bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Static and Cyclic Loading on Mechanical and Hydraulic Properties of Soils with Different Textures and Matric Potentials
Authors: Zhai Xiafei , Horn Rainer
Published: October 2019

Mechanical, hydraulic, chemical or biological processes on various scales and intensities can alone or as coupled processes cause soil deformation. To quantify the effect of mechanical and hydraulic stresses on changes in soil functions, vertical displacement and pore water pressure were measured on repacked soils with three different textures (sand, silt loam and clay loam) at two matric potential values (−60 and −300 hPa). Two types of loading (static and cyclic loading) and three compaction levels (50, 100, and 200 kPa) were analyzed. In the case of static loading, the time‐dependent vertical displacement curves for all treatments under all compaction levels are similar in shape but different in scale. However, different situations of time‐dependent changes in pore water pressure were found due to different internal soil strength. An exponential change in pore water pressure as a function of vertical displacement was observed for treatments at −300 hPa matric potential during static loading regardless of vertical holes. In the case of cyclic loading, vertical displacement increased during loading but an elastic rebound was observed during unloading. Pore water pressure changed differently for different treatments. During cyclic loading, there was a linear relationship between the change in pore water pressure and vertical displacement for all treatments. The alternation of soil strength due to compaction is reflected by the effective stress. In our experiment, we found that, as the stress application increased, the effective stress decreased for wetter soils (−60 hPa), and increased for drier soils (−300 hPa). Hence, future soil deformation models need to include changes in pore water pressure as an important stress variable for unsaturated soils. Meanwhile, we found that the soil perforation technique may alleviate the negative effect of soil compaction by improving soils physical conditions.
A Response to “Reanalysis Validates Soil Health Indicator Sensitivity and Correlation with Long‐term Crop Yields”
Authors: Roper Wayne R. , Osmond Deanna L. , Heitman Joshua L.
Published: October 2019

We published data showing that current soil health indicator (SHI) assessments do not consistently detect differences in a range of soil management practices implemented in North Carolina soils. Van Es and Karlen reanalyzed our data and asserted that it validates SHI correlation to crop yields and sensitivity to management as measured by the Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Health (CASH). We respond to van Es and Karlen with a more representative analysis of our data showing that individual SHI measurements are not predictive of crop yield from the 30‐yr North Carolina agronomic trial. Regressions for aggregate stability (r2 = 0.07) and P (r2 = 0.18) show that neither SHI sufficiently predicts corn yield for this dataset and show no obvious pattern based on tillage intensity. Relationships between corn (Zea mays L.) yield and most biological SHI had r2 ≤ 0.18, with only soil protein being moderately predictive of corn yield (r2 = 0.45). The CASH index to assess overall soil health by integrating physical, chemical, and biological SHI measurements into a single value of soil health is also not predictive of corn yield in the trial (r2 = 0.12). It is possible that current sampling and analytical procedures for assessing soil health do not consistently detect differences in productivity from soils with regional differences in land and ecological resources. We believe that calibrating SHI assessments to quantifiable agroecological outcomes instead of statistical rankings will reduce bias across regions and create a more inclusive framework for quantifying soil health.
Application of Mid‐Infrared Spectroscopy in Soil Survey
Authors: Seybold Cathy A. , Ferguson Rich , Wysocki Doug , Bailey Scarlett , Anderson Joe , Nester Brian , Schoeneberger Phil , Wills Skye , Libohova Zamir , Hoover Dave , Thomas Pam
Published: October 2019

Development of more efficient (rapid) and cost‐effective methodologies are needed in soil survey to meet the demand for quantitative data in digital soil mapping and updates. The objective of this study was to pilot the application of mid‐infrared (MIR)‐diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) coupled with partial least squares regression (PLSR) in a soil survey field office where soil samples are processed, MIR spectra are acquired, and predictions are obtained using calibration models developed and validated from the Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory spectral library. Mid‐infrared models were built for total C, organic C, CaCO3 equivalent, total clay, cation exchange capacity, 1500 kPa water, and pH in water and CaCl2 for Mollisols of the central United States. Validation results (from the MIR library) using Lin's concordance correlation (rc) of measured versus predicted values showed that most properties predicted very well (rc = 0.967–0.996), whereas models for total clay in B horizons and 1500 kPa water in B horizons predicted fairly well (rc = 0.844–0.955). Models for pH predicted the least well (rc = 0.750–0.921). The MIR‐DRS coupled with PLSR was successful in predicting soil properties for completely independent samples that were collected, processed, and MIR scanned in a soil survey field office. Predicted results using rc ranged from 0.697 to 0.992, with pH in water having the lowest rc and CaCO3 having the highest rc. All properties except pH had an acceptable level of accuracy for use in soil survey and a marginal level of acceptable accuracy for total clay. Direct calibration transfer was feasible.
Islamic Banking Selection Criteria: Case in Indonesia Using Analytic Network Process
Authors: Rusydiana Aam Slamet , Hasib Fatin Fadhilah
Published: October 2019

The Islamic banking industry is currently one of the main indicators of the development of Islamic economics in Indonesia. In Islamic banking issue, one of the important issues is related to people's preferences and behavior towards Islamic banks. The study of the criteria for selecting a bank has been the concern of many bank marketing researchers. Compared to conventional, such studies are relatively minimal, especially in Indonesia. This study tries to analyze the preferences and behavior of criteria for selection of Islamic banks in Indonesia through the Analytical Network Process (ANP) approach.The results conclude that the most priority criteria that influence the selection of Islamic banks in Indonesia are service factors and religiosity factors or the suitability of banks with sharia principles. Therefore, Islamic banks need to constantly improve the quality of services both services and products so that they can compete with conventional banks.Industri perbankan syariah saat ini merupakan salah satu indikator utama perkembangan ekonomi Islam di Indonesia. Dalam masalah perbankan syariah, salah satu masalah penting adalah terkait dengan preferensi dan perilaku pemilihan masyarakat terhadap bank syariah. Studi tentang kriteria pemilihan bank syariah telah menjadi perhatian banyak peneliti. Studi tersebut relatif minimal jika dibandingkan dengan bank konvensional, terutama di Indonesia. Penelitian ini mencoba menganalisis preferensi dan perilaku pemilihan kriteria bank syariah di Indonesia melalui pendekatan Analytical Network Process (ANP). Hasilnya menyimpulkan bahwa kriteria yang paling prioritas yang mempengaruhi nasabah dalam memilih bank syariah di Indonesia adalah faktor layanan dan faktor religiusitas atau kesesuaian bank dengan prinsip syariah. Oleh karena itu, bank syariah perlu terus meningkatkan kualitas layanan baik produk maupun jasa sehingga mereka dapat bersaing dengan bank konvensional.
Cheese whey as potential resource for antimicrobial edible film and active packaging production
Authors: Isfari Dinika , Gemilang Lara Utama
Published: October 2019

Many cheese manufacturers still have not utilized cheese whey that damages to the environment as it is directly been drained into waters. Cheese whey can be used as active packaging material to prolong the shelf-life of food products. Fermented cheese whey contains bioactive peptides which are able to improve the functional properties of cheese whey as an antimicrobial agent. The combination of cheese whey with polysaccharides, lipid, and other additional ingredients can improve the physical characteristics of the active packaging in the form of edible film. Around 20-45% of plasticizer will expose the film formed. Cheese whey with agro-industrial waste starch-based formulation can be used as an alternative way to produce an antimicrobial edible film as an active packaging. The film has shown acceptable physical characteristics and high antimicrobial activity, which makes it possible to extend the shelf life of food products. An advanced process, for example, the use of transglutaminase enzyme and Candida tropicalis mutant, is also effective. The result of that is the formation of the essential compound which can improve the active packaging quality. The utilisation of cheese whey and agro-industrial waste based on starch contributes significantly to the environmental conservation.
Linking water quality monitoring and climate-resilient water safety planning in two urban drinking water utilities in Ethiopia
Authors: van den Berg Harold , Rickert Bettina , Ibrahim Seada , Bekure Kasa , Gichile Hailu , Girma Seble , Azezew Altaseb , Belayneh Tadesse Zegeye , Tadesse Solomon , Teferi Zeleke , Abera Firehiwot , Girma Samson , Legesse Tesfaye , Truneh Daniel , Lynch Gretta , Janse Ingmar , de Roda Husman Ana Maria
Published: October 2019

Unsafe drinking water is a recognized health threat in Ethiopia, and climate change, rapid population growth, urbanization and agricultural practices put intense pressure on availability and quality of water. Climate change-related health problems due to floods and waterborne diseases are increasing. With increasing insight into impacts of climate change and urbanization on water availability and quality and of required adaptations, a shift towards climate-resilient water safety planning was introduced into an Ethiopian strategy and guidance document to guarantee safe drinking water. Climate-resilient water safety planning was implemented in the urban water supplies of Addis Ababa and Adama, providing drinking water to 5 million and 500,000 people, respectively. Based on the risks identified with climate-resilient water safety planning, water quality monitoring can be optimized by prioritizing parameters and events which pose a higher risk for contaminating the drinking water. Water quality monitoring was improved at both drinking water utilities and at the Public Health Institute to provide relevant data used as input for climate-resilient water safety planning. By continuously linking water quality monitoring and climate-resilient water safety planning, utilization of information was optimized, and both approaches benefit from linking these activities.
Degradation study of tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate with TiO2 immobilized on aluminum meshes employing artificial neural networks
Authors: Aquino Ramon Vinícius Santos de , Barbosa Ada Azevedo , Carvalho Rafaela Ferreira de , Silva Marina Gomes , Nascimento Júnior Welenilton José do , Silva Túlio Diego da , Silva Josivan Pedro , Rossiter Sá da Rocha Otidene
Published: October 2019

This work presents the study of tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate advanced oxidation in TiO2-containing systems. Titania was immobilized on aluminum surfaces from recyclable materials and the results were compared with the suspension system. The initial concentration of photocatalyst and the oxidizing agent was optimized in a 23 experimental design and a kinetic study of the reactions was performed in the selected conditions. The experimental data were fitted to the pseudo-first-order model (rate constants estimated at 0.0129 ± 0.0009 and 0.0079 ± 0.0006 min−1 for the systems with TiO2 in suspension and immobilized, respectively). Artificial neural networks were also employed to model the experimental data and they presented correlation coefficients superior to 0.98 in all the training operations. After five cycles of degradation, the TiO2–aluminum meshes exhibited a very low decrease in photocatalytic activity (inferior to 2%). Acute phytotoxicity assays demonstrated that the byproducts of the oxidation of TBEP molecules are less toxic than the raw samples regarding lettuce seeds. For both TiO2 systems, COD decreased considerably as a consequence of the degradation. The immobilized TiO2 system achieved similar degradation rates when compared with the suspension system.
An Overview of Prospective Drugs for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Wu Ping , Liu Zhenyu , Jiang Xiaohong , Fang Hao
Published: October 2019

Aims:

The aim of this study is to provide an overview of several emerging anti-diabetic molecules.

Background:

Diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder involving the dysregulation of glucose homeostasis at various levels. Insulin, which is produced by β-pancreatic cells, is a chief regulator of glucose metabolism, regulating its consumption within cells, which leads to energy generation or storage as glycogen. Abnormally low insulin secretion from β-cells, insulin insensitivity, and insulin tolerance lead to higher plasma glucose levels, resulting in metabolic complications. The last century has witnessed extraordinary efforts by the scientific community to develop anti-diabetic drugs, and these efforts have resulted in the discovery of exogenous insulin and various classes of oral anti-diabetic drugs.

Objective:

Despite these exhaustive anti-diabetic pharmaceutical and therapeutic efforts, long-term glycemic control, hypoglycemic crisis, safety issues, large-scale economic burden and side effects remain the core problems.

Method:

The last decade has witnessed the development of various new classes of anti-diabetic drugs with different pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. Details of their FDA approvals and advantages/disadvantages are summarized in this review.

Results:

The salient features of insulin degludec, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, glucokinase activators, fibroblast growth factor 21 receptor agonists, and GLP-1 agonists are discussed.

Conclusion :

In the future, these new anti-diabetic drugs may have broad clinical applicability. Additional multicenter clinical studies on these new drugs should be conducted.
Strategies Targeting Soluble β-Amyloid Oligomers and their Application to Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Zeng Fantian , Li Yuyan , Xu Yungen , Yang Jian , Liu Zhengshi , Li Xiaofang , Ren Longfei
Published: October 2019

Background:

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder,
and it is still incurable. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for delaying the onset and progression
of the disease. Mounting evidence indicates that the neurotoxic effects might be attributed to Soluble
β-Amyloid Oligomers (SAβO). The SAβO are believed to be neurotoxic peptides more predominant
than Aβ plaques in the early stage, and their key role in AD is self-evident. Unfortunately, identification
of SAβO proves to be difficult due to their heterogeneous and transient nature. In spite of many obstacles,
multiple techniques have recently been developed to target SAβO effectively. This review focuses
on the recent progress in the approaches towards SAβO detection in order to shed some light on the future
development of SAβO assays.

Methods :

Literatures were obtained from the following libraries: Web of Science, PubMed, EPO, SIPO,
USPTO. Articles were critically reviewed based on their titles, abstracts, and contents.

Results:

A total of 85 papers are referenced in the review. Results are divided into three categories
based on the types of detection methods: small molecule fluorescence probes, oligomer-specific antibodies
and electrochemical biosensors. Finally, the improvements and challenges of these approaches applied
in the early diagnosis of AD were discussed.

Conclusion:

This review article covers three kinds of strategies that could be translated into clinic practice
and lead to earlier diagnosis and therapeutic interventions of AD.
Chirality of Central Nervous System (CNS) Acting Drugs: A Formidable Therapeutic Hurdle Against CNS Diseases
Authors: Saganuwan Saganuwan Alhaji
Published: October 2019

Background:

Over fifty percent of drugs being used clinically are chiral and 90% of them are racemates. Unfortunately, they have both adverse and beneficial effects on body systems.

Methods:

Because of the erratic effects of chiral compounds on body functional systems, literature search was carried out with a view to identify CNS chiral drugs, their clinical advantages and disadvantages, unique physicochemical properties and structural modifications into safer drugs.

Results:

Findings have shown that majority of CNS and non-CNS acting drugs have chiral functional groups that may occur as either dextrorotatory (clockwise) or levorotatory (anticlockwise) or racemates which are inert. Sometimes, the enantiomers (optical isomers) could undergo keto-enol tautomerism, appearing in either acidic or basic or inert form. Chiral CNS acting drugs have agonistic and antagonistic effects, clinical advantages, disadvantages, and special clinical applications, possible modifications for better therapeutic effects and possible synthesis of more potent drugs from racemates. Clockwise chirality may be more effective and safer than the drugs with anticlockwise chirality. When chiral drugs are in racemate state they become inert and may be safer than when they are single. Also, diastereoisomers may be more dangerous than stereoisomers.

Conclusion:

Therefore, chiral compounds should be adequately studied in lab rodents and primates, and their mechanisms of actions should be comprehensively understood before being used in clinical setting. Since many of them are toxic, their use should be based on principle of individualized medicine. Their molecular weights, functional groups, metabolites, polymers and stereoisomers could be valuable tools for their modifications.
Guanine Content of MicroRNAs is Associated with their Tumor- Suppressive and Oncogenic Roles in Lung and Breast Cancers
Authors: Cohen Amit , Burgos-Aceves Mario Alberto , Smith Yoav
Published: October 2019

Background:

microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are small noncoding RNAs that negatively
regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and fine-tune gene functions. Global repression
of miRNAs expression in different types of human tumors, after exposure to cigarette smoke, or
to the hormone estrogen, have been shown to be associated with guanine (G) enrichment in the terminal
Loops (TLs) of their precursors.

Methods:

We integrated the G content of miRNA mature forms and precursor miRNA TLs with their
described function in the literature, using the PubMed database. Gene Ontology term analysis was
used to describe the pathways in which the G-enriched miRNA targets are involved.

Results :

Herein, we show an association between the relative G enrichment of precursor miRNAs’
TLs and their tendency to act as tumor suppressor miRs in human lung and breast cancers. Another
association was observed between the high G content of the miRNAs 5-mature forms and their tendency
to act as oncomiRs.

Conclusion:

: The results support previous findings showing that the G sequence content is an important
feature determining miRNA expression and function, and opens the way for future cancer investigations
in this direction.
Radiology patient dosage monitoring for local diagnostic reference level
Authors: Suryatika Ida Bagus Made , Sutapa Gusti Ngurah , Kasmawan I Gde Antha
Published: October 2019

The utilization of radiation for health in Indonesia shows a significant increase, it can be seen from the increasing number of modalities of ionizing radiation sources used and the types of medical actions carried out with the help of radiation. The use of radiation must be monitored to ensure the protection and safety of workers, patients, and the community. In Government Regulation No. 33/2007 which regulates radiation safety for workers, the community and the environment, it can be seen that one of the protection requirements that must be met in the utilization of radiation is the optimization of radiation protection and safety. In diagnostic and interventional radiology, optimization can be interpreted as an attempt to make the dose received by patients as low as possible while maintaining optimum image quality. In this study, the effort to optimize patient dose is carried out on general radiography with the application of Si-INTAN (National Patient Dose Data Information System).
The effect of guided inquiry learning methods on learning outcomes in terms of learning motivation of fourth grade students the theme of my ideals
Authors: Hasanah Nikmatun
Published: October 2019

Abstrak: This study aims to describe the effect of guided inquiry learning methods on learning outcomes in terms of learning motivation of fourth grade students on the theme of my dreams. This research is a quasi-experimental study with the design of a non-equivalent control group. The population in this study was all of the fourth grade of SDN Jember Lor 02 in the 2018/2019 school year which consisted of two classes namely IVA and IVB. The experimental class and control class samples were determined by drawing, so the experimental classes IVA and IVB control classes were obtained. Data was collected using tests and questionnaires. The validity of the test instruments and questionnaires was obtained by using the product moment correlation formula, while the reliability test was obtained using the Cronbach Alpha formula assisted by SPSS version 16. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) type two way analysis of variance with a significance level of 5%. The results showed that: 1) there was a positive and significant influence of the use of guided inquiry learning methods on student learning outcomes of high motivation groups, and 2) there was a positive and significant effect of the use of guided inquiry learning methods on low motivation group student learning outcomes. Pengaruh metode pembelajaran inkuiri terbimbing terhadap hasil belajar ditinjau dari motivasi belajar siswa kelas iv tema cita-citakuAbstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan pengaruh metode pembelajaran inkuiri terbimbing terhadap hasil belajar ditinjau dari motivasi belajar siswa kelas IV dengan tema cita-citaku. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian quasi experiment dengan desain non-equivalent control group. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh kelas IV SDN Jember Lor 02 pada tahun pelajaran 2018/2019 yang terdiri dari dua kelas yaitu kelas IVA dan IVB. Sampel kelas eksperimen dan kelas kontrol ditentukan melalui pengundian, sehingga diperoleh kelas eksperimen IVA dan kelas kontrol IVB. Data dikumpulkan menggunakan tes dan angket. Validitas instrumen tes dan angket diperoleh dengan menggunakan rumus korelasi product moment, sedangkan uji reliabilitasnya diperoleh dengan menggunakan rumus Alpha Cronbach berbantuan SPSS versi 16. Data dianalisis menggunakan uji ANOVA (Analysis of Varians) jenis two way analysis of varians dengan taraf signifikansi 5%. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: 1) terdapat pengaruh positif dan signifikan penggunaan metode pembelajaran inkuiri terbimbing terhadap hasil belajar siswa kelompok motivasi tinggi, dan 2) terdapat pengaruh positif dan signifikan penggunaan metode pembelajaran inkuiri terbimbing terhadap hasil belajar siswa kelompok motivasi rendah.
A Patient Decision Aid App for Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: Questionnaire Study
Authors: Therkildsen Signe Bülow , Hansen Linda Houlind , Jensen Laura Emilie Dinesen , Finderup Jeanette
Published: October 2019

Background

The Dialysis Guide (DG) is a patient decision aid (PDA) available as an app and developed for mobile phones for patients with chronic kidney disease facing the decision about dialysis modality.

Objective

The aim of this study was to uncover the applicability of the DG as a PDA.

Methods

The respondents completed a questionnaire before and after using the DG. The respondents' decisional conflicts were examined using the Decisional Conflict Scale, and the usability of the app was examined using the System Usability Scale (SUS). The change in decisional conflict was determined with a paired t test.

Results

A total of 22 respondents participated and their mean age was 65.05 years; 20 out of 22 (90%) had attended a patient school for kidney disease, and 13 out of 22 (59%) had participated in a conversation about dialysis choice with a health professional. After using the DG, the respondents' decisional conflicts were reduced, though the reduction was not statistically significant (P=.49). The mean SUS score was 66.82 (SD 14.54), corresponding to low usability.

Conclusions

The DG did not significantly reduce decisional conflict, though the results indicate that it helped the respondents decide on dialysis modality. Attending a patient school and having a conversation about dialysis modality choice with a health professional is assumed to have had an impact on the decisional conflict before using the DG. The usability of the DG was not found to be sufficient, which might be caused by the respondents’ average age. Thus, the applicability of the DG cannot be definitively determined.
Effect of Brief Biofeedback via a Smartphone App on Stress Recovery: Randomized Experimental Study
Authors: Hunter John F , Olah Meryl S , Williams Allison L , Parks Acacia C , Pressman Sarah D
Published: October 2019

Background

Smartphones are often vilified for negatively influencing well-being and contributing to stress. However, these devices may, in fact, be useful in times of stress and, in particular, aid in stress recovery. Mobile apps that deliver evidence-based techniques for stress reduction, such as heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) training, hold promise as convenient, accessible, and effective stress-reducing tools. Numerous mobile health apps that may potentially aid in stress recovery are available, but very few have demonstrated that they can influence health-related physiological stress parameters (eg, salivary biomarkers of stress). The ability to recover swiftly from stress and reduce physiological arousal is particularly important for long-term health, and thus, it is imperative that evidence is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of stress-reducing mobile health apps in this context.

Objective

The purpose of this research was to investigate the physiological and psychological effects of using a smartphone app for HRVB training following a stressful experience. The efficacy of the gamified Breather component of the Happify mobile health app was examined in an experimental setting.

Methods

In this study, participants (N=140) underwent a laboratory stressor and were randomly assigned to recover in one of three ways: with no phone present, with a phone present, with the HRBV game. Those in the no phone condition had no access to their phone. Those in the phone present condition had their phone but did not use it. Those in the HRVB game condition used the serious game Breather on the Happify app. Stress recovery was assessed via repeated measures of salivary alpha amylase, cortisol, and self-reported acute stress (on a 1-100 scale).

Results

Participants in the HRVB game condition had significantly lower levels of salivary alpha amylase during recovery than participants in the other conditions (F2,133=3.78, P=.03). There were no significant differences among the conditions during recovery for salivary cortisol levels or self-reported stress.

Conclusions

These results show that engaging in a brief HRVB training session on a smartphone reduces levels of salivary alpha amylase following a stressful experience, providing preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of Breather in improving physiological stress recovery. Given the known ties between stress recovery and future well-being, this study provides a possible mechanism by which gamified biofeedback apps may lead to better health.
Patient-Reported Outcome Measures of Utilizing Person-Generated Health Data in the Case of Simulated Stroke Rehabilitation: Development Method (Preprint)
Authors: Dimaguila Gerardo Luis , Gray Kathleen , Merolli Mark
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Person-generated health data (PGHD) are health data that people generate, record, and analyze for themselves. Although the health benefits of PGHD use have been reported, there is no systematic way for patients to measure and report the health effects they experience from using their PGHD. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) allow patients to systematically self-report their outcomes of a health care service. They generate first-hand evidence of the impact of health care services and are able to reflect the real-world diversity of actual patients and management approaches. Therefore, this paper argues that a PROM of utilizing PGHD, or PROM-PGHD, is necessary to help build evidence-based practice in clinical work with PGHD.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to describe a method for developing PROMs for people who are using PGHD in conjunction with their clinical care—PROM-PGHD, and the method is illustrated through a case study.

METHODS

The five-step qualitative item review (QIR) method was augmented to guide the development of a PROM-PGHD. However, using QIR as a guide to develop a PROM-PGHD requires additional socio-technical consideration of the PGHD and the health technologies from which they are produced. Therefore, the QIR method is augmented for developing a PROM-PGHD, resulting in the PROM-PGHD development method.

RESULTS

A worked example was used to illustrate how the PROM-PGHD development method may be used systematically to develop PROMs applicable across a range of PGHD technology types used in relation to various health conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper describes and illustrates a method for developing a PROM-PGHD, which may be applied to many different cases of health conditions and technology categories. When applied to other cases of health conditions and technology categories, the method could have broad relevance for evidence-based practice in clinical work with PGHD.
The Mobile Health App Trustworthiness Checklist: Usability Assessment (Preprint)
Authors: van Haasteren Afua , Vayena Effy , Powell John
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

The mobile health (mHealth) app trustworthiness (mHAT) checklist was created to identify end users’ opinions on the characteristics of trustworthy mHealth apps and to communicate this information to app developers. To ensure that the checklist is suited for all relevant stakeholders, it is necessary to validate its contents.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of the mHAT checklist by modifying its contents according to ratings and suggestions from stakeholders familiar with the process of developing, managing, or curating mHealth apps.

METHODS

A 44-item online survey was administered to relevant stakeholders. The survey was largely comprised of the mHAT checklist items, which respondents rated on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from completely disagree (1) to completely agree (5).

RESULTS

In total, seven professional backgrounds were represented in the survey: administrators (n=6), health professionals (n=7), information technology personnel (n=6), managers (n=2), marketing personnel (n=3), researchers (n=5), and user experience researchers (n=8). Aside from one checklist item—“the app can inform end users about errors in measurements”—the combined positive ratings (ie, completely agree and agree) of the checklist items overwhelmingly exceeded the combined negative ratings (ie, completely disagree and disagree). Meanwhile, two additional items were included in the checklist: (1) business or funding model of the app and (2) details on app uninstallation statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the mHAT checklist is a valuable resource for a broad range of stakeholders to develop trustworthy mHealth apps. Future studies should examine if the checklist works best for certain mHealth apps or in specific settings.
Locating Medical and Recreational Cannabis Outlets for Research Purposes: Online Methods and Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Pedersen Eric R , Firth Caislin , Parker Jennifer , Shih Regina A , Davenport Steven , Rodriguez Anthony , Dunbar Michael S , Kraus Lisa , Tucker Joan S , D'Amico Elizabeth J
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

An increasing number of states have laws for the legal sale of recreational and medical cannabis out of brick-and-mortar storefront locations. Given the proliferation of cannabis outlets and their potential for impact on local economies, neighborhood structures, and individual patterns of cannabis use, it is essential to create practical and thorough methods to capture the location of such outlets for research purposes. However, methods used by researchers vary greatly between studies and often do not include important information about the retailer’s license status and storefront signage.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to find methods for locating and observing cannabis outlets in Los Angeles County after the period when recreational cannabis retailers were granted licenses and allowed to be open for business.

METHODS

The procedures included searches of online cannabis outlet databases, followed by methods to verify each outlet’s name, address, license information, and open status. These procedures, conducted solely online, resulted in a database of 531 outlets. To further verify each outlet’s information and collect signage data, we conducted direct observations of the 531 identified outlets.

RESULTS

We found that 80.9% (430/531) of these outlets were open for business, of which 37.6% (162/430) were licensed to sell cannabis. Unlicensed outlets were less likely to have signage indicating the store sold cannabis, such as a green cross, which was the most prevalent form of observed signage. Co-use of cannabis and tobacco/nicotine has been found to be a substantial health concern, and we observed that 40.6% (175/430) of cannabis outlets had a tobacco/nicotine outlet within sight of the cannabis outlet. Most (350/430, 81.4%) cannabis outlets were located within the City of Los Angeles, and these outlets were more likely to be licensed than outlets outside the city.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest that online searches and observational methods are both necessary to best capture accurate and detailed information about cannabis outlets. The methods described here can be applied to other metropolitan areas to more accurately capture the availability of cannabis in an area.
ANTI-ULCER ACTIVITY OF HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF PIPER BETLE LEAF ON EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS
Authors: URMISTHA SARKAR  , ANKIT SAHA  , MRITYUNJOY MAJUMDAR
Published: October 2019

Objective: The main objective of this study is to establish the anti-ulcer activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Piper betle leaf on experimental animals based on previously existing aspects such as antioxidant, antihistaminic, and antimicrobial properties of P. betle leaf.

Methods: The leaves were collected, shed dried, and extracted by the Soxhlet apparatus using 70% ethanol. The anti-ulcer activity of the extract was evaluated in albino Wistar rats employing pyloric ligation and stress-induced antiulcer models. Ranitidine was served as a standard drug in both the models. The significance of activity was assessed using a one-way analysis of variance followed by Dunnett’s post-parametric test.

Results: In the pyloric ligation model, the untreated control has shown 4.3 mEq/l of acidity, whereas the ranitidine-treated standard group shown 2 mEq/l and P. betle has shown 2.5 mEq/l acidity, respectively. In the stress-induced antiulcer model, the activity was more prominent, in the untreated control, there was 26 number of sores present, whereas the standard group showed only one number of ulcer sore, and in the P. betle treated group, there was four number of ulcer sores present.

Conclusion: In the present study, P. betle exhibited potent antiulcer potential while compared with the untreated control and the activity is comparable with standard ranitidine. From the above findings, it can correlate the use of betel leaf as a digesting or gastroprotective agent.
COCRYSTALS: A COMPLETE REVIEW ON CONVENTIONAL AND NOVEL METHODS OF ITS FORMATION AND ITS EVALUATION
Authors: BIJAY KUMAR YADAV  , ATIF KHURSHEED  , RATTAN DEEP SINGH
Published: October 2019

The active moiety with poor solubility is posing a challenge in drug development which may reduce the effectiveness in patients when administered orally. Cocrystal formation is one of the latest approaches for improving the various parameters of a drug molecule such as solubility, melting point, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and bioavailability. Cocrystals are crystalline single state materials composed of two or more than two different molecular amalgams held together in a fixed stoichiometric ratio. There are various techniques used for the preparation of cocrystals such as solvent evaporation, grinding, and cooling crystallization. The quantitative and qualitative aspects of these cocrystals are evaluated using various validated instruments such as nuclear magnetic resonance, powder X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry.
RELATED SUBSTANCE METHOD DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF LOXAPINE SUCCINATE IN CAPSULE DOSAGE FORM BY REVERSE PHASE HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: KHUSHBU A THAKOR  , PASHA TY
Published: October 2019

Objective: The present study gives a simple, rapid, and accurate stability indicating reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography method for the determination of loxapine succinate and its related substance (related compound A) in capsule dosage form.

Methods: Loxapine succinate and its related substance were attained on a C18 Purospher star (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm particle size) column at 254 nm detection wavelength, 1.0 ml/min as a flow rate, and 10 μl injection volume. Water:methanol: Triethylamine: Tetrahydrofuran (50:40:1:10) was used a mobile phase, and column oven temperature was 30°C.

Results: The resolution between loxapine succinate and known unknown impurities was >2.0. The correlation coefficient (0.999) value indicates the linear relationship between the concentration and peak areas. The accuracy study was performed by spiking method. Loxapine succinate was exposed to the stress condition of hydrolysis (acid and base), oxidative, thermal, and photolytic degradation. Loxapine succinate was found to degrade unquestionably in acid and base stress condition and almost stable in oxidative, thermal, and photolytic conditions.

Conclusion: The degradant products were well resolved from leading peak and its related compound A peak and any other unknown peak justifying the stability indicating capability of the method. The developed method was validated as per the ICH guidelines. This method is used for periodic analysis in laboratory.
HELICHRYSUM CYMOSUM (L.) D.DON (ASTERACEAE): MEDICINAL USES, CHEMISTRY, AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES
Authors: ALFRED MAROYI
Published: October 2019

Helichrysum cymosum is a valuable and well-known medicinal plant in tropical Africa. The current study critically reviewed the medicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of H. cymosum. Information on medicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of H. cymosum, was collected from multiple internet sources which included Scopus, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, SciFinder, and BMC. Additional information was gathered from pre-electronic sources such as journal articles, scientific reports, theses, books, and book chapters obtained from the University library. This study showed that H. cymosum is traditionally used as a purgative, ritual incense, and magical purposes and as herbal medicine for colds, cough, fever, headache, and wounds. Ethnopharmacological research revealed that H. cymosum extracts and compounds isolated from the species have antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal, antiviral, anti-HIV, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, and cytotoxicity activities. This research showed that H. cymosum is an integral part of indigenous pharmacopeia in tropical Africa, but there is lack of correlation between medicinal uses and existing pharmacological properties of the species. Therefore, future research should focus on evaluating the chemical and pharmacological properties of H. cymosum extracts and compounds isolated from the species.
The NANOSPONGES: AN INNOVATIVE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM
Authors: SIMRANJOT KAUR  , SANDEEP KUMAR
Published: October 2019

For prolonged time there is a delusion for efficacious targeted drug delivery system, but the chemistry hold complex form had made situations thorny, but the development of new colloidal carrier called nanosponges (NSs) likely circumvent these problems. NSs are the nanoporous particles that can entangle a huge range of material and then be engulfed into a suitable formulation depend on the route of administration. They prevent the drug-protein degradation, lengthen the drug release in a controlled manner, and release the medicament to the target site. They can travel around the body and attach on the surface and liberate the drug in a controlled and predictable manner at the specific target site. They are fine aqueous solubility which makes them a bearer for low water-soluble drugs. Drugs having low bioavailability are best suited for this type of carrier system. Both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs can be included in NSs. Particle size can change from smaller to bigger by varying the amount of crosslinker to the polymer. Various applications of NSs such as recovering bioavailability of active ingredient molecule and delivery of active ingredient into oral, topical, parenteral, and nasal route make them a superior candidate for targeted delivery of drugs. It can be used as a shipper for biocatalysts in the transport and release of enzymes, proteins, vaccines, and antibodies. They can be prepared by different methods such as emulsion solvent diffusion method, melt method, ultrasound-assisted method, Quasi emulsion solvent diffusion method. This analysis is focusing on the advantages, formulation, evaluation, application, and patent report of the NSs.
A CASE OF ANAL FISTULA TREATED BY INDIVIDUALIZED HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE
Authors: ABHIJIT DUTTA
Published: October 2019

Objective: Anal fistula is one of the most frequent problems to encounter in clinical practice. In the conventional system of medicine, medication has a minimal role and surgery is the only option. An alternative and gentle treatment plan are always warranted not only for the symptom complex presents in it but also for preventing further complications.

Methods: This is the case of a patient presented with pain, offensive discharge and itching near anus for last three months. Afterwards, he was diagnosed as a case of anal fistula based on peculiar history and physical examinations. Treatment was started prospectively following strict homoeopathic principles and follow-ups done in suitable intervals for about four months.

Result: A marked improvement was noted gradually in different visits and a marked resolution after the complete the course of the treatment.

Discussion: Rationale of the case report is to show the effective management of such cases with proper homoeopathic treatment.
Clinical and economic outcomes of ProGlide compared with surgical repair of large bore arterial access
Authors: Schneider Darren B , Krajcer Zvonimir , Bonafede Machaon , Thoma Elizabeth , Hasegawa James , Bhounsule Prajakta , Thiel Ellen
Published: October 2019

Aim:
This study compared real-world complication rates, hospitalization duration and costs, among patients undergoing arterial repair using the Perclose ProGlide (ProGlide) versus surgical cutdown (Cutdown).
Materials & methods:
Retrospective study of matched patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement/repair, endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, thoracic endovascular aortic repair or balloon aortic valvuloplasty with arterial repair by either ProGlide or Cutdown between 1 January 2013 and 24 April 2017.
Results:
Infections and blood transfusions were lower in the ProGlide cohort. Patients in the ProGlide cohort had a 42.5% shorter index hospitalization, which corresponded to US$14,687 lower costs.
Conclusion:
The use of ProGlide for arterial repair was associated with significantly lower transfusion rates, shorter index hospitalization and lower hospitalization costs compared with surgical cutdown.
Effects of Increased Pork Hot Carcass Weights. II: Loin Quality Characteristics and Palatability Ratings
Authors: Rice Emily A. , Lerner Annie B. , Olson Brittany A. , Prill Lauren L. , Drey Lindsey N. , Price Hannah E. , Lowell Jessica E. , Harsh Bailey N. , Barkley Kayla E. , Honegger Lauren T. , Richardson Elaine , Woodworth Jason C. , Gonzalez John M. , Tokach Mike D. , DeRouchey Joel M. , Dritz Steve S. , Goodband Robert D. , Allerson Matt W. , Fields Brandon , Shackelford Steven D. , King David A. , Wheeler Tommy L. , Dilger Anna C. , Boler Dustin D. , O’Quinn Travis G.
Published: October 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of increased pork hot carcass weight on loin quality and palatability of top loin chops. Pork loins (N = 200) were collected from 4 different hot carcass weight groups: A light weight (LT; less than 111.8 kg), medium-light weight (MLT; 111.8 to 119.1 kg), medium-heavy weight (MHVY; 119.1 to 124.4), and a heavyweight group (HVY; 124.4 and greater). Following fabrication, chops were assigned to fat and moisture analysis, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), consumer sensory panels, or trained sensory panels. Chops from the HVY group were rated as more (P < 0.05) tender compared to chops from the LT carcasses. Additionally, chops from the HVY weight group had greater (P < 0.05) consumer overall like ratings compared to chops from both the LT and MLT groups. Carcass weight did not affect (P > 0.05) consumer flavor liking ratings. Hot carcass weight treatment did not contribute (P > 0.05) to the percentage of chops rated acceptable for flavor and overall liking. The greatest (P < 0.05) percentage of samples were rated acceptable for juiciness for chops from the HVY weight group, and the lowest (P < 0.05) percentage of acceptable ratings for tenderness were for chops from the LT weight group. Both initial and sustained juiciness from MHVY carcasses were rated as more (P < 0.05) juicy compared to chops from both MLT and LT carcasses by trained sensory panelists. Additionally, chops from the LT carcasses had the lowest (P < 0.05) myofibrillar tenderness ratings. Chops from MHVY and HVY carcasses were similar (P > 0.05), with greater (P < 0.05) overall tenderness ratings compared to chops from LT carcasses. These results indicate chops from heavier weight carcasses may have improved tenderness and juiciness compared to chops from lighter carcasses.
O Processo Coletivo: primeiras impressões para a construção de uma nova dogmática processual
Authors: Moraes Alexandre Rocha Almeida de , Costa Rafael de Oliveira
Published: October 2019

Como decorrência da coletivização dos litígios em âmbito penal e do descompasso com a tutela processual, exsurge uma nova área do conhecimento, denominada Direito Processual Penal Coletivo, instrumento do qual se vale o Estado para a imposição de sanção penal ao autor do fato delituoso que viola bens jurídico-penais coletivos, devendo primar pelo respeito aos direitos fundamentais e pela efetividade do sistema criminal. O presente artigo pretende problematizar questões que demandam a construção de um novo modelo de dogmática processual penal, seja inspirada no processo civil coletivo, seja sob a ótica dos litígios estruturais, além de discutir o papel do Ministério Público na atuação criminal coletiva.