bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A experiência brasileira em segurança alimentar e o trabalho do Centro de Excelência contra a fome do Programa Mundial de Alimentos
Authors: Figueiredo Nicole
Published: October 2018

Este trabalho tem como objetivo inicial, descrever e analisar de que forma a experiência brasileira de combate à fome e à pobreza se tornou exemplo mundial, inspirando países da África, América Latina e Ásia a implementarem programas semelhantes. Em especial, busca-se explorar o trabalho do Centro de Excelência contra a Fome do Programa Mundial de Alimentos (PMA/WFP – World Food Programme) da Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU) na realização de cooperações técnicas Sul-Sul, neste mesmo âmbito de combate à fome e à pobreza frente à teoria da Policy Transfer, e também analisar quais têm sido os desafios e os resultados alcançados em curto prazo, desde 2011 até o ano de 2016, sobre a implementação dessas políticas em outros territórios, analisando o caso de um país em específico, Ruanda, a fim de entender como vem ocorrendo o desenvolvimento dos projetos auxiliados pelo Centro de Excelência contra a Fome neste país. Para tanto, foram examinados documentos oficiais disponíveis nas páginas eletrônicas da ONU, do governo brasileiro e do governo de Ruanda, além de declarações de fóruns e encontros internacionais. Foram realizadas duas entrevistas com o Diretor do Centro de Excelência contra a Fome e com a Gerente de Cooperação Sul-Sul Trilateral com Organismos Internacionais da Agência Brasileira de Cooperação (ABC), além de uma análise bibliográfica selecionada sobre o tema. Após descrever e analisar os fatos expostos no artigo, conclui-se a importância que o Centro de Excelência contra a Fome tem tido no auxílio à disseminação de boas práticas brasileiras e, portanto, no combate à fome no mundo, e como sua existência tem sido fator determinante para que diversos países tenham acesso à este conhecimento e a este apoio.
Padrões de consumo alimentar baseados no orçamento das famílias na região metropolitana de São Paulo
Authors: Camargo Davi Augusto , Satolo Luiz Fernando
Published: October 2018

Os padrões alimentares fornecem dados de frequência alimentar e de consumo, permitindo avaliar a dieta com base no orçamento das famílias analisadas. Os microdados analisados são fornecidos pela Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares – POF 2008/2009, incluindo 16 grupos de alimentos. Foi utilizada a Análise Fatorial Exploratória para a análise dos microdados, os quais foram ponderados pelo fator de expansão, representando a população do respectivo nível de renda analisado. Os níveis de renda A e B apresentaram padrão de consumo alimentar voltado para alimentos saudáveis e de origem vegetal; o padrão de consumo do nível de renda C não compreende grande parte dos alimentos de origem vegetal; o nível de renda D teve padrão baseado em produtos animais; o nível de renda E teve como padrão os produtos processados e de consumo rápido. Os níveis de renda diferentes apresentam padrões de consumo de alimentos distintos, sendo esses padrões mais homogêneos em classes de renda mais baixas.
A RELEVÂNCIA DO MÉRITO ADMINISTRATIVO NO CONTROLE JUDICIAL DE POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS
Authors: Pinto Felipe Chiarello de Souza , Dos Santos Larissa Dias Puerta , Longuini Mayara Ferrari
Published: October 2018

Revisitando a compreensão doutrinária a respeito da discricionariedade dos atos administrativos exarados pela Administração Pública, bem como o possível controle, interno e externo, à que estes mencionados atos estão sujeitos, pretende-se esclarecer os elementos aptos a diferenciar as espécies de atos administrativos expedidos pela Administração Pública e classificados pela doutrina atual. O presente artigo foi elaborado no sentido de proceder à uma revisão bibliográfica da atuação administrativa pública que visa atingir os interesses públicos da sociedade. Diferenciando as espécies de atos administrativos, pretende-se efetuar a classificação deles. Demonstra as formas de controle passíveis de serem realizadas para os atos expedidos pela Administração Pública, visando a melhor gestão administrativa possível. No intuito de condensar opiniões específicas sobre o tema abordado, pauta-se na compreensão efetuada por administrativistas demonstrando que, ao revés do que se acredita, especificamente na temática dos atos administrativos, os pensadores da área estão, em sua maioria, defendendo um mesmo ponto de vista. Encerra o ensaio com a compreensão de que as Políticas Públicas governamentais são implementadas por intermédio de atos administrativos, e que a constante judicialização desta temática, em verdade, acaba por implicar no atual protagonismo do Poder Judiciário acerca desta questão.
Some estimates of the book collection accession dynamics in the Library on Natural Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Authors: Kalenov N. E.
Published: October 2018

The paper analyzes data on the flow of non-periodical publications entering the collections of the Centralized Library System headed by the Library for Natural Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences (LNS RAS). The analysis is carried on for a five-year interval (2013-2017). It gives the general annual quantitative characteristics of domestic and foreign publications acquisition. The author shows a sharp drop in the number of incoming foreign, as well as translated publications, on natural sciences. The article presents the efficiency analysis of receipting publications on a legal copy (LC), which shows that the efficiency (a share of publications for the current year in LC flows), although slightly increasing over the past year, remains rather low. Publications of 2017 not received by LNS RAS in the LC flow have been identified, and their reconciliation with the Russian State Library catalog has been carried out.
Book-trade networks in Siberia and the Far East: the initiation history, present state and development trends (part 1)
Authors: Alshevskaya O. N.
Published: October 2018

Based on the analysis of publications of scholars and book practitioners the author formulates main features and definition of the bookselling network as a set of wholesale, wholesale-retail and retail bookselling enterprises under common management (a single management center and unified management principles), which sell the similar book and accompanying assortment of goods and services for personal and public (library) consumption to get profit. The world largest, having no analogues to date, national bookselling network was the unified state centralized system of the USSR State Printing Committee, which included 3,763 stores in 1988. After its disintegration in 1996-2000, the federal, regional and local bookselling networks started forming both in the center of Russia and in regions on other principles and in other ways. The phenomenon of the Russian book market at the turn of the XX and XXI centuries was a wholesale and retail book-selling company «Top-book» (1995-2011). The company built a system of logistics centers, developed and implemented various formats of the retail distribution network. By 2010, the «Top-Book» had over 500 stores in more than 230 Russian cities and sold above 3 million books a month. At the same time, the company's unprecedented pace of development required organizational changes: improving manageability, optimizing the budget expenditure part by reducing costs. The impossibility to solve the problems led the company to bankruptcy in 2011. The largest federal bookstore network enterprise in Russia by 2017 is the integrated retail network «Chitai-gorod» - «Bukvoed» over 528 enterprises in 167 cities of Russia. There are 55 stores in 21 cities of Siberia and the Far East. But the most significant for the regional book market is the activity of bookselling associations established in Siberia and the Far East. Mostly there are networks created by booksellers in the region, but publishing and book-selling holdings («Bichik», «Apex», «Novaya kniga», etc.) form networks to sale their own printed products as well.
Website users’ segmentation to promote library resources and services
Authors: Rykhtorova A. E. , Udartseva O. M.
Published: October 2018

The article is devoted to the review of the effectiveness main indicators to promote library resources and services related to the intended target audience evidently for the State Public Scientific Technological Library of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SPSTL SB RAS) website. To consider a number of indicators for creating a simplified EMO (electronic marketing orientation) model of an organization, the authors attempt to track the ratio of users belonging to the intended target audience, with the overall activity of Russian users.
Performance Enhancement of Solar Photovoltaic Panels using Air-water Mixture and Sustainable Solutions to Off-Grid Electrification
Authors: Najeeb Nithin Sha , Soori Prashant Kumar , Al Madanat Iyad
Published: October 2018

Solar Energy has enormous potential to fulfill the energy requirements of the world and can be extracted using solar cells. However, the solar cells are affected by poor efficiency and further affected by wind speed, orientation of the panel, temperature and dust deposition. There are different cleaning technologies devised by many industry experts to clean the solar panels. However, they are facing drawbacks when deployed in the solar farm. An efficient cleaning system, along with an added cooling system must be devised, so that the solar panels must be cleaned and cooled often to maximize the energy production. This paper presents a low-cost, energy-efficient, smart and innovative dust cleaning and cooling system for Photovoltaic (PV) Panels. The system is designed, fabricated, fully-automated using Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and tested successfully. A battery-charging kiosk, capable of charging two, 24V Lead Acid Batteries embedded within this prototype, shall provide clean-energy in a sustainable manner to the rural communities of the developing nations. The user can check the status of the battery such as battery voltage, battery temperature, and state of charge on the Human Machine Interface (HMI) panel while charging the batteries
On Plastic Dislocation Density Tensor
Authors: Sun Bohua
Published: October 2018

This letter attempts to clarify an issue regarding the proper definition of plastic dislocation density tensor. This study shows that the Ortiz’s and Berdichevsky’s plastic dislocation density tensor are equivalent with each other, but not with Kondo’s one. To fix the problem, we propose a modified version of Kondo’s plastic dislocation density tensor.
Short-Time Propagators and the Born--Jordan Quantization Rule
Authors: de Gosson Maurice A.
Published: October 2018

We have shown in previous work that the equivalence of the Heisenberg and Schrödinger pictures of quantum mechanics requires the use of the Born and Jordan quantization rules. In the present work we give further evidence that the Born--Jordan rule is the correct quantization scheme for quantum mechanics. For this purpose we use correct short-time approximations to the action functional, initially due to Makri and Miller, and show that these lead to the desired quantization of the classical Hamiltonian.
Characterization of Profenofos Degrading Bacteria
Authors: Akhdiya Alina , Wartono Wartono , Sulaeman Eman , Samudra I Made
Published: October 2018

Bioremediation is an inexpensive, easy, and safe technology to rehabilitate agricultural land which is highly polluted with pesticides. The aims of this study were to isolate and characterize profenofos degrading bacteria isolated from Pangalengan soils. The isolation step was carried out by using spread plate method on Nitrate Mineral Salts (NMS) medium containing 100 ppm profenofos. The isolates were selected based on hypersensitive response (HR) and hemolytic test, and ability of the isolates to use and degrade profenofos. The selected isolates were characterized based on the sequence of 16 rRNA and detection of the α and β subunits of terminal deoxygenase and naphtalene dioxygenase encoded genes. Three isolates (CN26, CN44, and CN86), which could use profenofos as the exclusive C source, could degrade more than 86.75% profenofos containing growth medium. Based on the 16S rRNA sequences, the three isolates were closely related to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (99%), Comamonas terrigena (99%), and Pseudomonas sp. (80%). Pseudomonas CN44 consistenly showed high profenofos degradation activity of up to 91.2% when grown on NMS medium (pH 6.8) for 72 hours. β subunit dioxygenase encoding gene of the isolates were detected using primers Rf2-F/Rf2-R, but optimation of PCR is still needed to detect the α subunit of the gene. Naphtalene dioxygenase gene was detected only from Pseudomonas CN44 using the primer pair 301f/1099r. Based on its biodegradation capability and molecular characteristics, Pseudomonas CN44 is very potential to be developed as a bioremediating agent of profenofos.
Seasonal and Annual Topdressing Effects on Anthracnose of Annual Bluegrass
Authors: Wang Ruying , Hempfling James W. , Clarke Bruce B. , Murphy James A.
Published: October 2018

Core Ideas

Autumn topdressing reduced anthracnose of annual bluegrass.

Spring topdressing had a stronger effect on disease suppression than autumn topdressing.

Increasing annual topdressing linearly reduced anthracnose.

Sand topdressing applied to annual bluegrass [Poa annua L. f. reptans (Hausskn.) T. Koyama] putting greens during the spring and summer can reduce anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum cereale Manns sensu lato Crouch, Clarke, and Hillman. However, the effects of autumn topdressing on this disease and the annual quantity of sand required to suppress anthracnose are not known. A 3‐yr field study was initiated in 2010 to evaluate a 3 × 3 × 3 factorial of autumn, spring, and summer topdressing on anthracnose severity of annual bluegrass maintained at 2.8 mm. Autumn and spring topdressing was applied at 0, 1.2, or 2.4 L m−2 yr−1 and 0, 0.6, or 1.2 L m−2 yr−1 of sand was applied during summer. Linear and Cate‐Nelson models were used to evaluate the response of anthracnose to annual topdressing quantity. Spring topdressing caused the greatest reduction in disease. Autumn topdressing reduced disease early each year following application, while spring topdressing provided consistent disease suppression throughout the growing season. Summer topdressing rates, similar to those applied on golf courses, reduced disease only in 2012 (mid‐ to late summer). Additionally, modeling the disease response against annual topdressing quantity indicated that increasing topdressing up to 6.0 L m−2 yr−1 produced a linear reduction of anthracnose on annual bluegrass. Golf turf managers should recognize that autumn topdressing will aid in anthracnose suppression; however, spring applications are more effective when anthracnose is the management objective.
Stolon Development in Four Turf‐Type Perennial Ryegrass Cultivars
Authors: Pornaro Cristina , Menegon Alessandro , Macolino Stefano
Published: October 2018

Core Ideas

We demonstrate the presence of stolons in all studied cultivars.

‘Sienna’ showed more stolons than ‘RPR’ in terms of length and weight density.

‘Sienna’ reached higher stolon weight, but not length, density than ‘Pizzaz 2’.

Stolons were formed in April after the establishment, and rapidly increased in June.

The lower seeding rate favor production of stolons and their growth in diameter.

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is known as a non‐creeping, bunch‐type species. However, several studies documented the occurrence of a ‘stoloniferous’ or ‘rhizomatous’ habit in this species. This research aimed to study the stolon development in creeping (‘Sienna’ and ‘RPR’) and non‐creeping (‘Apple SGL’ and ‘Pizzaz 2’) type cultivars of perennial ryegrass seeded at three rates (10, 20, and 30 g m−2). Plots were seeded in September 2015 and from December 2015 to July 2017, two core samples (8 cm diameter and 5 cm depth) were collected from each plot every other month. Stolon length density, weight density, and average diameter were estimated, and the specific weight was calculated. Our results demonstrated the presence of stolons in all the tested cultivars. The cultivar ‘Sienna’ showed the highest stolon production followed by ‘Pizzaz 2’ and ‘Apple SGL,’ whereas ‘RPR’ displayed the lowest. The cultivars started to produce stolons in the spring of the first year after establishment, reached the highest level in late summer and maintained production until termination of the study. The lowest seeding rate favored stolon production and their growth in diameter as it produced the highest length density, specific weight, and average diameter.
Sowing Date in Egypt Affects Chia Seed Yield and Quality
Authors: Mack Laura , Munz Sebastian , Capezzone Filippo , Hofmann Angela , Piepho Hans‐Peter , Claupein Wilhelm , Graeff‐Hönninger Simone
Published: October 2018

Core Ideas

Bivariate linear mixed models should be used to estimate correlations between traits in designed experiments.

The fourth sowing date resulted in highest seed yield and harvest index with high PUFA/SFA ratio and content of PUFA and protein.

Under later sowing, protein content and saturated fatty acids increased whereas oil content and PUFA decreased.

Sowing chia in Egypt is recommended between the middle and end of September to achieve higher yields and good quality.

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) has recently been rediscovered as functional “superfood” for human nutrition. Chia is a short‐day plant and it naturally grows in tropical and subtropical environments. It can cope with water stress and thus could also be cultivated in arid regions. The aim of this study was to determine the suitable sowing date (SWD) for chia in Egypt. Therefore, the effect of six different sowing dates (August to October) on agronomic traits like seed yield (SY), plant height, seed yield per plant (SYP), harvest index (HI) and quality traits such as protein, oil, mucilage content, and fatty acid profile was evaluated. The last SWD resulted in a significantly lower SY (125.91 kg ha−1), HI (0.11), oil content (27.08%), content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (81.46%), and ratio of PUFA to saturated fatty acids (7.24), but higher thousand kernel weight (TKW) (1.51 g), protein content (26.03%), and higher content of saturated fatty acids (SFA) (8.21%) compared with the other SWDs. The maximum observed SY (664.94 kg ha−1) was recorded for SWD 4 (3 Oct. 2015). In this study, the thermal time at onset of flowering and the corresponding prevailing daylength showed a strong positive relationship for daylengths higher than 10.4 h that corresponded to about 600°C d (between SWD 5 and 6). Considering the obtained results and the possible risk of high temperature stress for very early sowings (SWD 1 and 2), sowing dates between middle and end of September are recommended to achieve a marketable seed quality and higher yields.
Modelling Dissolved Organic Carbon Production in Coniferous Forest Soils
Authors: Ågren Göran I. , Kleja Dan B. , Bosatta Ernesto
Published: October 2018

Core Ideas

Mechanisms of DOC production affect the quantities and qualities of SOC and DOC.

Three models with different physical and microbial processes were analyzed.

Comparisons with experimental data provides no strong discrimination between models.

The production of dissolved carbon (DOC) in forest soils is still not well understood as a result of difficulties in isolating co‐occurring processes. We have used an extension of the continuous‐quality theory to analyze the consequences of three modes for DOC production in coniferous forest soils: Model A, the production of DOC occurs through physical leaching of soil organic carbon (SOC) and the composition of DOC is proportional to the composition of SOC with respect to carbon (C) qualities; Model B, the production of DOC occurs when the decomposers use SOC and the composition of DOC will be proportional to the composition of SOC that decomposers extract; and Model C, the production of DOC is associated with mortality of decomposers and the composition of DOC reflects the composition of decomposer biomass. The results from Models B and C resemble each other but differ from Model A. Models B and C lead to a larger fraction of C being lost through leaching, a higher quality of the C leached, and a lower 14C age of the leached C than Model A. Models B and C differ with respect to properties of DOC leached from a horizon. All three models were found capable of describing stores of C in and leaching of DOC from an organic horizon and an underlying mineral soil in three temperate/boreal Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] forests. Microbial activity should always be an important agent for DOC production. Model B and, in particular, Model C suggest a lager contribution of microbially processed C in DOC than Model A.
Профилактика венозных тромбоэмболических осложнений в хирургии
Authors: Kuznetsova M. R. , Marchenko I. P. , Fedorov E. E.
Published: October 2018

В статье разбираются эпидемиологические данные о частоте венозных тромбоэмболических осложнений (ВТЭО) в хирургии. Представлены группы риска в зависимости от клинических характеристик пациента, видов хирургических операций, основные меры первичной профилактики данного осложнения. Обсуждаются методы стимуляции венозного кровотока в нижних конечностях, различные возможные антикоагулянты, которые могут использоваться для этих целей. Показывается большая антитромботическая эффективность и безопасность низкомолекулярных гепаринов (НМГ) по сравнению с нефракционированным гепарином (НФГ), преимущество низкомолекулярных гепаринов с максимально низкой массой. Обсуждается длительность первичной профилактики, в т. ч. у онкологических больных. Приводятся данные о возможности применения НМГ с наименьшей массой - бемипарина у пациентов со спинальной анальгезией и его положительное влияние на общую выживаемость при онкологических заболеваниях.
Synthesis and Docking Study of Novel 4-Thiazolidinone Derivatives as Anti-Gram-positive and Anti-H. pylori Agents
Authors: Khomami Armin , Rahimi Mohammadamin , Tabei Arash , Saniee Parastoo , Mahboubi Arash , Foroumadi Alireza , Koopaei Nasrin Nassiri , Almasirad Ali
Published: October 2018

Background:

Bacterial resistance to the available antibiotics is a life threatening issue and
researchers are trying to find new drugs to overcome this problem. Amongst the different structural
classes, thiazolidinone-4-one, as a new effective pharmacophore against various bacteria, has been introduced.

Objective:

A new series of 2-(5-(5-nitrothiophene-2-yl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-ylimino)-5-arylidenethiazolidin-
4-one derivatives were designed and synthesized as new antibacterial agents.

Method: Target compounds were synthesized during 5 steps and their in vitro antibacterial and anti-H.
pylori activities were evaluated. The interaction of the most active derivatives with the probable targets
was assessed by Auto Dock 4.2 Program.

Results:

The results showed that the most potent compounds, 18, 22 and 23, displayed antibacterial activity
versus S.aureus, S.epidermidis, B.cereus and B.subtilis (MIC, 1.56-12.5 µg/mL) and none of the
derivatives were active on tested Gram-negative bacteria. Compound 12 in all considered doses and
compounds 10, and 27 had strong anti-H. pylori activity (inhibition zone >20 mm) in 25 μg disc.
Docking studies determined suitable interactions and affinity of potent compounds with bacterial MUR
B and H. pylori urease enzymes.

Conclusion:

According to the results most of the derivatives are effective anti-bacterial agents and
docking evaluation confirmed their possible mechanisms of actions as MURB and Urease inhibitors.
Antimicrobial Effects of Chemical Compounds Isolated from Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine (TCHM) Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria: A Review Paper
Authors: Zhao Yanling , Li Haotian , Wei Shizhang , Zhou Xuelin , Xiao Xiaohe
Published: October 2018

Infectious diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria seriously threaten human lives. Although antibiotic therapy is effective in the treatment of bacterial infections, the overuse of antibiotics has led to an increased risk of antibiotic resistance, putting forward urgent requirements for novel antibacterial drugs. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCHM) and its constituents are considered to be potential sources of new antimicrobial agents. Currently, a series of chemical compounds purified from TCHM have been reported to fight against infections by drug-resistant bacteria. In this review, we summarized the recent findings on TCHM-derived compounds treating drug-resistant bacterial infections. Further studies are still needed for the discovery of potential antibacterial components from TCHM.
A Review Article About Some Herbs Affecting Vitiligo Based on Avicenna’s Canon
Authors: Mahjour Marjan , Khoushabi Arash
Published: October 2018

Background:

Vitiligo is a pigmentary disorder characterizing by white macules due to loss
of melanocytes. Vitiligo affects about 1 to 4% of people around the world. The treatment of vitiligo has
a high cost and the long process of treatment in spite of no complete remedy. It has various psychological
side-effects such as depression and anxiety affecting the quality of life seriously. Avicenna in his
Canon treated these patients over a thousand years ago. This study aimed to introduce some herbal
drugs in vitiligo based on the Canon of Avicenna besides the conventional medical treatments.

Methods:

This is a review study, according to the Canon with the term Baras and also searching
through the electronic websites with the keywords vitiligo, treatment, and herbal drugs.

Results:

The study found some herbs affecting the vitiligo from the Canon.

Conclusion:

The researchers suggest conducting clinical trials on the patients with vitiligo based on
the Canon besides the conventional techniques to obtain a better result in the treatment.
Plantar Psoriasis Associated with Olmesartan
Authors: Charfi Ons , Badri Talel , Lakhoua Ghozlane , Kastalli Sarrah , El Aidli Sihem , Zaïem Ahmed
Published: October 2018

Background:

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that may be initiated or
exacerbated by some drug intakes. Some of the most common medications known to trigger or worsen
existing psoriasis include lithium, gold salts, beta blockers and antimalarials.

Conclusion:

We report an exceptional case of plantar psoriasis in a woman who was treated by
olmesartan for 3 years.
Human Fasciolosis in Iran: A Meta-analysis Study
Authors: Behzadifar Masoud , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Behzadifar Meysam , Kooti Wesam , Vecchio Ignazio , Malaguarnera Giulia , Martini Mariano , Kheirandish Farnaz
Published: October 2018

Background:

Fasciolosis, an infectious disorder with a serious public health burden, is
caused by two liver flukes belonging to the genus Fasciola. Iran is among the endemic areas for
this disease. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of human fasciolosis in Iran.

Methods:

A systematic search was conducted in Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science
(WoS), and Google Scholar, as well as Iranian databases including Scientific Information Database
(SID), Magiran and Irandoc from January 2000 to June 2016. In order to determine
fasciolosis prevalence, the DerSimonian-Laird random model was used. In order to assess the heterogeneity
among studies, I2 and Q tests were used. To investigate the source of heterogeneity,
meta-regressions based on the year of publication and sample size were performed. Sensitivity
analysis was carried out to ensure the stability of obtained results.

Results:

Eleven relevant studies were included. According to the data analysis a prevalence rate of
2% [95% CI 1-5] was found. No statistically significant relationship between gender and disease
prevalence could be detected. We found an OR of developing fasciolosis of 1.67 [95% CI: 0.42 -
6.60] in people who had consumed vegetables versus those who did not eat vegetables, even
though this did not yield statistical significance.

Conclusion:

The findings of the current study can be valuable and help the health-care workers
and policy-makers in programming and implementing ad hoc interventions in order to prevent the
incidence of disease.
Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Associated Factors Among Diabetic Patients Attending Hawassa Adare Hospital, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Abera Ademe , Ameya Gemechu
Published: October 2018

Background:

Developing countries have a high burden of Tuberculosis (TB); although it is considered as a disease of the past in most developed countries. The end TB strategy was predicted to stabilize or drop the incidence of TB. However, the rising of the prevalence of immune-related diseases like Diabetes Mellitus (DM) are challenging the TB control strategy in high TB burden region. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of pulmonary tuberculosis in DM patients attending Adare Hospital, south Ethiopia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 207 randomly selected diabetic patients at the Adare hospital. A structured pre-tested questionnaire was used during the data collection from participants. Sputum concentration technique followed by Ziehl-Neelsen staining method was used to examine pulmonary tuberculosis. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between various variables and pulmonary tuberculosis. Odds ratios and 95% CI were computed to determine the strength and presence of the association.

Results:

The prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis among diabetics was 5.3% [95% CI: (2.2, 8.4)]. Diabetic patients who were underweight [AOR = 9.94, 95% CI: (1.51-80.89)], had more than 10 years duration with DM [AOR = 7.03 95% CI: (1.357, 73.6)], Alcohol drinking habit [AOR = 12.49, 95% CI: (3.28, 77.94)], and history of contact with TB [AOR = 5.35, 95% CI: (1.1-39.12)] were the factors positively associated with pulmonary TB infection while being HIV seronegative had a negative association with pulmonary TB infection [AOR =0.074, 95% CI: (0.001-0.29)].

Conclusion:

High proportion of pulmonary TB was observed in diabetic patients as compared to the national estimated prevalence of TB in the total population. Duration of patient with DM, being underweight, alcohol consumption habit, and contact history with TB were positively associated with pulmonary TB infection while being HIV seronegative had a negative association with the infection in diabetic patients.
Cardiomyopathy Secondary to Selenium Deficiency: A Review of Clinical Cases
Authors: Amankwah Nigel , Han Zhiyong
Published: October 2018

Background:

Selenium is an essential micronutrient for the human body because it is needed for the synthesis of selenoproteins, which have various biological functions. As a result, selenium deficiency associated with diets and/or environments manifests in different disease states such as epilepsy, multiminicore disease and cardiovascular injury which in some cases is a presage of cardiomyopathy.

Objective:

This objective was to review published cases and identify selenium-responsive cardiomyopathy due to selenium deficiency by various factors.

Methods:

Published case reports in English were identified and extracted from PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Science Direct Library.

Results:

28 case reports met inclusion criteria out of an initial 189 articles.

Conclusion:

Acquired selenium deficiency is a causative factor for the development of cardiomyopathy in patients under different conditions, and treatment of these patients with selenium is effective in normalizing cardiac function or reducing cardiac dysfunction. Thus, it is important to include selenium deficiency as a possible cause of cardiomyopathy for diagnosis and treatment purposes.
Predicting Change in Posttraumatic Distress Through Change in Coping Self-Efficacy After Using the My Trauma Recovery eHealth Intervention: Laboratory Investigation
Authors: Benight Charles C , Shoji Kotaro , Yeager Carolyn M , Weisman Pamela , Boult Terrance E
Published: October 2018

Background

Technology offers a unique platform for delivering trauma interventions (ie, eHealth) to support trauma-exposed populations. It is important to evaluate mechanisms of therapeutic change in reducing posttraumatic distress in eHealth for trauma survivors.

Objective

This study evaluated a proactive, scalable, and individually responsive eHealth intervention for trauma survivors called My Trauma Recovery. My Trauma Recovery is an eHealth intervention aiming to support trauma survivors and consisting of 6 modules: relaxation, triggers, self-talk, professional help, unhelpful coping, and social support. It was designed to enhance trauma coping self-efficacy (CSE). We tested 3 hypotheses. First, My Trauma Recovery would decrease posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Second, My Trauma Recovery would increase CSE. And last, changes in CSE would be negatively correlated with changes in PTSS.

Methods

A total of 92 individuals exposed to trauma (78/92, 85% females, mean age 34.80 years) participated. Our study was part of a larger investigation and consisted of 3 sessions 1 week apart. Participants completed the baseline online survey assessing PTSS and CSE. Each session included completing assigned modules followed by the online survey assessing CSE. PTSS was remeasured at the end of the last module.

Results

PTSS significantly declined from T1 to T9 (F1,90=23.63, P<.001, η2p=.21) supporting the clinical utility of My Trauma Recovery. Significant increases in CSE for sessions 1 and 2 (F8,83=7.51, P<.001) were found. No significant change in CSE was found during session 3 (N=92). The residualized scores between PTSS T1 and T9 and between CSE T1 and T9 were calculated. The PTSS residualized score and the CSE residualized score were significantly correlated, r=–.26, P=.01. Results for each analysis with a probable PTSD subsample were consistent.

Conclusions

The findings of our study show that participants working through My Trauma Recovery report clinically lower PTSS after 3 weeks. The results also demonstrate that CSE is an important self-appraisal factor that increased during sessions 1 and 2. These improvements are correlated with reductions in PTSS. Thus, changes in CSE may be an important mechanism for reductions in PTSS when working on a self-help trauma recovery website and may be an important target for eHealth interventions for trauma. These findings have important implications for trauma eHealth interventions.
Examining Diabetes Management Apps Recommended From a Google Search: Content Analysis
Authors: Jimenez Geronimo , Lum Elaine , Car Josip
Published: October 2018

Background

The availability of smartphone health apps empowers people to manage their own health. Currently, there are over 300,000 health apps available in the market targeting a variety of user needs from weight loss to management of chronic conditions, with diabetes being the most commonly targeted condition. To date, health apps largely fall outside government regulation, and there are no official guidelines to help clinicians and patients in app selection. Patients commonly resort to the internet for suggestions on which diabetes app to use.

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate apps identified through a Google search and characterize these apps in terms of features that support diabetes management.

Methods

We performed a Google search for the “best diabetes apps 2017” and explored the first 4 search results. We identified and compiled a list of the apps recommended in the returned search results, which were Web articles. Information about each app was extracted from the papers and corresponding app store descriptions. We examined the apps for the following diabetes management features: medication management, blood glucose self-management, physical activity, diet and nutrition, and weight management.

Results

Overall, 26 apps were recommended in 4 papers. One app was listed in all 4 papers, and 3 apps appeared on 3 of the 4 lists. Apart from one paper, there were no explicit criteria to justify or explain the selection of apps. We found a wide variation in the type and the number of diabetes management features in the recommended apps. Five apps required payment to be used. Two-thirds of the apps had blood glucose management features, and less than half had medication management features. The most prevalent app features were nutrition or diet-related (19/24, 79%) and physical activity tracking (14/24, 58%).

Conclusions

The ambiguity of app selection and the wide variability in key features of the apps recommended for diabetes management may pose difficulties for patients when selecting the most appropriate app. It is critical to involve patients, clinicians, relevant professional bodies, and policy makers to define the key features an app should have for it to be classified as a “diabetes management” app. The lessons learned here may be extrapolated for the development and recommendation of apps for the management of other chronic conditions.
Outsourcing the Remote Management of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices: Medical Care Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Giannola Gabriele , Torcivia Riccardo , Airò Farulla Riccardo , Cipolla Tommaso
Published: October 2018

Background

Remote management is partially replacing routine follow-up in patients implanted with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). Although it reduces clinical staff time compared with standard in-office follow-up, a new definition of roles and responsibilities may be needed to review remote transmissions in an effective, efficient, and timely manner. Whether remote triage may be outsourced to an external remote monitoring center (ERMC) is still unclear.

Objective

The aim of this health care quality improvement project was to evaluate the feasibility of outsourcing remote triage to an ERMC to improve patient care and health care resource utilization.

Methods

Patients (N=153) with implanted CIEDs were followed up for 8 months. An ERMC composed of nurses and physicians reviewed remote transmissions daily following a specific remote monitoring (RM) protocol. A 6-month benchmarking phase where patients’ transmissions were managed directly by hospital staff was evaluated as a term of comparison.

Results

A total of 654 transmissions were recorded in the RM system and managed by the ERMC team within 2 working days, showing a significant time reduction compared with standard RM management (100% vs 11%, respectively, within 2 days; P<.001). A total of 84.3% (551/654) of the transmissions did not include a prioritized event and did not require escalation to the hospital clinician. High priority was assigned to 2.3% (15/654) of transmissions, which were communicated to the hospital team by email within 1 working day. Nonurgent device status events occurred in 88 cases and were communicated to the hospital within 2 working days. Of these, 11% (10/88) were followed by a hospitalization.

Conclusions

The outsourcing of RM management to an ERMC safely provides efficacy and efficiency gains in patients’ care compared with a standard in-hospital management. Moreover, the externalization of RM management could be a key tool for saving dedicated staff and facility time with possible positive economic impact.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01007474; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01007474
The Value of Radio Frequency Identification in Quality Management of the Blood Transfusion Chain in an Academic Hospital Setting
Authors: Dusseljee-Peute Linda W , Van der Togt Remko , Jansen Bas , Jaspers Monique W
Published: October 2018

Background

A complex process like the blood transfusion chain could benefit from modern technologies such as radio frequency identification (RFID). RFID could, for example, play an important role in generating logistic and temperature data of blood products, which are important in assessing the quality of the logistic process of blood transfusions and the product itself.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate whether location, time stamp, and temperature data generated in real time by an active RFID system containing temperature sensors attached to red blood cell (RBC) products can be used to assess the compliance of the management of RBCs to 4 intrahospital European and Dutch guidelines prescribing logistic and temperature constraints in an academic hospital setting.

Methods

An RFID infrastructure supported the tracking and tracing of 243 tagged RBCs in a clinical setting inside the hospital at the blood transfusion laboratory, the operating room complex, and the intensive care unit within the Academic Medical Center, a large academic hospital in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The compliance of the management of 182 out of the 243 tagged RBCs could be assessed on their adherence to the following guidelines on intrahospital storage, transport, and distribution: (1) RBCs must be preserved within an environment with a temperature between 2°C and 6°C; (2) RBCs have to be transfused within 1 hour after they have left a validated cooling system; (3) RBCs that have reached a temperature above 10°C must not be restored or must be transfused within 24 hours or else be destroyed; (4) unused RBCs are to be returned to the BTL within 24 hours after they left the transfusion laboratory.

Results

In total, 4 blood products (4/182 compliant; 2.2%) complied to all applicable guidelines. Moreover, 15 blood products (15/182 not compliant to 1 out of several guidelines; 8.2%) were not compliant to one of the guidelines of either 2 or 3 relevant guidelines. Finally, 148 blood products (148/182 not compliant to 2 guidelines; 81.3%) were not compliant to 2 out of the 3 relevant guidelines.

Conclusions

The results point out the possibilities of using RFID technology to assess the quality of the blood transfusion chain itself inside a hospital setting in reference to intrahospital guidelines concerning the storage, transport, and distribution conditions of RBCs. This study shows the potentials of RFID in identifying potential bottlenecks in hospital organizations’ processes by use of objective data, which are to be tackled in process redesign efforts. The effect of these efforts can subsequently be evaluated by the use of RFID again. As such, RFID can play a significant role in optimization of the quality of the blood transfusion chain.
(Preprint)
Authors: Dixit Ram , Myneni Sahiti
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Connected Health technologies are a promising solution for chronic disease management. However, the scope of connected health systems makes it difficult to employ user-centered design in their development, and poorly designed systems can compound the challenges of information management in chronic care. The Digilego Framework addresses this problem with informatics methods that complement quantitative and qualitative methods in system design, development, and architecture.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the accuracy and validity of the Digilego information architecture of personal health data in meeting cancer survivors’ information needs.

METHODS

We conducted a card sort study with 9 cancer survivors (patients and caregivers) to analyze correspondence between the Digilego information architecture and cancer survivors’ mental models. We also analyzed participants’ card sort groups qualitatively to understand their conceptual relations.

RESULTS

We observed significant correlation between the Digilego information architecture and cancer survivors’ mental models of personal health data. Heuristic analysis of groups also indicated informative discordances and the need for patient-centric categories relating health tracking and social support in the information architecture.

CONCLUSIONS

Our pilot study shows that the Digilego Framework can capture cancer survivors’ information needs accurately; we also recognize the need for larger studies to conclusively validate Digilego information architectures. More broadly, our results highlight the importance of complementing traditional user-centered design methods and innovative informatics methods to create patient-centered connected health systems.
Effect of E-cigarette in Harm Reduction among the Adolescents - A Protocol for a Systemic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Pandey Ashok , Jewel Johurul Islam , Mahotra Narayan Bahadur , Parajuli Ayuska
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

E-cigarettes present an opportunity to increase the tobacco cessation rates, and thereby suppress the largest cause of global death significantly. Though E-cigarettes are perceived as less harmful than conventional cigarettes still their effectiveness as a tobacco cessation tool, their difference with other prescribed tobacco cessation methods and their long term effects are yet to be synthesized precisely.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review is to provide evidence of existing literature in case of harm reduction by e-cigarettes among adolescent.

METHODS

To explore the available evidence on the effect of electronic cigarettes in harm reduction among the adolescents, we followed the Standard method of Cochrane for conducting a systematic review. Total 13 bibliographic and impact evaluation database will be searched using a comprehensive search strategy. RCTs and quasi experimental studies on e-cigarettes usability which has been published scientific journals will be included. Timeframe for searching relevant articles for the review were limited between January 2003 and June 2018. The intervention provided to the adult population (population aged 19 years and above), adolescents with pregnancy and adolescents having an other diseased condition will be excluded. Any trial, which is ongoing, published protocol of trials, traditional reviews and systematic reviews will be excluded. Letter to editor, editorial comments and conference proceedings were excluded as well. Articles published only in English language will be included.

RESULTS

Narrative synthesis of included articles will be provided, including the quality assessment using standard tools. Pooled estimation will be provided regarding harm reduction and smoking cessation where applicable.

CONCLUSIONS

Not applicable

CLINICALTRIAL

PROSPERO registration of the systematic review is CRD42018106691