bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisión de la psicología junguiana y sus posibles nexos con el pensamiento complejo: en la búsqueda de una psicoterapia compleja
Authors: Huerta Torres Octavio Felipe
Published: April 2019

Este artículo desarrolla varios fundamentos de la psicología junguiana desde las elaboraciones directas de su creador, el psicólogo suizo Carl Gustav Jung; la perspectiva propuesta es también llamada, por muchos psicólogos de esta teoría, psicología compleja. A la par, aquí se exponen algunas ideas claves referentes al pensamiento complejo de Edgar Morin, cuyo sustento es derivado del paradigma de la complejidad. En este ejercicio se encuentran pautas que podrían brindar un sustento epistemológico a algunos conceptos junguianos proponiendo, a su vez, otra mirada a esta corriente psicológica. Así, tal como lo propuso Jung, se entiende que el reconocimiento de las profundidades inconscientes es tan necesario para el sujeto como el entendimiento de su consciente y la dinámica entre ambos; por otra parte, que, según el pensamiento complejo, es desde la concurrencia donde es posible un acercamiento más real hacia la comprensión de los sistemas. Se comprende, entonces, que el inconsciente no debe ser explorado exclusivamente en relación a eso que aqueja al sujeto, a manera de repetición (circular), sino también en cuanto a su faceta creadora nconsciente que, con ayuda de la consciencia, se torna recursivo (espiral) y fuente de sanación.
Recensión: Ovejero, A. Autogestión en tiempos de crisis. Utilidad de las colectividades libertarias
Authors: Martí-Vilar Manuel , Yatim Harkous Wissam
Published: April 2019

El libro propone desde la Psicología un aumento de las conductas prosociales enfocadas hacía la justicia, dignidad equidad y bien común y así superar la crisis económica actual. El autor muestra las colectividades españolas como referente para la situación actual. Los recensores conectan esta propuesta con la de Kohlberg para favorecer la construcción de una comunidad moral y una ciudadanía con autonomía moral.
E-salud: prevención del consumo de sustancias psicoactivas mediante la educación virtual
Authors: Córdoba Quintero Luisa Fernanda , Restrepo Escobar Sandra Milena
Published: April 2019

La utilización de herramientas virtuales para la salud ha sido estudiada desde diversos enfoques. Esta revisión narrativa se propone conocer el conocimiento generado con respecto a la educación virtual en la prevención del consumo de sustancias psicoactivas (SPA), para lograr este objetivo se analizó la producción científica que hay al respecto, seleccionando textos que trabajarán específicamente las herramientas virtuales en el tema de las adicciones, debido a que el uso de drogas evidencia un aumento en los ámbitos internacional, nacional y local en su mayoría en población juvenil (que es también el público que hace mayor uso de las TIC), en tanto que las iniciativas educativas virtuales para este fin se han centrado más en las herramientas (Internet, TIC y teléfonos móviles) que en el público, en la metodología y en los contenidos, lo que permite concluir que falta evidencia científica en estrategias educativas virtuales para la prevención del consumo de SPA, que además hayan sido implementadas, evaluadas y planeadas también para padres y educadores.
Memoria histórica y derechos humanos en Concepción-Chile: lugares e imaginarios locales vividos
Authors: Tesche Roa Paula , Mera Lemp María José , Villagrán Caamaño Guillermo , Garrido Leiva Amanda
Published: April 2019

Objetivo: indagar desde un enfoque histórico en las formas de representación de la memoria reciente desde cuatro sitios vinculados a la represión política durante la dictadura cívico-militar (1973-1990) en la ciudad de Concepción-Chile: la Catedral de Concepción, el Estadio Municipal “Ester Roa Rebolledo”, el Memorial “Homenaje a los estudiantes detenidos desaparecidos” y el “Cuartel Bahamondes”. El nexo entre memoria y territorio se aborda desde el supuesto que éste último configura diferentes formas de memoria extrapolables a otros territorios. Método: Cualitativo documental, que considera investigación de archivos, análisis de fuentes primarias y secundarias escritas e imágenes fotográficas. Resultados: la Catedral y el Memorial se configuran como sitios de memoria por cuanto promueven formas de memoria éticas, políticas y religiosas. En cambio, el Estadio Municipal corresponde a un lugar de memoria invisibilizado, y en el caso del Cuartel, su condición de lugar intencionadamente negado dificulta su reconocimiento como sitio de memoria. Conclusiones: La memoria histórica reciente vinculada a los espacios configura una variada cartografía que abarca dimensiones éticas, estéticas, religiosas y políticas.
Apoyos y programas gubernamentales como fuente de financiamiento para la industria ganadera: estudio comparativo México, Costa Rica
Authors: Gutiérrez Jiménez Itzel , Barrantes Guevara Eduardo , Guzmán Díaz de León Virginia
Published: April 2019

Para que una empresa tenga éxito es fundamental el acceso a las fuentes de financiamiento. La industria ganadera de Latinoamérica es un sector marginal del crédito, por lo que, los gobiernos de países como México y Costa Rica promueven diferentes apoyos o programas para que los productores puedan acceder al financiamiento. En el caso de México, se otorgan apoyos no reembolsables para inversiones en áreas productivas estratégicas, y Costa Rica otorga programas de financiamiento con tasas bajas, periodo de gracia, garantías, plazos y pagos accesibles, en algunos casos el financiamiento va acompañado de apoyos no eembolsables, asistencia técnica y capacitación. En ambos países estas ayudas representan una fuente de financiamiento muy importante, ya que para gran parte de las empresas ganaderas es la única opción para acceder a un crédito. El objetivo de este estudio es comparar los apoyos y programas gubernamentales para la ganadería en México y Costa Rica, para determinar su relevancia como fuente de financiamiento. La investigación es documental, de tipo descriptiva.
Actual situation of computer crime in the credit and financial sphere of Ukraine (modern aspects)
Authors: Kofanova Olena , Tereshchenko Yuliia , Kutsyi Roman , Morhun Nadiia , Gushchyn Oleg
Published: April 2019

The purpose of the article is to study computer crimes in the credit and financial sphere based on elements of forensic characteristics of crimes and analysis of the ways of their commission. The relevance of the study is due to the rapid increase in the number of computer crimes in the credit and financial sphere and the low level of their disclosure. The research was conducted using the method of system analysis and synthesis of information obtained from criminal proceedings, as well as reports from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and the National Police of Ukraine, from 2014 to 2018. The most actual motives and methods of committing computer crimes in the financial sphere have been analyzed and it has been established that during the period of Ukraine’s independence, the level of economic crimes has increased by almost 300%. The increase in the number of crimes contributes to the distrust of the injured party to the law enforcement agencies, savings of funds of financial institutions on cyber security, low level of information security of the financial sphere of Ukraine, lack of clear coordination between the relevant departments, which are responsible for the investigation of these crimes. The necessity of conducting separate investigative actions at the initial stage of the investigation has been justified in order to facilitate the rapid identification of the suspect, causing material damage and, in general, the investigation process.
Economic growth of the country and national intellectual capital (evidence from the post-socialist countries of the central and eastern Europe)
Authors: Kuzkin Yevgen , Cherkashyna Tetiana , Nebaba Natalia , Kuchmacz Bozena
Published: April 2019

The purpose of the article is to study the innovation levers of developing the intellectual background for economic growth in two groups of post-socialist Central and Eastern European countries (middle-income and lower-middle-income countries). To achieve that, the quantitative effect of the national intellectual capital components (human capital, market capital, structural capital and capital of renewal and development) on the dynamics of the countries’ economic growth was determined.For both groups, multiple regressions have been constructed that reflect the quantitative relationship between the economic growth rates (in the regressions – the indicator of real gross domestic product per capita) and the components of national intellectual capital in 2010–2018. It has been established that the key innovative indicator of the economic growth of middle-income countries is the national capital of renewal and development, which in general corresponds to the pan-European model of innovation and investment development. Education is the main factor that provides the basis for the economic growth of lower-middle-income countries. Recommendations on improvement of national innovation policy are offered.
Relationships between shared sanitation facilities and diarrhoeal and soil-transmitted helminth infections: an analytical review
Authors: Ramlal P. S. , Stenström T. A. , Munien S. , Amoah I. D. , Buckley C. A. , Sershen
Published: April 2019

Shared sanitation is widely proposed as a means to increase access to improved sanitation. There are few reports of a causal relationship between the use of shared sanitation and community-acquired diarrhoea. This paper presents an analytical review of studies that have investigated the relationship between the use of shared sanitation and the prevalence of (1) diarrhoeal disease and (2) soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections. Data were extracted from the reviewed literature to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs). The use of shared sanitation showed a significant increase in diarrhoeal diseases, with an overall OR of 2.39 (85% CI 1.15–8.31). Children under 5 years were slightly less affected with a prevalence ratio of 1.09 (95% CI 1.06–1.12). The number of published reports on STH infections in relation to shared sanitation was limited, but the few that do exist report on ‘improved sanitation’, showing a positive and protective impact with an overall OR of 0.49 (95% CI 0.28–0.89), which is contrary to the negative impact related to diarrhoea. Despite the limited information on the direct link between shared sanitation and incidence of diarrhoeal/STH infections, this literature review demonstrates that the relationship deserves close attention in future practice and research.

This article has been made Open Access thanks to the generous support of a global network of libraries as part of the Knowledge Unlatched Select initiative.
Optimization of groundwater resource for balanced cropping pattern
Authors: Varade Smita , Patel Jayantilal N.
Published: April 2019

In this paper, an optimization model is formulated and optimal cropping pattern is suggested. Conjunctive use of water is not feasible for the study area as groundwater is the only source to fulfil irrigation demand. Water resources for the study area are limited. Best utilization of available water resources for increased net benefits is always advisable. Sinnar Taluka of Nasik district of Maharashtra state in India is considered as a study area. An existing cropping pattern is studied extensively and a new cropping pattern is suggested. Teaching–learning-based algorithm (TLBO) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm are applied to solve the optimization model. TLBO algorithm provides higher net returns as compared to PSO algorithm. TLBO and PSO saves up to 16.52% of water and benefits are increased by 35.81%. The study area is overexploited, this is fact. The new cropping pattern is suggested by considering minimum rainfall, i.e., 400 mm, so that in years when rainfall is above minimum rainfall the groundwater levels will be raised. In the proposed cropping pattern a few crop areas are majorly increased and a few crop areas are majorly reduced. The remaining crop areas are minorly increased or reduced and net benefits are increased and water demand decreased.
Core aspects of international water supply and wastewater disposal with a focus on developing countries in the Asia and Africa region
Authors: Lawens M. , Eckhardt H. , Gramel S.
Published: April 2019

Water crises are already stressing societies, economies, and the environment worldwide and especially developing countries. The expected growth in population, urbanization and economic activity, as well as the impact of climate change, will exacerbate the situation in the coming decade. In developed countries, conventional water supply and wastewater disposal systems ensure safe access to drinking water, sanitation and wastewater services. The worldwide application of conventional systems is, however, only possible to a limited extent. The reason for this is that these systems are designed for certain climatic conditions and also do not consider the varying requirements regarding water supply and wastewater disposal typical for developing countries. Although there are alternative water supply and wastewater disposal systems that have proved to be successful throughout the developing world, there are still several barriers to their worldwide adoption. To increase the establishment of these approaches this paper focuses on aspects of particular relevance for developing countries, namely: water reuse (untreated wastewater), alternative sewerage (settled and simplified sewerage), alternative wastewater treatment (waste stabilization ponds, constructed wetlands and up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors) and management of water losses (real and apparent losses).
Statistical assessment and neural network modeling of stream water quality observations of Green River watershed, KY, USA
Authors: Anmala Jagadeesh , Venkateshwarlu Turuganti
Published: April 2019

The measurement and statistical modeling of water quality data are essential to developing a region-based stream-wise database that would be of great use to the EPA's needs. Such a database would also be useful in bio-assessment and in the modeling of processes that are related to riparian vegetation surrounding a water body such as a stream network. With the help of easily measurable data, it would be easier to come up with database-intensive numerical and computer models that explain the stream water quality distribution and biological integrity and predict stream water quality patterns. Statistical assessments of nutrients, stream water metallic and non-metallic pollutants, organic matter, and biological species data are needed to accurately describe the pollutant effects, to quantify health hazards, and in the modeling of water quality and its risk assessment. The study details the results of statistical nonlinear regression and artificial neural network models for Upper Green River watershed, Kentucky, USA. The neural network models predicted the stream water quality parameters with more accuracy than the nonlinear regression models in both training and testing phases. For example, neural network models of pH, conductivity, salinity, total dissolved solids, and dissolved oxygen gave an R2 coefficient close to 1.0 in the testing phase, while the nonlinear regression models resulted in less than 0.6. For other parameters also, neural networks showed better generalization compared with nonlinear regression models.
Continuation of adjuvant chemotherapy for osteosarcoma resistant to neoadjuvant treatment. Meaningful action or habit?
Authors: Zhukov N. V.
Published: April 2019

Chemotherapy (CT) has significantly increased the chance of cure for patients with resectable osteogenic sarcoma and is now an integral part of their treatment. At the same time, the standard approach is represented by administration of the same СT (doxorubicin, cisplatin, methotrexate) to all patients both before and after the surgery has remained unchanged over the past decades. Unfortunately, the results of its application in patients with a poor pathologic response of a tumor to preoperative CT are not satisfactory, and recently published studies have not shown their improvement due to the intensification of postoperative CT. As a result, the standard of treatment for these patients remains a continuation after surgery the same CT, which has proved ineffective at the preoperative stage. The article is devoted to a critical analysis of the feasibility of such practices and an assessment of the possible positive and negative consequences of the rejection of postoperative CT in patients with poor pathologic response.
Metastatic lung disease in children with solid tumors: a historical excursion
Authors: Gumbatova E. D.
Published: April 2019

The review article provides information about metastases of solid tumors in the lungs: from pathogenesis and the first experience of metastasectomy to a combined local method of therapeutic treatment. According to the literature, lung metastasectomy is part of the standard treatment for adults, but information about the surgical treatment of metastatic lesions in children remains poorly understood. As a rule, metastatic lesion accompanies the progression of the tumor process. Since the 1960s, methods of isolated lung perfusion have been developed, the results of which are reflected in a few articles, but most of the studies are aimed at exploring the possibilities of use and at the direct results of the implementation of this technique.
Recent Advances in the Knowledge of Naturally-derived Bioactive Compounds as Modulating Agents of the Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone System: Therapeutic Benefits in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: de Souza Priscila , da Silva Luisa M. , de Andrade Sérgio F. , Gasparotto Junior Arquimedes
Published: April 2019

Background:

One of the biggest challenges to public health worldwide is to reduce the number of
events and deaths related to the cardiovascular diseases. Numerous approaches have been applied to reach this
goal, and drug treatment intervention has been indispensable along with an effective strategy for reducing both
cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade is currently one
of the most important targets of cardiovascular drug therapy. Many studies have proven the valuable properties of
naturally-derived bioactive compounds to treat cardiovascular diseases.

Methods:

The goal of this review, therefore, is to discuss the recent developments related to medicinal properties
about natural compounds as modulating agents of the RAAS, which have made them an attractive alternative to
be available to supplement the current therapy options.

Results:

Data has shown that bioactive compounds isolated from several natural products act either by inhibiting
the angiotensin-converting enzyme or directly by modulating the AT1 receptors of angiotensin II, which consequently
changes the entire classical axis of this system.

Conclusion:

While there are a few evidence about the positive actions of different classes of secondary metabolites
for the treatment of cardiovascular and renal diseases, data is scarce about the clinical assays established to
demonstrate their value in humans.
Tofu Processing at Tofu Industry Using Fermented Whey as Coagulants
Authors: Yuwono Sudarminto S. , Waziiroh Elok
Published: April 2019

Background:

Tofu industry in Indonesia commonly used fermented whey as coagulant.
There is a lack of study about tofu producing process which used fermented whey. Generally, the society
determine the tofu quality from the texture, however, the industry itself tend to produced tofu
rendement. In the tofu industry, the yield and texture of tofu is a very important process parameter.
The yield and texture are influenced by various factors, such as the soybean extraction process, cooking
temperature, coagulation pH, length of coagulant addition, intensity of coagulant addition, or duration
of shaping and pressing. However, every tofu factory applies different levels for each factor.
This condition causes the variation in the characteristics of tofu, especially with regard to its texture
and yield.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the factors that affect the quality and quantity of tofu.

Methods:

The survey study was conducted among the 21 tofu factories using fermented whey as the
coagulant.

Results:

Based on the survey results, there were seven variables that determine the yield of tofu; the
soybean type, soybean and water ratio, pH of fermented whey (coagulant), coagulation temperature
(°C), coagulation pH, intensity of coagulant addition (time), and duration of molding (minutes).

Conclusion:

The six factors that influenced the tofu texture were soybean type, soybean and water
ratio, coagulation temperature (°C), coagulation pH, coagulation time (minutes), and duration of
molding (minutes).
Aggregation-induced Emission-active Fluorescent Nanodot as a Potential Photosensitizer for Photodynamic Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Zhang Ying , Chen Huigang , Wang Qingxia , Sun Jing
Published: April 2019

Background:

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has become a very promising and effective
strategy for the treatment of cancers and other malignant diseases. In recent years, photosensitizers
(PS) with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) property have attracted great attention.

Objective:

A high-performance AIE-active PS, E- 1-allyl-3-(2-(5-(4-(diphenylamino)phenyl) thiophene-
2-yl)vinyl)quinoxalin-2 (1H)-one (SJ-1), was synthesized and its PDT effect was preliminarily
tested in vitro.

Methods:

SJ-1 was designed using a quinoxalinone scaffold as the core chromophore. It could selfassembled
into AIE-active nanoparticles with a mean size of 155 nm in aqueous medium and show
maximum emission at 633 nm.

Results:

SJ-1 nanoparticles at a concentration of 20 µM showed effective reactive oxygen species
(ROS) production and could induce almost 90% decrease of cell viability under laser irradiation in
Hela and HT-29 cells, with negligible dark toxicity.

Results:

In vitro results indicated that SJ-1 may be a potential PS for PDT.
Surotomycin (A Novel Cyclic Lipopeptide) vs. Vancomycin for the Treatment of Clostridioides difficile Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Muhammad Aziz , Madhav Desai , Rawish Fatima , Viveksandeep Thoguluva C. , Albert Eid , Mollie Jackson , Prateek Sharma
Published: April 2019

Background:

Current guidelines recommend the use of vancomycin for the initial treatment
of moderate to severe Clostridioides difficile Infection (CDI). Surotomycin, a novel antibiotic,
has been utilized for the management of CDI with variable results.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was performed using the following electronic databases
[Medline, Embase, google scholar and Cochrane] for eligible studies. Randomized controlled trials
comparing Surotomycin with Vancomycin for the CDI treatment were included. Demographic variables
and outcomes (CDI resolution, CDI recurrence, B1/NAP1/027-specific strain treatment,
B1/NAP1/027-strain recurrence, death not related to treatment) were analyzed. The primary outcome
was clinical cure rate defined as the resolution of CDI at the end of the 10-day drug course.

Results:

Three RCTs met the inclusion criteria with a total of 1280 patients with CDI who received
either surotomycin 250 mg twice daily (642 patients) or vancomycin 125 mg four times daily (638
patients). Clinical cure rates after 10 days of treatment with either surotomycin or vancomycin were
not significantly different (pooled OR: 0.89, 95% CI 0.66-1.18, p=0.41). Sustained clinical response
at clinical follow-up and the overall recurrence of CDI were also not significantly different between
the two groups – pooled OR 1.15 (95% CI 0.89-1.50, p=0.29) and pooled OR 0.74 (95%CI 0.52-
1.04, p=0.08), respectively. With regards to the NAP1/BI/027 strain, patients in the surotomycin
group had significantly lower rates of recurrence compared to vancomycin (pooled OR 0.35, 95%
CI 0.19-0.63, p<0.01).

Conclusion:

Surotomycin is non-inferior to vancomycin and offers a promising alternative for the
treatment and prevention of C. diff infection.
Evaluation of hMSCs Response to Sodium Alginate / Bioactive Glass Composite Paste: Effect of CaO/P2O5, Sodium Alginate Concentration and P/L Ratios
Authors: Ahmadi Seyed Mohammad , Behnamghader Aliasghar , Asefnejaad Azadeh
Published: April 2019

Background:

Bioactive glasses with different compositions have been extensively used as
bone tissue engineering. Preparation, development and characterization of alginate pastes containing
bioglass for bone repair applications were the purposes of this study.

Objective:

The injectable bone pastes were produced from sol-gel derived bioactive glass nanoparticles
with various CaO/P2O5 ratios of 19, 9.5 and 4.75 and sodium alginate solutions with different concentrations
of 1, 2 and 4 wt.%. The effect of CaO/P2O5 and powder to liquid (P/L) ratios and alginate concentration
on injectability, biodegradation, rheological properties, bioactivity and cellular behavior of
the pastes have been studied. The behavior of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in the presence
of the pastes was assessed by MTT assay, biomineralization assay, ALP activity, Acridine orange
staining and Alizarin red staining tests.

Results:

By adding sodium alginate, the pastes exhibited a thixotropy behavior. The storage modulus
of all pastes was larger than the loss modulus in the frequency range of 0.1-100 s-1. Cytotoxicity
evaluation results revealed that there was a critical amount of bioactive glass in pastes which are above
the limit; the viability of hMSCs will be at risk. The pastes made of bioactive glass nanoparticles with
CaO/P2O5 = 9.5 and sodium alginate 1% with P/L ratio of 0.8 showed optimum behavior in terms of
mineral carrying capacity, injectability characteristics, accellular bioactivity in SBF, loss weight and
wash out behavior, proliferation and differentiation of hMSCs.

Conclusion:

According to the results, the pastes prepared with sodium alginate solution and bioactive
glass nanoparticles can be beneficial in bone tissue engineering.
Amalgamation of Stem Cells with Nanotechnology: A Unique Therapeutic Approach
Authors: Alexander Amit , Saraf Shailendra , Saraf Swarnlata , Agrawal Mukta , Patel Ravish J. , Agrawal Palak , Khan Junaid , Ajazuddin
Published: April 2019

In the last few years, the stem cell therapy has gained much popularity among researchers and scientists of biomedical field. It became an effective and alternative approach for the treatment of various physiological conditions (like accidental injuries, burn damage, organ failure, bone marrow transfusion, etc.) and chronic disorders (diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, periodontal diseases, etc.). Due to the unique ability of cellular differentiation and regeneration, stem cell therapy serves as the last hope for various incurable conditions and severe damages. The amalgamation of stem cell therapy with nanotechnology brings new prospects to the stem cell research, as it improves the specificity of the treatment and controls the stem cell proliferation and differentiation. In this review article, we have discussed various nanocarrier systems such as carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, nanofibers, nanoparticles, nanodiamonds, nanoparticle scaffold, etc. utilized for the delivery of stem cell inside the body.
Exploring and Exploiting Tissue Engineering Through the Design of Multifunctional Therapeutic Systems
Authors: Mozafari Masoud
Published: April 2019

This article presents a special issue of "Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy" devoted to exploring and exploiting
tissue engineering through the design of multifunctional therapeutic systems. This lead article draws from twelve
contributed articles to discuss the most recent advancements in this emerging field. The common theme in the contributed
articles is the emerging therapeutic strategies, and a special appeal is made for collaboration between engineers and biologists
for the development of multifunctional therapeutic systems for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Amyloid A in Serum and Ascitic Fluid as a Novel Diagnostic Marker of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis
Authors: Badawi Rehab , Asghar Muhammad N. , Abd-Elsalam Sherief , Elshweikh Samah A. , Haydara Tamer , Alnabawy Sherein M. , Elkadeem Mahmoud , ElKhalawany Walaa , Soliman Samah , Elkhouly Reham , Soliman Shimaa , Watany Mona , Khalif Mai , Elfert Asem
Published: April 2019

Background:

Diagnosis of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP) depends
mainly on ascetic fluid culture which may be negative in spite of the clinical suggestion of
SBP and high ascetic fluid neutrophilic count.

Aim:

This study aimed to evaluate the biological importance of amyloid A biomarker in
both serum and ascetic fluid to diagnose SBP as early as possible and to compare it to other
markers (C-reactive protein (CRP), and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)).

Methods:

This study included 37 patients with hepatic ascites; twenty-two of them had
SBP, and 15 patients did not have SBP. Serum and ascetic fluid amyloid A, ascetic fluid
neutrophil, C-reactive protein, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were measured in all
subjects before the start of antimicrobial chemotherapy to the infected ones.

Results:

Both the serum and ascetic fluid amyloid and also, CRP were significantly higher
in patients infected with ascetic fluid than others. The cut-off point of serum amyloid A for
early detection of SBP was 9.25ug/ml with the high sensitivity and specificity. For ascetic
amyloid A, the sensitivity and specificity were 90.09% and 60% at cut-off point 2.85ug/ml,
respectively.

Conclusion:

Amyloid A in serum and ascitic fluid can be considered as a good biomarker
for early diagnosis of SBP.
Loco-Regional BCGitis Revealing a HIV Infection in an Infant: A Case Report
Authors: Khattou Ibtissam , Louachama Ouidad , Rada Noureddine , Draiss Ghizlane , Bouskraoui Mohammed
Published: April 2019

The BCG disease is a specific complication of the Bacille Calmette and Guerin (BCG) vaccine. It is often in the form of benign local BCGitis, however the BCGosis is a lethal disseminated disease that can occur in a patient with immunodeficiency. The prognosis depends on the immune status of the patient, and the quality of management. Therapeutic modalities are very controversial. In this article, the authors report a case of loco-regional BCGitis revealing an HIV infection.
Combining Ability and Heterosis for Yield and Related Traits in Chili (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Chakrabarty Swapan , Islam A. K. M. Aminul , Mian M. A. Khaleque , Ahamed Tofayel
Published: April 2019

Introduction:

An experiment was conducted to study combining ability and heterosis for yield and related traits in chili during November 2015 to September 2017.

Materials and Methods:

The experimental material consisted of six parents and their fifteen F1’s developed by half diallel mating design. Analysis of variance for combining ability exhibited significant General and Specific Combining Ability (GCA and SCA) effects for all the characters studied.

Results:

The SCA variance was higher than GCA variance for all the traits except ten fresh fruit weight, fruit length and fruit width indicating the predominance of non-additive type of gene action. The parents P1and P6were identified as the best general combiners and the hybrids P1×P6, P1×P4and P2×P5were identified as the best specific combinations for fresh fruit yield per plant and related traits. The hybrids P1×P6, P1×P4and P3×P6showed significant average heterosis and heterobeltiosis for fresh fruit yield per plant and its related traits. (H1/D)0.5ratio indicated partial dominance effect of genes for all the traits.

Conclusion:

Therefore, it may be possible to take advantages of better heterotic effects to be fixed in the later generations to facilitate further selection and best specific combinations for development of the hybrid variety of chili which can help to increase the total production in Bangladesh.
Influence of Working Memory on Academic Achievement and Quality of Life in Children with Beta-Thalassemia Major
Authors: Gamayani Uni , Meidha Dini Lestari Ni Luh , Ganiem Ahmad Rizal , Panigoro Ramdan
Published: April 2019

Background:

Children with beta-thalassemia major may suffer from working memory impairment. For a more refined understanding of this issue, we assessed working memory function in beta-thalassemia children and evaluated its influence on academic achievement and quality of life.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study involving 60 beta-thalassemia children aged 8-12 years. All participants underwent a working memory assessment using the digit span and were interviewed using academic achievement and Indonesian version of PedsQL 4.0 questionnaires. Working memory in beta-thalassemia children significantly influences their quality of life, both directly (β=0.32) and indirectly, through their academic achievement (β=0.639). Longer duration of transfusion (p=0.01) is significantly related to poorer working memory, while lower hemoglobin level (p=0.81) and higher ferritin level (p=0.24) are not significantly associated with working memory.

Conclusion:

We concluded that working memory influences the quality of life in beta-thalassemia children, both directly and indirectly, through their academic achievement.
The Role of Phenotypic Personality Traits as Dimensions of Decision-making Styles
Authors: Gulseven Osman , Mostert Jacques
Published: April 2019

Background:

Each individual has unique personality traits which affect decision-making process. Those traits are defined as cautiousness, openness to experience, decision difficulty, agency, emotion neutrality, goal orientation, intuitive awareness, plan orientation, pro-activity, and rationality.

Objective:

The study aimed to show how established personality traits as dimensions of decision-making can be used to classify four distinct decision-making styles. The personality styles are defined as avoidant, designer, flexible, and auditor styles.

Methods:

A global survey was conducted to gather information on individual decision-making styles. Quantitative methods, such as tabular analysis, mean score equivalency test, correlation analysis, discriminant analysis and chi-square test for association have been used.

Results:

We found that there are significant gender differences in personality styles. This is partially due to the differences in emotion-neutrality scores among men and women. Female respondents are more emotional, a finding that is common in educational workers.

Conclusion:

The results reinforce that gender differences in emotions exist. For a socially interactive occupation such as education, being emotional might lead to better communication.
Prospective of Natural Gum Nanoparticulate Against Cardiovascular Disorders
Authors: Deep Aakash , Rani Neeraj , Kumar Ashok , Nandal Rimmy , Sharma Prabodh C. , Sharma Arun K.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Objective: Various natural gums can be synergistically used in nanoparticulate drug delivery systems to treat cardiovascular diseases. Nanotechnology has been integrated into healthcare in terms of theranostics. In this review, we consider various natural gums that can be used for the preparation of nanoparticles and their role to treat cardiovascular disease.

Methods:

Nanoparticles can carry drugs at nanoscales and deliver them to the targeted sites with the desired pattern of drug release. They have specialized uptake mechanisms (e.g. - absorptive endocytosis) which improve the bioavailability of drugs.

Results:

By considering cardiovascular diseases at the molecular level, it is possible to modify the materials with nanotechnology and apply nano-formulations efficiently as compared with conventional preparations, due to the fact that the extracellular matrix (ECM) comprises components at the nanoscale range. The interactions of ECM components with cellular components occur at the nanoscale, therefore the nanomaterials have the potential to maintain the nanoscale properties of cells. The synthetic materials used to develop the nanoparticulate drug delivery system may cause toxicity.

Conclusion:

This problem can be overcome by using natural polymers. Natural gums can be used in nanoparticulate drug delivery systems as reducing and stabilizing agents and in some cases; they may directly or indirectly influence the rate of drug release and absorption from the preparation.
Experience in the use of modern H-SIL diagnostic methods in the screening of cervical cancer on the example of the Rostov region
Authors: Dimitriadi Tatiana A. , Burtsev Dmitry V. , Dzhenkova Elena A. , Mikhelson Alexander F. , Lebedenko Elizaveta Yu.
Published: April 2019

Objective: to evaluate the eff ectiveness of the regional cervical cancer screening program by liquid-based cytology. Materials and Methods: the geography of screening includes 54 medical units of the Rostov region, where patients are taken swabs from the cervix. HPV positive patients with abnormal PAP smears are invited to the Regional cervical pathology center for diagnosis and treatment. Methods. liquid-based cytology, the HPV test RealTime PCR, colposcopy with video recording, biopsy of the cervix by the method of loop excision or electroradiographic conization. Results: From 2014 to 2017, 188 641 cytology tests were performed. Cervical cancer was revealed in 189 women – (0.1 %), H-SIL and ASCH in 566 (0.3 %), 377 ASCUS (0.2 %), L-SIL in 23014 (12.2 %), absence of intracellular lesions or malignancy in 164495 (87.2 %). 2162 HPV-positive women aged 18 to 69 years were invited to the Regional cervical pathology center gynecologist for examination. Treatment by conization (622) and excision (830) of the cervix was performed in 1452 patients, H-SIL and CIS were revealed in 1162 women (78 %). Conclusion: tests such as liquid-based cytology and HPV testing, their optimal multiplicity and sequence allow timely detection and treatment of precancerous cervical epithelium lesions.
Non-medicated, preventive and architectural-planning event prevention of morbidity development allergic rynthes in adults and children
Authors: Murashko Anna O. , Smolina Olesya O.
Published: April 2019

Objective: the development of non-medicated and preventive, as well as architectural and planning measures to reduce respiratory diseases. Materials and methods: the study group consisted of 60 patients aged 23 to 64 years with a diagnosis of allergic rhinitis based on the medical and diagnostic institution of Novosibirsk, in 2017, in a questionnaire format with subsequent analysis and synthesis from the results of the study. Twenty public areas (pre-school, school and multifunctional institutions) located in various functional areas of the city, the presence of the number and species diversity of tree plants-allergens are also considered, in 2018. Results: existing preventive and non-drug measures of allergic rhinitis require optimization. Architectural and planning complex of tasks to reduce respiratory diseases is completely absent. Conclusions: the technique for reducing respiratory diseases, based on the developed scientifi c and practical non-drug and preventive, as well as architectural and planning recommendations
Technical guidance for clinicians interested in partnering with engineers in mHealth development and evaluation (Preprint)
Authors: Shah Lochan M. , Yang William E. , Demo Ryan , Lee Matthias A , Weng Daniel , Shan Rongzi , Wongvibulsin Shannon , Spaulding Erin M. , Marvel Francoise A. , Martin Seth Shay
Published: April 2019

UNSTRUCTURED

The explosion of mobile health (mHealth) interventions has prompted significant investment and exploration that has extended past industry into academia. Although research in this space is emerging, it focuses on the clinical and population level impact across different populations. To realize the full potential of mHealth, an intimate understanding of how mHealth is being used by patients, and potential differences in usage between various demographic groups, must also be prioritized. Here, we use our experiences building a mobile health (mHealth) intervention that incorporates an iOS app, Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure cuff, and Apple Watch to share pearls on (1) how user interaction data can be tracked in the context of healthcare privacy laws, (2) what is required for effective, nuanced communication between clinicians and engineers to design mHealth interventions that are patient-centered and have high clinical impact, and (3) how to handle and set up a process to handle user interaction data efficiently.
Smart, Remote, and Targeted Health Care Facilitation Through Connected Health: Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Chen Sonia Chien-I , Hu Ridong , McAdam Rodney
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Societies around the world are aging. Widespread aging creates problems for social services and health care practices. In this light, research on connected health (CH) is becoming essential. CH refers to a variety of technological measures that allow health care to be provided remotely with the aim of increasing efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and satisfaction on the part of health care recipients. CH is reshaping health care’s direction to be more proactive, more preventive, and more precisely targeted and, thus, more effective. CH has been demonstrated to have great value in managing and preventing chronic diseases, which create huge burdens on health care and social services. In short, CH provides promising solutions to diseases and social challenges associated with aging populations. However, there are many barriers that need to be overcome before CH can be successfully and widely implemented.

OBJECTIVE

The research question of this study is as follows: How can CH facilitate smart, remote, and targeted health care? The objective is to identify how health care can be managed in more comprehensive ways, such as by providing timely, flexible, accessible, and personalized services to preserve continuity and offer high-quality seamless health care.

METHODS

A qualitative approach was used based on 60 multistage, semistructured stakeholder interviews.

RESULTS

The results can be divided into two functions of CH: ecosystem and platform. On the one hand, the interviews enabled the authors to develop a stakeholder classification and interaction diagram. These stakeholders interacted sequentially to provide technology-based content to end users. On the other hand, interviewees reflected on how CH serves as a platform to address remote monitoring and patient self-management. In the Discussion section, three innovation strategies are discussed to reflect the manner in which CH promotes smart, timely, and precise health care.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that it is essential to continually revise CH business models, given the ongoing and rapid changes in technology across groups of CH stakeholders. We also found that global trends toward smart, timely, and precise health care shape what individuals expect from products and services, providing firms with unique opportunities for growth.
Detecting Lifestyle Risk Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease With Comorbidities: Association Rule Mining Analysis of Web-Based Survey Data (Preprint)
Authors: Peng Suyuan , Shen Feichen , Wen Andrew , Wang Liwei , Fan Yadan , Liu Xusheng , Liu Hongfang
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

The rise in the number of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and consequent end-stage renal disease necessitating renal replacement therapy has placed a significant strain on health care. The rate of progression of CKD is influenced by both modifiable and unmodifiable risk factors. Identification of modifiable risk factors, such as lifestyle choices, is vital in informing strategies toward renoprotection. Modification of unhealthy lifestyle choices lessens the risk of CKD progression and associated comorbidities, although the lifestyle risk factors and modification strategies may vary with different comorbidities (eg, diabetes, hypertension). However, there are limited studies on suitable lifestyle interventions for CKD patients with comorbidities.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of our study are to (1) identify the lifestyle risk factors for CKD with common comorbid chronic conditions using a US nationwide survey in combination with literature mining, and (2) demonstrate the potential effectiveness of association rule mining (ARM) analysis for the aforementioned task, which can be generalized for similar tasks associated with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

METHODS

We applied ARM to identify lifestyle risk factors for CKD progression with comorbidities (cardiovascular disease, chronic pulmonary disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and cancer) using questionnaire data for 450,000 participants collected from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) 2017. The BRFSS is a Web-based resource, which includes demographic information, chronic health conditions, fruit and vegetable consumption, and sugar- or salt-related behavior. To enrich the BRFSS questionnaire, the Semantic MEDLINE Database was also mined to identify lifestyle risk factors.

RESULTS

The results suggest that lifestyle modification for CKD varies among different comorbidities. For example, the lifestyle modification of CKD with cardiovascular disease needs to focus on increasing aerobic capacity by improving muscle strength or functional ability. For CKD patients with chronic pulmonary disease or rheumatoid arthritis, lifestyle modification should be high dietary fiber intake and participation in moderate-intensity exercise. Meanwhile, the management of CKD patients with diabetes focuses on exercise and weight loss predominantly.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated the use of ARM to identify lifestyle risk factors for CKD with common comorbid chronic conditions using data from BRFSS 2017. Our methods can be generalized to advance chronic disease management with more focused and optimized lifestyle modification of NCDs.
Perceived Stress Among Resident Doctors in Jordanian Teaching Hospitals: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Maswadi Nizar , Khader Yousef S , Abu Slaih Ahmad
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Medical residents in Jordanian hospitals are involved in many clinical and nonclinical tasks that expose them to various stress factors. High stress and burnout have the potential to negatively impact work performance and patient care, including medication errors, suboptimal care, clinical errors, and patient dissatisfaction.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the perceived stress among medical residents in Jordanian hospitals and its associated risk factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among residents in Jordanian hospitals. A cluster sample of 5 hospitals with residency programs was selected from different health sectors. All residents who were working in the selected hospitals were invited to participate in this study, during the period from April to July 2017. A total of 555 residents agreed to participate in this study, giving a response rate of 84%. The perceived stress scale (PSS) was used for assessment.

RESULTS

A total of 398 male and 157 female residents were included in this study. The mean PSS score in this study was 21.6; 73% (405/555) of the residents had moderate level of stress, and 18% (100/555) had high level of stress. About 6.7% (37/555) of the residents had hypertension, 2.7% (15/555) had diabetes, 3.2% (18/555) had heart disease, and 8.5% (47/555) were anemic. 233 (42%) respondents complained of back pain, and 161 (29%) of the respondents complained of insomnia. Stress was associated with higher workload, sleep deprivation, and dissatisfaction in the relationship with colleagues, with income, and with the program. In multivariate analysis, the following factors were significantly associated with stress: female gender, dissatisfaction with working environment, and facing work-related, academic, and family stressors.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of medical residents in Jordanian hospitals felt nervous and stressed. Conducting stress management programs during residency and improving the work environment are strongly recommended.