bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children by ALL IC-BFM 2002 protocol: results of multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Valiev T. T. , Shervashidze M. A. , Osipova I. V. , Burlutskaya T. I. , Popova N. A. , Osmulskaya N. S. , Aleskerova G. A. , Sabantsev S. L. , Gordeeva Z. S. , Batmanova N. A. , Trenina M. R. , Birlyukova D. V. , Kirgizov K. I. , Varfolomeeva S. R.
Published: October 2021

By the whole history of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment protocols development, one of the World ideologist of original science-based therapeutic approaches was German group BFM (Berlin–Frankfurt–Münster). It is not surprisingly that modern ALL treatment protocols, developed by BFM group are high-effective and use in many countries. Understanding the probability of recovery of overwhelming ALL patients majority treated by ALL IC-BFM 2002 protocol, the Scientific-Practical Board of Ministry of Health of Russia in 2020 adopted a protocol as clinical recommendation for pediatric ALL treatment (ID:529).It the current issue BFM ALL treatment protocols evolution is presented and first Russian multicenter experience in pediatric ALL treatment by ALL IC-BFM 2002 protocol. It was 408 pediatric and adolescents patients with primary ALL included the study. All of them were treated by ALL IC-BFM 2002 protocol from 01.11.2003 to 12.05.2021. Survival rate was estimated on 01.06.2021.ALL IC-BFM 2002 demonstrated a high efficiency in multicenter retrospective study. 15-year event-free survival was 83.7 ± 2.1 %, relapsefree survival – 88 ± 1.8 % and overall survival – 93.4 ± 1.4 %. So, ALL IC-BFM 2002 protocol could be realized in Russian clinics and give results similar to world’s leading medical centers.
Microglial Activation in the Neurodevelopment: A Narrative Review
Authors: de Moura Airam Barbosa , Abitante Morgana Sonza , Silva Ritele Hernandez , Quevedo João , Réus Gislaine Zilli
Published: October 2021

Microglia are immune cells found in the central nervous system (CNS)
involved in infection combat and cellular debris clean. These glial cells are involved in
synaptogenesis during brain development by their interactions with neurons and other
glial cells. These relations are associated with the secretion of signaling molecules, such
as chemokines and neurotrophic factors. Microglia cells influence synapsis and neuron
morphology during different phases of development. Also, other systems, for example,
gut microbiota, indirectly affect microglial functions and morphology. Several factors that
can occur in different development periods, including intrauterine through adult life,
could impact microglia. Impairment in these cells could be associated with the
development of some psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia, autistic spectrum
disorder (ASD), and depression. This review focuses on describing microglia functions in
the maintenance of CNS and how they are associated with other systems, as the gutmicrobiota
brain axis and environmental stressors, such as stress, maternal deprivation,
sleep deprivation, immune activation, and ethanol exposure, that can influence the
function of the microglia during neurodevelopment.
Combining Daily Electricity Forecasts Based on DBSCAN and Stacking Fusion
Authors: Lv Zhixing , Cheng Sijin , Wang Yi , Wang Shenzheng , Li Xinyi , Ran Ran
Published: October 2021

Background:

Modern upgrades of power grids and a rapidly expanding economy complexify
the uncertainties of electricity demand.

Objective:

The objective of the study is to have a more precise prediction on the demand side, which is
beneficial in affirming the stable operation of the power system.

Methods:

This paper presents a combined electricity forecasting method based on the users clustering
and stacking ensemble learning to mine underlying properties of different individual consumers. The
preprocessed electricity consumption profiles are inputted into the DBSCAN clustering algorithm to
obtain the clusters. The alternative models are tailored for different clusters in the stacking fusion
framework for training and testing.

Result:

Experimental results on the operating data of Shandong Power Grid show that the proposed
method has higher prediction accuracy and better generalization ability.

Conclusion:

The framework is of great significance for improving the level of power supply service.
The Development of Interactive Learning Media on Android Platform Assisted By Google Sites
Authors: Afifah Afifah , Nurohman Sabar , Maryanto Allesius
Published: October 2021

This study aims to (1) produce interactive learning media on the android platform assisted by Google Sites that is feasible for junior high school Science learning of respiratory system, (2) produce media that is practical for junior high school Science learning of respiratory system. This development research employed 4D model (Define, Design, Development, and Dissemination). The subject of this research was the second semester of the eighth-grade students in Junior High School 1 Wonosari. Research instruments used in this research included validation sheets, practicality assessment sheets, and student response questionnaires. The results of this study indicate that (1) media is feasible with a percentage value in terms of material is 80% (feasible) and in terms of media is 87% (very feasible). (2) media are practically used with values of V in the aspect of material clarity of 0.86 with a very practical category, the aspect of clarity of display 0.80 with a practical category, the benefit aspect of 0.81 with a very practical category, the aspect of ease of use 0.79 with a practical category. The results from the students’ responses of media's practicality showed a P value of 79 %, included in the practical category.
The Art of (Up)Recycling: How Plastic Debris Has Become a Matter of Art?
Authors:   Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań 1. Ul. Wieniawskiego 1, 61-712 Poznań, Poland, Michałowska Marianna
Published: October 2021

Since 1907, when Bakelite was invented, there has been a dramatic rise in the daily usage of plastic-like materials. Today, its negative impacts are a part of scientific studies and public debates. Art and artists play a significant role in these discussions. They mediate between the specialist content and public awareness. This study is dedicated to the artworks of artists using plastic waste collected from the seashore. I organized their works into three lines, within which artists have different threads of plastic interference in the natural environment. The artists examine: 1. The future of a planet dominated by plastic products, like Bonita Ely’s work from the Plasticus Progressus series that predict post-human existence. 2. The conceptual metaphors of contemporary culture, presented in Bounty, Pilfered by Pam Longobardi. It is an installation constructed from fishing debris. 3. The “nature-cultural” forms, i.e., organic constructions created by human interference and modified by nature, like Crochet Coral Reefs. The cooperation of volunteers with Margaret and Christine Wertheim produced this artwork. The artistic intervention creates new cultural and natural forms. This kind of artistic attitude towards waste is a formal and aesthetic innovation of various materials used in artistic practices. It also makes a significant commentary about the future of Earth. In a discussion about art producing unnecessary objects, recycling artistic material seems more ethical than using non-renewable materials obtained from natural sources.
Antidepressant Treatment of Depression in the Elderly: Efficacy and Safety Considerations
Authors:   Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia, Norman Trevor R
Published: October 2021

Depression in the elderly is a significant clinical problem which is likely to endure as an ongoing issue as the cohort of individuals aged over 65years continues to increase as a proportion of the total population. While there are a multiplicity of approaches to the treatment of depression, the mainstay for moderate to severe cases is pharmacotherapy. The majority of extant antidepressants have demonstrated efficacy, at least in short term (6-12weeks) clinical evaluations. There is demonstrable efficacy over and above that of placebo in the majority of clinical trials for most agents. Within the classes of antidepressants there is no difference between individual agents, while between classes differences have not been demonstrated consistently. Thus, there appears to be little to choose between the various agents. However, considerations other than efficacy play a role in the choice of an antidepressant for an individual patient. A systematic review of the efficacy of antidepressant agents based on trials in elderly populations is presented. Factors influencing the choice of a medication over and above efficacy are presented along with a brief review of adverse events of particular concern in elderly patients. A considerable proportion of elderly patients have comorbid medical conditions, which may also influence the choice of agent due to drug-drug interaction considerations. A brief overview of interactions likely to influence medication selection is also canvassed. While there is every reason to be optimistic about outcomes in elderly patients, there are still unanswered questions about antidepressant efficacy in this population: effectiveness in long-term treatment and in the population of so-called ‘old-old’ elderly are principal among them.
Economic Considerations in Using HCV and HIV Positive Donors for Kidney Transplant
Authors:   Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus, 827 Linden Ave, Baltimore, MD, USA, Bhattacharyya Aniruddha , Friedman Lee R. ,   Georgetown University School of Medicine, 3900 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC, USA, Thomas Beje S. ,   Department of Transplant Nephrology, Medstar Georgetown Transplant Institute, 3800 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC, USA, Smith Coleman I. ,   Department of Transplant Hepatology, MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, 3800 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC, USA
Published: October 2021

End Stage Renal Disease is becoming more prevalent in the United States of America, with demand for kidney transplant exceeding the available organ supply. A novel method to increase the donor pool has been to consider transplanting organs from deceased patients who have had Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections. Transplants with HCV infected kidneys are becoming more prevalent, due to increased organ supply due to increased mortality from injection opioid use. Similarly, deceased donor transplants using kidneys infected with HIV have become more common following the passage of the “HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act” in 2013. These novel transplant strategies present distinct socioeconomic impacts which differ from those of prior transplant practices. Here, we have reviewed the costs and benefits of receiving a kidney transplant from deceased donors infected with HIV or HCV, compared to receiving a non-viremic kidney transplant.
Assessing the Performance of a New Artificial Intelligence–Driven Diagnostic Support Tool Using Medical Board Exam Simulations: Clinical Vignette Study
Authors: Ben-Shabat Niv , Sloma Ariel , Weizman Tomer , Kiderman David , Amital Howard
Published: October 2021

Background

Diagnostic decision support systems (DDSS) are computer programs aimed to improve health care by supporting clinicians in the process of diagnostic decision-making. Previous studies on DDSS demonstrated their ability to enhance clinicians’ diagnostic skills, prevent diagnostic errors, and reduce hospitalization costs. Despite the potential benefits, their utilization in clinical practice is limited, emphasizing the need for new and improved products.

Objective

The aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary analysis of the diagnostic performance of “Kahun,” a new artificial intelligence-driven diagnostic tool.

Methods

Diagnostic performance was evaluated based on the program’s ability to “solve” clinical cases from the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 2 Clinical Skills board exam simulations that were drawn from the case banks of 3 leading preparation companies. Each case included 3 expected differential diagnoses. The cases were entered into the Kahun platform by 3 blinded junior physicians. For each case, the presence and the rank of the correct diagnoses within the generated differential diagnoses list were recorded. Each diagnostic performance was measured in two ways: first, as diagnostic sensitivity, and second, as case-specific success rates that represent diagnostic comprehensiveness.

Results

The study included 91 clinical cases with 78 different chief complaints and a mean number of 38 (SD 8) findings for each case. The total number of expected diagnoses was 272, of which 174 were different (some appeared more than once). Of the 272 expected diagnoses, 231 (87.5%; 95% CI 76-99) diagnoses were suggested within the top 20 listed diagnoses, 209 (76.8%; 95% CI 66-87) were suggested within the top 10, and 168 (61.8%; 95% CI 52-71) within the top 5. The median rank of correct diagnoses was 3 (IQR 2-6). Of the 91 expected diagnoses, 62 (68%; 95% CI 59-78) of the cases were suggested within the top 20 listed diagnoses, 44 (48%; 95% CI 38-59) within the top 10, and 24 (26%; 95% CI 17-35) within the top 5. Of the 91 expected diagnoses, in 87 (96%; 95% CI 91-100), at least 2 out of 3 of the cases’ expected diagnoses were suggested within the top 20 listed diagnoses; 78 (86%; 95% CI 79-93) were suggested within the top 10; and 61 (67%; 95% CI 57-77) within the top 5.

Conclusions

The diagnostic support tool evaluated in this study demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy and comprehensiveness; it also had the ability to manage a wide range of clinical findings.
Prediction of Readmission in Geriatric Patients From Clinical Notes: Retrospective Text Mining Study (Preprint)
Authors: Goh Kim Huat , Wang Le , Yeow Adrian Yong Kwang , Ding Yew Yoong , Au Lydia Shu Yi , Poh Hermione Mei Niang , Li Ke , Yeow Joannas Jie Lin , Tan Gamaliel Yu Heng
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Prior literature suggests that psychosocial factors adversely impact health and health care utilization outcomes. However, psychosocial factors are typically not captured by the structured data in electronic medical records (EMRs) but are rather recorded as free text in different types of clinical notes.

OBJECTIVE

We here propose a text-mining approach to analyze EMRs to identify older adults with key psychosocial factors that predict adverse health care utilization outcomes, measured by 30-day readmission. The psychological factors were appended to the LACE (Length of stay, Acuity of the admission, Comorbidity of the patient, and Emergency department use) Index for Readmission to improve the prediction of readmission risk.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis using EMR notes of 43,216 hospitalization encounters in a hospital from January 1, 2017 to February 28, 2019. The mean age of the cohort was 67.51 years (SD 15.87), the mean length of stay was 5.57 days (SD 10.41), and the mean intensive care unit stay was 5% (SD 22%). We employed text-mining techniques to extract psychosocial topics that are representative of these patients and tested the utility of these topics in predicting 30-day hospital readmission beyond the predictive value of the LACE Index for Readmission.

RESULTS

The added text-mined factors improved the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the readmission prediction by 8.46% for geriatric patients, 6.99% for the general hospital population, and 6.64% for frequent admitters. Medical social workers and case managers captured more of the psychosocial text topics than physicians.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of extracting psychosocial factors from EMR clinical notes and the value of these notes in improving readmission risk prediction. Psychosocial profiles of patients can be curated and quantified from text mining clinical notes and these profiles can be successfully applied to artificial intelligence models to improve readmission risk prediction.
Erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes (literature review) Part 1
Authors: Luchytskyy E.V. , Luchytskiy V.Ye.
Published: October 2021

The first part of the review article highlights modern views on the prevalence, etiology and features of the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men with diabetes mellitus. Google Scholar and PubMed databases were used to search for literature sources. The role of comorbid diseases in the development of ED in men with diabetes mellitus has been shown. The generalized data on the main clinical manifestations of erectile dysfunction, methods of its diagnosis and treatment are given. A number of epidemiological studies over the past 20 years have found that erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes may be an early marker of cardiovascular complications. Thus, in the algorithm for ED diagnosis in patients with diabetes it is necessary to conduct a thorough examination of the cardiovascular system. Numerous literature sources indicate an important role in the correction of androgen deficiency in men with type 2 diabetes, in order to enhance the effectiveness of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. Erectile dysfunction involves a change in any of the components of an erectile response. ED can negatively affect a man’s quality of life because most patients experience symptoms of depression and anxiety related to their sexual capabilities. These symptoms also affect a partner’s sexual experience and the couple’s quality of life. Clinical features of ED have many key features in the anamnesis, including some physical signs during examination depending on a type of diabetes. With age, comorbid conditions play an increasing role in the development of ED. Diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, obesity can lead to the development of ED before accelerated deterioration of erectile function and disorders at the molecular level of the mechanisms underlying erection. Patients with diabetes and ED have higher scores on the depression rating scale, and poorer overall health and quality of life. Early detection of ED in individuals with diabetes can improve the overall health and quality of life of patients. Patients with diabetes with poor glycemic control and older age are more likely to develop severe ED, which further exacerbates an already compromised health and quality of life. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001–2002), diabetes mellitus is a modified risk factor independently associated with the development of ED (odds ratio (OR) 2.69), obesity (OR 1.60), smoking (OR 1.74) and hypertension (OR 1.56). Erectile dysfunction is a common complication of diabetes, and diabetes is a risk factor for ED; men with diabetes are three times more likely to have ED.
The effect of iodine deficiency on the course of recurrent respiratory infection in children living in the iodine deficient region
Authors: Sorokman T.V. , Makarova O.V.
Published: October 2021

Background. The consequence of iodine deficiency is a decrease in the secretion of thyroid hormones, which adversely affects the immune system with the development of somatic and predisposition to frequent respiratory diseases. The purpose was to investigate the iodine supply of the body of children with recurrent respiratory infections (RRI) by studying the organification and inorganic fractions of iodine in the serum and excretion of iodine in the urine. Materials and methods. The study was conducted by simple sampling, taking into account the characteristics of the clinic course of respiratory disease. Clinical and laboratory and instrumental examination was performed in 60 children aged 3 to 11 years with a diagnosis of RRI. The concentration of iodine in urine, the level of inorganic and organification iodine in the blood were studied. Results. The clinical picture presented with the symptoms of intoxication, fever, and catarrhal symptoms typical of RRI. In children with severe RRI experienced a clear decrease in the iodine level to 57.34 μg/l (p < 0.05) and a decline in the blood content of total iodine and iodine organification by 31.12 and 39.11 % (p < 0.001), respectively. The concentration of inorganic iodine was significantly higher (p < 0.001). Such results indicate a “wrong” subcellular distribution of iodine into fractions in the inflammatory process caused by RRI. The children with detected iodine deficiency demonstrated a more severe course of RRI. There was a moderately negative relationship between the levels of organification and inorganic iodine (r = –0.515; p < 0.05) and a direct relationship between the blood concentrations of total and organification iodine (r = 0.899; p < 0.05). Conclusions. The course of RRI in patients with iodine deficiency is characterized by an increase in the level of inorganic iodine, a decrease in organification iodine and total iodine, the deepening of these changes correlates with the severity of the respiratory disease.
Assessment of cerebral blood flow in children with myopia in combination with undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia
Authors: Frolova T.V.
Published: October 2021

Background. In practice, patients with numerous undifferentiated forms of connective tissue dysplasia are more common. With regard to the combination of myopia and undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia, one of the links in the mechanism of origin of this refractive anomaly is decreased thickness of the sclera and a change in its elastic parameters. Myopia in children often occurs against the background of impaired blood supply to the visual analyzer associated with circulatory pathology in the vertebral vessels. The purpose was to evaluate cerebral blood flow in patients with myopia in combination with undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia. Materials and methods. The study involved 86 children (170 eyes) diagnosed with progressive myopia. All patients were consulted by related specialists to detect undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia and underwent a complete ophthalmological exa-mination. The diagnostic coefficient of expression of phenotypic and clinical signs of undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia was also determined using the expert table of T. Kadurina. Results. Phenotypic and clinical signs of undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia were noted in 41 (100 %) cases when evaluating according to the criteria of T. Mil-kovskaya-Dimitrova and T. Kadurina, and in 34 (83.0 %) children du-ring screening for joint hypermobility on Beighton score. As for increased axial length of the eye in the examined patients with myopia and undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia, it was noted that an increase had a direct correlation with the severity of undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia, with the greatest correlation obtained in children with pronounced phenotypic manifestations in the musculoskeletal system (correlation coefficient was 0.83). Chemical regulation of carotid artery tone (respiratory failure test) is altered in the vast majority of patients with myopia. Conclusions. All children with progressive myopia are re-commended to be examined by related specialists to identify undif-ferentiated connective tissue dysplasia and hemodynamic disorders. Only a comprehensive approach to this refractive anomaly can be effective in combating its progression.
Prevention of accommodation disorders and myopia in children
Authors: Buchueva N.N. , Konovalova N.V. , Khramenko N.I. , Chakir Duchaer , Kovtun O.V.
Published: October 2021

Background. An important role in the structure of ophthalmic pathology is played by myopia, especially rapidly progressing in adolescence, and accommodation disorders, which are, in fact, the precursors and companions of myopia. The purpose was to prevent accommodation disorders and mild myopia in children of different age groups by using dietary supplements Doppelherz® Kinder Eye vitamins with lutein and Doppelherz® Kinder Glycine. Materials and methods. One hundred and three children of diffe-rent age groups underwent functional examination against the background of treatment: group I — primary school age, prepubertal period (6–11 years) — 24 children, group II — middle school age, pubertal period (12–18 years) — 79 children, 24 of them had problems of the neck and collar zone associated with computer load. Standard examination methods were used. Results. After the course of the proposed therapy, the Haidinger’s phenomenon decreased to 5.70 ± 0.01 conventional units (p < 0.05) in the first group; up to 4.60 ± 0.03 conventional units in 55 children of the second group without problems in the neck and collar zone and up to 5.40 ± 0.02 conventional units in 24 children who had such problems (p < 0.02). Conclusions. Using Doppelherz® Kinder Eye vitamins with lutein and Doppelherz® Kinder Glycine improves the functioning of the ciliary muscle. Under the influence of treatment, visual acuity and accommodation reserves increased, and the power of optical correction decreased. The positive influence of Doppelherz® Kinder Eye vitamins with lutein and Doppelherz® Kinder Glycine on the increase in the functional activity of the fovea-afferent system and the accommodative function of the visual analyzer in spasm of accommodation and mild myopia has been proven.
Real-world evidence: a practical toolbox for collecting health state utilities
Authors: Lambert-Obry Veronique , Lafrance Jean-Philippe , Savoie Michelle , Lachaine Jean
Published: October 2021

Health state utilities (HSU) data collected in real-world evidence studies are at risk of bias. Although numerous guidance documents are available, practical advice to avoid bias in HSU studies is limited. Thus, the objective of this article was to develop a concise toolbox intended for investigators seeking to collect HSU in a real-world setting. The proposed toolbox builds on existing guidance and provides practical steps to help investigators perform good quality research. The toolbox aims at increasing the credibility of HSU data for future reimbursement decision making.
Bibliometría e indicadores no convencionales
Authors:   Universidad del Zulia, Facultad de Ingeniería, Escuela de Ingeniería Civil, Departamento de Ingeniería Sanitaria y Ambiental (DISA), Marín L. Julio César
Published: October 2021

Las editoriales presentadas en el volumen 44 (2021) de la Revista Técnica de la Facultad de Ingeniería de LUZ, versaron sobre distintas aristas que componen la evaluación del desarrollo científico-técnico en Latinoamérica. En el nro. 1 la Dra. Valentina Millano (Universidad del Zulia, Venezuela), escribió sobre el acceso abierto y los sistemas de evaluación de la ciencia, ¿calidad invisibilizada vs. cantidad comercializada?; mientras que en el nro. 2 la Dra. Nilda Rosales (Universidad de Los Andes, Venezuela), con una mirada a las universidades venezolanas a través de los rankings académicos, destaca que los datos son preocupantes, pues la caída en la publicación de artículos científicos es sostenida, así como la pérdida de posicionamiento internacional. Para este nro. 3 se presenta un esbozo acerca de la bibliometría y la necesidad de crear indicadores no convencionales para publicaciones científico-técnicas latinoamericanas.
Crianças na rede: percepções de pais e mães de crianças sobre o uso de internet
Authors: Grizólio Talita Cristina , Scorsolini-Comin Fabio
Published: October 2021

Este estudo teve por objetivo compreender quais as percepções e experiências de pais e mães de crianças brasileiras de 9 a 11 anos acerca do uso da internet por parte dos seus filhos. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo do qual participaram 12 genitores com idades entre 35 a 52 anos, sendo de 10,16 anos a média de idade dos seus filhos. Foram empregados dois roteiros de entrevistas. Não houve um consenso entre os pais a respeito de como mediar o uso de internet dos filhos, bem como se suas privacidades devem ser preservadas ou não nesse processo. Porém, parecem convergir quanto às preocupações com o tempo que os filhos ficam conectados. A comunicação foi evidenciada como instrumento imprescindível para a educação digital. Destaca-se como maiores desafios a falta de obediência às regras impostas pelos pais e a ausência de parâmetros para balizar essas mediações.
Herbal Medicine for the Treatment of Viral Hepatitis B and C: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Kim Seung-mo , Lee Yu-ri , Cho Na-kyung , Choi Hong-sik , Kim Kyung-soon
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that applied herbal medicine to treat viral hepatitis B and C in order to determine the therapeutic efficacy of herbal medicine.EMBASE, Pubmed, NDSL, KMBASE, KISS, KISTI, Koreamed, Koreantk, and Oasis databases were searched to identify RCTs. The selected studies were assessed by the Cochrane group's risk of bias tool.A total of 15 RCTs were selected, and the hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA reduction was significantly higher in patients treated with herbal medicine combined with Western medicine than in patients treated with herbal medicine. Herbal medicine combined with Western medicine was also superior to Western medicine alone in achieving hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) and alanine aminotransferase [ALT] reduction. Only herbal medicine alone was not superior to Western medicine treatments in achieving HBV DNA, HBeAg, and ALT reduction.
The Effect of Banhabaekchulcheonma-tang on Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: A Systematic Review Using the CNKI Database
Authors: Gwon Gi-hyeon , Oh Seo-hye , Park Eun-soo , Kim Mi-hyeon , Hong Seung-hyo , Song Geum-ju , Park Eun-young
Published: October 2021

Objectives: This study examines the effect of Banhabaekchulcheonma-tang on Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) through a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI).Methods: RCTs were included that tested the effect of Banhabaekchulcheonma-tang on BPPV. A study of the literature in the CNKI was performed for papers published from January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2021.Results: A total of eight RCTs met the inclusion criteria. All studies identified the effect of Banhabaekchulcheonma-tang in the treatment of BPPV. The effectiveness of treatment was higher in the intervention group than in the control group, as shown through evaluation indicators, including the total effective rate, dizziness handicap inventory (DHI), and blood lipids.Conclusion: Treatment with Banhabaakchulcheonma-tang was found to be effective in treating BPPV. However, due to the low quality of available studies, the significance of this conclusion is somewhat limited. Further clinical studies are needed on the development of diagnosis and treatment methods for BPPV based on Korean medicine.
The Integrated Effect Between Low Doses of Herbicide Glyphosate and Plant Extracts in Management of Carrot Crop Daucus carota L. var. sativa Weeds
Authors:   Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University, Syria, Al Youssef Amjad , Ibrahim Ghassan ,   Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University, Syria, Al Mouemar Anwar ,   Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University, Syria
Published: October 2021

This study was carried out at Abu Jarash Farm and Weed Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University, during 2017 winter to investigate the integrated effect of the non-selective herbicide Glyphosate (360 g/l) (Lancer®) and plant extracts of some weeds: sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon L.) by using one third and one fourth of the recommended doses of the herbicide mixed with plant extracts for weed management of plots planted with carrot. The integration between herbicide and plant extracts led to 100% weed control when the herbicide was used at 25% of the recommended dose, and was equally effective to that of the recommended dose. The benefits are cost reduction and decrease of harmful effects of synthetic herbicides to the environment. On the other hand, Sorghum bicolor extract was significantly effective in controlling all tested weed species (82.1% effectiveness on Chenopodium album (most sensitive), plant height of wild barley Hordeum murinum L. was 3.8 cm, dry matter content of 4.96% for purple nutsedge, Cyperus rotundus L. and 6.58% for hairy amaranth, Amaranthus retroflexus L. Keywords: Integration, herbicides, plant extracts, reduced doses, weeds
Study of Genetic Diversity of the Aphid Predator Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) in Different Areas of Syria Using SRAP markers
Authors:   Center for Research & Studies of  Biological Control , Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University  Syria, Mohamad Alaa , Basheer Abdelnabi ,   Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University, Syria, Lawand Salam ,   Agricultural produce Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University, Syria
Published: October 2021

This study was conducted in 2020 at the Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agronomy Department and Research Center for Biological Control Studies, Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University. This study aimed to determine the genetic diversity of the variegated ladybug aphid predator Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) collected from different regions in Syria using the SRAP technique (Sequence-related Amplified polymorphism). The number of amplified fragments was 101 bands, 99 of which were polymorphic with a polymorphism rate of 97.99%. The number of polymorphic fragments ranged between two bands by using the primers pair SRAP-12 and 13 bands by using the primers pair SRAP-1, with an average of 6.6 bands for each primers pair. The lowest polymorphism rate was 83.33% for primers pairs SRAP-4 and SRAP-9, whereas the highest polymorphism rate was 100% for the rest of the primers pairs. The results obtained on the degree of genetic diversity of the predator's individuals H. variegata showed that the highest value for percent disagreement values was 0.904 between samples from Damascus and Latakia (Fedio) and Homs and Latakia (Fedio), whereas the lowest value for percent disagreement values was 0.271 between samples from Damascus and Sweida. The phylogenetic tree showed that the studied populations were divided according to their geographical distribution into two main groups; the first group included samples collected from the regions of Damascus, Sweida, and Homs with a genetic distance of 15.51, whereas the second group included samples collected from the regions of Tartous, Jabla (Beit Yashout), and Lattakia (Fedio) with a genetic distance of 11.08. This is the first study to determine genetic diversity of H. variegata in Syria. Keywords: Genetic diversity, predator, Hippodamia variegata, SRAP, Syria
Isolation and Identification of Some Biocontrol Fungi and Evaluation of Their Efficacy Against Charchol Rot Disease Caused by Macrophomina phaseolina on Mung Bean
Authors:   Faculty of Agriculture, Basra University, Iraq, Matrood Abdel Nabi , Abdulhassan Hala Abdel Jaber ,   Faculty of Agriculture, Basra University, Iraq, Khrieba Mohamad Imad ,   The General Commission for Biotechnology, Damascus, Syria, Mohamad Amin Mountaser Adam ,   Faculty of Agriculture, Im Darman Islamic University, Sudan
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to isolate and identify Macrophomina phaseolina fungus which was the causal aget of Charcol rot disease on mung bean (Vigna radita Wilczek L) from Elgadisia Governorate in order to isolate, diagnose, and evaluate efficacy of biological control fungal agents isolalated from the rhizosphere of the host plant. The biocontrol agents T. koningii, C. globosum and A. carbonarius were effective in inhibiting the pathogenic fungus under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Two isolates of M. phaseolina fungal pathogen were identified in most samples of infected mung bean. Pathogenicity tests showed the ability of M. phaseolina to attack the seeds and cause seed rot. Isolates 1 and 2 of the fungal pathogen reduced the seed germination rate to 71.56 and 63.75%, respectively, compared with 86.66% for the control. The results obtained indicated the presence of a significant difference between the two isolates in inducing seedlings damping-off which reached 40% and 30%, respectively, compared with 0% for the control. The disease severity of isolate 1 reached 75.3% and that of isolate 2 reached 63.6%. The inhibitory effect of the fungal antagonists T. koningii and C. globosum varied. A. carbonarius demonstrated level 3 of inhibition to the pathogenic fungus M. phaseolina, whereas C. globosum and T. koningii demostrated inhibitory levels of 2 and 1, respectively. Results obtained also indicated that treatments with antagonistic fungi T. koningii, C. globosum and A. carbonarius increased the growth parameters of the mung bean plant. The antagonistic fungus C. globosum increased the plant height, root fresh and dry weight and chlorophyll content compared with the control. Furthermore, the results showed that treatment with T. koningii increased the mung bean seed germination rate to 100% and decreased disease severity of mung bean charcoal rot disease to 45.88% as compared to 89.86% severity for the contol. Likewise, the other antagonistic fungi A. carbonarius and C. globosum also increased the mung bean seed germination , and decreased mung bean charcoal rot disease severity. Keywords : Charcoal rot disease, mung bean, Macrophomina phaseolina, T. koningii, C. globosum, A. carbonarius.
HR-transformasjon som organisasjonmote i Norge
Authors: Slåtten Kåre , Madsen Dag Øivind
Published: October 2021

Siden tusenårsskiftet har HR-transformasjon vokst fram som et populært konsept blant organisasjoner og konsulenter. Det har blitt presentert som en oppskrift på hvordan man kan omforme den historiske personalfunksjonen og gjøre personal- og HR-arbeidet mer forretningsorientert, kostnadseffektivt og verdiskapende. Til tross for konseptets popularitet internasjonalt har det fått lite oppmerksomhet fra organisasjonsforskere her til lands. Artikkelen undersøker derfor HR-transformasjonens fremvekst, utbredelse og virkninger i en norsk kontekst. Vi analyserer aktørene som har vært sentrale i spredningen av konseptet, presenterer funn fra virksomheter som har implementert HR-transformasjon, og drøfter implikasjoner både for HR-funksjonen og linjeorganisasjonen.
Análise sérica de imunoglobulinas de pacientes portadores de lesões apicais crônicas
Authors: Sant'Ana Filho Manoel , Varvaki Rados Pantelis , Diniz Barbachan João Jorge , Roth Volkweis Maurício
Published: October 2021

The authors present review of literature and analisys of the results of a seric investigation of imunoglubulins using turbidimetric and imunoradiodifusion methods in eight pacients with chronic inflammatory lessions of periapex.
Proceso de trabajo de enfermería en la atención primaria de salud: estudio observacional
Authors: Mondragón-Sánchez Edna Johana , Bernal-Ordoñez Lina Karina , Corpus-Quiguanás Juliana
Published: October 2021

Objetivo: Analizar el proceso de trabajo de los profesionales de enfermería en la APS, a partir del referencial teórico sobre proceso de trabajo en salud. Materiales y métodos: Se trata de un estudio cualitativo de tipo observacional. La investigación se efectuó en una Empresa Social del Estado que brinda servicios de APS en Colombia; la recolección de datos se llevó a cabo mediante la observación no participante. La muestra estuvo conformada por cuatro profesionales de la enfermería, seleccionadas intencionalmente, en función de sus roles y actividades desarrolladas en el contexto de la APS del municipio. Resultados: Mediante la observación se construyeron cuatro categorías temáticas, a saber: Proceso de atención; rol enfermero; comunicación y liderazgo con el equipo de trabajo; y, prácticas de educación para la salud. Conclusión: En el proceso de trabajo que realizan las enfermeras, predominan las tecnologías leves y leves-duras con sus saberes técnicos-científicos, por lo cual está presente el trabajo muerto que se torna vivo al establecer una relación recíproca enfermera/paciente.
Editorial: Recent debates on corporate governance and sustainability
Authors: Alkaraan Fadi
Published: October 2021

Corporate governance and sustainability issues created dialogues among researchers, practitioners, regulators, and policy-makers. This is not surprising due to the impact of such debates on organisational performance, environmental and social issues relevant to Sustainable Developments Goals (SDGs). The six papers published in this issue add to our knowledge various implications and social applications and offer the opportunity to gain a better understanding of corporate governance and sustainability in different contexts and settings
Algebraic Lq-norms and complexity-like properties of Jacobi polynomials-Degree and parameter asymptotics
Authors: Sanchez-Dehesa Jesus , Sobrino Nahual
Published: October 2021

The Jacobi polynomials
$\hat{P}_n^{(\alpha,\beta)}(x)$
conform the canonical family of hypergeometric orthogonal polynomials
(HOPs) with the two-parameter weight function
$(1-x)^\alpha (1+x)^\beta,
\alpha,\beta>-1,$ on the
interval $[-1,+1]$. The spreading of its associated probability
density (i.e., the Rakhmanov density) over the orthogonality support has
been quantified, beyond the dispersion measures (moments around the
origin, variance), by the algebraic
$\mathfrak{L}_{q}$-norms (Shannon and
R\’enyi entropies) and the monotonic complexity-like
measures of Cram\’er-Rao, Fisher-Shannon and LMC
(L\’opez-Ruiz, Mancini and Calbet) types. These
quantities, however, have been often determined in an analytically
highbrow, non-handy way; specially when the degree or the parameters
$(\alpha,\beta)$ are large. In this
work, we determine in a simple, compact form the leading term of the
entropic and complexity-like properties of the Jacobi polynomials in the
two extreme situations: ($n\rightarrow
\infty$; fixed
$\alpha,\beta$) and
($\alpha\rightarrow
\infty$; fixed $n,\beta$). These two
asymptotics are relevant \textit{per se} and because
they control the physical entropy and complexity measures of the high
energy (Rydberg) and high dimensional (pseudoclassical) states of many
exactly, conditional exactly and quasi-exactly solvable
quantum-mechanical potentials which model numerous atomic and molecular
systems.
An e-Delphi study to obtain expert consensus on the level of risk associated with preventable e-prescribing events.
Authors: Slight Sarah , Heed Jude , Klein Stephanie , Watson Neil , Slee Ann , Husband Andy
Published: October 2021

Objectives We aim to seek expert opinion and gain consensus on the risks
associated with a range of prescribing scenarios, preventable using
e-prescribing systems, to inform the development of a simulation tool to
evaluate the risk and safety of e-prescribing systems (ePRaSE). Methods
We conducted a two-round eDelphi survey where expert participants were
asked to score pre-designed prescribing scenarios using a five-point
Likert scale to ascertain the likelihood of occurrence of the
prescribing event, likelihood of occurrence of harm and the severity of
the harm. Results Twenty four experts consented to participate with
fifteen participants and thirteen participants completing rounds 1 and 2
respectively. Experts agreed on the level of risk associated with 136
out of 178 clinical scenarios with 131 scenarios categorised as high or
extreme risk. Discussion We identified 131 extreme or high-risk
prescribing scenarios that may be prevented using e-prescribing clinical
decision support. The prescribing scenarios represent a variety of
categories, with drug-disease contraindications, being the most frequent
representing 37 (27%) scenarios and antimicrobial agents being the most
common drug class representing 28 (21%) of the scenarios. Conclusion
Our eDelphi study has achieved expert consensus on the risk associated
with a range of clinical scenarios with most of the scenarios
categorised as extreme or high risk. These prescribing scenarios
represent the breadth of preventable prescribing error categories
involving both basic and advanced clinical decision support. We will use
the findings of this study to inform the development of the
e-prescribing risk and safety evaluation tool.
Effect of presence and absence of parents on the emotional maturity and perceived loneliness in adolescents
Authors: Fatima Sana , Bashir Momal , Khan Kainat , Farooq Sheeza , Shoaib Sidra , Farhan Sheeba
Published: October 2021

The present study was conducted to examine the Emotional Maturity and Perceived Loneliness of adolescents with respect to the presence and absence of parents. It was hypothesized that the absence or presence of parents of adolescents would affect the level of emotional maturity and perceived loneliness among adolescents. The adolescent participants N=250 (males n=125 and females n=125; age range= 13-18; M=16.63; SD=0.87) were approached through purposive convenient sampling technique. Measures included the Emotional Maturity Scale and the UCLA loneliness scale V-III. Results indicated that adolescent who lived with their guardians had greater perceived loneliness than those who lived with their parents. However, adolescents who were living with their parents had lower Emotional Maturity. A significant negative but weak/moderate relationship was found between Perceived Loneliness and Emotional Maturity (r=-.28). The findings of this study can be useful in clinical settings to counsel adolescents who are facing conflicts with step- or absent- parents, or feel lonely in the presence of their parents as well as in therapies and have disrupted levels of emotional maturity. Moreover, it can benefit the psychological community by providing the opportunity to find solutions to relevant problems.
The management of tubo-ovarian abscesses associated with appendicitis
Authors: Serbanescu Lucian , Badiu Diana , Popescu Stere , Busu Dimitrie , Costea Andreea
Published: October 2021

A relatively uncommon medical complication, the tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) can result from ascending pelvic infection in the female genital tract. The paper aims at exploring the characteristics of patients with TOA and at comparing the outcomes of the surgical management with postoperative recovery. A retrospective analysis of 25 cases diagnosed with bilateral, right or left TOA at “St. Apostol Andrei” Emergency Clinical County Hospital Constanta, Romania between January 2019 and December 2020 was performed. The patients’ clinical characteristics, age, environment of origin, socio-economic background, educational level, the means of contraception used, surgical procedures, and postoperative recovery were analyzed. Out of the 25 cases, 40% presented bilateral TOA, 32% right TOA and 28% left TOA and left adnexectomy. In 3 patients (37.5%) with right TOA, appendicectomy was also performed. In 72% of the cases, a median pubicumbilical incision was performed. The remaining 7 patients (28%) with left TOA underwent Pfannenstiel incision. All cases had a favorable postoperative evolution, the patients being discharged 5-9 days after surgery, benefiting from antibiotic therapy 10 days after their discharge. The coexistence of appendicitis and adnexal pathology should raise awareness for adopting a surgical strategy in order to prevent postoperative complications.