bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpretation of Variants of Uncertain Significance in the Clinical Setting: A Case of Treatable Ataxia
Authors: Wilken Miguel , Rossi Malco , Merello Marcelo
Published: August 2020

Background: Spinocerebellar ataxia type 38 (SCA38) is an autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia caused by pathogenic variants in the elongation of very long chain fatty acids-like 5 gene (ELOVL5). Improvement of ataxia with a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) replacement therapy has been reported.Case presentation: A 73-year-old man of Hispanic descent presented with gait and limb ataxia, dysarthria, slow and hypometric saccades, hearing loss, mild cognitive impairment, and hypopalesthesia. The initial scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA) score was 11. After a negative routine workout for ataxia and testing for common forms due to expanded repeats, whole-exome sequencing (WES) identified a heterozygous variant (c.327+1G>A) in the ELOVL5 gene that was predicted to have a negative effect on splicing but was categorized as a Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS). The patient was started on DHA 600 mg/day. Four months later, the patient showed a considerable reduction in the scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA) score, from 11 to 5 points, with a clear improvement in gait and limb ataxia that was sustained at 24 months of follow-up.Conclusions: We illustrate the case of a patient presenting with a variant considered genetically and biochemically of uncertain significance. Despite being a VUS, its location in a gene that is known to cause ataxia (SCA38), as well as a compatible phenotype, led to the interpretation of this variant as probably pathogenic from a clinical practice standpoint, especially considering prior reports that showed clinical improvement with a specific, over-the-counter, pharmacological treatment. A further satisfactory response to treatment supported our clinical approach.
Risk Factors Related to Weight Gain for Chines During Home Confinement in COVID-19 Pandemic: An Observational Retrospective Study
Authors: Xia Qing-Song , Wu Fan , Gong Ming-Ming , Zhao Yan , Wang Ding-Kun , Huang Zhao-Yi , Dong Hui , Xu Li-Jun , Gong Jing , Lu Fu-Er
Published: August 2020

Objective: The observational study was intended to explore the weight changes and risk factors of weight gain during the self-quarantine and find available methods to lose weight.Method: This was an online retrospective observational study investigating the weight changes before and after home confinement. A total of 530 participants completed the online questionnaire. diet, sleep, self-reported depression, disease history and exercise information possibly relating to weight changes were incorporated into the questionnaire. The differences among four groups (underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity) in BMI change and weight change were compared, and the risk factors of weight gain was also analyzed by multiple linear regression analysis. Result: Participants were mostly between 21-50 years old, getting an average weight change of 0.82±3.31kg, and an average BMI change of 0.35 [-0.37, 1.00]. 43.77% of them gained weight by 2.99±2.29kg averagely. People with normal weight were easier to gain weight than obese group (p=0.001). There were differences in food intake (p<0.001), eating habits(p<0.001), taste preference (p=0.047), daily exercise step change(p=0.007), exercise (p=0.02) between non-weight gain group and weight gain group. The multiple linear regression revealed that weight gains were associated with sex (p=0.002), food intake (p=0.004), current daily exercise step (p=0.009) and self-reported depression (p=0.002) and weight loss was related to food intake (p=0.004) and pre-BMI (p=0.001).Conclusion: Eating irregularly, increasing food intake, self-reported depression and decreased daily steps were risk factors of weight gain, yet weight loss was related to decreased food intake and pre-BMI.
18F-FDG-PET/CT Plays a Key Role in Formulating Treatment Strategies for Takayasu Arteritis
Authors: Han Qing , Zhou Xiang , ding jin , zheng zhaohui , Kang Fei , zhang Kui , Yang Fengfan , Miao Jinlin , wang jing , Zhu Ping
Published: August 2020

Backgroud and Objective: Clinical evaluation alone cannot satisfy the prognosis of TAK. PET-CTmolecular imaging may be a useful tool to supplement the prognosis of TAK. The purpose of this study was to observe whether THE TAK patients who achieved clinical remission also achieved imaging remission with PET-CT. Pet-ct plays an important role in the prognosis of TAK patients and further formulation of treatment strategy.Results: 79% patients with TAK in remission were positive for 18F-FDG-PET /CT. The study population had a mean age of 38.8 years and was predominantly female (90%). Their mean disease duration was 3.5 years and they had a mean disease remission period of 9.4 months. Patients had a mean ESR of 37.3 mm/h and a mean CRP level of 13.5 mg/l at the first dignosis time and 4.9 mm/h/3.7 mg/l at the Courrent time point. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p<0.01). All patients on initial treatment received oral glucocorticoids, 25% received methotrexate, 65% received leflumide, and 45% received cyclophosphamide. Quantitative analysis of the SUV of nineteen patients showed an increasing trend (Baseline SUVmax 2.16±0.46 vs Remission SUVmax 2.08±0.49, p=0.56; Baseline SUVmean 2.34±0.57 vs Remission SUVmean 2.42±0.81, p=0.46). The arterial SUVmax uptake was higher in 15 patients with remission than baseline (2.30 ± 0.62 vs 2.48 ± 0.91, p = 0.54). But it was not statistically significant. Most of the patients (13/19, 68%) had an SUVmax value ≥ 2.0 in visual vasculitis with positive PET/CT before treatment, and 32% ＜2.0. No correlation was found between the type of treatment used, the time that elapsed from remission, or laboratory parameters and the scintigraphic results. Conclusion: TAK's clinical remission criteria are not entirely consistent with actual vascular inflammatory activity. Patients with TAK that achieve clinical remission may not achieve imaging remission with PET-CT, and PET-CT plays an important role in the prognosis of TAK patients and further formulation of treatment strategy.
Brain Glucose Metabolism and Dopamine Transporters Change in Addiction and Environmental Cue-Induced Memory
Authors: Jiang Donglang , Shao Da , Huang Qi , Ren Shuhua , Li Junpeng , Xiao Jianfei , Guan Yihui , Lai Bin , Zhao Jun , Hua Fengchun , Xie Fang
Published: August 2020

Purpose: Drug addiction is a chronic brain disease and abuse of morphine is compulsive. Serval brain regions were involved in drug stimulus learning and drug seeking behaviors. Dopaminergic signaling pathway plays a key role in drug seeking behaviors. In this study, we focus on the regions of brain metabolism and dopamine transporters alternation, and figure out their role in drug seeking behaviors, and environmental cue-induced craving and retrieval of drug withdrawal memory by morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) rats.Methods: Rats with CPP training (n = 6) were established by intraperitoneal injection of morphine (6 mg/kg body weight) in male SD rats (250 - 300g) during three-day conditioning, and rats with only morphine injection were used as addictive group (n = 6). Micro-PET/CT scans were performed at 3 different time points by intravenous injection of 18F-FDG and 11C-CFT. Regions of interests were collected by PMOD, voxel-wise analysis were performed by SPM8 software (uncorrected, P < 0.001, k = 20) on MATLAB platform. Results: SUVr of FDG declined significantly in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), cingulate in short term addiction compared with baseline. Glucose metabolism alternation in somatosensory cortex, hippocampus, cingulate were also found in addictive rats by voxel-wise analysis. Striatum, thalamus, medial prefrontal cortex, primary motor cortex and many regions in cortex also involved in CPP rats. Striatum, primary somatosensory cortex and some cortical regions play key roles in memory retrieval of addiction compared with addiction. DAT expression alternation were only observed in long term addiction compared with short term addiction.Conclusion: This study shows that the cerebral glucose metabolism in addiction and CPP is significantly different from control group mainly in mPFC, striatum and hippocampus. Hippocampal and neocortical circuits for episodic memories could also involve in memory retrieval of addiction, and primary somatosensory cortex, primary motor cortex could be the neocortical structure together with PFC.
A Community-based Lifestyle Education Program Addressing Non-communicable Diseases in Low-literacy Areas of the South Pacific: A Pilot Control Cohort Study
Authors: Kent Lillian , Reierson Pia , Morton Darren , Vasutoga Kesa , Rankin Paul
Published: August 2020

Lifestyle interventions can effectively reduce chronic disease risk factors. This study examined the effectiveness of an established lifestyle intervention contextualized for low-literacy communities in Fiji. Ninety-six adults from four villages, with waist circumference (WC) indicative of risk of chronic disease, were randomly selected to an intervention or control group. Process evaluation indicated one intervention and one control village fulfilled the study protocol. There were no differences between intervention and control for body mass index BMI (P = 0.696), WC (P = 0.662), total cholesterol (TC) (P = 0.386), and TC:high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio (P = 0.485). The intervention village achieved greater reductions than the control village at 30 and 90 days for systolic blood pressure (30 days: −11.1% vs. −2.5%, P = 0.006; 90 days: −14.5% vs. −6.7%, P = 0.019); pulse rate (30 days: −7.0% vs. −1.1%, P = 0.866; 90 days: −7.1% vs. 4.3%, P = 0.027), and HDL (30 days: −13.9% vs. 1.7%, P = 0.206; 90 days: −18.9% vs. 2.2%, P = 0.001); at 90 days only for diastolic blood pressure (−14.4% vs. −0.2%, P = 0.010); at 30 days only for low-density lipoprotein (−11.6% vs. 8.0%, P = 0.009); and fasting plasma glucose (−10.2% vs. 4.3%, P = 0.032). However, for triglycerides, the control achieved greater reductions than the intervention village at 30 days (35.4% vs. −12.3%, P = 0.008; marginal at 90 days 16.4% vs. −23.5%, P = 0.054). This study provides preliminary evidence of the feasibility and potential effectiveness of the intervention to lower several risk factors for chronic disease over 30 days in rural settings in Fiji and supports consideration of larger studies.
In vitro Phytochemical Screening and Anti-snake Venom Activity of the Methanol Leaf and Stem Bark Extracts of Leptadenia hastata (Asclepiadaceae) against Naja nigricollis
Authors: Hassan L. G. , Yusuf A. J. , Muhammad N. , Ogbiko Cyril , Mustapha M. D.
Published: August 2020

Snake envenomation is a major cause of death and morbidity in many developing countries. Leptadenia hastata (Pers.) Decne (Asclepiadaceae) has been reportedly used in traditional medicine as an antivenom, antiulcer, antidiabetic, analgesic, cardiovascular disorders, bacterial and viral infections. This research design is to investigate the phytochemical analysis and phospholipase A2 enzyme inhibition potential of L. hastata leaf and stem bark extracts using standard procedures. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of key constituents such as carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, triterpenes, steroids, saponins, and diterpenes. The methanol leaf and stem extracts were able to inhibit the hydrolytic action of phospholipase A2 enzyme in a concentration-dependent manner. The research findings lay credence to the folkloric claim of the leaf and stem of L. hastata as an anti-snake venom.
Effects of Radiotherapy on Ehrlich’s Ascetic Carcinoma in Swiss Albino Mice: An Experimental Study
Authors: Goswami Utpal , Verma Amit Kumar , Banoth Narshima Rao , Brahma Anupam , Dasgupta Sayandev , Bhattacharyya Saroj Krishna
Published: August 2020

Background: Experimental tumors have great importance in modeling, and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) is one of the most common tumors. EAC is referred to as an undifferentiated carcinoma and is originally hyperdiploid, has high transplantable capability, no-regression, rapid proliferation, shorter life span, 100% malignancy, and also does not have tumor-specific transplantation antigen. The current concepts that radiotherapy alone or with cancer chemotherapy is administered at a dose to the maximum a patient can tolerate before the onset of severe and even life-threatening toxicity is still in wide clinical use. This study was conducted to evaluate the response of radiotherapy in the treatment of EAC. Materials and Methods: A mouse bearing the tumor strain was taken from our laboratory in the Department of Pathology, IPGMER, Kolkata, where the strain was being maintained serially by inoculation of malignant cells into healthy mice every 8–10 days. In our work, altogether 25 mice were taken for each set of experimental work. They were divided in four groups of 5–10 mice in each group. The various parameters to assess the response of various therapeutic schedules were regression of tumor by decrease in body weight of mice and decrease in abdominal girth; cell count of ascetic fluid and morphological changes of tumor cells after treatment with drugs and to study the percentage viability of the cells. Results: All the mice in Group I gained weight steadily. Mice of Group II were unaffected by single dose whole body radiation and they behaved as mice of Group I. All mice of Group III died within 20–25 days. Conclusion: Cell changes were observed but not as marked. Cell viability was as high as 65% after treatment as compared to tumor control which showed a viability of about 75%.
Tooth Regeneration: Turning Hopes into Realities
Authors: Garg Kriti , Mehta Silky , Sruthi Vyaasini C. V. , Sindhu Bhavika , Kansal Sheenam , Sharma Roopali
Published: August 2020

Functional tooth regeneration has shown promising therapeutic strategy. Tooth regeneration is possible by combine use of adult stem cells, growth factors, and scaffold. In recent years, researchers have explored tooth regeneration. Significant effort has been made in recent decades to identify and characterize tooth stem cells and to unravel the developmental programs which these cells follow to generate a tooth.
Stroke admissions in the medical wards of a teaching hospital in south east nigeria: A 10 -year review
Authors: Nkpozi Marcellinus , Nwanke Rowland , Ugwu Ejiofor
Published: August 2020

Stroke, the third leading cause of death worldwide, contributes significantly to the morbidity and mortality of medical admissions. There is a paucity of literature on stroke outcomes in the Southeast region of Nigeria. This study, therefore, is aimed at bridging this gap in knowledge.      .This was a 10-year retrospective descriptive study in which data about patients with a clinical diagnosis of stroke were extracted from the Admission/Discharge registers in the medical wards of ABSUTH, Aba. Relevant data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 software. A total of 6587 admissions were recorded within the study period; 830 (12.6%) were admitted because of stroke, made up of 382 (46%) males and 448 (54%) females. Stroke was the commonest cause of death among the medical in-patients within the period under review and of all the stroke admissions, mortality was high at 42.3% with majority of the deaths (91.5%) occurring within the first two weeks of hospitalization. Stroke contributed significantly to medical admissions in the city of Aba, Nigeria. Mortality from stroke was high and that occurred mainly within the acute phase of the illness. There is, therefore, a need for dedicated stroke units to be set up in centres where stroke admissions are this high where the stroke in-patients will be afforded specialized multidisciplinary care instead of the present situation of medical ward admissions.
Kapsayıcı Pedagoji: Özel Gereksinimli Öğrencinin Psikopatolojik Analizi
Authors: KIZILASLAN Aydın , AVŞAR TUNCAY Ayşegül , UMAR Çiğdem Nilüfer
Published: August 2020

Kapsayıcı
pedagoji, bireysel farklılıkları olan öğrencilerin öğrenmede ihtiyaç duydukları
bireysel öğrenme stillerine ve öğretim sırasında da öğretmenlerin bu
farklılıklara yönelik cevap verebilmelerine odaklanarak öğrenme fırsatlarıyla karakterize edilen zengin bir öğrenme ortamının
geliştirilmesini amaçlar. Ülkemizde engelli sosyolojisi gelişim evresinde iken
maalesef engelli psikoloji alanında çalışmalar halen başlangıç evresinde
denilebilecek bir düzeydedir. Bu çalışmada, rekabet ve ek/özel eğitim
kavramlarına sıkışmış kapsayıcı eğitime tabi olan özel gereksinimi olan
öğrencilerin karşı karşıya kalabilecekleri anksiyete ve depresyon gibi
psikopatolojik duygu durumlarının çocukların eğitsel yaşamlarına üzerine
irdelemek ve kaynaştırma eğitiminin tüm sorumluluğunu yüklenen kaynaştırma
öğretmenlerinin öğrencilerin yetersizlik ya da güçlüklerinin yanı sıra deneyimleyebilecekleri
duygu durumlarına ilişkin farkındalıklarını arttırmak amacıyla hazırlanmıştır.
Flood-inundation modeling in an operational context: sensitivity to topographic resolution and Manning's n
Authors: Praskievicz Sarah , Carter Shawn , Dhondia Juzer , Follum Michael
Published: August 2020

Streamflow forecasts from operational hydrologic models can be converted into forecasts of flood-inundation extent using either physically based hydraulic models or simpler terrain-based approaches. Two factors that influence simulated flood-inundation extent are spatial resolution of topographic data and in-channel and overland-flow roughness characterized by the Manning's n parameter. Here, AutoRoute, a raster-based flood-inundation model, was used to simulate two recent flood events in Florida (a forested floodplain) and Texas (an urban floodplain) using two different topographic resolutions and a range of Manning's n values. The AutoRoute-simulated flood-inundation extents were evaluated using observed extents from remotely sensed imagery. For comparison, the same flood events were also simulated using a one-dimensional Hydrologic Engineering Center River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) model. Results indicated that model performance was much improved with higher topographic resolution for the forested floodplain site and that the urban site was more sensitive to Manning's n. For the three different rivers analyzed, the fit for HEC-RAS was 5–10% higher than that for AutoRoute. Despite being only slightly less accurate than HEC-RAS in its simulation of flood extent, AutoRoute was much simpler to set up and required less computational time to run.
The reality of water quality monitoring for SDG 6: a report from a small town in India
Authors: Rayasam Swati D. G. , Rao Bakul , Ray Isha
Published: August 2020

Based on a study of microbial water quality in a small town (Alibag) in India, we show the practical limitations of monitoring for fecal indicator bacteria to meet SDG 6. We find that even when water quality monitoring and testing infrastructure is in place, low institutional capacity and the pressure to not ‘fail’ the expected water quality standards can result in the failure to accurately report bacterial water quality.
Monitoring the characteristics and removal of natural organic matter fractions in selected South African water treatment plants
Authors: Moyo Welldone , Chaukura Nhamo , Motsa Machawe M. , Msagati Titus A. M. , Mamba Bhekie B. , Heijman Sebastiaan G. J. , Nkambule Thabo T. I.
Published: August 2020

This study used spectroscopic methods to investigate the fate and dynamics of natural organic matter (NOM) as it traverses the treatment train at three water treatment plants (WTPs) in South Africa. The character, quantity, and removability of NOM at specific treatment stages was investigated by measuring changes in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration, specific ultra-violet absorbance, UV absorbance, various spectroscopic indices, and maximum fluorescence intensity levels. A novel method of identifying and quantifying fluorescent fractions by combining synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS) and Gaussian peak fitting is presented. The dynamics of NOM removal were modeled using 2D-SFS correlation spectroscopy. Humic and fulvic substances dominated coastal plants and were the most amenable for removal by coagulation as shown by Hermanus WTP (plant H), which had a 42% DOC removal at the coagulation stage. Tyrosine-like, tryptophan-like and microbial humic-like substances were degraded or transformed concurrently at plant Flag Bushiole (FB) whereas, at plant H, fulvic-like matter was transformed first followed by tyrosine-like then humic-like matter. Through 2D-SFS, this study revealed that NOM transformation was varied as a consequence of NOM character, the type and dosage of treatment chemicals used, and WTPs operational parameters.
Investigating island groundwater salinity, using vulnerability index and numerical methods
Authors: Zeynolabedin Amin , Ghiassi Reza , Pirooz Moharam Dolatshahi
Published: August 2020

Seawater intrusion is one of the major issues in Qeshm Island, which is the biggest island of the Persian Gulf. To investigate seawater intrusion in this island, a modified GALDIT index is used to map the vulnerability of the whole region. Considering the vulnerability map, two critical sections which have the highest vulnerability, one in the northeast and the other in the west side of the island, are chosen for detailed investigation. To achieve this goal, two numerical models, MODFLOW and SEAWAT are applied to simulate the groundwater flow and solute transport. The results show that the aquifer is in a dangerous level of threat of vulnerability and 15 km2 of the aquifer is in danger of being salinized. A comparison is made between MT3DMS and SEAWAT results, indicating that SEAWAT simulates seawater intrusion with more accuracy. It seems because of considering salt density in SEAWAT flow equations. The numerical simulation shows that the seawater is intruding on the island at a rapid rate.
Fast and efficient removal of Pb(II) ion and malachite green dye from wastewater by using magnetic activated carbon–cobalt nanoparticles
Authors: Mohammadi Sayed Zia , Mofidinasab Nasatran , Karimi Mohammad Ali , Mosazadeh Farideh
Published: August 2020

A high-surface-area and inexpensive activated carbon has been produced from lemon peel using chemical activation with H3PO4 at 500 °C in a N2 atmosphere. Afterwards, the synthesized cobalt nanoparticles using coprecipitation method were adsorbed on the activated carbon surface, and as a result magnetic activated carbon was obtained. Sample characterization has been assessed via X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption and magnetic properties. It was found that magnetic activated carbon–cobalt nanoparticles (MAC/Co) synthesized had a high saturation magnetization. The MAC/Co revealed super-paramagnetic behaviors at room temperature, and have been readily isolated from solution by using an exterior magnet. Next, adsorption behavior of malachite green and Pb(II) onto the generated MAC/Co has been examined. Sorption kinetics and equilibrium have been studied using batch procedure. The kinetic and isothermal adsorption results were matched completely with the Elovich and Langmuir models, respectively. Based on the Langmuir model, the highest adsorption capacities of malachite green dye and Pb(II) ion respectively were 263.2 and 312.5 mg g−1 at room temperature. Based on the results, the MAC/Co is a probable economic and effective adsorbent that can be employed as a new adsorbent to remove malachite green dye and Pb(II) from wastewater.
Hierarchical approach towards adsorptive removal of Alizarin Red S dye using native chitosan and its successively modified versions
Authors: Khapre M. A. , Jugade R. M.
Published: August 2020

In the present work, native chitosan (Ch) along with its chemically and physico-chemically modified versions, namely sulphate cross-linked chitosan (SCC) and sulphate cross-linked chitosan–bentonite composite (SCC-B), were employed as potential adsorbents for the removal of an anionic dye, Alizarin Red S (ARS) from aqueous solutions. All three adsorbents were extensively characterized using techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, thermogravimetric–differential thermal analysis, and pH point of zero charge. Various parameters were optimized, including pH of dye solution, contact time, adsorbent dose, initial adsorbate concentration and temperature of adsorption. Four adsorption isotherm models were studied and it was found that the Freundlich model was best-fit for all three systems. Maximum adsorption capacities towards adsorption of ARS were found to be 42.48, 109.12 and 131.58 mg g−1 for Ch, SCC and SCC-B, respectively. Kinetics of adsorption was examined by employing three well-known models in order to deduce the mechanism of adsorption. Thermodynamic studies show that the process is spontaneous and exothermic for all adsorbents employed. Furthermore, it was observed that for large sample volumes, the column adsorption method was more effective compared to the batch method.
Covid 19 Salgınına İlişkin Tepkilerin Psikolojik Sağlamlık Açısından İncelenmesi
Authors: Yazıcı Çelebi Gülin
Published: August 2020

Bütün dünya bir salgın tehdidi altında ve çok bir süreçten geçiyor bu süreç bir sağlık krizi olmasının yanı sıra bir kaygı krizine de yol açmış durumda. Kaygı ve buna yönelik tepkiler üzerinde etkili olabilecek birçok değişken söz konusudur. Bazı insanlar daha yoğun kaygı yaşarken bazı insanlar ise daha soğukkanlı bir yaklaşım gösterebilmektedir. Psikolojik sağlamlık insanın olumsuzluklar karşısında gösterdiği uyum ve başa çıkabilme becerisi olarak tanımlanan bir kavramdır. Psikolojik sağlamlık kavramı her şey yolundayken ortaya çıkan ya da harekete geçen bir durum değildir. Bir yakının kaybı, ciddi bir hastalık ya da hastalık tehdidi, boşanma, doğal afetler gibi travmatik yaşantılar sonrası aktive olan bir süreç gibi düşünülebilir. Bu duruma salgın ve ölümcül bir virüs tehdidi de eklenebilir. Bu araştırmanın amacı da bireylerin Covid 19 salgınına ilişkin tepkilerinin psikolojik sağlamlık açısında incelenmesidir. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu 332 kadın ve 167 erkek olmak üzere toplam 499 kişi oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada veri toplama aracı olarak araştırmacı tarafından hazırlanan kişisel bilgi formu, Covid 19 salgınına ilişkin sorulardan oluşan anket ve Doğan (2015) tarafından geliştirilen psikolojik sağlamlık ölçeği kısa formu kullanılmıştır. Araştırma verileri 2020 Nisan ayında toplanmıştır. Veriler SPSS 24 programında analiz edilerek sonuçlar tablolaştırılarak yorumlanmıştır. Araştırma sonuçları psikolojik sağlamlık düzeyi düşük olan bireyler bu süreçten daha olumsuz etkilendiğini göstermektedir. Covid 19 sonucunda gösterilen davranışlar ve psikolojik sağlamlık düzeyi ayrıca demografik değişkenler açısından da incelenmiş ve bulgular literatür ışığında tartışılmıştır.
Exploration of the Potential Mechanism of Calculus Bovis in Treatment of Primary Liver Cancer by Network Pharmacology
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Zeng Puhua , Gao Wenhui , Wu Ruoxia , Deng Tianhao , Chen Siqin , Tian Xuefei
Published: August 2020

Aim and Objective:

Calculus Bovis (CB) has been employed to treat diseases for a long time. It has been identified to play significant anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor roles. However, the mechanism of treating primary liver cancer (PLC) remains to be revealed. This study aims to clarify the molecules and mechanisms of CB in treating PLC.

Materials and Methods:

After oral bioavailability (OB) and drug-likeness (DL) screening, 15 small molecules were identified as the potential ingredients against PLC. Following this, related targets network constructions and pathways were applied to clarify the mechanism of CB in treating PLC. An in vitro experiment was carried out to identify the function of CB in treating PLC.

Results:

Eleven compounds of CB were identified that play an anti-PLC role, including oleanolic acid, ergosterol, ursolic acid, etc. The potential targets which were observed include IL6, MAPK-8, VEGFA, Caspase-3, etc. Further analysis showed that the mechanism of CB in the treatment of PLC involved apoptosis-related pathways and immune-related pathways.

Conclusion:

In summary, the current study combines network pharmacology and in vitro experiments to reveal the mechanism of CB against PLC. We concluded that 11 ingredients of CB have an anti-PLC effect. Furthermore, CB plays a key role in treating PLC mainly by apoptosisrelated pathways and immune-related pathways. Our experiment verifies that CB promotes the apoptosis of SMMC-7721.
A catábase virgiliana nos sonhos de Lancelote da "Demanda do Santo Graal"
Authors: Teixeira Sofia M. Silva
Published: August 2020

Although it resumesthemes and motifs that are already present in other texts of the cycle -such as the allegorical and premonitory dreams or the genealogical figuration of the nine men, which can be found in the Livro de Lancelotor in the Estória do Santo Graal-, the sequence composed by the three dreams of Lancelote in the Portuguese text Demanda do Santo Graal, by placing the action in an imagined underworld, added unusual motifstothe Arthurian context, whose origin seems to be the Aeneid, in particular BookVI. The hero's encounter with hisfather, and also with the lover whose love arouses public reservations, are two of the most visible episodes in which the Portuguese Demanda do Santo Graalreveals a debt to Virgílio's epic.
Динамика ионов в атмосферном источнике с фотоионизацией излучением лазерной плазмы
Authors: Аблизен Р.С. , Монастырский М.А. , Скоблин М.Г. , Пенто А.В. , Бухарина А.Б. , Никифоров С.М. , Макаров А.А.
Published: August 2020

Представлены результаты математического моделирования импульсного источника ионов при атмосферном давлении с ионизацией анализируемого вещества УФ излучением лазерной плазмы. Расчеты проводились на основе разработанной авторами математической модели, описывающей эволюцию ансамбля ионов под действием скрещенных газодинамических и электрических полей с учетом эффектов кулоновского взаимодействия. Модель включает в себя систему уравнений Навье-Стокса для описания формирования газодинамических течений в исследуемом объеме, уравнение Пуассона для определения результирующего распределения электрического поля в этом объеме и уравнение Лоренца для построения ионных траекторий ионов от места их рождения до собирающей диафрагмы. Показана сходимость метода релаксации при численном решении основных уравнений модели. Исследована зависимость ионного тока от приложенного напряжения и показано, что учет конечности времени жизни ионов за счет эффекта рекомбинации позволяет получить хорошее согласие между расчетными и экспериментальными данными. Ключевые слова: лазерная плазма, математическое моделирование, ионный источник, газодинамические и электростатические поля, масс-спектрометрия.
Резонансные свойства диэлектрического барьерного разряда при пониженном давлении
Authors: Бочарников В.М. , Володин В.В. , Голуб В.В. , Трифанов И.В. , Серебряков Д.Г.
Published: August 2020

Исследованы электрические характеристики диэлектрического барьерного разряда (ДБР) симметричного актуатора при пониженных давлениях. Проведен анализ системы "источник питания-актуатор-ДБР". Построены зависимости частоты питающего напряжения, при которых наблюдается резонанс напряжения на внешних электродах актуатора заданной геометрии, от давления воздуха. Определены мощность ДБР, емкость и добротность системы в зависимости от давления в барокамере. Обнаружено, что при уменьшении давления доля энергии ДБР, расходуемая на создание синтетической струи, существенно увеличивается. Ключевые слова: диэлектрический барьерный разряд, симметричный актуатор, синтетическая струя.
Износ и коэффициент трения супермодифицированного заэвтектического сплава алюминия с кремнием
Authors: Осипов В.Н. , Фадин Ю.А. , Никаноров С.П.
Published: August 2020

Изучены коэффициент трения и износ заэвтектического по составу сплава алюминия с 15 wt.% кремния с супермодифицированной эвтектической структурой без первичных кристаллов кремния, полученного направленной кристаллизацией при скорости затвердевания 1 mm/s. Показано, что этот сплав с высокой прочностью и пластичностью имеет более низкий коэффициент трения и более высокое сопротивление износу, чем сплав с 20 wt.% кремния. После модификации стронцием его трибологические свойства превосходят свойства заэвтектического коммерческого сплава. Ключевые слова: микроструктура и механические свойства, трение и износ.
Влияние металлургических факторов на коррозионное растрескивание под напряжением различных сталей в агрессивной хлоридно-сульфидной среде
Authors: Петров А.И. , Разуваева М.В.
Published: August 2020

Проведен анализ влияния металлургических факторов на коррозионное растрескивание под напряжением сталей разного класса в агрессивном растворе NACE при 25oC. Получены зависимости напряжения перехода от активной коррозии к механизму водородного охрупчивания (критического напряжения) от величины предела текучести и коэффициента концентрации напряжений. Выявлена связь между критическим напряжением, условным пределом текучести и величиной перенапряжения. Сделан вывод о том, что потеря коррозионного сопротивления для нелегированных сталей с пределом текучести ниже 500 MPa обусловлена увеличением концентрации водорода в процессе деформации материала в коррозионной среде. Ключевые слова: коррозионное растрескивание под напряжением, водородное охрупчивание, предел текучести, коэффициент стойкости, сталь.
Исследование оптических и структурных свойств трехмерных островков InGaP(As), сформированных методом замещения элементов пятой группы
Authors: Гладышев А.Г. , Бабичев А.В. , Андрюшкин В.В. , Денисов Д.В. , Неведомский В.Н. , Колодезный Е.С. , Новиков И.И. , Карачинский Л.Я. , Егоров А.Ю.
Published: August 2020

Предложен новый метод формирования трехмерных квантово-размерных островков InGaP(As), заключающийся в замещении фосфора на мышьяк в слое InGaP, осажденном на GaAs непосредственно в процессе эпитаксиального роста. Показано, что при замещении фосфора на мышьяк в тонком слое InGaP формируются трехмерные островки, излучающие в спектральном диапазоне 0.95-0.97 μm при комнатной температуре. Оценочная плотность островков составила 1.3·1010 cm-2. Ключевые слова: эпитаксия, квантовые точки, арсенид галлия, замещение фосфора, просвечивающая электронная микроскопия.
Using the Self-Management Assessment Scale for Screening Support Needs in Type 2 Diabetes: Qualitative Study
Authors: Öberg Ulrika , Orre Carl Johan , Hörnsten Åsa , Jutterström Lena , Isaksson Ulf
Published: August 2020

Background

Globally, most countries face a common challenge by moving toward a population-based structure with an increasing number of older people living with chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes. This creates a considerable burden on health care services. The use of digital tools to tackle health care challenges established views on traditional nursing, based on face-to-face meetings. Self-management is considered a key component of chronic care and can be defined as management of the day-to-day impact of a condition, something that is often a lifelong task. The use of a screening instrument, such as the Self-Management Assessment Scale (SMASc), offers the potential to guide primary health care nurses into person-centered self-management support, which in turn can help people strengthen their empowerment and self-management capabilities. However, research on self-management screening instruments is sparse, and no research on nurses’ experiences using a digitalized scale for measuring patients’ needs for self-management support in primary health care settings has been found.

Objective

This paper describes diabetes specialist nurses’ (DSNs) experiences of a pilot implementation of the SMASc instrument as the basis for person-centered digital self-management support.

Methods

This qualitative study is based on observations and interviews analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

From the perspectives of DSNs, the SMASc instrument offers insights that contribute to strengthened self-management support for people with type 2 diabetes by providing a new way of thinking and acting on the patient’s term. Furthermore, the SMASc was seen as a screening instrument with good potential that embraces more than medical issues; it contributed to strengthening person-centered self-management support, and the instrument was considered to lead both parts, that is, DSNs and patients, to develop together through collaboration.

Conclusions

Person-centered care is advocated as a model for good clinical practice; however, this is not always complied with. Screening instruments, such as the SMASc, may empower both nurses and patients with type 2 diabetes with more personalized care. Using a screening instrument in a patient meeting may also contribute to a role change in the work and practice of DSNs.
Depression and Psychological-Behavioral Responses Among the General Public in China During the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Survey Study
Authors: Zhang Weiyu , Yang Xiaoting , Zhao Jinfeng , Yang Fengzhi , Jia Yajing , Cui Can , Yang Xiaoshi
Published: August 2020

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has recently spread dramatically worldwide, raising considerable concerns and resulting in detrimental effects on the psychological health of people who are vulnerable to the disease. Therefore, assessment of depression in members of the general public and their psychological and behavioral responses is essential for the maintenance of health.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression and the associated factors among the general public during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in China.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey with convenience sampling was conducted from February 11 to 16, 2020, in the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in China. A self-administrated smartphone questionnaire based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and psychological and behavioral responses was distributed to the general public. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted to explore the associated factors of depression.aA cross-sectional survey with convenience sampling was conducted from February 11 to 16, 2020, in the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in China. A self-administrated smartphone questionnaire based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and psychological and behavioral responses was distributed to the general public. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted to explore the associated factors of depression.

Results

The prevalence of depression (PHQ-9 score ≥10) among the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic was 182/1342 (13.6%). Regression analysis indicated that feeling stressed, feeling helpless, persistently being worried even with support, never feeling clean after disinfecting, scrubbing hands and items repeatedly, hoarding food, medicine, or daily supplies, and being distracted from work or study were positively associated with depression, while social support and being calm were negatively associated with depression.

Conclusions

The general public suffered from high levels of depression during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, COVID-19–related mood management and social support should be provided to attenuate depression in the general public.
Web-Based Interventions to Promote Healthy Lifestyles for Older Adults: Protocol for a Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Lavoie Audrey , Dubé Véronique
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

With the aging of the population and rising rates of chronic diseases, older adults need support if they are to adopt healthy lifestyles. Web-based interventions should be considered for this purpose, since they are easily accessed and can foster healthy lifestyles among older adults. However, the literature on such interventions discusses a variety of components and effects and provides only 2 syntheses of knowledge on web-based interventions with older adults. These studies focus on populations aged 50 years and older, whereas the components and effects of interventions for a population of older adults (ie, 65 years and older) may differ. In addition, these 2 syntheses examined only quantitative studies, although other types of studies (ie, qualitative) are available and could help advance knowledge in this field. A scoping review is therefore relevant in order to explore the extent of the literature on this subject.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study described by this protocol is to explore the extent of the literature (experimental, quasi-experimental, qualitative, systematic reviews, and grey literature) on the components and effects of web-based interventions as a way to promote healthy lifestyles among older adults.

METHODS

The databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Review and Joanna Briggs Library will be searched, in addition to the grey literature using Google Scholar and OpenGrey. Studies will be selected for the review by 2 researchers, working independently. The data will be synthesized based on the conceptualization of web-based interventions (ie, behavior change techniques, dispensation modes, and theories). A thematic analysis will be performed to summarize the components of the interventions studied.

RESULTS

The database search will begin in August 2020 and be completed in October 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

This scoping review should highlight web-based interventions designed to promote healthy lifestyles, as well as their components and effects, among people aged 65 years and older. These results could provide important guidance for intervention developers and designers in identifying the components of web-based interventions relevant to older adults and lead to further studies on this topic.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/23207
Comparison of Pet Robot Assisted Therapy and Animal Assisted Therapy Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials for Old Adults with Dementia (Preprint)
Authors: Lim Junseo , Kim Jinhyun
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

The increase in the number of dementia patients is a burden on caregivers as well as a socioeconomic burden. However, technical innovation is becoming a major critical factor in addressing such burdens. Studies are emerging that verify the effectiveness of robots in treating old adults with dementia. Therefore, we would like to determine and compare the effects of interventions that use robots and living animals, respectively.

OBJECTIVE

This study is a meta-analysis that analyzes four variables (cognition function, agitation, depression, and quality of life (QoL)) by selecting randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of old adults with dementia in order to determine and compare the effectiveness of pet robot-assisted therapy (PRAT) and animal-assisted therapy (AAT).

METHODS

The literature selected was limited to RCTs written in English. Four databases were used in the search and selection therefor: EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science. Two independent reviewers completed the search and screening process.

RESULTS

The systematic review included seven articles on PRAT, seven articles on AAT, and one article on both PRAT and AAT—for a total of fifteen articles. The meta-analysis showed that both PRAT and AAT interventions did not have a statistically significant impact on the cognition function, depression, and QoL of older adults with dementia. However, they did have a statistically significant impact on agitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Previous studies have shown that the current method of treating older adults with dementia—whether using robots or living animals—is ineffective. Thus, in the development of intelligent active techniques (IATs), standardized robot arbitration programs—and the necessary measurement tools therefor—should be created instead of simply borrowing the program used in AAT.
Individual and Institutional Factors Preventing Completion of Research by Medical Graduate Students at Cairo University: Questionnaire Study (Preprint)
Authors: Azab Mohammed A , Hasaneen Sharef Fawzy , Reda Ahmed , Asous Ashraf , Azzam Ahmed Y
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Medical research plays a significant role in advancing the level of health care worldwide. This research is a crucial part of the development of any educational system. In developing countries, the publication rate related to the medical sciences is lower than that in developed countries.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the causes of delay in publishing research and the factors that hinder the completion of master’s degree projects in a group of medical graduate students at Cairo University Faculty of Medicine.

METHODS

A web-based questionnaire was introduced to approximately 150 medical graduates in different specialties through social media. The questionnaire aimed to investigate the reasons for delays in publishing master’s degree manuscripts after graduation among a group of medical graduates.

RESULTS

Of the graduates contacted, 130 responded to the web-based survey. The ages of the participants ranged from 23-38 years (SD 3.88); 72 of them were male, and 58 were female. Causes of noncompletion of manuscripts were analyzed; lack of proper research training and the absence of supportive mentorship were top reasons. We found a significant relationship between being married and failing to complete the assigned project from its start up to publication. Moreover, we found that the frequency of nonfulfillment increased among those who experienced poor mentorship.

CONCLUSIONS

Several factors are contributing to the delay in publication of medical manuscripts related to research projects by medical graduates of the Cairo University Faculty of Medicine. Pensive supervision must be implemented to decipher the persistent institutional problems that obstruct research progress.
Introducing an Integrated Model of Adults’ Wearable Activity Tracker Use and Obesity Information–Seeking Behaviors From a National Quota Sample Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Kim Bokyung , Hong Seoyeon , Kim Sungwook
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Research from multiple perspectives to investigate adults’ use of wearable activity-tracking devices is limited. We offer a multiperspective model and provide empirical evidence of what leads to frequent usage of wearable health technologies from a large, nationally representative survey sample.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore factors affecting the use of wearable activity-tracking devices among health consumers from the perspectives of individual health beliefs (perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy) and information-seeking behaviors.

METHODS

Our Integrated Model of Wearable Activity Tracker (IMWAT) use and proposed hypotheses were validated and tested with data collected from a telephone survey with a national quota sample. The data were analyzed using a variety of statistical techniques, including structural equation analysis.

RESULTS

The sample comprised 2006 participants. Our results showed that the perceived benefits of physical activity, perceived susceptibility, and self-efficacy toward obesity were significant predictors of information-seeking behaviors, which, in turn, mediated their effects on the use of wearable activity trackers. Perceptions of obesity severity directly promoted wearable device usage.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided a new and powerful theoretical model that combined the health beliefs and information-seeking behaviors behind the use of wearable activity trackers in the adult population. The findings provide meaningful implications for developers and designers of wearable health technology products and will assist health informatics practitioners and obesity prevention communicators.