bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THEORETICAL APPROACHES TO THE DETERMINATION OF THE SOCIO-CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT AS A SOCIAL PHENOMENON
Authors: VINNIKOVA Ekaterina V.
Published: March 2019

The article deals with the definitions of the concepts of “social environment”, “socio-cultural approach”, their historical genesis in the theoretical studies of domestic and foreign researchers. The concepts of “culture” and “environment” and their role in the development of society are studied. The environment is one of the priority factors of personal development and the person through his actions and deeds affects the environment, forming it for himself. The specificity of the sociocultural approach is seen in the integration of the three dimensions of human existence (the type of relationship between man and society, the nature of culture, the type of sociality) as the fundamental and most important components of human communities. One of the main objectives of the socio-cultural approach is to try to explain mental processes and their interrelationships in historical, institutional and cultural contexts. Studies of the dynamics of socio-cultural rhythms, causes and factors of socio-cultural changes and their impact on the formation of “social man” are considered. Studied the genesis of the development of the socio-cultural approach in Russia (A.S. Akhiezer, T.I. Zaslavskaya, G.V. Osipov, N.I. Lapin, F.I. Minushev, V.N. Kuznetsov, A.I. Rakitov). The sociological approach in understanding the sociocultural environment, which is aimed at studying the patterns of interaction between the individual, society and culture, structure and structural functioning of culture in the dynamics of social structure, development of social institutions and ongoing socio-cultural changes, is defined. Based on the study of the concept of “socio-cultural approach” and the methodology of its implementation in the system of humanitarian knowledge, a number of concepts of the social environment, the main difference of which is the anthropocentric and ecocentric understanding of social phenomena and processes.
Costs of pharmacotherapy in pediatric patients with community-acquired pneumonia: mathematical and statistical analysis
Authors: Narkevich I. A. , Nemyatyh O. D. , Siukaeva D. D. , Pavlushkov I. V. , Ivanov D. O. , Panyutina Ya. V.
Published: March 2019

The aim of the study is to determine the limits of using the mathematical-statistical analysis for the evaluation of pharmacotherapy costs in pediatric inpatients diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia. Materials and methods. The report is based on the assessment of 547 medical records of patients with community-acquired pneumonia, who underwent the treatment in four pediatric hospitals in St. Petersburg. The data array was created from a number of factors that characterize the patients’ profile (gender, duration of hospital stay, cost of therapy, number of prescribed drugs, number of affected lung segments, pathogen location, leukocyte count, and eSR). Results. Correlation analysis allowed us to identify factors contributing to the cost of pharmacotherapy (at a significance of p=0.05); those were: the duration of hospital stay (r=0.34), the number of prescribed drugs (r=0.26), and the number of affected lung segments (r=0.21). Dispersion analysis of qualitative factors (gender, location of pneumonic infiltrate) showed no significant impact of these factors on the costs or the number of prescribed drugs in the total data set. From the regression analysis, we obtained formulas for the dependence of the resulting parameters (cost of pharmacotherapy, number of prescribed drugs) on a set of independent variables. Conclusion. The treatment cost optimization in pediatric patients with community-acquired pneumonia should include the use of antibacterial drugs with proven efficacy and safety, as well as a reduction in non-necessary supporting therapy, e.g., medications aimed to correct morphological and functional changes in the respiratory system.
Modeling the effect of enzyme replacement therapy on life-threatening complications in patients with Fabry disease
Authors: Ignatyeva V. I. , Moiseev S. V. , Bulanov N. M. , Karovajkina E. A. , Moiseev A S.
Published: March 2019

Fabry disease (FD) is a severe lysosome storage disease caused by congenital deficiency of the enzyme α-galactosidase A and characterized by the risk of renal failure combined with cardiovascular and CNS complications. According to the currently available information, the early start of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) leads to a significant improvement in patient’s condition.

The aim of the studyis to assess whether the timely ERT prevents severe FD complications and to calculate the number of prevented cases as depending on the time of ERT start.

Materials and methods. The proposed model is based on the published results on patients with FD, receiving agalsidase alpha as ERT (no data for agalsidase beta was found). The expected number of cases with life-threatening complications was calculated for different starting timepoints and durations of the ERT.

Results. In patients with FD, continuous ERT during five years reduces the number of serious cardiovascular and renal complications by 25%. An early start of ERT makes it possible to additionally (as compared with a late start) prevent the complications in more than 20% of cases.

Conclusion. The early initiation of RPT in patients with FD can significantly reduce the occurrence of severe lifethreatening complications, increase the patients’ survival and improve their quality of life.
International experience in determining the cost-effectiveness thresholds
Authors: Bezdenezhnykh T. P. , Musina N. Z. , Fedyaeva V. K. , Tepcova T. S. , Lemeshko V. A. , Omelyanovsky V. V.
Published: March 2019

The article reviews international methodological guidelines, regulatory documents and existing approaches to the determination of the costeffectiveness threshold (CeT), also known as the willingness-to-pay threshold (WTP), the threshold value of the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICeR), in europe (england and Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France, Belgium, Denmark, the netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Finland, norway, Poland), America (the USA, Canada, Brazil), Asia (Japan, South korea, Taiwan, Thailand), in Australia and new Zealand. The CeT is commonly used to rationalize decision-making in health cost reimbursement. The present review demonstrates that just a few countries (englandandWales,Thailand,Poland,USA) have introduced the explicit value of CeT into their decision making. Some countries (Australia,Canada,new Zealand, thenetherlands,Sweden, andBrazil) use CeT in an implicit manner implying that no specific CeT value is defined by law. In other countries (Finland,Sweden,norway,France,Germany,Denmark,Japan,South korea,Taiwan), the role of the threshold in health reimbursement remains uncertain despite the presence of HTA systems. The CeT is expressed as additional cost per unit of incremental health benefit, which is represented by quality-adjusted life year (QALY) in most counties. However,PolandandBrazilallow using life years gained (LYG) as a measure of additional benefit neglecting the quality of life. In thenetherlandsandengland, different CeT values are applied to the health technology under assessment depending on the severity or rareness of the disease and some other factors.
Reconsidering Organizational Habitus in Schools: One Neighborhood, Two Distinct Approaches to Advanced Placement
Authors: KOLLURI SUNEAL
Published: March 2019

Rigorous learning opportunities at high schools in low-income neighborhoods are limited and ineffective, and in these settings the Advanced Placement (AP) program has mostly eluded successful implementation. In this study, Suneal Kolluri analyzes two schools in the same low-income, Latinx neighborhood that, despite comparable numerical gains, have adopted very different approaches to AP. One school emphasizes competition and dominant cultural norms, while the other stresses collectivism and community cultural wealth. This analysis elaborates the theory of organizational habitus to suggest that schools can look beyond local postsecondary opportunity structures when designing policies and curricula. Ultimately, Kolluri argues, a school's organizational habitus will profoundly impact how students engage with AP classes.
Normalizing Black Girls' Humanity in Mathematics Classrooms
Authors: JOSEPH NICOLE M. , HAILU MESERET F. , MATTHEWS JAMAAL SHARIF
Published: March 2019

In this article, Nicole Joseph, Meseret Hailu, and Jamaal Matthews argue that Black girls' oppression in the United States is largely related to the dehumanization of their personhood, which extends to various institutions, including secondary schools and, especially, mathematics classrooms. They contend that one way to engage in educational equity and social-justice-focused education is to teach Black girls in the classroom in a way that is humanizing. With this idea in mind, they explore relationships between Black girls' humanity and mathematics teaching and learning. Using interviews with ten Black adolescent girls representing varying levels of engagement in mathematics and enrolled in middle and high school math courses, the authors argue that inclusive pedagogies can be used to humanize this marginalized student group.
Simultaneous Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Endovascular Closure of Atrial Septal Defect in Adults
Authors: Ioseliani D. G. , Kovalchuk I. A. , Rafaeli T. R. , Rogatova A. N. , Stepanov A. V. , Zakharova O. V. , Pekarskaya M. V.
Published: March 2019

Aim:to assess clinical efficacy and expediency (appropriateness) of simultaneous single stage combined coronary stenting and closure of atrial septal defect.

Materials and methods.Of total number of patients who underwent endovascular correction of atrial septal defect (ASD) (n=91), in 6 (6.6 %) the procedure of endovascular repair of secondary ASD was combined with performed at same session oronary stenting. Mean age of these patients was 63±6.4 years. Mean diameter of ASD according to transesophageal echocardiography was 13.7±3.1 мм (from 10 to 17 mm). Two patients had dysplasia of atrial septum with pronounced aneurysmal protrusion in the right atrial cavity. Estimate of coronary arteries (CA) involvement SYNTAX score was 14.5±4.9.

Results.At initial stage we performed coronary stenting, then ASD closure with occluder. Technical success of combined endovascular procedures was 100 %. Six ASD occluders were implanted in 6 patients. Mean occluder diameter was 21±7,3 mm. Immediately after occluder implantation complete defect closure was achieved in 5 cases, in one case small residual shunt was observed. CA stenting procedure, in one patient after successful recanalization of chronic CA occlusion, in all cases was fulfilled without complications. At control examination after 13.5±1.5 months complete closure of defects was preserved. In all cases significant reduction of right heart chambers occurred. According to echocardiography right atrial volume decreased from 48.6±5.6 to 32.6±3.3 cm3, right ventricular volume – from 45.2±5.1 to 33.4±3.8 cm3, systolic pulmonary pressure fell from 49.7±8.6 to 32.6±6.9 mm Hg. According to control coronary angiography good effect of endovascular procedures was preserved. Tolerance to exercise rose from 68.5±11.8 до 85.3±12.4 W.

Conclusion.Same time CA stenting and endovascular ASD closure appears to be safe and effective procedure. The strategy used was not associated with additive risk for a patient and shortened duration of hospital stay.
Blood Pressure Levels and Prevalence of Arterial Hypertension in the Population of Residents of the Central Region of Siberia Aged 25–45 Years
Authors: Kovalkova N. A. , Ragino Yu. I. , Hudyakovа A. D. , Denisova D. V. , Voevoda M. I.
Published: March 2019

Purpose:to study blood pressure levels and the prevalence of hypertension in persons aged 25–45 years in Novosibirsk.

Materials and methods.A cross-sectional population study in one of typical areas of Novosibirsk was performed in 2013–2016. The study included 479 men and 612 women aged 25–45 years. Arterial hypertension was defined as blood pressure (BP) ≥140 / 90 mmHg according to Russian recommendations (2004). For analysis two age groups were distinguished: 25–34 years and 35–45 years.

Results.Mean values of systolic and diastolic BP were significantly lower in women than in men in age groups. In men and women, the analyzed indicators were significantly higher in the older than in the younger age group. Mean values of pulse pressure in men were significantly higher than in women in both age groups, there were no differences in the analyzed index between age groups in either men or women. Optimal BP was more often recorded among women than among men in both age groups. The proportion of persons with normal BP among men was grate than among women in both age groups. In the age group 35–45 years compared with the younger group, in men there was a decrease in incidence of category with BP<140 / 90 mmHg, an increase of the proportion of persons with hypertension grades 1 and 2, the appearance of persons with grade 3 hypertension; in women – an increase of the proportion of individuals with normal, high-normal BP, and with grade 1 hypertension, appearance of individuals with grades 2 and 3 hypertension. Frequency of BP categories ≥140 / 90 mmHg in age group 25–34 years among men was 17.6 %, among women 3.1 % (p<0.0001); in age group 35–45 years among men – 34.7 %, among women – 12.5 % (p<0.0001).

Conclusions.Prevalence of hypertension in men was 28 %, in women – 9 %. Favorable tendencies of BP indicators in both sexes were revealed over a 30-year period, while gender differences did not change.
Features of the clinic and diagnosis of chronic heart failure in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Karoli N. A. , Borodkin A. V. , Rebrov A. P.
Published: March 2019

Aim.To elucidate clinical and diagnostic features of chronic heart failure (CHF) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Materials and methods.The study included 239 patients with COPD and 42 patients with CHF without COPD. The first subgroup consisted of 60 patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) and the second subgroup consisted of 79 patients without a history of MI. A general clinical examination, EchoCG, measurements of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), galectin 3, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were performed for all patients.

Results.The risk group for excluding HF as a cause of progressive dyspnea in COPD patients consisted of patients with the bronchitic phenotype who belonged to GOLD groups C and D with frequent exacerbations, increased hsCRP, reduced oxygen saturation, and impaired exercise tolerance. Patients with a history of MI constituted a special group of risk. Measuring specific biomarkers, primarily BNP or NT-proBNP, is recommended to confirm the presence/absence of CHF and to evaluate CHF severity in patients with these risk factors.

Conclusion.A combination of COPD and CHF produces a number of clinical and, specifically, diagnostic problems, which have not been completely solved so far.
City Center for the Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure: the organiza-tion of work and the effectiveness of treatment of patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Vinogradova N. G.
Published: March 2019

Actuality.In the Russian Federation, there has been an increase in the number of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) of the III–IV functional class, who are characterized by frequent development of acute decompensation of СHF and frequent repeated hospitalizations. This dictates the need to create a system of effective control over the conduct of drug therapy and physical rehabilitation after discharge from the hospital at the outpatient stage.

Objective:to identify the differences between the two strategies for monitoringatients with CHF after decompensation and to determine the effectiveness of treatment, rehabilitation measures and life prognosis depending on the observation in the system of the specialized City Center for Treatment of CHF (Heart failure clinic) and in real outpatient practice.

Materials and methods:The study included 648 patients hospitalized with decompensation in the inpatient unit of the Center for Treatment CHF. Group 1 consisted of 412 patients who, after discharge, continued rehabilitation and follow-up in the outpatient department of the Center for Treatment CHF. Group 2–326 patients who, after discharge, preferred observation in another outpatient departments of Nizhny Novgorod.

Results:After 1 year of observation, the overall mortality rate in group 2 was 14.83 %, and in group 1–4.13 %, (odds ratio (OR) = 4.0, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 2.2–7.4; p <0.001). Cardiovascular mortality was also higher in group 2: 11.4 % versus 3.3 % (OR = 3.8, 95 % CI 2.0–7.4; p <0.001), as well as mortality from decompensation: 7.6 % versus 2.1 % (OR = 3.8, 95 % CI 1.7–8.7; p <0.001). In group 2, non-fatal cardiovascular complications were more common: 5.1 % versus 1.6 % (OR = 3.2, 95 % CI 1.2–8.3; p = 0.01), as well as fatal and nonfatal stroke, pulmonary thromboembolism, venous thromboembolic complications – 6.3 % versus 1.4 % (OR = 4.4, 95 % CI 1, 7–11.6; p <0.001). An increase in the proportion of rehospitalized patients with CHF during the year in group 2 compared with group 1 was recorded: 50.3 % and 31.8 % of patients, respectively (OR = 2.2, 95 % CI 1.5–3.2; p<0.001). Physical activity of patients who were observed in Center for Treatment CHF the was significantly higher than among patients who were treated in another outpatient departments.

Conclusion:Management of patients with CHF after decompensation in Heart failure clinic showed better results in comparison with the standard approach: the risks of general, cardiovascular mortality and nonfatal cardiovascular complications were statistically significantly lower. Patients with CHF who refused to be seen at Heart failure clinic were more often hospitalized again during the year.
Heart valve injury due to radiation therapy
Authors: Poltavskaya M. G. , Emelina E. I. , Avdeev Yu. V. , Gendlin G. E. , Paramonova G. N.
Published: March 2019

Relevance.Radiation therapy (RT) plays an important role in oncology, improving the immediate and long-term results of treatment of a number of tumors. One of the most significant complications of RT are lesions of the heart valves.

Objective.To study the variants of valve damage that occur in patients who received radiation therapy for cancer.

Patients and methods.A group of patients who, during the period from 1978 to 2002, underwent chemo-radiation therapy (CRT) for Hodgkin's lymphoma (LH) of 2–4 stages with damage to the intrathoracic lymph nodes: 71 patients, 60 of whom did not go to the cardiologist and were invited to be examined, 11 were hospitalized due to clinically significant cardiovascular pathology (CHF, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, valvular defect, AV block). The study methods included: standard clinical and laboratory examination, spirometry, 24‑hour ECG monitoring, echocardiography, in some patients single-photon myocardial emission tomoscintigraphy (SPECT), and CT scan of the chest organs. In 60 patients, a stress test on an ECG-controlled treadmill was performed, in 18 patients – a maximum stress test on a treadmill with a gas analysis – ergospirometry.

Results and discussion. Valve pathology was detected in 49.3 % of cases, most often (in 46.5 %) mitral regurgitation (MR) occurred, primarily due to MR of the 1 st degree, which had no clinical significance. Pathology of the aortic valve (12.7 % of patients) was represented mainly by mild regurgitation (11.3 %). Aortic stenosis was diagnosed in 4.2 % of patients. In the studied cohort of patients, predominantly non-severe valve lesions were detected. In addition, examples of patients with clinically significant valve valvular lesions are presented.
Efficacy of oral L-arginine on amniotic fluid index in pregnant women with oligohydramnios attending antenatal clinic in a tertiary care hospital in Telangana, India
Authors: Begum Md Amirunnisa , Krishna Sowmya B. , Shailendra D. , Subbaratnam Y.
Published: March 2019

Background: Oligohydramnios leads to feto-maternal morbidity and mortality. Though there is no specific treatment for oligohydramnios, use of L-arginine seems to be promising. As a nitric oxide donor, it causes vasodilatation, increases placental perfusion and finally increases amniotic fluid. However, data on the use of L-arginine for oligohydramnios is scarce. Hence, this study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of oral L-arginine on Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) and to document the pregnancy outcomes in women with oligohydramnios.Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted on pregnant women attending antenatal clinic (ANC) at Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS), Ghanpur, Telangana, India from 1st January 2018 to 30th June 2018.Results: A total of 50 participants were enrolled and 4 participants among them were lost to follow- up. Mean age (SD) of the women enrolled was 23.3 (3.49) years. Mean gestational age (SD) at the time of diagnosis was 34.61 (1.53) weeks. Mean AFI (SD) at the time of diagnosis and after treatment with L-arginine were 6.8 (1.3) cm and 9.4 (2.82) cm respectively. After a mean treatment duration (SD) of 3.23 (1.38) weeks, a mean (SD) increase of AFI by 2.6 (1.57) cm (P <0.0001) was observed. An increase of AFI was noted in 84.78% of cases (P <0.0001). Mean (SD) Gestational age at the time of delivery was 38.25 (1.48) weeks. Only 37% of participants required operational deliveries. Mean (SD) birth weight of the new borns was 2.54 (0.47) kg. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admissions were required in 32.6% of new borns.Conclusions: L-arginine is efficacious in improving AFI in oligohydramnios. AFI improvement could possibly lead to better neonatal outcomes by reducing preterm deliveries and operative interventions.
The Impact of Arterial Input Function Determination Variations on Prostate Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Pharmacokinetic Modeling: A Multicenter Data Analysis Challenge, Part II
Authors: Huang Wei , Chen Yiyi , Fedorov Andriy , Li Xia , Jajamovich Guido H. , Malyarenko Dariya I. , Aryal Madhava P. , LaViolette Peter S. , Oborski Matthew J. , O'Sullivan Finbarr , Abramson Richard G. , Jafari-Khouzani Kourosh , Afzal Aneela , Tudorica Alina , Moloney Brendan , Gupta Sandeep N. , Besa Cecilia , Kalpathy-Cramer Jayashree , Mountz James M. , Laymon Charles M. , Muzi Mark , Kinahan Paul E. , Schmainda Kathleen , Cao Yue , Chenevert Thomas L. , Taouli Bachir , Yankeelov Thomas E. , Fennessy Fiona , Li Xin
Published: March 2019

This multicenter study evaluated the effect of variations in arterial input function (AIF) determination on pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) data using the shutter-speed model (SSM). Data acquired from eleven prostate cancer patients were shared among nine centers. Each center used a site-specific method to measure the individual AIF from each data set and submitted the results to the managing center. These AIFs, their reference tissue-adjusted variants, and a literature population-averaged AIF, were used by the managing center to perform SSM PK analysis to estimate Ktrans (volume transfer rate constant), ve (extravascular, extracellular volume fraction), kep (efflux rate constant), and τi (mean intracellular water lifetime). All other variables, including the definition of the tumor region of interest and precontrast T1 values, were kept the same to evaluate parameter variations caused by variations in only the AIF. Considerable PK parameter variations were observed with within-subject coefficient of variation (wCV) values of 0.58, 0.27, 0.42, and 0.24 for Ktrans, ve, kep, and τi, respectively, using the unadjusted AIFs. Use of the reference tissue-adjusted AIFs reduced variations in Ktrans and ve (wCV = 0.50 and 0.10, respectively), but had smaller effects on kep and τi (wCV = 0.39 and 0.22, respectively). kep is less sensitive to AIF variation than Ktrans, suggesting it may be a more robust imaging biomarker of prostate microvasculature. With low sensitivity to AIF uncertainty, the SSM-unique τi parameter may have advantages over the conventional PK parameters in a longitudinal study.
Multicenter Repeatability Study of a Novel Quantitative Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging Phantom
Authors: Malyarenko Dariya I. , Swanson Scott D. , Konar Amaresha S. , LoCastro Eve , Paudyal Ramesh , Liu Michael Z. , Jambawalikar Sachin R. , Schwartz Lawrence H. , Shukla-Dave Amita , Chenevert Thomas L.
Published: March 2019

Quantitative kurtosis phantoms are sought by multicenter clinical trials to establish accuracy and precision of quantitative imaging biomarkers on the basis of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) parameters. We designed and evaluated precision, reproducibility, and long-term stability of a novel isotropic (i) DKI phantom fabricated using four families of chemicals based on vesicular and lamellar mesophases of liquid crystal materials. The constructed iDKI phantoms included negative control monoexponential diffusion materials to independently characterize noise and model-induced bias in quantitative kurtosis parameters. Ten test–retest DKI studies were performed on four scanners at three imaging centers over a six-month period. The tested prototype phantoms exhibited physiologically relevant apparent diffusion, Dapp, and kurtosis, Kapp, parameters ranging between 0.4 and 1.1 (×10−3 mm2/s) and 0.8 and 1.7 (unitless), respectively. Measured kurtosis phantom Kapp exceeded maximum fit model bias (0.1) detected for negative control (zero kurtosis) materials. The material-specific parameter precision [95% CI for Dapp: 0.013–0.022(×10−3 mm2/s) and for Kapp: 0.009–0.076] derived from the test–retest analysis was sufficient to characterize thermal and temporal stability of the prototype DKI phantom through correlation analysis of inter-scan variability. The present study confirms a promising chemical design for stable quantitative DKI phantom based on vesicular mesophase of liquid crystal materials. Improvements to phantom preparation and temperature monitoring procedures have potential to enhance precision and reproducibility for future multicenter iDKI phantom studies.
FLT PET Radiomics for Response Prediction to Chemoradiation Therapy in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer
Authors: Ulrich Ethan J. , Menda Yusuf , Ponto Laura L. Boles , Anderson Carryn M. , Smith Brian J. , Sunderland John J. , Graham Michael M. , Buatti John M. , Beichel Reinhard R.
Published: March 2019

Radiomics is an image analysis approach for extracting large amounts of quantitative information from medical images using a variety of computational methods. Our goal was to evaluate the utility of radiomic feature analysis from 18F-fluorothymidine positron emission tomography (FLT PET) obtained at baseline in prediction of treatment response in patients with head and neck cancer. Thirty patients with advanced-stage oropharyngeal or laryngeal cancer, treated with definitive chemoradiation therapy, underwent FLT PET imaging before treatment. In total, 377 radiomic features of FLT uptake and feature variants were extracted from volumes of interest; these features variants were defined by either the primary tumor or the total lesion burden, which consisted of the primary tumor and all FLT-avid nodes. Feature variants included normalized measurements of uptake, which were calculated by dividing lesion uptake values by the mean uptake value in the bone marrow. Feature reduction was performed using clustering to remove redundancy, leaving 172 representative features. Effects of these features on progression-free survival were modeled with Cox regression and P-values corrected for multiple comparisons. In total, 9 features were considered significant. Our results suggest that smaller, more homogenous lesions at baseline were associated with better prognosis. In addition, features extracted from total lesion burden had a higher concordance index than primary tumor features for 8 of the 9 significant features. Furthermore, total lesion burden features showed lower interobserver variability.
Bias in PET Images of Solid Phantoms Due to CT-Based Attenuation Correction
Authors: Byrd Darrin W. , Sunderland John J. , Lee Tzu-Cheng , Kinahan Paul E.
Published: March 2019

The use of computed tomography (CT) images to correct for photon attenuation in positron emission tomography (PET) produces unbiased patient images, but it is not optimal for synthetic materials. For test objects made from epoxy, image bias and artifacts have been observed in well-calibrated PET/CT scanners. An epoxy used in commercially available sources was infused with long-lived 68Ge/68Ga nuclide and measured on several PET/CT scanners as well as on older PET scanners that measured attenuation with 511-keV photons. Bias in attenuation maps and PET images of phantoms was measured as imaging parameters and methods varied. Changes were made to the PET reconstruction to show the influence of CT-based attenuation correction. Additional attenuation measurements were made with a new epoxy intended for use in radiology and radiation treatment whose photonic properties mimic water. PET images of solid phantoms were biased by between 3% and 24% across variations in CT X-ray energy and scanner manufacturer. Modification of the reconstruction software reduced bias, but object-dependent changes were required to generate accurate attenuation maps. The water-mimicking epoxy formulation showed behavior similar to water in limited testing. For some solid phantoms, transformation of CT data to attenuation maps is a major source of PET image bias. The transformation can be modified to accommodate synthetic materials, but our data suggest that the problem may also be addressed by using epoxy formulations that are more compatible with PET/CT imaging.
QIN Benchmarks for Clinical Translation of Quantitative Imaging Tools
Authors: Farahani Keyvan , Tata Darrell , Nordstrom Robert
Published: March 2019

The Quantitative Imaging Network of the National Cancer Institute is in its 10th year of operation, and research teams within the network are developing and validating clinical decision support software tools to measure or predict the response of cancers to various therapies. As projects progress from development activities to validation of quantitative imaging tools and methods, it is important to evaluate the performance and clinical readiness of the tools before committing them to prospective clinical trials. A variety of tests, including special challenges and tool benchmarking, have been instituted within the network to prepare the quantitative imaging tools for service in clinical trials. This article highlights the benchmarking process and provides a current evaluation of several tools in their transition from development to validation.
Accuracy and Performance of Functional Parameter Estimation Using a Novel Numerical Optimization Approach for GPU-Based Kinetic Compartmental Modeling
Authors: Svistoun Igor , Driscoll Brandon , Coolens Catherine
Published: March 2019

Quantitative kinetic parameters derived from dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) data are dependent on signal measurement quality and choice of pharmacokinetic model. However, the fundamental optimization analysis method is equally important and its impact on pharmacokinetic parameters has been mostly overlooked. We examine the effects of those choices on accuracy and performance of parameter estimation using both computer processing unit and graphical processing unit (GPU) numerical optimization implementations and evaluate the improvements offered by a novel optimization approach. A test framework was developed where experimentally derived population-average arterial input function and randomly sampled parameter sets {Ktrans, Kep, Vb, τ} were used to generate known tissue curves. Five numerical optimization algorithms were evaluated: sequential quadratic programming, downhill simplex (Nelder–Mead), pattern search, simulated annealing, and differential evolution. This was combined with various objective function implementation details: delay approximation, discretization and varying sampling rates. Then, impact of noise and CPU/GPU implementation was tested for speed and accuracy. Finally, the optimal method was compared to conventional implementation as applied to clinical DCE computed tomography. Nelder–Mead, differential evolution and sequential quadratic programming produced good results on clean and noisy input data outperforming simulated annealing and pattern search in terms of speed and accuracy in the respective order of 10−8%, 10−7%, and ×10−6%). A novel approach for DCE numerical optimization (infinite impulse response with fractional delay approximation) was implemented on GPU for speed increase of at least 2 orders of magnitude. Applied to clinical data, the magnitude of overall parameter error was <10%.
The Quantitative Imaging Network: A Decade of Achievement
Authors: Yankeelov Thomas
Published: March 2019

This issue of Tomography is a collection of articles derived from over 20 research teams which comprise the Quantitative Imaging Network (QIN) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).[...]
Immune Dysregulation in Children with Allergic Asthma: A Close Relationship Between IL-17 but not IL-4 or IFN-
Authors: Aghajani Meysam , Rafiei Alireza , Ghaffari Javad , Valadan Reza , Kardan Mostafa , Soltani Mostafa , Tahaghoghi Sahar
Published: March 2019

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ON NON-QUADRATIC PENALTY FUNCTION FOR NON-LINEAR PROGRAMMING PROBLEM WITH EQUALITY CONSTRAINTS
Authors: Prajapati Raju , Prakash Dubey Om , Pradhan Ranjit
Published: March 2019

Purpose: The present paper focuses on the Non-Linear Programming Problem (NLPP) with equality constraints. NLPP with constraints could be solved by penalty or barrier methods.

Methodology: We apply the penalty method to the NLPP with equality constraints only. The non-quadratic penalty method is considered for this purpose. We considered a transcendental i.e. exponential function for imposing the penalty due to the constraint violation. The unconstrained NLPP obtained in this way is then processed for further solution. An improved version of evolutionary and famous meta-heuristic Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is used for the same. The method is tested with the help of some test problems and mathematical software SCILAB. The solution is compared with the solution of the quadratic penalty method.

Results: The results are also compared with some existing results in the literature.
DESCRIPTION OF PROCESS IN AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN XIX AND XX CENTURIES CONCEPTIONS
Authors: Oliveira André Fernando , Pereira Renata Lopes , Flores Jr Marcos , Neves Antônio Augusto , Queiroz Maria Eliana Lopes Ribeiro
Published: March 2019

The development of studies of Chemical solutions occurred with two distinct concepts, the XIX century concept, and the XX century concept. XIX century concept was created before the Arrhenius’ electrolytic theory and it did not consider the real chemical species in solution. The differences between these concepts can seem subtle at a glance, but some examples are shown to clarify them, as well as the problems with use the XIX century concept. The examples involve differences in chemical equations, Henderson-Hasselbach Equation, Arrhenius’ Ionization degree, Acid-base and solubility equilibria.
EVALUATION OF ADSORTIVE POWER OF CACTUS PEAR FORAGE WITHOUT PEEL FOR USE IN REMOVAL OF COMMON GASOLINE IN WATER BODIES
Authors: RIBEIRO LIMA LENILDE MÉRGIA , BANDEIRA CRUZ DA SILVA JOANNY LAYS , CAVALCANTE LAEDSON ENEAS , ALVES FEITOZA EDGLEIGA DAISE , RIBEIRO LIMA LÍGIA MARIA
Published: March 2019

Alternative methods, as adsorption, with use of readily available and low cost materials have been used to remove contaminants in water bodies. Objective of this work was to study adsorptive power of cactus pear forage (Opuntia tuna Mill) biomass without bark as adsorbent for removal of gasoline in water bodies. Material underwent a natural drying process and then comminution to powder form.  In adsorption kinetics study, were evaluated time between 5 and 60 minutes (with a 5-minute interval) and equilibrium concentrations of contaminants ranging from 5 to 50%, with a 5% variation rate. It was observed that process was rapid, with greater adsorption efficiency over time for 30 minutes. Langmuir model fitted well to experimental data, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 5.94 g.g -1. Results confirm that cactus pear forage without peel appears as a promising biomass in gasoline adsorption process.
USE OF THE THEORY OF GAMES AS AN INNOVATIVE METHOD IN THE SOLAR ENERGY INVESTMENT DECISION PROCESS
Authors: Tomaz Monique Suellen de Lima e Silva , Castrillo Lázara Silveira , Cunha Danielle Casé Dionizio , França Aldenis Everton Alves Guilherme , Fittipaldi Eduardo Henrique Diniz
Published: March 2019

Brazil is a country with high solar energy potential due to the vast unhabitaded areas close to the Equator with high availability of solar radiation. With a simple setting, low maintenance costs, sustainability appeal and an inexhaustible power supply, the solar plants have been transformed in attractive investments in the electrical power sector.  In the Brazilian Northeastern region, it's possible to find the best conditions for the development of new solar plants due to the climate, dry and sunny all year. The present work aims to present the use of game theory as an innovative method in the investment decision process between two companies of solar energy generation in Northeastrn region of Brazil. The methodology used for this analysis was the Cournot method to conclude whether competition or cooperation among the agents involved prevails in the market.
GESTAÇÃO NA ADOLESCÊNCIA E AUTOESTIMA
Authors: Cristina Alves Damacena Lara , Pinheiro Danilo César dos Anjos , Mattos Juliana Gonçalves Silva de , Gomes Nathália Silva
Published: March 2019

Objetivo: Avaliar a autoestima de gestantes adolescentes. Método: Estudo descritivo, quantitativo e transversal realizado com gestantes adolescentes atendidas em Unidades Básicas de Saúde de um município no interior de Minas Gerais. Participaram da pesquisa 12 mulheres, excluindo-se aquelas que apresentaram patologia física e/ou neurológica e/ou obstétrica. Utilizou-se um instrumento relativo ao sociodemográfico e outro para avaliação da autoestima, a Escala de Rosenberg. Os resultados foram analisados por meio de medidas estatísticas descritivas. Resultados: A maioria das gestantes tinha entre 15 e 19 anos, com união estável, ensino médio completo, renda familiar de um a dois salários mínimos, não trabalhavam e moravam em casas alugadas com o companheiro. Todas foram classificadas com autoestima insatisfatórias. Conclusão: A autoestima, por interferir nos cuidados da mãe para com seu filho, deve ser quantificada e analisada pelos profissionais de saúde de modo a prevenir transtornos mentais que possam surgir em decorrência de uma baixa autoestima.
DOMÍNIOS AFETADOS NA QUALIDADE DE VIDA DO PACIENTE RENAL CRÔNICO EM TRATAMENTO HEMODIALÍTICO: REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA
Authors: Evangelista Renata Alessandra , Pires Natália Cristina , Silva Cildiléia Santos , Bueno Alexandre Assis , Silva Luiz Almeida
Published: March 2019

Objetivo: Sintetizar o conhecimento produzido acerca das publicações na literatura nacional e internacional sobre os domínios afetados na qualidade de vida dos pacientes renais crônicos em tratamento hemodialítico. Método: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática nas bases de dados, LILACS, MEDLINE e CINAHL, nos últimos 10 anos. Resultados: Foram analisados 9 artigos, a maioria dos estudos eram descritivos e transversais, apresentaram evidências sobre as relações das dimensões afetadas na qualidade de vida dos indivíduos em tratamento hemodialítico. Os achados revelaram baixos escores de qualidade de vida, principalmente no domínio físico, sendo o aspecto social aquele de melhor escore.A identificação dos itens impactantes da qualidade de vida dessa população permite, aos profissionais de saúde, repensar a assistência atualmente oferecida, minimizando as consequências negativas decorrentes desse processo. Conclusão: Revela-se que o cuidado dispensado aos pacientes deve englobar estratégias para melhorar a saúde e qualidade de vida dos pacientes.
MEDICAMENTOS DE ALTA VIGILÂNCIA: FREQUÊNCIA E DUPLA CHECAGEM EM UM HOSPITAL DE ENSINO
Authors: Arduini Glendha Oliveira , Paiva de Carvalho Cordeiro Aldenora Laísa , Engel Rosana Huppes , Guerra Stacciarini Thaís Santos , Rezende Marina Pereira , Ferreira Lúcia Aparecida
Published: March 2019

Objetivo: Identificar a frequência de medicamentos de alta vigilância prescritos e a realização da dupla checagem. Método: Estudo transversal, documental, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado em um hospital público de ensino, do Sudeste do Brasil. Resultados: A amostra foi constituída por 168 prescrições médicas de pacientes internados em unidades de internação adulto. A unidade que apresentou o maior número de medicamentos de alta vigilância prescritos foi o pronto socorro, 30 (83,3%). Os antitrombóticos corresponderam à classe medicamentosa de maior frequência nas ]prescrições, presentes em 101 (60,1%), seguido das insulinas com 63 (37,5%). A dupla checagem foi realizada com maior frequência nos seguintes medicamentos: antitrombóticos, 22 (21,7%) e sedativos, 6 (27,3%). Conclusão: Espera-se que este trabalho incentive o desenvolvimento de pesquisas acerca de tal tema e o aprimoramento de estratégias com o intuito de incentivar a efetiva implantação da dupla checagem, a qual promoverá um cuidado seguro e de maior qualidade. Palavras chaves: Erros de medicação; Segurança do paciente; Cuidados de enfermagem; Prescrições.
ATIVIDADES DE ARTETERAPIA NA REABILITAÇÃO DE USUÁRIOS DA ATENÇÃO PSICOSSOCIAL
Authors: Willrich Janaína Quinzen , Portela Dariane Lima , Casarin Renata
Published: March 2019

Este estudo objetivou conhecer as contribuições da arteterapia na reabilitação de usuários de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial (CAPS). Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa realizada em 2016, por meio da aplicação de entrevista semiestruturada. Os dados foram analisados utilizando-se a técnica da análise temática.  A partir da análise dividiu-se os resultados em três categorias: desenvolvimento das oficinas terapêuticas, vínculo e participação e contribuição das oficinas terapêuticas na vida dos usuários. Observa-se que as oficinas terapêuticas promoveram a inclusão dos usuários e criação de vínculo, resultando em melhor qualidade de vida. Também verificou-se que os usuários demonstram afeto ao serviço e aos profissionais, e que as oficinas terapêuticas são benéficas para a saúde dos mesmos, ao passo que contribuem para bons relacionamentos familiares e sociais. Dessa forma a construção desse estudo proporcionou a compreensão de que a arteterapia tem um papel fundamental na vida dos usuários, contribuindo para sua reabilitação social.
AÇÕES E ATIVIDADES DESENVOLVIDAS PELA ENFERMAGEM NO CENTRO DE ATENÇÃO PSICOSSOCIAL: REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA
Authors: Silva John Victor dos Santos , Brandão Thyara Maia , Oliveira Keila Cristina Pereira do Nascimento
Published: March 2019

Objetivo: descrever o que se tem produzido cientificamente sobre as ações e atividades desenvolvidas pelos profissionais de enfermagem nos Centros De Atenção Psicossocial. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, realizada nas bases de dados SciELO, LILACS e BDENF, nos meses de abril e maio, onde a amostra foi de 11 estudos. Resultados: Algumas das ações e atividades são: acolhimento, visitas domiciliares, oficinas e grupos terapêuticos, consulta familiar, organização do CAPS, reunião de equipe, atividades externas, geração de renda, PTS; além de: consulta de enfermagem, administração de medicamentos, educação em saúde, comunicação terapêutica, verificação de sinais vitais e curativos. Conclusão: As ações e atividades são bastante diversificadas, a depender do público de usuários que frequentam os CAPS, e que, na maioria, são exercidas pela equipe de enfermagem ou de forma coletiva com os demais profissionais de outras categorias.  Apresentam-se, também, algumas características positivas e negativas que são fatores que podem até potencializar ou fragilizar o trabalho nos serviços.
DIAGNÓSTICOS DE ENFERMAGEM EM PACIENTES ONCOHEMATOLÓGICOS SUBMETIDOS A TRATAMENTO QUIMIOTERÁPICO
Authors: Calegari Isadora Braga , Paiva de Carvalho Cordeiro Aldenora Laísa , Guerra Stacciarini Thaís Santos , Ferreira Lúcia Aparecida
Published: March 2019

Objetivo: identificar os diagnósticos de Enfermagem mais frequentes em pacientes com doenças oncohematológicas submetidos a tratamento quimioterápico. Método: estudo retrospectivo, documental. Verificou-se um total de 35 prontuários. Destes, 18 (51%) não atenderam aos critérios de elegibilidade do estudo. Os prontuários elegíveis foram 17 (49%). Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva. Resultados: a maioria dos prontuários era de pacientes do sexo masculino (70,6%); a média de idade foi de 41,2 anos. Os tipos de cânceres mais frequentes foram linfoma não Hodgkin e leucemia mieloide aguda, com quatro (23,6%) ocorrências. Os diagnósticos de Enfermagem mais frequentes foram: proteção ineficaz e risco de infecção, com 17 (100%) ocorrências; risco de mucosa oral prejudicada e risco de quedas, com 12 (70,6%) casos. Conclusão: Houve predomínio dos diagnósticos de Enfermagem de proteção ineficaz e risco de infecção, estes estiveram relacionados ao câncer, ao tratamento quimioterápico, à realização de procedimentos invasivos e imunossupressão.
FATORES ASSOCIADOS AO DESMAME AOS QUATRO MESES EM BEBÊS DE MÃES ADOLESCENTES
Authors: Margotti Edficher , Margotti Willian
Published: March 2019

Objetivo: Apresentar os índices de aleitamento materno exclusivo e verificar os fatores de risco para o desmame aos quatro meses, em mães adolescentes. Método: Estudo transversal com amostra composta por adolescentes de 13 à 18 anos e seus bebês, os nascimentos foram em hospitais amigo da criança, na capital Belém do Pará. O trabalho foi realizado com uma amostra de 92 adolescentes. A pré seleção das adolescentes era feita na maternidade. A segunda etapa foi no quarto mês pós parto, se manteve contato com as adolescentes, por telefone e verificado o tipo de alimentação que se encontrava o bebê. Resultados: O aleitamento materno aos quatro meses foi de 22,82%, desmame de 17,40% e 59,78 % foi de aleitamento materno exclusivo. Os fatores escolaridade, estado civil, trabalha fora, companheiro não incentiva o aleitamento estão significativamente relacionados negativamente ao aleitamento materno exclusivo. Conclusão: O índice de aleitamento materno exclusivo no quarto mês de vida dos bebês foi baixo, os fatores de risco para o aleitamento materno exclusivo foram: baixa escolaridade, estado civil sem companheiro, mãe que trabalha fora de casa e o companheiro que não incentiva o aleitamento. Descritores: Aleitamento Materno, Desmame, Fatores de Risco.