bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of chiropractic modality on chronic low back pain patients, A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Aleali Behdokht , Sharifi Mohammad Hossein , Sousani Malihe , Salehi Alireza
Published: September 2020

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent diseases in the developed and developing countries, which imposes high socioeconomic burden on both the individual and the community. There are limited studies that explain the clinically meaningful impact of chiropractic modality in chronic LBP.MethodThis is a quasi-experimental study. Participants were patients who had referred to Shiraz private chiropractic clinics with more than three month chronic LBP and had no pathologic abnormalities. Data were collected in two stages, baseline visit and 8 weeks after treatment. The effect of intervention measured throughout three questionnaire including Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and self-assessment Global Rating of Change (GRC) questionnaires.Result141 patients analyzed, the mean age of participants was 40.18 ± 10.42 years of old and 40 (28.4%) were male. The mean duration of LBP was 56.73 ± 45.11 months. Before and after intervention, based on RMDQ and NRS data, indicated that the mean difference ± Standard Deviation was 5.54 ± 4.95 and 2.44 ± 1.64 the statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) and (P < 0.001) among all demographic and clinical characteristic variables, except job status. The mean ± SD of GRC was 56.13 ± 33.03%. Based on the RMDQ cut-off point, 88 participants (62%; 95% CI: 50–70) have been affected by chiropractic with a clinically meaningful effect. In addition, the chiropractic may be an effective therapeutic modality in treating patients with mild, moderate, or even severe MRI findings.ConclusionComplementary chiropractic treatment amongst chronic LBP patients may be an appropriate adjuvant to conventional treatments to improve disability and pain intensity reduction in both genders.
Molecular characteristics of Brucella melitensis isolates from humans in Qinghai Province, China
Authors: Zhao Zhijun , Li Jiquan , Ma Li , Xue Hongmei , Yang Xuxin , Zhao Yuanbo , qin Yuming , Yang Xiaowen , Piao Dongri , Zhao Hongyan , Tian Guozhong , Li Qiang , Wang Jianling , Tian Guang , Jiang Hai , Xu Liqing
Published: September 2020

Background
The prevalence of human brucellosis in Qinghai Province has been increasing rapidly, with confirmed cases distributed across 31 counties. However, the epidemiology of brucellosis transmission has not been fully elucidated. To characterize the two isolated strains, multiple locus variable-number tandem repeats analysis (MLVA) and whole-genome single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based approaches were employed.
Methods
Blood samples were isolated from two males that were confirmed B. melitensis positive following MLVA. Genomic DNA was extracted from these samples, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed. Next, SNP-based phylogenetic analysis was performed to compare the two strains to 94 B. melitensis strains (complete genome and draft genome) retrieved from online databases.
Results
The two Brucella isolates were identified as B. melitensis biovar 3 (QH2019001 and QH2019005) following conventional biotyping and were found to have differences in their variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) using MLVA-16. Phylogenetic examination assigned the 96 strains to five genotype groups, with QH2019001 and QH2019005 assigned to the same group, but different subgroups. Moreover, the QH2019005 strain was assigned to a new subgenotype, IIj, within genotype II. These findings were then combined to determine the geographic origin of the two Brucella strains.
Conclusions
Utilizing a whole-genome SNP-based approach enabled differences between the two B. melitensis strains to be more clearly resolved, and facilitated the elucidation of their different evolutionary histories. This approach also revealed that QH2019005 is a member of a new subgenotype (IIj) with an ancient origin in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Critical Incidents in Anorexia Nervosa: Patients’ Perspective
Authors: Leppanen Jenni , Tosunlar Lara , Blackburn Rachael , Williams Steven , Tchanturia Kate , Sedgewick Felicity
Published: September 2020

BackgroundAlthough social-emotional difficulties are believed play a key role in anorexia nervosa (AN), there is uncertainty regarding what these difficulties might look like. Previous research has largely focused on a “disease model” of social-emotional processing in AN with little attention paid to positive emotions and experiences. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to obtain a fuller picture of critical life events in AN. MethodsThirty-four participants aged 16-48 with current or past AN completed an online survey describing self-defined positive and difficult critical events.ResultsTwo major themes were identified in the descriptions of positive critical events: Moments of celebration, reflecting external focus, and Unexpected positive outcomes, revealing negative biases. Difficult events were broadly divided into included eating disorder (ED) related and Non-ED life events, involving discussion of relational conflict and feeling unsupported. DiscussionThe findings suggest that AN is largely characterised by negative emotionality and bias. However, people with AN can live rich lives with positive experiences, which reflect reduced self-focused attention and increased “big-picture” thinking. Moreover, people with AN may be open to have their negative expectations challenged through corrective experiences. Together these findings be useful targets for further clinical research.
Synthetic neural-like computing in microbial consortia for pattern recognition
Authors: Li Ximing , Rizik Luna , Daniel Ramez
Published: September 2020

Complex biological systems in nature comprise of cells that act collectively to solve sophisticated tasks. Synthetic biological systems, in contrast, are designed for specific tasks, largely following computational principles including logic gates, analog design, and control theory. Yet such approaches cannot be easily adapted for multiple tasks in biological contexts. Alternatively, artificial neural networks (ANN), comprised of flexible interactions for processing and decision-making, are widely adopted for numerous applications and support adaptive designs. Motivated by the structural similarity between ANNs and cellular networks, here we implemented ANN-like computing in bacteria consortia for recognizing patterns. In cellular ANNs, receiver bacteria collectively interact through quorum sensing (QS) with sender bacteria for decision-making processes. Input patterns formed by chemical inducers, activate sender circuits to produce QS signaling molecules with varying levels. These levels are programmed by tuning the promoter strength acting as weights. We also developed an algorithm based on gradient descent, which is well-accepted in artificial intelligence, to optimize weights and experimentally examined them using 3x3-bit patterns.
Pharmacy Premises Licensing Policy Formulation: Experience from Ghana
Authors: Koduah Augustina , Sekyi-Brown Reginald , Nyoagbe Joseph Kodjo Nsaiah , Danquah Daniel Amaning , Kretchy Irene
Published: September 2020

Background: Licence to operate pharmacy premises are issued by statutory regulatory bodies. The Pharmacy Council regulated pharmacy premises until the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA) was mandated by Act 829 (2011) to license pharmacy premises. The Pharmacy Council under Act 857 (2013) now regulates the business of mixing, compounding, preparing, or supplying restricted medicines by retail. Objective: To describe the policy actors involved, framing of narratives and decision-making processes relating to pharmacy premises licensing policy formulation.Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted and data gathered through interviewing eight key informants and reviewing Hansards, reports, Bills, memoranda and Acts 829 and 857. Data were analysed to map decision-making venues, processes, actors and narratives. Results: The Health Institutions and Facilities Bill (2010) and the Health Professional Regulatory Bodies Bill (2010) were designed within the Ministry of Health bureaucratic system and processes with inputs and consensus from all stakeholders including the Private Hospitals and Maternity Homes Board and the Pharmacy Council. Between 28 October 2010 and 20 July 2011, the Health Institutions and Facilities Bill which established HeFRA, was subjected to legislative procedures and decisions by parliamentarians. The parliamentarians framed pharmacies as health facilities and reassigned its regulation to HeFRA. Similarly, the parliamentarians deliberated on the Health Professional Regulatory Bodies Bill which established the Pharmacy Council between 4 March 2011 and 21 December 2012. To which all content relating to licensing pharmacy premises were deleted from the Bill. Conclusion: The content of these policies rested with parliamentarians (with legislative power) and was largely based on how they framed issues relating to pharmacy premises regulation. Legislative procedure limited participations although non-legislative actors had some level of influence on the initial content. As legislative processes may be similar in other LMICs, this paper can contribute to learning and the formulation of Pharmacy premises regulation.
Relative platelet reduction provides a better pathophysiologic signature of coagulopathy in sepsis than absolute platelet count: A large multicenter eICU database analysis
Authors: Kasugai Daisuke , Ozaki Masayuki , Nishida Kazuki , Goto Yukari , Takahashi Kunihiko , Matsui Shigeyuki , Matsuda Naoyuki
Published: September 2020

BackgroundIn sepsis-associated coagulopathy and disseminated intravascular coagulation, the relative platelet reduction may reflect the severity of the coagulopathy. However, there is little evidence to support its clinical significance and most of the coagulopathy criteria in sepsis focus on absolute platelet count. The aim of this study was to estimate the impact of the relative platelet reduction and the absolute platelet count on outcomes in sepsis.MethodsMulticenter retrospective observational study was performed using the eICU Collaborative Research Database, which includes 335 intensive care units (ICUs) in the United States. Patients with sepsis and with an ICU stay of longer than 2 days were included. The estimated effect of the relative platelet reduction and the absolute platelet count on mortality and coagulopathy-related complications were evaluated.ResultsOf 30,114 septic patients, 26,193 were included in this study. Multivariable mixed-effect logistic regression analysis revealed marked in-hospital mortality risk with more profound degrees of relative reduction in platelet count between day 1 and day 2, which is independent from the resultant absolute platelet count. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) for in-hospital mortality was 1.28 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-1.32); 1.86 (95% CI, 1.75-1.97); 2.99 (95% CI, 2.66-3.36); and 6.05 (95% CI, 4.40 - 8.31) for 20-40%, 40-60%, 60-80%, and more than 80%, respectively, compared to less than 20% decrease in platelet. Interaction for mortality odds between relative platelet reduction and resultant absolute platelet count was not found (p=0.33). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the estimated effects of platelet reduction ≧50% for coagulopathy-related complications were greater than that of platelet counts ≦100,000/μL on day 2 (OR for composite outcome [95%CI], 2.03 [1.68 - 2.45] and 1.18 [1.07 - 1.30], respectively).ConclusionThe magnitude of platelet reduction not only represents mortality risk but also provides a better signature of coagulopathy in sepsis than absolute platelet count, and may, therefore, be more plausible for the criteria of coagulopathy in sepsis.
Governing the UK Contribution to Health Security: in Our National Interest?
Authors: McMullen Emily
Published: September 2020

IntroductionRecent shifts in the UK international development and foreign policy landscape have revealed a broader scope for global health security activity across UK funding and policy priorities. A lack of clarity surrounding the governance architecture for the expanding UK health security community has led to a risk of fragmentation within the health, development and foreign policy communities. The study aimed to explore the contemporary governance capacity around the UK health security community through the accounts of its leaders and decision makers. MethodsA qualitative research study was undertaken in the form of once off, semi-structured, in depth interviews with 12 key informants. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to code the data into themes. These coded transcripts and observations were supported by a review of contemporary literature and policy documentation in order to form a narrative of findings and draw conclusions. ResultsUK global health leaders and decision makers considered the governance architecture of the expanding UK health security community to be of insufficient capacity. The need for stronger governance is essential to make a compelling case for the ongoing political commitment and resourcing of the UK contribution to global health security, and its impact on wider UK global health efforts. ConclusionFindings from this study point to three strategic priorities required in order to strengthen the governance around the UK health security community: 1) Consensus needs to be built around a compelling public narrative for the UK contribution to global health security, 2) an effective model of coordination needs to be built for stakeholders active in the domain and, 3) forums for cross sector engagement and regulation must be created in order to find innovative solutions to these problems that extend beyond the boundaries of a single organisation or community.
Vibroloading operators of feller-packaging cars in a mode of transferring of a tree cutting-off device.
Authors: Александров А.В. , Александров В.А. , Гасымов Г.Ш.
Published: September 2020

Разработана динамическая модель системы: «Оператор – валочно-па­кети­рующая машина – предмет труда – дерево». Математическое описание составлено в форме уравнения Лагранжа 2-го рода. Система уравнений решена относительно упругой деформации подвеса сиденья оператора методом Рунге-Кутта, с помощью среды программирования MathCAD. Апробация модели осуществлена на примере серийно выпускаемых валочно-пакетирующих машин ЛП-19А.

Developed a dynamic model of the system: «Operator - feller-buncher – the subject of work – a tree». Mathematical description is made in the form of the Lagrange equations of the 2nd kind. The system of equations is solved with respect to the elastic deformation of the suspension driver's seat by the Runge-Kutta method, using a programming environment MathCAD. Testing of the model implemented by the example of commercially available feller buncher LP-19A.
The method of using the method of composite indicators, and the method of randomized aggregates for quality evaluation of objects
Authors: Чудовская Л.А. , Галилеев М.М.
Published: September 2020

В статье представлен сравнительный анализ уровня качества древесно-стружечных плит. Разработана методика построения сводного показателя качества. Моделируя неопределенность выбора весовых коэффициентов из класса допустимых векторов этих коэффициентов заданием гауссовых функций принадлежности, получаем случайный вектор весовых коэффициентов, дающий при подстановке в формулу сводного показателя рандомизированный (случайный) сводный показатель, который характеризует качество объекта с учетом неопределенности задания коэффициентов. Разброс значений рандомизированных сводных показателей будет оцениваться стандартными отклонениями соответствующих случайных величин. Автоматизированная подсистема оценки позволяет выводить результат оценки качества. Для оценивания качества ДСП результаты получены в виде отсортированных таблиц по значениям отдельных и сводных показателей качества ДСП. Привлечение дополнительной информации о сравнительной важности для потребителя отдельных показателей качества ДСП позволяет уточнить результаты анализа, существенно уменьшая разброс в оценке усредненных сводных показателей качества. На примере анализа уровня качества древесно-стружечных плит, отвечающих требованиям соответствующих нормативных документов, при помощи построения рандомизированных сводных показателей, апробирована работа методики, позволяющей проводить оценку качества исследуемых объектов.

The article presents a carried out comparative analysis of a level of quality of the wood-shaving plates. The technique of constructing the composite indicator of quality is shown. Modeling the uncertainty of the choice of weighting coefficients from the class of admissible vectors of these coefficients with assignment of the Gaussian membership functions, we obtain a random vector of weight coefficients, which gives by substituting into the formula rollup randomized (random) a summary indicator that describes the quality of the object with the uncertainty of the job factors. The scatter of the values of randomized aggregates will be measured standard deviations of the respective random variables. Automated evaluation system allows you to display the result of evaluating quality. To estimate the quality of the wood-shaving plates by the results obtained in a sorted table according to the values of individual and composite indicators, quality chipboard. Attracting additional information about the relative importance to consumers of selected indicators of the quality of the wood-shaving plates allows you to refine the results of the analysis, substantially reducing the variation in the estimates of the average aggregated quality indicators. So, analysis of the level of quality of the wood-shaving plates that meets the requirements of the normative documents, with the help of constructing randomized aggregates, tested working methodology, allowing to assess the quality of the inspected objects.
Atypical benign angioproliferative lesion in a cat: Diagnostic imaging pitfalls
Authors: ŁOJSZCZYK ANNA , KIMICKA ALEKSANDRA , LISIAK BARBARA
Published: September 2020

The authors present a case report of an atypical liver vascular malformation in a cat. The lesion was diagnosed first by ultrasound, fine needle aspiration and computed tomographic examination, which revealed the presence of a thin-walled single echogenic oval structure in the caudate lobe of the liver without visible flow in Doppler examination and with content similar to blood. The echogenicity of the lesion was variable, which depended on its size and time after aspiration. Initially, atypical haemangioma was suspected. After surgical removal, histopathological examinations were performed. The final diagnosis was a benign angioproliferative lesion.
ARQUITETURA ENQUANTO EXPERIMENTAÇÃO TEÓRICA-PROJETUAL
Authors: Ricciardi Rodrigues Lima Adriana , Cunha Perrone Rafael Antonio
Published: September 2020

O artigo tem como enfoque a conceituação de aspectos característicos de propostas arquitetônicas que podem ser lidas e interpretadas enquanto experimentações tanto projetuais, como teóricas.O artigo insere-se na pesquisa de doutorado finalizada em março de 2019. A tese em questão teve como objeto de estudo as aproximações teóricas e projetuais entre a arte e a arquitetura a partir da leitura de algumas obras da arquiteta Zaha Hadid.Na tese, foram estabelecidos alguns parâmetros circunstanciando o objeto de estudo, entre estes, a procura de aspectos experimentais no percurso da obra da arquiteta.A produção da arquiteta foi estudada a partir dos atravessamentos das fronteiras disciplinares, entre a prática da pintura e da arquitetura, tanto das influências da arte Suprematista de Kazimir Malevich, no período formativo de sua obra, na década 1970, como a prática da pintura como meio de visualização e modelação espacial arquitetônica, pela própria Zaha Hadid.Os conceitos que se desenvolvem no corpo do artigo, fazem parte da contextualização teórica e projetual, na qual se deu a leitura de 5 obras da arquiteta. Cada obra sendo referente a um período de sua produção e, apresentando diferentes questões experimentais para a arquitetura contemporânea. Principalmente, as arquiteturas que surgiram a partir de releituras de conceitos formativos do Movimento Moderno.PALAVRAS-CHAVES: Arquitetura Contemporânea; Processos de Projeto; Zaha Hadid.
Quédate en casa y engánchate a la internet
Authors: Pizzi Jovino
Published: September 2020

La utilización de Internet para la enseñanza ha sido uno de los temas más discutidos por los docentes, padres y alumnos. Con la pandemia, el debate ha ganado las redes. Por un lado, sigue persistiendo el rechazo al uso de las plataformas online para la enseñanza. Otra tendencia supone un modelo hibrido. La tercera posición sostiene que se trata de una gran oportunidad para nuevos procesos de enseñanza y aprendizaje. La investigación recoge manifestaciones de docentes en tiempos de confinamiento. En las dos últimas semanas de marzo, se ha reunido distintas experiencias de docentes de España, Chile y Brasil. Ellas son fundamentadas con argumentos que sostienen cada una de las tres alternativas. De este modo, se desea contribuir para una discusión sólida, en tiempos que las tecnologías de la información modifican los procesos de interconexión y, por ende, se transforman en herramientas para facilitar la enseñanza en línea.
Expediente / Editorial Team
Authors: Lima Clóvis Ricardo Montenegro de
Published: September 2020

Expediente
Phosphodiesterases 5 Inhibitors and Erectile Dysfunction Recovery after Pelvic Surgery: Future Perspectives for New Drugs and New Formulations
Authors: Lombardo Riccardo , Tema Giorgia , De Nunzio Cosimo
Published: September 2020

Background:

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5I) represent the first line treatment in the management of
post-operative erectile dysfunction (ED) after pelvic oncological surgery. Aim of our study is to evaluate the available evidence on the efficacy of PDE5Is including new formulations and penile rehabilitation post-pelvic surgery.

Evidence Acquisition:

A systematic review of the literature was performed until May 2020. The following databases were
searched: Scopus, Medline and Web of Science. The MeSH search was conducted by combining the following terms: ‘erectile dysfunction’, ‘radical prostatectomy’ ‘pelvic’ ‘bladder’ ‘phosphodiesterase’ inhibitors’ ‘avanafil’ ‘sildenafil’ ‘tadalafil’
’lodenafil’ ‘mirodenafil’ ‘udenafil’ ‘vardenafil’ ‘sublingual’ ‘orodispersible’ ‘penile’ ‘rehabilitation’. PRISMA guidelines
were followed to select relevant papers (figure 1).

Evidence Synthesis:

Sildenafil, Tadalafil, vardenafil and Avanafil improves EF compared with placebo in men with all levels of ED severity after radical prostatectomy with good tolerability. No specific recommendations can be suggested regarding the superiority of a drug over the other. The optimal dose, continuous vs on demand and duration of treatment is still under investigation. In vitro and preclinical studies suggest a possible role for lodenafil, mirodenafil and oro-dispersible formulations in patients undergoing oncological pelvic surgery. Few studies demonstrated the efficacy of udenafil in improving
ED after rectal surgery or radical prostatectomy. Complete recovery of EF after surgery is still an unmet need in the field of
penile rehabilitation after pelvic surgery.

Conclusion:

PDE5I have a crucial role in the management of post pelvic surgery ED. New drugs and new formulations
have shown excellent results in patients with ED, however data in patients after surgery is still scarce. Further well designed
RCT should clarify the role of these new compounds and oro-dispersible formulations in the management of ED in patients
undergoing pelvic surgery.
Cement Pulmonary Embolism Due to Percutaneous Vertebroplasty
Authors: Zohra Ali , Gonlugur Ugur
Published: September 2020

Background:

Bone cement is an uncommon cause of foreign-body pulmonary embolism.

Discussion:

A 65-year-old woman with wheeze presented with multiple linear opacities
with bone density on chest x-ray. She reported percutaneous vertebroplasty 4 months prior. Non--
contrast chest computerized tomography showed peripheral cement emboli in the pulmonary arteries.
The patient received conservative treatment.

Conclusion:

Clinicians should be aware of this potential complication following vertebroplasty. It is necessary to perform
a chest x-ray after procedure.
Virtual High Throughput Screening to find Suitable Inhibitors for SARSCoV- 2 Main Protease
Authors: Phukan Upasana , Neog Nakul , Puzari Minakshi , Sharma Mohan , Mahanta Saurov , Chetia Pankaj
Published: September 2020

Background:

COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus which originated in Wuhan and
quickly spread across various countries has taken the form of a pandemic. It is now a major health
concern worldwide and finding a solution to this problem is of utmost importance. Understanding
its origin, transmission, and interaction with different compounds is essential to find probable inhibitors.

Objective:

The objective of our study was to search for potential inhibitors of the main protease of
SARS-CoV-2 and to assess their drug-like properties.

Methods:

In our study, 1909 ligands were filtered through the Lipinski filter and their ADMET
properties along with mutagenic nature were analyzed. They were screened for inhibitory activity
against the Main Protease of SARS-CoV-2 using BIOVIA Discovery studio.

Results:

After virtual high throughput screening, two compounds- apigenin and N-(4-bromophenyl)-
7-hydroxy-2-iminochromene-3-carboxamide were found to have promising binding energies
as well as –CDOCKER energy scores compared to the reported inhibitor.

Conclusion:

Apigenin seems to be a potential candidate against the main protease of SARS-CoV-2
and must be considered for further experiments.
Impact of Periodontal Pocket Depth on the Efficiency of Surgical Treatment of Generalized Periodontitis
Authors: Ilkiv Mariana , Rozhko Mykola , Hereliuk Vitalii
Published: September 2020

The paper is aimed at increasing the efficiency of surgical treatment by using a combination of platelet-rich fibrin, a synthetic hydroxyapatite Kergap, minimizing the body’s response to operative wound, and improving diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in surgical treatment of stage II-III generalized periodontitis.

The objective of the research was to study the efficiency of using the combination of platelet-rich fibrin, synthetic hydroxyapatite Kergap, magnesium preparation in comprehensive treatment of stage II-III generalized periodontitis at various stages and in different depths of the periodontal pockets.

Materials and Methods. The efficiency of surgical treatment was evaluated using clinical (periodontal pocket depth, attachment level, gingival bleeding, tooth mobility) and laboratory methods (X-ray, computed tomography) 3, 6, and 12 months after surgical treatment.

Results. The clinical picture was characterized by positive changes in all clinical indicators 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment. The best results by clinical and laboratory findings were obtained in case of an average pocket depth of 5-7 mm.

Conclusions. There was demonstrated a high clinical efficiency of using the combination of platelet-rich fibrin, synthetic hydroxyapatite Kergap and magnesium preparation in comprehensive treatment of stage II-III generalized periodontitis.
Death Acceptance in Cancer Patients
Authors: Pinquart Martin , Fröhlich Cornelia , Silbereisen Rainer K. , Wedding Ullrich
Published: September 2020

Death acceptance was assessed in 337 adult cancer patients who were starting to receive chemotherapy, and in 180 healthy controls. Although diagnosis of cancer and higher age are associated with a reduction of the average time left to live, these variables had differential associations with death acceptance. Higher age but not having cancer was associated with higher levels of death acceptance, and differences in death acceptance between patients and healthy control group members were stronger in younger than in older participants. Within the patient sample, stronger physical impairments, male gender, having no long-term goals, and religiosity were related to higher levels of death acceptance. Across a nine-month interval, no changes in the mean level of death acceptance appeared. Nonetheless, younger patients with stronger physical impairments at T1 showed a decline in death acceptance at T2. We conclude that reasons that make illness and mortality salient reduce death acceptance in younger patients, but not in older patients.
A Peer-to-Peer Live-Streaming Intervention for Children During COVID-19 Homeschooling to Promote Physical Activity and Reduce Anxiety and Eye Strain: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Zheng Yingfeng , Wang Wei , Zhong Yuxin , Wu Fengchun , Zhu Zhuoting , Tham Yih-Chung , Lamoureux Ecosse , Xiao Liang , Zhu Erta , Liu Haoning , Jin Ling , Liang Linyi , Luo Lixia , He Mingguang , Morgan Ian , Congdon Nathan , Liu Yizhi
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to worldwide school closures, with millions of children confined to online learning at home. As a result, children may be susceptible to anxiety and digital eye strain, highlighting a need for population interventions.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to investigate whether a digital behavior change intervention aimed at promoting physical activity could reduce children’s anxiety and digital eye strain while undergoing prolonged homeschooling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

In this cluster randomized controlled trial, homeschooled grade 7 students at 12 middle schools in southern China were recruited through local schools and randomly assigned by the school to receive (1:1 allocation): (1) health education information promoting exercise and ocular relaxation, and access to a digital behavior change intervention, with live streaming and peer sharing of promoted activities (intervention), or (2) health education information only (control). The primary outcome was change in self-reported anxiety score. Secondary outcomes included change in self-reported eye strain and sleep quality.

RESULTS

On March 16, 2020, 1009 children were evaluated, and 954 (94.5%) eligible children of consenting families were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Children in the intervention (n=485, 6 schools) and control (n=469, 6 schools) groups were aged 13.5 (SD 0.5) years, and 52.3% (n=499) were male. The assigned interventions were completed by 896 children (intervention: n=467, 96.3%; control: n=429, 91.5%). The 2-week change in square-root–transformed self-reported anxiety scores was greater in the intervention (–0.23, 95% CI –0.27 to –0.20) vs control group (0.12, 95% CI 0.09-0.16; unadjusted difference –0.36, 95% CI –0.63 to –0.08; P=.02). There was a significant reduction in square-root–transformed eye strain in the intervention group (–0.08, 95% CI –0.10 to 0.06) compared to controls (0.07, 95% CI 0.05-0.09; difference –0.15, 95% CI –0.26 to –0.03; P=.02). Change in sleep quality was similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This digital behavior change intervention reduced children’s anxiety and eye strain during COVID-19–associated online schooling.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04309097; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04309097
Online Educational Tools for Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Scoping Literature Review (Preprint)
Authors: Sztramko Richard , Levinson Anthony J , Wurster Andrea , Jezrawi Rita , Sivapathasundaram Branavan , Papaioannou Alexandra , Cowan David , St. Onge Joye , Marr Sharon , Patterson Christopher , Woo Tricia , Mosca Lori , Lokker Cynthia
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Over one million Canadians are affected directly or indirectly by dementia. Informal caregivers (CGs) of people with dementia (PwD) provide the majority of health-based care to PwD. Providing this care requires knowledge and access to resources, which CGs often do not receive. CGs are looking online for dementia education and support.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective was to evaluate the impact of online educational tools on informal CG self-efficacy. Secondary outcomes of interest are CG quality of life, CG burden/distress, CG stress, CG depression, CG anxiety, and identifying effective processes for online educational tool development.

METHODS

The search protocol, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and methods of analysis were all specified a priori. A systematic search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed was performed to March 2018. The literature was periodically surveyed post-initial search to account for newly published articles. 32 articles were included.

RESULTS

Despite some studies reporting mixed perceived value for CG, multiple studies reported encouraging results. There is some evidence in the literature that online interventions improve CG self-efficacy, depression, dementia knowledge, and quality of life; and decrease caregiver burden.

CONCLUSIONS

: Online educational tools appear to be effective at improving CG-related outcomes. Developers are encouraged to involve CGs and health care professionals at all stages of tool conceptualization and development; and evaluate the effectiveness of online tools with robust RCTs that focus on how increased knowledge modifies CG-related outcomes.
Emotion Recognition in adults with ASD and Alexithymia: the impact of a Novel Mimicry Task for Therapeutic Benefit Study Protocol (Preprint)
Authors: Caine Joshua A , Klein Britt , Edwards Stephen L
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Impaired facial emotion expression recognition (FEER) has typically been considered a correlate of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Now, the alexithymia hypothesis is suggesting that this emotion processing problem is instead related to alexithymia which frequently co-occurs with ASD. By combining predictive coding theories of ASD and simulation theories of emotion recognition, it is suggested that facial mimicry may improve the training of FEER in ASD and alexithymia.

OBJECTIVE

The current study aims to evaluate a novel mimicry task to improve FEER in adults with, and without ASD and alexithymia. Additionally, this study will aim to determine the contributions of alexithymia and ASD to FEER ability and assess which of these two populations benefit from this training task.

METHODS

Recruitment will primarily take place through an ASD community group with emphasis put on snowball recruiting. Included will be N=64 consenting adults equally divided between participants without an ASD, and participants with an ASD. Participants will be screened online using the K-10 (cut off score of 22), ASQ-10 and TAS-20 followed by a clinical interview with a provisional psychologist at the Federation University psychology clinic. The clinical interview will include assessment of ability, anxiety and depression as well as discussion of past ASD diagnosis and confirmatory administration of the Autism Mental Status Exam (AMSE). Following the clinical interview, the participant will complete the Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire (BVAQ) and then undertake a baseline assessment of FEER. Consenting participants will then be assigned using a permuted blocked randomisation method into either the control task condition or the mimicry task condition. A brief measure of satisfaction of the task and a debriefing session will conclude the study.

RESULTS

The study has Federation University Human Research Ethics Committee approval and is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials. Participant recruitment is predicted to begin in quarter one of 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will be the first to evaluate the use of a novel facial mimicry task condition to increase FEER in adults with ASD and alexithymia. If efficacious, this task could prove useful as a cost-effective adjunct intervention which could be used at home and thus remove barriers to entry. This study will also explore the unique effectiveness of this task in people without an ASD, with an ASD and with alexithymia.

CLINICALTRIAL

Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN: ACTRN12619000705189, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=377455).
Capturing the Impact of Patient Portals Based on the Quadruple Aim and Benefits Evaluation Frameworks: Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Avdagovska Melita , Menon Devidas , Stafinski Tania
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Despite extensive and continuing research in the area of patient portals, measuring the impact of patient portals remains a convoluted process.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore what is known about patient portal evaluations and to provide recommendations for future endeavors. The focus is on mapping the measures used to assess the impact of patient portals on the dimensions of the Quadruple Aim (QA) framework and the Canada Health Infoway’s Benefits Evaluation (BE) framework.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted using the methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley. Reporting was guided by the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) extension for scoping reviews. A systematic and comprehensive search was conducted using the Ovid platform, and the following databases were searched: Ovid MEDLINE (R) ALL (including epub ahead of print, in-process, and other nonindexed citations), EMBASE, and PsycINFO. CINAHL on the EBSCO platform and Web of Science were searched for studies published between March 2015 and June 2020. A systematic gray literature search was conducted using the Google search engine. Extracted data were tabulated based on a coding template developed to categorize the literature into themes and areas of interest.

RESULTS

A total of 96 studies were included for data extraction. The studies were categorized based on the QA dimensions, with strict adherence to the definitions for each dimension. From the patients’ perspective, it was determined that most evaluations focused on benefits and barriers to access, access to test results, medication adherence, condition management, medical notes, and secure messaging. From the population perspective, the evaluations focused on the increase in population outreach, decrease in disparities related to access to care services, and improvement in quality of care. From the health care workforce perspective, the evaluations focused on the impact of patients accessing medical records, impact on workflow, impact of bidirectional secure messaging, and virtual care. From the health system perspective, the evaluations focused on decreases in no-show appointments, impact on office visits and telephone calls, impact on admission and readmission rates and emergency department visits, and impact on health care use. Overall, 77 peer-reviewed studies were mapped on the expanded version of the BE framework. The mapping was performed using subdimensions to create a more precise representation of the areas that are currently explored when studying patient portals. Most of the studies evaluated more than one subdimension.

CONCLUSIONS

The QA and BE frameworks provide guidance in identifying gaps in the current literature by providing a way to show how an impact was assessed. This study highlights the need to appropriately plan how the impact will be assessed and how the findings will be translated into effective adaptations.
Pulmonary Screening Practices of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgeons Across Saudi Arabia in the Posttreatment Surveillance of Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Cross-sectional Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Alnefaie Majed , Alamri Abdullah , Saeedi Asalh , Althobaiti Awwadh , Alosaimi Shahad , Alqurashi Yousuf , Marzouki Hani , Merdad Mazin
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

With respect to patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), posttreatment surveillance for distant disease has mostly focused on the lungs, as HNSCC distant metastasis occurs in this organ in 90% of HNSCC cases. Additionally, the incidence rate of primary tumors in the lungs is high due to the field cancerization of the entire upper aerodigestive tract.

OBJECTIVE

Our cross-sectional survey study aims to evaluate the current beliefs and pulmonary screening practices of otolaryngology–head and neck surgeons across Saudi Arabia with respect to the posttreatment surveillance of HNSCC.

METHODS

This nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted among head and neck surgeon members of the Saudi Society of Otolaryngology from June 1 to June 30, 2020. A predesigned questionnaire was used for data collection, and a descriptive analysis was carried out.

RESULTS

This study included 22 participants and had a 78% (22/28) response rate. This study found that the majority of participants (9/22, 41%) used lung radiography for routine lung screening during posttreatment follow-ups, whereas 32% (7/22) used low-dose computed tomography (CT; 7/22, 32%). With regard to the number of years for which participants perform lung screening during follow-ups, the majority of participants (17/22, 77%) reported 5 years, and only 9% (2/22) have performed lifelong lung screening. With regard to the frequency of lung screening, 77% (17/22) of participants conduct screening annually, 18% (4/22) conduct screening half-yearly, and 5% (1/22) conduct screening biennially. With regard to beliefs about the effectiveness of screening procedures in reducing lung cancer mortality rates during follow-ups, 36% (8/22) of participants believed them to be very effective or somewhat effective, 18% (4/22) did not know, and only 9% (2/22) believed that they were not effective.

CONCLUSIONS

The participants mainly used lung radiography (9/22, 41%), low-dose CT (7/22, 32%), or positron emission tomography/CT (6/22, 27%) as a routine lung screening method during the posttreatment follow-up of patients with head and neck cancer for 5 years (17/22, 77%) or 10 years (3/22, 14%), and only a small percentage of participants have performed lifelong lung screening (2/22, 9%). Lung screening was mostly conducted annually or half-yearly. Such screening was believed to be very effective or somewhat effective.
ISOLASI BAKTERI RESISTENSI MERKURI DARI LIMBAH PENAMBANGAN EMAS KABUPATEN BURU, MALUKU (Isolation of Mercury Resistance Bacteria from Gold Mining Waste in Buru District, Maluku)
Authors: Mangesa Rosita , Kasmawati Kasmawati
Published: September 2020

AbstrakPulau Buru merupakan salah satu pulau penambangan emas dan banyak dilakukan secara illegal dengan melibatkan penggunaan merkuri untuk alat bantu dalam proses ekstraksi emas melalui proses amalgamasi. Merkuri merupakan bahan kimia yang berbahaya dan bersifat toksik bagi manusia dan juga lingkungan, dan dampak dari penggunaan merkuri ini telah dirasakan oleh masyarakat setempat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memperoleh bakteri yang resisten terhadap merkuri sehingga dapat digunakan dalam proses bioremediasi. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian skala laboratorium dan dianalisis secara deskriptif. Hasil penelitian ini yaitu dari kedua lokasi pengambilan sampel diperoleh 17 isolat dengan morfologi yang berbeda-beda serta dari ke-17 isolat tersebut resisten terhadap merkuri.AbstractBuru Island is one of the gold mining islands and much of them are illegally that used mercury in gold extraction using uses mercury. Mercury is a chemical that is harmful and toxic to humans as well as the environment, and recently the impact of mercury use has been found by the local community. This study aims to obtain bacteria that are resistant to mercury so that it can be used in the bioremediation process. This research is a laboratory scale research and analyzed descriptively. The results of this study, namely from the two sampling locations obtained 17 isolates with different morphologies and from the 17 isolates were resistant to mercury.
Melawan Diam-Diam di Tengah Dominasi: Kajian Strategi Penerimaan Sosial Politik Kelompok Minoritas Syiah di Kabupaten Jember
Authors: Disyacitta Fikri
Published: September 2020

Artikel ini bertujuan mengelaborasi bagaimana strategi gerakan sosial minoritas keagamaan Syiah dalam bentuk repertoir sehari-hari mendapatkan penerimaan sosial di bawah dominasi mayoritas warga NU (Sunni) di Kabupaten Jember, Jawa Timur. Kasus yang didalami dalam artikel ini adalah aktivitas IJABI (Ikatan Jamaah Ahlul Bayt Indonesia) di Kabupaten Jember, Jawa Timur. Konsep contentious politics digunakan untuk memahami prakondisi bagi kemunculan IJABI Jember. Selanjutnya, konsep repertoir bermanfaat untuk menjelaskan apa saja upaya IJABI dalam menegaskan klaim keberadaan mereka di Jember. Artikel ini berargumentasi bahwa sempitnya struktur kesempatan politik mayoritas yang tidak mengizinkan nilai keyakinan yang dianggap menyimpang membuat gerakan Syiah mengalami tekanan dalam melakukan klaim teologis mereka. Respons terhadap hal ini dilakukan oleh IJABI berpartisipasi dalam kegiatan yang secara implisit dan halus dengan target diterima secara sosial. Bentuk kegiatannya berupa aksi filantropi tanggap bencana dan menyediakan jasa spiritual secara cuma-cuma bagi masyarakat. Menggunakan pendekatan dan teknik pengumpulan metode kualitatif, artikel berbasis pada data lapangan hasil wawancara mendalam dan observasi partisipan sepanjang bulan November 2014 – April 2015.
An Examination of the Potential for Quantum Consciousness in the Fruit Fly
Authors: Bernal-Casas D. , Stapp H.P.
Published: September 2020

This proposal seeks to perform an experiment to determine whether lower-level species such as fruit flies can interact in a causative way with a quantum mechanical system. Its specific aim is to investigate whether certain supposedly random quantum mechanical choices can be biased for the natural selection, with fruit flies as the species of interest. This work will shed empirical light on the causal roles of observers with presumably much lower levels of consciousness than humans.
Qualitative Aspects for Society of Strong Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Achuthan Prof. M. Radh
Published: September 2020

N/a
Robotic System for Maintenance of Feed Table for Livestock Complexes
Authors: Pavkin D. Yu. , Nikitin E. A. , Zobov V. A.
Published: September 2020

Assessing the robotization level of technological processes in livestock complexes based on the breeding, authors found that the most free niche of robotization of technological processes in livestock complexes is the feeding process, which forms 55 percent of milk productivity. There is a need to develop a wheeled robotic platform that will ensure the availability of the feed mixture along the feeding front. This platform will multi-stage saturate the bulky components of the feed mixture with concentrated ones, increasing their attractiveness to animals, while normalizing the balance of dry matter consumed and fiber obtained from bulky feeds.

(Research purpose) To simulate the control system of a robotic platform with an independent electro- motorized drive.

(Materials and methods) The article presents technologies for organizing animal feeding processes on the farm, conducted a technological assessment of the effectiveness of automated and robotic machines used on the farm. Authors used the Matlab/Simulink simulation environment in the research process.

(Results and discussion) The article presents a developed mathematical model describing the kinematics and dynamics of the platform movement. Authors formed the assumed element base into a general model of the robot in an artificial Matlab/Simulink environment, simulating the process of moving around a circle.

(Conclusions) The created mathematical model forms the basis for creating a control system for the robot under development. The device for dosing feed additives will ensure the balance of dry matter and fiber consumed.