bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual-Energy-CT-basierte Rho/Z-Karten zur Differenzierung von hypodensen Leberläsionen bei Patienten mit malignem Melanom
Authors:   , Dimitrova Mirela
Published: October 2024

Zielsetzung: Das Ziel dieser Arbeit bestand darin, die diagnostische Genauigkeit von DECT-basierten Rho/Z-Karten zur Differenzierung von hypodensen Leberläsionen bei Patienten mit diagnostiziertem MM im Vergleich zu konventionellen HU-Wertmessungen zu untersuchen. Methoden: In diese retrospektive Studie wurden 73 Patienten (mittleres Alter 70 ± 13 Jahre; 43 Männer und 30 Frauen) mit MM eingeschlossen, die sich zwischen Dezember 2017 und Dezember 2021 einer Dual-Source-DECT der dritten Generation im Rahmen des Tumor-Stagings unterzogen hatten. Für diese Studie wurden Rho- und Z-Werte sowie die HU in hypodensen Leberläsionen gemessen. Die Werte wurden miteinander verglichen und die diagnostische Genauigkeit hinsichtlich der Differenzierung wurde mit Hilfe von Analysen der ROC-Kurve berechnet. Zusätzlich durchgeführte MRT-Untersuchungen oder Biopsien dienten als Referenzstandard. Ergebnisse: Insgesamt wurden 122 Läsionen (51 Metastasen und 71 Zysten) in kontrastverstärkten DECT-Bildern ausgewertet. Signifikante Unterschiede (p<0,001) zwischen den Messwerten für Melanommetastasen und gutartige Zysten wurden für die Z-Parameter (MD, -1,613 ± 0,0921, 110%) beobachtet, gefolgt von Rho (MD, -34,71 ± 3,318, 88%) und schließlich HU120kV (MD, -22,46 ± 3,007, 63%). Darüber hinaus ergaben die Messungen von Z und Rho einen höheren AUC-Wert (Z, 0,992; 95% CI, 0,956-1; Rho, 0,908; 95% CI, 0,842-0,953) im Vergleich zu HU120kV (0,829; 95% CI, 0,751-0,891) für die Läsionsdifferenzierung. Schlussfolgerung: Aus DECT abgeleitete Rho- und Z-Messungen ermöglichen bei Patienten mit MM eine im Vergleich zu konventionellen HU-Messungen bessere Unterscheidung zwischen Lebermetastasen und -zysten. Daher sollten in dieser Patientengruppe, sofern technisch verfügbar, Rho/Z-Karten und entsprechende Messungen bei hypodensen Leberläsionen eingesetzt werden.
The Anti-Candidal Activity of Salvia verticillata subsp. verticillata Against Several Candida Species
Authors: Mahdi Hashim Ibrahim  , Badr Qader Surchi  , Safiya A. Azeez  , M. Hakkı Alma  , Ekrem Kireçci  , Mustafa A Yılmaz  , Metin Tansu Uguz  , Tufan Salan  , Huseyin Hüseyin Tanış
Published: October 2024

The examination of Salvia verticillata extract encompassed an exploration of its anti-Candida properties, phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and the quantification of total tannins. The use of ethanol as a solvent yielded the highest extraction efficiency at 26.1%. The plant exhibited a substantial tannin content of 6.5 mg/kg, signifying a noteworthy concentration. The inhibitory zones against Candida tropicalis reached a minimum diameter of 17.6 mm, while Candida guilliermondii displayed the most significant inhibition with a zone diameter of 21.8 mm. The minor inhibitory concentration (MIC) findings for all Candida species ranged from 6.25 to 12.5 g/ml. In the case of Candida guilliermondii, the synthetic antifungal activity FLU/25 demonstrated a maximal inhibition zone measuring 39.30 mm. Additionally, the maximum antioxidant activity, recorded at 0.3 ml, reached a value of 98.65. Phytochemical screening unveiled elevated concentrations of phenols and flavonoids, with malic acid (1901.1 g/g), hesperidin (302.4 g/g), and rosmarinic acid (30619.93 g/g) all experiencing an increase in concentration. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the diverse bioactive components and properties associated with Salvia verticillata extract.
A New Integral Transform and Applications: HK-Transform
Authors: Hilmi Hozan , HamaFaraj Jwamer Karwan
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we propose a new integral transform called the  Transform and employ it to analytically solve the Volterra integral equations (VIE.) of the first kind. To achieve this First we derive the  transform of basic algebraic and transcendental mathematical functions. The fundamental characteristics of the  transform, which can be used to solve a variety of functional equations, including, we then discuss the fundamental properties, such as ordinary differential equations and integral equations, then we discover the exact solution for general first class V.I.E. To illustrate the applicability of the  transform, numerical problems are examined and handled carefully step-by-step. The results show that the proposed  Transform new integral transform produces accurate solutions for first-kind VIE. without requiring time-consuming computations.
Периоперационное кондиционирование оксидом азота для предотвращения острого почечного повреждения при кардиохирургических вмешательствах у пациентов с хронической болезнью почек: промежуточные результаты рандомизированного контролируемого исследования DEF
Authors: Каменщиков Николай Олегович , Тё М. А. , Подоксенов Ю. К. , Кравченко И. В. , Чурилина Е. А. , Козулин М. С. , Свирко Ю. С. , Гусакова А. М. , Козлов Б. Н.
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and serious complication after cardiac surgery performed under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are particularly vulnerable to cardiac surgery-associated AKI. Nitric oxide (NO) has great potential for implementing multi-organ protection in cardiac surgery.
OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that perioperative nitric oxide conditioning has a good safety profile and reduces the incidence of acute kidney injury during cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with chronic kidney disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An interim analysis of the results of the single-center prospective randomized controlled trial DEFENDER was conducted. Currently, the study included 96 patients with CKD who underwent cardiac surgery under CPB. Patients was randomized into 2 equal groups consisting of 48 people each. In the experimental group, during the operation and 6 hours after it, 80 ppm NO was delivered through the ventilator and CPB circuits. In the control group, during the operation and 6 hours after it, a standard oxygen-air mixture without NO was delivered through the ventilator and CPB circuits. The end points of the study were: the difference between groups in the incidence of AKI, the incidence of postoperative complications, outcomes and the safety profile of NO therapy. RESULTS: In the experimental group, the incidence of AKI was significantly lower compared to the control group (16,7 и 35,4 %, p = 0.036). In the experimental group, nitrogen dioxide concentration in the gas-air mixture and methemoglobin level were not above the reference range. The groups did not differ in the frequency of blood transfusions, the amount of postoperative bleeding, or the number of platelets on the first day after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative nitric oxide conditioning has a good safety profile and reduces the incidence of acute kidney injury during cardiac surgery with CPB in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Эффективность алгоритма назначения диуретической терапии под контролем натрийуреза у пациентов с острой декомпенсацией сердечной недостаточности в отделении реанимации и интенсивной терапии: проспективное интервенционное контролируемое исследование
Authors: Кобалава Жанна Давидовна , Толкачева В. В. , Назаров И. С. , Галочкин С. А. , Вацик-Городецкая М. В. , Петриков С. С.
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION: The European Society of Cardiology suggests using early and repeated assessment of sodium content in urine in patients admitted with heart failure to evaluate diuretic therapy. OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the effectiveness of the algorithm for diuretic therapy under the control of natriuresis in patients with acute decompensation of chronic heart failure (ADCHF) in the intensive care unit (ICU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study included 150 patients hospitalized in the ICU with ADCHF. All patients underwent standard physical, laboratory and instrumental examinations. The starting dose of furosemide was 20 mg i/v. After 2 hours, a quantitative assessment of sodium in urine was performed. If the natriuresis was ≥ 70 mmol/l, furosemide was continued at the same dose every 12 hours. If the natriuresis was < 70 mmol/L, the dose of furosemide was doubled. Natriuresis was monitored every 12 hours. RESULTS: In the natriuresis-controlled group the duration of patients' stay in the ICU was significantly shorter (3 vs. 5 days, p = 0.01), achieving euvolemia was significantly more frequent (42 % vs. 12 %, p < 0.05), the daily diuresis in patients was significantly higher on more daily (120 mg vs. 80 mg, p < 0.05) and the total dose of furosemide (420 mg vs. 240 mg, p < 0.05). There was a pronounced decrease in congestion in the group of patients with natriuresis control with less pulmonary (number of B-lines 9.6 ± 1.2 versus 23.4 ± 2.5) and venous congestion (GRADE 0–56 %, 1–20 %, 2–24 %, 3–0 % against 0–20 %, 1–35 %, 2–18 %, 3–27 %) on the 3rd day of hospitalization. CONCLUSION: The inclusion of an algorithm for diuretic therapy under the control of natriuresis in patients with ADCHF in the ICU is effective and contributes to a more pronounced and rapid reduction of congestion, as well as a 1.5-fold reduction of time in the ICU.
Предикторы госпитальной летальности при экстренном хирургическом лечении острейшего расслоения аорты типа А по Стенфорду в условиях искусственного кровообращения: ретроспективное когортное исследование
Authors: Журавель Сергей Владимирович , Иванов И. В. , Владимиров В. В. , Сагиров М. А. , Редкобородый А. В. , Сергеева И. С. , Коков Л. С.
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION: Acute Stanford type A aortic dissection is one of the most severe cardiovascular diseases with high in-hospital mortality. OBJECTIVE: To establish predictors of in-hospital mortality in the treatment of patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection under conditions of artificial circulation and to determine their threshold values. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study design: retrospective, cohort, single-center. Inclusion criteria: surgical intervention with cardiopulmonary bypass, confirmed diagnosis of acute Stanford type A aortic dissection, age > 18 years. The study included 51 patients: 42 men and 9 women aged from 35 to 77 years, median 59 years [47; 65]. All patients (n = 51) were treated in 2022 and were divided into 2 groups depending on the outcome: group 1 (n = 27) included those who died in the intensive care unit within 30 days, group 2 (n = 24) included survived and discharged patients. The endpoint of trial was 30-day in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Postoperative Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score > 7, Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score > 19, and Vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) > 10, cardiopulmonary bypass time > 177 minutes, and total hypothermic circulatory arrest time > 30 minutes were associated with an increased risk of 30-day in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant predictors of hospital mortality in the treatment of patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection under cardiopulmonary bypass are the SOFA index, the APACHE II index and the VIS index after the end of surgery, as well as the time of cardiopulmonary bypass and the time of total hypothermic circulatory arrest.
Концепция периоперационного риска: обзор литературы
Authors: Заболотских Игорь Борисович
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION: Perioperative risk refers to the likelihood of adverse events occurring during and after surgery.
For the purpose of defining and classifying adverse events and predicting them, a comprehensive search of Pubmed and Lens.org was made according to the author expert opinion.
OBSERVATIONS: Traditionally, two main types of postoperative adverse events have been investigated: complications and mortality. However, over the past decade, there has been a growing trend to expand the range of adverse events analyzed, from intraoperative critical events and the quality of recovery from anesthesia to the development of intensive care syndrome, assessing quality of life, disability, and survival over time. An important aspect associated with adverse events and outcomes is the provision of additional resources for a long-term stay for patients with acute respiratory viral infections and inpatient care after discharge, among other things. The review formulates its own concept of perioperative risk, based on a critical analysis of literature, with an emphasis on the need to create an ideal tool, such as a calculator, that must undergo external validation. This tool should include available, modifiable variables, and accurately determine the full range of adverse events and outcomes during the intra- and early postoperative periods, as well as delayed events. The concept shall also focus on identifying and characterizing patients with a high risk of perioperative complications.
Сравнение методик пункционно-дилатационной трахеостомии Фрова и Григгс у пациентов с избыточной массой тела и ожирением: рандомизированное контролируемое исследование
Authors: Кругляков Николай Михайлович , Альтшулер Н. Э. , Карпова О. В. , Кукленко А. Е. , Киселёв К. В. , Попугаев К. А.
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION: Tracheostomy is one of the most frequently performed operations in intensive care patients. This is due to the fact that in the population of intensive care patients, puncture tracheostomy has a number of advantages compared to surgical tracheostomy (ST). This determines the urgency of finding ways to reduce the risk of perioperative complications during puncture tracheostomy in intensive care patients, especially in overweight and obese patients. OBJECTIVE: To study the advantages and limitations of puncture dilation tracheostomy (PDT) performed using the Frova method under ultrasound control in intensive care patients with overweight and obesity, in comparison with the Griggs PDT method under fibrobronchoscopic (FBS) control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The presented prospective study was conducted in the departments of anesthesiology and intensive care of the A.I. Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center FMBA from 2017 to 2021, which included 92 overweight and obese patients whose body mass index (BMI) was more than 25 kg/m2 and required tracheostomy. Two groups were identified: group (n = 48) — Frova tracheostomy under ultrasound control, group (n = 44) — Griggs tracheostomy under FBS control. RESUITS:  Performing PDT using the Frova technique under ultrasound control is feasible and safe in intensive care patients with overweight and obesity, whereas with grade 3 obesity with a BMI of more than 41 kg/m2 and/or with a thickness of pretracheal soft tissues of more than 40 mm, PDT using the Frova technique should be abandoned and should be considered as absolute contraindications for performing PDT using the Frova method under ultrasound control. CONCLUSIONS: PDT using the Frova method under ultrasound control, when compared with the Griggs method with FBS control, can significantly reduce the incidence of intraoperative desaturation, arterial hypotension, intraoperative severe hemorrhagic complications, postoperative soft tissue infection around a tracheostomy wound.
Acaricidal and anticholinesterase activities of ethanol extracts from low-quality green and roasted Coffea arabica beans
Authors: Fernandes Antonia Isadora , Cardoso Maria das Graças , Batista Luís Roberto , Alves Marcus Vinicius Prado , Ferreira Vanuzia Rodrigues Fernandes , Oliveira Cassia Duarte , Konig Isaac Filipe Moreira , Remedio Rafael Neodini , Nelson David Lee , dos Santos Pâmela Aparecida
Published: October 2024

The acaricidal and enzymatic inhibition potentials of extracts from lower quality green (GC) and roasted (RC) coffee beans were analyzed. Coffee extracts were obtained using the solid-liquid reflux technique, in a 1:5 ratio. The extracts were characterized by HPLC and the compounds were identified by comparison with the retention times of the standards used. Acaricidal activity was assessed by the Adult Immersion Test (AIT) and acetylcholinesterase inhibition was determined by monitoring the formation of 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoate. For every 100 g of plant material, yields equal to 3.44% and 13.34% were obtained for green and roasted coffees, respectively. Caffeic and chlorogenic acids were present in concentrations equal to 43.75 mg g-1 and 15.1 mg g-1 for green coffee, respectively, whereas concentrations equivalent to 4.5 mg g-1 and 0.019 mg g-1 were observed for roasted coffee. An efficient acaricidal activity was observed with all the doses of the extracts analyzed when compared with the water and Tween control groups, with a high mortality for all the individuals and a reduction in oviposition. Enzyme inhibition was observed at all the concentrations tested, with mean inhibitory concentrations equal to 0.2980 mg mL-1 for green coffee extracts and 0.1991 mg mL-1 for roasted coffee. Thus, green and roasted coffee extracts from lower quality beans can be used to develop new organic products.
Factors associated with recurrent stroke in Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand
Authors: Singsalasang Atthawit , Bandidphak Jitra
Published: October 2024

Background: Stroke survivors can experience residual disability and are at risk for subsequent strokes that might cause further damage or even death. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with recurrent stroke in Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand.
Method: We used gender and age characteristics to match our study participants in a ratio of 1 case patient to 2 controls. The total sample size was 111 participants, 37 participants with recurrent stroke were considered as the case group and 74 participants without recurrent stroke were the control group. The case group was diagnosed by a physician along with a computerized tomography (CT) scan and received treatment at Sikhio Hospital in the period of 1 October 2021 - 30 September 2022.  Face-to-face data were collected by a structured questionnaire and compared to the medical record.
Results: The study revealed that risk factors associated with recurrent stroke in Sikhio District were comorbidities (AOR = 4.64, 95% CI = 1.35-15.86, p < 0.014) and systolic blood pressure (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.10-5.78, p < 0.049).
Conclusion: Comorbidities and systolic blood pressure represented a risk to recurrent stroke among post-stroke patients. Therefore, hospitals should find effective methods to care for patients with co-morbidities and promote knowledge about blood pressure control.
Physiological and Morphological Responses of Three Grapevine Rootstocks to Water Stress
Authors: Gholizadeh Mojtaba , Hadadinezhad Mahdi , Ebadi Ali , Torkashvand Ali Mohammadi
Published: October 2024

Water deficit stress is one of the most frequent environmental stresses affecting the physiological and growth responses of plants, especially grapevines. However, grapevine varieties and species differ in their tolerance to water stress. To identify the most tolerant grapevine rootstock, a factorial randomised block design with two factors was used. The first factor included the susceptible cv. Sultana (V. vinifera L.) scion grafted onto three rootstocks (Yaghouti, Kolahdari and 140 Ru), and the second factor was water stress potential at three levels (control, -1 MPa and -2 MPa). The physiological parameters, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), electrical leakage (EL), proline, soluble sugar, protein, photosynthetic pigments, and antioxidant enzymes were investigated. Our results revealed that increasing water stress enhanced H2O2, MDA, EL, proline, soluble sugar, and soluble protein, while decreasing chlorophyll (Chl) and carotenoid contents, growth parameters, and plant dry weight. The glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity was enhanced in response to water deficiency, whereas catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzymes exhibited higher activity at -1 MPa, which was then reduced under the lowest water potential (-2 MPa). In addition, 140 Ru rootstocks exposed to water stress had lower levels of MDA, H2O2, EL, and higher Chl (a, b), carotenoid, APX, and GPX activity, as well as higher shoot dry weight. Overall, the physiological and morphological responses of the three rootstocks propose that grafting the commercial Sultana cultivar onto drought-tolerant rootstocks such as 140 Ru is an effective strategy for improving drought stress tolerance.
Bud load and its influence on agronomic performance and wine aromatic composition of ‘Fiano’ grapevine in Southern Brazil
Authors: Bonin Bruno , Biasi L.A. , Filho J.L. Marcon , Brighenti A. F. , Soldi C. , Brighenti L. H. , Franciscon V. G.
Published: October 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of bud load on the agronomic performance and composition of volatile compounds of the ‘Fiano’ grapevine cultivated in Southern Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a commercial vineyard in the municipality of Campo Largo, Paraná (Southern Brazil) in the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 seasons. Vines were Guyot-pruned and evaluated according to different bud loads: 10, 20, 30 and 40 buds per plant. Agronomic performance, technological maturity and the volatile compounds were evaluated, and the data were submitted for variance analysis. The mean values were compared using the Tukey test (p < 0.05). The volatile compounds in the wines were identified using gas chromatography (GC-MS/HS-SPME). The loads of 30 and 40 buds per plant showed an increase in productivity and the maintenance of the physical characteristics and technological ripeness of the grapes. A higher bud load resulted in a larger leaf area and better values for the Ravaz Index. However, the highest bud load (40 buds per plant) reduced the sprouting and shoot length, while a bud load of 30 buds per plant presented the best agronomic performance in the subtropical region of Southern Brazil. The physical characteristics of the bunches and the technological ripeness were not affected, and the increase in bud load did not alter most of the volatile compounds of ‘Fiano’ wines. However, some volatile compounds, such as diethyl succinate and linalool, presented higher concentrations in wines with the lowest yields (10 buds per plant).
Gone Missing
Authors: Woodall James
Published: October 2024

This memoir describes an act of biography-making, in this case of the Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges. James Woodall revisits a period in his mid-thirties when he embarked on the first biography of Borges in English, commissioned in London, after the latter had died in 1986. In the context of revising, if not entirely renovating, the book as published in 1996, Woodall – now in his sixties – traces steps back to himself as he was then, and brings the whole writing and autobiographical processes up to date: to 2024.
Anita Wohlmann, Metaphor in Illness Writing: Fight and Battle Reused
Authors: Ovaska Anna
Published: October 2024

Anita Wohlmann begins her book about metaphors aptly with a metaphor: metaphors can become worn-out, and this is when they are often seen as risky. But they can also be recycled, restored, and repaired – brought to new life: ‘We can extend a metaphor’s longevity, we can repair it, or we can repurpose it (if need be) and thereby – in the spirit of upcycling – discover for new value’ (1). Wohlmann’s metaphors of ‘recycling’ and ‘upcycling’ ‘worn-out’ metaphors are wonderful because they show how language is a technology or a tool that can be used in multiple ways – that is malleable, as Wohlmann argues throughout the book.
User Experience of a Semi-Immersive Musical Serious Game to Stimulate Cognitive Functions in Hospitalized Older Patients: Questionnaire Study
Authors: Samson Laurent , Carcreff Lena , Noublanche Frédéric , Noublanche Sophie , Vermersch-Leiber Hélène , Annweiler Cédric
Published: October 2024

Background

Reminiscence therapy through music is a psychosocial intervention with benefits for older patients with neurocognitive disorders. Therapies using virtual or augmented reality are efficient in ecologically assessing, and eventually training, episodic memory in older populations. We designed a semi-immersive musical game called “A Life in Songs,” which invites patients to immerse themselves in a past era through visuals and songs from that time period. The game aspires to become a playful, easy-to-use, and complete tool for the assessment, rehabilitation, and prevention of neurocognitive decline associated with aging.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the user experience (UX) associated with the newly designed serious game.

Methods

After one or several sessions of the game guided by the therapist, patients of the geriatric wards were asked to answer questions selected from 2 widely known UX scales (AttrakDiff and meCUE [modular evaluation of the components of user experience]) with the therapist’s help. The internal consistency of the UX dimensions was assessed through Cronbach α to verify the validity of the dimensions. The level of engagement of the patient throughout the experimental session was also assessed following an internally developed scale, which included 5 levels (interactive, constructive, active, passive, and disengaged behaviors). UX mean scores were computed and presented graphically. Verbal feedbacks were reported to support the quantitative results.

Results

Overall, 60 inpatients with a mean age of 84.2 (SD 5.5) years, the majority of whom were women (41/60, 68%), were included. Their score on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) ranged between 12 and 29. A majority of patients (27/56, 48%) had no major neurocognitive disorder (MNCD), 22/56 (39%) had mild MNCD, and 7/56 (13%) had moderate MNCD. The results revealed very positive UX with mean values beyond the neutral values for every UX dimension of both scales. The overall mean (SD) judgment was rated 3.92 (SD 0.87) (on a scale of −5 to 5). Internal consistency was acceptable to good for the emotional dimensions of the meCUE. Questionable to unacceptable consistency was found for the other UX dimensions. Participants were mostly active (23/60, 38%) and constructive (21/60, 35%).

Conclusions

These findings demonstrated a very good appreciation of the game by geriatric inpatients. Participants’ and health care professionals’ verbal comments strongly aligned with the quantitative results. The poor internal consistency in the UX dimensions reflected the high heterogeneity among the included patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential benefits of clinical factors such as neurocognitive functions, mood, depression, or quality of life.
Automated Real-Time Tool for Promoting Crisis Resource Use for Suicide Risk (ResourceBot): Development and Usability Study
Authors: Coppersmith Daniel DL , Bentley Kate H , Kleiman Evan M , Jaroszewski Adam C , Daniel Merryn , Nock Matthew K
Published: October 2024

Background

Real-time monitoring captures information about suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) as they occur and offers great promise to learn about STBs. However, this approach also introduces questions about how to monitor and respond to real-time information about STBs. Given the increasing use of real-time monitoring, there is a need for novel, effective, and scalable tools for responding to suicide risk in real time.

Objective

The goal of this study was to develop and test an automated tool (ResourceBot) that promotes the use of crisis services (eg, 988) in real time through a rule-based (ie, if-then) brief barrier reduction intervention.

Methods

ResourceBot was tested in a 2-week real-time monitoring study of 74 adults with recent suicidal thoughts.

Results

ResourceBot was deployed 221 times to 36 participants. There was high engagement with ResourceBot (ie, 87% of the time ResourceBot was deployed, a participant opened the tool and submitted a response to it), but zero participants reported using crisis services after engaging with ResourceBot. The most reported reasons for not using crisis services were beliefs that the resources would not help, wanting to handle things on one’s own, and the resources requiring too much time or effort. At the end of the study, participants rated ResourceBot with good usability (mean of 75.6 out of 100) and satisfaction (mean of 20.8 out of 32).

Conclusions

This study highlights both the possibilities and challenges of developing effective real-time interventions for suicide risk and areas for refinement in future work.
Improving Oral Health in Prisons (PriOH): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bryne Emilie , Bergum Kathrine Høyvik , Gjedrem William Gilje
Published: October 2024

Background

People living in prisons often experience poor oral health, which could be attributed to their limited access to (dental) care, financial constraints, and a general lack of awareness and prioritization toward their oral hygiene. A pilot study involving motivational interviewing (MI) has shown promising results for improving the oral health outcomes of people living in prisons.

Objective

The protocol for this study aims to assess the efficacy of integrated MI and oral hygiene packages in improving oral health among people living in prisons, compared to controls without added MI.

Methods

This oral health in prisons study is a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded controlled trial that recruited inmates from 4 prisons in Rogaland County. The trial aimed to recruit 320 participants before randomly allocating them to either a control or intervention group. The intervention group received MI, consisting of a 30-minute session encouraging inmates to discuss their current and desired oral health behaviors and attitudes, highlighting discrepancies to motivate change. Assessments were conducted at 4 and 12 weeks after initiation. The primary outcome measurement is the mucosal-plaque scores to assess oral health behaviors, attitudes, and oral hygiene. Secondary outcome measurements are oral hygiene routines, sugary food and drink intake, oral health perception, and oral health-related questions.

Results

Data collection started in November 2021 and ended in June 2023. A total of 327 participants were recruited, of which 126 received the intervention.

Conclusions

Integrating MI in oral health programs at prisons can significantly improve the oral health of incarcerated individuals. Should the results from this study demonstrate efficacy, it could be valuable insight for policy makers, oral health practitioners, and correctional services in addressing the needs of a traditionally underserved group before being scaled up to enhance dental care practices in prisons.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05695443; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05695443

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/60817
The Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale: Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and psychometric validation in China (Preprint)
Authors: Guo Rongrong , Zheng Ziling , Yang Fangyu , Yang Fangyu
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

The dramatic growth of digital health applications has posed an urgent demand for rigorous usability assessment tools. While the Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale (Health-ITUES) has been increasingly utilized as a validated tool to evaluate the usability of digital health applications, there is no validated Chinese version available.

OBJECTIVE

To translate and culturally adapt the Health-ITUES into Chinese, revise its customized parts to cater to both service consumers and professional care providers, and evaluate its reliability and validity in the Chinese context.

METHODS

Following the Guideline for the Process of Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Self-Report Measures, the original Health-ITUES was translated and cross-culturally adapted into the Chinese version and then customized to the Care Receiver Version (Health-ITUES-R) and Professional Care Provider Version (Health-ITUES-P) based on the overall objectives and functional components of the SMART application. Older individuals and nurses were subsequently included in the validation test from December 2020 to February 2021. Content validity, internal consistency reliability, construct validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and criterion validity were used to evaluate the psychometric attributes of the Health-ITUES-R and Health-ITUES-P.

RESULTS

A Chinese version of the Health-ITUES comprising 20 items across 4 dimensions was formulated. Based on this, the Health-ITUES-R and Health-ITUES-P were customized. Both the Health-ITUES-R and Health-ITUES-P demonstrated satisfactory content validity, internal consistency reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. Confirmatory factor analysis results indicated a four-dimension model consistent with the original scale structure and exhibited acceptable model fit. Furthermore, Pearson's correlation coefficients between the Health-ITUES-R and reflected a high between the Health-ITUES-R and Patient Acceptance Questionnaire for Mobile Health Application reflected a high criterion validity.

CONCLUSIONS

The Chinese version of the Health-ITUES is a valid and reliable tool to evaluate the usability of digital health applications for both care receivers and professional care providers.

CLINICALTRIAL

Not Applicable
Effectiveness of an Intelligent and Integrated Older Care Model on Quality of Life among Home-dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Guo Rongrong , Zhang Jiwen , Yang Fangyu , Wu Ying
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Integrated care facilitated by Information and Communication Technology offers a promising approach to actively responding to the global older care burden. However, its effectiveness remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an intelligent and integrated older care model (SMART system) in improving the quality of life for older people living at home.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted. After assessing eligibility, participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive the personalized integrated care delivered by the SMART system or usual care for 3 months from November 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020. The primary endpoint was the percent change in quality of life from baseline to the 3-month follow-up, while secondary endpoints included functional status and percent changes in health self-management ability, social support, and confidence in avoiding falling of older individuals from baseline to the 3-month follow-up. All data analysis followed the intention-to-treat principle. A covariance model or logistic regression model was performed to estimate the effectiveness as appropriate. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also conducted to verify the robustness of our findings.

RESULTS

Of 94 participants included, 48 were assigned to the SMART Group. The SMART system demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in quality of life among home-dwelling older participants, with an estimated intervention difference of 11.97% (95% CI: 7.20%-16.74%, p<0.001). Similarly, it substantially enhanced health self-management ability and social support compared to the usual care (difference: 4.95%, p<0.05; difference: 6.75%, p<0.001). Furthermore, the SMART system significantly reduced instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) disability (OR: 0.34, 95%CI: 0.11-0.83, p=0.024), while no statistically significant reduction in activities of daily living (ADL) disability was observed. The subgroup and sensitivity analyses yielded identical results.

CONCLUSIONS

Personalized and integrated care provided via the SMART system significantly improved quality of life, health self-management ability, and social support among older individuals, while also reducing IADL disability.

CLINICALTRIAL

This study was prospectively registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration number: ChiCTR-IOR-17010368) on 12/01/2017.
Internet-Based and Mobile-App-Based Mental Health Interventions among Adults: A Best Evidence Synthesis of Rigorous Randomized Controlled Trials (Preprint)
Authors: Zhang Qiyang , Sui Yuan , Lin Fu-Hung , Guan Hongjie , Li Li , Wang Ke , Huang Zixuan , Neitzel Amanda
Published: October 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

Compared to in-person mental health interventions, programs delivered through mobile applications or the internet might be more cost-effective, scalable, demand less training, and are more acceptable and accessible among populations. In the aftermath of the pandemic, the use of online mental health interventions has increased significantly. However, there is limited understanding of the conditions and populations for which these interventions are most effective. To address this gap, we conducted a meta-analysis to synthesize findings from existing randomized controlled trials and expand our knowledge on this topic. Research plans were pre-registered before analyzing the data. We conducted a meticulous search strategy including database queries, handsearching, forward and backward citation tracking and retrieved 8944 studies. After double blinded screening, 64 studies and 247 effect sizes (total sample sizes = 17,388) were eligible to be included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Results showed that these online interventions were effective (ES = -0.80, p < .001) while holding all moderators fixed at their mean. Specifically, online interventions were effective at reducing anxiety, depression, stress, and psychological distress. However, studies on average showed no impacts on suicidal ideation. Moderator analysis showed that online interventions targeting anxiety outcomes are more effective than interventions targeting psychological distress; internet-based interventions are more effective than mobile-app-based interventions, although both modalities showed effectiveness. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners in developing cost-effective technology-based mental health interventions. While technology can be a double-edged tool, this review highlighted its benefits for improving adult well-being, particularly in the treatment of mental health symptoms.
Exploring the Relationship between Value Belief, Behavioral Engagement, and Academic Achievement in the Chinese EFL Learning Context
Authors: Ge Zouyi , Wang Haihui
Published: October 2024

Previous research has established a positive link between behavioral engagement and academic achievement. However, the mediating role of behavioral engagement between value belief and academic achievement, particularly in the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL), has received limited attention. This study examined this mediation using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with a sample of 657 secondary EFL students. Results revealed that value beliefs positively influenced behavioral engagement, which in turn enhanced academic achievement. The indirect path from value beliefs to academic achievement through behavioral engagement was statistically significant, indicating partial mediation, alongside a direct effect of value beliefs on academic achievement. Descriptive statistics showed high mean scores for both value beliefs and behavioral engagement, reflecting strong perceptions of the importance of language learning and active class participation. No significant differences in value beliefs were found among participants. Possible explanations behind the observed results, as well as implications, limitations, and proposed directions for future studies are discussed.
El desacuerdo y su poder explicativo en campos socioambientales
Authors: De la Mora - De la Mora Gabriela
Published: October 2024

Propósito: estudiar las dimensiones teóricas y prácticas de la categoría de disenso social en campos socioambientales.
Diseño metodológico: se analiza la categoría de disenso reportada en literatura científica sobre casos socioambientales. Se emplea la guía metodológica pragmática para las ciencias sociales de De León-Casillas y Moreno-Torres (2020) y De León-Casillas, Bermonti-Pérez y Moreno-Torres (2019) para comprender las dimensiones teóricas y prácticas, y contrastar su uso con la categoría de consenso.
Resultados: el disenso no se aborda de manera generalizada en la literatura sobre temas socioambientales, pese a que los desacuerdos están presentes frecuentemente. Esta categoría supone la puesta en marcha de funciones dialógicas que contribuyen a la formulación de propuestas que anteceden a los consensos, a fin de promover éticamente el cambio social y la sostenibilidad en el planeta y el logro de modos de vida social y ambientalmente más justos.
Limitaciones de la investigación: es necesario utilizar la categoría del disenso y los componentes analizados en este trabajo a nivel empírico en casos de estudio.
Hallazgos: las diferentes manifestaciones del disenso cuestionan las prácticas consensuales en campos socioambientales ante las persistentes injusticias sociales y ambientales que afectan distintos territorios. Los disensos y sus diferentes manifestaciones, evidencian la complejidad y diversidad de visiones y alternativas frente al cambio socioambiental y que no necesariamente derivan en conflictos.
Desenvolvimento da literacia química de alunos do ensino básico
Authors: Araújo José Luís
Published: October 2024

Os projetos de ciência cidadã têm relevado potencial para promover a literacia científica dos alunos nas suas dimensões afetiva e cognitiva. Contudo, em química, estes projetos são ainda escassos. Assim, partindo do contexto da qualidade das águas costeiras e da sua poluição por (micro)plásticos, foi desenvolvido o projeto de ciência cidadã PVC – Perceiving the Value of Chemistry behind water and microplastics, onde a química assume um papel central. No sentido de conhecer os contributos do projeto desenvolvido, foram investigadas as atitudes face à disciplina de Química de 574 alunos (442 do grupo experimental e 132 do grupo de controlo) do 3º Ciclo do Ensino Básico e a sua aprendizagem da química, ao nível conceptual e processual. Para tal, aplicou-se um questionário de atitudes como pré e pós-teste, um teste de conhecimentos e foram ainda recolhidas notas de campo. No pré-teste registaram-se atitudes positivas no grupo experimental e no grupo de controlo. No pós-teste, o grupo experimental apresentou mudanças de atitudes significativamente mais positivas do que o grupo de controlo, em todas as dimensões presentes no questionário. A análise dos resultados dos testes de conhecimento sugere ainda que o projeto PVC promoveu a aprendizagem conceptual da química relacionada com a análise dos parâmetros físico-químicos das águas e com os polímeros. A nível processual, verificou-se a aprendizagem de técnicas laboratoriais e o desenvolvimento de competências como a autonomia, a colaboração, e o pensamento crítico, bem como a capacidade de comunicação de ideias e de resultados.
Diseño de una secuencia didáctica para el abordaje del tema Valoración Ácido Base bajo el modelo del Laboratorio Extendido con estudiantes de undécimo año del Colegio Científico Costarricense de Alajuela
Authors: Salazar Marcela , Arias-Navarro Eduardo , Arguedas-Matarrita Carlos , Montero-Miranda Eric
Published: October 2024

Este trabajo muestra algunos de los resultados de una tesis de grado de la carrera de Enseñanza de las Ciencias Naturales en la UNED de Costa Rica, sobre el diseño de una secuencia didáctica (SD) para el abordaje de la temática Valoración Ácido-Base bajo el modelo del Laboratorio Extendido con estudiantes de undécimo año del Colegio Científico Costarricense de Alajuela. El producto educativo se aplicó a 22 estudiantes de undécimo año, donde se extrajo a través del pretest y postest, un cuestionario adaptado de Heck y el diferencial semántico luego de desarrollar la secuencia propuesta. Los resultados arrojaron datos alentadores donde los estudiantes reconocieron una ganancia en el aprendizaje al realizar el estudio del tema de Valoración Ácido-Base. En conclusión, se analiza que el estudio el diseño de una SD experimentada enfocada en el modelo de LE para promover un aprendizaje en la temática de VAB para los estudiantes de undécimo año del CCCA, representó un elemento transformador de las prácticas pedagógicas, ya que se mejora la capacidad de comprensión del tema.
Estrategia docente para enseñar estereoquímica: una propuesta para convertir de una representación a otra
Authors: Barrientos Claudio , Moris Silvana , Gutiérrez López Javiera
Published: October 2024

En este estudio se desarrolló una propuesta para enseñar estereoquímica con estudiantes universitarios de la carrera de química y farmacia, con el objetivo de identificar las representaciones de estructuras orgánicas que son más sencillas para el estudiantado utilizando una estrategia didáctica para la identificación, asignación de la configuración absoluta y la comprensión de la estereoquímica en el estudio de la estereoquímica de compuestos orgánicos. Se presentó al estudiantado un esquema con diferentes representaciones y se explicaron las relaciones entre unas y otras, para facilitar la interconversión y que pudieran asignar correctamente las configuraciones de los estereocentros. Se aplicó un pretest previo a la intervención con las proyecciones de Fischer, fórmulas de Haworth, y de cuñas y líneas y conformación silla, mostrando que sólo en las proyecciones de Fischer y en las fórmulas de cuñas y líneas pudieron asignar las configuraciones absolutas de los estereocentros. Sin embargo, después de la intervención, el estudiantado pudo realizar interconversiones en las representaciones de Haworth y silla, aumentando su rendimiento de 0% a 65% y de 0% a 52,5% respectivamente, en el caso de las cuñas y líneas el aumento fue de 22,2% a 60%, y en las representaciones de Fischer de 81,3% a 100%, lo que demuestra que la proyección Fischer era la representación más sencilla para la asignación de la configuración absoluta de los estereocentros.
Smart Attendance Management System with QR Code Authentication
Authors: Dolai Arnab , Deb Puskar , Kumar Rahul , Mukherjee Pritam , Dev Devanshu , Pal Koushik , Dhar Palasri , Ghosal Antara
Published: October 2024

Abstract: This paper presents the development of a Smart Attendance Management System (SAMS) designed to automate and streamline the process of tracking attendance in educational institutions and workplaces. The proposed system utilizes advanced technologies such as facial recognition and QR code to accurately and efficiently monitor attendance. By eliminating the need for manual entry, the system reduces human error, saves time, and enhances data accuracy. The SAMS also integrates with databases and analytics tools to provide real-time reporting and insights, helping institutions make data-driven decisions. The study outlines the system's architecture, implementation, and potential impact, demonstrating its ability to enhance operational efficiency and improve user experience in diverse environments
Biometric Steganography Using Mid Position Value Technique
Authors: N Chakridhar , Keerthi Suravarapu Esther
Published: October 2024

Abstract: Biometric data, is prone to attacks and threats from cyber criminals to conduct identity theft, and its economic value makes it a product that can be traded in underground marketplaces such as the dark web. Securing it is the need of the hour. Sensitive data is subsequently in danger throughout a biometric identification system, and therefore the security measures implemented to guard this data must cover all contingencies. A steganographic approach is proposed as a solution to this. Biometrics are hidden inside other biometrics for safe storage and secure transmission. Steganography is a process of hiding data in a transmission medium. The main objectives while hiding data are its undetectability, robustness against image processing and other attacks, which steganography can easily achieve. This project focuses on a process of hiding an image in another image by using mid position value(mpv) technique. Here we have to choose the secret biometric on which Arnold transform will be applied resulting in a scrambled version of the secret biometric. This will be embedded into the cover image resulting in a stego image. Lastly, the hidden secret biometric will be decoded from this stego image, which will first result in a scrambled secret biometric. Inverse Arnold Transform will be applied on this to finally result in the decoded secret biometric.