bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical analysis and experiment on pressure of polished Z-tube with abrasive flow
Authors: Li Junye , Su Ningning , Meng Wenqing , Wang Binyu , Zhang Xinming
Published: June 2018

Aiming at the problem that the complex parts are difficult to process precisely, a flexible processing method, abrasive flow technology, is proposed. Based on the FLUENT software, a realizable k-ε model was adopted and a Z-tube was used as the research object for numerical analysis. Parameters such as turbulence intensity, turbulent kinetic energy, and flow field pressure under different inlet pressures were simulated and discussed. The simulation results show that with the increase of inlet pressure, the turbulence intensity, turbulent kinetic energy and fluid pressure also increase, and the turbulent effect of the fluid is more obvious, which indicates that the processing effect of the abrasive flow will be better, and the final experiment will be performed. The experimental results are consistent with the simulation results, and the accuracy of the numerical simulation is proved. The abrasive grain flow processing technology is effectively verified.
Reflection moiré for the measurement of wing vibrations
Authors: Maskeliūnas V. , Maskeliūnas R. , Ragulskis K. , Paškevičius P. , Ragulskis L.
Published: June 2018

Investigation of time averaged reflection moiré measurements of vibrations of a wing is performed in this paper. Interpretation of reflection moiré images on a shallow surface of a wing is more complicated than on a plane surface. For this purpose, a special simplified two-dimensional numerical model is developed and the possibilities of application of this method of measurement of vibrations are investigated.
Heat transfer characteristic analysis of negative pressure type EGR valve based on CFD
Authors: Hao Guannan , Zhang Sen , Yin Yiguang
Published: June 2018

The negative pressure valve EGR bears thermal load for a long period, thus its heat transfer characteristics have an important impact on the stability of the engine. The fluid solid coupling method was employed to analyze the contact heat transfer between the inner cavity of the valve and the cooling water as well as the high temperature gas based on CFD. As a result, the characteristics of the internal fluid velocity field, pressure field and temperature field were obtained. Besides, the heat transfer capability of the valve was also improved by adding the annular cooling water channel. The test results showed that the calculation method has a high calculation accuracy providing an important basis for the optimization design of valves.
Development and Application of Computational Methods in Phage Display Technology
Authors: He Bifang , Dzisoo Anthony Mackitz , Derda Ratmir , Huang Jian
Published: June 2018

Background:

Phage display is a powerful and versatile technology for the identification
of peptide ligands binding to multiple targets, which has been successfully employed in
various fields, such as diagnostics and therapeutics, drug-delivery and material science. The
integration of next generation sequencing technology with phage display makes this methodology
more productive. With the widespread use of this technique and the fast accumulation
of phage display data, databases for these data and computational methods have become an
indispensable part in this community. This review aims to summarize and discuss recent progress
in the development and application of computational methods in the field of phage display.

Methods:

We undertook a comprehensive search of bioinformatics resources and computational
methods for phage display data via Google Scholar and PubMed. The methods and
tools were further divided into different categories according to their uses.

Results:

We described seven special or relevant databases for phage display data, which provided
an evidence-based source for phage display researchers to clean their biopanning results.
These databases can identify and report possible target-unrelated peptides (TUPs),
thereby excluding false-positive data from peptides obtained from phage display screening
experiments. More than 20 computational methods for analyzing biopanning data were also
reviewed. These methods were classified into computational methods for reporting TUPs, for
predicting epitopes and for analyzing next generation phage display data.

Conclusion:

The current bioinformatics archives, methods and tools reviewed here have
benefitted the biopanning community. To develop better or new computational tools, some
promising directions are also discussed.
Could Flavonoids Compete with Synthetic Azoles in Diminishing Candida albicans Infections? A Comparative Review Based on In Vitro Studies
Authors: Smiljković Marija , Kostić Marina , Stojković Dejan , Glamočlija Jasmina , Soković Marina
Published: June 2018

Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds with already confirmed various health
benefits. This review will shed light on flavonoids as potential antifungals in Candida albicans
infections. C. albicans is an opportunistic pathogen able to cause serious health issues
due to numerous virulence factors amplifying its pathogenicity. One of the most important
virulence factors is Candida ability to form biofilms which are highly resistant to the treatment
of antifungal drugs; making diminishing of this pathogen even more challenging. This
review will focus on current knowledge on individual flavonoid compounds having the
potential to deal with C. albicans in vitro, with special turn on antibiofilm potential and insight
into the mode of action, where available. Majority of the commercial drugs for the
treatment of candidiasis belong to azole class, so the activity of flavonoids will be compared
with the activity of newly synthetized azole compounds, as well as with azole drugs that are
already on the market as official therapeutics. This literature review will provide pros and
cons for pushing future research towards exploring novel synthetic azoles or further examination
of a wide pallet of natural flavonoids.
Formulation, Pharmacokinetic Evaluation and Cytotoxicity of an Enhanced- penetration Paclitaxel Nanosuspension
Authors: Cao Yanping , Wei Zhihao , Li Mengmeng , Wang Haiyan , Yin Li , Chen Dongxiao , Wang Yanfei , Chen Yongchao , Yuan Qi , Pu Xiaohui , Zong Lanlan , Duan Shaofeng
Published: June 2018

Background:

Improving poorly soluble drugs into druggability was a major problem faced
by pharmaceutists. Nanosuspension can improve the druggability of insoluble drugs by improving the
solubility, chemical stability and reducing the use of additives, which provided a new approach for the
development and application of the insoluble drugs formulation. Paclitaxel (PTX) is a well-known BCS
class IV drug with poor solubility and permeability. Also, many studies have proved that paclitaxel is a
substrate of the membrane-bound drug efflux pump P-glycoprotein (P-gp), therefore it often shows
limited efficacy against the resistant tumors and oral absorption or uptake.

Objective:

To manufacture an enhanced-penetration PTX nanosuspension (PTX-Nanos), and evaluate
the physicochemical property, pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution in vivo and cytotoxic effect
in vitro.

Methods:

PTX-Nanos were prepared by microprecipitation-high pressure homogenization, with a
good biocompatibility amphiphilic block copolymer poly(L-phenylalanine)-b-poly(L-aspartic acid)
(PPA-PAA) as stabilizer.

Results:

The PTX-Nanos had a sustained-dissolution manner and could effectively reduce plasma peak
concentration and extend plasma circulating time as compared to PTX injection, markedly passively
targeting the MPS-related organs, such as liver and spleen. This unique property might enhance treatment
of cancer in these tissues and reduce the side effects in other normal tissues. Moreover, the hybrid
stabilizers could enhance penetration of PTX in PTX-Nanos to multidrug resistance cells.

Conclusion:

To sum up, our results showed that the optimal formula could improve the solubility of
PTX and the stability of the product. The PTX-Nanos developed in this research would be a promising
delivery platform in cancer treatment.
Statins and Elderly: From Clinical Trials to Daily Practice
Authors: Verdoia Monica , Galasso Gennaro , Filardi Pasquale Perrone , De Luca Giuseppe
Published: June 2018

Elderly patients represent a rising social problem, due to the exponential growth of persons in
these age groups and their atherothrombotic burden. The management of this population still raises several
challenges, requiring a balance between elevated cardiovascular risk, clinical complexity, frailty
and co-morbidities.

Statins represent the main pillar in cardiovascular prevention, lowering serum cholesterol and reducing
mortality and ischemic events, especially in high-risk patients. Yet, elderly patients have often been
excluded from major clinical trials of statins, thus limiting the experience with these drugs in advanced
age. Moreover, important barriers to the use of statins in the elderly exist due to potential risks attributed
to altered metabolism, comorbidities, polypharmacy and drug-drug interactions and financial constraints.
This situation has led to a “statin paradox”, since high-risk elderly patients, that would most
benefit from the use of statins, may be undertreated with these drugs in real life.

The vague indications provided by guidelines mean that this issue is still debated, especially regarding
primary prevention. Nevertheless, the benefits in outcome offered by statins cannot be neglected. Efforts
should be made in order to focus on the importance of statin use in the elderly and to provide clinicians
with adequate tools for case by case decisions.
Pharmacological Effects and Chemical Constituents of Bupleurum
Authors: Sun Peng , Li Yijie , Wei Sheng , Zhao Tingting , Wang Yang , Song Chunhong , Xue Ling , Wang Fushun , Xiao Lingyun , Wu Jibiao , Qiao Mingqi
Published: June 2018

Radix Bupleuri has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, with confirmed curative effects. This plant is also used in healthy food and cosmetics. A recent increase in studies of Radix Bupleuri’s chemical constituents (mainly comprising flavonoids, lignins, phenyl propanol derivatives, triterpenoid saponins, and volatile oils) and pharmacological effects motivates the aim of the present study: to review the chemical components and pharmacological effects of Radix Bupleuri. Our review found that Radix Bupleuri exhibits diverse pharmacological effects. More than 281 components have been isolated from Radix Bupleuri, including 15 flavonoids, 430 lignins, 12 phenyl propanol derivatives, 66 triterpenoid saponins, and 158 volatile oils.
Behavior Models of Voltage Differencing Inverting Buffered Amplifier and Applications in Circuit Analysis
Authors: LI YongAn
Published: June 2018

Background:

The symbolic nodal analysis acts as a pivotal part of the very large scale
integration (VLSI) design.

Methods:

In this work, based on the terminal relations for the pathological elements and the voltage
differencing inverting buffered amplifier (VDIBA), twelve alternative pathological models for the
VDIBA are presented. Moreover, the proposed models are applied to the VDIBA-based second-order
filter and oscillator so as to simplify the circuit analysis.

Results:

The result shows that the behavioral models for the VDIBA are systematic, effective and
powerful in the symbolic nodal circuit analysis.
Sense of Community And Demographic Factors As Predictors Of Neighbourhood Satisfaction
Authors: Okunola Olusegun O , Adebayo Anthony K. , Amole Dolapo
Published: June 2018

Neighbourhoods are studies because that is the place people spend the largest portion of their time. That probably explain the interest that researchers and policy makers have developed in neighbourhood satisfaction studies over the last couple of decades. In many studies on neighbourhood satisfaction a diverse range of factors have been identified as playing significant roles in its outcome. These range from the physical attributes of the neighbourhood to demographic factors and also to such concepts as sense of community. This study investigate the combined effect of demographic factors and sense of community elements in predicting neighbourhood satisfaction. The study employed quantitative methods to obtain data on the relevant variables using the survey method. Out of 1400 questionnaires distributed 1132 were returned and analyzed. The study found that of the selected demographic factors only level of education significantly predicted neighbourhood satisfaction. Of the elements of sense of community: membership, integration and fulfillment of needs and shared emotional connection were found to be significant predictors of neighbourhood satisfaction. The study supports earlier studies on certain predictors of neighbourhood satisfaction. While suggesting that many more factors may actually be relevant in its prediction.eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2018. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v3i8.1402
Interpreting the Meaning of Housing Quality towards Creating Better Residential Environment
Authors: Ali Maimon
Published: June 2018

Malaysian National Housing Policy has reinforced the aspect of quality as one of the aspects that utterly needs consideration in new housing development. There are problems in defining the housing quality regarding the expected criteria and standards due to subjective and contextual determined in controlling the quality of housing development. It focuses on what constitutes a good housing quality in the perspectives of housing actors in Malaysia? This paper employs in-depth interview with the actors as well as focus group interviews with residents as the main instruments towards understanding the meaning of housing quality in developing countries such as Malaysia.eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2018. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v3i8.1414
Methodological Strategies for Ecological Momentary Assessment to Evaluate Mood and Stress in Adult Patients Using Mobile Phones: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Yang Yong Sook , Ryu Gi Wook , Choi Mona
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) has utility for measuring psychological properties in daily life. EMA has also allowed researchers to collect data on diverse experiences and symptoms from various subjects.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to review methodological strategies and useful related information for EMA using mobile phones to capture changes of mood and stress in adult patients seeking health care.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase, the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. This review included studies published in peer-reviewed journals in English between January 2008 and November 2017 that used basic- or advanced-feature mobile phones to measure momentary mood or stress in adult patients seeking health care in outpatient departments. We excluded studies of smoking and substance addictions and studies of mental disorder patients who had been diagnosed by physicians.

RESULTS

We reviewed 12 selected articles that used EMA via mobile phones to measure momentary mood and stress and other related variables from various patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, breast cancer, migraine, HIV, tinnitus, temporomandibular disorder, end-stage kidney disease, and traumatic brain injury. Most of the selected studies (11/12, 92%) used signal contingency and in 8 of the 12 studies (67%) alarms were sent at random or semirandom intervals to prompt the momentary measurement. Out of 12 studies, 7 (58%) used specific apps directly installed on mobile phones, 3 (25%) used mobile phones to link to Web-based survey programs, and 2 (17%) used an interactive voice-response system.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides researchers with useful information regarding methodological details for utilizing EMA to measure mood and stress in adult patients. This review shows that EMA methods could be effective and reasonable for measuring momentary mood and stress, given that basic- and advanced-feature mobile phones are ubiquitous, familiar, and easy to approach. Therefore, researchers could adopt and utilize EMA methods using mobile phones to measure psychological health outcomes, such as mood and stress, in adult patients.
See-Through Type 3D Head-Mounted Display–Based Surgical Microscope System for Microsurgery: A Feasibility Study (Preprint)
Authors: Kim Cheol-Hwan , Ryu Seon-Young , Yoon Ji-Young , Lee Hyoung-Kwon , Choi Nak-Gu , Park Il-Ho , Choi Hae-Young
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

The surgical microscope is used primarily for microsurgeries, which are more complicated than other surgical procedures and require delicate tasks for a long time. Therefore, during these surgical procedures, surgeons experience back and neck pain. To solve this problem, new technology, such as wearable displays, is required to help surgeons maintain comfortable postures and enjoy advanced functionality during microsurgery.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to develop a surgical microscope system that would work with wearable devices. It would include a head-mounted display (HMD) that can offer 3D surgical images and allow a flexible and comfortable posture instead of fixed eyepieces of surgical microscope and can also provide peripheral visual field with its optical see-through function.

METHODS

We designed and fabricated a surgical microscope system that incorporates a see-through type 3D HMD, and we developed an image processing software to provide better image quality. The usability of the proposed system was confirmed with preclinical examination. Seven ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgical specialists and 8 residents performed a mock surgery—axillary lymph node dissection on a rat. They alternated between looking through the eyepieces of the surgical microscope and viewing a 3D HMD screen connected to the surgical microscope. We examined the success of the surgery and asked the specialists and residents to grade eye fatigue on a scale of 0 (none) to 6 (severe) and posture discomfort on a scale of 1 (none) to 5 (severe). Furthermore, a statistical comparison was performed using 2-tailed paired t test, and P=.00083 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Although 3D HMD case showed a slightly better result regarding visual discomfort (P=.097), the average eye fatigue was not significantly different between eyepiece and 3D HMD cases (P=.79). However, the average posture discomfort, especially in neck and shoulder, was lower with 3D HMD display use than with eyepiece use (P=.00083).

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a see-through type 3D HMD–based surgical microscope system and showed through preclinical testing that the system could help reduce posture discomfort. The proposed system, with its advanced functions, could be a promising new technique for microsurgery.
Assessing the Impact of a Social Marketing Campaign on Program Outcomes for Users of an Internet-Based Testing Service for Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections: Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Gilbert Mark , Salway Travis , Haag Devon , Kwag Michael , Edward Joshua , Bondyra Mark , Cox Joseph , Hart Trevor A , Grace Daniel , Grennan Troy , Ogilvie Gina , Shoveller Jean
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

While social marketing (SM) campaigns can be effective in increasing testing for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs), they are seldom rigorously evaluated and often rely on process measures (eg, Web-based ad click-throughs). With Web-based campaigns for internet-based health services, there is a potential to connect campaign process measures to program outcomes, permitting the assessment of venue-specific yield based on health outcomes (eg, click-throughs per test).

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the impact of an SM campaign by the promotional venue on use and diagnostic test results of the internet-based STBBI testing service GetCheckedOnline.com (GCO).

METHODS

Through GCO, clients create an account using an access code, complete a risk assessment, print a lab form, submit specimens at a lab, and get results online or by phone. From April to August 2015, a campaign promoted GCO to gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Vancouver, Canada. The campaign highlighted GCO’s convenience in 3 types of promotional venues—location advertisements in print or video displayed in gay venues or events, ads on a queer news website, and ads on geosocial websites and apps. Where feasible, individuals were tracked from campaign exposures to account creation and testing using venue-specific GCO access codes. In addition, Web-based ads were linked to alternate versions of the campaign website, which used URLs with embedded access codes to connect ad exposure to account creation. Furthermore, we examined the number of individuals creating GCO accounts, number tested, and cost per account created and test for each venue type.

RESULTS

Over 6 months, 177 people created a GCO account because of the campaign, where 22.0% (39/177) of these completed testing; the overall cost was Can $118 per account created and Can $533 per test. Ads on geosocial websites and apps accounted for 46.9% (83/177) of all accounts; ads on the news website had the lowest testing rate and highest cost per test. We observed variation between different geosocial websites and apps with some ads having high click-through rates yet low GCO account creation rates, and vice versa.

CONCLUSIONS

Developing mechanisms to track individuals from Web-based exposure to SM campaigns to outcomes of internet-based health services permits greater evaluation of the yield and cost-effectiveness of different promotional efforts. Web-based ads with high click-through rates may not have a high conversion to service use, the ultimate outcome of SM campaigns.
Exploring Social Media Group Use Among Breastfeeding Mothers: Qualitative Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Skelton Kara Renee , Evans Retta , LaChenaye Jenna , Amsbary Jonathan , Wingate Martha , Talbott Laura
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Breastfeeding is well known as the optimal source of nutrition for the first year of life. However, suboptimal exclusively breastfeeding rates in the United States are still prevalent. Given the extent of social media use and the accessibility of this type of peer-to-peer support, the role of social networking sites in enabling and supporting breastfeeding mothers needs to be further explored.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to leverage mothers’ attitudes and behaviors of social media usage to understand effects on breastfeeding outcomes.

METHODS

Participants were recruited from 1 probreastfeeding social media group with over 6300 members throughout the United States. Online focus group discussions were conducted with 21 women; interviews were conducted with 12 mothers. Qualitative data were aggregated for thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Participants indicated that the social media group formed a community of support for breastfeeding, with normalizing breastfeeding, empowerment for breastfeeding, resource for breastfeeding, and shared experiences in breastfeeding as additional themes.

CONCLUSIONS

According to participants, social media groups can positively influence breastfeeding-related attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors as well as lead to longer duration of breastfeeding. The results of this study should be taken into account when designing interventions for breastfeeding mothers.
Exploration of user�s perspectives and needs and design of a type 1 diabetes management mobile app: mixed-methods study (Preprint)
Authors: Zhang Yiyu , Li Xia , Luo Shuoming , Liu Chaoyuan , Liu Fang , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

With the popularity of smart phones, mobile apps have great potential for the management of diabetes, but the effectiveness of current diabetes apps for T1DM is poor. No study has explored the reasons from the user’s perspective.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the perspectives and needs of T1DM patients and diabetes experts concerning diabetes app and to design a new T1DM management mobile app.

METHODS

A mixed methods design combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews was used to explore user needs and perspectives. Experts were surveyed at two diabetes conferences using paper questionnaires. T1DM patients were surveyed using Sojump on a network. We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with adult T1DM patients or parents of child patients who had ever used diabetes apps. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and coded for theme identification.

RESULTS

The expert response rate was 63.5% (127/200). They thought that the reasons for app invalidity were that patients did not stick to using the app (76.4%, 97/127), little guidance was received from health care professionals (HCPs) (73.2%, 93/127), diabetes education knowledge was unsystematic (52.8% 67/127) and the app functions were incomplete (44.1%, 56/127). A total of 245 T1DM patient questionnaires were collected, of which 21.2% (52/245) of the respondents had used diabetes apps. The reasons for their reluctance to use an app were limited time (39%, 20/52), complicated operations (25%, 13/52), uselessness (25%, 13/52) and cost (25%, 13/52). Both the experts and patients thought that the most important functions of the app were patient-doctor communication and diabetes diary.
Two themes that were useful for app design were identified from the interviews: (1) problems with patients’ diabetes self-management and (2) problems with current apps. Additionally, needs and suggestions for a diabetes app were obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient-doctor communication is the most important function of a diabetes app. Apps should be integrated with HCPs rather than stand alone. We advocate that doctors follow up with their patients using diabetes app. Our user-centered method explored comprehensively and deeply why the effectiveness of current diabetes apps for T1DM was poor and what T1DM patients needed for a diabetes app, and provided meaningful guidance for app design.
Consumption of Health-Related Content on Social Media Among Adolescent Girls: Mixed-Methods Pilot Study (Preprint)
Authors: Leary Miriam P , Clegg Emily N , Santella Madison E , Murray Pamela J , Downs Julie S , Olfert Melissa D
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Consumption of health- and fitness-related social media content is a predominant behavior among teenage girls, which puts them at risk for consuming unreliable health-related information.

OBJECTIVE

This mixed-methods study (qualitative and quantitative) assessed health behavior attitudes and practices as well as social media use among adolescent girls. Additionally, similar practices and behaviors of adults who regularly interact with this population were studied.

METHODS

Girls aged 12-18 years were recruited to complete a 28-item survey and participate in a 45- to 60-minute focus group. Adults who regularly interact with adolescent girls, including parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals, were recruited from the local community and given a link to provide online consent and complete a survey.

RESULTS

A total of 27 adolescent girls participated in one of nine focus groups. Participants included 18 high school (age: mean 16.1 years; SD 1.3 years) and 9 middle school (age: mean 12.4 years; SD 0.7 years) girls. Eleven adults completed the online survey. Adolescents used social media to communicate and connect with friends, rather than as a source of health information. Although adolescents may see health-related content, most do not follow health-related pages or share such pages themselves, and fewer are actively searching for this information. Adolescents tend to trust information from familiar sources, and the participants reported that they do not follow official news accounts. Adults considered modeling and discussing healthy behaviors important and reportedly expected adolescents to see some level of health-related, especially fitness-related, content on social media.

CONCLUSIONS

Education interventions are warranted for both adolescents and adults with whom adolescent girls regularly interact, in the areas of sedentary behavior to guide them to access reliable online health-related information and be judicious consumers of online health information.
Impact of a Mobilized Stress Management Program (Pep-Pal) for Caregivers of Oncology Patients: Mixed-Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Carr Alaina L , Jones Jacqueline , Mikulich Gilbertson Susan , Laudenslager Mark L , Kutner Jean S , Kilbourn Kristin , Sannes Timothy S , Brewer Benjamin W , Kolva Elissa , Joshi Tanisha , Amoyal Pensak Nicole
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Caregivers of patients with advanced diseases are known to have high levels of distress, including depression and anxiety. Recent research has focused on recognizing caregivers in need of psychosocial support to help them manage their distress. Evidenced-based technological interventions have the potential to aid caregivers in managing distress.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to describe caregiver perceptions of the usability and acceptability, and their suggestions for future adaptations, of a mobilized psychoeducation and skills-based intervention.

METHODS

This study was a part of a larger trial of a mobilized psychoeducation and skills-based intervention (Psychoeducation and Skills-Based Mobilized Intervention [Pep-Pal]) for caregivers of patients with advanced illness. This substudy used a mixed-methods analysis of quantitative data from all 26 intervention participants and qualitative data from 14 intervention caregivers who completed the Pep-Pal intervention. The qualitative semistructured individual interviews, which we conducted within the first 4 weeks after participants completed the intervention, assessed the acceptability and usability of Pep-Pal. Additionally, the qualitative interviews provided contextual evidence of how the intervention was helpful to interviewees in unanticipated ways. We conducted applied thematic analysis via independent review of transcripts to extract salient themes.

RESULTS

Overall, caregivers of patients with advanced cancer deemed Pep-Pal to be acceptable in all Web-based sessions except for Improving Intimacy. Caregivers perceived the program to be of use across the areas they needed and in others that they had not anticipated. Caregiver recommendations of key changes for the program were to include more variety in caregiver actors in sessions, change the title of Improving Intimacy to Improving Relationships, provide an audio-only option in addition to video, and change the format of the mobilized website program to a stand-alone mobile app.

CONCLUSIONS

The valuable feedback in key areas from individual interviews will be integrated into the final version of Pep-Pal that will be tested in a fully powered randomized clinical trial.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03002896; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03002896 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/76eThwaei)
Mobile Apps for Oral Health Promotion: Content Review and Heuristic Usability Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Tiffany Brooks , Blasi Paula , Catz Sheryl L , McClure Jennifer B
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

There has been an increase in consumer-facing mobile health (mHealth) apps in recent years. Prior reviews have characterized the availability, usability, or quality of popular mHealth apps targeting a range of health behaviors, but none has examined apps that promote better oral health care. Oral disease affects billions of people worldwide and mobile phone use is on the rise, so the market for well-designed and effective oral health apps is substantial.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the content and usability of popular oral health promotion apps to better understand the current state of these self-help interventions and inform the need and opportunity for future app development.

METHODS

Between February and March 2018, we identified oral health-focused apps that were designed for Android or iOS, available in English, and targeted adult consumers (as opposed to children or dental health professionals). The sample was limited to the most popular and highly rated apps on each platform. For each app reviewed, we assessed its basic descriptive characteristics (eg, platform, cost), evidence of a theoretical basis or empirical validation, key program functionality, and the extent to which the app addressed diet and tobacco and alcohol use as risk factors for oral disease. We characterized the framing (ie, gain vs loss) of all persuasive messaging and conducted a heuristic analysis to assess each app’s usability as a persuasive health technology.

RESULTS

Thirty-three apps were eligible for review based on the selection criteria. Two-thirds (22/33, 67%) were geared toward the general public as opposed to dental clinic patients, insurance plan members, or owners of specific electric toothbrushes. Most (31/33, 94%) were free to download, and a majority (19/33, 58%) were sponsored by software developers as opposed to oral health experts. None offered any theoretical basis for the content or had been empirically validated. Common program features included tools for tracking or reminding one to brush their teeth and assistance scheduling dental appointments. Nineteen apps (58%) included educational or persuasive content intended to influence oral health behavior. Only 32% (6/19) of these included a larger proportion of gain-framed than loss-framed messaging. Most of the apps did not mention diet, alcohol or tobacco—important risk factors for oral disease. Overall, the apps performed poorly on standard usability heuristics recommended for persuasive health technologies.

CONCLUSIONS

The quality of the reviewed apps was generally poor. Important opportunities exist to develop oral health promotion apps that have theoretically grounded content, are empirically validated, and adhere to good design principles for persuasive health technologies.
Use of Mental Health Apps by Breast Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers in the United States: Protocol for a Pilot Pre-Post Study (Preprint)
Authors: Chow Philip I , Showalter Shayna L , Gerber Matthew S , Kennedy Erin , Brenin David R , Schroen Anneke T , Mohr David C , Lattie Emily G , Cohn Wendy F
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Over one-third of cancer patients experience clinically significant mental distress, and distress in caregivers can exceed that of the cancer patients for whom they care. There is an urgent need to identify scalable and cost-efficient ways of delivering mental health interventions to cancer patients and their loved ones.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to describe the protocol to pilot a mobile app–based mental health intervention in breast cancer patients and caregivers.

METHODS

The IntelliCare mental health apps are grounded in evidence-based research in psychology. They have not been examined in cancer populations. This pilot study will adopt a within-subject, pre-post study design to inform a potential phase III randomized controlled trial. A target sample of 50 individuals (with roughly equal numbers of patients and caregivers) at least 18 years of age and fluent in English will be recruited at a US National Cancer Institute designated clinical cancer center. Consent will be obtained in writing and a mobile phone will be provided if needed. Self-report surveys assessing mental health outcomes will be administered at a baseline session and after a 7-week intervention. Before using the apps, participants will receive a 30-min coaching call to explain their purpose and function. A 10-min coaching call 3 weeks later will check on user progress and address questions or barriers to use. Self-report and semistructured interviews with participants at the end of the study period will focus on user experience and suggestions for improving the apps and coaching in future studies.

RESULTS

This study is ongoing, and recruitment will be completed by the end of 2018.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from this study will inform how scalable mobile phone-delivered programs can be used to support breast cancer patients and their loved ones.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03488745; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03488745

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR

DERR1-10.2196/11452
Un proyecto de modernidad católico: el Ecuador de García Moreno
Authors: Valero Pacheco Perla Patricia
Published: June 2018

Al término de las guerras de independencia en la América Latina continental de 1830, los nuevos gobiernos se enfrentaron al problema de construir Estados y naciones sobre las ruinas del antiguo régimen, después de haber destruido –en palabras de Halperin Donghi– el “botín de los vencedores”. Estos procesos ocurrieron de diversas formas a lo largo y ancho del continente; en este trabajo nos enfocamos de modo particular en las reformas eclesiásticas, en ese proceso de independencia de las iglesias locales, de invención de la Iglesia como institución y su posterior secularización, eventos que van de la mano y se entrecruzan con la construcción de los Estados. Trataremos el caso del Ecuador en la década de 1860, cuando Gabriel García Moreno se convirtió en la cabeza de un gobierno conservador y católico que aplicó reformas galicanas y hasta anticlericales haciendo una alianza con la Santa Sede. 
La simultaneidad en la historia global
Authors: Rabasa José
Published: June 2018

El trabajo cuestiona que el llamado Mapa de Cuauhtinchan núm. 2, pueda ser analizado, desde el presente y con la carga de valores culturales occidentales, como un mapa en estricto sentido. El propósito de este ensayo es discutir aquellas visiones, como las de Carl Schmitt, que plantean una universalidad de la “apropiación, distribución, y producción” del nomos, apuntando hacia una actitud que apueste por la pluralidad de las formas de representar los distintos espacios tiempos. En este sentido el autor avanza en la manera de proponer distintas categorías que permitan una mejor comprensión de los documentos pictográficos que se produjeron antes y durante la conquista de Mesoamérica y las demás latitudes que fueron colonizadas por los españoles. 
La Historia de Potosí de Arzans y el ciclo dramático altoperuano de la muerte de Atahualpa
Authors: Ajens Andrés
Published: June 2018

A partir de un análisis de los planteamientos de poética expuestos por Bartolomé de Arzans de Orsúa y Vela en pasajes de su Historia de la Villa Imperial de Potosí (s. XVIII), así como de la figura del “poeta historiador” Juan Sobrino —que opera como fuente temprana para la misma—, y de otros datos de orden lingüístico, retórico e histórico, reconsideramos la verosimilitud del pasaje de la Historia relativo a la escenificación en 1555 en Potosí de una versión temprana, “en verso mixto del idioma castellano con el indiano”, de las escenificaciones altoperuanas de la captura y muerte de Atahualpa. De paso, indicamos una fuente inédita (no identificada hasta ahora) de la Historia. La lectura se enlaza y discute en modos diversos con otras precedentes, entre las cuales: Lara (1957), Hanke y Mendoza (1965), Gisbert (1968, 1999), Burga (1988), Beyersdorff (1997) y Husson (1998, 2001).
Migrantes latinoamericanos por educación en el país soviético
Authors: Pérez Victoria
Published: June 2018

En el presente trabajo se explora el proceso de la construcción de identidades sociales del país de origen y de la sociedad receptora en historias de vida, en este caso de mexicanos migrantes en busca de educación. Asimismo, se estudian las estrategias discursivas empleadas por los informantes para construir su identidad narrativa. El análisis del corpus, conformado por 10 entrevistas sociolingüísticas realizadas a individuos mexicanos que en los años setenta salieron del país para encontrar una mejor oferta educativa en la Unión Soviética, se realizó a partir de la descripción de un contexto global de aquella época. Se concluye que durante la migración la faceta identitaria dominante en los jóvenes fue la latinoamericana
Evaluation of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt) as active component during storage of bovine loins
Authors: Galeano L. Yessica , Torres V. Olga , García S. Ángela
Published: June 2018

Meat products are considered highly perishable foods because of their physical, chemical and biological characteristics. Different compounds can be combined to produce active films with greater functionality, which can provide effective protection to food during storage. In this research, active films formulated with polyvinyl alcohol, gelatin, and different oleoresin concentrations of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) were made by using the casting methodology, a process by which a solution is poured into a mold. Bovine loins (Longissimus dorsi) were coated with the active films formulated, stored at 4 °C, performing physicochemical characterization for 1, 3, 6 and 10 days. The results obtained indicate a decrease in pH, humidity percentage, peroxide value (POVs), total volatile nitrogen bases (TVB-N) and greater conservation of the a* parameter (coordinate where +a indicates red, -a indicates green) in loins covered with active films during storage time. Thus, the active films formulated could be used in the meat industry to extend the shelf life of bovine loins.
Efecto de tratamientos pregerminativos en semillas de Dianthus barbatus L. cv. ‘Purple’ bajo condiciones controladas
Authors: González-Amaya Leidy Julieth , Pita Bayron Eduardo , Pinzón-Sandoval Elberth Hernando , Cely German Eduardo , Serrano Pablo Antonio
Published: June 2018

Los claveles son de las flores más apetecidas por sus excelentes características de duración y belleza. Sin embargo, la especie Dianthus barbatus L. cv. ‘Purple’, presenta problemas en la germinación de sus semillas, lo que conlleva incremento de los costos de producción. Por lo anterior el objetivo de la investigación fue evaluar diferentes tratamientos pregerminativos sobre la germinación de semillas de Dianthus barbatus L. cv ‘Purple’. Para esto, se estableció un Diseño Completamente al Azar con diez tratamientos correspondientes a la combinación de tres dosis de KNO3 (150, 200, 250mg L-1) y tres tiempos de imbibición (6, 12, 24 horas) más el tratamiento testigo. Las variables evaluadas fueron: porcentaje de germinación (PG), agua absorbida, velocidad media de germinación (VMG), tiempo medio de germinación (TMG), porcentaje de adaptabilidad (PA). La aplicación de los tratamientos pregerminativos basados en la aplicación de KNO3 combinado con el tiempo de imbibición mostró un efecto positivo sobre el porcentaje de germinación, VMG, TMG, tasa de imbibición y adaptación en semillas de Dianthus barbatus L. cv. ‘Purple’ bajo condiciones controladas. El tratamiento que mejor respuesta generó fue la aplicación de KNO3 en una concentración de 250mg L-1 y seis horas de imbibición el cual presentó diferencias significativas (P≤0,05) frente al tratamiento testigo en la mayoría de las variables evaluadas, esto lo convierte en una alternativa importante en la reducción de costos de producción dentro del proceso de propagación sexual de D. barbatus L. cv ‘Purple’ bajo condiciones controladas.
El carbono orgánico del suelo y su papel frente al cambio climático
Authors: Burbano Orjuela Hernán
Published: June 2018

El cambio climático es un problema ambiental al que debe hacer frente la sociedad mundial, sin embargo, hay alternativas para mitigar dicho fenómeno y en ese contexto, el suelo puede jugar un papel importante. Por estas razones, en este artículo se hace consideraciones sobre la potencialidad del suelo para almacenar carbono, siempre en el marco de procesos mayores como el ciclo del carbono y el propio cambio climático. Por último, se destaca una iniciativa mundial para manejar el suelo en función de la problemática mencionada.
Valor nutricional de la semilla de Mucuna spp. como complemento dietario en animales no rumiantes y rumiantes. Revisión
Authors: Barriada-Bernal Luis Gerardo , Méndez Lagunas Lilia Leticia , Méndez-Lagunas Lilia , Rodríguez-Ramírez Juan , Sandoval-Torres Sadoth , Aquino-González Laura
Published: June 2018

Dentro de la industria pecuaria, el diseño de dietas adecuadas para la productividad y salud de los animales es esencial. Para lo anterior, comúnmente se emplean raciones que combinan alimentos de volumen (aporte de fibra) y alimentos concentrados como los cereales (aporte energético), leguminosas (aporte proteico) y concentrados minerales. Mucuna spp., es una leguminosa tropical cuyas características nutricionales, para el área pecuaria, han sido subaprovechadas. La semilla de mucuna posee características nutricias de importancia para el sector pecuario tales como: 1) concentración (base seca) de proteína cruda y energía de 20 al 30 % y de 15.7 a 24.7 MJ kg-1, respectivamente, 2) presencia de ácidos grasos insaturados, y 3) concentración de anti-nutrientes similares a otras leguminosas dentro de los cuales la concentración de la L-3,4 dihidroxifenilalanina (L-DOPA,) puede ser fácilmente reducida hasta no provocar efectos adversos en el crecimiento y desarrollo animal. Adicionalmente, la semilla de mucuna es un alimento económicamente ventajoso, ya que se considera como residuo de otras prácticas agrícolas. El propósito de este trabajo es presentar una revisión de la información disponible respecto a la concentración de componentes nutricionales presentes en la semilla de Mucuna spp. de interés para sistemas de producción y crianza animal.
Valorización de una Indicación Geográfica Protegida. El caso de la carne de la Sierra de Guadarrama, España
Authors: Pensado-Leglise Mario del roble , Sanz Cañada Javier
Published: June 2018

En este trabajo se analiza la relación entre la calidad y el valor de un bien de indicación geográfica protegida (IGP) con respecto a su precio, tomando la experiencia de veinte años de los productores de carne de la Sierra de Guadarrama. Mediante una investigación cualitativa a través de la técnica de enfoque grupal “focus group” y del uso del software Atlas.ti, se encontró que la carne de la Sierra de Guadarrama cuenta con varios factores que fortalecen la confianza del consumidor de la Comunidad de Madrid al bien de especialidad, como son: la identidad cultural, el apego por ser un producto local, buenas prácticas de sanidad animal y de inocuidad de la carne. Pese al prestigio social del bien de especialidad, existen limitaciones para alcanzar mejores precios pagados a los ganaderos, debido a una falla de mercado basada en la falta de información completa al consumidor (sobre la importancia de la ganadería para la conservación del patrimonio paisajístico ambiental); así como existir una ventana de oportunidad para mejorar la organización de la asociación y mayor acción colectiva de los productores que redunde en mejorar su forma de gobernanza, en particular su capacidad de negociación con los demás actores de la fase de comercialización, y con ello pueda haber un mejor equilibrio entre la calidad, valor y precio para el ganadero participante en la IGP.