bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation and reason analysis of groundwater hydrochemical characteristics in Beiluhe Basin, Qinghai–Tibet Plateau during a freezing–thawing period
Authors: Liu Zejun , Fang Yahong , Hu Haiyang , Wang Wei
Published: July 2022

Groundwater in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) is mainly distributed in the active layer. Rising temperatures and human activities have influenced the hydrogeochemical characteristics of the QTP in recent years. This study investigates the hydrochemistry and stable isotope (δ18O and δD) variations of the groundwater in the Beiluhe Basin, which is located in the QTP of China, during a freezing–thawing period of the active layer. Results show the chemical types of the groundwater are mainly HCO3 • Cl–Na • Ca • Mg, which are converted to Cl • HCO3–Na • Ca • Mg during the freezing period of the active layer. At different stages of the freezing–thawing period of the active layer, evaporation, concentration, and rock weathering control the chemical composition of the groundwater in this region. The main ion ratio coefficients of groundwater and the saturation indices of related minerals in groundwater indicate that halite, dolomite, and calcite control the relevant chemical components of water in the study area. The stable isotopic results show that δ18O and δD fluctuations in the lake water and the groundwater are mainly affected by groundwater runoff, temperature, and evaporation. This study provides the scientific basis for groundwater evolution and utilization in high-altitude areas.
Data-Mining and Intermetallic Property-Prediction
Authors: Fisher David
Published: July 2022

Using a computer-aided data mining approach and available experimental data bases, the author discusses the prediction of the structures and properties of intermetallic alloy compounds. The book references 252 original resources with their direct web links for in-depth reading.
Comparison of Wet and Dry Digestions in the Analysis of Fe in Spinach by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
Authors:   Program Study of Magister of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematic and Natural Sciences, Udayana University, Irdhawati Irdhawati , Gusti Ayu Putu Yunita Riyastini I ,   Program Study of Magister of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematic and Natural Sciences, Udayana University, Manurung Manuntun ,   Program Study of Magister of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematic and Natural Sciences, Udayana University
Published: July 2022

The method of digestion as a part of sample preparation is very important to determine the accuracy of the analysis result. In this study, the methods of wet and dry digestions were applied to determine of Fe content in several kinds of spinach obtained from the traditional market in Denpasar Bali. This research aimed to compare the result of Fe analysis by AAS method using both of digestion methods. This research was divided into several steps starting from sampling, determination of the samples species, sample preparation, digestion by wet digestion using aqua regia and dry digestion in the furnace, and Fe analysis by AAS. The result showed that the concentrations of Fe in root spinach, red spinach, cut spinach, and tricolor spinach through wet digestion method varied between 68.08–105.45 mg/kg, while the concentrations of Fe by dry digestion obtained between 27.52–42.03 mg/kg, which was over the accepted value. Based on the one-way ANOVA statistical test with a significance level of 5%, there was a significant differences of Fe concentration in spinaches by wet and dry digestions.
Determination of the radical-scavenging activities and identification of anthocyanins from Hexalobus monopetalus ripe fruits
Authors:   Laboratoire de Chimie Organique et de Physique Appliquées (L.C.O.P.A.), Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, UFR/SEA, Département de Chimie, Noba Arrounan , Hema Adama ,   Laboratoire de Chimie Organique et de Physique Appliquées (L.C.O.P.A.), Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, UFR/SEA, Département de Chimie, Kabré Elie ,   Laboratoire National de Santé Publique (L.N.S.P), Sylvain Raoul Bazié Bazoin ,   Laboratoire National de Santé Publique (L.N.S.P), Ouôba Paulin ,   Laboratoire de Biologie et Écologie Végétales, Université de Ouagadougou, M. Dabiré Constantin ,   Laboratoire de Chimie Organique et de Physique Appliquées (L.C.O.P.A.), Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, UFR/SEA, Département de Chimie,   Laboratoire de Chimie et Energies Renouvelables, Université Nazi Boni, K. Bationo Remy ,   Laboratoire de Chimie Organique et de Physique Appliquées (L.C.O.P.A.), Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, UFR/SEA, Département de Chimie,   CNRST/IRSAT/ Département Substances Naturelles, Koala Moumouni ,   Laboratoire de Chimie Organique et de Physique Appliquées (L.C.O.P.A.), Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, UFR/SEA, Département de Chimie,   Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique (IRSS/CNRST), Palé Eloi ,   Laboratoire de Chimie Organique et de Physique Appliquées (L.C.O.P.A.), Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, UFR/SEA, Département de Chimie, Nacro Mouhoussine ,   Laboratoire de Chimie Organique et de Physique Appliquées (L.C.O.P.A.), Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, UFR/SEA, Département de Chimie
Published: July 2022

A wild fruit from classified forest of Dindéresso was analyzed for total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins compounds using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, spectrophotometric method of Zhishen and colleagues and by the differential pH method respectively. Free radical-scavenging activities of studied fruits extracts were estimated using diammonium 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) salt method. Three major anthocyanins were identified using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with spray ionization interface mass spectrometry. Three identified anthocyanins in fruit were reported to be cyanidin 3-O-(p-coumaroyl) glucoside, pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside and pelargonidin 3-O-rutinoside. In addition, H. monopetalus fruit contained of about 1165±3.1 mg of GAE per 100 g of fresh fruit, 4490±20.2 mg of QE per 100 g of fresh fruit, and 36±0.17 mg of cyanidin 3-O-glucoside equivalents per 100 g of fresh fruit. Total anthocyanin extract had an EC50 = 4.24 mg per mL and a TEC50 time of 21 minutes (intermediate reaction). This free radical-scavenging activity was very low compared to those of the references used (0.024 and 0.034 mg/mL respectively for ascorbic acid and Trolox). The low antiradical activity and reactivity of the H. mucronata extract could be explained by several factors. In any case, fruits of this species were potential sources of natural bioactive substances having beneficial effects on the health of consumers.
Acid Isolation Techniques for Silica isolation from Rice Husk and Determination of Its Physicochemical Properties
Authors:   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Mutrofin Siti , Mardiana Diah ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Triandi Tjahjanto Rachmat ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University
Published: July 2022

Previous research showed that rice husk has a high silica content so it becomes an alternative for processing rice waste. The acid leaching method is a technique to isolate silica by adding an acid solution. The research aim is to obtain the optimum silica yield and determine the chemical ash content of rice husks (rice IR-64,). Rice husks were first calcined at two various temperatures and times. The average yields obtained were 19.54% (500oC / 1 hr), 18.42% (500oC / 2 hrs), 25.03% (700oC /1 hr), and 22.4% (700oC/2 hrs). The physical appearance of ash was grains and white (700 oC/1hr), that were rinsed with 1 M HCl solution to remove impurities. Added 1 M NaOH was to form sodium silicate. The last step was to isolate silica using different concentrations of HCl and HNO3 (3 M, 2 M, and 1 M). The highest result was 99.87% of silica under HNO3 1 M solution. An infrared study supports that the isolated product was silica, with the presence of prominent peaks at 1102 cm-1 (stretching Si-O) and 471 cm-1 (bending Si-O). A unique peak at 958 cm-1 for Si-O-Ca present at the isolated silica using HCl 3 M, gives information on inosilicate type structure. X-ray diffraction analysis with QualX application showed that silica had cristobalite and wollastonite peaks, and the value of crystallinity index was about 63.91%.
Features of cardiometabolic disorders in obesity on the example of the children’s population of the Rostov region
Authors: Bocharova O. V. , Teplyakova E. D. , Shkurat T. P. , Karantysh G. V. , Abd Ali Alaa Hashim
Published: July 2022

Objective: to study the features of the blood lipid profile in obese children and adolescents, depending on the presence of insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction and minimal diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle. Materials and methods: the study involved 370 obese children and adolescents from 7 to 17 years of age (the main group) with a body mass index BMI > 30, the control group consisted of 123 children of the same age without obesity. Methods: clinical, paraclinical (biochemical blood test, blood pressure measurement, functional diagnosis of endothelial dysfunction, assessment of minimal diastolic dysfunction). Results: cardiometabolic disorders in obesity in childhood and adolescence are accompanied, first of all, by hypertriglyceridemia, which entails further violations of the lipid profile. There was also a positive correlation between changes in insulin and triglyceride levels in children and adolescents with obesity and endothelial dysfunction, as well as in patients with HOMA IR 3.2 and a combination of endothelial dysfunction and minimal dysfunction. Conclusions: based on the study of the nature of lipid spectrum disorders in obese children and adolescents and the presence of signs of endothelial dysfunction and/or minimal left ventricular dysfunction, it was concluded that obesity at this age is more often accompanied by minimal left ventricular diastolic dysfunction or a combination of endothelial dysfunction and left ventricular dysfunction. The development of insulin resistance leads to an increase in the combined pathology (ED and MDLj). Hypertriglyceridemia, which is associated with high levels of insulin and presumably determines the development of insulin resistance, plays an important role in the development of cardiometabolic disorders in obesity in childhood and adolescence.
Clinical features of the combination of agoraphobia and non-psychotic mental disorders
Authors: Kovalev A. I.
Published: July 2022

The review article gives a modern definition of the concept of agoraphobia. Different classification approaches in the typing of agoraphobia are presented. Its role as a factor aggravating the course of non-psychotic mental disorders is shown. The features of its manifestation depending on the nosological affiliation are analyzed. It was revealed that agoraphobia is a predictor of an unfavorable outcome in people with panic disorder. In turn, panic disorder often causes the development of agoraphobia. At the same time, gender and age aspects are noted. The comorbidity of agoraphobia and somato-vegetative type of generalized anxiety disorder is shown. Agoraphobia increases the risk of suicidal behavior in depression, has a high correlation with the severity of personality disorders, especially of the avoidant and dependent type. At the same time, some researchers dispute the point of view that these types of personality disorders are predisposing factors for panic disorder and agoraphobia, based on retrospective data on the premorbid personality structure of patients with anxiety disorders. The relationship between PTSD and panic disorder is emphasized in connection with the emergence of a circular model of the development of feelings of fear, which postulates a similar etiology of anxiety disorders. There is a comorbidity of agoraphobia with disorders of the hypochondriac spectrum: from the degree of fixation to obsessive nature. reduces the effectiveness of therapy for schizophrenic spectrum disorders and the quality of life of patients. The picture of the panic disorder itself with agoraphobia becomes heavier if the patient has chronic alcoholism (in particular, the frequency of seizures increases), while the presence of agoraphobic symptoms leads to a relapse of alcoholic illness, which is explained by taking alcohol to relieve symptoms, and also increases the likelihood of developing dependence on tranquilizers.
Сurrent status of adrenocortical cancer therapy
Authors: Fogt S. N. , Kalugina V. V. , Vorokhobina N. V. , Kuznetsova A. V. , Serebryakova I. P.
Published: July 2022

Adrenocarcinoma is a rare adrenal disease with an unfavorable prognosis. Adrenocortical cancer therapy is characterized by insufficient effectiveness. This review covers the generally accepted adrenocortical carcinoma therapy methods -mitotane alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. It also provides perspectives from the novel agents` studies in adrenocarcinoma patients. Information about the use of insulin-like growth factor inhibitors, multikinase inhibitors, anti-PD-1/PD-L1 is given.
Clinical significance of changes in the expression of Toll-like receptors of type 2, 4 and 9 in the formation of secondary immune dysfunction syndrome in military personnel
Authors: Zaitseva N. S. , Sizyakinа L. P.
Published: July 2022

Objective: to study the dynamic changes in the content of monocytes expressing Toll-like receptors of type 2, 4 and 9 in military personnel under occupational stress. Materiasl and methods: 37 servicemen (average age 37.3±4.8 years), who participated in special operations (service in areas with an unfavorable operational situation lasting 3 months) have been examined and divided into two groups: group I included military personnel (n=27) who had clinical manifestations of an infectious process of any etiology during participation in special operations and during 6 months of observation after returning from an area with an unfavorable operational situation; the criterion for inclusion in group II of observation was the absence of manifestation of the infectious process. Phenotyping of peripheral blood monocytes was performed by flow cytofluorimetry. Statistical data processing was carried out using the STATISTICA 12 software package (StatSoft InC., USA). Results: during 6 months of follow-up, all the examined servicemen had a persistent significant decrease in the content of monocytes expressing Toll-like receptors of type 4 and no change in the content of monocytes expressing Toll-like receptors of type 9. In the group with the manifestation of the infectious syndrome, there was a significant decrease in the number of monocytes expressing Toll-like type 2 receptors, most pronounced by the 6th month of follow-up. Conclusions: violation of antigenic recognition processes at the level of innate immunity structures in military personnel within six months after participating in special operations, allows these individuals to be classified as at risk of developing persistent immune dysfunction.
Myelodysplastic syndrome: epidemiology, diagnostics and epigenetic disorders
Authors: Lipilkin P. V. , Kulaeva E. D. , Zeltser A. N. , Mordanov S. V. , Shatokhin Yu. V.
Published: July 2022

Myelodysplastic syndrome is a group of myeloid neoplasms that arise from the action of damaging factors on hematopoietic stem cells, which are based on somatic mutations, which leads to the formation of clonal hematopoiesis. we know from epidemiological data that old age, male gender, and smoking are in themselves independent risk factors for myelodysplastic syndrome. These factors can potentiate the occurrence of mutations in the genome. In young people and children, myelodysplastic syndrome is a direct consequence of genetic abnormalities. There is an assumption that epigenetic regulatory genes are subject to frequent mutations. The chromatin of malignant cells acquires epigenetic abnormalities affecting tumor resistance, which explains their response to treatment with epigenetic drugs in combination with other therapies The appearance of new mutations potentiates hematopoiesis, which is accompanied by the shutdown of apoptosis and the transformation of myelodysplastic syndrome into acute myeloid leukemia. It is suggested that mutations in the genes of epigenetic regulators have functional effects on pluripotent hemopoietic stem cells. Epigenetic profiling of patients had a significant impact on understanding the molecular basis of etiology, pathogenesis, and patterns of transformation of myelodysplastic syndrome into acute myeloid leukemia, but it is not known which genes are the most clinically significant for their final use in laboratory diagnostics and targeted hypomethylating therapy. Despite the multitude of mutations in epigenetic regulators in myelodysplastic syndrome, the creation of prognostic models based on them requires a detailed study that includes not only analysis of the frequency of such mutations, but also the establishment of a relationship with clinically significant outcomes. The aim of this review is to study the prevalence of the mutational status of epigenetic regulation in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome.
Compliance of patients after prosthetics mitral double valve mechanical prostheses
Authors: Markova M. M. , Polunina O. S. , Tarasov D. G. , Polunina E. A.
Published: July 2022

Objective: to study and compare the influence of such factors as: gender, age, family status, level of education and the frequency of determination of the international normalized ratio (INR) on the compliance of patients after mitral valve replacement (MC) with mechanical prostheses in dynamics - after 6 and 12 months. Materials and methods: it were analyzed data of 260 patients after MC prosthetics with mechanical bicuspid prostheses. The Morisky-Green test was used to assess compliance.Results: the most committed to treatment were female, middle-aged persons with secondary specialized and higher education, as well as married persons. Among patients who monitored INR on a monthly basis, the percentage of compliant patients was higher compared to patients where this indicator was determined less than once a month. The dynamics of a decrease in the number of compliant patients after 12 months of follow-up was established. Conclusions: the data obtained indicate the need to carry out more active work on the formation of compliance with «vulnerable» categories of patients: with men, with elderly and young patients, with persons with secondary education, unmarried. The revealed tendency to decrease compliance after 12 months, regardless of the studied factor, indicates the importance of maintaining compliance in the long-term postoperative period. Also, the data obtained indicate the presence of a relationship between the multiplicity of INR control and compliance.
Menopausal hormone therapy and postcovid syndrome: new realities
Authors: Khamoshina M. B. , Zhuravleva I. S. , Dmitrieva E. M. , Lebedeva M. G.
Published: July 2022

Due to the total aging of the population, within the framework of the concept of “active longevity”, age-related aspects of women’s health have been paid close attention in the last decade. The physiological features of the menopausal period of life are due to the consequences of estrogen deficiency, while the protective effect of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) in relation to diseases associated with age and aging leaves no doubt. At the same time, in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there are many open questions related to the appointment of MHT, both in terms of possible additional mechanisms for protecting the vascular wall, and in terms of risks, including against the background of changes in the state of immunity and the coagulation system. New realities require the development and justification of often fundamentally different approaches to the management of patients in gynecological practice, both in connection with coronavirus infection and in the postcovid period. That is why the organization of gynecological care during a pandemic requires a personalized approach to the management of patients with hormone-dependent diseases and the risk of unplanned pregnancy, as well as the development of clear algorithms that can be relied on in the daily work of both a practitioner and health care organizers.
Investigation of the infertility structure and outcomes of ART programs in patients of late reproductive age
Authors: Uryupina K. V. , Kutsenko I. I. , Kravtsovа E. I. , Lukoshkina I. N. , Tomina O. V. , Kaushanskaya L. V.
Published: July 2022

Purpose: comparative study of the structure of infertility and outcomes of ART programs among patients of different age groups. Materials and methods: the case histories of 180 patients with infertility were studied: Group I ≥ 35 years old; Group II <35 years old. Laboratory and immunohistochemical studies were carried out, and the outcomes of ART were assessed. Results: in group I, a shortened menstrual cycle was determined in comparison with group II (27,15 ± 3,39 days vs 29,57 ± 2,38 days, p = 0,001). Also, in group I, the following were more often found: inflammatory diseases (p = 0,05); history of unilateral tubectomy (p = 0,019); increased FSH levels (9,73 ± 2,43 vs 8,74 ± 2,50); decrease in the concentration of LH, progesterone, AMH (p <0,05). In the cells of the aspirate of the uterine cavity in patients of group I, there was an increased content of progesterone receptors and a decreased concentration of estrogen receptors (p <0,05). Patients of group I received a smaller number of oocytes (8,34 ± 3,51 vs 10,78 ± 4,37) and quality embryos by the 5th day of cultivation (82,7% vs 87,97%; p <0,05). The number of pregnancies in groups I and II was 22,22% and 36,67%, respectively, and live births – 14,44% and 27,78% (p <0,05). Patients who gave birth had increased progesterone levels, greater endometrial thickness, more oocytes with transvaginal puncture, and high-quality embryos. Conclusion: the factors that reduce fertility were: genital pathology, inhibition of ovarian function, depletion of the follicular reserve. Fewer live births are associated with defects in embryonic and implantation factors.
Modern possibilities for the prevention of pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Boldyreva Yu. A. , Tskhay V. B. , Polstyanoy A. M. , Polstyanaya O. Yu.
Published: July 2022

In the practice of an obstetrician-gynecologist, the problem of pelvic organ prolapse is increasingly being raised. Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse are noted from a young age, gradually progressing and reducing the patient’s quality of life. Various surgical methods of treatment also don’t solve the problem of prolapse. The recurrence rate after correction of prolapse with own tissues reaches 40%, and operations using mesh implants have a number of specific complications, the fight against which sometimes becomes more difficult than primary intervention. Despite the steady increase in the prevalence of the disease, effective methods of dealing with it have not yet been developed. Also, the tactics of managing patients at the initial stage of prolapse, when there are complaints, but they are not given enough attention, both by the doctor and the patient, are not defined. The main risk factors for the disease are: perineal ruptures during childbirth, episiotomy, menopause, repeated pregnancies and childbirth, polyhydramnios, multiple pregnancy, fetal macrosomia, conditions accompanied by a chronic increase in intraabdominal pressure, heavy physical labor, impaired innervation and circulation of the pelvic floor, genetic predisposition, hysterectomy and connective tissue dysplasia. The review is devoted to the causes and methods of prevention of pelvic organ prolapse at the present stage. Methods such as pelvic floor muscles training, including in the biofeedback mode using vaginal simulators, electrical impulse stimulation, high-intensity focused electromagnetic stimulation, and non-ablative Er:YAG laser therapy are considered. A systematic literature search was carried out using Scopus, web of Science, MedLine, PubMed and eLibrary data base system.
Implantation zone as an echographic criterion identification of types of cicatricial and isthmic pregnancies in women with a scar on the uterus
Authors: Esetov M. A. , Esetov A. M.
Published: July 2022

Objective: the purpose of this publication is to present the establishment of the implantation zone of the fetal egg during ultrasound diagnostics at 5-7 weeks to differentiate the types of cicatricial and isthmian pregnancies in women with a scar on the uterus after cesarean section. Materials and methods: the study included 11 women with low implantation of the fetal egg in the presence of a scar on the uterus. All underwent ultrasound with transabdominal and transvaginal approaches at 5–7 weeks of pregnancy to establish the place of implantation of the fetal egg relative to the scar on the uterus. Results: according to the results of ultrasound evaluation of the implantation zone of the fetal egg in 5–7 weeks were differentiated: type 1 of scar pregnancy (1 case); type 2 of scar pregnancy (7 cases) and low implantation along the posterior wall of the uterus at the level of the scar intact from it (2 cases). Conclusions: ultrasound at 5–7 weeks is a necessary method of examination in women with a scar on the uterus for the diagnosis of scar pregnancy. The establishment of the implantation zone of the fetal egg is a tool that allows differentiating the types of cicatricial and isthmic pregnancies.
A case of prenatal diagnosis of diastrophic dysplasia in the 1st trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Tyo S. A.
Published: July 2022

A case of early prenatal diagnosis of diastrophic dysplasia at 13 weeks 2 days of gestation is described. During ultrasound screening of the first trimester, fetal changes characteristic of this form of systemic skeletal dysplasia were revealed – micrognathia, micromelia, flexion contracture in the elbow and knee joints, pathognomonic abduction of the thumb of the hands and feet for diastrophic dysplasia (hitchhiker thumb), varus deviation and postaxial polydactyly of the feet, in combination with by a significant increase in the nuchal translucency. Pregnancy was interrupted for medical reasons. The possibilities of ultrasound diagnostics of diastrophic dysplasia by two- and three-dimensional ultrasound using are shown.
Asthma biomarkers in children. new opportunities, real practice and frontiers
Authors: Pampura N. , Kamaev A. V. , Lebedenko A. A.
Published: July 2022

Personalized management of children with chronic inflammatory non-communicable diseases, including bronchial asthma, have been extremely elaborated last decade. Highly informative biomarkers exploring is one of important conditions of this management. Testing aim, molecule’s pathogeneticrole, adequate biomaterial choice and test validity determine possibility and effectiveness of biomarker application. The paper represents key features of most perspective asthma biomarkers and discuss advantages and disadvantages of their using in pediatric practice. with rational biomarkers implementation nowadays one can separate patients with asthma development risk, provide a rational prevention, confirm the diagnosis and evaluate severity in some cases, optimize anti-inflammatory treatment, prognose the treatment response, evaluate future exacerbation probability, devote children with severe asthma in-time to initiate and conduct biological therapy for them.
Visceral Leishmaniasis and Disposal of Solid Waste in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors:   Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil, Rosa Karine Dornela , Zolnikov Tara Rava ,   Department of Community Health, National University, San Diego, CA, USA, Leite Rodrigo Souza ,   Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Research and Development Board, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil, Caldas Sérgio ,   Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Research and Development Board, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil, Souza Filho Job Alves de ,   Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Octavio Magalhães Institute, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil, Jacob Raquel Sampaio ,   Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil, Gomes Mol Marcos Paulo ,   Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Research and Development Board, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
Published: July 2022

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a vector-borne disease that is caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum and transmitted to humans and other mammals through the bites of infected female sandflies. VL has been prevalent in Minas Gerais, Brazil, since the 1940s. As the vector completes its reproductive cycle in the soil with organic matter, the association between the occurrence of VL and unimproved solid waste disposal sites has been investigated. Thus, in this study, we analyzed the relationship of waste disposal conditions, inadequacies in disposal, and waste collection with the rates of VL, using statistical regression models. A case-control study was conducted to elucidate the relationship between VL and waste management; sick individuals (cases) were compared to healthy individuals (control), to determine the cause, by constructing a multiple regression model to analyze data through a stepwise method. In Minas Gerais, according to the reports of the government in 2017, 60.1% of the urban population has access to an adequate final disposal system for urban solid waste, with an increase of 2.3% compared to the size of the disposal system in 2016. Thus, almost 40% of the population is forced to use poor or unimproved waste disposal sites. The results confirmed the direct relationship between VL and the unimproved disposal of solid waste in the municipalities (waste coverage collection: p = 0.004; waste found in the streets: p = 9.69 × 10–13). These rates also indicated that the proper management of wastes can help to combat VL by considerably reducing the breeding sites of sandflies, curbing adverse health effects, and improving the health of the population.
Modification and Validation of an mHealth App Quality Assessment Methodology for International Use: Cross-sectional and eDelphi Studies
Authors: Woulfe Fionn , Fadahunsi Kayode Philip , O'Grady Michael , Chirambo Griphin Baxter , Mawkin Mala , Majeed Azeem , Smith Simon , Henn Patrick , O'Donoghue John
Published: July 2022

Background

Over 325,000 mobile health (mHealth) apps are available to download across various app stores. However, quality assurance in this field of medicine remains relatively undefined. Globally, around 84% of the population have access to mobile broadband networks. Given the potential for mHealth app use in health promotion and disease prevention, their role in patient care worldwide is ever apparent. Quality assurance regulations both nationally and internationally will take time to develop. Frameworks such as the Mobile App Rating Scale and Enlight Suite have demonstrated potential for use in the interim. However, these frameworks require adaptation to be suitable for international use.

Objective

This study aims to modify the Enlight Suite, a comprehensive app quality assessment methodology, to improve its applicability internationally and to assess the preliminary validity and reliability of this modified tool in practice.

Methods

A two-round Delphi study involving 7 international mHealth experts with varied backgrounds in health, technology, and clinical psychology was conducted to modify the Enlight Suite for international use and to improve its content validity. The Modified Enlight Suite (MES) was then used by 800 health care professionals and health care students in Ireland to assess a COVID-19 tracker app in an online survey. The reliability of the MES was assessed using Cronbach alpha, while the construct validity was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

The final version of the MES has 7 sections with 32 evaluating items. Of these items, 5 were novel and based on consensus for inclusion by Delphi panel members. The MES has satisfactory reliability with a Cronbach alpha score of .925. The subscales also demonstrated acceptable internal consistency. Similarly, the confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated a positive and significant factor loading for all 32 items in the MES with a modestly acceptable model fit, thus indicating the construct validity of the MES.

Conclusions

The Enlight Suite was modified to improve its international relevance to app quality assessment by introducing new items relating to cultural appropriateness, accessibility, and readability of mHealth app content. This study indicates both the reliability and validity of the MES for assessing the quality of mHealth apps in a high-income country, with further studies being planned to extrapolate these findings to low- and middle-income countries.
What Works Where and How for Uptake and Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Pathology: Review of Theories for a Realist Evaluation
Authors: King Henry , Wright Judy , Treanor Darren , Williams Bethany , Randell Rebecca
Published: July 2022

Background

There is increasing interest in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in pathology to increase accuracy and efficiency. To date, studies of clinicians’ perceptions of AI have found only moderate acceptability, suggesting the need for further research regarding how to integrate it into clinical practice.

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine contextual factors that may support or constrain the uptake of AI in pathology.

Methods

To go beyond a simple listing of barriers and facilitators, we drew on the approach of realist evaluation and undertook a review of the literature to elicit stakeholders’ theories of how, for whom, and in what circumstances AI can provide benefit in pathology. Searches were designed by an information specialist and peer-reviewed by a second information specialist. Searches were run on the arXiv.org repository, MEDLINE, and the Health Management Information Consortium, with additional searches undertaken on a range of websites to identify gray literature. In line with a realist approach, we also made use of relevant theory. Included documents were indexed in NVivo 12, using codes to capture different contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes that could affect the introduction of AI in pathology. Coded data were used to produce narrative summaries of each of the identified contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes, which were then translated into theories in the form of context-mechanism-outcome configurations.

Results

A total of 101 relevant documents were identified. Our analysis indicates that the benefits that can be achieved will vary according to the size and nature of the pathology department’s workload and the extent to which pathologists work collaboratively; the major perceived benefit for specialist centers is in reducing workload. For uptake of AI, pathologists’ trust is essential. Existing theories suggest that if pathologists are able to “make sense” of AI, engage in the adoption process, receive support in adapting their work processes, and can identify potential benefits to its introduction, it is more likely to be accepted.

Conclusions

For uptake of AI in pathology, for all but the most simple quantitative tasks, measures will be required that either increase confidence in the system or provide users with an understanding of the performance of the system. For specialist centers, efforts should focus on reducing workload rather than increasing accuracy. Designers also need to give careful thought to usability and how AI is integrated into pathologists’ workflow.
COVID-19 Symptom-Related Google Searches and State-Level COVID-19 Case Incidence: Investigating Political Beliefs as a Predictor of Variation in the Temporal Symptom and Case Relationship (Preprint)
Authors: Turvy Alex
Published: July 2022

UNSTRUCTURED

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity for researchers to investigate the relationship between search interest and case data, given that states publicly reported case data at a granular level. The purpose of this paper is to identify whether there are state-level differences in the lag time between spikes in symptom search incidence and spikes in reported COVID-19 case incidence and whether political climate is significantly associated with this lag time. Using publicly available data from Google Trends and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, linear mixed modeling was utilized to account for random state-level intercepts. Lag time was operationalized as number of days between a peak (a sustained increase before a sustained decline) in symptom search data and a corresponding spike in case data. The strongest model fit was for a linear mixed model that included proportion of Trump votes in a state as the key predictor along with population, mean new cases, and mean new deaths as control variables. Although this was a significantly stronger model fit than the null intercept-only model, the political variable(s) were not associated with lag time in a statistically significant way.
An investigation of mHealth juggernauts: efficacy and conflicts of interest for Headspace and Calm (Preprint)
Authors: O'Daffer Alison , Colt Susannah , Wasil Akash R. , Lau Nancy
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Although there are thousands of mental health (MH) apps, two apps, Headspace and Calm, are responsible for the majority of downloads and active users. These two mindfulness and meditation apps have reached tens of millions of active users. To guide consumers, clinicians, and researchers, we performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Headspace and Calm.

OBJECTIVE

Our study aimed to evaluate intervention efficacy, risk of bias and conflict of interest in the evidence base for Headspace and Calm, the two most popular MH apps.

METHODS

To identify studies, we searched academic databases (Google Scholar, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO) and the websites of Headspace and Calm. For each study, we coded a) study characteristics (e.g., participants, sample size, outcome measures), b) intervention characteristics (e.g., free vs. paid version of the app, intended frequency of app usage), c) all study outcome results, d) Cochrane risk of bias variables, and e) conflict of interest variables (e.g. presence or absence of a pre-registration, presence or absence of a conflict-of-interest statement involving the company).

RESULTS

We identified 14 RCTs of Headspace and 1 RCT of Calm. 93% (13/14) of Headspace studies and 100% of Calm studies (1/1) recruited participants from a non-clinical population. Studies commonly measured mindfulness, well-being, stress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms. Headspace use improved depression in 75% of studies that evaluated it as an outcome. Findings were mixed for mindfulness, well-being, stress, and anxiety, but at least 40% of studies showed improvement for each of these outcomes respectively. Studies were generally underpowered to detect “small” or “medium” effect sizes. 50% (7/14) of Headspace studies and 0% (0/1) of Calm studies reported a conflict of interest that involved Headspace or Calm. The most common conflict of interest was the app company providing premium app access for free for participants, and notably, 14.28% (2/14) of Headspace studies had Headspace employee involvement in study design, execution, and data analysis. Only 36% (5/14) of Headspace studies were pre-registered, and the one Calm study was not pre-registered.

CONCLUSIONS

The empirical research on Headspace appears to be promising, whereas there is an absence of randomized trials on Calm. Special attention should be paid to study findings in the context of potential conflicts of interest related to for-profit companies. The determination of apps as high quality should involve judgment of effectiveness and an in-depth evaluation of investigator conflict of interest.
Effluent Treatment System for Low Loads – Biodigester: Case Study
Authors: Costa Pedro Carlos Lemos da , Martins Fabiano Battemarco da Silva , Nóbrega Marcelo de Jesus Rodrigues da , Junior Luiz Affonso de Paula
Published: July 2022

Water is an extremely important resource for the maintenance of life on earth and several human activities depend on it for its development, such as: agricultural production, industrial activities and energy generation. It is estimated that in a short time this resource, which has already been considered renewable, will be the object of conflict between nations. In order to be able to continue enjoying this asset, measures are needed to maintain the quality of water sources, such as the proper treatment of sanitary sewage for the discharge of water bodies. In this context, the present work aims to present a low load sanitary effluent treatment equipment that can be adopted in homes and industries, the Biodigester by the FIBROMAR company. This equipment has 03 chambers, where the first two work as an RAFA (Ascending Flow Anaerobic Reactor) and the last as an Anaerobic Filter. It was installed for evaluation in an industrial shed receiving the contribution of 10 people during business hours, where in 2015, after 06 months of use, the analyzes performed showed efficiency values in the removal of 87% DBO (61.00 mg/l) and final concentration of RNFT 25.00 mg/l efficiency of the equipment to meet CONAMA No. 430/11 (supplementary No. 357/05) and NT-202-R10 (INEA-RJ). Recently in 2021, the analyzes were repeated to evaluate the system's functioning, the results showed DBO removal efficiency 93% (8.00 mg/l) and Total Suspended Solids less than 10 mg/l, remaining within the parameters of legislation previously evaluated and in line with recent legislation (NOP 45 – CONEMA 90).
Constitutional Hermeneutics: The role of the Judicial Power in the concretization of fundamental rights
Authors: Santiago Giselle Feliz , Filho Olavo Bilac Quaresma de Oliveira
Published: July 2022

Within the limits of this production, we will focus on working on a specific theme, namely, the role of the Federal Court of Justice (STF) in fulfilling the defense of fundamental constitutional principles and in the consolidation of legal certainty. To do so, we will open a theoretical discussion framework about the evolution of ideas that guide and interfere in the performance of rights operators, in a way that results in a process of realization of fundamental rights and guarantees indicated in the constitutional text. In this sense, we defend the thesis that, within certain limits, the role of the Judiciary is essential to ensure the Democratic State of Law.
Tendulkar’s ‘Ghashiram Kotwal: An Illustration of Socio-Political Opportunism
Authors: Jha Dr. Suprita
Published: July 2022

he development of modern theatre in India may be attributed to a change in the political set up in India. Post-Independence Indian theatre and drama got a new footing with the new found cultural confidence. The year 1972 turned out to be a landmark for the Indian vernacular theatre when Vijay Tendulkar’s Marathi play ‘GHASHIRAM KOTWAL’ made waves by its brilliant use of traditional folk forms in modern contemporary theatre. ‘GHASHIRAM KOTWAL’ has been in the controversy since its very inception. It was staged in 1972 but soon it was banned for its anti-Brahmin stance and the distortion of facts about great historical figure who played a key role in Maratha polity. The play reveals how the state is ruled by a defunct descendent of glorious Shivaji. The ruler is Peshwa but he is governing the state through his chancellor, Nana Phadnavis, who is cunning and crafty and knows no scruples. The people under his rule groan for want of freedom in speech and movement and honourable way of living. Ghashiram Kotwal grows up under the patronage of such a lecherous crafty man. He is ruthless and tyrant and prosecutes all-innocent as well as defaulters. Actually, Ghashiram Kotwal was harshly treated on his arrival to Poona with the intention of getting suitable employment to support his family and so, the spirit of vindictiveness never leaves him. Undoubtedly, ‘GHASHIRAM KOTWAL’ is a biting satire on contemporary society, police administration and power politics. It portrays the falling standards, degradation of society, the mannerism as well as the conduct of the citizens. The paper I propose to write brings forth this issue of corruption that is running rampant on all levels in this play and the police administration is no exception. As a matter of fact, the dramatist, Vijay Tendulkar, has brought under his focus the political and police administrations and their faulty ways of working as it is today or may be an extension of the yesteryears.
TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCES AS THE PREDICTOR OF MALADAPTIVE OUTCOMES AMONG CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE
Authors: Bogdanović Aleksandra
Published: July 2022

The aim behind this study was to first analyze the nature and the extent of childhood trauma and existing maladaptive outcomes (internalized and externalized problems, and dissociation) among adolescents in the foster system, and then analyze the possibility of using traumatic experiences to predict the aforementioned outcomes of childhood trauma. The sample consists of 121 respondents, children and youths in the care of child protective services, without adequate parental care, residing in temporary foster care families on the territory of Serbia, aged between 11 and 18. The respondents filled out the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire – CTQ (Bernstein & Fink, 2003), the Dissociative experience scale for adolescents, A-DES (Armstrong et al., 1997), and the Child behavior checklist – youth self-report (Achenbach & Rescorla, 2001). The results of the analyses have indicated that physical and emotional neglect are the most frequent forms of maltreatment in early childhood, with a relatively high prevalence of the other individual forms of trauma. Early childhood trauma statistically significantly predicted all the analyzed maladaptive outcomes, explaining approximately 20% of the variance of internalized and externalized problems, and dissociation. Recommendations are given for future studies.
THE AUTHORITARIAN FATHER: THE PREDICTIVE ROLE OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION STYLES AND THE ATTACHMENT DIMENSION
Authors: Lazović Nataša , Ranđelović Kristina
Published: July 2022

The authoritarian parenting style with its negative connotation has many adverse effects on various aspects of children's development, so the aim of this paper will be to identify potential predictors of the authoritarian parenting style of fathers. The concept of attachment and conflict resolution styles used by fathers are part of the model used in this paper which, together with the age of the fathers, represent important predictors of a father's authoritarian parenting style. A convenience sample included 101 fathers and their children from the territory of Northern Kosovo. The instruments used in the research are The Experience in Close Relationship Scale (Hanak and Dimitrijević, 2013; Brennan, Clark & Shaver, 1998), Conflict Management Styles Assessment (Adkins, 2006,) and the Parental Authority Questionnaire (Buri, 1991). The results partially proved the hypothesis, and were discussed in the context of attachment theory and previous empirical research that provides a strong framework of reference for understanding the results of this research.
Estatidades en América Latina: realidades y desafíos en el doble interregno
Authors: Fernández Víctor Ramiro , Sidler Joel Williams
Published: July 2022

Este artículo da cuenta de la renovada relevancia del Estado en un contexto caracterizado por lo que se denomina “doble interregno”. Esta categoría busca sintetizar el momento actual de disputa abierta tanto a nivel global, entre el espacio sino-asiático en expansión material y el espacio hegemónico en despliegue financiero, como a nivel latinoamericano, entre movimientos mercantilizadores y contra-movimientos redistributivos. Se sostiene que en la intersección de ambos interregnos se funden procesos que tienen como actor principal al Estado y que, en el escenario latinoamericano, han profundizado y dado continuidad a las históricas debilidades organizacionales e implicativas. Ello afecta a las estatidades en su capacidad de alterar la estructura productiva periférica, cualificar su posicionamiento global y resolver internamente los patrones excluyentes y desigualadores que dominan la región.