bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of two novel COL10A1 heterozygous mutations in two Chinese pedigrees with Schmid-type metaphyseal chondrodysplasia
Authors: Kong Lingchi , Shi Li , Wang Wenbo , Zuo Rongtai , Wang Mengwei , Kang Qinglin
Published: November 2019

Background: Schmid-type metaphyseal chondrodysplasia (MCDS) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by COL10A1 mutations, which is characterized by short stature, waddling gait, coxa vara and bowing of the long bones. However, descriptions of the expressivity of MCDS are rare. Methods: Two probands and available family members affected with MCDS were subjected to clinical and radiological examination. Genomic DNA of all affected individuals was subjected to whole-exome sequencing, and candidate mutations were verified by Sanger sequencing in all available family members and in 250 healthy donors. A spatial model of the type X collagen (α1) C-terminal noncollagenous (NC1) domain was further constructed. Results: We found that the phenotype of affected family members exhibited irregular dominance. Mutation analysis indicated that there were two novel heterozygous missense mutations, [c.1765T>A (p.Phe589Ile)] and [c.1846A>G (p.Lys616Glu)] in the COL10A1 gene in family 1 and 2, respectively. The two novel substitution sites were highly conserved and the mutations were predicted to be deleterious by in silico analysis. Furthermore, protein modeling revealed that the two substitutions were located in the NC1 domain of collagen X (α1), which potentially impacted the trimerization of collagen X (α1) and combination with molecules in the pericellular matrix. Conclusion: Two novel mutations were identified in the present study, which will facilitate diagnosis of MCDS and further expand the spectrum of the COL10A1 mutations associated with MCDS patients. In addition, our research revealed the phenomenon of irregular dominance in MCDS.
Evaluation of the effectiveness and tolerance of tetracosactide in the treatment of post-dural puncture headaches (ESYBRECHE): A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Depaulis Celia , Steer Nadia , Chassard Dominique , Aubrun Frederic
Published: November 2019

Background Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is one of the most common complications of neuraxial anesthesia. It limits patients’ general activity and increases hospital length of stay and use of care. It is particularly disabling during the postpartum period, when mothers have to take care of their child. Epidural blood patch is the standard treatment of PDPH. However, it is an invasive procedure that may result in rare but serious complications. Recent evidence suggests the effectiveness of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the management of PDPH. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of tetracosactide (Synacthen®), a synthetic analogue of ACTH, in the treatment of PDPH in patients who received neuraxial anesthesia during labor. Method This is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm trial, performed in two French university hospitals. Eligible patients are those suffering from postpartum PDPH, who are randomized to receive either 1 mg of tetracosactide intravenously over 20 min, or 0.9% saline (placebo). The primary endpoint of the study is the rate of epidural blood patch within a 15-day follow-up period. Duration of headache, intensity of pain, reduction of general activity, increase of hospital length of stay, adverse events, analgesic use (type and duration), and number of blood patches per patient in each group are recorded. Discussion We expect a decrease in the use of epidural blood patch in those who receive tetracosactide, thus indicating a decrease in PDPH symptoms in these patients. This will define the therapeutic success of tetracosactide and the possibility to use this treatment as a noninvasive alternative to blood patch in the treatment of PDPH.
Low adaptive potential for tolerance to ethynylestradiol, but also low toxicity, in a grayling population (Thymallus thymallus)
Authors: Cunha Lucas Marques da , Maitre Diane , Wedekind Claus
Published: November 2019

The presence of a novel pollutant can induce rapid evolution if there is additive genetic variance for the tolerance to the stressor. Continuous selection over some generations can then reduce the toxicity of the pollutant but also deplete the additive genetic variance for the tolerance and thereby slow down adaptation. One common pollutant that has been ecologically relevant for some time is 17alpha-ethynyestradiol (EE2), a synthetic compound of oral contraceptives since their market launch in the 1960s. EE2 is typically found in higher concentrations in rivers than in lakes. Recent experimental work revealed significant genetic variance for the tolerance to EE2 in two lake-spawning salmonid species but no such variance in river-spawning brown trout. We used another river-spawning salmonid, the European grayling Thymallus thymallus , to study the toxicity of an ecologically relevant concentration of EE2. We also used a full-factorial in vitro breeding design and singly rearing of 1,555 embryos and larvae of 40 sib groups to test whether there is additive genetic variance for the tolerance to this pollutant. We found that exposure to EE2 reduced larval growth after hatching, but contrary to what has been found in the other salmonids, there were no significant effects of EE2 on embryo growth and survival. We found additive genetic variance for embryo viability, i.e. heritability for fitness. However, there was no significant additive variance for the tolerance to EE2. Our findings support the hypothesis that continuous selection has reduced the toxicity of EE2 and depleted genetic variance for tolerance to this synthetic stressor.
Factors associated with permanent hypothyroidism in infants with congenital hypothyroidism
Authors: Park Eun Sil , Yoon Ju Young
Published: November 2019

Background: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is one of the most common endocrine diseases in childhood. A significant proportion of CH cases are transient, but the risk factors for permanent CH (PCH) are not yet well established. The current guidelines suggest using levothyroxine until the age of 3 years, but some studies suggest the possibility of earlier discontinuation. However, few, if any, studies have followed up on the results of early discontinuation. This study aimed to identify predictive factors of transient CH among infants with CH. We also investigated the results in patients who underwent a trial of early discontinuation.

Methods: We gathered data regarding infants diagnosed with CH between July 2005 and July 2015 by retrospective chart review. Those with aplastic, hypoplastic or ectopic glands on thyroid ultrasonography or scan were excluded. Among them, early discontinuation subgroup was defined as those who discontinued levothyroxine before 30 months of age.

Results: From the 80 infants (40 males, 40 females) enrolled in this study, 51 were preterm. Nine (11.3%) were diagnosed with PCH. Compared with transient cases, those with PCH were on higher levothyroxine dose at discontinuation (4.3 vs 2.9 µg/kg, P < 0.001). There was no difference in the proportion of permanent cases between preterm and full-term groups. In preterm group,infants with PCH required higher levothyroxine dose at discontinuation than those with transient CH (3.8 vs 2.5 µg/kg, P = 0.018). Levothyroxine discontinuation at a dose of 2.86 µg/kg could suggest PCH (sensitivity, 88.9%; specificity, 71.0%). Among the 9 patients who underwent a trial of early discontinuation, 8 successfully discontinued levothyroxine.

Conclusion: The majority of CH patients discontinued levothyroxine successfully, including those who underwent a trial of early discontinuation. Higher levothyroxine dose at the time of discontinuation was found to be a predictive factor for PCH.
Implementation of a complex intervention to improve participation in older people with joint contractures living in nursing homes: A process evaluation of a cluster-randomised pilot trial
Authors: Klingshirn Hanna , Müller Martin , Beutner Katrin , Hirt Julian , Strobl Ralf , Grill Eva , Meyer Gabriele , Saal Susanne
Published: November 2019

Background: Joint contractures in frail older people are associated with serious restrictions in participation. We developed the Participation Enabling CAre in Nursing (PECAN) intervention, a complex intervention to enable nurses to promote participation in nursing home residents with joint contractures. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of the implementation strategy and to identify enablers and barriers for a successful implementation. Methods: The implementation of PECAN was investigated in a 6-month pilot cluster-randomised controlled trial (c-RCT). As a key component of the implementation strategy, nominated nurses were trained as facilitators in a one-day workshop and supported by peer-mentoring (visit, telephone counselling). A mixed-methods approach was conducted in conjunction with the pilot trial and guided by a framework for process evaluations of c-RCTs. Data were collected using standardised questionnaires (nursing staff), documentation forms, problem-centred qualitative interviews (facilitators, therapists, social workers, relatives, peer-mentors), and a group discussion (facilitators). A set of predefined criteria on the nursing home level was examined. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analysed using directed content analysis. Results: Seven nursing homes (n=4 intervention groups, n=3 control groups) in two German regions took part in the study. Facilitators responded well to the qualification measures (workshop participation: 14/14; workshop rating: “good”; peer-mentor visit participation: 10/14). The usage of peer-mentoring via telephone varied (one to seven contacts per nursing home). Our implementation strategy was not successful in connection with supplying the intervention to all the nursing staff. The clear commitment of the entire nursing home and the respect for the expertise of different healthcare professionals were emphasised as enablers, whereas a lack of impact on organisational conditions and routines and a lack of time and staff competence were mentioned as barriers. Conclusion: The PECAN intervention was delivered as planned to the facilitators but was unable to produce comprehensive changes in the nursing homes and subsequently for the residents. Strategies to systematically include the management and the nursing team from the beginning, are needed to support the facilitators during implementation in the main trial. Trial Registration: German clinical trials register, DRKS00010037. Registered 12 February 2016.
Echocardiographic Assessment of Asymptomatic US Air Force Members with Early HIV Infection
Authors: Alvarado Gadiel Rafael , Usry Courtney , Gore Rosco , Watts James , Okulicz Jason
Published: November 2019

Objective

People living with HIV (PLHIV) are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and development of subclinical echocardiographic abnormalities. In this study we describe the echocardiographic evaluations of asymptomatic US Air Force members who were diagnosed with HIV infection and evaluated at the San Antonio Military Medical Center between September 1, 2015 and September 30, 2016.

Results

Patients (n=50) were predominantly male (96%), mostly black (60%), with a mean age of 28 years. At HIV diagnosis, the mean viral load was 112,585 copies/mL and CD4 count was 551 cells/uL. All were found to have normal left ventricular systolic ejection fraction (EF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) however evidence of right ventricular dilatation and left ventricular remodeling was observed in 7 (14%) and 13 (26%) patients, respectively. Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences in echocardiographic findings by HIV disease severity or CVD risk factors (p >0.05 for all).This study suggests that untreated HIV may have a low impact on the development of echocardiographic abnormalities shortly after seroconversion. Longitudinal studies are warranted to determine the optimal CVD risk assessment strategies for PLHIV.
Mast cell changes the phenotype of microglia via histamine
Authors: Ramirez-Ponce Maria Pilar , Sola-Garcia Alejandro , Balseiro-Gomez Santiago , Maldonado Maria Dolores , Acosta Jorge , Ales Eva , Flores Juan Antonio
Published: November 2019

Background Microglia are the dynamic, motile phagocytes of the brain considered the first line of defense against threats or disturbances to the Central Nervous System (CNS). Microglia help orchestrate the immunological response by interacting with immune cells. Mast cells (MCs) are effector cells of the innate immune system distributed in all organs and vascularized tissues, brain included. Several molecular mechanisms for potential interactions between MCs and microglia have been determined. However, the effect of MCs on regulated exocytosis and phagocytic clearance in microglia has not been explored. Methods Cocktails of MCs mediators (MCM) obtained at 37ºC and 53ºC were used to induce microglia activation. Changes in intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i and ATP release were studied by calcium and quinacrine fluorescence imaging. Fluorescent latex beads were used to assay phagocytosis in microglia after MCM treatment and compared to that measured in the presence of histamine, ATP and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Iba-1 expression was quantified by immunofluorescence and histamine levels evaluated by ELISA measurements. Results Local application onto microglia of the MC mediator cocktail elicited Ca2+ transients and exocytotic release associated with quinacrine dye de-staining. Ca2+ signals were mimicked by histamine and blocked by the H1 receptor (H1R), cetirizine. However, hydrolysis of ATP, by apyrase also affected Ca2+ transients to a lesser extent. Phagocytosis was enhanced or inhibited by MCM depending on the histamine concentration. Low levels of histamine increased iba-1 fluorescence and a number of internalized microbeads per cell whereas high levels prevented iba-1 expression and microglial phagocytosis. Conclusions Our results highlight the relevance of MC-derived histamine in the modulation of secretory and phagocytic activities that ultimately may explain the heterogeneity of microglial responses in different pathological contexts and why microglia can be either neuroprotective or neurotoxic, resulting in confinement or aggravation of disease progression.
Metabolomic analysis of bioactive compounds in mature rhizomes and daughter rhizomes in ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Authors: Li Zhexin , Chen Ze-Xiong , Tang Jian-Min , Jiang Yu-Song , Liao Qin-Hong , Liu Yi-Qing , Liu Guo-Hua
Published: November 2019

Background The bioactive compounds of ginger (Zingiber officinale), such as gingerols, diarylheptanoids, and flavonoids, are of importance to human health because of their anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The daughter rhizomes arise from mature rhizomes, but the pungency and pharmacological quality of the two rhizome types differ substantially. Results In this study, a metabolomic analysis was performed to investigate the biosynthesis of major bioactive compounds in the mature rhizome (R) and daughter rhizome (DR) in ginger. A total of 1212 differentially accumulated metabolites with p < 0.05 and |fold change| ≥ 1 were identified, of which 399 metabolites were more highly accumulated in R samples than in DR samples, whereas 211 metabolites were most highly accumulated in DR samples. Metabolic pathways associated with the bioactive compounds that determine the pharmacological activity of ginger, including the “terpenoid backbone biosynthesis”, “stilbenoid, diarylheptanoid, and gingerol biosynthesis”, and "flavonoid biosynthesis" pathways, were enriched in R samples, which indicated that bioactive compounds mainly accumulated in mature rhizomes of ginger. Conclusion Differences in the key bioactive chemical constituents between the rhizome and daughter rhizome were analyzed. These results provide a theoretical basis for comprehensive development and utilization of ginger resources.
Management and Prognostic Prediction of appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma with peritoneal metastasis: a single center study in China
Authors: Ma Ruiqing , Wang Bing , Zhai Xichao , Lu Yiyan , Xu Hongbin
Published: November 2019

Background To investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics of appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma with peritoneal metastasis and analyze the prognostic factors.Methods A retrospective analyses of clinicopathological features of 50 patients with appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma with peritoneal metastasis from January, 2013 to December, 2017 in Aerospace Central Hospital, Beijing, China. Survival data calculation and comparison were respectively performed with the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. The Cox proportional hazards regression method was used for multivariate survival analyses.Results Cytoreduction for appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma was conducted on 50 patients (24 males and 26 females), with a median age of 52.5 years at the time of surgery (range 31-71 years). The median overall survival (OS) time was 24 months, with 2-,3- and 5-year survival rates of 53%, 24% and 8%, respectively. At the last follow-up in December 2018, 13 patients were still alive. Multivariate analysis revealed that patients who had low Ki-67 expression (less than 50%) and CCR (completeness of cytoreduction) 0/1/2 score had significantly better OS rate than their respective counterparts.Conclusions Ki-67 expression statue and CCR score could be employed as the prognosis prediction in patients with appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma.
Development and Validation of a Preoperative Nomogram for Predicting Survival of Patients with Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer after Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Zhou Xianghong , Ning Qingyang , Jin Kun , Zhang Tao , Ma Xuelei
Published: November 2019

Background: For selected locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa) patients, radical prostatectomy (RP) is one of the first-line treatments. We aimed to develop a preoperative nomogram to identify what kinds of patients can get the most survival benefits after RP. Methods: We conducted analyses with data from the the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to reveal prognostic factors. A nomogram was built by these factors and validated by concordance index (C-index) and calibration curves. Risk stratification was established based on the nomogram. Results: We studied 14185 patients. N stage, Gleason Score, and percent of positive cores were the independent prognostic factors used to construct the nomogram. For validating, in the training cohort, the C-index was 0.779 (95% CI 0.736–0.822), and in the validation cohort, the C-index was 0.773 (95% CI 0.718–0.808). Calibration curves showed that the predicted survival and actual survival were very close. The nomogram performed better over the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system (C-index 0.779 versus 0.763 for training cohort, and 0.773 versus 0.745 for validation cohort). The new stratification of risk groups based on the nomogram also showed better discrimination than the AJCC staging system. Conclusions: The preoperative nomogram can provide favorable prognosis stratification ability to help clinicians identify patients who are suitable for surgery.
Up-regulation of PKCγ subunits of rACC neurons contributes to the development of pain sensitivity in bone cancer rats
Authors: She Meng , Feng Zequn , Wang Gongming , Cheng Guanghui , Li Kailin , Wang Ruoyi , Feng Hao , Li Xiaohui
Published: November 2019

Background: To explore the role of PKCγ subunits in rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) neurons in bone cancer pain (BCP) development in rats. Methods: Healthy female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: the blank control (naive), sham operation (sham), BCP, BCP plus empty lentiviral vectors (vehicle) and BCP plus PKCγ/shRNA recombinant lentiviral vectors (LV-PKCγ/shRNA) (PKCγ) groups. The BCP, vehicle and PKCγ groups were intra-tibially injected with an MADB-106 rat mammary carcinoma cell suspension (10 μl, 4.6×106 cells/ml), whereas the sham group was intra-tibially injected with saline (10 μl). The mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were evaluated on preoperative day 0 (baseline) and days 3, 7, 14 and 21 after intra-tibial implantation. To downregulate PKCγ subunits in rACC neurons, the PKCγ group received a 10 µl bilateral rACC microinjection of shRNA/PKCγ recombinant lentivirus (1.25×109 TU/ml) on day 10 after intra-tibial implantation. The GFP expression of LV-shRNA/PKCγ was examined by microscopy. The vehicle group was injected with an equal dose of empty lentiviral vectors. Western blot, and immunohistochemical approaches were performed to assess the differential expression of PKCγ subunits in rACC neurons among these groups on postoperative days 7 or 21. Results: The baseline MWT and TWL values did not significantly differ among these five groups (P > 0.05). However, compared with the naive and sham groups, the tumour-bearing rats (BCP , vehicle and PKCγ groups) demonstrated marked mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia starting on postoperative day 7 following intra-tibial implantation of carcinoma cells (P < 0.05). Western blot on postoperative day 7 confirmed a significant increase in PKCγ expression in rACC neurons in the tumour-bearing rats (P < 0.05). However, from postoperative days 14-21, the LV-shRNA/PKCγ microinjection alleviated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in the PKCγ group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, western blot, and histological examination on postoperative day 21 indicated that PKCγ expression in bilateral rACC neurons was significantly lower in the PKCγ group than in the BCP and vehicle groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Upregulation of PKCγ subunits in rACC neurons of rats with bone cancer contributes to BCP development.
The OMACS-PIL study - a randomised controlled trial within the OMACS observational study
Authors: Culliford Lucy , Brierley Rachel , Clout Maddie , Evans Rebecca , Maishman Rachel , Phillips Dawn , Tabusa Hana , Reeves Barney , Rogers Chris A
Published: November 2019

Background: There has been little research to investigate whether the appearance of paper Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) used to describe research studies to potential participants influences their decision to take part. Embedding a Study Within a Trial (SWAT) is an efficient way of answering this type of methodological question. We included a randomised SWAT within a large cohort study, Outcome monitoring After Cardiac Surgery (OMACS), to address this question.
Methods: Potential participants for the OMACS study were randomised to receive one of three PILs, identical in content but with varying formatting and use of colour: PIL A (enhanced format), PIL B (hybrid format) and PIL C (standard format). Consent to OMACS was the primary outcome. Consent rates using the three different PIL formats were collected and compared. Qualitative feedback on the different formats was obtained from a Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) group.
Results: For the SWAT, 1517 PILs were sent to potential participants and 640 (42%) consented to take part in OMACS. PIL B had the highest recruitment rate, with 45% of patients consenting to participation; 40% and 41% of patients consented to participation with PIL A and C respectively. Compared to PIL C, the consent rate was 4% higher with PIL B (45% versus 41%, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) -2% to +10%, p=0.16) and 1% lower with PIL A (40% versus 41%, 95% CI -7% to +5%, p=0.72).
Conclusions: Consent rates were similar for all 3 PIL formats. PIL B is being used for the remainder of the host study and will be used to inform the design of PILs for other research studies as it was the preferred format of the PPI group.
Determinants of strategy disclosure quality: empirical evidence from Germany
Authors: Winter Sophie , Zülch Henning
Published: November 2019

Strategy reporting is of high interest to investors and can be seen as decision-useful information. The focus of this study is to analyze the determinants of the quality of voluntary strategy disclosure in German management reports of capital market-oriented companies. Based on a theoretical analysis, hypotheses are formulated to investigate the determinants of the quality of voluntary strategy disclosure. In order to test the hypotheses, a number of statistical tests are performed, especially multiple regression analyses. It is based on a unique hand-collected dataset with a self-constructed scoring model, which measures the quality of voluntary strategy disclosure. The sample comprises 110 largest companies in Germany for the period between 2014 and 2018. The results indicate that firm size, firm growth and capital intensity determine voluntary strategy disclosure significantly and positively. Conversely, firm age, financial leverage, ownership structure and profitability do not have a significant relationship with voluntary strategy disclosure. The results are robust to different statistical analysis. This research provides insights into a neglected topic in academia and helps decision-makers in practice and regulators to better understand voluntary strategy disclosure of capital market-oriented companies.
Optimization of Conditions for Lactobacillus reuteri LR1 Strain Cultivation to Improve the Biosynthesis of Bacteriocin-Like Substances
Authors: Rozhkova I.V. , Shirshova T.I. , Glazunova O.A. , Fedorova T.V.
Published: November 2019

The article presents the results of the study on optimization of culturing conditions to increase the production of a bacteriocin-like compounds, (presumably including reuterin) by the Lactobacillus reuteri LR1 strain. A strain Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, an opportunistic microorganism, the content of which is standardized in foods by the Food Safety Legislation was selected as an indicator of the antimicrobial activity. The nutrient medium for the L. reuteri LR1 cultivation was optimized to increase the production of bacteriocin-like compounds, and parameters of the producer phased growing were established: (1), the cultivation on the initial medium for biomass accumulation; and (2), the growth on a water-glycerol medium to converse glycerol to antimicrobial compounds, presumably reuterin. The first stage was carried out as follows: the L. reuteri LR1 strain culture (5%) was inoculated into a medium of the following composition: hydrolyzed milk - 250 mL/L; yeast extract - 10 g/L; peptone - 5 g/L; glucose - 20 g/L; sodium acetate - 5.0 g/L; monosubstituted potassium phosphate - 2.0 g/L; magnesium sulfate - 0.2 g/L and manganese sulfate - 0.5 g/L, pH 6.4-6.6. The process was carried out for 18 h at (37±1) °C. The second stage included the cultivation of the obtained biomass in a 200 mM glycerol-containing aqueous solution, pH 6.6, for 2 h at 37 °C. The inhibition zone of the test E. coli strain caused by the produced bacteriocin-like compounds was 25 mm. bacteriocin-like compounds, Lactobacillus reuteri, antimicrobial activity, reuterin, glycerol byconversion, optimization of culturing conditions This study was partially supported by the Russian Science Foundation (Project no. 16-16-00094).
Stigmatising attitudes towards suicide by gender and age
Authors: G. Pereira Adelino A. , S. Cardoso Francisco M.
Published: November 2019

This cross-sectional study aimed to analyse the association between gender and age with stigmatising attitudes towards suicide. We collected a non-probabilistic sample of 344 Portuguese individuals aged 16 to 66. The data were collected via questionnaire and then analysed with frequency analysis and chi-squared test. Results suggest that more men revealed stigmatising attitudes. However, the gender effect was more evident within adolescents than within adults. Age effect was also found, revealing that adults hold more stigmatising attitudes than adolescents, but this effect was more evident within female gender. Furthermore, all participants considered that suicide attempters should undergo psychotherapy. These results suggest that gender and age are relevant variables in the implementation of suicide prevention measures focused on reducing stigma and promoting help-seeking.
Estandarización de pruebas neuropsicológicas para la evaluación de la atención en estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Puerta Lopera Isabel Cristina , Dussán Lubert Carmen , Montoya Londoño Diana Marcela , Landínez Martínez Daniel
Published: November 2019

Objetivo: Describir los resultados de un estudio de estandarización de tareas neuropsicológicas para evaluar la atención en estudiantes universitarios. Metodología: 208 estudiantes universitarios de la ciudad de Manizales (Colombia), sin patología neurológica o psiquiátrica asociada, evaluados con el Test del Trazo parte A y parte B (TMT A, B), y el Test de adición serial auditiva pautada (PASAT). Plan de análisis: La validez de apariencia fue evaluada mediante juicio de expertos; la de contenido utilizando análisis factorial; la de criterio concurrente a través del coeficiente de correlación de Pearson; la consistencia interna con el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach; la consistencia relacionada con el tiempo de aplicación y entre evaluadores, mediante la proporción de aciertos, la prueba t para comparación de medias y el coeficiente de correlación. La normalidad de los datos se determinó empleando la prueba de Shapiro Wilk. La comparación entre puntuaciones medias de hombres y mujeres se realizó utilizando la U de Mann - Whitney o t de Student. Se obtuvieron baremos para las pruebas incluidas en la investigación. Resultados: Se encontró adecuada validez de contenido para las tareas atencionales contempladas en el estudio, así mismo, adecuada validez de criterio y confiabilidad para la prueba PASAT, y baja validez de criterio y niveles moderados de confiabilidad pretest - postest, para el caso de las tareas de TMT A, B, en la muestra de estudiantes universitarios considerada en el estudio.
Características sociales y familiares asociadas al maltrato al adulto mayor de Pasto, Colombia 2016
Authors: Agudelo-Cifuentes Maite Catalina , Cardona Arango Doris , Segura Cardona Angela , Segura Cardona Alejandra , Muñoz Rodríguez Diana , Restrepo-Ochoa Diego Alveiro
Published: November 2019

Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de maltrato en el adulto mayor de la ciudad de Pasto (Colombia) y la asociación con factores sociodemográficos y familiares. Método: estudio transversal de fuente de información primaria obtenida a partir de encuestas. La muestra fue de 506 adultos mayores seleccionados por muestreo probabilístico, por conglomerado, bietápico. Para la detección del maltrato se utilizó la Escala Geriátrica de Maltrato. Se realizó análisis univariado para describir y análisis bivariado y multivariado por regresión logística binaria, para identificar factores asociados. Resultados: La prevalencia de maltrato al adulto mayor en la ciudad de Pasto para el año 2016 fue de 13,0%; la tipología más reportada fue el maltrato psicológico (5,4%). Los principales factores asociados fueron dependencia, disfuncionalidad severa del adulto mayor, malos tratos entre miembros de la familia y escaso apoyo social. Conclusión: La prevalencia de adultos mayores maltratados en Pasto es alta, considerando que corresponde a acciones que se presentan al interior de la familia; el deterioro en las relaciones sociales y familiares del adulto mayor son factores que incrementan el maltrato en la vejez, por lo cual deben fortalecerse vínculos y redes de apoyo en esta etapa.
Suicídio na Velhice – Um Estudo de Revisão Integrativa da Literatura
Authors: Fernandes-Eloi Juliana , Costa Lourenço José Roberto
Published: November 2019

Este estudo objetivou realizar uma revisão integrativa da literatura sobre suicídio e velhice nas bases de dados Scielo, Pepsic, LILACS e Index Psi no período de 2007 a 2017, publicados nos idiomas Português, Inglês e Espanhol. Dentre os achados foram recuperados 873 artigos, em que 864 foram eliminados devido os critérios de inclusão e exclusão que compuseram o processo de triagem da pesquisa. Os principais critérios foram: artigos que fugiam do tema, idiomas, artigos repetidos nas bases de dados ou fora do período selecionado. Após a leitura na íntegra dos 9 artigos filtrados, emergiram três categorias temáticas, a) Fatores de Risco, b) Relações Familiares e c) Suicídio na Velhice e Saúde Pública. Conclui-se que há uma escassez frente às publicações que abordam o suicídio na velhice. Percebe-se ainda, a necessidade de se aprofundar as discussões que articulam os processos de envelhecimento e os desafios biopsicossociais durante o prolongamento da vida para que se promova melhor qualidade de vida na velhice.
The effect of viscous dissipation on natural convection in a square cavity
Authors: Zubkov Pavel T. , Narygin Eduard I.
Published: November 2019

This article studies the natural convection of a viscous, incompressible fluid in a square cavity in a gravitational field. The temperature of vertical walls is constant. The temperature of the left wall is higher than temperature of the right wall; the horizontal walls are considered thermally insulated. The initial condition for the temperature of a fluid in a square caviry is the constant and equals the temperature of the right wall. The initial condition for the velocity is zero. We consider only those cases where the obtained flow in the cavity is laminar. All thermophysical characteristics are assumed constant, except for one when the motion equation accounts for the gravity. Mathematical model is the Boussinesq approximation but the equation of conservation of energy contains Rayleigh dissipation function.

In this article, the authors have researched the effect of viscous dissipation on natural convection heat transfer in square field. The results show that viscous dissipation significantly affects the heat transfer through the cavity. This problem was solved with the finite volume method by algorithm SIMPLER for Pr=1, Gr=104, and 10−5≤Ec≤10−3.
CONTRASTIVE ANALYSIS OF PARTICLES IN CHINESE AND INDONESIAN LANGUAGE
Authors: Xiao Qin , Widodo Pratomo
Published: November 2019

In Chinese and Indonesian, particles are often used and occupying an important place specifically in daily conversation. The study distinguishes ways of using particles in order to propose suggestions that can be useful for Chinese learners in Indonesia. In this article, the author describe the four pairs of particles to compare the similarities and differences in terms of syntax, semantics, pragmatics and analyzing the types and reasons in particle’s using error for Indonesian learners based on corpus HSK. Where the data sources are the examples of a sentence containing particles, the technique of data collection is the technique of reading and taking notes, and the instrument is a human instrument. The authors found that the four pairs of particles have similarities and differences in syntax, semantics and pragmatics: all of them can be used at the end and middle of the sentence, but not all can be used with other particles; all the pairs can translate to one another and can also be translated into other particles or adverbs, but there are some particles sometimes don’t need to be translated; in different contexts, the four pairs of modal particles have different pragmatic functions. Keywords: particle, Chinese, Indonesian, contrastive analysis
Гелиевое послесвечение без метастабильных частиц
Authors: Иванов В.А. , Скобло Ю.Э.
Published: November 2019

The results of a spectroscopic study of the afterglow of a pulsed barrier discharge in helium with a small admixture of neon, which creates a plasma with a low density of metastable particles, are discussed. The early stage of the afterglow of such a discharge is free of processes involving metastables and has a purely recombination nature. The characteristics of the afterglow are interpreted on the basis of the model taking into account vibrational kinetics and dissociative recombination of molecular ions. A comparison of experimental data and model solutions for collisional-radiative recombination of atomic ions and dissociative recombination leads to the conclusion in favor of the latter process as a source of the excited atoms.
Анизотропия ИК поглощения сверхтонкого слоя воды на межфазной границе вода/кварцевое стекло
Authors: Золотарев В.М.
Published: November 2019

Методом НПВО исследованы оптические свойства сверхтонкого слоя воды в зоне контакта двух диэлектриков(ZnSe-SiO2). Получены эффективные значения показателей преломления и поглощения в области полосы валентных колебаний группы ОН. Обнаружена плоскостная ориентация молекул воды на границе межфазного слоя вода/кварцевое стекло. Ключевые слова: НПВО, валентные колебания, ион гидроксония, жидкая вода, лед.
Exploring Mental Health Professionals’ Perspectives of Text-Based Online Counseling Effectiveness With Young People: Mixed Methods Pilot Study
Authors: Navarro Pablo , Sheffield Jeanie , Edirippulige Sisira , Bambling Matthew
Published: November 2019

Background

Population-based studies show that the risk of mental ill health is highest among young people aged 10 to 24 years, who are also the least likely to seek professional treatment because of a number of barriers. Electronic mental (e-mental) health services have been advocated as a method for decreasing these barriers for young people, among which text-based online counseling (TBOC) is a primary intervention used at many youth-oriented services. Although TBOC has shown promising results, its outcome variance is greater in comparison with other electronic interventions and adult user groups.

Objective

This pilot study aimed to explore and confirm e-mental health professional’s perspectives about various domains and themes related to young service users’ (YSUs) motivations for accessing TBOC services and factors related to higher and lower effectiveness on these modalities.

Methods

Participants were 9 e-mental health professionals who were interviewed individually and in focus groups using a semistructured interview. Thematic analysis of qualitative themes from interview transcripts was examined across the areas of YSU motivations for access and factors that increase and decrease TBOC effectiveness.

Results

A total of 4 domains and various subthemes were confirmed and identified to be related to YSUs’ characteristics, motivations for accessing TBOC, and moderators of service effectiveness: user characteristics (ie, prior negative help-seeking experience, mental health syndrome, limited social support, and perceived social difficulties), selection factors (ie, safety, avoidance motivation, accessibility, and expectation), and factors perceived to increase effectiveness (ie, general therapeutic benefits, positive service-modality factors, and persisting with counseling despite substantial benefit) and decrease effectiveness (ie, negative service-modality factors).

Conclusions

Participants perceived YSUs to have polarized expectations of TBOC effectiveness and be motivated by service accessibility and safety, in response to several help-seeking concerns. Factors increasing TBOC effectiveness were using text-based communication, the online counselor’s interpersonal skills and use of self-management and crisis-support strategies, and working with less complex presenting problems or facilitating access to more intensive support. Factors decreasing TBOC effectiveness were working with more complex problems owing to challenges with assessment, the slow pace of text communication, lack of nonverbal conversational cues, and environmental and connectivity issues. Other factors were using ineffective techniques (eg, poor goal setting, focusing, and postcounseling direction) that produced only short-term outcomes, poor timeliness in responding to service requests, rupture in rapport from managing service boundaries, and low YSU readiness and motivation.
Understanding the Gap of Reading Performance between ELL and EOL Children from Low-Income Families in Elementary School Years
Authors: Lin Hsin-Hui , Wei Liping
Published: November 2019

This study explored reading development in low income children of English Language learners (ELLs) from kindergarten to the fourth grade. Data used in this study came from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2010-2011 (ECLS-K: 2011). A sample size was 3,451 students below the poverty threshold. The independent variables were the indicators of home language and gender. The six dependent variables were students’ reading item response theory (IRT) scale scores in the fall and spring semester of the kindergarten year and all the spring semesters from the first to the fourth grade. Six full 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) models were used for the statistical analyses. The results found there is a gender difference in children’s reading performance, with female doing slightly better than male students. The low-income children’s performance in reading IRT scores has shown differences among the three groups. The English Only Learners (EOL) had the highest mean scores throughout the five years. The group of Multilingual Learners (ML) and English Language Learner (ELL) group had mixed results of the second or lowest scores among these three groups. Among the six subgroups the EOL female had the highest mean scores throughout the five years.
KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES REGARDING VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING IMAM HUSSEIN MEDICAL CITY IN KARBALA 2018
Authors: AL-GHRAIBAWI SARAH JAFAR , AL-GHABBAN SAAD IBRAHIM , AL-ZUBAIDY RIYADH DHEYHOOD
Published: November 2019

Objective: Vitamin D deficiency is a global health problem. It is significantly associated with skeletal and non-skeletal problems. Prevention can be maintained mainly by effective sun exposure or supplementation and to lesser extent by dietary intake. To determine the magnitude of knowledge and practice of women towards vitamin D deficiency.

Methods: A cross-sectional study, purposive sample of 442 women were approached who attended consultants’ clinics of Imam Hussein Medical City in Karbala. Data collection done between March 2 and June 30, 2018 through direct interviews using a special questionnaire prepared for the purpose of the study.

Results: Less than half (45.2%) of the women had heard about vitamin D; their source of information was from relatives and friends then from health care provider. The mean score for the participants’ knowledge about VDD was 4.25 out of 9.0 (47%). It has a significant association with higher educational levels and urban residence. There is no significant difference regarding age, marital status or occupation. The mean score for the participants’ practice about vitamin D deficiency was 2.53 out of 5 (50.71%). There is no influence of practice score by socio-demographic factors.

Conclusion: Overall knowledge towards vitamin D deficiency was suboptimal. Improving practices towards VD is directly related to increase knowledge about it that indicates the need to increase public awareness about the problem, encourage appropriate way of sun exposure, consumption of vitamin D rich food and taking supplementation when sun exposure is difficult.
PHARMACEAUTICAL CARE IMPROVED THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENT WITH HEMODIALYSIS
Authors: LUBIS ASYRUN ALKHAIRI , NASUTION AZIZAH , ROSIDAH
Published: November 2019

Objective: Patients undergoing hemodialysis in the long term often experience complications that affect the quality of life (QOL) of the patients. Comprehensive health services are very important for improving the QOL of the patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis. The purpose of this study was to prove that the provision of therapy with pharmaceutical care can improve the QOL of hemodialysis patients.

Methods: This research was a quasi-experimental study pre and post test design. Samples were recruited applying the purposive sampling method. As many as 50 patients met the inclusion criteria and were asked to fill out the World Health Organization Quality Of Life (WHOQOL) questionnaire to measure their QOLs before and after the provisions of pharmaceutical care. Data obtained before and after pharmaceutical care were tested using paired t test, person correlation test, and Wilcoxon test in the program of SPSS 19.

Results: The results showed women more often experience complications when hemodialysis (62%), sex with quality of life (p = 0.907), education with quality of life (p = 0.277), work with quality of life (p = 0.582) length of undergoing hemodialysis with quality life (p = 0.733) no significant effect. Age (p = 0.044) significantly influences quality of life. And the average quality of life before administration of pharmacy and care was 48.12±5.98, while the quality of life after administration of therapy with pharmaceutical care was 50.16±6.22. Based on the Wilcoxon test, this value was significantly different (p = 0.009).

Conclusion: The conclusion of this study is the provision of therapy accompanied by pharmaceutical care significantly improves the quality of life of hemodialysis patients.
FORMULATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF EFAVIRENZ TABLETS BY PAPER TECHNIQUE USING CO-SOLVENCY METHOD
Authors: SUBRAHMANYESWARI CH. DHANA , PRASANTH Y. , RUBEEN SAMEEDA
Published: November 2019

Objective: The present study is to formulate and development of efavirenz tablets by paper technique using the co-solvency method, the drug is antiviral drug used for the treatment of HIV.

Methods: In this 7 formulation (F1-F7) were prepared by using different tissue papers like kitchen roll paper, hand kercheif paper, facial tissue paper, with different weights. The prepared tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, thickness, content uniformity, disintegration time and in vitro dissolution study.

Results: Among all the formulations, F2 (kicthen roll paper with weight 250 mg) was consired to be the best formulation, which release up to 98.02% drug in 3 h. The results of stability studies of formulation F2 after a period of 2 mo indicated that the formulation was stable.

Conclusion: It was concluted that a paper tablet of efavirenz shows better results and it does not contain any excipient and increase the dissolution rate.
Оценка взвешенных сумм Клоостермана с помощью аддитивного сдвига
Authors: Королёв Максим Александрович
Published: November 2019

Аддитивный сдвиг -- один из часто используемых приёмов оценки тригонометрических сумм и сумм значений характеров. Он состоит в замене переменной суммирования $n$ выражением вида $n+x$ с последующим суммированием по искусственно введённой переменной $x$. Превращение исходной однократной суммы в кратную открывает дополнительные возможности, позволяющие получить её нетривиальную оценку. Этот приём широко использовался в работах Й.~Г. ван дер Корпута, И.~М.~Виноградова, Д.~А.~Бёрджесса,А.~А.~Карацубы и многих других исследователей. Он оказался весьма полезным рабочим инструментом и при работе с суммами значений характеров в конечных полях, а также с кратными тригонометрическими суммами.Э.~Фуври и П.~Мишель (1998), Ж.~Бургейн (2005) стали успешно применять этот приём к оценкам сумм Клоостермана по простому модулю.

Э.~Фуври и П.~Мишель сочетали аддитивный сдвиг с глубокими результатами, которые получаются средствами алгебраической геометрии.Метод Ж.~Бургейна полностью элементарен. Так, его использование позволило автору дать полностью элементарный вывод оценки суммы Клоостермана с простыми числами по простому модулю $q$ в случае, когда длина $N$ такой суммы превосходит $q^{\,1/2+\varepsilon}$.

В настоящей статье даются новые примеры применения аддитивного сдвига к взвешенным суммам Клоостермана вида\[\sum\limits_{n\le N}f(n)\exp{\biggl(\frac{2\pi ia}{q}\,(n+b)^{*}\biggr)},\quad (ab,q)=1,\quad mm^{*}\equiv 1\;(\mmod q),\]где $q$ - простое число, а весовая функция $f(n)$ берётся равной числу $\tau(n)$ делителей $n$ или же количеству$r(n)$ представлений $n$ суммою двух квадратов целых чисел. Полученные оценки нетривиальны уже при $N\ge q^{\,2/3+\varepsilon}$.

Следствием таких оценок являются новые результаты о распределении дробных долей вида\[\biggl\{\frac{a}{q}\,(uv+b)^{*}\biggr\},\quad \biggl\{\frac{a}{q}\,(u^{2}+v^{2}+b)^{*}\biggr\},\]в случае, когда целочисленные переменные $u$, $v$ меняются в гиперболической ($uv\le N$) и круговой ($u^{2}+v^{2}\le N$)областях, соответственно.