attitude and pocket money of students had no effect on the use of e-money in accounting students of the University in Yogyakarta.Keywords: Locus of control external and internal, Financial attitude, Pocket Money, Lifestyle, E- MoneyAbstrak: Pengaruh Locus Of Control Eksternal Dan Internal, Financial Attitude, Uang Saku, Dan Lifestyle Terhadap Penggunaan E-Money. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruhl Locus of control external dan internal, financial attitude, uang saku dan lifestyle terhadap penggunaan e-money pada mahasiswa akuntansi di Yogyakarta. Populasi dari penelitian ini adalah mahasiswa program studi akuntansi aktif di 4 universitas di Yogyakarta dengan total 200 orang dan 134 merupakan sample penelitian. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menyebarkan kuesioner online dengan uji regresi liner berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan locus of control external dan lifestyle berpengaruh positif sedangkan locus of control internal, financial attitude dan uang saku tidak berpengaruh terhadap penggunaan e-money pada mahasiswa akuntansi Universitas di Yogyakarta. Kata Kunci : Locus of control external dan internal, Financial attitude, Uang Saku, Lifestyle, E- Money
Forensic medical evaluation of an isolated injury of the small bowel mesentery and its vessels (literature review extended with expert case report)
Authors: Makarova V. N. , Kuznetsov I. I. , Bachurin S. S. , Kolomoets I. A.
Published: December 2021

This work summarizes information from the modern scientific literature devoted to the issues of morphology and mechanisms of an isolated mesenteric injury, which is rare in expert practice. Apart from classic forensic medical papers, publications over 2000 – 2020, devoted to abdominal organ injuries, were analyzed. In the search engines PUBMED and eLibrary.ru, a selection of sources was made according to the keywords: “rupture of the mesenteric root of the small intestine,” “diagnostics,” “forensic medical evaluation.” The results of the literature analysis were used in the study of the repeated forensic medical examination materials of a case of rapid death (in 1.5 hours) due to a traumatic rupture of the mesentery of the small bowel and its large vessels. The combined analysis of the expert case report and special scientific literature allows us to devise the following conclusions: 1. A forensic expert must have expert knowledge in the normal anatomy of the abdominal aorta’s unpaired vessels and their accompanying veins location and know about their variable topographic and anatomical features. 2. Life-threatening bleeding from the damaged vessel of the mesentery of the small bowel occurs in a wide time interval after the mechanical damage. 3. The development of life-threatening intra-abdominal bleeding is due to the scope of damage and the rate of blood flow from the damaged vessel. 4. Thorough examination of the area of rupture of the mesenteric vessel and the state of the tissues in the circumference of the rupture allow to establish the mechanism of injury. 5. Ignorance of the mechanism of injury and specifics of the formation of injuries is the cause of expert errors and scientifically unfounded conclusions. 6. There is no reference material on the rate of blood flow from a damaged large vessel.
Changes in body composition depending on the rs1801282 PPARG polymorphism in patients with different variants of treatment of early carbohydrate metabolism disorders
Authors: Valeeva F. V. , Medvedeva M. S. , Khasanova K. B. , Turtseva T. S. , Yilmaz T. S.
Published: December 2021

Objective: To study the effect of the rs1801282 PPARG polymorphism on changes in the body composition of patients with early carbohydrate metabolism disorders in groups with different variants of treatment.

Materials and Methods: The study involved 64 patients (8 men and 56 women) with early carbohydrate metabolism disorders. At baseline, all patients underwent genotyping for the rs1801282 PPARG polymorphism and body composition determination with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Then, the patients were divided into two groups depending on the type of therapy. The patients from Group 1 (40 subjects, mean age 45.2±15.4 years) kept a generally accepted diet with the exclusion of simple carbohydrates and limitation of complex carbohydrates and fats. The patients from Group 2 (24 subjects, mean age 51.2±14.5 years) took metformin in addition to the diet therapy. The effects of different types of treatment on body composition changes were assessed with follow-up BIA 3 months after the start of treatment.

Results: Carriers of the mutant G allele of rs1801282 PPARG in the metformin and diet therapy group showed a significant increase in the content of body cell mass (1.28±0.51% vs 0.36±0.37%; P = 0.021) compared with CC homozygotes in the absence of differences in body weight changes (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: The presence of the mutant allele G of rs1801282 PPARG promotes the increase in body cell mass in case of adding metformin to the diet therapy in patients with early carbohydrate metabolism disorders.
Comparison of the main parameters of 24-hour blood pressure monitoring in patients with hypertension and atherosclerotic lesions of the arteries of the lower extremities
Authors: Sementsova N. A. , Chesnikova A. I. , Terentyev V. P.
Published: December 2021

Objective: To study the features of the parameters of 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (24h-BPM) in patients with hypertension and atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities (AALE).

Materials and Methods: A total of 120 patients with hypertension were divided into 3 groups: Group I consisted of 46 patients with hypertension and clinically manifested AALE; Group II included 39 patients with hypertension and asymptomatic AALE; Group III included 35 patients with hypertension without AALE. Laboratory and instrumental studies were performed, including 24h-BPM and ultrasound triplex scanning (USTS) of the arteries of the lower extremities. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Office Excel 16 (2015, Microsoft, USA), Statistica 10.0 (StatSoft, USA), IBM SPSS Statistica 26.0 (IBM, USA).

Results: Higher values of systolic blood pressure (SBP) were revealed in Group I patients compared with Group III (P <0.05). Increased variability of daily average and daytime SBP were found in Group I patients (16 [13; 17] and 15.5 [12; 18] mm Hg), which significantly differed from those in Group III (P = 0.005). The patients of Group II showed higher values of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) compared with Group I (P <0.017). Higher values of pulse blood pressure (PBP) were found in Group I compared with Groups II and III (P = 0.001). In Group I, the normal type of 24-hour index of SBP was 2 times less common (P <0.017).

Conclusions: The clinical manifestation of AALE is associated with higher SBP and PBP values, SBP variability and lower DBP values, which indicates a higher risk of cardiovascular complications.
Biomarkers of the type of recurrent uterine myoma-associated growth
Authors: Bashirov E. V. , Krutova V. A. , Kutsenko I. I.
Published: December 2021

Objective: To assess the diagnostic value of biomarkers: microbiological, molecular and biological, immunological biomarkers, characteristic of various types of recurrent myoma-associated growth.

Materials and Methods: Seventy women of reproductive age with recurrent uterine myoma and its combination with adenomyosis after conservative treatment in the Clinic of Kuban State Medical University were examined. Methods: microbiological examination, sonography, Doppler sonography, histology, immunohistochemistry, morphometry.

Results: The type of recurrent myoma-associated growth was proved to be dependent on molecular and biological characteristics of tumors, the presence of infection and blood perfusion. It was indicated that women with recurrence of myoma-associated growth of a “false” type were characterized by high rates of infections (the presence of reproductive losses, chronic inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs) and significant bacterial contamination of the genital tract biotopes. Blood perfusion features were identified for true and “false” types of recurrent myoma-associated growth based on Doppler sonography data, which were consistent with features of tumor vessel morphometry. Analysis of uterine myoma histological types and their vascularization features showed correlation of forms with a high proliferative potential of a tumor on a molecular and cellular level to moderate and high expression of steroid hormone receptors in combination with Ki67, a significant diameter of the lumen of the vessels with the highest VI and VFI values.

Conclusions: A comprehensive study of women with uterine hyperplasia determines the possibility of prediction of pathogenetic variants of recurrent myoma-associated tissue growth and adequate choice of treatment options and rehabilitation course.
Manifestation of electrocardiographic signs of the Brugadа syndrome in the setting of therapy with class Ic antiarrhythmic drug Ethacizine
Authors: Sazonova Yu. N.
Published: December 2021

The article presents a clinical case of a patient presenting with electrocardiographic signs of the Brugada syndrome in the setting of therapy with class Ic antiarrhythmic drug Ethacizine. The special feature of this case is a complete disappearance of ECG signs of the Brugada syndrome and the normalization of ECG after withdrawal of the drug. For a functional diagnostiсian, it is important to pay timely attention to the Brugada pattern on the ECG and consider such changes not only in connection with subepicardial ischemia and possible myocardial damage.
Super-selective prostatic arteries embolization in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia: prevention and treatment of complications
Authors: Shaparov B. M. , Kapranov S. A. , Kamalov A. A. , Karpov V. K. , Zlatovratskiy A. G.
Published: December 2021

Introduction. Super-selective prostatic arteries embolization (PAE) is a modern minimally invasive surgical method for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). PAE is included in the Russian clinical guidelines for the BPH treatment and approved for use in the United States and European countries.

Purpose of the study. To analyze the most common PAE-associated complications and to develop preventive arrangements.

Materials and methods. During the period from 2013 to 2020, PAE as the main method of BPH treatment was used in 168 patients with an average age of 69.3 ± 8.1 (53-82) years. All patients underwent two-day antibiotic prophylaxis before the operation and lasted 7-10 days. For catheterization of the prostatic arteries, 2.0-2.8 Fr microcatheters and 4-5 Fr microconductors were used. For embolization, hydrogel microspheres with a diameter of 100-300 µm and 300-500 µm were used, as well as poly polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) microparticles with a diameter of 100-500 µm.

Results. Bilateral PAE was successfully performed in 146 cases; unilateral PAE was performed in 22 patients due to anatomical features. Seventeen (10.1%) PAE from the orifice, super-selective PAE was performed in 67 (39.9%) cases, the PErFecTED embolization was performed in 84 (50.0%) patients. The most common complication was acute urinary retention (AUR) in 28 (16.6%) patients: trocar cystostomy was required in 11 (6.5%) patients, AUR was resolved using conservative therapy in 17 (10.2%) patients. In 23 (14.2%) cases, complications associated with unintentional embolization of the anastomoses of the prostate arteries were identified: rectal pain and/or the appearance of blood in the stool in 19 (11.3%) patients, the appearance of trophic ulcers on the glans penis in 5 (2.8%) patients. In addition, several adverse events that were not complications were noted: postembolization syndrome in 50 (29.7%) patients, and worsening of LUTS in 41 (24.4%) patients. Seven (4.1%) patients had acute epididymitis; 4 (2.4%) patients had a hematoma at the puncture site.

Conclusion. PAE can cause a limited number of complications. It is necessary to unify the system for reporting PAE complications. Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended. The use of visualization and X-ray navigation methods make it possible to make the PAE safer. The PErFecTED technique in combination with small particle sizes increases the risk of complications. The surgeon's experience and proficiency in special surgical techniques are essential. The transradial approach is promising, but further observation and an increase in patient samples are required. The question of choosing the optimal embolization drug continues to be relevant.
Extravesical reimplantation of an extravesical-ectopic ureter from the upper pole of a duplicated kidney
Authors: Makarov G. A. , Sizonov V. V. , Orlov V. M. , Vigera V. V.
Published: December 2021

Extravesical ureter ectopia is a rare cause of urinary incontinence. We are reporting a case of a 3-year-old girl with urinary incontinence. The girl was observed and treated for recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) against the background of left-side duplication of the upper urinary tract and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Two-time endoscopic treatment using a dextranomer/hyaluronic acid allowed to eliminate VUR on both sides and achieve stable clinical and laboratory remission of UTI. After potty training, the child had a constant drip of urine along with normal urination. The examination revealed extravesical ureter ectopia of the left duplicated kidney upper pole and a bladder space-occupying mass with hyperdensive inclusions in the projection of the vesical trigone on the left, which we regarded as a result of the migration of the implant and the appearance of histopathological changes in it. The presence of a bladder space-occupying mass determined the choice of the surgical technique in favor of the formation of a ureterocystoanastomosis with a duplicated ectopic ureter and the removal of a bladder space-occupying mass. When managing patients after endoscopic treatment of VUR, it should be considered the possibility of morphological changes in the bulking agent due to the accumulation of calcium and uric acid salts.
Extensive penile skin necrosis after surgery for Peyronie's disease
Authors: Topuzov M. E. , Stetsik O. V. , Basok S. M. , Kustov P. V. , Abinov O. A.
Published: December 2021

The clinical case represents the surgical correction of postoperative complications in a patient with Peyronie's disease. The patient underwent flap corporoplasty using an autovein. The late postoperative period in the patient was complicated by extensive necrosis of the penile skin, which required repeated surgery as follows. The first stage of surgical treatment was performed by excision of necrotic tissues of the penile skin. Within 10 days of the postoperative period, chymotrypsin with an ointment containing dioxomethyltetrahydropyrimidine with chloramphenicol was applied to the penile wound surface to prepare the wound for subsequent skin autotransplantation. Further, within 5 days, the polymeric drainage sorbent «Aseptisorb DT» was applied to the wound surface until the wound was cleansed and granulation tissue was formed. The second stage of the surgical treatment performed penile skin replacement plasty with a free perforated skin graft taken from the patient's femoral surface.
Male fertility: a review of the publications July — September 2021
Authors: Rogozin D. S.
Published: December 2021

The article provides an overview of the most significant publications on the topic of male infertility. The main selection criteria were considered the practical significance of the article, as well as the impact factor of the journal in which it was published according to the SCImago Journal Rank (SJR). As a result, we formed a list of 10 articles published in the III quarter (July — September) of 2021. The review included articles concerning the following issues: the ability of oocytes to repair damaged DNA-chains of sperm cells, the effectiveness of ICSI in AZF-c microdeletions, the advanced paternal age, artificial intelligence in reproductive clinics, genetic causes of infertility, the effect of surgical treatment of varicocele concerning DNA fragmentation, the role of ICSI in the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in offspring, the safety of COVID-19 vaccination for spermatogenesis, as well as the novel WHO 6 manual for semen investigation.
Pyeloplasty effectiveness in cases of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children: methodology and assessment parameters
Authors: Sizonov V. V. , Shidaev A. Kh-A. , Kogan M. I.
Published: December 2021

The article presents the analysis of published data (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed/MedLine, The Cochrane Library, and eLIBRARY databases) devoted to the study of existing criteria for assessment of pyeloplasty effectiveness. Published sources most often refer to the dynamics of reduction of the renal collecting system (RCS) and postoperative renal functional status as the assessment criteria. However, there are no consistent values, which could be employed as assessment criteria indicating success as soon as they are registered. The tools used to estimate RCS reduction are not standardized in terms of research techniques, projection of RCS dilatation measurement, and the locations between which renal and pelvic anatomic structures are measured. A variety of approaches to measuring the anteroposterior renal pelvis dimension in children with hydronephrosis tends to blur the analysis of actual pyeloplasty results. This review of published sources demonstrates the lack of agreement as regards the criteria for assessment of pyeloplasty effectiveness. There is a pressing need for appropriate steps to harmonize ultrasonography methods, to standardize the anatomic landmarks for measurement, and to define the criteria to be used to assess the effectiveness of pyeloplasty.
Multimodal therapy for oligometastatic prostate cancer: results from a single-centre study
Authors: Nyushko K. M. , Perepukhov V. M. , Alekseev B. Ya.
Published: December 2021

Introduction. In recent years, interest in the use of radical prostatectomy (RPE) as one of the components of a multimodal approach in patients with lymphogenous disseminated and metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) has grown significantly. At the same time, the dearth of large randomized trials does not make it possible to use this technique in wide clinical practice outside of clinical trials.

Purpose of the study. To evaluate the effectiveness of multimodal therapy using combined chemo-hormonal, surgical and radiation therapy in patients with primary oligometastatic hormone-sensitive PCa.

Material and methods. The study included 48 patients with primary oligometastatic prostate cancer who received combination treatment within the internal one-research-center protocol. At the first stage, all patients underwent combined drug therapy with docetaxel (75 mg/m2 intravenously every 3 weeks for 6 courses) and degarelix. Patients who had a decrease in PSA level ≤ 2 ng/ml and registered stabilization of the disease according to radiological examination were treated surgically through RPE with extended pelvic and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Radiation therapy was performed only in patients with the presence of bone lesions at a dose of 50-70 Gy to the location of bone metastases in the stage 3 plan of combined multimodal therapy.

Results. PCa biochemical relapse was verified in 27 (56.3%) patients during the median follow-up of 10 months. The average time to PSA increase was 9.0 ± 5.7 months (from 1 to 24 months), median — 7 months, Six-month PSA relapse-free survival (PSA-RFS) was 61.2 ± 7.5%; 1-year PSA-RFS — 38.0 ± 8.6%. The average duration before the initiation of hormonal therapy was 12 ± 6.1 months (from 3 to 27 months), median: 10 months. Six-month survival before the drug administration was 72.6 ± 6.8%; twelve-month survival: 40.9 ± 8.7%. About 40% of patients with oligometastatic PCa had no signs of progression and did not receive any other drug therapy for 12 months after completion of protocol treatment.

Conclusions. Analysis of the study results demonstrates satisfactory oncological outcomes of the studied treatment option in patients with newly diagnosed oligometastatic hormone-sensitive PCa, as well as a low likelihood of side effects and complications. Nevertheless, it is necessary to continue conducting larger and more structured randomized trials to determine the possibility of applying this therapeutic approach in clinical practice.
Percutaneous cystolithotripsy for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Topuzov M. E. , Basok S. M. , Kustov P. V. , Abinov O. A.
Published: December 2021

Introduction. According to the literature, 5.0% of patients with urolithiasis are characterized by the presence of stones in the bladder. The issue of bladder stones for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia remains relevant and requires further improvement of approaches to surgical treatment.

Purpose of the study. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of energy-diverse percutaneous cystolithotripsy (and placement of a cystostomy catheter) in comparison with transurethral cystolithotripsy.

Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of 56 cases in patients (aged 54-82 years) with bladder stones was carried out. All patients were treated in the Urology Clinic of the Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University from 2019 to 2021. Two groups were formed: group I — 26 (46.4%) patients who underwent percutaneous cystolithotripsy, group II — 30 (53.6%) patients underwent transurethral cystolithotripsy. The duration of surgery, intraoperative and postoperative complications were assessed.

Results. On average, the duration of surgery for the percutaneous approach was shorter than for transurethral access (35 vs 44 min). The stone-free rate in the case of the percutaneous approach was 100.0%, while in transurethral cystolithotripsy the stone-free rate was 90.0%. In the early postoperative period, in groups I and II, gross hematuria was observed for 2 (7.6%) and 4 (13.3%) patients, respectively. In the late postoperative period, 2 patients from group II had a urethral stricture.

Conclusions. Percutaneous cystolithotripsy is a minimally invasive method of stone fragmentation, characterized by a minimal risk of intra- and postoperative complications.
Movement as Medicine for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: Pilot Feasibility Study of a Physical Activity Promotion Intervention for At-Risk Patients in Primary Care
Authors: Knittle Keegan , Charman Sarah J , O'Connell Sophie , Avery Leah , Catt Michael , Sniehotta Falko F , Trenell Michael I
Published: December 2021

Background

Physical activity (PA) can reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, and although primary care settings offer a large reach to promote PA and reduce CVD risk, primary health care professionals may lack self-efficacy and tools to effectively promote PA in practice. Movement as Medicine for CVD Prevention is a suite of 2 theory-based, web-based behavioral interventions—one for health care professionals and one for patients—which may offer a pathway for promoting PA and reducing CVD risk in primary care.

Objective

This study aims to examine the feasibility and possible effects of Movement as Medicine for CVD Prevention.

Methods

This nonrandomized pilot study recruited participants from primary care organizations in the Northeast of England. Enrolled health care professionals followed a theory-based, web-based course on PA counseling and motivational interviewing techniques. After the course, health care professionals delivered behavior change consultations based on motivational interviewing to inactive individuals with >20% risk of developing CVD within 10 years. Patients were then given access to a website based on self-determination and self-regulation theories, which targeted increased levels of PA. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 3 months, and patient data were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis in a multiple imputation data set.

Results

Recruitment rates of primary care organizations fell below expectations. A total of 11 health care professionals from 3 enrolled primary care organizations completed the web-based course and reported increases in important theoretical determinants of PA promotion in practice (eg, self-efficacy, Cohen d=1.24, 95% CI 0.67-1.80; and planning, Cohen d=0.85, 95% CI −0.01 to 1.69). A total of 83 patients were enrolled in the study, and 58 (70%) completed both the baseline and 3-month assessments. Compared with baseline, patients had higher levels of objective (Cohen d=0.77, 95% CI 0.13-1.41) but not subjective (Cohen d=0.40, 95% CI −0.03 to 0.83) moderate to vigorous PA at 3 months. Patients also reported higher levels of the PA determinants of intention, self-efficacy, intrinsic motivation, and action planning and action control at 3 months (effect sizes ranged from Cohen d=0.39 to 0.60).

Conclusions

The Movement as Medicine for CVD Prevention intervention seems to have the potential to improve patient PA behaviors and important determinants of health care professionals’ PA promotion practices. However, the recruitment rates of primary care organizations in this study were low and would need to be increased to examine the efficacy of the program. This study offers several insights into improving the feasibility of this primary care PA promotion pathway.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN14582348; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN14582348
Using Smart Speaker Technology for Health and Well-being in an Older Adult Population: Pre-Post Feasibility Study
Authors: McCloud Rachel , Perez Carly , Bekalu Mesfin Awoke , Viswanath K
Published: December 2021

Background

Although smart speaker technology is poised to help improve the health and well-being of older adults by offering services such as music, medication reminders, and connection to others, more research is needed to determine how older adults from lower socioeconomic position (SEP) accept and use this technology.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using smart speakers to improve the health and well-being of low-SEP older adults.

Methods

A total of 39 adults aged between 65 and 85 years who lived in a subsidized housing community were recruited to participate in a 3-month study. The participants had a smart speaker at their home and were given a brief orientation on its use. Over the course of the study, participants were given weekly check-in calls to help assist with any problems and newsletters with tips on how to use the speaker. Participants received a pretest and posttest to gauge comfort with technology, well-being, and perceptions and use of the speaker. The study staff also maintained detailed process notes of interactions with the participants over the course of the study, including a log of all issues reported.

Results

At the end of the study period, 38% (15/39) of the participants indicated using the speaker daily, and 38% (15/39) of the participants reported using it several times per week. In addition, 72% (28/39) of the participants indicated that they wanted to continue using the speaker after the end of the study. Most participants (24/39, 62%) indicated that the speaker was useful, and approximately half of the participants felt that the speaker gave them another voice to talk to (19/39, 49%) and connected them with the outside world (18/39, 46%). Although common uses were using the speaker for weather, music, and news, fewer participants reported using it for health-related questions. Despite the initial challenges participants experienced with framing questions to the speaker, additional explanations by the study staff addressed these issues in the early weeks of the study.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that there is promise for smart speaker technology for low-SEP older adults, particularly to connect them to music, news, and reminders. Future studies will need to provide more upfront training on query formation as well as develop and promote more specific options for older adults, particularly in the area of health and well-being.
Personalized Reminders for Immunization Using Short Messaging Systems to Improve Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Series Completion: Parallel-Group Randomized Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Wynn Chelsea S , Catallozzi Marina , Kolff Chelsea A , Holleran Stephen , Meyer Dodi , Ramakrishnan Rajasekhar , Stockwell Melissa S
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Completion rates among adolescents who initiate the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine 3-dose series are low. SMS text message vaccine reminders are effective, but less is known about the best types for HPV series completion or the ability to assess and target vaccine decision-making stage.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of HPV vaccine series completion in minority adolescents who received precision and educational versus conventional SMS text message reminders.

METHODS

Enrolled parents of adolescents aged 9-17 years who received the first HPV vaccine dose at 1 of the 4 academic-affiliated community health clinics in New York City were randomized 1:1 to 1 of the 2 parallel, unblinded arms: precision SMS text messages (which included stage-targeted educational information, next dose due date, and site-specific walk-in hours) or conventional SMS text messages without educational information. Randomization was stratified according to gender, age, and language. The primary outcome was series completion within 12 months. In post hoc analysis, enrollees were compared with concurrent nonenrollees and historical controls.

RESULTS

Overall, 956 parents were enrolled in the study. The precision (475 families) and conventional (481 families) SMS text message arms had similarly high series completion rates (344/475, 72.4% vs 364/481, 75.7%). A total of 42 days after the first dose, two-thirds of families, not initially in the preparation stage, moved to preparation or vaccinated stage. Those in either SMS text message arm had significantly higher completion rates than nonenrollees (708/1503, 47.1% vs 679/1503, 45.17%; P<.001). Even after removing those needing only 2 HPV doses, adolescents receiving any SMS text messages had higher completion rates than historical controls (337/2823, 11.93% vs 981/2823, 34.75%; P<.001). A population-wide effect was seen from 2014 to 2016, above historical trends.

CONCLUSIONS

SMS text message reminders led to timely HPV vaccine series completion in a low-income, urban, minority study population and also led to population-wide effects. Educational information did not provide an added benefit to this population.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02236273; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02236273
Study protocols for the development and randomized controlled pilot trial of a patient decision aid to facilitate women's choice between oral and LAI ART for HIV (Preprint)
Authors: Philbin Morgan M. , McCrimmon Tara , Shaffer Victoria , Kerrigan Deanna , Pereyra Margaret , Cohen Mardge H , Sosanya Oluwakemi , Sheth Anandi N , Golub Elizabeth T , Rana Aadia , Tamraz Bani , Goparaju Lakshmi , Wilson Tracey E , Alcaide Maria
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Many women with HIV (WWH) have suboptimal adherence to oral antiretroviral therapy (ART) due to multilevel barriers to HIV care access and retention. A long-acting injectable (LAI) version of ART was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in January 2021 and has the potential to overcome many of these barriers by eliminating the need for daily pill-taking. However, it may not be optimal for all WWH. It is critical to develop tools that facilitate patient-provider shared decision making about oral versus LAI ART modalities to promote women’s adherence and long-term HIV outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This study will develop and pilot test a web-based patient decision aid, called i.ART+support (iARTs). This decision aid aims to support shared decision-making between WWH and their providers, and help women choose between oral and LAI HIV treatment.

METHODS

The study will occur in three phases. In Phase 1, we will utilize a mixed-methods approach to collect data from WWH and medical and social service providers to inform i.ARTs content. During Phase 2, we will conduct focus groups with WWH and providers to refine i.ARTs content and develop the web-based decision aid. In Phase 3, i.ARTs will be tested in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with n=180 women in Miami, FL and assessed for feasibility, usability and acceptability, as well as to evaluate the associations between receiving i.ARTs and viral suppression, ART refills, and clinic attendance.

RESULTS

Phase 1 participant recruitment began in September 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to develop a web-based patient decision aid to support WWH choices between oral and LAI ART. Its strengths include the incorporation of both patient and provider perspectives, a mixed-methods design, and implementation in a real-world clinical setting.

CLINICALTRIAL

We will apply for Clinicaltrials.gov registration prior to Phase 3 when we enroll our first participant in the RCT. This is anticipated to occur in April 2023.
Optimal Capacity and Location Wind Turbine to Minimize Power Losses Using NSGA-II
Authors: Ningtias Dieta Wahyu Asry , Wijaya F. Danang , Multanto Lesnanto Putra
Published: December 2021

Voltage deviations and power losses in the distribution network can be handled in various ways, such as adding diesel power plants and wind turbines. Adaut Village, Tanimbar Islands Regency, Maluku Province has installed a diesel power plant with a capacity of 1,200 kW, while the average hourly electricity load is 374.9 kW. Adaut Village has high wind potential that can be used for distributed generations namely wind turbine (WT). WT can be used to improve power quality in terms of power losses and voltage deviations. In adding WT, the capacity and location must be determined to get good power quality in terms of power loss and voltage deviation. The research applied an optimization technique for determining the capacity and location of WT using non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGAII) with an objective function of power losses and voltage deviation. In addition, the economic aspects of the power plant were calculated using the levelized cost of energy (LCOE). The research used scenarios based on the number of WT installed. The best results were obtained in scenario IV or 4 WT with 1.38 kW on Bus 2, 422.43 kW on Bus 15, 834.33 kW on Bus 30, and 380.81 kW on Bus 31 which could reduce power losses by 80% with an LCOE value of Rp7,113.15/kWh. The addition of the WT could also increase the voltage profile to close to 1 pu, which means it can minimize the voltage deviation in the distribution network.
Caregiver’s burden and age are related determinants to quality of life in people with dementia
Authors: Deskianditya Resa Budi , Astuti Astuti , Yudiyanta Yudiyanta
Published: December 2021

Dementia is a degenerative disease with poor prognosis. People with dementia will depend on their caregivers. Care for dementia patients aims to promote or preserve their quality of life. Identification of the factors that affect (determinants) the quality of life of people with dementia is required, and caregiver determinants are proven to play a role. The caregiver’s role could affect the frequency and variety of therapy. Long-term cognitive and physical disability in people with dementia further develops the caregiver’s burden. This study aimed to assess the determinants of caregivers which have a relation with the quality of life in people with dementia. This cross-sectional study involved subjects who are dementia patients at the Memory Clinic of Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia and fulfilled the inclusion criteria and did not meet the exclusion criteria. Subjects and caregivers were interviewed and helped to complete several questionnaires, including the DEMQOL, ZBI, and GDS. Analysis within variables was performed using Pearson, Mann-Whitney, and T-tests, followed by a multivariate linear regression analysis. As many as 76 people with dementia were included, with the majority having the diagnosis of vascular dementia (53.9%), and the average DEMQOL Career score was 80.58 + 17.62 and 81.82 + 20.80 for DEMQOL Proxy. Bivariate correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between the caregiver’s age, gender, family relation, burden (ZBI), and depression (GDS) with the quality of life people with dementia (p <0.05). In the multivariate analysis, caregiver’s age was related to the quality of life of people with dementia based on DEMQOL Career (B =0.270; p =0.001) and DEMQOL Proxy (B =0.271; p =0.001) and the caregiver burden was related to the quality of life of people with dementia based on DEMQOL Career (B =-0.629; p =0.000) and DEMQOL Proxy (B =-0.661; p =0.000). In conclusion, the determinants of caregiver that are significantly related to quality of life in people with dementia are caregiver’s burden and age.