bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunosuppression in Kidney Transplantation: State of the Art and Current Protocols
Authors: Bauer Andrea C. , Franco Rodrigo F. , Manfro Roberto C.
Published: May 2020

Currently, kidney transplantation is the best treatment option for kidney failure for a majority of eligible
patients. It is associated with a better quality of life and reduced mortality as compared to staying on dialysis.
Many of the improvements in kidney transplant outcomes, observed in recent decades, are due to more efficient
immunosuppression strategies. Therefore, developing expertise in the management of immunosuppressive drugs
is key to the success of kidney transplantation. In this review, the historical aspects of organ transplant immunosuppression
are briefly addressed and the basis of the allograft immune response to contextualize the main topic is
provided, which is a deeper view of the immunosuppressive agents, including their known mechanisms of action,
pharmacokinetics, interactions, toxicities, and clinical use. The most commonly used immunosuppressive protocols
employed based on patients' and donors' characteristics are also presented here.
Stress Gastric Ulcers and Cytoprotective Strategies: Perspectives and Trends
Authors: Ray Arunabha , Gulati Kavita , Henke Peter
Published: May 2020

Stress gastric ulceration is a clinical condition leading to morbidity/mortality and complex etiopathological
factors are involved. Pharmacotherapy of such gastric mucosal lesions is not consistent and novel
strategies are being explored. Targeting gastrointestinal factors have showed equivocal results and there is a possibility
of involvement of extra-gastrointestinal factors. Stress is a highly interactive biological response in which
the brain plays a key role. The involvement of brain substrates like the limbic system (amygdala, cortex, hippocampus)
and behavioral traits has been investigated and research data has shown that the limbic brain-gut axis
may be involved in the regulation of gastric mucosal integrity during stressful situations. The amygdaloid complex,
its connections with other limbic structures and their neural networks act in tandem to contribute to both
stress ulceration and gastroprotection. Complex neurotransmitter interactions in these areas involving biogenic
amines and neuropeptides have been shown to modulate stress ulcerogenesis in experimental models. The immune
system and brain-immune interactions also appear to play a decisive role in the genesis of such stress gastric
lesions and the possibility of a brain-gut-immune axis has been proposed during stress gastric lesions. More
recent studies have shown the involvement of oxidative stress and nitric oxide as well as their interactions during
such stress gastric pathology, indicating the possible role of antioxidants and NO modulators as gastroprotective
agents for stress ulceration. In view of the complex pathophysiology, multiple targets and lack of consistent
therapeutic modalities, newer/alternative hypotheses are constantly emerging, which could be explored for effective
treatment strategies aimed at gastric cytoprotection. Herbal agents with adaptogenic properties could be
worth exploring in this regard as some of these phytopharmaceutical agents used in traditional medicine have
been shown to exhibit gastric cytoprotection as part of their anti-stress profile. Further, their interactions with
brain neurotransmitters and immune mechanisms and their relative safety could make them prospective leads for
stress ulcer prophylaxis and treatment.
Resveratrol Induces Apoptosis and Attenuates Proliferation of MCF-7 Cells in Combination with Radiation and Hyperthermia
Authors: Amini Peyman , Nodooshan Saeedeh Jafari , Ashrafizadeh Milad , Eftekhari Seyed-Mohammad , Aryafar Tayebeh , Khalafi Leila , Musa Ahmed Eleojo , Mahdavi Seyed Rabie , Najafi Masoud , Farhood Bagher
Published: May 2020

Aim:

In the current in vitro study, we tried to examine the possible role of
resveratrol as a sensitizer in combination with radiotherapy or hyperthermia.

Background:

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy for women and one of the most
common worldwide. It has been suggested that using non-invasive radiotherapy alone
cannot eliminate cancer cells. Hyperthermia, which is an adjuvant modality, induces cancer
cell death mainly through apoptosis and necrosis. However, cancer cells can also develop
resistance to this modality.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to determine possible potentiation of apoptosis
when MCF-7 cells treated with resveratrol before hyperthermia or radiotherapy.

Methods:

MCF-7 cancer cells were treated with different doses of resveratrol to achieve
IC50%. Afterwards, cells treated with the achieved concentration of resveratrol were exposed
to radiation or hyperthermia. Proliferation, apoptosis and the expression of pro-apoptotic
genes were evaluated using flow cytometry, MTT assay and real-time PCR. Results for each
combination therapy were compared to radiotherapy or hyperthermia without resveratrol.

Results:

Both irradiation or hyperthermia could reduce the viability of MCF-7 cells.
Furthermore, the regulation of Bax and caspase genes increased, while Bcl-2 gene
expression reduced. Resveratrol potentiated the effects of radiation and hyperthermia on
MCF-7 cells.

Conclusion:

Results of this study suggest that resveratrol is able to induce the regulation of
pro-apoptotic genes and attenuate the viability of MCF-7 cells. This may indicate the
sensitizing effect of resveratrol in combination with both radiotherapy and hyperthermia.
New Serotoninergic Ligands Containing Indolic and Methyl Indolic Nuclei: Synthesis and In Vitro Pharmacological Evaluation
Authors: Magli Elisa , Severino Beatrice , Corvino Angela , Perissutti Elisa , Frecentese Francesco , Saccone Irene , Giordano Flavia , Castro Marián , Brea José , Loza María I. , Santagada Vincenzo , Caliendo Giuseppe , Fiorino Ferdinando
Published: May 2020

Background:

Serotonin is an important biogenic amine and is implicated in wideranging
physiological and physiopathological processes. Pharmacological manipulation of the serotoninergic
system is believed to have a great therapeutic potential.

Objectives:

In order to identify selective ligands for 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors two series
of 4-substituted piperazine derivatives, bearing indolic or methyl indolic nuclei, were synthesized.

Methods:

All the compounds, synthesized by standard solution methods, were evaluated for 5-
HT1A, 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors. The highest affine and selective compounds have been
evaluated also on dopaminergic (D1 and D2) and adrenergic (α1A and α2A) receptors.

Results:

Several of the newly synthesized molecules showed affinity in the nanomolar range for 5-
HT1A, 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors and moderate to no affinity for other relevant receptors (D1,
D2, α1A and α2A).

Conclusion:

Compounds 7f and 10a showed a nanomolar affinity towards 5-HT1A with an in vitro
pharmacologic profile compatible with antipsychotic drugs.
Exogenous Expression of WNT7A in Leukemia-Derived Cell Lines Induces Resistance to Chemotherapeutic Agents
Authors: Alvarez-Zavala Monserrat , Barreto-Vargas Christian , Torres-Reyes Luis A. , De la Peña-Castro Roberto F. , Aguilar-Lemarroy Adriana , Jave-Suarez Luis F.
Published: May 2020

Background:

Dysregulations of the WNT pathway are implicated in the malignant transformation of
different types of neoplasia. WNT7A is expressed in normal peripheral lymphocytes, but is decreased in the
tumoral counterpart. Furthermore, the treatment of leukemic cells with recombinant WNT7A decreases proliferation,
suggesting its possible use as a therapeutic biomolecule. This study aimed to evaluate the concomitant
action of WNT7A and different chemotherapeutic agents over proliferation and cell death of leukemia/
lymphoma derived cell lines.

Methods:

Ectopic expression of WNT7A was induced in CEM and BJAB cell lines by using a lentiviral system.
RNA expression was analyzed by microarrays and qPCR, and protein expression was determined by Western
Blot. Cell proliferation was measured by cell counting, metabolic activity by WST-1 assay, cell death and DNA
content by flow cytometry.

Results:

WNT7A ectopic expression was shown to decrease cell proliferation, but the apoptosis rate of leukemic
cells was not altered. Moreover, these cells acquired resistance to doxorubicin, vincristine and MG-132. Cell
cycle analysis reveals a decrease in G1 and an increase in S and G2 phases with a further upregulation of senescence-
associated genes. Microarray analysis reveals that most gene expression changes were related to cancer
and metabolic associated pathways. All those changes appear to be independent of the WNT canonical pathway
regulation.

Conclusion:

WNT7A negatively regulates cell proliferation in leukemic cell lines and promotes resistance to
chemotherapeutic agents by inducing a senescence-like phenotype independently of the WNT canonical pathway.
DOAS Calibration Technique for SO2 Emission Measurement Based on H2SO4 and Na2SO3 Reaction
Authors: Fatkhurrahman Januar Arif , Sari Ikha Rasti Julia , Andriani Yose , Romadhon Moh Syarif , Zen Nur , Prasetio Adi , Simbolon Ali Murtopo
Published: May 2020

The coal used as a primary fuel in an Indonesian power plant produces sulfur dioxide emission from its burning process. Several testing and monitoring methods developed, from laboratory analysis, CEMs based instrument, and absorption spectroscopy method developed for this purpose. Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) method based on Lambert-Beer law used as emission quantification. DOAS instrumentation developed in this research to measure sulfur dioxide as one of the emission parameters. Sulfur dioxide generated from the reaction between the sulfuric acid and dilute sodium sulfite. CCD spectrometer used to measure sulfur dioxide spectrum intensity at 260 to 350 nm absorption cross-section. There is a high correlation between sulfur dioxide gas produced by that reaction to spectrum intensity, with coefficient determination (r2) 0.9783, 0.9822, 0.9866, 0.9928 or coefficient correlation (r) 0.989, 0.991, 0.993, and 0.996 from lowest range concentration to highest range concentration. Precision analysis from gas calibration standard using Horwitz ratio indicates instrument setup precise enough with 0.504 Horwitz ratio, according to its acceptable range. The suspended particulate matter may interfere with UV penetration into CCD detector in emission simulation test using gasoline generator exhaust that causes 2.5 times deviation error between typical 800 ppm concentrated sulfur dioxide from chemical reaction and gasoline generator exhaust.
2D-наноуглероды как основа иммобилизованных микробных препаратов
Authors: Возняковский А.П. , Новикова И.И. , Возняковский А.А. , Бойкова И.В. , Неверовская А.Ю.
Published: May 2020

Experimental data on the production of dry powders of immobilized biological products intended for cleaning the soil from pollution by oil and oil products are presented. The carbonization of biopolymers (starch, lignin) under the conditions of the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis process was chosen as the basic method for obtaining 2D carbon structures used as a substrate for immobilizing microorganisms-oil destructors. Microorganisms-oil destructors are selected from the accredited collection of the All-Russian Institute for Plant Protection. The obtained experimental samples of biological preparations have shown the promise of their use for eliminating the anthropogenic consequences of soil contamination with oil products.
Исследование транспорта эритроцитов через микроканалы при индукции окислительного стресса трет-бутилпероксидом
Authors: Скверчинская Е.А. , Тапинова О.Д. , Филатов Н.А. , Беседина Н.А. , Миндукшев И.В. , Букатин А.С.
Published: May 2020

To investigate the influence of oxidative stress on red blood cells (RBCs) transport in microvessels and capillaries of the blood microcirculation system, we studied their migration in narrow microchannels in a microfluidic device. We measured cells' velocities in the microchannels under the oxidative stress induced by tert-Butyl hydroperoxide at different concentrations and compared the results with a cytological evaluation of the cell membrane transformations. Oxidative stress caused changes in cells’ shape and volume, travelling velocity of the cells decreased and occlusions of microchannels occurred. The developed microfluidic device provided an ability to study microreology of RBCs under the action of hydroperoxide. In the future, such microfluidic analysis may be used to determine the changes in microrheology of RBCs from patients under the influence of xenobiotics.
Health Care Provider Compliance with the HIPAA Right of Individual Access:
a Scorecard and Survey (Preprint)
Authors: McGraw Deven , Taylor Lisa Belliveau , Fitter Nasha
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Background: Historically, patients have had difficulty obtaining copies of their medical records, notwithstanding the legal right to do so. In 2018, a study of 83 top hospitals found discrepancies between those hospitals’ published information and telephone survey responses regarding their processes for release of records to patients, indicating noncompliance with the HIPAA right of individual access

OBJECTIVE

Objective: Assess state of compliance with the HIPAA right of access across a broader range of health care providers and in the context of real records requests from patients.

METHODS

Methods: Evaluate the degree of compliance with the HIPAA right of access 1) by scoring the responses of 51 health care providers to actual patient record requests against the HIPAA right of access requirements and 2) through additional telephone surveys of health care institutions regarding release of records to patients.

RESULTS

Results: Based on the scores of responses of 51 health care providers to record requests and the responses of 3003 healthcare institutions to telephone surveys, more than 50% of health care providers are out of compliance with the HIPAA right of access. The most common failures were refusal to send records to patient or patient’s designee by e-mail; health care institutions’ responses to telephone survey also indicate 24% are potentially noncompliant with HIPAA’s fee limitations. With respect to actual patient record requests, for 71% of providers the records were provided in compliance with HIPAA only after supervisors and privacy officials were educated on HIPAA’s requirements.

CONCLUSIONS

Conclusions: Recent federal proposals prioritize patient access to medical records through certified electronic health record (EHR) technology, but access by patients to their complete clinical records via EHRs is years away. In the meantime, health care providers need to focus more attention on compliance with the HIPAA right of access, including better training of staff on HIPAA requirements. Greater enforcement of the law will help motivate providers to prioritize this issue.

CLINICALTRIAL

This is not a trial, and therefore is not subject to registration. It is research on institutional policies.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

RR2-10.1101/19004291
Verification, Analytical Validation, and Clinical Validation (V3): The Foundation of Determining Fit-for-Purpose for Biometric Monitoring Technologies (BioMeTs) (Preprint)
Authors: Goldsack Jennifer , Coravos Andrea , Bakker Jessie , Bent Brinnae , Dowling Ariel V. , Fitzer-Attas Cheryl , Godfrey Alan , Godino Job G. , Gujar Ninad , Izmailova Elena , Manta Christine , Peterson Barry , Vandendressche Benjamin Vandendressche , Wood William A , Wang Ke Will , Dunn Jessilyn
Published: May 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

Digital medicine is an interdisciplinary field, drawing together stakeholders with expertise in engineering, manufacturing, clinical science, data science, biostatistics, regulatory considerations, ethics, patient advocacy, and healthcare policy, to name a few. While this diversity is undoubtedly valuable, it can lead to confusion regarding terminology and best practices. There are many instances, as we detail in this paper, where a single term is used by different groups to mean different things, as well as cases where multiple terms are used to describe essentially the same concept. Our intent is to clarify core terminology and best practices for the evaluation of Biometric Monitoring Technologies (BioMeTs), without unnecessarily introducing new terms. We propose and describe a three-component framework intended to provide a foundational evaluation framework for BioMeTs. This framework includes 1) verification, 2) analytical validation, and 3) clinical validation. We aim for this common vocabulary to enable more effective communication and collaboration, generate a common and meaningful evidence base for BioMeTs, and improve the accessibility of the digital medicine field.
Benefits and Challenges of Open-Source Health informatics Systems: A Systematic Search of Projects and Literature Review (Preprint)
Authors: Minohara Gabrielle , Rocha Carla , Costa Joenio , Meirelles Paulo
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Health Informatics Systems (HIS) draw more attention as their benefits are further explored and becoming more evident. The improvement of patient care and the quality of health services are examples of such advantages. Nevertheless, proprietary systems are not always viable due to their high costs.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the benefits and challenges of Open-Source Health informatics Systems (OHIS) adoption discussed in the literature, and we also mapped the real-world OHIS projects, with their technical and community characteristics. Both results guide us to address the aspects that still need to be overcome and also to identify the criteria to help managers and IT professionals in choosing the most suitable OHIS for their context.

METHODS

We conducted a Systematic Mapping Study to review the literature and also mined source code repositories of OHIS projects. We employ well-consolidated methods from the software engineering community, and we differentiate from similar related works by the use of a more systematic method and also to evaluate OHIS projects using objective software engineering metrics and artifacts.

RESULTS

We found 500 papers and 151 projects, selecting 26 works to analyze thoroughly and mining 38 active OHIS repositories. We mapped the benefits and challenges to adopt OHIS projects and identified the legal and technical characteristics of them. We propose a conceptual map to illustrate the relationship among all the OHIS adoption benefits. We then correlate how technical and documental artifacts from an OHIS project affect their expected benefits and challenges. Thus, we recommend a set of artifacts and metrics well established in the OSS community as the criteria necessary to evaluate an OHIS solution from a software engineering perspective.

CONCLUSIONS

OSS projects increase the quality of the HIS and solve several problems that are mostly linked with proprietary solutions. The OHIS ecosystem provides several possible solutions for adoption. However, one barrier to its adoption is misconceptions and misinformation on OSS in the HIS context. We address this challenge with a set of recommended aspects to OHIS project adoption to assist managers and IT professionals in evaluating OHIS solutions. Finally, we highlight the necessity of more research to cover specific technical challenges on OHIS adoption.
No Time to Waste: Real-World Repurposing of Generic Drugs as a Multifaceted Strategy Against COVID-19 (Preprint)
Authors: Rogosnitzky Moshe , Berkowitz Esther , Jadad Alejandro R
Published: May 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

Real-world drug repurposing—the immediate “off-label” prescribing of drugs to address urgent clinical needs—is an indispensable strategy gaining rapid traction in the current COVID-19 crisis. Although off-label prescribing (ie, for a nonapproved indication) is legal in most countries, it tends to shift the burden of liability and cost to physicians and patients, respectively. Nevertheless, in urgent public health crises, it is often the only realistic source of a meaningful potential solution. To be considered for real-world repurposing, drug candidates should ideally have a track record of safety, affordability, and wide accessibility. Although thousands of such drugs are already available, the absence of a central repository of off-label uses presents a barrier to the immediate identification and selection of the safest, potentially useful interventions. Using the current COVID-19 pandemic as an example, we provide a glimpse at the extensive literature that supports the rationale behind six generic drugs, in four classes, all of which are affordable, supported by decades of safety data, and pleiotropically target the underlying pathophysiology that makes COVID-19 so dangerous. Having previously fast-tracked this paper to publication in summary form, we now expand on why cimetidine/famotidine (histamine type-2 receptor antagonists), dipyridamole (antiplatelet agent), fenofibrate/bezafibrate (cholesterol/triglyceride-lowering agents), and sildenafil (phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor) are worth considering for patients with COVID-19 based on their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, renoprotective, cardioprotective, and anticoagulation properties. These examples also reveal the unlimited opportunity to future-proof public health by proactively mining, synthesizing, and cataloging the off-label treatment opportunities of thousands of safe, well-established, and affordable generic drugs.
Preliminary Report of In vitro and In vivo Effectiveness of Dornase Alfa on SARS-CoV-2 Infection (Preprint)
Authors: Kuzu Okur Hacer , Yalcin Koray , Tastan Cihan , Demir Sevda , Yurtsever Bulut , Sir Gozde , Dilek Kancagi Derya , Seyis Utku , Zengin Rehile , Hemsinlioglu Cansu , Kara Mujdat , Yildiz Mehmet Erdem , Deliceo Elif , Birgen Nur , Pelit Nil Banu , Cuhadaroglu Caglar , Kocagoz Ayse Sesin , Ovali Ercument
Published: May 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

Dornase alfa, the recombinant form of the human DNase I enzyme, breaks down neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) that include a vast amount of DNA fragments, histones, microbicidal proteins and oxidant enzymes released from necrotic neutrophils in the highly viscous mucus of cystic fibrosis patients. Dornase alfa has been used for decades in patients with cystic fibrosis to reduce the viscoelasticity of respiratory tract secretions, to decrease the severity of respiratory tract infections, and to improve lung function. Previous studies have linked abnormal NET formations to lung diseases, especially to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected more than two million people over the world, resulting in unprecedented health, social and economic crises. The COVID-19, viral pneumonia that progresses to ARDS and even multiple organ failure, is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). High blood neutrophil levels are an early indicator of SARS-CoV-2 infection and predict severe respiratory diseases. A similar mucus structure is detected in COVID-19 patients due to the accumulation of excessive NET in the lungs. Here, we show our preliminary results with dornase alfa that may have an in-vitro anti-viral effect against SARS-CoV-2 infection in a bovine kidney cell line, MDBK without drug toxicity on healthy adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In this preliminary study, we also showed that dornase alfa can promote clearance of NET formation in both an in-vitro and three COVID-19 cases who showed clinical improvement in radiological analysis (2-of-3 cases), oxygen saturation (SpO2), respiratory rate, disappearing of dyspnea and coughing.
Novel Toilet Paper–Based Point-Of-Care Test for the Rapid Detection of Fecal Occult Blood: Instrument Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Wang Hsin-Yao , Lin Ting-Wei , Chiu Sherry Yueh-Hsia , Lin Wan-Ying , Huang Song-Bin , Hsieh Jason Chia-Hsun , Chen Hsieh Cheng , Lu Jang-Jih , Wu Min-Hsien
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer screening by fecal occult blood testing has been an important public health test and shown to reduce colorectal cancer–related mortality. However, the low participation rate in colorectal cancer screening by the general public remains a problematic public health issue. This fact could be attributed to the complex and unpleasant operation of the screening tool.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to validate a novel toilet paper–based point-of-care test (ie, JustWipe) as a public health instrument to detect fecal occult blood and provide detailed results from the evaluation of the analytic characteristics in the clinical validation.

METHODS

The mechanism of fecal specimen collection by the toilet-paper device was verified with repeatability and reproducibility tests. We also evaluated the analytical characteristics of the test reagents. For clinical validation, we conducted comparisons between JustWipe and other fecal occult blood tests. The first comparison was between JustWipe and typical fecal occult blood testing in a central laboratory setting with 70 fecal specimens from the hospital. For the second comparison, a total of 58 volunteers were recruited, and JustWipe was compared with the commercially available Hemoccult SENSA in a point-of-care setting.

RESULTS

Adequate amounts of fecal specimens were collected using the toilet-paper device with small day-to-day and person-to-person variations. The limit of detection of the test reagent was evaluated to be 3.75 µg of hemoglobin per milliliter of reagent. Moreover, the test reagent also showed high repeatability (100%) on different days and high reproducibility (>96%) among different users. The overall agreement between JustWipe and a typical fecal occult blood test in a central laboratory setting was 82.9%. In the setting of point-of-care tests, the overall agreement between JustWipe and Hemoccult SENSA was 89.7%. Moreover, the usability questionnaire showed that the novel test tool had high scores in operation friendliness (87.3/100), ease of reading results (97.4/100), and information usefulness (96.1/100).

CONCLUSIONS

We developed and validated a toilet paper–based fecal occult blood test for use as a point-of-care test for the rapid (in 60 seconds) and easy testing of fecal occult blood. These favorable characteristics render it a promising tool for colorectal cancer screening as a public health instrument.
Restoring Faith in HIPAA Privacy Protections while Enabling More Efficient Data Sharing (Preprint)
Authors: Jose James , Hendricks-Sturrup Rachele
Published: May 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

A method of data sharing among healthcare researchers that could provide high levels of efficiency for data access while achieving advanced privacy protections could do much to enable multicenter studies based on data extracted from the electronic health record (EHR). We propose a specific use of a data enclave that fits within the “expert pathway” of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) rule, which would and that can allow sharing of protected healthcare information (PHI) with substantial reductions in burdens related to data use agreements (DUAs) and IRB reviews. Data is held by an infrastructure custodian acting under a business associate agreement. Researchers access the data while it is retained by the custodian, using remote desktop functionality with analytic tools on the custodian’s site, versus not on personal workstations or laptops. Because researchers cannot review line item data, but rather aggregate results, no IRB or DUA is needed. We anticipate that this data enclave method could be implemented as an effort to improve data access and provide high-quality data insights without weakening patient privacy protections under HIPAA. Lastly, we conclude that a comprehensive federal privacy law or standard is warranted alongside this proposed administrative control process for data enclaves to address important privacy loopholes.
Comparing Web-Based Platforms for Promoting HIV Self-Testing and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Uptake in High-Risk Men Who Have Sex With Men: Protocol for a Longitudinal Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lemley Shea M , Klausner Jeffrey D , Young Sean D , Stafylis Chrysovalantis , Mulatya Caroline , Oden Neal , Xie Haiyi , Revoredo Leslie , Shmueli-Blumberg Dikla , Hichborn Emily , McKelle Erin , Moran Landhing , Jacobs Petra , Marsch Lisa A
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

The majority of those living with HIV in the United States are men who have sex with men (MSM), and young, minority MSM account for more new HIV infections than any other group. HIV transmission can be reduced through detection and early treatment initiation or by starting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), but rates of testing are lower than recommended among MSM, and PrEP uptake has been slow. Although promoting HIV testing and PrEP uptake by placing advertisements on web-based platforms — such as social media websites and dating apps — is a promising approach for promoting HIV testing and PrEP, the relative effectiveness of HIV prevention advertising on common web-based platforms is underexamined.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the relative effectiveness of advertisements placed on 3 types of web-based platforms (social media websites, dating apps, and informational websites) for promoting HIV self-testing and PrEP uptake.

METHODS

Advertisements will be placed on social media websites (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter), dating apps (Grindr, Jack’d, and Hornet), and informational search websites (Google, Yahoo, and Bing) to recruit approximately 400 young (18-30 years old), minority (Black or Latino) MSM at elevated risk of HIV exposure. Recruitment will occur in 3 waves, with each wave running advertisements on 1 website from each type of platform. The number of participants per platform is not prespecified, and recruitment in each wave will occur until approximately 133 HIV self-tests are ordered. Participants will complete a baseline survey assessing risk behavior, substance use, psychological readiness to test, and attitudes and then receive an electronic code to order a free home-based HIV self-test kit. Two follow-ups are planned to assess HIV self-test results and PrEP uptake.

RESULTS

Recruitment was completed in July 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings may improve our understanding of how the platform users’ receptivity to test for HIV differs across web-based platforms and thus may assist in facilitating web-based HIV prevention campaigns.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04155502; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04155502

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/20417
Development and usability of a digital healthcare management ecosystem to reduce hospital readmissions. (Preprint)
Authors: Sharma Prem Prakash , Hsieh Christine , Aljabri Khalid , Vardhan Vishnu , Bisio Elizabeth , Shakil Omair , Utami Dina , Rao Jyotsna , Kalesan Bindu
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Among 36 million hospitalizations that occur each year in the United States, >5 million return for unplanned readmission within 30 days of discharge. Although, prevention of readmission due to clinical and procedural factors are considered, there has not been a sufficient focus on improving patient engagement to reduce readmissions. Poor patient engagement by the hospital clinical team results in the lack of knowledge of the disease and treatment in patients that further lead to inadequate self-managed care for recovery during the post-discharge period.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess proof-of-concept of a digital healthcare management ecosystem that allow human and digital interactions to reduce unplanned readmissions by providing comprehensive post-discharge care to individuals discharged after major surgery.

METHODS

Post-discharge care was through digitized tailored care pathways provided by 19 care coaches (1 for 50 patients) supported by a digital expert medical team. We tested our digital ecosystem from January 01, 2019 to December 31, 2019 in cardiac and orthopedic surgery departments, Fortis Hospital, Bangalore, India. The first six months was the testing period where the system was deployed, tested in real-world, and refined using feedback. The testing period was followed by six months of evaluation period.

RESULTS

A total of 152 patients were provided digital care during testing and 648 patients during the evaluation period. During a 30-day follow up after discharge, 80/800 (10%) communicated clinical complaints, and 39 were readmitted (4.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate feasibility and proof-of-concept of a comprehensive digital post-discharge care ecosystem, a unique innovative solution to reduce unplanned readmission rates and subsequently reduce healthcare costs. However, an important part of effectiveness of post-discharge care remains in testing our solution in large clinical studies
Traffic Simulation, Optimization and Evaluation of Adjacent Intersections Based on VISSIM Model
Authors: Kaixi Yang , Meiqi Li
Published: May 2020

This paper mainly aims at alleviating the traffic congestion on urban roads and analyzes the traffic at adjacent intersections. First, the paper briefly introduced the VISSIM model, and then selected the traffic situation at the intersection of Weibin road and Fengcheng first road and the intersection of Weibin road and Fengcheng second road in Weiyang district of Xi’an city as research objects to simulate. Fanally, on the premise of basic meet the actual conditions, the optimization of channelization and signal timing at the intersection reduces the maximum queue length and the average stopping times of vehicles, so that the traffic of the section can run efficiently and smoothly, and provides an effective experiment for the optimization of the intersection.
Pre-operative Over-investigation of Routine Tests Prior to Elective Surgeries
Authors: Samara Osama , AlRyalat Saif Aldeen , Owaidat Ahmad Al , Omar Mohammad Marwan Al , Farraj Mohammad , Osbeh Nisreen Abu , Zaben Khalid , Ryalat Soukaina , Al-Ryalat Nosaiba
Published: May 2020

Background: Previous studies stressed on the burden raised by routine pre-operative test ordering, which should be based on the assessment of patient physical status. In a tertiary hospital in Jordan, we aim to study the compliance with guidelines regarding pre-operative routine testing prior to an elective surgery, cholecystectomy, and calculate the estimated cost from non-compliance with the guidelines.Methods: We included laparoscopic cholecystectomy (through ICD-9 code) to represent an elective surgery. For each surgery done from the period 1/1/2016 to 31/12/2016, data regarding preoperative investigations, admission history note, operative and discharge note were obtained. Tests that are considered routine investigations are Complete blood count (CBC), kidney function tests (KFT), electrolytes, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, coagulation studies, and urine-analysis. We classified patients who underwent cholecystectomy according to the latest version of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status system to assess the need for routine tests, then we calculated the number and cost of excess tests.Results: A total 382 routine, non-emergent laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgeries were performed. 319 (83.5%) of patients were classified as ASA-1, 60 (15.7%) were classified as ASA-2, and only 3 (0.8%) were classified as ASA-3. Age was a significant determinant in obtaining chest X-ray ordering and findings (p< 0.001) and electrolytes ordering and findings (p= 0.001). Total routine tests cost for elective cholecystectomy during 2016 was 16,021$. Regarding operative compilations, only 14 (3.7%) complication occurred, all of which were bleeding related.Conclusion: Oversighting routine preoperative test ordering before elective cholecystectomy will significantly reduce the cost without increasing post-operative complications.
EFFECT OF ADVERTISED POLYHERBAL (AYURVEDIC) APHRODISIAC FORMULATIONS ON POTENT MALE ALBINO RATS
Authors: G KANASE VANITA , KINI RIDDHI , MANIYAR DRASHTI , SHETTIGAR SHRUTI
Published: May 2020

Objective: The objective of the study was to study aphrodisiac activity of polyherbals on albino Wistar rats.

Methods: Play Win and Ayurex are examples of the already marketed polyherbal formulations (PHFs), which are used in this study to determine their mating behavior and mating performance test activities in albino Wistar rats.

Results: Both the test drugs Play Win and Ayurex created noteworthy increase in the mounting behavior of animals. It was also observed that mounting behavior activity (number of mounts) in Play Win, in the 1st h and the 3rd h, was greater than Ayurex. Administration of suspension of a single dose of Play Win, Ayurex, and sildenafil citrate concluded in the increase in the mating performance of the rats. The result of Play Win was found to be less than that of Ayurex and nearly the same as that of sildenafil citrate.

Conclusion: From the research of the above-mentioned formulations with comparison to the standard drug (sildenafil), it is concluded that the PHFs are capable of producing aphrodisiac activity.
STUDY OF PRESCRIBING PATTERN OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS IN MEDICINE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Authors: BG DUDHE , D CHAKRAVORTY ASHISH , NN MANKAR , HN PISE
Published: May 2020

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the current use of antimicrobial agents (AMAs) and to assess prescription writing as per the WHO guidelines in the medicine intensive care unit (MICU).

Methods: The present study was conducted on admitted patients in MICU of a tertiary care hospital. The demographic and clinical treatment data of patients were collected in specially designed pro forma from the case record form.

Results: Of 400 patients enrolled in the study, 55.50% were male and 44.50% were female. A common indication of AMAs use was infection (61.75%), symptomatic (21.50%), and prophylactic (10.50%) use. In 65% patients, antimicrobial therapy was considered to be rational. The majority of patients have good recovery (61%). Polypharmacy was seen in 89.75% of patients. The average number of drugs prescribed per patient was 8.84±2.55. 1.90±1.20 was average number of AMAs per patient. Commonest AMAs prescribed are ceftriaxone (27.64%), metronidazole, and amoxicillin+clavulanic acid.

Conclusion: This study visibly highlights the practice of polypharmacy, low uses of generic drugs, high usage of antibiotic, and injection. Cephalosporins are the most prescribed AMAs in the ICUs. Remedy of this situation requires regulation, education, awareness, compliance with protocol, and guidelines of AMAs use.
THE IRRATIONAL BELIEFS OF BALINESE FEMALE OFFICE WORKERS
Authors: PURNAWATI SUSY , PRIMAYANTI IDA INTEN DWI , IN ADIPUTRA
Published: May 2020

Objective: This preliminary study aimed to explore the score of irrational beliefs (IBs) among Balinese female office workers in Gianyar. This is a new and very interesting issue in occupational mental health practice in Bali and Indonesia. The finding of this study will be able to use as information for an authority to create some program improvement for human resources at work setting.

Methods: This study used a cross-sectional study design involved 30 participants. In this study, we measured the IBs score by self-reported questionnaire of the smith IB inventory which contained 24 items statement.

Results: The means age of participants was 40.4 years old and means the length of stay was 15.2. years. In this preliminary study, we found the means score of IBs score was 52.37±10.460 (high score category).

Conclusion: The score of IBs of Balinese female office workers in Gianyar was high score category. This result has a clinical impact as well as the outcome of this study can be used to be a recommendation to the government or organization to create an awareness program to decrease worker’s IBs score in purposing better their mental health, work productivity, and well-being.
Metabolites and Metabolic Pathways Correlated With Beef Tenderness
Authors: Antonelo Daniel , Gómez Juan F. M. , Cônsolo Nara R. B. , Beline Mariane , Colnago Luiz A. , Schilling Wes , Zhang Xue , Suman Surendranath P , Gerrard David E. , Balieiro Júlio C.C. , Silva Saulo L.
Published: May 2020

Metabolite profile has been used to understand the causes of variability in beef tenderness, but still little is known about how metabolites contribute to beef quality. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate how meat metabolites and their metabolic pathways correlate to variability in beef tenderness. Carcasses from 60 noncastrated male cattle were selected, and three 2.5-cm-thick longissimus thoracis steaks were obtained and aged (0°C to 4°C) for 7d. Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) was performed (steak 1). Based on WBSF data, 2 tenderness classes (n = 30; 15 per class [tender and tough]) were created to perform sarcomere length (steak 2) and metabolom ic analysis (steak 3). Meat ultimate pH did not differ between tenderness classes. However, steaks classified as tender had greater sarcomere length (P = 0.019) than those classified as tough. Acetyl-carnitine (P = 0.026), adenine (P = 0.026), beta-alanine (P = 0.005), fumarate (P = 0.022), glutamine (P = 0.043), and valine (P = 0.030) concentration were higher in tender beef compared with tough beef. The 4 most important compounds differing between tender and tough beef were lactate, glucose, creatine, and glutamine, which may indicate that metabolic pathways such as D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, beta-alanine metabolism, purine metabolism, and tricarboxylic acid cycle affected the tenderness classes. Beta-alanine (r = − 0.45), acetyl-carnitine (r = − 0.40), fumarate (r = − 0.38), valine (r = − 0.34), glucose (r = − 0.32), glutamine (r = − 0.31), and adenine (r = −0.31) were negatively correlated with WBSF values. Metabolite profile in tender beef indicated a greater oxidative metabolism, which promoted modifications in the muscle structure and proteolysis, favoring its tenderization.
Pemerolehan Morfem Afiks Bahasa Indonesia Anak Usia 2-6 Tahun Di Paud Buana Desa Banyu Urip Kabupaten Lombok Tengah
Authors: Akbar Aris
Published: May 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pemerolehan morfem afiks yang mencakup prefiks, infiks, sufiks, simulfiks, dan konfiks dalam bahasa Indonesia di PAUD Buana Kabupaten Lombok Tengah. Penelitian ini bersifat deskriptif kualitatif dengan melibatkan 30 anak sebagai sampel. Teori yang digunakan dalam menganalisis fenomena pemerolehan morfologi. Data dikumpulkan dengan, wawancara, observasi, pencatatan dokumen, dan tebak gambar. Berdasarkan analisis, temuan penelitian ini adalah bahwa anak-anak di PAUD Buana hanya bisa mengucapkan kata-kata yang dibentuk dari bentuk dasar yang dilekatkan dengan prefiks {N-}, {b«r-}, {t«r-}. Infiks yang dilibatkan dalam membentuk kata turunan adalah {-«l-} dan {-«m-}, seperti dalam /telunjuk/ dan /gemetar/. Sufiks {-an} adalah sufiks yang paling dominan dipergunakan oleh anak-anak usia 2-6 tahun. Uniknya, sufiks {-i} telah menjadi {-in} dalam kata-kata yang diucapkan oleh mereka, seperti kata /ikatin/, //beliin/, /mandiin/, dan seterunya. Dalam penelitian ini, tidak ditemukan data yang memunculkan kata-kata yang berbentuk simulfiks dan konfiks.
Estrategias electorales frente a la seguridad. Observaciones sobre los posicionamientos de campaña. Buenos Aires (2007)
Authors: Calzado Mercedes , Gallardo Juan Pedro
Published: May 2020

Los tópicos sobre la inseguridad urbana pasaron a ser una parte central de las estrategias electorales locales en los últimos años. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar las estrategias electorales en disputa a partir de los discursos acerca del crimen urbano en la ciudad de Buenos Aires. El abordaje es cualitativo a partir de la técnica análisis del discurso político. Se analizan los fragmentos referidos a la cuestión de la seguridad urbana al interior de un corpus de material de campaña (gráfico, audiovisual y periodístico) de la elección de jefe de gobierno de Buenos Aires, Argentina, del 2007. Los resultados muestran cómo los espacios políticos mayoritarios incorporaron la seguridad urbana y definieron sus posicionamientos electorales a partir de este tópico. Los discursos de cada espacio político se centran en tres modalidades que diferencian el modo de intervenir sobre la cuestión criminal. Así, se verificó que el discurso del PRO utilizó componentes descriptivos con elementos diagnósticos y propositivos (la ciudad es riesgosa y con las medidas que se tomarán se podrá resolver la situación), el FPV subrayó la clave evasiva del tema securitario para centrarse en la cuestión social, y + BA reforzó el orden prescriptivo (debemos seguir así). Los componentes utilizados por cada candidato configuran un destinatario que define un ‘nosotros’ diferencial en cada caso: el ciudadano víctima; el ciudadano racional; y un ciudadano protegido.
Participatory Evaluation of Cultural Heritage Based Programming to Empower Communities: A Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Clark Laura Kelly , Smith Tyler B. , Seals Samantha R.
Published: May 2020

A survey conducted at six Florida regions examines participants’ perceptions of public archaeology outreach programs on cultural heritage preservation. The findings for participants’ perceptions showed that the Florida Public Archaeology Network is reaching the organizational goal in creating appreciation and awareness for cultural heritage. Statistical analysis demonstrated a correlation between the programs being educational and changing participants’ perceptions in archaeology, and participants’ perceptions being changed and creating a love for cultural heritage and archaeology. These responses will information how public archaeology programs are impacting Florida’s cultural heritage through citizen science programs focused on preserving the past.
Review: Empowering communities through archaeology and heritage
Authors: Almansa-Sánchez Jaime
Published: May 2020

Peter G GouldBloomsbury, 2018978-1-3500-3622-2182 pages
Anti-Anti-Moralism
Authors: Estlund David
Published: May 2020

This chapter confronts the important underlying issues about “moralism” in political philosophy. “Moralism” has recently come to be pitted against “realism” in political philosophy, although there are strands of this division throughout the Western tradition. It distinguishes several versions of this idea, and considers to what extent a case in favor of a distinctive method, “realism,” can be grounded as against “moralism” in political philosophy. While political moralism is hardly bound to be unrealistic, it is true that the version as defended in this book is frankly opposed to the tyranny of the realistic in certain ways. Here, the chapter criticizes an aspect of realism, namely a family of views and arguments against the very idea—apart from any connection to idealism—that the evaluation of political practices and institutions is (primarily) a moral matter.
Circumstances and Justice
Authors: Estlund David
Published: May 2020

This chapter turns to the supposedly anti-idealistic implications of the “circumstances of justice” as understood especially in Hume and Rawls. David Hume influentially argued that humans would never have developed the idea of justice at all if it were not for certain contingent but prevalent circumstances in human life, especially competition and disagreement. John Rawls adapted Hume's idea under the name “circumstances of justice,” arguing that standards of justice only have application in conditions (mainly) of competition and disagreement. The chapter argues that there is a variety of conditions we would all regard as highly idealistic and unrealistic which are, nevertheless, not beyond justice. Nothing in a proper understanding of circumstances of justice precludes applicability of justice in any of the following conditions, or even in certain combinations of them.