bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of the potential of pickle wastewater as feedstock for biopolymer production
Authors: Guventurk Ayse , Ozturk Dilara , Ozyildiz Goksin , Ayisigi Ezgi , Guven Didem , Zengin Gulsum Emel , Tas Didem Okutman , Olmez-Hanci Tugba , Pala-Ozkok Ilke , Yagci Nevin , Insel Güçlü , Cokgor Emine
Published: February 2020

Food industry wastewater (FIWW) streams with high organic content are among the most suitable and inexpensive candidates for polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymer production. Due to its high organic acid content, pickle industry wastewater (PIWW), can be considered as one of the prospective alternatives to petroleum-based polymers for PHA production. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the production of PHA with enriched microbial culture using PIWW. Two laboratory scale sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) were operated under aerobic dynamic feeding conditions at a sludge retention time of 8 days, with a total cycle duration of 24 hours. SBRs were fed with peptone mixture and PIWW. In-cycle analysis and batch respirometric tests were performed to evaluate PHA storage together with biodegradation kinetics. In-cycle analysis showed that maximum PHA content was 1,820 mgCOD/L, corresponding to 44% in the biomass (ratio of chemical oxygen demand (COD) to volatile suspended solids) for PIWW. Experimental results were also confirmed with activated sludge model simulations. As for the PHA composition, hydroxybutyrate was the major fraction. Model simulations proposed a unique conversion–degradation–storage pathway for the organic acid mixture. This paper presents a novel insight for better understanding of PHA biopolymer production using high saline FIWW.
A statistical analysis on the effect of preceding dry weather on sewer blockages in South Wales
Authors: Draude Sabrina , Keedwell Edward , Hiscock Rebecca , Kapelan Zoran
Published: February 2020

Water and sewerage companies (WaSC) in the UK are under increasing pressures to improve customer satisfaction. The biggest cause for customer dissatisfaction in the wastewater sector is a service failure caused by a blockage. There is therefore a need to understand the factors which influence blockage processes in order to prevent them. This work demonstrates how preceding rainfall impacts the sewer system of two highly populated regions within South Wales that have differing gradients. The total rainfall, number of dry days and consecutive number of dry days prior to a blockage were investigated using statistical analysis in order to determine the impact that rainfall has on blockages. The results obtained demonstrate the importance that dry weather has on blockage rates in both steep and flat catchments. Future work will incorporate predicted rainfall impact into a proactive maintenance scheduling model.
Oxidative Stress in Autoimmune Diseases: An Under Dealt Malice
Authors: Ramani Sheetal , Pathak Ayush , Dalal Vikram , Paul Anamika , Biswas Sagarika
Published: February 2020

Oxidative stress is the off-balance of antioxidants and free radicals. All kinds of diseases
and disorders give rise to oxidative damage including autoimmune diseases. An autoimmune disorder
is a pathological condition characterized by the breakdown of self-tolerance of the immune system in
the body. Immunological processes against tissues and organs lead to enhanced oxidative stress and, in
turn, misbalance of oxidative stress aggravates the pathobiology of the disease. Highly reactive nature
of free radicals, for example hydroxyl and superoxide ions, alters DNA, protein, and lipids in the body
which augment the pathologic processes of diseases. The damaged biomolecules are responsible for
systemic complications and secondary disease co-morbidities. In this review, we discuss the role of
oxidative stress in some incapacitating autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic Lupus
Erythematosus, Type 1 Diabetes, and Multiple Sclerosis. Oxidative stress plays a central and course
defining role in these diseases and it has become a necessity to study the pathological mechanism involved
in oxidative stress to better understand and offer treatment holistically. Presently there are no
clinically available parameters for measurement and treatment of pathological oxidative stress, therefore
it requires intensive research. Probably, in the future, the discovery of easily detectable markers of
oxidative stress can aid in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of progressively destructive autoimmune
diseases.
Liposomal Formulation of a Melphalan Lipophilic Prodrug: Studies of Acute Toxicity, Tolerability, and Antitumor Efficacy
Authors: Tretiakova Daria , Svirshchevskaya Elena , Onishchenko Natalia , Alekseeva Anna , Boldyrev Ivan , Kamyshinsky Roman , Natykan Alexey , Lokhmotov Anton , Arantseva Diana , Shobolov Dmitry , Vodovozova Elena
Published: February 2020

Background::

Recently we developed a scalable scheme of synthesis of melphalan ester conjugate
with 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycerol (MlphDG) and a protocol for the fabrication of its lyophilized
liposomal formulation.

Objective:

Herein we compared this new convenient in use formulation of MlphDG with parent drug
Alkeran® in rats concerning several toxicological parameters and evaluated its antitumor efficacy in the
model of breast cancer in mice.

Method:

Liposomes of approximately 100 nm in diameter, consisting of egg phosphatidylcholine, soybean
phosphatidylinositol, and MlphDG, or placebo liposomes without the drug were produced by extrusion
and lyophilized. Alkeran® or liposomes recovered by the addition of water were injected into the
tail vein of animals. Clinical examination of rats consisted of detailed inspection of the behavior, general
status, and hematological parameters. Mice with transplanted breast cancer WNT-1 were subjected
to multiple treatments with the drugs; tumor growth inhibition was assessed, together with cellular immunity
parameters.

Results:

Liposomes showed approximately two times lower acute toxicity and better tolerability than
Alkeran® in terms of behavioral criteria. The toxic effects of liposomes on hemopoiesis were manifested
at higher doses than in the case of Alkeran®, proportionally to the difference in LD50 values. The formulation
inhibited tumor growth significantly more effectively than Alkeran®, delaying the start of the
exponential growth phase and exhibiting no additional toxic effects toward bone marrow.

Conclusion:

Lower toxicity of the liposomal formulation of MlphDG promises improved quality of life
for cancer patients in need of treatment with melphalan. Presumably, the list of indications for melphalan
therapy could be extended.
Cardiovascular Effects of Biologic Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
Authors: Drakopoulou Maria , Soulaidopoulos Stergios , Oikonomou George , Tousoulis Dimitrios , Toutouzas Konstantinos
Published: February 2020

The risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease is increased among patients with systemic autoimmune
rheumatic diseases and remains an underserved area of medical need. Although traditional risk
factors for CV disease, such as hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia and obesity contribute to endothelial
dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), they are not enough on their own to explain the observed
excess CV risk. Rather, systemic inflammation seems to play a pivotal role in both disease states. Considering
the inflammatory process in autoimmune diseases, scientific interest has focused on recently
introduced biologic disease-modifying agents (bDMARDS) such as inhibitors of Tumor Necrosis Factor-
α (ΤΝF-α), Interleukins -1 (IL-1) and -6 (IL-6). Despite the widespread use of bDMARDS in RA
and other chronic autoimmune inflammatory diseases, their precise impact on CV disease and outcome
remains to be elucidated, while prospective randomized control trials assessing their impact on hard CV
endpoints are scarce. In this review, we summarize current knowledge concerning the effect of
bDMARDs on CV outcome and on the risk of developing CV disease in patients with systemic autoimmune
rheumatic diseases.
Efficacy of Honey-based Ophthalmic Formulation in Patients with Corneal Ulcer: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Nejabat Mahmood , Soltanzadeh Kazem , Yasemi Masoud , Daneshamouz Saeid , Akbarizadeh Amin Reza , Heydari Mojtaba
Published: February 2020

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of honey-based ophthalmic drop
in patients with foreign body induced corneal ulcer.

Background:

Honey is traditionally used for skin, mucosal and corneal ulcers. Its use is well stu

Methods:

In this randomized clinical trial, 50 patients with foreign body induced corneal ulcer
were allocated to receive 70% sterile honey-based ophthalmic formulation or 0.3% ophthalmic
ciprofloxacin, as the standard treatment every 6 hours. All the patients were examined for the size
of corneal epithelial defect, corneal infiltration and depth and followed on a daily basis until complete
healing. Duration for complete healing was considered as the outcome measure. Smear, culture,
antibiogram and minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) tests were performed for honey
and ciprofloxacin in all patients.

Results:

The average durations of complete healing of corneal epithelial defect in the honey and
ciprofloxacin groups were 3.88 ± 3.44 vs. 6.32 ± 3.69days, respectively (p=0.020). No significant
difference was observed between two groups regarding an average duration of healing of corneal
infiltration (8.12 ±1.94 days vs. 8.64±2.15 days, p=0.375). MIC of honey for pseudomonas aeruginosa
was 60%w/w, for E.Coli 40% w/w, and for staphylococcus aureus 30% w/w.

Conclusion:

Honey based ophthalmic drop can acceleratethe corneal epithelial defect healing in
patients with foreign body induced corneal ulcer, compared to ophthalmic ciprofloxacin as a
standard treatment.
The study was registered in Iranian registry of clinical trial center (IRCT) with registration number
IRCT2015020120892N1.
Quality Analysis of Fresh Cheese Prepared Using Wrightia tinctoria Proteases
Authors: Rajagopalan Anusha , Sukumaran Bindhu O.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Aqueous leaf extract of Wrightia tinctoria has been in use for artisanal
cheese preparation in diverse parts of India. Scientific validation behind the milk clotting potential of
W. tinctoria stem proteases purified through three-phase partitioning (TPP) has been attempted.
However, its contribution to cheese quality standards has not been tried yet.

Objective:

To evaluate the suitability of three-phase partitioned W. tinctoria (WT) stem proteases in
fresh cheese making.

Methods:

Fresh cheese was prepared using W. tinctoria TPP proteases and its characteristics were
compared with that of commercial plant milk coagulant, Enzeco® (CEz) and rennin (CRn). Yield, organoleptic
and textural properties, total fat, protein and moisture content of all cheese were determined
according to FSSAI standards. Toxicity of the TPP proteases was assessed on the shrimp
model (Artemia salina egg and Litopenaeus vannamei post-larval shrimps).

Results:

TPP proteases were found to be non-toxic and safe for human consumption with no change
in egg hatchability and survival of the shrimps in comparison to that of control. Cheese analysis results
indicated perceptible resemblance in nutritional characteristics of WT cheese with control
cheese. Yield, textural properties and organoleptic acceptance of WT cheese resembled more closely
with that of CEz cheese.

Conclusion:

Observation from the study paves the way for the acceptance of W. tinctoria proteases
as a suitable vegetable rennet for fresh cheese making.
Fatty Acid Profile and In Vitro Anticancer Activity of Two Marine Sponge- Associated Bacteria
Authors: Tommonaro Giuseppina , El-Hagrassi Ali M. , Fayad Walid , Iodice Carmine , Shaker Kamel H. , EL-Hady Faten K. Abd
Published: February 2020

Background:

Colorectal cancer represents one of the prominent causes of mortality worldwide
in men and women. The objective of this study was to search for new potential anticancer compounds,
both in prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer. The anticancer potential of marine bacterial
extracts against Human colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT116) was evaluated as well as the partial
identification of bioactive metabolites.

Methods:

All bacterial extracts were tested for their cytotoxicity against HCT116 cell line by means of
MTT assay. The highly cytotoxic dichloromethane extracts of marine sponge-associated bacteria Vibrio
sp. and Bacillus sp. were analyzed by GC-MS.

Results:

Two fractions, Vib3 and Bac3, exhibited a very interesting cytotoxicity against human colorectal
carcinoma (HCT116) cell line, with a percentage of cytotoxicity of 96.04 % and 29.48 %, respectively.

Discussion:

The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of two major fatty acids, palmitic and oleic
acids, in Vib3 fraction and fatty acid esters and phenolic compounds in Bac3 fraction.

Conclusion:

Based on previous literature, it may be hypothesized that the anticancer activity of
bacterial extracts could be, at least partially, to the fatty acids fraction.
The Association between HbA1c Levels, Olfactory Memory and Cognition in Normal, Pre-Diabetic and Diabetic Persons
Authors: Yulug Burak , Saatci Ozlem , Işıklar Aysun , Hanoglu Lutfu , Kilic Ulkan , Ozansoy Mehmet , Cankaya Seyda , Cankaya Baris , Kilic Ertugrul
Published: February 2020

Background and Aim:

Recent data have shown that olfactory dysfunction is strongly related to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) that is often preceded by olfactory deficits suggesting that olfactory dysfunction might represent an early indicator of future cognitive in prediabetes.

Methods:

We have applied to a group of normal (n=15), prediabetic (n=16) and type 2 diabetic outpatients (n=15) olfactory testing, 1.5-T MRI scanner and detailed cognitive evaluation including the standard Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) form, Short Blessed Test (SBT), Letter Fluency Test (LFT) and the category fluency test with animal, Fruit and Vegetable Naming (CFT).

Results:

We have shown that Odour Threshold (OT), Discrimination (OD), and Identification (OI) scores and most cognitive test results were significantly different in the prediabetes and diabetes group compared to those in the control group. OD and OT were significantly different between the prediabetes and diabetes group, although the cognitive test results were only significantly different in the prediabetes and diabetes group compared to those in the control group. In evaluating the association between OI, OT, OD scores and specific cognitive tests, we have found, that impaired olfactory identification was the only parameter that correlated significantly with the SBT both in the pre-diabetes and diabetes group. Although spot glucose values were only correlated with OT, HbA1c levels were correlated with OT, OD, and OI, as well as results of the letter fluency test suggesting that HbA1c levels rather than the spot glucose values play a critical role in specific cognitive dysfunction.

Conclusion:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first prospective study to demonstrate a strong association between olfactory dysfunction and specific memory impairment in a population with prediabetes and diabetes suggesting that impaired olfactory identification might play an important role as a specific predictor of memory decline.
Design of a Management Algorithm for Energy Trading in Microgrids
Authors: Verginadis Dimosthenis , Karlis Athanasios
Published: February 2020

Background:

The scope of this paper is to study the energy trading in microgrids. Microgrids
are low voltage or medium voltage distribution networks, which consist of energy storage
systems, electric loads, e.g. electric vehicles and Renewable Energy Sources (RES).

Methods:

Legacy energy grids are being transformed by the introduction of small to medium sized
individual or cooperative, mostly RES invested energy producers and prosumers. Electric vehicles
penetrate the market and modern power grids integrate them as ancillary services providers when
there are peak domestic loads, as well as in order to balance grid voltage aiming to increase system
reliability, compensating for renewable energy sources’ intermittency and volatility in energy production.

Results:

An elaborate management algorithm is proposed in this paper, to balance demand and local
renewable energy sources microgrid supply.

Conclusion:

Finally, the results of simulations of different scenarios, including economic parameters
and proposals for future research are presented.
THE EFFECT OF LEVERAGE, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AUDIT COMMITTEE AND COMPANY SIZE ON THE LEVEL OF HEALTH FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Authors: Utami Martiana Riawati , Priantinah Denies
Published: February 2020

Abstract : The Effect Of Leverage, Board Of Directors, Audit Committee And Company Size On The Level Of Health Financial Performance. This research aims to analyze (1) the effect of Leverage on the Level of Health Financial Performance, (2) the effect of Board of Directors on the Level of Health Financial Performance, (3) the effect of Audit Committee on the Level of Health Financial Performance, (4) the effect of Company Size on the Level of Health Financial Performance, and (5) the effect of Leverage, Board of Directors, Audit Committee and Company Size simultaneously on the Level of Health Financial Performance. This research was a causal research. The population of this research are manufacturing companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange period 2014-2016. A purposive sampling method was used as a sampling method and 96 companies were selected as sample of research. The data analysis techniques were simple linear regression analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. The result of this research indicates that (1) Leverage has a positive effect on the Level of Health Financial Performance, (2) Board of Directors has a positive effect on the Level of Health Financial Performance, (3) Audit Committee has a positive effect on the Level of Health Financial Performance, (4) Company Size has a positive effect on the Level of Health Financial Performance, and (5) Leverage, Board of Directots, Audit Committee and Company Size simultaneously has a positive effect on the Level of Health Financial Performance. Keywords: Level of Health Financial Performance, Leverage, Board of Directors, Audit Committee, Company Size
Learning Latent Space Representations to Predict Patient Outcomes: Model Development and Validation
Authors: Rongali Subendhu , Rose Adam J , McManus David D , Bajracharya Adarsha S , Kapoor Alok , Granillo Edgard , Yu Hong
Published: February 2020

Background

Scalable and accurate health outcome prediction using electronic health record (EHR) data has gained much attention in research recently. Previous machine learning models mostly ignore relations between different types of clinical data (ie, laboratory components, International Classification of Diseases codes, and medications).

Objective

This study aimed to model such relations and build predictive models using the EHR data from intensive care units. We developed innovative neural network models and compared them with the widely used logistic regression model and other state-of-the-art neural network models to predict the patient’s mortality using their longitudinal EHR data.

Methods

We built a set of neural network models that we collectively called as long short-term memory (LSTM) outcome prediction using comprehensive feature relations or in short, CLOUT. Our CLOUT models use a correlational neural network model to identify a latent space representation between different types of discrete clinical features during a patient’s encounter and integrate the latent representation into an LSTM-based predictive model framework. In addition, we designed an ablation experiment to identify risk factors from our CLOUT models. Using physicians’ input as the gold standard, we compared the risk factors identified by both CLOUT and logistic regression models.

Results

Experiments on the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-III dataset (selected patient population: 7537) show that CLOUT (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve=0.89) has surpassed logistic regression (0.82) and other baseline NN models (<0.86). In addition, physicians’ agreement with the CLOUT-derived risk factor rankings was statistically significantly higher than the agreement with the logistic regression model.

Conclusions

Our results support the applicability of CLOUT for real-world clinical use in identifying patients at high risk of mortality.
Teamwork and Safety Attitudes in Complex Aortic Surgery at a Dutch Hospital: Cross-Sectional Survey Study
Authors: Hilt Alexander D , Kaptein Ad A , Schalij Martin J , van Schaik Jan
Published: February 2020

Background

Improving teamwork in surgery is a complex goal and difficult to achieve. Human factors questionnaires, such as the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ), can help us understand medical teamwork and may assist in achieving this goal.

Objective

This paper aimed to assess local team and safety culture in a cardiovascular surgery setting to understand how purposeful teamwork improvements can be reached.

Methods

Two cardiovascular surgical teams performing complex aortic treatments were assessed: an endovascular-treatment team (ETT) and an open-treatment team (OTT). Both teams answered an online version of the SAQ Dutch Edition (SAQ-NL) consisting of 30 questions related to six different domains of safety: teamwork climate, safety climate, job satisfaction, stress recognition, perceptions of management, and working conditions. In addition, one open-ended question was posed to gain more insight into the completed questionnaires.

Results

The SAQ-NL was completed by all 23 ETT members and all 13 OTT members. Team composition was comparable for both teams: 57% and 62% males, respectively, and 48% and 54% physicians, respectively. All participants worked for 10 years or more in health care. SAQ-NL mean scores were comparable between both teams, with important differences found between the physicians and nonphysicians of the ETT. Nonphysicians were less positive about the safety climate, job satisfaction, and working climate domains than were the physicians (P<.05). Additional education on performed procedures, more conjoined team training, as well as a hybrid operating room were suggested by participants as important areas of improvement.

Conclusions

Nonphysicians of a local team performing complex endovascular aortic aneurysm surgery perceived safety climate, job satisfaction, and working conditions less positively than did physicians from the same team. Open-ended questions suggested that this is related to a lack of adequate conjoined training, lack of adequate education, and lack of an adequate operating room. With added open-ended questions, the SAQ-NL appears to be an assessment tool that allows for developing strategies that are instrumental in improving quality of care.
Evaluation of an On-Demand Mental Health System for Depression Symptoms: Retrospective Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Kunkle Sarah , Yip Manny , Ξ Watson , Hunt Justin
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Depression is an extremely prevalent issue in the United States, with an estimated 7% of adults experiencing at least one major depressive episode in 2017. Although psychotherapy and medication management are effective treatments for depression, significant barriers in accessing care persist. Virtual care can potentially address some of these obstacles.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a preliminary investigation of utilization characteristics and effectiveness of an on-demand health system for reducing depression symptoms.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from 1662 users of an on-demand mental health system that includes behavioral health coaching, clinical services (therapy and psychiatry), and self-guided content and assessments primarily via a mobile app platform. Measures included engagement characterized by mobile app data, member satisfaction scores collected via in-app surveys, and depression symptoms via the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) at baseline and 8-12 week follow-up. Descriptive statistics are reported for measures, and pre/post-PHQ-2 data were analyzed using the McNemar test. A chi-square test was used to test the association between the proportion of individuals with an improvement in PHQ-2 result and care modality (coaching, therapy, and psychiatry, or hybrid).

RESULTS

During the study period, 65.5% of individuals (1089/1662) engaged only in coaching services, 27.6% of individuals (459/1662) were engaged in both coaching and clinical services, 3.3% of individuals (54/1662) engaged only in clinical services, and 3.7% of individuals (61/1662) only used the app. Of the 1662 individuals who completed the PHQ-2 survey, 772 (46.5%) were considered a positive screen at intake, and 890 (53.6%) were considered a negative screen at intake. At follow-up, 477 (28.7%) of individuals screened positive, and 1185 (71.3%) screened negative. A McNemar test showed that there was a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of users experiencing depressed mood and anhedonia more than half the time at follow-up (P<.001). A chi-square test showed there was no significant association between care modality and the proportion of individuals with an improvement in PHQ-2 score.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides preliminary insights into which aspects of an on-demand mental health system members are utilizing and levels of engagement and satisfaction over an 8-12 week window. Additionally, there is some signal that this system may be useful for reducing depression symptoms in users over this period. Additional research is required, given the study limitations, and future research directions are discussed.
Data-driven Personalization of Physiotherapy Care Pathway: Case Posture Scanning (Preprint)
Authors: Korhonen Olli , Väyrynen Karin , Krautwald Tino , Bilby Glenn , Broers Anna , Giunti Guido , Isomursu Minna
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Advanced sensor, measurement and analytics technologies enable entirely new ways to deliver care. Increased availability of digital data can be used for data-driven personalization of care. Data-driven personalization can complement expert-driven personalization by providing support for decision making, or even automating some parts of decision making in relation to the care process.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to analyze how digital data acquired from posture scanning can enhance physiotherapy and enable more personalized delivery of physiotherapy.

METHODS

A Case study is conducted with a company that has designed a Posture Scan Recording System (PSRS), which is an Information System (IS) that can record, measure and report human movement digitally to be used in physiotherapy. Interviews are used to explore the viewpoints of different stakeholders involved in physiotherapy. The data is analyzed thematically.

RESULTS

As the result of our thematic analysis, we identified three different support types the posture scanning can provide to enable more personalized delivery of physiotherapy. The types are: (1) Modeling the condition, which is about the use of posture scanning data for detecting and understanding the healthcare user’s condition and the root cause of the possible pain. (2) Visualization for a shared understanding, which is about the use of posture scanning data to inform and involve the healthcare user in more collaborative decision-making regarding care. (3) Evaluating the impact of the intervention, which is about the use of posture scanning data to evaluate the care progress and impact of the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Current care models in healthcare emphasize the importance to put the healthcare user at the center of the care. However, physiotherapy has lacked data driven solutions to inform and involve the healthcare user in care in a person-centered manner. The present study analyzes how posture scanning can enhance physiotherapy and presents three different types of support that posture scanning can provide for data-driven personalization of physiotherapy.
Feasibility of a Home-Based Tablet App for Dexterity Training in Multiple Sclerosis: Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: van Beek Judith Jantine Willemijn , van Wegen Erwin Everardus Henri , Rietberg Marc Berend , Nyffeler Thomas , Bohlhalter Stephan , Kamm Christian Philipp , Nef Tobias , Vanbellingen Tim
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) often experience dexterous difficulties during the performance of activities of daily living, such as fastening buttons, handling coins, or writing, therefore impacting their health-related quality of life. Mobile health (mHealth) solutions, such as tablet apps, may be used to train impaired dexterous skills. The feasibility of a tablet app–based dexterity home-based intervention in MS (TAD-MS) has not been explored yet in persons with MS.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and usability of home-based dexterity training with a tablet app in both persons with MS and healthy subjects.

METHODS

A total of 9 persons with MS, aged 35-71 years, with an Expanded Disability Status Scale score between 2 and 7.5, performed the TAD-MS for 4 weeks, five times a week, with each training session lasting approximately 30 minutes. Participants’ impaired dexterity was measured by the Nine-Hole Peg Test. A total of 10 age-matched healthy subjects also tested and rated the usability of the app. Outcome measures were the adherence rate as well as usability measured by the System Usability Scale and a Custom User Engagement Questionnaire (CUEQ).

RESULTS

High feasibility of the tablet app–based dexterity training program was shown by a 97% adherence rate to the training protocol (ie, mean 19.4/20 sessions completed, SD 0.8). High system usability scores (ie, mean 85.39%, SD 11.67) and overall high scores given in the CUEQ (ie, mean 8.2/10, SD 1.4) further point to high usability of the app. Neither demographic variables nor dexterity levels affected the use of the app.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study is the first to demonstrate high feasibility and usability of a new tablet app–based dexterity home-based training program among both persons with MS and healthy individuals. Whether this kind of training improves dexterity will need to be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial.
Impacts of Motion-Based Technology on Balance, Movement Confidence, and Cognitive Function Among People With Dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment: Protocol for a Quasi-Experimental Pre- and Posttest Study (Preprint)
Authors: Dove Erica , Wang Rosalie , Zabjek Karl , Astell Arlene
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

While exercise can benefit the health and well-being of people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, many exercise programs offered to this population are passive, unengaging, and inaccessible, resulting in poor adherence. Motion-based technologies are increasingly being explored to encourage exercise participation among people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment. However, the impacts of using motion-based technologies with people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment on variables including balance, movement confidence, and cognitive function have yet to be determined.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to examine the impacts of a group motion-based technology intervention on balance, movement confidence, and cognitive function among people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment.

METHODS

In this quasi-experimental pre- and posttest design, we will recruit 24 people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment from 4 adult day programs and invite them to play Xbox Kinect bowling in a group setting, twice weekly for 10 weeks. We will require participants to speak and understand English, be without visual impairment, and be able to stand and walk. At pretest, participants will complete the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). We will video record participants during weeks 1, 5, and 10 of the intervention to capture behavioral indicators of movement confidence (eg, fluency of motion) through coding. At posttest, the Mini-BESTest and MoCA will be repeated. We will analyze quantitative data collected through the Mini-BESTest and the MoCA using an intent-to-treat analysis, with study site and number of intervention sessions attended as covariates. To analyze the videos, we will extract count and percentage data from the coded recordings.

RESULTS

This study will address the question of whether a group motion-based technology intervention, delivered in an adult day program context, has the potential to impact balance, movement confidence, and cognitive function among people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment. The project was funded in 2019 and enrollment was completed on February 28, 2020. Data analysis is underway and the first results are expected to be submitted for publication in 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will assess the feasibility and potential benefits of using motion-based technology to deliver exercise interventions to people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment. This work can also be used as the basis for developing specific software and future exercise programs using motion-based technology for people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, as well as understanding some of the conditions in which these programs can be delivered.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/18209
GEOTHERMAL-SLUDGE-BASED SODIUM SILICATE CATALYST DEACTIVATION IN METHYL ESTER PRODUCTION PROCESS
Authors: Wangi Inasanti Pandan , Perdana Indra
Published: February 2020

The deactivation of solid catalyst is one of the catalyst parameters that has to be known to predict how long catalyst can be used to catalyze a reaction. In this research, the catalyst was applied to catalyze the transesterification of corn oil with methanol. Sodium silicate was produced from NaOH and silica was extracted by gelation method from Dieng Geothermal Power Plant solid sludge which had 55% of silica content. Sodium silicate catalyst was activated by calcination process at 400oC, with heating rate of 20ºC/min, and holding time of 3 hours. The transesterification was run at 60oC, methanol and corn oil mole ratio of 9:1 and 5% (w/w) catalyst for 60 minutes. The sample was taken at 0, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 60 minutes after corn oil was poured into the flask. The used catalyst was separated from the reactant and product, was then washed with methanol and was heated at 120 oC in the oven for 2 hours until it dried. The catalyst was then used for catalyzing the next experiment run for the next four cycle. This research showed that the conversion of the reaction decreased with every reaction cycle. The most fitting reaction kinetics was modeled with second order kinetics. The highest conversion obtained using fresh catalyst was 91,67%.
Gambaran Kadar Bilirubin Total pada Penderita Tuberkulosis Paru dengan Terapi Obat Anti Tuberkulosis (Oat) di Puskesmas Poasia Kota Kendari
Authors: Firdayanti Firdayanti
Published: February 2020

Background: Treatment of tuberculosis by using anti-tuberculosis drugs (OAT) can be accepted in therapy, but has potential effectiveness such as side effects of hematologic reactions, namely anemia, agranulocytosis, eosinophilia and thrombocytopenia, and liver function. Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the side effects of using OAT which is often complained by patients.Objective: to determine the description of total bilirubin levels in tuberculosis patients with OAT therapy at the Poasia Health Center in Kendari CityMethod: This study was descriptive with bilirubin examination using the Jendrassik-Grof method by spectrophotometer. Total bilirubin examination was performed on 18 pulmonary tuberculosis patients who received OAT therapy at the Poasia Health Center in Kendari City.Results: The results of the study showed that from 18 samples examined, there were 10 samples with high bilirubin levels (hyperbilirubinemia) and 8 samples had normal bilirubin levels.Conclusion: Total bilirubin levels in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis with OAT therapy were found as many as 10 patients had high bilirubin levels (hyperbilirubinemia) and 8 patients had normal bilirubin levels. Keywords: Bilirubin, Hyperbilirubinemia, OAT, Therapy, Tuberculosis
Asupan Zat Besi, Asam Folat, dan Vitamin C pada Remaja Putri di Daerah Jatinangor
Authors: Azizah Dini Izmi
Published: February 2020

Latar Belakang: Masa remaja merupakan masa yang rentan terjadinya anemia dikarenakan cenderung mengalami kekurangan asupan gizi yang dibutuhkan oleh tubuh terutama zat besi, asam folat, dan vitamin C. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui rerata dan proporsi kecukupan asupan zat besi, asam folat, dan vitamin C pada remaja putri di Kecamatan Jatinangor.Metode: Metode penelitian deskriptif dengan pendekatan potong lintang pada remaja  putri usia 10-19 tahun periode Juni-Agustus 2018. Data asupan gizi diperoleh melalui  3 day-food record dan dilakukan follow up melalui Whatsapp Group, kemudian dilakukan konversi ukuran makanan dari bentuk Ukuran Rumah Tangga menjadi gram melalui buku foto makanan. Setelah itu, dimasukkan kedalam aplikasi nutrisurvey untuk dihitung kandungan asupan gizi dan dirata-ratakan serta dibandingkan dengan Angka Kecukupan Gizi yang direkomendasikan oleh Permenkes.Hasil: Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa rerata asupan zat besi sebesar 10,67 mg/hari, dimana responden yang tidak memenuhi kecukupan zat besi sebesar 93,6% (88 orang). Rerata asupan asam folat sebesar 180,67 μg/hari, dimana  sebagian besar responden tidak memenuhi kecukupan asam folat mencapai 94,7% (89 orang). Rerata asupan vitamin C pada penelitian ini sebesar 29,71 mg/hari dimana sebagian besar responden tidak memenuhi kecukupan vitamin C yaitu sebesar 67% (63 orang).Kesimpulan: Rerata asupan zat besi, asam folat, dan vitamin C remaja putri dibawah standar AKG dan tidak memenuhi AKG yang direkomendasikan. Hal ini dikarenakan jenis bahan makanan yang dikonsumsi remaja tidak bervariasi. Untuk memperbaiki asupan gizi dan status gizi remaja antara lain perlu upaya peningkatan pengetahuan gizi, salah satunya melalui pendidikan gizi.
Adding pertuzumab to adjuvant therapy for high-risk HER2-positive early breast cancer in APHINITY: a GRADE analysis
Authors: Zambelli Alberto , Pappagallo Giovanni , Marchetti Paolo
Published: February 2020

Aim:
Adding pertuzumab to standard trastuzumab-based adjuvant therapy significantly improved invasive disease-free survival (IDFS) in the APHINITY trial. However, the magnitude of benefit was marginal in the overall population.
Methods:
We used GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) analysis on data from APHINITY to build summary-of-findings tables to evaluate the efficacy, safety and quality of evidence of predefined clinical outcomes for the addition of pertuzumab to trastuzumab-based adjuvant therapy in patients with high-risk HER2-positive early breast cancer.
Results:
Pertuzumab significantly improved 3-year, event-free, absolute benefit in disease-free survival, IDFS and distant relapse-free interval (DFRI) in patients with node-positive or hormone receptor-negative disease. The analysis provides strength of evidence supporting the addition of pertuzumab in this patient population.
RIESGO DE CÁNCER DE COLON EN DOCENTES UNIVERSITARIOS DE SALUD Y HUMANIDADES, UN ESTUDIO COMPARATIVO
Authors: Martínez Ramos Victoria Berenice , Roa Escobar Sharon Vanessa , Martínez Montiel Yamileth , Solís Bernardo Cinthya Carolina , Ariztizabal Hoyos Gladis Patricia , Carrasco Yépez María Maricela
Published: February 2020

Introducción: En México, el cáncer de colon ocupa el cuarto lugar de morbi-mortalidad con referencia a otros tipos de cáncer. Los factores de riesgo relacionados a la patología son: dieta hiperlipídica, sedentarismo, estrés, toxicomanías, enfermedades inflamatorias gastrointestinales; entre otros. La identificación de poblaciones expuestas, permite extender los alcances de la prevención primaria contra el cáncer de colon. La presente investigación, tuvo como Objetivo: comparar el nivel de riesgo para desarrollar cáncer de colon en profesores de la Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala (FES-I), con formación en ciencias de la salud y profesores de la Facultad de Estudios Superiores Acatlán (FES-A), dedicados a ciencias sociales y humanidades. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo, comparativo transversal, con muestra probabilística de 92 académicos de FES-A y 93 de FES-I. Se aplicó un instrumento de 40 ítems, fundamentado en los principales elementos que propician la aparición de cáncer de colon. Resultados: el análisis de datos, revela mayor porcentaje de obesidad, alto consumo de alcohol, tabaco y carnes rojas, así como menor conocimiento sobre factores predisponentes a la enfermedad, en docentes de FES-A. Conclusiones: los académicos de FES-A presentan más factores de riesgo que los profesores de FES-I. Es necesario difundir conocimiento de calidad sobre ésta patología para concientizar sobre hábitos inadecuados en la dieta, así como el consumo de alimentos protectores dentro de ella, para la prevención de esta neoplasia.
Análise das dimensões de flexibilidade de manufatura para a prevenção de problemas em uma indústria de pneus
Authors: DE OLIVEIRA UALISON REBULA , MARINS FERNANDO AUGUSTO SILVA , ROCHA HENRIQUE MARTINS
Published: February 2020

O ambiente onde se desenvolvem as operações de manufatura se constitui de um natural espaço gerador de riscos, sujeito à ocorrência de problemas de diversas naturezas. Como solução, ou minimização dos efeitos indesejados desses problemas, diversos autores recomendam a adoção da Flexibilidade de Manufatura. Entretanto, sua característica multidimensional e, muitas vezes, as particularidades a cada empresa, dificultam a correta associação dos tipos de flexibilidade aos problemas existentes. Metodologicamente, a pesquisa foi suportada por um estudo de campo, baseado em levantamento da percepção dos funcionários de nível gerencial do departamento de produção de uma indústria de pneus, foi analisado os principais problemas que afetam seu ambiente operacional e os tipos de flexibilidades mais requeridos por essa empresa para a solução de seus problemas. Como resultados empíricos, identificou-se que o problema mais crítico está relacionado com equipamentos e que apenas três tipos de flexibilidade de manufatura são demandados pela empresa estudada.
Confección de un archivo digital de revistas femeninas de la década del ‘60 en Argentina
Authors: Schaufler María Laura
Published: February 2020

Resumen

El artículo presenta un marco conceptual-metodológico y da cuenta de una experiencia de confección de un archivo digital de cultura de masas, específicamente de revistas de la década del ‘60. Estos materiales forman parte de la historia cultural y corren el riesgo de perderse si no se realiza un esfuerzo por recuperarlos. El trabajo se asienta en la experiencia de la Acción de Extensión de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación, Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos: “Archivo Hemerográfico: Géneros y sexualidades en revistas de la década del ‘60 en Argentina”.

El texto apunta a repensar la vinculación entre historia cultural, investigación social, enseñanza y extensión, a partir del uso y la confección de archivos tras la experiencia de organización de un reservorio cultural y banco de conocimientos accesible, inexistente en las bibliotecas de la región. El trabajo tiene como antecedente la investigación doctoral “La construcción del erotismo en revistas femeninas de la década del ‘60 en Argentina” (SCHAUFLER, 2015) y sistematiza y extiende uno de sus resultados referido a la confección de un extenso corpus de artículos de revistas de la década referidos a tópicos como la feminidad, el feminismo, el amor, la sexualidad, la educación sexual, el deseo y el placer erótico, los cuerpos, cruciales para investigaciones contemporáneas en estudios culturales, comunicación y cultura y estudios de géneros.

Palabras clave: Revistas femeninas. Sesenta. Archivos.

 

Resumo

O artigo apresenta um arcabouço conceitual-metodológico e dá a experiência de fazer um arquivo digital de cultura de massa, especificamente de revistas dos anos 60. Estes materiais fazem parte da história cultural e correm o risco de se perderem se não se fizer um esforço para os recuperar. O trabalho assenta na experiência da Ação de Extensão da Faculdade de Ciências da Educação, Universidade Nacional de Entre Ríos: “Arquivo Hemerográfico: gêneros e sexualidades em revistas da década do ‘60 na Argentina”. O texto visa repensar a relação entre história cultural, pesquisa social, ensino e extensão, a partir do uso e da confecção de arquivos após a experiência de organização de um reservatório cultural e banco de conhecimentos acessível, inexistente nas bibliotecas da região. O trabalho tem como antecedente a pesquisa doutoral A construção do erotismo em revistas femininas da década do ‘60 na Argentina” (SCHAUFLER, 2015) e sistematiza e estende um dos seus resultados referente à confecção de um extenso corpus de artigos de revistas da década referidos a tópicos como a feminilidade, o feminismo, o amor, a sexualidade, a educação sexual, desejo e prazer erótico, corpos, cruciais para pesquisas contemporâneas em estudos culturais, comunicação e cultura e estudos de gênero.

Palavras chave:  Revistas Femininas. Sessenta. Arquivos.
O Corpus Tycho Brahe: um corpus sintaticamente anotado do português histórico
Authors: Galves Charlotte
Published: February 2020

Este artigo apresenta a metodologia de trabalho de construção e uso do Corpus Sintaticamente Anotado do Português Histórico Tycho Brahe. Descreve a ferramenta de edição eletrônica eDictor, bem como o sistema de etiquetagem de palavras e de anotação sintática aplicado aos textos. Exemplifica o funcionamento e uso da linguagem de busca Corpus Search, que procura construções em arquivos sintaticamente anotados, a partir de perguntas de pesquisa. Mostra os avanços da pesquisa sobre a história do português europeu permitidos pela grande quantidade de dados anotados disponíveis no Corpus Tycho Brahe para o período dos séculos 16 a 19. Na conclusão, evoca-se a extensão do trabalho ao português brasileiro, a favor da convergência entre a metodologia proposta e o trabalho intensivo de edição de documentos históricos de diversas procedências socio-culturais e geográficas.

Palavras-chave: Corpus Tycho Brahe. Anotação sintática. História do português. Português brasileiro.

 

Resumen

Este artículo presenta la metodología de trabajo de construcción y uso del Corpus Sintácticamente Anotado del Português Histórico Tycho Brahe. Describe la herramienta de edición electrónica eDictor, así como el sistema de etiquetado de palabras y anotación sintáctica aplicada a los textos. Ejemplifica el funcionamiento y el uso del lenguaje de búsqueda Corpus Search, que busca construcciones en archivos sintácticamente anotados, a partir de preguntas de investigación. Muestra los avances de la investigación sobre la historia del portugués europeo permitidos por la gran cantidad de datos anotados disponibles en el Corpus Tycho Brahe para el período comprendido entre los siglos XVI y XIX. En la conclusión, se evoca la extensión del trabajo al portugués brasileño, a favor de la convergencia entre la metodología propuesta y el intenso trabajo de edición de documentos históricos de diversas procedencias socioculturales y geográficas.

Palabras clave: Corpus Tycho Brahe. Anotación sintáctica. Historia del portugués. Portugués brasileño.