bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brushing RemInder 4 Good oral HealTh (BRIGHT) trial: Does an SMS behaviour change programme with a classroom-based session improve the oral health of young people living in deprived areas? A study protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Marshman Zoe , Ainsworth Hannah , Chestnutt Ivor Gordon , Day Peter , Dey Donna , Yousfi Sarab El , Fairhurst Caroline , Gilchrist Fiona , Hewitt Catherine , Jones Claire , Kellar Ian , Pavitt Sue , Robertson Mark , Shah Sarwat , Stevens Katherine , Torgerson David , Innes Nicola
Published: March 2019

Background:
Almost one-half of 12-15 year olds living in deprived areas of the UK have dental caries (tooth decay) with few oral health promotion programmes aimed at children of this age. Mobile phone based interventions such as Short Messaging Service (SMS) interventions have been found effective at changing certain behaviours and improving health outcomes. This protocol describes the BRIGHT Trial, investigating the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a behaviour change intervention; classroom-based session (CBS) embedded in the curriculum and a series of SMS delivered to participants twice daily to remind them to brush their teeth, compared to usual curriculum and no SMS for young people from deprived areas, on the incidence of dental caries. The objective of this study is to investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a complex intervention to improve the oral health of young people living in deprived areas.

Methods/design: This is a school-based, assessor-blinded, two-arm cluster-randomised controlled trial with an internal pilot trial. Overall, the trial will involve approximately 5,040 11-13 year olds in 42 schools with a three year follow-up. The trial will take place in secondary schools in England, Scotland and Wales. The primary outcome is the presence of carious lesions in permanent teeth at three years. Secondary outcomes are: frequency of twice-daily toothbrushing, plaque levels, gingivitis, child health-related quality of life and oral health-related quality of life. A cost-utility analysis will be conducted.

Discussion: The findings of the trial have implications for embedding oral health interventions into school curricula guidance produced by national bodies including departments for education, dental public health and guideline development organisations.

Trial registration: ISRCTN12139369, date of initial registration 10/5/2017, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN12139369.

Keywords: Dental caries, caries prevention, prevention, behaviour change, randomised controlled trial, child dental health, m-health, short messaging service
Impact of PReOperative Midazolam on OuTcome of Elderly patients (I-PROMOTE): study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kowark Ana , Rossaint Rolf , Keszei András P. , Bischoff Petra , Czaplik Michael , Drexler Berthold , Kienbaum Peter , Kretzschmar Moritz , Pühringer Friedrich , Saller Thomas , Schneider Gerhard , Soehle Martin , Coburn Mark , group I-PROMOTE study
Published: March 2019

Introduction
Premedication with benzodiazepines in surgical patients became questionable regarding risk-benefit ratio and lack of evidence. Though, preoperative benzodiazepines might alleviate preoperative anxiety, a higher risk for adverse events is described, particularly for elderly patients (≥65 years). Several German hospitals already withhold benzodiazepine premedication from elderly patients, though evidence is lacking.
The patient-centred outcome global postoperative patient satisfaction is recognized as a substantial quality indicator of the anaesthesia care incorporated by the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Therefore, we aim to assess, whether the postoperative patient satisfaction after premedication with placebo compared to the preoperative administration of 3.75 mg midazolam in elderly patients differs.
Methods
This study is a multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, two-arm parallel, interventional trial, conducted in 9 German hospitals. In total 614 patients (≥65-80 years of age) undergoing elective surgery with general anaesthesia will be randomised to receive either 3.75 mg midazolam or placebo.
The primary outcome (global patient satisfaction) will be assessed with the validated EVAN-G questionnaire on the first postoperative day. Secondary outcomes will be assessed until the first postoperative day and 30 days after surgery, respectively. They comprise among others: functional and cognitive recovery, postoperative delirium, health-related quality of life assessment, and mortality or new-onset of serious cardiac or pulmonary complications, acute stroke, or acute kidney injury.
Analysis will adhere to the intention-to-treat principle. The primary outcome will be analysed with the use of mixed linear model including treatment effect and study centre as factors and random effects for blocks. Exploratory adjusted and subgroup analyses of the primary and secondary outcomes with regard to gender effects, frailty, pre-operative anxiety level, patient demographics and surgery experience will be performed in addition.
Discussion
This, to the best of our knowledge, is the first study analyzing patient satisfaction after premedication with midazolam in elderly patients. In conclusion, this study will provide high quality data for decision-making process regarding premedication in the elderly surgical patients.
Manual Therapy Versus Therapeutic Exercise in non-specific chronic neck pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Bernal-Utrera Carlos , Gonzalez-Gerez Juan Jose , Saavedra-Hernandez Manuel , Lerida-Ortega Miguel Angel , Rodriguez-Blanco Cleofas
Published: March 2019

• Background: The underlying mechanisms that are causes of non-specific chronic neck pain relapses are not clear, but it could be associated with a deficit and alteration of the proprioception of the neck muscles that play a decisive role in the cervical joint position, motor control of the head and about postural stability. Numerous treatments for non-specific chronic neck pain have been described in the scientific literature. However, few studies analyze its influence on postural stability, since these alterations are not fully described, and various theories emerge about the reasons that cause it. Our mainly aim is analyze the differences in postural stability, pain, cervical disability and the relation between them produced by a treatment based on manual therapy and another based on therapeutic exercise.
• Methods: The short-term and mid-term changes produced by different therapies on subjects with non-specific chronic neck pain will be studied. The sample will be randomly divided into three groups, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and placebo. The general stability index, measured through a dynamic stabilometric platform, pain based on the visual analog scale and the pressure pain threshold, and the cervical disability through the cervical disability index were taken as dependent variables of the study. The findings will be analyzed statistically considering a 5% significance level (p ≤ 0.05)
• Discussion: Our study aims to provide knowledge about postural stability and its relationship with pain in subjects with non-specific chronic neck pain. Analyzing the results produced by different types of therapy will allow us to draw conclusions about the mechanisms that provoke these alterations, structural or central mechanisms.
• Trial registration: Brazilian Clinical Trial Registry, RBR-2vj7sw. Registered on 28 November 2018.
Fate of cobalt and nickel in mackinawite during diagenetic pyrite formation
Authors: Swanner Elizabeth D. , Webb Samuel M. , Kappler Andreas
Published: March 2019

As iron sulfide mineral phases are important sedimentary sinks for naturally occurring or contaminant metals, it is important to know the fate of metals during the diagenetic transformation of primary sulfide minerals into more stable phases, such as pyrite (FeS2). Furthermore, the trace metal content of pyrite has been proposed as a marine paleoredox proxy. Given the diverse low-temperature diagenetic formation pathways for pyrite, this use of pyrite requires validation. We, therefore, studied nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) incorporation into freshly precipitated mackinawite (FeSm), and after experimental diagenesis to pyrite (FeS2) using S0 as an oxidant at 65 °C. Metal incorporation was quantified on bulk digests using ICP-OES or ICP-AES. Bulk mineralogy was characterized with micro-X-ray diffraction (micro-XRD), documenting the transformation of mackinawite to pyrite. Epoxy grain mounts were made anoxically of mackinawite and pyrite grains. We used synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence (μXRF) to map the distribution of Co and Ni, as well as to collect multiple energy maps throughout the sulfur (S) K-edge. Iron (Fe) and S K-edge micro-X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (μXANES) was used to identify the oxidation state and mineralogy within the experimentally synthesized and diagenetically transformed minerals, and map end-member solid phases within the grain mounts using the multiple energy maps. Metal-free FeSm transformed to pyrite, with residual FeSm detectable. Co- and Ni-containing FeSm also transformed to pyrite, but with multiple techniques detecting FeSm as well as S0, implying less complete transformation to pyrite as compared to metal-free FeSm. These results indicate that Co and Ni may inhibit transformation for FeSm to pyrite, or slow it down. Cobalt concentrations in the solid diminished by 30% during pyrite transformation, indicating that pyrite Co may be a conservative tracer of seawater or porewater Co concentrations. Nickel concentrations increased several-fold after pyrite formation, suggesting that pyrite may have scavenged Ni from the dissolution of primary FeSm grains. Nickel in pyrites thus may not be a reliable proxy for seawater or porewater metal concentrations.
Current state of pension reform in Ukraine
Authors: Dymnich Olha
Published: March 2019

The current phase of Ukraine’s development characterizes by a complex of external and internal challenges, which provoked a deep economic crisis in the country, led to a serious deterioration of the living standards, exacerbated social tension. The way to overcome the economic crisis lies in the implementation of complex long-term economic reforms that require the support of the entire society based on national cohesion, unity and trust to the government. In this context, reliable social protection of the population is becoming one of the main factors of national security in Ukraine. This requires the government to rethink the fundamentals, ideology, strategy and tactics of financial policy in the field of social risk management as well as cardinal practical steps to increase the role and significance of the basic institution of social protection of the able-bodied population in market economy countries - the social insurance system. The balance of the state social insurance system depends on the financial equilibrium of the Pension Fund of Ukraine, which concentrates about 90% of its financial resources. The path to such an equilibrium lies in the transition to a three-pillar pension system. However, this is possible only if our country achieves economic stability. Premature forced state compulsory accumulative insurance (second pillar of the pension system) under the crisis conditions will create a threat of social tension aggravation. Thus, under current economic conditions, the introduction of the second pillar of the pension system, although it is an objective necessity, requires clear economic preconditions, the main are: restoration of GDP growth based on overcoming the crisis in the real sector of the economy; the hryvnia exchange rate stabilization; growth of the average monthly wage in the country etc. Actuality, practical significance as well as insufficient elaboration of this problem caused the choice of the topic of the article, determined its purpose, task, logic and content.
The use of reclaimed water is a viable and safe strategy for the irrigation of myrtle plants in a scenario of climate change
Authors: Acosta-Motos José Ramón , Ortuño María Fernanda , Álvarez Sara , Hernández José Antonio , Sánchez-Blanco María Jesús
Published: March 2019

In this work, we irrigated myrtle plants with reclaimed waters (RWs) for 90 days with drainage. The treatments consisted of a control (0.8 dS m−1) and two RWs: RW1 (2.0 dS m−1) and RW2 (5.0 dS m−1). In general, nutrients were accumulated in a greater proportion in shoots than in roots and increased in the RW treatments, with the exception of potassium and phosphorus. This behaviour produced a progressive decrease in the root water potential, which hindered the mobility of water to the leaves. This in turn caused a drop in leaf water potential and gas exchange parameters, especially in the RW2 treatment. The intrinsic water-use efficiency (WUEi, Pn/gs) did not show differences in any treatment. The RW2 treatment provoked a loss of biomass in the leaves but not in the stems and roots, resulting in more compact plants. Considering these results together, it is feasible to use RWs for plant irrigation, despite their high electrical conductivity. RWs are thus a viable alternative to scarce conventional water resources in a future scenario of climate change.
On the performance of a pilot hybrid constructed wetland for stormwater recovery in Mediterranean climate
Authors: Ventura D. , Barbagallo S. , Consoli S. , Ferrante M. , Milani M. , Licciardello F. , Cirelli G. L.
Published: March 2019

The overall efficiency of a pilot-scale hybrid constructed wetland (H-CW), located on a retail store's parking area in Eastern Sicily, for alternative treatment of stormwater runoff and of sequential batch reactor (SBR) effluent was evaluated. Experimental activities were focused on system performances, including wastewater (WW) quality and hydraulic monitoring. System design, macrophyte growth and seasonal factors influenced the pilot plant performance. Very high removal efficiency for microbial indicators were reported within the subsurface horizontal flow unit (HF), playing a strategic role for Clostridium perfringens. The algal growth occurred in the free water surface (FWS) unit and inhibited removal efficiencies of total suspended solids (TSS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and chemical oxygen demand (COD), impairing water quality. The whole H-CW showed good efficiency in trace metals removal, especially for Pb, Zn, and Cu. Preliminary results suggested the reliability of the H-CW technology in decentralised water treatment facilities for enhancing water recovery and reuse.
Transcriptional Characteristics of Activated Macrophages
Authors: Glanz Victor , Myasoedova Veronika A. , Sukhorukov Vasily , Grechko Andrey , Zhang Dongwei , Romaneneko Elena B. , Orekhova Varvara A. , Orekhov Alexander
Published: March 2019

Macrophages are key players in human innate immunity that protect the organism from pathologic
agents, including infection and malignant cells. The spectrum of their functions includes initiation and maintaining
of inflammation, cleaning of pathogens and cell debris, as well as inflammation resolution and tissue remodeling
and repair. Such a wide spectrum is reflected by the great variety of macrophage phenotypes based on the
activation of distinct transcription patterns in response to different stimuli. Studying this complexity requires an
integrated approach, such as transcriptome studies. For many genes, the exact role in macrophage biology remains
unknown, although clear associations with pro- or anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization could be
demonstrated. These findings reveal the novel directions for future research. In this review, we describe the
known mechanisms of macrophage polarization and the new insights available from transcriptome studies.
Neural Networks in Generalized Epilepsy and Novel Antiepileptic Drugs
Authors: Werner Felix-Martin , Coveñas Rafael
Published: March 2019

Background:

In previous works, alterations of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides in the brain areas involved in generalized epilepsy have been reported.

Objective:

We reviewed the alterations of these neurotransmitters and neuropeptides in the following brain areas involved in generalized epilepsy: hippocampus, hypothalamus, thalamus and cerebral cortex. In these brain areas, the neural networks are also actualized. The mechanisms of action of newer antiepileptic drugs in the treatment of generalized epilepsy are also discussed.

Results:

Up-dating the neurotransmitter and neuropeptide alterations, we found that hippocampal GABAergic neurons presynaptically inhibit epileptogenic neurons via GABAB receptors. Epilepsy modulating neuropeptides (galanin, neuropeptide Y, dynorphin) are also involved. GABA deficiency, serotonin hyperactivity, dopamine hyperactivity and glutamate excitotoxicity can enhance ictogenesis: neurons containing these neurotransmitters form the main neural circuit. An increased excitability occurs when the alteration of these neurotransmitters is permanent.

Conclusion:

In preclinical studies, the GABAB receptor agonist GS 39,783 exerted a good antiepileptic effect. Perampanel, an AMPA receptor antagonist, showed good clinical effects in the treatment of partial-onset seizures and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. In this treatment, perampanel can be combined with other antiepileptic drugs. Brivaracetam, which shows a high affinity for the synaptic vesicle 2A, exerted a good efficacy in the treatment of adult focal seizures and secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
Retinal and Choroidal Changes after Anti Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy for Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Kim Sang Woo , Woo Jong Eun , Yoon Yo Sep , Lee Seunghwan , Woo Je Moon , Min Jung Kee
Published: March 2019

Objective:

To investigate changes in retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer, and
choroidal thickness in the macular area in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration who received
repeated intravitreal ranibizumab and aflibercept treatments.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 90 eyes of 90 treatment-naive patients. Fifty eyes were treated with
intravitreal injections of aflibercept, and 40 were treated with intravitreal injections of ranibizumab. Unaffected
fellow eyes (71 eyes) were used as controls. The dosage was one injection per month for 3 consecutive months as
an initial treatment. The patients were examined monthly for 6 months following the initial injection. Additional
intravitreal injections were given reactively in an optical coherence tomography-guided “pro re nata” protocol.
Measurements of the retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer, full retina, and choroidal thickness
were simultaneously obtained via swept-source optical coherence tomography in the nine Early Treatment
Diabetic Retinopathy Study subfields.

Results:

The retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in the nine Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study subfields
did not differ significantly among the three study groups (aflibercept vs. ranibizumab vs. control). The ganglion
cell-inner plexiform layer thickness was significantly reduced in the aflibercept group, while the choroidal thickness
was reduced in both the aflibercept and ranibizumab groups.

Conclusion:

Excessive long-term vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition by an anti-vascular endothelial
growth factor agent that is trapped by neuronal and retinal pigment epithelium cells may adversely affect the
function of physiological vascular endothelial growth factor and harm retinal cells and vessels.
Novel Amide Derivatives as Potent Tyrosinase Inhibitors; In-vitro, In-vivo Antimelanogenic Activity and Computational Studies
Authors: Ali Anser , Ashraf Zaman , Rafiq Muhammad , Kumar Ajeet , Jabeen Farukh , Lee Goon Joon , Nazir Fahad , Ahmed Mushtaq , Rhee Myungchull , Choi Eun Ha
Published: March 2019

Background:

Tyrosinase is involved in the melanin biosynthesis and the abnormal accumulation of melanin pigments leading to hyperpigmentation disorders. Controlling the melanogenesis could be an important strategy for treating abnormal pigmentation.

Methods:

In the present study, a series of amide derivatives (3a-e and 5a-e) were synthesized aiming to inhibit tyrosinase activity and melanin production. All derivatives were screened for tyrosinase inhibition in a cell-free system. The possible interactions of amide derivatives with tyrosinase enzyme and effect of these interactions on tyrosinase structure were checked by molecular docking in silico and by Circular Dichroism (CD) studies, respectively. The most potent amide derivative (5c) based on cell-free experiments, was further tested for cellular ROS inhibition and for tyrosinase activity using mouse skin melanoma (B16F10) cells.

Results:

The tyrosinase inhibitory concentration (IC50) for tested compounds was observed between the range of 68 to 0.0029 µg/ml with a lowest IC50 value of compound 5c which outperforms the reference arbutin and kojic acid. The cellular tyrosinase activity and melanin quantification assay demonstrate that 15µg/ml of 5c attenuates 36% tyrosinase, 24% melanin content of B16F10 cells without significant cell toxicity. Moreover, the zebrafish in vivo assay reveals that 5c effectively reduces melanogenesis without perceptible toxicity. Furthermore, the molecular docking demonstrates that compound 5c interacts with copper ions and multiple amino acids in the active site of tyrosinase with best glide score (-5.387 kcal/mol), essential for mushroom tyrosinase inhibition and the ability to diminish the melanin synthesis in-vitro and in-vivo.

Conclusion:

Thus, we propose compound 5c as a potential candidate to control tyrosinase rooted hyperpigmentation in the future.
Arc-Jet Testing of Ultra-High-Temperature-Ceramics
Authors: Savino Raffaele , De Stefano Fumo Mario , Paterna Diego , Maso Andrea Di
Published: March 2019

The article deals with arc-jet experiments on different Ultra High Temperature Ceramics models in high
enthalpy hypersonic non equilibrium flow. Typical geometries for nose tip or wing leading edges of interest for
hypersonic vehicles, as rounded wedge, hemisphere and cone are considered. Temperature measurements have been
performed using pyrometers, an IR thermocamera and thermocouples. Spectral emissivity has been evaluated by suitable
experimental techniques. The details of the experimental set-up, the tests procedure and the measurements are discussed in
the text. The UHTC materials have been tested for several minutes to temperatures up to 2050 K showing a good
resistance in extreme conditions. Fundamental differences between the various model shapes have been analysed and
discussed. Numerical-experimental correlations have been carried out by a CFD code, resulting in good agreement with
proper modelling. The numerical rebuilding also allowed to evaluate the catalytic efficiency and the emissivity of the
materials at different temperature.
Hysteresis Nutation Damper for Spin Satellite
Authors: Shahmohamadi Ousaloo Hamed
Published: March 2019

Hysteresis dampers are commonly used in Passive magnetic Attitude Control System (PACS). In PACS these
rods produce a damping torque and reduce the satellite angular momentum and angular velocity. In this paper, a spin
satellite was investigated which utilizes a passive magnetic damper consisting of magnetic hysteresis rods aligned with
principal axis or spin axis of satellite and de-tumbling of the satellite, and the pure spin was achieved.

An analytical model was presented to analyze hysteresis damper and a numerical simulation was performed to obtain
dynamic properties of the spin attitude. In addition, assuming a dynamic imbalance, attitude behavior and damper effect
on the spin rate of satellite were analyzed. The behavior of this passive magnetic stabilized satellite was simulated from
the initial post separation phase.
Spectroscopic Characterization and Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis of Bioactive Copper 2-Amino 6-Methyl Benzothiazole Complexes Derived from Various Oils
Authors: Joram Anju , Sharma Rashmi , Sharma Arun Kumar
Published: March 2019

Background:

Surfactants most characteristic phenomenon of micellization in the bulk phase, as well as their ability to be accumulated at an interface are of immense theoretical, applied and biological interests as indicated by large number of publication of papers and reviews in last three decades. Particulars information about Copper (II) soaps derived from natural oils, play a vital role in its selection in specific phenomena such as foaming, wetting, detergency, emulsification etc. and also in their use as herbicides, fungicides, pesticides and insecticides etc. The tendency of Copper soaps have complex formation with compounds containing donor atoms like N, S, O, Br, etc. as benzothiazole and other related compounds play significant role in biological activities due to the presence of nitrogen and sulphur atoms, which are responsible for their pharmacological activities.

Objective:

The copper surfactants derived from various edible (Groundnut and Sesame oils) and non-edible oils (Neem and Karanj oils) and their complexes with nitrogen and sulphur containing ligands such as 2-amino-6-methyl-benzothiazole have been synthesized and studied for their structural aspects, which were confirmed using various techniques like IR, NMR and ESR spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis of complexes which is derived from already synthesized copper (II) soaps with 2-amino-6-methyl benzothiazole was done to confirm the thermal decomposition.

Methods:

Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) has been used to study the thermal decomposition of copper surfactants complexes to evaluate their energy of activation and various thermodynamic parameters i.e. Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, entropy have been calculated. Copper surfactants and their benzothiazole complexes were studied to test the validity of various equations namely Freeman Carroll, Coats - Redfern, Horowitz - Metzger, Broido, and Piloyan-Novikova related to thermal degradation.

Results:

The degradation occurs in three steps and the value of activation energy is highest for third step and smallest for the first steps. CNB and CKB need higher energy to degrade than CGB and CSB. The all copper surfactants molecules have negative entropy, which indicates that the decomposition reactions proceed with a lower rate.

Conclusion:

Thermogravimetric degradation analysis will also provide significant information about the removal of the natural soap segment from the environment. The studies will be very important for pollution controlling and in the field of Green Chemistry.
Defining Theoretical Foundations to Unified Metamodel For Model Reusability
Authors: Thangaraj Jagadeeswaran , Ulaganathan Senthilkumaran
Published: March 2019

Background:

In model-driven development, model transformation transforms one model
to another between different phases of software engineering. In model transformation, metamodel
plays a vital role which defines the abstract syntax of models and the interrelationship between their
elements. A unified metamodel defines an abstract syntax for both source and target models when
they share core elements. Theoretical approaches define language and platform independent representation
of models in software engineering. This paper investigates the theoretical foundation to
this unified meta-modelling for their consistent transformation.

Objective:

This paper aims to define the formal foundations to the unified metamodel for generating
implementation from design specifications and model reusability.

Method:

In this paper, the study considers transformation from design to implementation and vice
versa using theoretical foundations to build a verified software system.

Results:

The related tools provide a formal representation of the design phase for verification purpose.
Our approach provides a set-theoretical foundation to the unified metamodel for model transformation
from USE (UML/OCL) to Spec#. In other words, our approach defines the formal foundation
to define a model which consists of all the required properties for verification at the design
and implementation phase.

Conclusion:

This paper introduced a new set of the theoretical framework which acts as an interface
between the design and implementation to generate verified software systems.
The Impact of Addiction on Family Members Mental Health Status
Authors: Shamsaei Farshid , Baanavi Mohammad , Hassanian Zahra Marzieh , Cheraghi Fatemeh
Published: March 2019

Background:

Effects of substance abuse frequently expand beyond the nuclear family.
Extended family members can experience feelings of abandonment, anxiety, fear, anger, concern,
embarrassment, or guilt. Thus, they may wish to ignore or cut ties with the person involved in substance
abuse. The aim of this study was to compare the mental health status of families with and
without substance abusers.

Methods:

This cross sectional study was conducted among 114 family members with substance
abusers (case group) and 114 without substance abusers (control group) in Hamadan city of Iran, in
a time period from October to December 2016. Data collection tools included demographic and
SCL-90-R questionnaires. Data were analyzed by t- test using SPSS software version 16. The significance
level was considered less than 0.05.

Results:

The mean age of participants in the case and control groups was 33±4.7 and 35±5.2 years.
There was a significant difference in the mean of subscales which included somatization,
interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety and phobia in families with and without substance
abusers (p< 0.001). In other words, the mental health status of family members with a substance
abuser was lower than in the control group. Overall, 29.4% of family members with substance abusers
and 16% without substance abusers were suspected to have mental disorders.

Conclusion:

Substance abuse is a disorder that can impact families in countless ways. Therefore, it
is recommended that more attention should be given to this group toward planning mental health
programs. Also, families should be screened by health professionals in regard to psychological
needs and improvement of their mental health conditions.
Ударная электромагнитная волна большой амплитуды в нелинейной линии передачи на основе распределенного полупроводникового диода
Authors: Кюрегян А.С.
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe problem of the formation and propagation of a large-amplitude shock electromagnetic wave in a strip transmission line (TL) based on a distributed semiconductor diode is analytically solved. The solution correctly considers its nonlinearity, dissipation, and time dispersion. The results of the theory are used to estimate the parameters of the TL as a sharpener of the pulse front voltage applied to the line input.
Влияние никеля и меди, введенных при комнатной температуре, на рекомбинационные свойства протяженных дефектов в кремнии
Authors: Орлов В.И. , Ярыкин Н.А. , Якимов Е.Б.
Published: March 2019

The change in the recombination properties of individual dislocations and dislocation trails in silicon
due to the diffusion of nickel and copper during chemical-mechanical polishing at room temperature is
studied by the electron-beam- and light-beam-induced current techniques. It is found that the introduction
of nickel results in an increase in the recombination activity of both dislocations and dislocation trails. The
introduction of copper does not induce any substantial change in the contrast of extended defects.
Проводимость композитных пленок на основе проводящего полимера PEDOT : PSS, оксида графена и наночастиц TiO-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=- для контактных слоев перовскитных фотовольтаических структур
Authors: Базанова А.А. , Петров В.Н. , Алешин А.Н.
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe electrical properties of composite films based on conductive polymer PEDOT: PSS, graphene oxide (GO), and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO_2) (PEDOT: PSS– TiO_2 and GO–TiO_2) used as contact layers of organic and perovskite photovoltaic structures have been studied. As a result of the study of morphology by atomic force microscopy, it was found that the PEDOT: PSS–TiO_2 and GO–TiO_2 films have a globular structure with a grain size of ~200–300 nm. The current–voltage characteristics of the PEDOT: PSS–TiO_2 and GO–TiO_2 films are measured in the temperature range of 80–300 K, the dependences of the resistivity versus temperature, ρ( T ), which have an activation character, are obtained. It is established that as the temperature decreases, the ρ( T ) dependences show a transition from large values of the activation energy (570 meV and 329 meV) to lower values (25 meV and 2.2 meV) for the PEDOT: PSS–TiO_2 and GO–TiO_2 films, respectively. The mechanisms of transport of charge carriers in the materials studied are discussed.
Scanning velocity measurement of an acousto-optic deflector-=SUP=-*-=/SUP=-
Authors: Guessoum Amir
Published: March 2019

Beside a demonstrated theoretical formula that describes the variation of diffracted order angle as a function of time, another formula about the scanning velocity of an acousto-optic deflector is successfully demonstrated with experimental results very close to the theoretical formula. This deflector is obtained using laser beam interaction with frequency modulated ultrasonic sinusoidal wave in water. The particular attention that devoted to select the best experiment method of measuring scanning velocity has enabled us to find promising results; the scanning velocity of each diffracted order varies linearly according to modulating signal frequency as well as frequency excursion and sinusoidally as a function of time. Furthermore, the scanning maximum velocity of the pth diffracted order is p times the first diffracted order.
Акустический аналог электродинамических правил сохранения
Authors: Розанов Н.Н.
Published: March 2019

AbstractWithin the framework of linear acoustics, based on the linearized Navier–Stokes equations for a viscous liquid, the conservation rules for integral characteristics of an acoustic perturbation are presented and discussed.
Процессы самоорганизации частиц детонационного алмаза на подложке в ходе конденсации углерода из парогазовой фазы
Authors: Плотников В.А. , Демьянов Б.Ф. , Макаров С.В. , Зырянова А.И.
Published: March 2019

AbstractProcesses in which the island structure is ordered occur in composite carbon films produced by preliminary population of an amorphous substrate with a detonation-diamond system and subsequent condensation of carbon from the vapor–gas phase. These processes, observed already upon filling of the substrate with diamond-growth centers, are manifested in that there appears a structural periodicity of the islands. It was found that the condensation of carbon on the populated substrate is accompanied by the evolution of the island structure of primary growth centers. This consists in that a hexagonal packing of the islands is formed, with the size of these islands increasing by two orders of magnitude. All these structural features of how a composite diamond-carbon film is formed indicate that self-organization processes occur in the system of diamond islands when carbon atoms are condensed and interact with primary diamond crystals.
Особенности транспорта электронов и фотопроводимости в слое наноразмерных частиц сульфида свинца
Authors: Шишкин М.И. , Гавриков М.В. , Ягудин И.Т. , Роках А.Г.
Published: March 2019

In the lead sulfide nanoparticles-based layers deposited from alcohol suspensions, analysis of the current-voltage characteristics made it possible to establish the basic mechanism of electron transport. Previously, using optical measurements in the range of 3500 nm, it was shown that the organic component in such layers was practically absent. When exposed to wide range radiation corresponding to the “transparency window” of the atmosphere of 8000–14000 nm, a current change in PbS nanodust was detected, where, as previously shown, absorption on free charge carriers can occur.
Гетероструктура на основе гибрида даймондена и графена
Authors: Чекулаев М.С. , Ястребов С.Г.
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe propose the idea of a heterostructure comprising a hybrid of diamondene and graphene and describe the principle of constructing these hybrids based on observed astrophysical data. A model is constructed, its geometry is optimized, and the stability of the molecule is estimated using the universal force field and ab initio methods.
Automatically Appraising the Credibility of Vaccine-Related Web Pages Shared on Social Media: A Twitter Surveillance Study (Preprint)
Authors: Shah Zubair , Surian Didi , Dyda Amalie , Coiera Enrico , Mandl Kenneth D , Dunn Adam G
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Tools used to appraise the credibility of health information are time-consuming to apply and require context-specific expertise, limiting their use for quickly identifying and mitigating the spread of misinformation as it emerges.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of vaccine-related Twitter posts linked to Web pages of low credibility and measure the potential reach of those posts.

METHODS

Sampling from 143,003 unique vaccine-related Web pages shared on Twitter between January 2017 and March 2018, we used a 7-point checklist adapted from validated tools and guidelines to manually appraise the credibility of 474 Web pages. These were used to train several classifiers (random forests, support vector machines, and recurrent neural networks) using the text from a Web page to predict whether the information satisfies each of the 7 criteria. Estimating the credibility of all other Web pages, we used the follower network to estimate potential exposures relative to a credibility score defined by the 7-point checklist.

RESULTS

The best-performing classifiers were able to distinguish between low, medium, and high credibility with an accuracy of 78% and labeled low-credibility Web pages with a precision of over 96%. Across the set of unique Web pages, 11.86% (16,961 of 143,003) were estimated as low credibility and they generated 9.34% (1.64 billion of 17.6 billion) of potential exposures. The 100 most popular links to low credibility Web pages were each potentially seen by an estimated 2 million to 80 million Twitter users globally.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that although a small minority of low-credibility Web pages reach a large audience, low-credibility Web pages tend to reach fewer users than other Web pages overall and are more commonly shared within certain subpopulations. An automatic credibility appraisal tool may be useful for finding communities of users at higher risk of exposure to low-credibility vaccine communications.
Electroacupuncture frequency-related effects on chronic low back pain in older adults: protocol for a randomized controlled trial. (Preprint)
Authors: Torres Sarina Francescato , de Macedo Ana Carolina Brandt , Antunes Mateus Dias , de Souza Ingred Merllin Batista , Santos Francisco Dimitre Rodrigo Pereira , Santo Adriana De Sousa Do Espírito , Jacob Flávia Ribeiro , Marques Amélia Pasqual
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Low back pain is the most frequent complaint in the clinical practice. Electroacupuncture treatment may be effective, however, the evidence supporting this possibility is still limited, especially in older adults.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect of different frequencies of electroacupuncture for chronic low back pain in older adults.

METHODS

A five-arm randomized controlled trial with patients and evaluators blinded to the group allocation. A total of 125 participants with non-specific low back pain will be randomly assigned into one of five groups: three electroacupuncture groups (low, high and alternating frequency), a control and a placebo group. The electroacupuncture will be applied twice a week (30 minutes per session) for 5 weeks. The primary clinical outcome will be pain intensity. The secondary outcomes include: quality of pain, physical functioning, perceived overall effect, emotional functionality, patient satisfaction and psychosocial factors. Patients will be evaluated before the first session, immediately after the last, and followed-up after 6 and 12 months to check the effects in the medium and long term.

RESULTS

We will recruit 125 participants with non-specific low back pain from January 2019 to October 2019 or until the recruitment process is complete. The final follow-up will be completed in October 2020. We expect all trial results to be available by the end of 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of different frequencies of electroacupuncture for chronic low back pain in older adults. We expect to screen a dominant electroacupuncture frequency on low back pain management in treatment groups than control or placebo group. The findings from this study will provide data to improve outcomes for those who traditionally rely on the acupuncture for low back pain care and will entail wider debate about an appropriate acupuncture intervention in this population.

CLINICALTRIAL

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03802045
Sickle cell disease and readmissions rates after lower extremity arthroplasty: a multistate analysis 2007–2014
Authors: Chen Yuefan , White Robert S , Tangel Virginia , Noori Selaiman A , Gaber-Baylis Licia K , Mehta Neel D , Pryor Kane O
Published: March 2019

Aim:To compare readmission rates between patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and non-sickle cell disease undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA).Methods:Identified adult patients who underwent THA or TKA from 2007 to 2014 in California, Florida, New York, Maryland and Kentucky using a multistate database. Outcomes were 30- and 90-day readmission rates, mortality, complications, length of stay and hospital charges. Logistic regression models were used for analysis.Results:Compared with non-sickle cell disease patients following TKA and THA, SCD patients had higher odds of 30- (odds ratio [OR]: 3.79) and 90-day readmissions (OR: 4.15), mortality (OR: 6.54), more complications, longer length of stay, and higher total charges.Conclusion:Following TKA and THA, SCD is associated with higher readmissions and worse outcomes.
PLASMA FERRITIN AND HEPCIDIN LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: AL-Adhami Ikram Ayad Anwar , Al-Shamahy Hassan A. , Al-Meeril Ali M.
Published: March 2019

Iron disorder and abnormal expression of hepcidin play important roles in many diseases, but it is still unclear in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).  We aimed to assess iron, ferritin and hepcidin levels in plasma of with or without T2DM and evaluated increased body iron stores as risk factor for developing T2DM. Plasma samples were collected from 88 participants, who were categorized into 2 groups based on the presence or absence of T2DM. Demographics and general health parameters were recorded. Chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect iron, ferritin and hepcidin concentrations. The geometric mean±SD of the plasma level of hepcidin, ferritin, iron and insulin among T2DM comparing with that of healthy controls were evaluated. Plasma ferritin and hepcidin levels in T2DM group were higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). The geometric mean ± SD of hepcidin and ferritin for T2DM were 41.1±23.3 μg/L and 227.2±156.1 ŋg/L respectively;   higher than the 15.2±2.3 μg/L and 114.4±60.4 ŋg/L of controls respectively. There was a significant associated between high level of plasma hepcidin (OR=2.75) and ferritin (OR=2.24); with T2 DM. In conclusion: the regulation of body iron, an essential but also toxic element is strictly controlled by a small peptide hormone hepcidin. The present data demonstrated that the higher hepcidin level in diabetic patients may be due to that higher ferritin, the elevated hepcidin might have adaptive value through down-regulated iron absorb and play an important role in pathogenesis of T2 DM.
HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF ASPARGUS RACEMOSUS ROOT EXTRACT ON LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS IN RATS
Authors: Ahmad Md. Parwez , Perween Tarannum , Singh Smita , Sinha Ragni , Hussain Arshad , Wahab Shadma , Jha Awadhesh Kumar
Published: March 2019

Lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin) produces an inflammatory condition leading to multiple organ failure. LPS most potent bacterial products is used for induction of host oxidative stress responses and liver injury. Present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Asparagus racemosus Willd. root extract in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced oxidative stress in rats by measuring oxidative stress markers, nitric oxide, liver function test and cytokines. The obtained data showed that LPS administration significantly reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), total cholesterol (TC) and albumin (ALB). There was significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), cytokines activity, serum aspartate transaminase(AST), alanine transaminase(ALT), alkaline phosphate (ALP), total bilirubin (TB) and nitric oxide(NO). The methanolic extract of Asparagus racemosus (MEAR) administration significantly (P<0.05) reduced LPS-induced oxidative stress by normalizing liver GSH, SOD, CAT, MDA, NO, cytokines and liver function markers. MEAR significantly increased ALB and TC level. Our results suggest that MEAR protects the liver against liver toxicity induced by LPS.
A REVIEW ON MEDICINAL USES OF DIFFERENT PLANTS OF EUPHORBIACEAE FAMILY
Authors: Islam Md. Shahidul , Ara Hasnat , Ahmad Kazi Ishtiaq , Uddin Md. Mayin
Published: March 2019

Euphorbiaceae is an important family which contains numerous medicinal plants. Today estimate that most of the people in developing countries still relays on traditional medicine based largely on species of plants in human being and animals for their primary healthcare. The family Euphorbiaceae is one of the largest family of flowering plants comprising of plants with over 300 genera and 8,000 species. Acalyphaindica L, Euphorbia hirta L, Euphorbia thymifolia L, Croton bonplandianumbaill, Jatropha gossypifolia L, Ricinus communis L are important plants of this family because these plants have different compounds like alkaloids, flavinoids, steroids, saponin, phenolic compounds, fatty acid, esters, minerals etc that have showed different activitiesin humen being and animal.This study provides important data for identification of different plants in Euphorbiaceae family. Species of Euphorbiaceae are extensively used as remedies against several diseases and complaints such as cancer, diabetes, diarrhoea, heart diseases, hemorrhages, hepatitis, jaundice, malaria, ophthalmic diseases, rheumatism and scabies etc.
Evaluación y desarrollo de competencias transversales en Ingeniería frente al cambio de la composición de la matrícula en una universidad argentina (2002-2013)
Authors: Cross Cecilia
Published: March 2019

Las ingenierías imponen el desafío pedagógico de enseñar contenidos con importante bagaje teórico para su aplicación en un mundo en permanente cambio. El desarrollo de competencias transversales ha sido presentado como un modo de saldar este desafío. Sin embargo, desde el aula debe lidiarse con, por un lado, un modelo de acreditación de saberes que se caracteriza por su fragmentación y por su carácter sumativo y cuantitativo y, por otro, el aumento y los cambios en la composición social de la matrícula. En este texto se presentan, reflexivamente, estrategias de evaluación pensadas para hacer frente al desafío de desarrollar competencias transversales en este contexto. Estas estrategias mejoraron las notas obtenidas en los parciales, pero incrementaron la tasa de abandono del curso.