bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic efficacy of serum miRNA as a non-invasive method for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Authors: Xin Shengliang , Zhan Qiao , Chen Xiaofan , Xu Jinghang , Yu Yanyan
Published: March 2020

1. Background: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a key turning point in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). As a non-invasive method , serum miRNA levels may provide an effective reference for the diagnosis of NASH. This article systematically reviewed related diagnostic trials to compare the difference in the efficacy of serum miRNAs in the diagnosis of NAFLD and its subtype, NASH, and identify the influencing factors. 2. Methods: We pooled the sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), and area under receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) of each trail to determine the efficacy of serum miRNAs in the diagnosis of NAFLD and NASH; Clinical utility was evaluated by Fagan`s nomogram; Heterogeneity was evaluated by subgroup analysis and meta-regression. Publication bias was detected by Deek’s funnel plot. 3. Results: We included 9 articles consisting of 27 trials and 2361 cases, 1775 NAFLD patients (not distinguishing between simple steatosis and NASH) and 586 NASH patients were collected. All cases were confirmed by biopsy. For NAFLD and NASH, the pooled values were SEN (0.71 vs. 0.74), SPE (0.76 vs. 0.85) and AUROC (0.80 vs. 0.86). miRNA had a high accuracy in distinction NASH from simple steatosis with AUROC at 0.91. Among the well-studied serum miRNAs, miRNA-34a showed a moderate accuracy with the lowest heterogeneity in diagnosing NAFLD (SPE I 2 : 5.73%, SPE I 2 : 33.16%, AUROC: 0.85). According to subgroup analysis and meta-regression, lower BMI ( <30kg/m 2 ) may be a crucial source of heterogeneity and reduced the performance of serum miRNA in the diagnosis of NAFLD. 4. Conclusions: As a non-invasive method, serum miRNA should be considered a promising parameter in the diagnosis of NASH. Generally, NAFLD patients with higher BMI ( ≥ 30kg/m 2 ) are more likely to be diagnosed accurately by serum miRNA.
Protein type and lifestyle contribute to the evolution of low complexity regions in proteins of plant colonizing fungi
Authors: Schweizer Gabriel
Published: March 2020

Background: Interactions between plants and fungi range from mutual symbiosis to parasitism. Fungi secrete proteins (termed effectors) to establish different forms of interactions with host plants. Such proteins are thought to coevolve with their molecular plant targets, and this can favor the emergence of novel alleles of fungal effector proteins. Low complexity regions in protein sequences are abundant in eukaryotes and were shown to contribute to the formation of novel protein sequences. This suggests that low complexity regions may play a role in the evolution of effector proteins. Several effector proteins with low complexity regions were functionally characterized in plant colonizing fungi that showed diverse lifestyles and belonged to different taxonomic groups. To investigate if low complexity regions in fungal effector proteins could contribute to the evolution of different plant-fungus interaction types, I employed publicly available genomic data from 121 species of plant colonizing fungi representing six different lifestyles and three phyla. I classified proteins in each species as cytoplasmic, secreted-non effector or effector protein and predicted low complexity regions in all protein sequences.Results: I found that the fraction of proteins that contain a low complexity region differs between cytoplasmic and secreted proteins. Moreover, the fraction of a protein sequence that spans a low complexity region differed on average between cytoplasmic and secreted proteins. Inferring homologous relationships between effector proteins revealed that this fraction is higher in recent compared to ancestral proteins, suggesting that low complexity regions contribute to the formation of novel effector alleles. Furthermore, a principal component analysis and the results of a generalized linear model showed that the lifestyle of different fungi contributes to the evolution of low complexity regions. Likewise, the relative position of low complexity regions differed between cytoplasmic and secreted proteins, between ancestral and recent effector proteins, and between effectors of different lifestyles.Conclusions: Protein type and lifestyle contribute to the evolution of low complexity regions in proteins of plant colonizing fungi, but molecular and evolutionary mechanisms explaining the differences between different protein types and proteins of different lifestyles remain to be elucidated.
Equity and efficiency of health resource allocation of Chinese Medicine in mainland China: 2013 to 2017
Authors: Li Zhengjun , Yang Lili , Bian Yaoyao
Published: March 2020

Background: In this study, we aimed to measure the equity, efficiency and productivity of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) health resource allocation and utilization in mainland China trend from 2013 to 2017. Methods: The data were download from the China Health Statistical Yearbook (2018) and the China Statistical Yearbook (2018). The equity and efficiency of TCM health resource allocation was evaluated by Lorenz curve, Gini coefficient (G) and Theil index (T) were applied to evaluate. The efficiency and productivity of TCM health resource utilization were assessed by Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)-based Malmquist productivity index (MPI). Results: The TCM health resource had an increasing trend every year. The equity allocated by population (Gs range from 0.1 to 0.3) was better than that by geographic region (Gs more than 0.5). Ts in the intra-groups were higher than that in the inter-groups. Most provinces (29 out of 31) had negative productivity changes, which suggested a deterioration in productivity. However, the middle region with higher scale sizes had more redundant inputs. Moreover, the low technological development (all technical values lower than 1.00) might obstacle the productive progress. Conclusion: The equity of TCM health allocated by population was better than that by the geography region. The intra-regional difference was the main reasons of the sources of inequity. The equity of TCM resource allocation was middle region ＞ eastern region ＞ western region. The productivity in more than 97% provinces are inefficient. The frequency distribution of Sech ( score ＞ 1) increased since 2015. However, the frequency distribution of Techch (score ＞ 1) decreased year by year. The slow technological progress and low scale size might the major reason for the low productivity. Keywords: TCM health resource, Equity, Efficiency, Productivity
Difficulties in False Negative Diagnosis of Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Case Report
Authors: Hao Qinjian , Wu Hongmei , Wang Qiang
Published: March 2020

Background: In December 2019, a novel coronavirus emerging in china and spread rapidly globally. Early identification and effective quarantine are essential to reduce the spread of the disease. However, the presence of false-negative makes the diagnosis difficult, especially in the early stages of the disease. Case presentation: A 34-year-old man who had an epidemiological link to Wuhan, presenting with intermittent fever and cough, with chest computed tomography showing ground-glass opacity, and repeated detection of negative 2019 novel coronavirus(2019-nCoV) nucleic acid by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay, which was eventually diagnosed as coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19). Conclusions: This case highlights that a single negative result of the test, particularly if it is based on an upper respiratory tract specimen, in highly suspected cases, does not exclude COVID-19. Repeat and multiple-site sampling and testing in combination with dynamic imaging changes in the chest are strongly recommended in progressive disease.
Management of wellness and recreation in urban agglomerations
Authors: Shevchenko Hanna , Petrushenko Mykola , Burkynskyi Borys , Khumarova Nina , Opanasiuk Yulia
Published: March 2020

The wellness and recreation situation in its complexity does not significantly differ from other socio-economic problems of urban agglomerations in Ukraine and needs to be addressed in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals, especially in improving public well-being and health. The purpose of this article is to identify the relationship between health improvement, recreation and tourism, displayed in the management structure of the urban agglomeration, and the social, environmental and economic state of wellness and recreation. The relationship is determined by the index method/geometric mean of relevant relative indices (inclusion, experience economy, health improvement with rest, recovery function of leisure, wellness and recreation ecology) with the 2009–2018 dynamics by regions with the largest urban agglomerations of Ukraine. The analysis of management structures of the Dnipro, Kyiv, Odesa and Kharkiv executive bodies reveals special aspects in reflecting the wellness and recreation functions, including tourism and urban ecology. Based on the comparison of rating analyses, it is justified whether wellness and recreation reflected in the structure of urban agglomeration management meets its social, environmental and economic health. Comparison results for the relative indices of wellness and recreation in urban agglomerations and regions of Ukraine by economic (income level, directing additional funds for recreation), social (health, no impact of diseases on performance) or environmental (air pollution per person) factors, as well as altogether (comparison of integral indicators), are the basis for smoothing the situation with wellness and recreation in the country according to the inclusive sustainable development principle.
AcknowledgmentThe article contains the results of research conducted under the President of Ukraine’s grant for competitive projects (0119U103141).
Aquatic yeasts: diversity, characteristics and potential health implications
Authors: Monapathi Mzimkhulu Ephraim , Bezuidenhout Carlos Cornelius , James Rhode Owen Howard
Published: March 2020

There has been a rising interest in the levels, diversity and potential impacts of yeasts in aquatic environments. Some of the species isolated from such niches are known pathogens or have pathogenic and antifungal resistance features. This deems it necessary to understand the characteristics and potential health implications of such environmental yeasts species. Studies on these subjects are limited. Most studies on aquatic yeasts have linked them to water pollution. However, the current gold standards to determine microbial pollution of water use bacteria as the main indicator organisms. Including yeasts in water quality standards may provide a different dimension on the quality of water when determining its fit-for-use properties. Pathogenic yeasts cause superficial infections or life-threatening infections, especially in immunocompromised people. Some of the yeast species isolated in recent studies were resistant to commonly used antifungal agents of clinical and veterinary relevance. With the high prevalence rate of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in South Africa, antifungal resistance is a public concern as it poses serious medical and economic challenges. Most available studies are concerned with clinical environments only. There is, thus, a need to review the literature that also focuses on aquatic environments.

This article has been made Open Access thanks to the generous support of a global network of libraries as part of the Knowledge Unlatched Select initiative.
An Efficient and Green Procedure for the Synthesis of Quinoxaline Derivatives using 3,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl)phenylammonium triflate (BFPAT) Organocatalyst
Authors: Alipour Mandana , Hossaini Zinatossadat , Khaksar Samad , Rostami-Charati Faramarz
Published: March 2020

The application of 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenylammonium triflate (BFPAT) as a convenient
new organocatalyst for the synthesis of quinoxaline derivatives is described. In the presence of
BFPAT, one-pot synthesis of a wide variety of quinoxaline derivatives was achieved by the reaction of
various o-phenylenediamines and 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds in water.
Management of Cardiogenic Shock due to Thyrotoxicosis: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Modarresi Milad , Amro Ahmed , Amro Mohammad , Sobeih Amal , Okoro Uzo , Mansoor Kanaan , Rueda Carlos , Elhamdani Rawan , BenHamed Nesreen , Kocher Timothy , Elhamdani Mehiar
Published: March 2020

Background:

A grave complication of thyrotoxicosis, or thyroid storm, is the development of heart failure and cardiomyopathy. Recognizing this condition is imperative in preventing further left ventricular dysfunction and cardiogenic shock. This manuscript aims to review the literature on cardiogenic shock associated with thyrotoxicosis and present management recommendations on this rare condition.

Method:

A literature search was performed in December of 2018, using the PubMed medical search engine. A systematic search was carried out using the keywords Thyroid Storm AND Cardiogenic Shock and Thyrotoxicosis AND Shock.

Management:

A) Decrease of thyroid hormone levels using therapeutic plasma exchange B) LV Unloading and ventilation by Impella and Extracorporeal Mechanical Ventilation (ECMO).

Conclusion:

Patients presenting with thyroid storm-induced shock may not be suitable candidates for traditional management with β -adrenergic blockers (β-blockers). The use of β-blockers could exasperate their condition. Through extensive literature review on this rare condition, the most effective management was found to be therapeutic plasma exchange in order to decrease thyroid hormone levels, which have direct toxic effect on the heart. Furthermore, the use of ECMO and Impella is advised to reduce pressure on the heart and ensure the patient’s organs are well oxygenated and perfused while the left ventricle is recovering.
Phyto-Fabrication of Different Nanoparticles and Evaluation of their Antibacterial and Anti-Biofilm Efficacy
Authors: Ingle Avinash P. , Wagh Shweta , Biswas Jayantakumar , Mondal Monojit , Feitosa Chistiane Mendes , Rai Mahendra
Published: March 2020

Background:

Nowadays, microbial infections are considered the most important causes of
morbidity and mortality. Various microorganisms including biofilm-forming bacteria reported playing
a crucial role in such public health concerns. On the other hand, the inefficacy of conventional
antimicrobial agents due to various reasons including drug resistance creates a need for the development
of effective drug molecules. In this context, nanoparticles can be promisingly used in the management
of all such concerns.

Objective:

The study aimed to evaluate antibacterial and biofilm removal efficacy of various metal
nanoparticles against biofilm-forming bacteria.

Methods:

Various metal nanoparticles including silver (AgNPs), copper (CuNPs) and zinc oxide
(ZnONPs) were synthesized from plant leaf extracts of Punica granatum, Citrus medica, and Annona
squamosa, respectively.

Results:

Thus synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated for their antibacterial and biofilm removal
efficacies against Enterococcus gallinarum, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Enterobacter aerogenes,
and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi to propose a promising approach towards management of
such pathogens. In vitro antibacterial study demonstrated that AgNPs showed the maximum efficacy
against all the test bacteria followed by CuNPs and ZnONPs.

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that the metal nanoparticles can be effectively used for the removal
of biofilm and also as antimicrobial agents for the management of microbial pathogens responsible
for dreadful infections.
Antibiofilm Action of ZnO, SnO2 and CeO2 Nanoparticles Towards Grampositive Biofilm Forming Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Khan Fazlurrahman , Lee Jang-Won , Pham Dung N.T. , Khan Mohammad M. , Park Seul-Ki , Shin Il-Shik , Kim Young-Mog
Published: March 2020

Background:

The ability to form biofilm and produce several virulence factors has caused
numerous human pathogens to become tremendously resistant towards traditional antibiotic treatments,
thus, new alternative strategies are urgently in demand. One of the strategies that have recently been developed
involves the application of metallic Nanoparticles (NPs). Up to the present, promising results in
terms of antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities have been observed in a wide range of metal NPs.

Methods:

The present study has selected three metal oxides such as ZnO, SnO2 and CeO2 NPs to comparatively
investigate their antibiofilm and antibacterial properties against two Gram-positive human
pathogens, which are Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus.

Result:

The anti-biofilm activities of ZnO, SnO2 and CeO2 NPs against S. aureus and L. monocytogenes
were assayed by crystal violet staining and confirmed by microscopic visualization using SEM.
The synthesis of amyloid protein by S. aureus and exopolysaccharide by L. monocytogenes in the presence
of ZnO, SnO2 and CeO2 NPs was evaluated by Congo red assay.

Conclusion:

Overall, these results indicated that ZnO, SnO2 and CeO2 NPs can be considered as potential
agents for treating the infections caused by L. monocytogenes and S. aureus, especially those associated
with biofilm formation. Based on the present study, further studies are required to understand
their mechanisms at both phenotypic and molecular levels, as well as their in vivo cytotoxicity, thereby
enabling the applications of these metal oxide NPs in biomedical fields and food industry.

Discussion:

Results have shown that ZnO, SnO2 and CeO2 NPs effectively inhibited biofilm formation
of both L. monocytogenes and S. aureus. The microscopic analysis also confirmed the antibiofilm activity
of these NPs. It was also found that only ZnO NPs inhibited cell growth as well as the production
of amyloid protein in S. aureus.
An Overview of Reforming Technologies and the Effect of Parameters on the Catalytic Performance of Mesoporous Silica/Alumina Supported Nickel Catalysts for Syngas Production by Methane Dry Reforming
Authors: Saad M.A. , Abdurahman N.H. , Yunus Rosli Mohd , Kamil Mohammed , Awad Omar I.
Published: March 2020

Synthetic gas - a combination of (H2) and (CO) - is an important chemical intermediate
for the production of liquid hydrocarbon, olefin, gasoline, and other valuable chemicals.
Several reforming methods that use steam, carbon dioxide, and oxygen in the presence
of various catalytic systems have been extensively investigated, and this paper reviews the
recent research on the state-of-the-art of reforming technologies and the effect of parameters
on the catalytic activity of mesoporous silica/alumina supported nickel catalysts for syngas
production by methane dry reforming. First, we provide an overview of reforming technologies,
including methane dry reforming, steam methane reforming, partial oxidation of CH4,
and auto thermal reforming of CH4. Then, we review the literature on dry reforming catalysts.
Next, we describe recent findings on the effect of parameters on the catalytic activity
of mesoporous silica/alumina supported nickel catalysts for syngas production. Finally, we
make proposals for future research. This study can help achieve a better understanding of the
reforming technologies and the effects of parameters on catalytic performance for syngas
production, thus contributing to the development of green technologies.
Comparative Usability Analysis and Parental Preferences of Three Web-Based Knowledge Translation Tools: Multimethod Study
Authors: Anzinger Harrison , Elliott Sarah Alexandra , Hartling Lisa
Published: March 2020

Background

Connecting parents to research evidence is known to improve health decision making. However, guidance on how to develop effective knowledge translation (KT) tools that synthesize child-health evidence into a form understandable by parents is lacking.

Objective

The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative usability analysis of three Web-based KT tools to identify differences in tool effectiveness, identify which format parents prefer, and better understand what factors affect usability for parents.

Methods

We evaluated a Cochrane plain language summary (PLS), Blogshot, and a Wikipedia page on a specific child-health topic (acute otitis media). A mixed method approach was used involving a knowledge test, written usability questionnaire, and a semistructured interview. Differences in knowledge and usability questionnaire scores for each of the KT tools were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis tests, considering a critical significance value of P=.05. Thematic analysis was used to synthesize and identify common parent preferences among the semistructured interviews. Key elements parents wanted in a KT tool were derived through author consensus using questionnaire data and parent interviews.

Results

In total, 16 parents (9 female) with a mean age of 39.6 (SD 11.9) years completed the study. Parents preferred the Blogshot over the PLS and Wikipedia page (P=.002) and found the Blogshot to be the most aesthetic (P=.001) and easiest to use (P=.001). Knowledge questions and usability survey data also indicated that the Blogshot was the most preferred and effective KT tool at relaying information about the topic. Four key themes were derived from thematic analysis, describing elements parents valued in KT tools. Parents wanted tools that were (1) simple, (2) quick to access and use, and (3) trustworthy, and which (4) informed how to manage the condition. Out of the three KT tools assessed, Blogshots were the most preferred tool by parents and encompassed these four key elements.

Conclusions

It is important that child health evidence be available in formats accessible and understandable by parents to improve decision making, use of health care resources, and health outcomes. Further usability testing of different KT tools should be conducted involving broader populations and other conditions (eg, acute vs chronic) to generate guidelines to improve KT tools for parents.
A Late Attempt to Involve End Users in the Design of Medication-Related Alerts: Survey Study
Authors: Baysari Melissa Therese , Zheng Wu Yi , Van Dort Bethany , Reid-Anderson Hannah , Gronski Mihaela , Kenny Eliza
Published: March 2020

Background

When users of electronic medical records (EMRs) are presented with large numbers of irrelevant computerized alerts, they experience alert fatigue, begin to ignore alert information, and override alerts without processing or heeding alert recommendations. Anecdotally, doctors at our study site were dissatisfied with the medication-related alerts being generated, both in terms of volume being experienced and clinical relevance.

Objective

This study aimed to involve end users in the redesign of medication-related alerts in a hospital EMR, 4 years post implementation.

Methods

This work was undertaken at a private not-for-profit teaching hospital in Sydney, Australia. Since EMR implementation in 2015, the organization elected to implement all medication-related alert types available in the system for prescribers: allergy and intolerance alerts, therapeutic duplication alerts, pregnancy alerts, and drug-drug interaction alerts. The EMR included no medication administration alerts for nurses. To obtain feedback on current alerts and suggestions for redesign, a Web-based survey was distributed to all doctors and nurses at the site via hospital mailing lists.

Results

Despite a general dissatisfaction with alerts, very few end users completed the survey. In total, only 3.37% (36/1066) of doctors and 14.5% (60/411) of nurses took part. Approximately 90% (30/33) of doctors who responded held the view that too many alerts were triggered in the EMR. Doctors suggested that most alerts be removed and that alerts be more specific and less sensitive. In contrast, 97% (58/60) of the nurse respondents indicated that they would like to receive medication administration alerts in the EMR. Most nurses indicated that they would like to receive all the alert types available at all severity levels.

Conclusions

Attempting to engage with end users several years post implementation was challenging. Involving users so late in the implementation process may lead to clinicians viewing the provision of feedback to be futile. Seeking user feedback on usefulness, volume, and design of alerts is extremely valuable; however, we suggest this is undertaken early, preferably before system implementation.
Effectiveness of a Mobile eHealth App in Guiding Patients in Pain Control and Opiate Use After Total Knee Replacement: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pronk Yvette , Peters Maud Cornelia Wilhelmina Maria , Sheombar Amarsing , Brinkman Justus-Martijn
Published: March 2020

Background

Little is known about pain and opiate use at home directly after total knee replacement (TKR). Due to adverse effects, low opiate use is desired. An electronic health app (PainCoach) was developed to guide patients in pain control and opiate use.

Objective

The aim of this paper was to investigate the effects of the PainCoach app on pain control and opiate use in patients who underwent TKR during the first 2 weeks at home after surgery.

Methods

In an unblinded randomized controlled trial, patients scheduled for TKR were offline recruited and randomized to a PainCoach group or control group. In the PainCoach group, the PainCoach app was downloaded on each patient’s smartphone or tablet. In response to the patient’s input of the pain experienced, the PainCoach app gave advice on pain medication use, exercises/rest, and when to call the clinic. This advice was the same as that received during usual care. The control group received usual care. The primary outcomes were opiate use and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores at rest, during activity, and at night during the first 2 weeks at home after surgery, which were collected daily from day 1 until 14 postoperatively by online questionnaires. The actual amount of app use was recorded, and active use was defined as ≥12 total app uses.

Results

The pain scores did not differ between the groups. The PainCoach group (n=38) used 23.2% less opiates (95% CI −38.3 to −4.4; P=.02) and 14.6% more acetaminophen (95% CI 8.2-21.3; P<.001) when compared with the findings in the control group (n=33). The PainCoach app was used 12 (IQR 4.5-22.0) times per patient. In the active PainCoach subgroup (n=19), the following were noted when compared with the findings in the control group: 4.1 times faster reduction of the VAS pain score during activity (95% CI −7.5 to −0.8; P=.02), 6.3 times faster reduction of the VAS pain score at night (95% CI −10.1 to −2.6; P=.001), 44.3% less opiate use (95% CI −59.4 to −23.5; P<.001), 76.3% less gabapentin use (95% CI −86.0 to −59.8; P<.001), and 21.0% more acetaminophen use (95% CI 12.6-30.0; P<.001).

Conclusions

The use of the PainCoach app contributes to reduced opiate use in the initial period at home after TKR. Active use of this app leads to a further reduction in opiate use and improved pain control.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03961152; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03961152
Chinese Web-based Ocular Surface Disease Index (C-OSDI) Questionnaire in Dry Eye Patients: Reliability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Pazo Emmanuel Eric , Fan Qingxia , Lin Tiezhu , Zhang Can , You Yue , Zhang Chenguang , Zhang Xinmei , Xu Ling , He Wei
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Validated paper-based questionnaires such as the Ocular surface disease index (OSDI) provides a reliable assessment for patients’ ocular surface health. It is one of the most widely used survey instruments worldwide, following its first introduction in 1997.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the reliability of the web-based version of OSDI in Chinese (C-OSDI) on clinically diagnosed dry eye (DE) patients

METHODS

A total of 265 Chinese patients (51% male, 129/254; mean age 27.90±9.06 years) with DE completed the paper-based and web-based questionnaires in a randomised crossover design. Ophthalmology examination and DE assessment were performed before the patients were invited to join the study. Patients were randomly assigned to group A (paper-based first and web-based second) or group B (web-based first and paper-based second). All patients included in the final data analysis had completed both versions of the C-OSDI questionnaire. Descriptive sociodemographic characteristics, test-retest reliability, and agreement rates for single items, subscale, and total score were analysed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Spearman rank correlation, and Wilcoxon test were used.

RESULTS

Reliability indexes were acceptable, with Pearson correlations greater than .8 and ICCs ranging from .827 to .982; total C-OSDI scores was not statistically different between the two versions. Patients’ survey revealed 72% (182/254) of the participants in this study preferred the web-based over the paper-based version.

CONCLUSIONS

The web-based version of the C-OSDI questionnaire is reliable for patients with DED and demonstrated significant correlations with the paper-based version in all subscales and the total score. The web-based version of the C-OSDI questionnaire can be used to monitor individuals with DED as a majority of participants preferred the web-based version.
Assessing Patient Experience and Healthcare Quality of Dental Care Using Patient Online Reviews in the United States: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lin Ye , Hong Y Alicia , Henson Bradley S , Stevenson Robert D , Hong Simon , Lyu Tianchu , Liang Chen
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Over the last two decades, patient review websites have emerged as an essential online platform for doctor ratings and reviews. Recent studies suggested the significance of such websites as a data source for patients to choose doctors for healthcare providers to learn and improve from patient feedback and to foster a culture of trust and transparency between patients and healthcare providers. However, as compared to other medical specialties, studies of online patient reviews that focus on dentists in the United States remain absent.

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to understand to what extent online patient reviews can provide performance feedbacks that reflect dental care quality and patient experience.

METHODS

Using mixed informatics methods incorporating statistics, natural language processing, and domain expert evaluation, we analyzed the online patient reviews of 204,751 dentists extracted from HealthGrades with two specific aims. First, we examined the associations between patient ratings and a variety of dentist characteristics. Second, we identified topics from patient reviews that can be mapped to the national assessment of dental patient experience measured by the Patient Experience Measures from the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Dental Plan Survey.

RESULTS

Higher ratings were associated with female dentists (t71881=2.45, P<.01, g=0.01), dentists at a younger age (F7, 107128=246.97, P<.001, g=0.11), and those whose patients experienced a short wait time (F4, 150055=10417.77, P<0.001, g=0.18). We also identified several topics that corresponded to CAHPS measures, including discomfort (eg, painful/painless root canal or deep cleaning), and ethics (eg, high-pressure sales, and unnecessary dental work).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that online patient reviews could be used as a data source for understanding the patient experience and healthcare quality in dentistry.
An eHealth System for Monitoring the Relapse of Salmonella Typhi in Outpatients (Preprint)
Authors: Agbons Betty Onuwa
Published: March 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

Abstract
Typhoid fever remains a major health problem in developing countries: According to the World Health Organisation, there are 21 Million cases worldwide and 222,000 typhoid-related deaths occurring annually [1]. Mobile monitoring systems have been proposed for observing patient’s physiological signals; these hardware and software solutions are broadly categorised as Healthcare Sensor Networks (HSNs). Since no two patients are alike with regards to biometric parameters and access to healthcare professionals can be difficult because of geography or scarcity of resources, monitoring must be observed in situ. Various serological and culture diagnostic tests for enteric fever exist, including the Widal test [44], TUBEX [45], ELISA [46] and the Gold Standard Blood Culture test [32]. The limitations of these existing conventional tests include lack of speed, sensitivity, and specificity, ambiguity in the classification of symptoms, diagnosis by inexperienced healthcare workers and the fact that they are predominantly clinic-based tests. Critical to typhoid care is outpatient support after the completion of courses of antibiotics, and the two to three-week reoccurrence period is crucial in aftercare. Our research is designed for patients during this period. In this paper, we propose a mobile-based monitoring methodology, which uses vital signs monitoring apparatus, which is configured to recognise the characteristics of typhoid recurrence. Key to our design is the implementation of sensors for body temperature monitoring and physiological testing through galvanic skin response (GSR), electrocardiographic testing (ECG) and electromyography (EMG). The paper introduces an invaluable tool for (i) software programmers and algorithm designers working with biometric HSNs and (ii) practitioners working in public health monitoring and disease prevention.
A REVIEW ON MARINE ALGAE AND ITS APPLICATIONS
Authors: VELUCHAMY CHANDRA , PALANISWAMY RADHA
Published: March 2020

The ocean is the major essential source of structurally unique natural products that are mainly present in living organisms. The essential products extracted from marine microbes and marine algae are highly analyzed areas in instinctive product research. Marine algae are the novel food with potential nutritional values used for multiple purposes in industry and medicine. They show pharmacological activities which are helpful for the invention of bioactive compounds. Furthermore, marine algae have shown to provide an abundant source of natural bioactive compounds with antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, anti-hypercholesterolemia, antibacterial, and antineoplastic properties. They produce new secondary metabolites that possess biological activities and have the potential to be developed as therapeutic agents. Macroalgal lectins, fucoidans, kainoids, and other substances have been routinely used in the research of biomedical and also have biological activities. The potential pharmaceutical, medicinal, and research applications of these compounds are discussed.
ENIGMATIC INDUCTION OF CYTOMIXIS IN ALLIUM CEPA ROOT MERISTEM BY AGLAIA EDULIS ROXB. LEAF EXTRACT AND ITS PHYTOCHEMICAL RATIONALE
Authors: RAVINDRAN ARCHANA ELAMKULAM , THOPPIL JOHN ERNEST
Published: March 2020

Objective: The present study aims to analyze the potential of Aglaia edulis Roxb. leaf extract to induce cytological aberrations in Allium cepa root meristem and to determine the phytoconstituents in the extract.

Methods: Cytotoxicity evaluation of the leaf methanolic extract was done using Allium cepa assay using various concentrations. Volatile phytoconstituents in the extract were determined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis.

Results: Considerable number of cytomictic cells along with other aberrations was observed. The occurrence of cytomixis was found to be dose dependent where it ranged from 6.58±0.35 to 29.45±0.45. The percentage of cytomictic cells among the total aberrant cells was observed between 35.19±1.67 and 77.39±1.39. The phytochemical analysis of the plant extract revealed the presence of active secondary metabolites.

Conclusion: The synergistic action of the active compounds might have triggered the phenomenon of cytomixis which, in turn, could be exploited for the production of polyploids.
NOVEL PHARMACEUTICAL COCRYSTAL OF TELMISARTAN AND HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE
Authors: KULKARNI ALPANA , SHETE SWAPNIL , HOL VISHAL , BACHHAV RITESH
Published: March 2020

Objective: Telmisartan (TEL), commonly used antihypertensive, is poorly soluble in water and has limited and variable bioavailability. Commercially, TEL is available as a single drug and in combination with hydrochlorothiazide (HYZ). Researchers have developed cocrystals of TEL with coformers, namely, oxalic acid, glutaric acid, and saccharin. An attempt was made to prepare the cocrystals of TEL with HYZ, an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) itself so that both the APIs are available in a single tablet. The present study was aimed at enhancement in solubility of TEL by formation of its cocrystals.

Methods: The cocrystals of TEL with HYZ, in different stoichiometric ratios (1:0.5, 1:1, and 1:2), were prepared by solvent coevaporation and liquid-assisted grinding methods. The cocrystals, consisting of TEL:HYZ (in 1:0.5 ratio and 1:1 ratio), depicted maximum yield, drug content, saturation solubility, and flow properties. These cocrystals were characterized by X-ray analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and thermal analysis.

Results: The crystal structure of TEL-HYX revealed that it was a cocrystal, since no proton was transferred between the TEL and HYZ molecules. It was predicted that two molecules are associated through a hydrogen bond between an acidic group of TEL and sulfonamido group of HYZ. The cocrystallization improved the solubility of TEL 7 times. In vitro release rate of tablets of cocrystals was higher than that of marketed TEL tablets. HYZ has a potential to form the cocrystals of TEL.

Conclusion: The objective of improvement in the solubility of TEL was successfully achieved by the formation of cocrystals of TEL: HYZ.
EXTRACTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ANTIBACTERIAL PIGMENT FROM ROSEOMONAS GILARDII YP1 STRAIN IN YERCAUD SOIL
Authors: N SIDDHARTHAN , R SANDHIYA , N HEMALATHA
Published: March 2020

Objective: The current study is focused on antibacterial pigment production from Yercaud hills region soil bacteria.

Methods: In this present study, a soil sample was collected from a coffee plantation in Yercaud, Salem district. The collected soil sample was used to isolate the pigment-producing bacterial strains. The pigments were extracted by acidified ethanol and there used to screen the antibacterial activity against clinical pathogens. The potential antibacterial pigment producer was identifying and the pigment was characterized by ultraviolet spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and also evaluate the minimum inhibitory concentration of pigment against clinical pathogens.

Results: The pigment-producing bacterial strains were isolated from Yercaud soil, among the isolates, YP1 was maximum activity against test pathogens. The potential pigment producer was identified as Roseomonas gilardii. The extracted pigments showed the maximum absorbance at 450 nm and their functional groups were identified using FT-IR analysis.

Conclusion: Based on the results, the pigment was extracted from R. gilardii and it may serve as potential antibacterial pigment of interest in the food industries, textile industries in natural colorant, and cosmetic industries.
HIGH RATIO OF MONOSIT: HIGH-DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN AS A RISK FACTOR OFCHRONIC TOTAL OCCLUSION IN PATIENTS CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
Authors: SURYA I KETUT RADITYA , WITA I WAYAN , ISWARI IDA SRI , RINA ARTHA I MADE JUNIOR , SUNDARI LUH PUTU RATNA
Published: March 2020

Objective: Chronic total occlusion (CTO) is frequently found in coronary heart disease (CHD) with multivessel lesions. Patients with CTO are associated with an increased mortality rate. Management CTO requires specialized techniques, more resource utilization, and high cost. The progression of atherosclerosis can be prevented by controlling for risk factors. Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) is one of the new biomarkers used to assess the incidence of a major adverse cardiovascular event, the severity of coronary lesions, and the incidence of in-stent restenosis. This study was aimed to determine the role of MHR levels as a risk factor for the occurrence of CTO in CAD patients.

Methods: This research is a matched case–control located in Sanglah General Hospital from August 2017 until October 2017. This research consisted of 47 cases with CTO and 47 control without CTO. Case and control samples were adjusted by sex, age, and number of blood vessels involved in CAD.

Results: The cutoff value of MHR was also determined by analyzing the receiver operating curve. The optimal cut off point was 14.33 with sensitivity 83% and specificity 80.9%. Bivariate analysis showed high MHR was found strongly associated with the risk of CTO in CHD patients with odds ratio (OR)=61; IK 95% (OR)=3.211–114.15; p≤0.001. Multivariate analysis showed that high levels of MHR were significantly associated with risk of CTO after other traditional risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and smoking were controlled with OR=20,306; 95% IK (OR)=6.05–68.05; p≤0.001.

Conclusion: High levels of MHR were significantly associated with the risk factor of CTO in CAD patients.
Repensar el ámbito público: una contribución a la crítica de la democracia realmente existente
Authors: Fraser Nancy , Ruiz Teresa
Published: March 2020

Repensar el ámbito público: una contribución a la crítica de la democracia realmente existente
Las relaciones del feminismo italiano con las instituciones políticas (1987-1992)
Authors: Gargallo Francesca
Published: March 2020

Las relaciones del feminismo italiano con las instituciones políticas (1987-1992)
Las mujeres cambian los tiempos: una ley para humanizar los tiempos de trabajo, los horarios de la ciudad y el ritmo de vida: III. El derecho al tiempo se convierte en ley
Authors: Del PCI Sección Femenina Nacional
Published: March 2020

Las mujeres cambian los tiempos: una ley para humanizar los tiempos de trabajo, los horarios de la ciudad y el ritmo de vida: III. El derecho al tiempo se convierte en ley
El fulgor de la noche: algunos aspectos de la prostitución callejera en la ciudad de México
Authors: Lamas Marta
Published: March 2020

El fulgor de la noche: algunos aspectos de la prostitución callejera en la ciudad de México
¿De quién es el feto?: el aborto y su relación con las nuevas tecnologías reproductivas en la República Unificada de Alemania
Authors: Huffschmid Anne
Published: March 2020

¿De quién es el feto?: el aborto y su relación con las nuevas tecnologías reproductivas en la República Unificada de Alemania
De una pequeña a una gran minoría: una teoría de la  aplicada al caso de las mujeres en la política escandinava
Authors: Dahlerup Drude , Moreno Hortensia
Published: March 2020

De una pequeña a una gran minoría: una teoría de la  aplicada al caso de las mujeres en la política escandinava
Invadir el espacio público: transformar el espacio privado
Authors: Franco Jean , Bernal Gloria Elena
Published: March 2020

Invadir el espacio público: transformar el espacio privado
¿Son las mujeres moralmente superiores a los hombres?
Authors: Pollitt Katha
Published: March 2020

¿Son las mujeres moralmente superiores a los hombres?
Lilith: el segundo fracaso de Dios
Authors: Felipe Liliana , Rodriguez Jesusa
Published: March 2020

Lilith: el segundo fracaso de Dios
Historia de la política de planificación familiar en Chile: un caso paradigmático
Authors: Rojas Mira Claudia
Published: March 2020

Historia de la política de planificación familiar en Chile: un caso paradigmático
Sexualidad lesbiana en Italia del Renacimiento: el caso de Sor Benedetta Carlini
Authors: C. Brown Judith
Published: March 2020

Sexualidad lesbiana en Italia del Renacimiento: el caso de Sor Benedetta Carlini
Pornografía, feminismo y libertad
Authors: Dworkin Ronald , Pía Lara María
Published: March 2020

Pornografía, feminismo y libertad
La crítica literaria feminista contemporánea: entre el esencialismo y la diferencia
Authors: Golubov Nattie
Published: March 2020

La crítica literaria feminista contemporánea: entre el esencialismo y la diferencia
¿Tiene sexo la escritura?
Authors: Richard Nelly
Published: March 2020

¿Tiene sexo la escritura?
Vivos queden en la muerte
Authors: Jitrik Noé
Published: March 2020

Vivos queden en la muerte
Talleres integrados: una experiencia de docencia feminista en el Colegio de Pedagogía
Authors: Belausteguigoitia Rius Marisa
Published: March 2020

Talleres integrados: una experiencia de docencia feminista en el Colegio de Pedagogía
Nuevas dóminas y renacimiento wagneriano
Authors: Beck Barbara , Huffschmid Anne
Published: March 2020

Nuevas dóminas y renacimiento wagneriano
Imágenes eróticas
Authors: Mingo Araceli
Published: March 2020

Imágenes eróticas
Entrevista a un heterosexual
Authors: Saéz Javier
Published: March 2020

Entrevista a un heterosexual
Devorar al otro: deseo y resistencia
Authors: Hooks Bell
Published: March 2020

Devorar al otro: deseo y resistencia
De estado de exilio
Authors: Peri Rossi Cristina
Published: March 2020

De estado de exilio
Cicatrices de la fuga
Authors: Lorenzano Sandra
Published: March 2020

Cicatrices de la fuga
Discurso del Cuarto Informe de Actividades del Director de la Facultad de Derecho.
Authors: Contreras Bustamante Raúl
Published: March 2020

Discurso que con motivo del Cuarto Informe de Actividades rinde ante la Comunidad Académica el Director de la Facultad de Derecho de la UNAM, Dr. Raúl Contreras Bustamante, el día 13 de Febrero del presente año, el el Auditorio Alfonso  Caso, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.
PÉREZ GÁLVEZ, Juan Francisco, Salud electrónica: perspectiva y realidad, Valencia, Tirant lo Blanch, 2017, 334 pp.
Authors: Expósito Gázquez Ariana
Published: March 2020

Reseña del libro en comento sobre le área de derechos humanos.
Situación de la confianza en la teoría fundamentada versus la modelación de ecuaciones estructurales: un estudio bibliométrico comparativo para la administración
Authors: Arana Barbier Pablo José
Published: March 2020

Los paradigmas cuantitativo y cualitativo son utilizados por millones de investigadores, pero no se conoce el nivel de confianza depositado en cada uno de ellos. El objetivo del artículo bibliométrico es estudiar a la teoría fundamentada versus la modelación de ecuaciones estructurales para determinar en cuál de las dos metodologías confía más la comunidad científica. A través de estadística descriptiva y regresional, los hallazgos más relevantes consisten en que, si bien la comunidad científica confía ligeramente más en el paradigma cuantitativo que en el cualitativo, esta situación tendería a revertirse para 2022, dando un giro hacia el cualitativo.
Revisión y sistematización del proceso de digitalización y publicación de cartografía antigua en medios digitales
Authors: Cascón-Katchadourian Jesús , Alberich-Pascual Jordi , Quesada-Román Adolfo
Published: March 2020

La importancia de la cartografía antigua para la planificación ambiental, económica y estratégica de un espacio geográfico es fundamental para entender los patrones espaciales del pasado y para proyectar las decisiones futuras relativas a la planificación del territorio. A partir tanto de la revisión de guías, protocolos y de la literatura técnica y científica, como de la experiencia previa de los autores en proyectos afines, el presente artículo realiza la revisión y sistematización del proceso de digitalización y publicación de cartografía antigua en medios digitales que pueda ser útil para futuros desarrollos de bibliotecas, archivos públicos, acervos privados, universidades u otras instituciones interesadas en desplegar y hacer accesibles sus colecciones cartográficas en formato digital. El presente trabajo ofrece como resultado una guía metodológica para la solución de esta problemática común en las ciencias de la información, la historia y la geografía.