bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of silver fluoride on micro-ecology of plaque from extensive caries of primary teeth - in vitro study
Authors: Liu Baoying , LIU Jin , ZHANG Di , YANG Zhi lei , FENG Ya ping , WANG Meng
Published: January 2020

Background The action mechanism of silver diammine fluoride (SDF) on plaque micro-ecology was seldom studied. This study investigated micro-ecological changes in dental plaque on extensive carious cavity of deciduous teeth after topical SDF treatment. Methods Deciduous teeth with extensive caries freshly removed from school children were collected in clinic. After initial plaque collection, each cavity was topically treated with 38% SDF in vitro. Repeated plaque collections were done at 24 hours and 1 week post-intervention. Post-intervention micro-ecological changes including microbial diversity, microbial metabolism function as well as inter-microbial connections were analyzed and compared after Pyrosequencing of the DNA from the plaque sample using Illumina MiSeq platform. Results After SDF application, microbial diversity decreased (p>0.05). Microbial community composition post-intervention was obviously different from that of supragingival and pre-intervention plaque as well as saliva. At 1 week post-intervention, the relative content of Pseudomonas , Fusobacterium and Pseudoramibacter was obviously higher than before, while most of the other bacteria was obviously reduced, although not statistically significant (P>0.05). The inter-microbial connections became more complex, with positive connections overcame negative ones. Carbohydrate transportation and metabolic functions in the plaque were significantly reduced at 24 hours and 1 week post-intervention. Conclusions SDF has extensive antimicrobial effect on dental plaque, which may reduce carbohydrate metabolism in dental plaque and help promote new balance of the plaque flora.
Dental expenditure and income-related inequality in Chinese adults
Authors: Si Yan , CHENG MengLin , WANG ChunXiao , WANG Xing , FENG XiPing , TAI BaoJun , HU DeYu , LIN HuanCai , WANG Bo , ZHENG ShuGuo , LIU XueNan , RONG WenSheng , WANG WeiJian , Xu Tao
Published: January 2020

Objective The aim of this study was to estimate the dental expenditure and the availability of basic medical insurance in dental service for Chinese adults. Horizontal and vertical inequalities were examined and the key social determinants were identified to potentially explain such income-related inequalities in dental expenditure. Materials and Methods A secondary analysis used the data of 13,464 adults from the 4 th National Oral Health Epidemiological Survey (NOHES) in China was undertook. The dental expenditure including out-of-pocket and health insurance payments in the past year and in 13464 participants and 2740 of who used dental service in the past year was collected. Horizontal inequality index and Kakwani index were used to analyze the horizontal and vertical financial inequality, respectively. Decomposition of concentration index was made to explore the associated socioeconomic determinants. Results Mean dental expenditure per capita of Chinese adults was $20.54 (95% CI: 18.83,22.26) and for those who used dental service in the past one year, the number was $100.95(95%CI: 93.22,108.68). More than 90% of the expenditure was out-of-pocket. Horizontal inequality indices and Kakwani indices were both negative and that indicated inequalities were in favor of the rich. The socioeconomic factors including income, urban or rural area and educational attainment were the main contributors to the inequality of dental expenditure. Conclusion Social basic medical insurances hardly work in financial risk control of oral diseases. Deficiency and waste of dental service utilization coexist. The payments of dental expenditure were regressive. Socioeconomic status was the main determinant while oral hygiene practice and oral health status were the main individual determinants for the dental expenditure.
Validity and reliability of intra-oral and plaster models’ photographs in the assessment of Little's Irregularity Index, tooth-size-arch-length discrepancy and Bolton's analysis
Authors: Al-Rasheed Wael , Owayda Amer M , Hajeer Mohammad Y , Khattab Tarek Z , Murad Rashad MT , Almahdi Wael
Published: January 2020

Background Dental impressions have been required to obtain proper study models. This procedure is a time- and labor-consuming for the orthodontist and could be exhausting to the patient especially when braces are fitted in the context of a research project. This study aimed to assess the accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility of using intraoral photographs and plaster models’ photographs in measuring Little's Irregularity Index (LII), tooth-size-arch-length discrepancy (TSALD) and Bolton's ratios.Methods Fifty-two dental arches of 26 patients were included in this study. Plaster models, occlusal intraoral photographs and photographs of the collected plaster models were obtained for each patient. Then, LII, TSALD and Bolton’s ratios were measured using a manual caliper for plaster models’ measurements and a software-based on-screen method for the photographs.Results The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of measurements made on intraoral photographs and photographs of plaster models were high (ranging from 0.90 to 0.99 and from 0.88 to 0.99, respectively) indicating a high level of agreement with the gold standard measurements. In addition, the differences were insignificant. The intra-/inter-examiner ICCs ranged from 0.90 to 0.99/0.92 to 0.99 and from 0.85 to 0.99/0.88 to 0.98 for plaster models and intraoral photographs of the dental arches, respectively. The analysis of reproducibility of capturing intraoral photographs of the dental arches in two different occasions showed high ICCs ranging from 0.96 to 0.99 with almost no significant differences between repeated measurements (P>0.05).Conclusion LII, TSALD, and Bolton’s overall and partial ratios can be measured from intraoral photographs of the dental arches with high accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility. Therefore, this methodology can be suggested for use in research projects when multiple records of the dental arches are required instead of depending on time- and labor-consuming procedures of ordinary dental impressions.
Three-dimensional printing versus conventional machining in the creation of a meatal urethral dilator: a cost and mechanical strength analysis
Authors: Chen Michael Yue-Cheng , Skewes Jacob , Daley Ryan , Woodruff Maria Ann , Rukin Nicholas John
Published: January 2020

Background Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a promising technology in medicine. Low-cost 3D printing options are accessible but the limitations are often poorly understood. We aim to compare fused deposition modelling (FDM), the most common and low cost 3D printing technique, with selective laser sintering (SLS) and conventional machining techniques in manufacturing meatal urethral dilators which were recently removed from the Australian market.Methods A meatal urethral dilator was designed using computer-aided design (CAD). The dilator was 3D printed vertically orientated on a low cost FDM 3D printer in polylactic acid (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). It was also 3D printed horizontally orientated in ABS on a high-end FDM 3D printer with soluble support material, as well as on a SLS 3D printer in medical nylon. The dilator was also machined in medical stainless steel using a lathe. All dilators were tested mechanically in a custom rig by hanging calibrated weights from the handle until the dilator snapped.Results The horizontally printed ABS dilator experienced failure at a greater load than the vertically printed PLA and ABS dilators respectively (503g vs 283g vs 163g, p < 0.001). The SLS nylon dilator did not fail but began to bend and deformed at around 5,000g of pressure. The steel dilator did not bend even at 10,000g of pressure. The cost per dilator is highest for the steel dilator if assuming a low quantity of five at 98 USD, but this decreases to 30 USD for a quantity of 1000. In contrast, the cost for the SLS dilator is 33 USD for a quantity of five but relatively unchanged at 27 for a quantity of 1000.Conclusions SLS and conventional machining created clinically functional meatal dilators but low-cost FDM printing could not. We suggest that at the current time 3D printing is not a replacement for conventional manufacturing techniques which are still the most reliable way to produce large quantities of parts with a simple geometry such as the meatal dilator. 3D printing is best used for patient-specific parts, prototyping or manufacturing complex parts that have additional functionality that cannot be achieved with conventional machining methods.
Analysis of clinical characteristics, radiological predictors, pathological features and perioperative outcomes associated with perinephric fat adhesion degree
Authors: Liu Junqiang , Huang Hongwei , Cao Tianyu , Liu Dikuan , Zhu Zheng , Chen Jing , Wang Lina , Zong Huafeng , Song Xishuang , Wang Xuejian , Zhu Xinqing , Chen Qiwei , Fredia sony , Wang Jianbo , Yang Deyong
Published: January 2020

Background To assess the clinical characteristics, radiological predictors and pathological features of perinephric fat adhesion degree (PFAD) graded based on fixed criteria and to determine the impact of adherent perinephric fat (APF) on retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RLPN) outcomes.Methods 84 patients undergoing RLPN were included and graded into 4 groups based on PFAD. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed for clinical characteristics and radiological predictors of PFAD. Perioperative data was compared between APF groups and non-APF groups. Masson staining determined collagen fibers. Immunohistochemistry detected CD45 immune cells and CD34 vessels.Results 20, 28, 18 and 18 patients were graded as normal perinephric fat (NPF), mild adherent perinephric fat (MiPF), moderate adherent perinephric fat (MoPF) and severe adherent perinephric fat (SPF), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that gender (p<0.001), age (p=0.003) and hypertension (p=0.006) were significant clinical risk factors of PFAD, while radiological predictors included perinephric stranding (p=0.001), posterior perinephric fat thickness (p=0.009) and perinephric fat density (p=0.02). APF was associated with drain output (P = 0.012) and accompanied by immune cells gathering in renal cortex near thickened renal capsule with many vessels.Conclusions Clinical characteristics and radiological predictors can evaluate PFAD and may assist guide preoperative surgical option. Pathological features of APF reflect decapsulation and bleeding during kidney mobilization at RLPN.
Predictors of parental mediation in teenagers’ internet use: A cross-sectional study of female caregivers in Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Iqbal Sarosh , Zakar Rubeena , Fischer Florian
Published: January 2020

Background The internet has become the most widely used medium among teenagers, who spend much of their time online, which raises parental concerns. Notwithstanding teens’ increased internet use and exposure to online risks, little is yet known about parental internet mediation in local settings. The present research aimed to assess the various dimensions of parental mediation to regulate teens’ use of the internet, and their predictors.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the district of Lahore, Pakistan, among mothers/female caregivers of teens (aged 13–19 years). Only women were interviewed because they are more frequently engaged as primary caregivers than fathers or male caregivers. Furthermore, only qualified and working mothers from the top two professions among women, i.e. academia and medicine, were interviewed. A stratified random sampling technique was adopted, and 347 mothers were interviewed using face-to-face interviews at 11 universities and 11 hospitals/medical colleges. Data was entered and analysed using descriptive, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.Results The findings highlighted that more than 65% of respondents applied high active mediation of internet safety, around 60% used high active co-use mediation and more than 56% applied restrictive mediation. In addition, 36% of respondents monitored and 15.3% technically mediated to regulate their teens’ use of the internet. The results of the multivariate logistic regression revealed that the majority of respondents were more inclined to adopt active internet safety mediation if they had teens aged 16–19 years, with medium internet addiction, possessed good digital skills, felt confident about their teens’ coping appraisal to perform online protection, and considered their teens to have high self-esteem and resilience.Conclusions This research found that parental internet mediation is a multi-faceted concept used to regulate teens’ online activity and enhance a resilient approach to reduce the risks associated with use of the internet. The researchers recommend developing parental guidelines, e-safety resource material, local support networks and community programmes to educate parents, teachers and teens in order to raise awareness and promote resilient pathways amongst teens.
An Exploratory Analysis of Factors Associated with Low Risk Perception for Developing Type 2 Diabetes amongst Low-income, Primarily Latina Women with prior Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Athavale Priyanka , Prata Ndola , Sokal-Gutierrez Karen , Lahiff Maureen , Najmabadi Adriana , Landeros Jared , Rios Christina , Quan Judy , Handley Margaret A
Published: January 2020

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a significant contributor to the development of diabetes (DM2) post-partum, with higher rates amongst low-income and Latina women. Understanding one’s risk perception for developing DM2 postpartum amongst women with GDM can help target preventive interventions that promote positive health behaviors and lifestyle changes. This study aims to assess how the interplay of individual level factors, healthcare based factors, and structural factors influence risk perception for developing DM2 amongst low-income, primarily migrant Latina women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods: Data is from the baseline assessment of the STAR MAMA intervention. Women (N=171) receiving prenatal care at low-income urban clinics in San Francisco Bay Area were surveyed for basic demographics, healthcare access, and health-related behaviors. The outcome variable, risk perception for developing DM2 post-partum, was measured using the RPS-DM tool. Associations between risk perception for developing DM2 and individual, health-care based and structural (eg. health insurance, food insecurity, educational attainment) covariates were estimated using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: Although all participants had a high risk for subsequently developing DM2, 76% reported lower risk perception for developing diabetes within the next 1, 5, and 10 years. Migrant status, less than high school education, and food insecurity were associated with lower risk perception (p<0.05). Spanish-speaking women with GDM who did not have family histories of DM2 were at greatest risk of underestimating their DM2 risk (OR=6.5; CI= (1.149, 11.795)). On the other hand, Spanish-speaking women who had family histories of DM2 were more likely to correctly assess their DM2 risk (OR=0.16; CI= (0.031, 0.824)). Conclusions: Structural and individual factors, rooted in migrant status and cultural backgrounds, influence personal risk perception. The majority of high-risk GDM women in this sample underestimate their risk for developing diabetes. This poses an opportunity for the healthcare system to improve patient-provider communication to improve risk perceptions and motivation for behavioral risk reduction. Improved counseling regarding risk perception for vulnerable, migrant populations with GDM is critical to accurately convey risk and engage individuals in preventive behaviors. Trial Registration: The clinical trial registration number is: NCT02240420 and date of registration: 9/11/2014.
Predictors of dietary diversity among adults on antiretroviral therapy in Debre Tabor Hospital, northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Zerihun Kassaw Wubnew , Muhammad Esmael Ali , Biks Gashaw Andargie , Belew Aysheshim Kassahun , Hunegnaw Melkamu Tamir
Published: January 2020

Background: Diversified diet to improve better tolerates human immunodeficiency virus drugs, enhance antiretroviral therapy adherence and maintain a healthy weight to reduce mortality and morbidity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess dietary diversity and associated factors among adult human immunodeficiency virus positive patients who were on antiretroviral therapy at Debre Tabor Hospital northwest EthiopiaMethods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted at Debre Tabor Hospital and participants selected by the systematic random sampling techniques. Data collection was done by using a structured interview questionnaire. Dietary diversity was computed from all food and drink list consumed in the 24 hours preceding the survey. A variable having p- value < 0.2 in the bivariate logistic regression was entered into the multivariable logistic regression, and independent variables having p-value < 0.05 was considered as significantly associated. Results: Of the total 341 adults on antiretroviral therapy 336 participants gave a complete response with a response rate of 98.50%. Among the participants 336 [32.4% (95% CI: 27.4, 37.1)] had adequate dietary diversity and 22.9% were BMI <18.5kg/m2. Government employment [AOR= 2.5; 95%CI: 1.28, 4.98) and diploma and above educational status [AOR=2.3; 95% CI: 1.01, 5.31) were factors for adequate dietary diversity. Conclusions: In this study the magnitude of adequate dietary diversity was low. Employment and educational status were significantly associated with dietary diversity among people living with HIV/AIDS. Hence, improving education status as well as income generation activities are highly recommended strategy to improve the dietary diversity of patients on antiretroviral therapy.
Understanding Women’s Perspectives on Breast Cancer is essential for cancer control: Knowledge, Risk Awareness, and Care-seeking in Mwanza, Tanzania
Authors: Chao Christina A. , Huang Liuye , Visvanathan Kala , Mwakatobe Kisa , Masalu Nestory , Rositch Anne
Published: January 2020

Background: Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Since 2008, Mwanza, Tanzania, has worked to provide comprehensive cancer services through its Zonal consultant hospitals. A new policy focused on clinical breast exam requires that women be aware of and seek care for breast concerns. This new policy necessitates the understanding of community women’s perspectives on breast cancer and care-seeking behavior which are key to successful cancer control.Methods: A community-based survey was administered to conveniently sampled women aged 30 and older to assess women’s perspectives on breast cancer and care-seeking behavior.Results: Among 1,129 women with a median age of 37 (IQR: 31-44) years, 73% have heard of cancer and 10% have received breast health education. Women self-evaluated their knowledge of breast cancer (from 1-none to 10-extremely knowledgeable) with a median response of 3 (IQR: 1-4). Only 14% felt they knew any signs or symptoms of breast cancer. Encouragingly, 56% of women were fairly-to-very confident they would notice changes in their breasts, with 24% of women practicing self-breast examination and 21% reporting they had received a past breast exam. Overall, 74% said they would be somewhat-to-very likely to seek care if they noticed breast changes, with 96% noting severity of symptoms as a motivator. However, fear of losing a breast (40%) and fear of a poor diagnosis (38%) were most frequent barriers to care seeking. In assessing knowledge of risk factors, about 50% of women did not know any risk factors for breast cancer whereas 42% of women believed long term contraceptive use a risk factor. However, 37% and 35% of women did not think that family history or being older were risk factors, respectively.Conclusions: The success of efforts to improve early diagnosis in a setting without population-based screening depends on women being aware of breast cancer signs and symptoms, risks, and ultimately seeking care for breast concerns. Fortunately, most women said they would seek care if they noticed a change in their breasts, but the low levels of cancer knowledge, symptoms, and common risk factors highlight the need for targeted community education and awareness campaigns.
Metabolic Syndrome and Risk of Colorectal Cancer: Results of Propensity Score-based Analyses in a Community-based Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Jinsun , Park Eun Young , Park Eunjung , Lim Min Kyung , Oh Jin-Kyoung , Kim Byungmi
Published: January 2020

Background: This study aimed to determine the effects of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on colorectal cancer (CRC) using propensity score (PS) methods.Methods: The study subjects were 2,417 men and 4,568 women from the Korean National Cancer Center (KNCC) Community Cohort between 2003 and 2010 who were followed up by 2016. We calculated adjusted hazard risks (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using unadjusted and multiple Cox's hazard regression models, PS matching analysis, regression models adjusted by the PS or stratified into five strata according to PS, and PS weighting methods.Results: In women, MetS and abnormally high triglyceride (TG) levels were associated with an increased risk of CRC (HR for MetS, 2.11 [95% CI, 1.21-3.86] using the multiple Cox's hazard regression and 2.19 [95% CI, 1.10-4.36] using the PS matching analysis; HR for abnormal TG levels, 2.09 [95% CI, 1.21-3.62] using the multiple Cox's hazard regression and 2.10 [95% CI, 1.08-4.08] using the PS matching analysis). In men, MetS did not show a significant association with the risk of incident CRC no matter which analyses we performed (HR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.42, 2.04] using the PS matching analysis).Conclusions: Our study might provide additional evidence that deteriorated metabolic profiles increase the risk of CRC in women rather than men. Thus, it may have an important role in effective population-level interventions for deteriorated metabolic profiles at an early stage.
Body Mass Index of children and adolescent participants in a voucher program designed to incentivise participation in sport and physical activity
Authors: Owen Katherine , Bellew B , Foley Bridget C , Bauman Adrian , Reece Lindsey J
Published: January 2020

Background There has been limited population-level success in tackling overweight and obesity. The Active Kids program is a state-wide intervention that aims to increase participation in organised physical activity and sport among children and adolescents in NSW, Australia. This study profiled children and adolescents who registered for the Active Kids program by examining the prevalence of overweight and obesity across subgroups and by social disadvantage in this sample. MethodsFor participating children, each parent or carer was required to complete an online registration form with information about the child’s height, weight, physical activity, sport participation, age, sex, primary language spoken at home, Aboriginality, disability status and postcode. Descriptive statistics were used to profile children and adolescents who registered in the program and multinomial regression models were used to determine which demographic characteristics were associated with an increased risk of overweight and obesity. Results In 2018, 671,375 parents registered a child or adolescent for the Active Kids Program. Among these children and adolescents, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 17.2% and 7.6%, respectively. A large number of children and adolescents who lived in the most disadvantaged area (n = 99,583; 14.8%) registered for the program. There was a clear socio-economic gradient for obesity prevalence across areas of increasing disadvantage, with children and adolescents living in the most disadvantaged area being 1.87 (95% CIs 1.82, 1.93) times more likely to be overweight or obese compared with children and adolescents living in the least disadvantaged area. Conclusions The Active Kids program successfully reached a substantial proportion of overweight and obese children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, providing financial support and opportunities for these children to participate in organised sport and physical activity. However, the program did not reach all children, and additional physical activity promotion strategies may be needed in a comprehensive approach. Nonetheless, these findings support government investment in reaching childhood overweight and obesity with large-scale programs.
TANA: efficient approach for predicting protein functions by transferring annotation via alignment networks
Authors: DJEDDI Warith Eddine , YAHIA Sadok BEN , NGUIFO Engelbert MEPHU
Published: January 2020

Background: One of the challenges of the post-genomic era is to provide accurate function annotations for orphan and unannotated protein sequences. With the recent availability of huge protein-protein interactions networks for many model species, the computational methods revealed a great requirement to elucidate protein function based on many strategies. In this respect, most computational approaches integrate diverse kinds of functional interactions to unveil protein functions by transferring annotations across different species by relying on similar sequence, structure 2D/3D, amino acid motifs or phylogenetic profiles. Results: In this work, we introduce a new approach called TANA for inferring protein functions. The main originality of the introduced approach stands on the function prediction for the unannotated protein by transferring annotation via a network alignment as well as from the direct interaction neighborhood within their PPI networks. Doing so, we are able to discover the functions of proteins that could not to be easily described by sequence homology. We assess the performance of our method using the standard metrics established by the CAFA and highlight a sharp significant improvement over other competitive methods, in particular for predicting molecular functions. Conclusions: This research is one of the first attempts that combine sequence and networks-multiple-alignment-based function prediction approaches. We have been able to assess the accuracy of the prediction using pairwise and multiple alignment of the PPI networks for the compared species. Therefore, we recommend using different strategies (i.e pairwise, multiple, with/without neighborhood networks) especially in situations where the functions of the protein are not known in advance.
The severity of neurocognitive disorders in patients of a TB hospital
Authors: Titova L. A. , Pyanzova T. V.
Published: January 2020

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The impact of social factors on lethal outcomes in the patients with TB/HIV co-infection
Authors: Vdoushkina E. S. , Kuznetsova A. N. , Borodulin B. E. , Eremenko E. P.
Published: January 2020

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Overt and Masked Polycythemia Vera Within the Scope of Ph-Negative Myeloproliferative Diseases
Authors: Tratsevskaya Zh.V. , Kovrigina Alla Mikhailovna , Chebotarev D.I. , Melikyan A.L. , Abdullaev A.O. , Sudarikov A.B.
Published: January 2020

Aim. To study the structure of Ph-negative myeloproliferative diseases (Ph- MPD) and to identify morphological markers for diagnosing masked polycythemia vera (PV). Materials & Methods. Bone marrow core biopsy samples from the database of pathology department of National Research Center for Hematology within the period from January 2014 to June 2017 provided the basis for analyzing the diagnosed Ph- MPD cases. The trial included the bone marrow core biopsy samples of the patients treated and fol-lowed-up not only at the National Research Center for Hematology but also at other medical centers in the Russian Federation in the context of clinical, laboratory and molecular data. Results. In 1611 Ph- MPD patients PV prevailed corresponding to 40.6 % of all cases. In the PV group the masked form was diagnosed in 29 % of patients. Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) was diagnosed in 26.6 % of all patients including 10 % of cases with pre-fibrosis/early stage. The 3d most frequent disorder was essential thrombocythemia (ET) which corresponded to 16 %. JAK2 driver mutation was identified in all 654 PV patients. In 4 cases out of them exon 12 mutation was detected. A similar mutation was found out in PMF (53 %) and ET (60 %). In 36 % of PMF patients and 27 % of ET patients CALR mutation was detected. MPL mutation was identified in 4 % of PMF cases and was not discovered in ET. Triple negative patients were identified in 7 % of PMF and 13 % of ET cases. The designation of “myeloproliferative disease unclassifiable” can be applied to 16.8 % of cases. The trial deals with morphological criteria for diagnosing masked PV during examination of bone marrow core biopsy samples. In 30 % of patients with masked PV (according to the 2017 WHO classification) and splenomegaly (> 14 cm) portal vein thrombosis was identified. Conclusion. In the Ph- MPD group PV diagnosis prevailed (40.6 %). The histological analysis of bone marrow core biopsy samples of the patients with the masked PV accounting for 29 % of all PV cases, revealed morphological features typical of overt PV. Histological analysis of bone marrow is a reliable method for diagnosing overt and masked PV. Among morphological characteristics of the bone marrow of patients with masked PV and portal vein thrombosis special attention should be paid to the MF-1 grade of reticulin fibrosis (29 % of cases) and loose clusters of megakaryocytes (71.4 %).
Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin in the Treatment of Critical Patients with Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia (3 Case Reports)
Authors: Zaitsev Daniil Vladislavovich , Girshova L.L. , Ivanov V.V. , Budaeva I.G. , Motorin D.V. , Badaev R.Sh. , Bogdanov K.V. , Mirolyubova Yu.V. , Nikulina T.S. , Zagorodnikova K.A. , Zhukova N.A. , Efremova S.V. , Chitanava T.V. , Alekseeva Yu.A. , Zaritskey A.Y.
Published: January 2020

The treatment of refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients presents considerable challenges. They are often critically ill. The critical conditions of these patients are mainly associated with severe infectious complications resulting in sepsis as well as with the extramedullary lesions with organ dysfunctions. So far, the obtained data demonstrated the successful use of gemtuzumab ozogamicin, the mechanism of which is likely to be based not only on depletion of CD33-positive tumor cells but also on its immunomodulatory effect. The present article focuses on the fast-effect mechanisms of gemtuzumab ozogamicin and deals with clinical experience of successful use of this drug combined with hypomethylating agents in patients with refractory AML whose condition is critical by the time therapy begins. The use of this drug combination results in fast stabilization of health status, recovery of internal organs, and apyrexia with the decreasing systemic inflammatory response within the first days of therapy. All this together with significantly lower blast count in blood and in bone marrow can bring critically ill patients to recovery.
Digenetic trematodes of the Subfamily Aphanurinae Skrjabin & Guschanskaja, 1954 infecting the commercially important fish Thryssa malabarica (Bloch, 1795) (Clupeiformes, Engraulidae) from the brackishwater bodies of Kerala, India
Authors: Nisha Puthiya Veettil , Prasadan Puthanpurayil Kandambeth
Published: January 2020

Three species of digenetic trematodes of the Family Hemiuridae Looss, 1899, Subfamily Aphanurinae Skrjabin & Guschanskaja, 1954 with their prevalence, intensity of infection and mean abundance are reported Aphanuroides lethrini, Aphanurus stossichii and Aphanurus tuberculatus. A total of 26 specimens of Thryssa malabarica (Bloch, 1795) were examined for digenean infection. Prevalence of infection of A. lethrini, A. stossichii and A. tuberculatus were 11.53%, 69.23% and 15.38%, respectively, the intensity of infection were 1.6, 3.1 and 2.5 and the mean abundance were 0.19, 2.15 and 0.38, respectively. The prevalence, intensity and mean abundance of infection were at the maximum level in A. stossichii infection. Recovery of these parasites from T. malabarica represents a new host record and the first report from Kerala. The characteristic features of the recovered digeneans are discussed.
Bioconversion of agricultural and industrialised waste to generate valuable products
Authors: Ngbede Daniel Elijah , Ahmadu Usman , Gana Mordecai , Attah Friday
Published: January 2020

Agro and industrial wastes are rich in bioactive compounds. These wastes can be used as an alternate source for the production of different valuable products as the raw material in various industries. The use of agro-industrial wastes as raw materials can help to reduce the production cost and also reduce the pollution load from the environment. Agro-industrial wastes are used for manufacturing of enzymes, biofertilizer, biofuel, antibiotics, and other chemicals through solid state fermentation (SSF). A variety of microorganisms are used for the production of these valuable products through SSF processes. This reviewed work was aimed at bioconversion of agricultural and industrial wastes to generate valuable products.
A modern view on the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in children and adolescents
Authors: Volynets G. V.
Published: January 2020

The purposeof the article is a summary overview of approaches to the treatment of infection caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) in children and adolescents. The article is devoted to issues affecting indications, contraindications and optimal treatment regimens in children and adolescents with chronic HCV infection.

All over the world, 13.2 (11.5–21.2) million children aged 1–15 years have HCV. Chronic HCV infection in children, as a rule, is more lethargic than in adults; extrahepatic manifestations mainly in the form of subclinical hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis occur, respectively, in 11 and 5.6% of cases. The risk of developing liver cirrhosis in children with chronic HCV infection ranges from 1 to 4%, while bridging fibrosis and severe liver inflammation are described in approximately 15%. The article discusses the issues of therapy: goals, endpoints, indications, contraindications and the optimal treatment regimen in children with chronic HCV infection. The recommendations made by the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterologists, Hepatologists and Nutritionists (ESPGHAN) are provided.

Conclusion.Chronic HCV infection in children in general is in a benign form, but treatment of the disease is required to achieve success in eliminating hepatitis C.
Prevalence and time trends of neural tube defects in regions of the Russian Federation
Authors: Demikova N. S. , Podolnaya M. A. , Lapina A. S.
Published: January 2020

Neural tube defects – a group of severe congenital malformations with a high level of mortality, childhood disability. The average prevalence of these defects is approximately 1 per 1000 births. The main measures to reduce the prevalence of neural tube defects are primary and secondary prevention measures, the effectiveness of which can be determined by congenital malformations monitoring.

Research purpose. To determine the prevalence of neural tube defects, as well as trends in their prevalence for 2011 to 2017 in the Russian Federation according to monitoring of congenital malformations.

Results. The total prevalence of anencephaly among newborns and fetuses was 4.63 (95% confidence interval - CI 4.40–4.88) per 10000 births, spina bifida – 6.18 (95% CI 5.91–6.46) and encephalocele 1.34 (95% CI 1.21–1.47). At the same time, the prevalence of anencephaly only among live births was 0.11 (95% CI 0.08–0.15) per 10000, spina bifida – 2.24 (95% CI 2.08–2.41) and encephalocele – 0 25 (95% CI 0.20–0.31). The decrease in prevalence of birth defects among live births compared with the total prevalence is provided by a high level of detection of these defects by ultrasound examination during pregnancy with the subsequent elimination of the affected fetuses. The maximum proportion of eliminated fetuses is observed for anencephaly (90.5%), for encephalocele the proportion of aborted fetuses is 77.4% and for spina bifida – 59.3%. Over the 7-year period, the multidirectional prevalence trends were noted: the increasing trend for total prevalence of neural tube defects and the decreasing trend for prevalence of these defects among live-born children.

Conclusion. Estimates of the prevalence of neural tube defects in Russian Federation regions are obtained. The dynamics of the studied defects prevalence indicates that the decreasing of neural tube defects prevalence among live births is associated with secondary prevention measures.
Prognostic value of connective tissue dysplasia in children with urinary tract infection
Authors: Pleshkova E. M. , Dlin V. V.
Published: January 2020

Research purpose. To determine the frequency and severity of connective tissue dysplasia in children with urinary tract infection to predict the course of the disease and justify the scope of the survey.

Characteristics of children and research methods. A prospective study was conducted during 5 years, which included 120 children with community-acquired urinary tract infection at the age of 1 to 17 years. There were 90 children with acute pyelonephritis and 30 patients with acute cystitis. All children underwent a clinical and instrumental examination with a study of the manifestations of connective tissue dysplasia and assessment of its severity.

Results. Connective tissue dysplasia occurred in 30% of children with urinary tract infection and depended on the form and course of pyelonephritis. With secondary pyelonephritis, its frequency increased to 56% with a predominance of the first degree of severity. When prospectively observed, only in 2 out of 30 girls with acute cystitis, the disease took a chronic course; one of them was diagnosed with connective tissue dysplasia of the I degree of severity. A relapse-free course of pyelonephritis was observed in 54 (68%) children. In 25 (32%) patients with secondary pyelonephritis, the course of the disease was recurring; in this group, connective tissue dysplasia was significantly more frequent and was observed in 23 (92%) of 25 patients.

Conclusion. If seven to ten external signs of connective tissue dysplasia are detected in children with pyelonephritis, it is necessary to examine not only the urinary system, but also other systems for complex treatment.
Combining artificial aeration and biological zeolite mulch for nitrogen removal from eutrophic water bodies
Authors: Lu Cheng , Cheng Wen , Wang Min , Zhou Zhiwei
Published: January 2020

Endogenous nitrogen pollution can be a major cause of eutrophication. Nitrogen species release from sediments can be reduced by biologically-enforced zeolite mulch or water column aeration. This study was about their combined effects. Water and surface sediment samples from the Yangzhou ancient canal were aerated and biozeolite mulching was applied separately and in combination for 81 days, while the nitrogen species removal rate was recorded. The combination of aeration and biozeolite mulching removed >95% of the ammoniacal-nitrogen in 15 days. This was better than either the blank control or biozeolite mulch without aeration. The ammoniacal-nitrogen concentration was lowered faster by combined treatment than by aeration alone. Nitrate nitrogen was only detected during aeration between days 10 and18, and reached lower concentration in the presence of biozeolite. Nitrate was formed during aeration but its concentrations were higher and more variable in the absence of biozeolite; that is, mulching stabilized nitrate formation. The total nitrogen concentration reached its lowest levels after 81 days with biozeolite treatment alone, with 78% total nitrogen removal, whereas combined aeration with biozeolite achieved 41%. This shows that biozeolite mulching can remove nitrogen in eutrophic waters, even without aeration.
Is het gebed een dialoog?
Authors: Dekker P.D.
Published: January 2020

This article explores the nature of prayer: is prayer dialogue? If so, how does this relate to the experience of the petitioner? In conversation with John Calvin, Sarah Coakley and Gerrit Immink, this essay argues that prayer is a dialogue in which the petitioner and God maintain their subjectivity, but in asymmetrical and reciprocal ways. It is argued that the affirmation of God’s subjectivity in prayer affects both the doctrine ofGod and theological anthropology in numerous ways. The most important of these is a diminished emphasis on causality in the approach to God and therefore a less deterministic history than is often assumed in the Reformed tradition. It also affords a serious reconsideration of the influence of the petitioner through prayer in Christ’s reign.
Overtuigend gezag. De schriftvisie en wijze van omgang met de Schrift van Alvin Plantinga
Authors: De Vries P.
Published: January 2020

This article analyzes and evaluates Alvin Plantinga view of the status and authority of the Bible. It shows the relevance of two or more kinds of Christian Biblical scholarship Plantinga develops in Warranted Christian Belief. Plantinga argues that we can speak of knowledge when there is a warrant.Cognitive faculties include a sense of experience, the sensus divinitatis, and the inner witness of the Holy Spirit. A properly functioning cognitive faculty produces knowledge. The Christian belief that the Bible is the Word of God is not just a conviction but knowledge, knowledge that leads one to glorify and enjoy God.
Reizende problemen in de wetenschap: orthodox christendom in de trein der traagheid?
Authors: Van den Brink G.
Published: January 2020

This article (“Traveling Problems in Science: Is Orthodox Christianity Lagging Behind?”) examines the eventual reception of scientific advances by even the most orthodox Christian groups, after more liberal Christians have accommodated to such advances at earlier stages. That is, do orthodox Christians lag behind in their scientific understanding? Focusing on the late reception of heliocentrism, atomism and evolutionary theory among orthodox Christian groups, this article describes a typical pattern of gradual acceptance. In view of historic Christianity’s cutting-edge culture shaping power, this article suggests how Christians might address scientific advances as they develop rather than following them from a distance.
Usability of a Consumer Health Informatics Tool Following Completion of a Clinical Trial: Focus Group Study (Preprint)
Authors: Cho Hwayoung , Porras Tiffany , Flynn Gabriella , Schnall Rebecca
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Mobile health (mHealth) apps have the potential to be effective tools for encouraging patients with chronic diseases to self-manage their health. The success of mHealth apps is related to technology acceptance and its subsequent use by intended consumers. Therefore, it is essential to gain insights from consumers’ perspectives about their use of mHealth apps in daily life.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this work was to understand consumers’ perspectives on use of a self-management app following completion of a clinical trial that tested the efficacy of the app for improving health outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted five focus groups with paricipants of a clinical trial (NCT03182738) who were randomized to use the video information provider (VIP) for HIV-associated nonAIDS (HANA) conditions app (VIP-HANA) or an attention control app. Thematic analysis was conducted, and the themes were organized according to the two key constructs of the technology acceptance model framework: perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine people living with HIV (20 from the intervention group and 19 from the control group) participated in the focus group sessions. Of the eight themes identified from focus group data, the five themes related to perceived usefulness were: (1) self-monitoring HIV-related symptoms of HANA conditions, (2) enhanced relationship with clinical providers, (3) improvement in physical and emotional health, (4) long-term impact of self-care strategies on improvement in symptoms of HANA conditions, and (5) inspired lifestyle changes to manage symptoms. The three themes related to perceived ease of use were: (1) easy to navigate, (2) avatar personalization, and (3) privacy/confidentiality maintained even when changing the location of app use.

CONCLUSIONS

Perceived ease of use was similar in both study groups but perceived usefulness differed between study groups. Participants in both study groups found the VIP-HANA app to be useful in monitoring their symptoms and enhancing communication with their clinical care providers. However, only intervention group participants perceived the app to be useful in improving overall health and long-term symptom management. Findings from this study highlight factors that are essential to ensure the usefulness of self-management apps and facilitate sustained use of mHealth apps for people living with chronic illnesses.
Tubulointerstitial Nephritis and Uveitis Syndrome—A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Alrawashdeh, MD Hamzeh Mohammad , Gharbieh, MD Yazan Abu , Hamdan, MD Omar Khalil , Farah, MD Mohammed
Published: January 2020

A very little subset of patients diagnosed with interstitial nephritis have the tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU syndrome). A considerable number of cases have been documented in the pediatric nephrology and ophthalmology literature. We report a 12-year-old girl who presented with a history of allergic/drug-induced tubulointerstitial nephritis and diagnosed months later to have uveitis after stopping steroids. This considered a very rare combination and the diagnosis of tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome was established. She was treated successfully with topical steroid and topical cycloplegic agent for about 7 weeks. About 250 cases have been reported worldwide, and this is the first reported case in Jordan.
A New Approach of Grammar Teaching: Pre-modifiers in Noun Phrases
Authors: Sun Li
Published: January 2020

Teaching grammar has always constituted a major part of language education in curricula around the world. This paper investigates pre-modifiers in noun phrase in English and focuses on their definition and classifications. Pervious scholars have different focuses and give various definitions and classifications of pre-modifiers. Through thoroughly evaluating and comparing of the different theories given by previous grammarians and linguists, this study redefines modifiers from a semantic, formal and syntactical perspective and constructs a new classification based on word classes and classifies pre-modifiers into six categories: 1). adjectival pre-modifiers; 2). nominal pre-modifiers; 3). participle pre-modifiers; 4). genitive pre-modifiers; 5). adverb phrases pre-modifiers; 6). sentences, etc. The implications of this paper may provide new insights in grammar teaching in English classes.
La bandera de la democracia y el socialismo
Authors: Nuñez Orlando , Burbach Roger
Published: January 2020

La bandera de la democracia y el socialismo
Donde acaba el deseo
Authors: González Rodríguez Sergio
Published: January 2020

Donde acaba el deseo
De cómo robarse el viento
Authors: Villoro Juan
Published: January 2020

De cómo robarse el viento
El amor en las cárceles inquisitoriales
Authors: Alberro Solange
Published: January 2020

El amor en las cárceles inquisitoriales
Algo sobre el amor
Authors: De León de la Mora Jaime
Published: January 2020

Algo sobre el amor
Amor y diferencias
Authors: González de Alba Luis
Published: January 2020

Amor y diferencias
Nuevo Kama Sutra para militantes
Authors: Rodríguez Jesusa
Published: January 2020

Nuevo Kama Sutra para militantes
La escritora fantasma: un relato transmedia
Authors: Zorrilla María Luisa
Published: January 2020

Este relato es transmedia porque la narración tiene tres componentes: este cuento corto, una colección curada a vínculos en ScoopIt! y una serie de cápsulas en audio en iVoox. Para una experiencia más rica de lectura, se recomienda enfáticamente fluir entre el cuento y los dos componentes web.