bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE ROLE OF IMMUNOLOGICAL PROCESSES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF INFLAMMATORY DISEASES OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND THE POSSIBILITIES OF THEIR CORRECTION
Authors: Дзюба Елена , Dzyuba Elena , Нагаева Марина , Nagaeva Marina , Жданова Екатерина , Zhdanova Ekaterina
Published: August 2019

Subject: Inflammatory periodontal diseases are one of the most common dental diseases in the world. To ensure successful treatment and a stable period of remission, it is necessary to take into account the etiopathogenesis of the disease. One of the main roles in the development of inflammatory periodontal diseases is played by the immune response of the body to the action of periodontal-pathogenic micro-organisms.

Objective ― to study the current literature indicates about the role of immunological processes in the development of inflammatory periodontal diseases, as well as the possibility of their correction

Material and methodologies: Data from the scientific literature on the etiopathogenesis of inflammatory periodontal diseases was used in the study. To achieve this objective the databases of the Tyumen State Medical University Library, electronic libraries (eLibrary, Cyberleninka, PubMed, Googl.Scholar), official sites of scientific publications were used.

Results: the review of the literature presents information on the immunological processes developing in inflammatory periodontal diseases. The role of cellular and humoral elements in pathogenesis, the role of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the chronization of the inflammatory process is described. The possibilities of local immunological correction in the treatment of inflammatory periodontal diseases are considered.

Conclusions: The concept of cytokine development of inflammatory periodontal diseases has been formed and substantiated in modern scientific literature. The evaluation of the cytokine profile of the oral and gingival fluid allows to establish the activity and severity of the disease. The established immunological and molecular genetic mechanisms of the development of inflammatory periodontal diseases associated with the influence of cytokines make it possible to adjust the complex treatment of inflammatory periodontal diseases, determine the direction of personalized therapy of patient, determine the effectiveness of the treatment and the prognosis of the disease.
THE DYNAMICS OF THE DENTAL INCIDENCE OF THE CHILD POPULATION OF YEKATERINBURG
Authors: Насретдинова Наталья , Nasretdinova Natal'ya , Ворожцова Людмила , Vorozhcova Lyudmila , Мандра Юлия , Mandra Yuliya , Сорокоумова Дина , Sorokoumova Dina , Жегалина Наталья , Gegalina N. , Епишова Анна , Yepishova Anna
Published: August 2019

Subject. Epidemiological surveys are important for assessing the compliance of dental programs with the treatment needs of various population groups.

Objectives ― we set a goal to compare the dynamics of indicators of epidemiological surveys of dental diseases in the city of Ekaterinburg over the past 15 years.

Methods. After analyzing reports and publications on the WHO methodology, a high prevalence and intensity of caries and signs of periodontal damage was noted, they deteriorate with age. The reduction in the incidence of dental diseases that began in 2008 did not persist in 2015. The change in the social and demographic structure of the children's population of Yekaterinburg is accompanied by an increase in rates of dental diseases. Estimating the proportion of people with signs of periodontal diseases in children 12 and 15 years compared with the results of a previously conducted national epidemiological study in 2008, we do not see a decrease in the prevalence rate of periodontal diseases. An assessment of the need for emergency dental care in children of Yekaterinburg of 6, 12 and 15 years according to the WHO criteria showed a high level of need for “preventive or conventional treatment” in all groups of children examined.

Conclusions. The high prevalence of dental diseases in the city of Ekaterinburg indicates the need to find preventive measures. The increase in the intensity of caries is especially active in children of school age, which requires development of a comprehensive program of school prevention. The absence of a reduction in the prevalence rate of periodontal lesions in adolescents in all 3 national surveys suggests the need to find new approaches in prevention, including use of Smart Technologies.
A tutela da pornografia pela Corte Europeia de Direitos Humanos: uma análise do aspecto da proteção da mulher em situação de violência de gênero
Authors: Ribeiro Raisa Duarte da Silva , Barbosa Renata da Silva Athayde , Costa Rodrigo de Souza
Published: August 2019

Este artigo possui o objetivo de analisar o tratamento destinado à pornografia, como forma de expressão, pela Corte Europeia de Direitos Humanos. Para tanto, verifica se a tutela destinada à este instituto vem sendo realizada dentro de uma ótica de proteção dos direitos humanos das mulheres que se encontram em situação de violência de gênero em razão da pornografia. Num primeiro momento, tratar-se-á da forma como a pornografia e sua distinção em relação a outros institutos semelhantes, cujo principal reflexo é a afetação à mulher, sua percepção de si mesma e pela sociedade, bem como as implicações de tais questões sobre os direitos humanos. Em seguida, se apresenta casos da Corte Europeia de Direitos Humanos envolvendo pornografia, em que será realizada uma análise acerca do tratamento depreendido pelo órgão jurisdicional e as consequências de uma subvaloração para os direitos humanos das mulheres. Por fim, conclui-se pela necessidade de revisão da perspectiva de afetação dos direitos humanos da mulher pela pornografia no mencionado órgão jurisdicional.
Acesso ao tratamento oncológico no SUS: a responsabilidade civil do Estado pela perda da chance de cura ou de sobrevida das pacientes com câncer de mama
Authors: Finger Brunize , Limberger Têmis
Published: August 2019

O estudo objetiva verificar se o Estado pode ser responsabilizado civilmente, e em que condições, pela perda da chance de cura ou de sobrevida das pacientes com câncer de mama que não receberam tratamento médico pelo SUS em até 60 dias após o diagnóstico – prazo fixado pela Lei 12.732/2012. Foram utilizados o método fenomenológico-hermenêutico e o método indutivo. Conclui-se que o Estado pode ser responsabilizado, desde que três critérios sejam observados: Universalidade do acesso ao tratamento contra o câncer de mama em até 60 dias, Acessibilidade ao tratamento médico frente às barreiras geográficas e Tratamento contra o câncer de mama materialmente possível.
5-Merkapto-2-(3-metil-tiyofen-2-il-metilidenamino)-1,3,4-tiyadiazol Bileşiğinin Sentezi, Karakterizasyonu ve DFT Hesaplamaları
Authors: Beytur Murat , Akyıldırım Onur , Aktaş Yokuş Özlem
Published: August 2019

5-Merkapto-2-(3–metil–tiyofen-2–il-metiliden-amino)-1,3,4-tiyadiazol bileşiği
sentezlenmiş ve IR, 1H-NMR ve 13C-NMR spektroskopik
yöntemleri ile karakterize edilmiştir. Sentezlenen bileşiğin geometrik
optimizasyonu Gaussian G09W yazılımı kullanılarak DFT/B3LYP yöntemi ve
6-311G+(d,p) temel seti yapılmıştır. Elde edilen optimize yapıdan molekülün
geometrik yapıları, titreşim dalga sayıları, 1H ve 13C
nükleer manyetik rezonans kimyasal kayma değerlerinin kuantum kimyasal
hesaplamaları elde edilmiştir. Bu değerler ile deneysel spektroskopik değerler
karşılaştırılmıştır. Teorik değerlerin deneysel değerleri desteklediği
gözlemlenmiştir. İlaveten, ilgili bileşiğin, çizgisel olmayan optik
özellikleri; tek nokta enerji hesabında polar hesapları yapılarak
polarizebilite ve hiperpolarizebilite değerleri hesaplanmıştır. Son olarak,
Mulliken atomik yükleri, HOMO-LUMO enerjileri, dipol momentleri, toplam
enerjileri, iyonlaşma potansiyeli, elektron ilgisi, moleküler yumuşaklık,
moleküler sertlik ve elektronegatifliği aynı metotlar ve aynı set kullanılarak
hesaplanmıştır.
Bezafibrate Improves Mitochondrial Fission and Function in DNM1L Deficient Patient Cells
Authors: Douiev Liza , Sheffer Ruth , Horvath Gabriella , Saada Ann
Published: August 2019

Mitochondria are involved in many cellular processes and their main role is cellular energy production. They constantly undergo fission and fusion, and these counteracting processes are under strict balance. The cytosolic dynamin-related protein 1, Drp1 or dynamin-1-like protein (DNM1L) mediates mitochondrial and peroxisomal division. Defects in the DNM1L gene results in a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with heterogeneous symptoms affecting multiple organ systems. Currently there is no curative treatment available for this condition. We have previously described a patient with a de novo heterozygous c.1084G>A (p.G362S) DNM1L mutation and studied the effects of a small molecule, Bezafibrate, on mitochondrial functions in this patient’s fibroblasts compared to controls. Bezafibrate normalized growth on glucose-free medium, ATP production, oxygen consumption and s improved mitochondrial morphology in patient’s fibroblasts, albeit concomitantly causing a mild increase ROS production. Further studies would be needed to show the consistency of the response to Bezafibrate, possibly using fibroblasts from patients with different mutations in DNM1L, and this treatment should be confirmed in clinical trials. However, taking into account the favorable effects in our study, we suggest that Bezafibrate could be a possible treatment option for patients with certain DNM1L mutations.
Knowledge, Perception and Management of Pre-eclampsia among Health Care Providers in a Maternity Hospital
Authors: Olaoye Titilayo , Oyerinde Oyewole O. , Elebuji Oluwatoyin J. , Ologun Oluwapelumi
Published: August 2019

Background: Morbidity and mortality of women and children associated with pre-eclampsia present major global health problems in low and middle income countries. The prevalence of pre-eclampsia in Nigeria ranges from 2% to 16.7%, with approximately 37,000 women dying from preeclampsia annually. This study examines knowledge, perception and management of preeclampsia among healthcare providers in a major maternity hospital in Lagos, southwest Nigeria.

Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 110 health care providers comprising of 75 Nurses, 9 Consultant Physicians, and 26 General Medical Practitioners with varying years of service were selected using purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-administered 36-item semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences to generate descriptive and inferential statistics with level of significance set at 0.05.

Results: Health care providers in the study had an average knowledge of pre-eclampsia with a mean score of 16.69±3.53. There was generally a good perception of pre-eclampsia with a mean sore of 28.31±3.71. The most-prevalent clinical management practices were emergency cesarean section (16%), magnesium sulphate infusion (29%), and fluid/electrolyte management (9%). Knowledge of pre-eclampsia and years of practice were significantly associated (F=3.31; p= 0.023).

Conclusion and Global Health Implications: Gaps in the knowledge of causes, diagnoses, and treatment of pre-eclampsia may be attributable to lack of refresher trainings and absence of written practice guidelines on pre-eclampsia management. Health care providers at this hospital may benefit from training courses that include current nationally and internationally-approved management of preeclampsia.

Key words: • Pre-eclampsia • Eclampsia • Knowledge • Perception • Management • Health care providers • Nigeria

Copyright © 2019 Olaoye et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Modern Methods of Urban Energy System Planning
Authors: Bugaeva Т. M. , Novikova O. V.
Published: August 2019

Knowledge of the nature of the energy load alterations not only in time, but also in space will allow achieving the optimal structure of energy sources in the city and thereby reducing unproductive energy costs of energy resources and increasing energy efficiency. Changing the paradigm of power supply systems development towards the development of small distributed power production, intellectualization and demand management requires a more accurate understanding of the planned local loads in the city. At present it is still difficult to obtain such data; it requires analysis of many sources and, consequently, takes a lot of time. The article presents a possible algorithm of formation of the space-time profile of energy resources consumption. At the heart of the load disaggregation there is a spatial distribution of consumers in the city, estimated by the density of the distribution area of buildings of energy consumer groups. The dimension of the model is not limited in both temporal and spatial resolution: the model is flexible and can be adapted to different cases and local conditions. The proposed algorithm has been applied to the modeling of the profile of electricity consumption in St. Petersburg. The profile is based on an annual graph of electricity consumption by hour (8760 values). The spatial resolution of the model ranges from hundreds of meters to several kilometers and depends only on the availability of initial data. In the example, the division of the city territory into administrative districts (18 districts of St. Petersburg) is used as a spatial unit. The obtained results showed their logicality and compliance with empirical observations.
On the Energy Efficiency of Indoor Air Conditioning
Authors: Osipov S. N. , Zakharenko A. V. , Shirokova E. M.
Published: August 2019

The increase of average outdoor temperatures and their fluctuations over the past 20 years (as evidenced by the records of summer temperatures in our country) has significantly increased the need for air conditioning premises where people are present for a long time, especially when they are crowded (shops, entertainment halls, classrooms, etc.). The air conditioning process is quite energy-intensive, but the growth of well-being in many republics of the former USSR, as well as the increasing complexity of the physiological adaptation of the human body to rising outdoor temperatures make it possible (and at the same time necessary) to implement these systems on a large scale. It is important to take into account that electricity prices are currently maintained at a high level for homeowners, and in the coming years the prices will only grow. Therefore, the development of new ways of significant increase of the energy efficiency of the indoor air conditioning process is of a great interest. One of these methods is the use of laminar (or close to them) moving layers of conditioned air in a limited area of work or rest of people. Such a zone, about 1.0‒1.2 m height from a floor in each apartment is, e.g., living rooms (bedroom) in which standard temperature conditions are created by means of simple air supplying and air intake devices. In the case of sedentary work of people, the height of such a zone of conditioned air should be increased to 1.3‒1.5 m. It has already been established that the use of laminar (or close to them) air flows allows to reduce the power consumption by two or more times due to significantly reduced heat exchange with the surrounding heated surfaces. Besides, the simplicity of such systems ought to be noted. In particular, in conditions of modern systems of control and management of air conditioning, the "duties" of consumers include only the installation on the control device of the initial data relating directly to the required parameters of the microclimate. At the same time, it should be noted that there is currently no complete scientific and technical description of aerodynamic and heat exchange processes in the air conditioning zone. Even in modern conditions for countries with a sharply continental climate (Russia, Kazakhstan, etc.), the problem is the choice of the type of air conditioner for its effective use in hot periods of summer. In general, it can be noted that all the problems of energy-efficient use of air conditioners must find a comprehensive solution.
Analysis of the development of consumption and production of steel cord
Authors: Vedeneev A. V. , Bobarikin Yu. L. , Zalewski V. P.
Published: August 2019

Dynamics of development of sales of cars in the world is considered. The steady growth of car sales in the period 2013–2018 was determined. It is determined that in just nine months of 2018, 71 153 025 cars were registered in the world, which is 1.7% more than in the nine months of 2017, and according to the data of the ASEAN (European Association of car manufacturers), 11 951 957 cars were registered in the automotive market of the European Union countries in the nine months of 2018 in the EU, which is 2.5% more than in the same period of 2017. It is determined that despite some decline in production in Japan, South Korea, the rest of the traditional car manufacturers in Europe and North America show a steady pace of development, built and planned construction of new modern production of automotive equipment mainly in the Asian and South American regions. Analysis of the development of metal cord production showed that it is expected to increase investment in the production of metal cord with a planned increase in production by 22% until 2022. At the same time, the greatest growth should fall on passenger and lightcargo tires. Due to the increasing competition in the metal cord market, the development of the latter is in the direction of highstrength structures. The transition to a high-strength metal cord attracts the possibility of reducing the weight of tires, increasing their mobility and reducing the cost per unit weight of the metal cord with an equally strong replacement of structures in tires.
Using mechanisms of object-oriented programming for the unification of procedures of work with the monthly plan and for manufacture and shipment of the main production
Authors: Papkov N. P. , Onegina E. S.
Published: August 2019

This article describes a version of the modernization of the software (SOFTWARE), which allows to create monthly production plans and shipping program for shops of the main production, which used some of the mechanisms of object-oriented programming. The result of this work was the unification of the same actions in the formation of monthly plans for different shops within the framework of this SOFTWARE, the use of the same objects in different parts of the SOFTWARE with rapid adaptation to specific requirements in this place, the possibility of using the obtained objects in the newly developed provision by various departments of development.
Fibrous Tremolite in Central New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Hendrickx Marc
Published: August 2019

Tremolite schists in Ordovician meta-volcanic units in central New South Wales (NSW) consist of fine fibrous tremolite-actinolite. They host tremolite asbestos occurrences, and small quantities of asbestos were mined from narrow vein deposits in central NSW during the last century. When pulverized, the tremolite schist releases mineral fragments that fall into the classification range for countable mineral fibers and may be classed as asbestos despite not having an asbestiform habit. The ambiguity in classification of this type of natural material raises significant health and safety, legal, and environmental issues that require clarification. While the health effects of amphibole asbestos fibers are well known, the consequences of exposure to non-asbestiform, fibrous varieties is not well studied. This group of elongated mineral particles deserves more attention due to their widespread occurrence in metamorphic rocks in Australia. Toxicological studies are needed to assess the health risks associated with disturbance of these minerals during mining, civil construction, forestry, and farming practices.
Interpretation of Underbalanced Surge Pressure Data by Rate-Time Convolution
Authors: Simmons J. F.
Published: August 2019

Well test analysis of pressure response data from either underbalanced perforating or backsurge perforation washing is accomplished by rate-time convolution. The presented method allows closed chamber test analysis of reservoir transmissivity and wellbore skin by a straight line graph analogous to a Horner plot. As a well test analysis method, the closed chamber test has the benefit of avoiding surface pressure buildup, which often prohibits conventional drill stem testing.

Pressure measurement is required at the top of the surge air chamber and at the sand face. A linear plot is generated by convolution with respect to time of flowrate, which is derived from the air chamber pressure, and plotting the bottom hole pressure versus the rate-time superposition function. Transmissivity is obtained from the slope of the pressure data during the period when afterflow is minimal and pressure is not sensitive to skin. An estimate of initial reservoir pressure results from extrapolation of the pressure trend.

Subsequent forced fitting of the flow period data to the expected linear plot of bottom-hole pressure versus the rate-time superpostion function yields wellbore skin. Unique to the convolution method, wellbore skin may be calculated for each flowing pressure measurement. Therefore In addition to final skin determination, the effectiveness of the perforation cleaning mechanism may be observed by noting the trend of skin as a function of time during the flow period.

Example backsurge analyses are presented from the offshore Gulf of Mexico. Transmissivity values are calculated from the slope of the late time pressure data. The examples illustrate how wellbore skin varies with respect to time during the perforation cleaning flow period. One example illustrates effect of reservoir boundaries on the backsurge pressure response.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Cameroonian physicians with regards to acute pain management in the emergency department: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Etoundi Paul Owono , Mbengono Junette Arlette Metogo , Ntock Ferdinand Ndom , Tochie Joel Noutakdie , Ndom Dominique Christelle Anaba , Angong Francky Teddy Endomba , Beyiha Gérard , Minkande Jacqueline Ze
Published: August 2019

Introduction: Pain is the most frequent presenting complaint in patients consulting or admitted to the emergency department (ED). Thus, its acute management is often done by physicians working in the ED. These practitioners are often general practitioners and not emergency medicine physicians in resource-poor settings. Hence, a mastery of pain management by these physicians may be important in relieving acute pain. We aimed to assess the knowledge, to determine the attitudes and practices of physicians in the management of pain in EDs of Cameroon.

Methods: We cross-sectional study carried out prospectively over four months in the year 2018. We enrolled all consenting physicians who were neither emergency medicine doctors nor anesthesiologists working at the EDs of five tertiary hospitals of Cameroon. Using a validated and pretested structured questionnaire, data on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of acute pain management at the ED by these clinicians were studied. We used an externally validated score to assess the knowledge as either poor, insufficient, moderate or good.

Results: A total of 58 physicians were included; 18 interns and 39 general practitioners. Their mean age was 28.6 ± 3 years and their average number of years of practice was 2.9 years. The level of knowledge was rated “poor” in 77.6% of physicians. Being a general practitioner was significantly associated with a poor level of knowledge (p=0.02; OR=5.1). We found a negative and significant correlation between knowledge and years of practice (p=0.04; r2= 0.06). More than three-quarter (82.8%) of participants used a pain scale to evaluate the severity of pain. The most used scale being the Visual Analog scale (56.9%). The most frequently used analgesic was paracetamol (98.3%), although only 3.5% of physicians correctly knew its half-life, delay of onset of action and duration of action.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that physicians in EDs of Cameroon have poor knowledge and suboptimal practices in pain management. General practice and a greater number of professional experience seemed to favour these attitudes. Overall, there is an urgent need for refresher courses in acute pain management for physicians working in these resource-limited EDs.
Tooth Extraction is Risk Factor for Maxillary Sinus Pneumatization : A Case Control Study
Authors: Ocak Hakan , Çolpak Halis Ali , Demetoğlu Umut , Soydan Damla , Kılıç Erdem , Canger Murat E , Alkan Alper
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Maxillary sinus pneumatization following teeth extraction may require various treatment plans such as sinus lifting and alveolar grafting procedures to obtain sufficient alveolar bone height for implant surgery. The aim of this study was to identify sinus pneumatization and to help in determining the proper time for preprosthetic surgery following extraction of maxillary sinus related teeth.

Methods

We evaluated 75 teeth extraction related to maxillary sinus floor. The panoramic radiographs were evaluated before and after extraction of the posterior maxillary teeth. The radiographs were divided into 5 groups according to duration after extraction. Two reference points (the first point corresponds to the nasal spine while the second point corresponds to the most inferior point of the floor of the maxillary sinus wall) were determined on digital panoramic radiographs before and after teeth extraction and the distance between both aforementioned points was measured.

Results

The amount of pneumatization was found to be increased with time. The pneumatization within the first 6 months was limited. However, a sudden increase of pneumatization after 6th month, especially the highest between 18th and 24th months, was observed. The mean pneumatization amount was found to be highest in the 1st molar group.

Conclusion

According to the results of the present study, surgeons should not be waited any more than 6 months after tooth extraction for preprosthetic surgery in the posterior maxillary region as long as physiological healing of extraction socket is allowed.
The Low Expression of DUSP1 and HSPA5 Inhibits Chicken Immune Response and Causes Decreased Immunity under Heat Stress
Authors: Zhang Wenwu , Xu Jiguo , Li Hongmei , Zhou Lianghui , Nie Qinghua , Zhang Xiquan , Luo Qingbin
Published: August 2019

Background

As a major stressor, high temperatures negatively affect the poultry industry, through impairments to chicken immunity and production performance. The purpose of this study is to clarify how chicken immune systems responded to heat stress with and without immunization. In the present study, spleen and bursa of Fabricius of experimental chickens were subjected to RNA-seq. Key genes influencing immune response in heat-stressed chickens were identified and their functions validated.

Results

Immunized and heat-stressed chickens experienced a significant reduction in immune function. The expression of immune-related genes and heat stress-related genes in the spleen increased after immunization and decreased after heat stress, but in the bursa of Fabricius, few of these genes were differentially expressed after immunization and heat stress, indicating insensitivity to high temperature and the lack of vaccine processing. In the non-heat-stressed groups, spleen expression of DUSP1 and HSPA5 decreased significantly, suggesting their relationship to immunity. Upon DUSP1 or HSPA5 overexpression, the mRNA expression of MHC-I, MHC-II, CD80, CD86, CD1C, IL1B, IL6, and TLR4 was earlier than that under LPS stimulation only, indicating that DUSP1 or HSPA5 overexpression enhances HD11 recognition LPS. Inhibiting DUSP1 or HSPA5 expression, the mRNA expression levels of MHC-I, MHC-II, CD80, CD86, IL6 and TLR4 did not change significantly from LPS-stimulation-only levels but CD1C significantly decreased, suggesting that HD11 recognition of LPS is affected by DUSP1 or HSPA5 expression levels.

Conclusions

The inhibition of immune response due to lowly expressed DUSP1 and HSPA5 may be the cause of decreased immunity in chickens.
Evaluations of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion performed with rhBMP-2
Authors: Lv Bin , Hou Yuting , Jin Xiang , Luo Dan , Wang Lei , Yao Xiang , Yuan Jishan , Huang Anquan , Chen Rongguo
Published: August 2019

Background: The combination of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) is widely used for its advantage of rapid recovery and improved bone fusion. However, no previous study has reported the synergistic effect of MIS-TLIF with rhBMP-2 in patients with degenerative lumbar disease (DLD).
Objective: To investigate the radiographic and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with DLD who underwent MIS-TLIF with and without a low dose of rhBMP-2.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 48 patients treated with MIS-TLIF from 2013 to 2016. The patients were classified into the rhBMP-2 group (n = 25) and non-rhBMP-2 group (n = 23). Fusion-related parameters were measured before and after the operation. Clinical data included the numeric rating scale (NRS) score, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, and the MOS 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) score, which were documented to evaluate the effect of surgery.
Results: In the 48 patients who underwent MIS-TLIF, the operated disc was predominantly at the L4/5 and L5/S1 levels. ADH, MDH, and PDH increased significantly in both groups after surgery (P < 0.05). FH improved in the rhBMP-2 group, but not in the non-rhBMP-2 group. There was no obvious improvement in SA in both groups. Furthermore, the SL showed a significant difference in both groups and a significant improvement over the baseline. The LL showed significant improvement in the two groups at the early follow-up (P < 0.05), but the improvement did not persist. Cage subsidence had no significant effect on different subsidence grades. In addition, no differences in cage subsidence were observed in different types of modic change (MC), except for MC 0 in both groups. There was no difference in PROs even though all clinical outcomes improved significantly during the postoperative follow-up period in both groups.
Conclusion: MIS-TLIF with the low doses of rhBMP-2 resulted in an improvement in radiographic and clinical results, but not a longer-lasting restoration for radiographic outcomes. Cage subsidence is not associated with the MC. Further, our clinical data demonstrated no difference between both groups.
T2 formula in a highly myopic population, comparison with other methods and description of an improved approach for estimating corneal height
Authors: Idrobo Carlos Alberto , Santaella Gisella , Gutiérrez Ángela María
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT
Background: To determine the accuracy of the T2 formula as applied to highly myopic eyes, to compare the T2 formula to the SRK/T and Holladay 1 formulas, and to describe possible ways to improve the estimation of corneal height and prediction error in two settings, the Hadassah Hospital, Ophthalmology Department, Jerusalem, Israel and Clínica Barraquer, Bogotá, Colombia.
Methods: In this retrospective case series , optical biometer measurements were taken for 63 highly myopic patients (> 25 mm ) undergoing uneventful crystalline lens phacoemulsification and insertion of an acrylic intraocular lens. Prediction errors were obtained, with estimations of ± 0.50 D, ± 1.00 D, and greater than ± 2.00 D. A method to improve the corneal height calculation is described.
Results: The SRK/T formula (mean absolute error [MAE] = 0.418; median absolute error [MedAE] = 0.352) was the most accurate, followed by the T2 (MAE = 0.435; MedAE = 0.381) and Holladay 1 (MAE = 0.455; MedAE = 0.389) formulas. Both the SRK/T and T2 formulas overestimated corneal height, but values were higher with the T2 formula. Corneal height was more precisely estimated using an alternative method that, when combined with axial length optimization, resulted in lower MAE (0.425) and MedAE (0.365) values than when applying the T2 formula alone.
Conclusions: The T2 formula seems to be less accurate than the SRK/T formula in highly myopic eyes. An improved corneal height estimation method is described for the the T2 formula.

Key words: T2 formula, high myopia, corneal height estimation, cataract surgery, intraocular lens calculation .
The volatility effect across size buckets: evidence from the Indian stock market
Authors: Peswani Shilpa , Joshipura Mayank
Published: August 2019

The portfolio of low-volatility stocks earns high risk-adjusted returns over a full market cycle. The annual alpha spread of low versus high-volatility quintile portfolios is 25.53% in the Indian equity market for the period from January 2000 to September 2018. The low-volatility (LV) effect is not an overlap of other established factors such as size, value or momentum. The effect persists across various size buckets (market capitalization). The performance of the low-volatility effect within various size buckets is analyzed using three different portfolio formation methods. Irrespective of the method of portfolio construction, the low-volatility effect exists and it also generates economically and statistically significant risk-adjusted returns. The long-short portfolios across the study deliver exceptionally high and statistically significant returns accompanied by negative beta. The low-volatility effect is not restricted to small or illiquid stocks. The effect delivers the highest risk-adjusted returns for the portfolio consisting of largecap stocks. Though the returns of the portfolio comprising of large-cap LV stocks are lower than the returns of the portfolio comprising of small-cap LV stocks, its Sharpe ratio is higher because of less risky nature of large-cap stocks as compared to small-cap stocks. The LV portfolio majorly comprises of large-cap, growth and winner stocks. But within size buckets, large-cap and mid-cap low LV picks growth and winner stocks, while small-cap LV picks value stocks.
The influence of the boreholes’ heat insulation on the determination of the minimal distance between its outfalls at permafrost
Authors: Gorelik Jacob B. , Khabitov Artur K.
Published: August 2019

This article proposes a method for the calculation of the minimal distance between outfalls of boreholes at permafrost. Based on the analysis and comparison of calculation results, the authors show that the use of heat insulation in the borehole’s construction essentially cuts the minimal distance between outfalls. In these cases, the economy of the construction materials in fill area may run up to 30-50%. For reasonable calculations of the thawed area parameters near the group of boreholes, it is necessary (as opposed to the current practice) to take into account the total heat of the boreholes. This factor is required for all permafrost regions; moreover, as the inaccuracy in the calculations, connected with disregard of this factor, will increase when moving to the North.
Acceptability and Feasibility of a Telehealth Intervention for Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing Among Male Couples: Protocol for a Pilot Study
Authors: Sullivan Stephen , Sullivan Patrick , Stephenson Rob
Published: August 2019

Background

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are at elevated risk for acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States, especially chlamydia and gonorrhea. While research has indicated main partners over casual partners may play a central role in STI risk, the frequency of STI screening among MSM couples is particularly low. Self-sample collection for chlamydia and gonorrhea screening has been shown to be highly accurate, and at-home STI testing has been shown to be highly acceptable among diverse populations. However, there is little research exploring the feasibility and acceptability of at-home chlamydia and gonorrhea screening among MSM couples. Our pilot study aims to help evaluate the viability of this screening modality as an intervention tool for MSM couples

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an at-home chlamydia and gonorrhea sample collection and remote lab testing program among a sample of 50 MSM couples living in the United States.

Methods

This pilot study enrolled 50 MSM couples, ranging from 18-40 years old and living in the United States, who participated in a larger at-home HIV testing randomized controlled trial. Participating couples completed a pretest instructional video call and then had the option of completing at-home sample collection across three bodily sites (rectal swab, pharyngeal swab, and urine sample) for remote chlamydia and gonorrhea lab testing. For participants who completed any sample collection, they received their results via a posttest video call. All participants completed an online survey examining satisfaction and acceptability of the home testing process, experience with logistics, willingness to test at home in the future, recent sexual risk behavior, STI testing history, and linkage to care. A subset of 10 couples completed an in-depth interview about their attitudes towards the sample collection process, different decisions they made while collecting their samples, and their experience accessing treatment (for those who received a positive result).

Results

Recruitment began in September 2017, and as of March 2019 a total of 50 couples have been enrolled. Overall, 49/50 couples have returned their samples and completed the posttest delivery call, and 10 in-depth interviews have been completed and transcribed.

Conclusions

Screening MSM couples at home for chlamydia and gonorrhea and providing video-facilitated results delivery may offer a tailored approach to address the increasing prevalence of these STIs. By collecting data on how MSM couples experience at-home STI screening, this project will provide valuable insight into the utility of such a service delivery program to public health interventionists and researchers alike.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/14481
A Web-Based Program for Cannabis Use and Psychotic Experiences in Young People (Keep It Real): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Hides Leanne , Baker Amanda , Norberg Melissa , Copeland Jan , Quinn Catherine , Walter Zoe , Leung Janni , Stoyanov Stoyan R , Kavanagh David
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Young Australians (16-25 years) have the highest rates of past-month cannabis use in the world. Cannabis use increases the risk of alcohol and other drug disorders and depressive disorders, and has a robust dose-response association with psychotic experiences (PEs) and disorders. PEs are subthreshold positive psychotic symptoms, including delusions and hallucinations, which increase the risk of substance use, depressive or anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders. Access to effective web-based early interventions targeting both cannabis use and PEs could reduce such risk in young people.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the Keep it Real web-based program compared to an information-only control website among young cannabis users (16-25 years) with PEs.

METHODS

Participants are recruited online, and consenting individuals meeting inclusion criteria (aged 16-25 years, who have used cannabis in the past month and experienced PEs in the past 3 months) are automatically randomized to either the Keep it Real web-based program (n=249) or an information-only control website (n=249). Both websites are self-guided (fully automated). The baseline and follow-up assessments at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months are self-completed online. Primary outcome measures are weekly cannabis use, PEs, and the relative cost-effectiveness for quality-adjusted life years. Secondary outcomes include other substance use and related problems, PE-related distress, cannabis intoxication experiences, severity of cannabis dependence, depression/anxiety symptoms, suicidality, and mental well-being and functioning.

RESULTS

Recruitment commenced in February 2019, and the results are expected to be submitted for publication in mid-2021.

CONCLUSIONS

This study protocol describes a large randomized controlled trial of a new web-based program for young cannabis users experiencing PEs. If effective, the accessibility and scalability of Keep it Real could help reduce growing public health concerns about the significant social, economic, and health impacts of cannabis use.

CLINICALTRIAL

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618001107213; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=374800

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/15803
Exploring Drivers of Work-Related Stress in General Practice Teams as an Example for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Protocol for an Integrated Ethnographic Approach of Social Research Methods (Preprint)
Authors: Rind Esther , Emerich Sigrid , Preiser Christine , Tsarouha Elena , Rieger Monika A ,   IMPROVEjob-Consortium
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

An increasing shortage of skilled personnel, including medical personnel, has been reported in many postindustrial economies. Persisting and growing trends in absenteeism and incapacity to work due to mental disorders are concerning and have increased political, economic, and scientific interest in better understanding and management of determinants related to the work environment and health.

OBJECTIVE

This study protocol describes an integrated approach of social research methods to explore determinants of work-related stress in general practice teams as an example for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

METHODS

The methods applied will allow an in-depth exploration of work practices and experiences relating to psychological well-being in general practice teams. An ethnographic approach will be used to develop an in-depth understanding of the drivers of work-related stress in general practice teams. We will combine participating observation and individual interviews with five to seven general practitioners (GPs), and five to seven focus group discussions with the nonphysician staff (3-4 participants per group) in approximately four GP group practices and one single practice in Germany. Data collection and analysis will follow a grounded theory approach.

RESULTS

The Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty, University Hospital of Tuebingen, Germany, has approved this study (reference number: 640/2017BO2). Recruitment has commenced with study completion anticipated in mid-2020.

CONCLUSIONS

The data from this project will be used in follow-up projects to develop and test an intervention to reduce and prevent work-related stress in GP practices and other SMEs.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/15809
Occupational Exposure to Needle Stick Injuries and Hepatitis B Vaccination Coverage Among Clinical Laboratory Staff in Sana’a, Yemen: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Al-Abhar Nabil , Moghram Ghuzlan Saeed , Al-Gunaid Eshrak Abdulmalek , Al Serouri Abdulwahed , Khader Yousef
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Laboratory staff handling blood or biological samples are at risk for accidental injury or exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccinations for laboratory staff can minimize these risks.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of occupational exposure to needle stick injuries (NSIs) and assess HBV vaccination coverage among clinical laboratory staff in Sana’a, Yemen.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among clinical laboratory staff who were involved in handling and processing laboratory samples at the main public and private clinical laboratories in Sana’a. Data collection was done using a semistructured questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into 3 parts. Part 1 included information on sociodemographic characteristics of participants. Part 2 included information on the availability of the personal protective equipment in the laboratories, such as lab coats and gloves. Part 3 included questions about the history of injury during work in the laboratory and the vaccination status for HBV.

RESULTS

A total of 219/362 (60%) participants had been accidentally injured while working in the laboratory. Of those, 14.6% (32/219) had been injured during the last 3 months preceding the data collection. Receiving the biosafety manual was significantly associated with lower risk of injury. Out of those who were injured, 54.8% (120/219) had received first aid. About three-quarters of respondents reported that they had been vaccinated against HBV. The vaccination against HBV was significantly higher among laboratory staff who were working at private laboratories (P=.01), who had postgraduate degrees (P=.005), and who received the biosafety manual (P=.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Occupational exposure to NSI is still a major problem among laboratory staff in public and private laboratories in Sana’a, Yemen. The high incidence of injuries among laboratory staff and the low rate of receiving first aid in laboratories combined with low vaccination coverage indicates that all laboratory staff are at risk of exposure to HBV. Therefore, strengthening supervision, legalizing HBV vaccinations for all laboratory staff, and optimizing laboratory practices regarding the management of sharps can minimize risks and prerequisites in Yemen.
Estimating the Impact of Novel Digital Therapeutics in Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension: Health Economic Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Nordyke Robert J , Appelbaum Kevin , Berman Mark A
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Behavioral interventions can meaningfully improve cardiometabolic conditions. Digital therapeutics (DTxs) delivering these interventions may provide benefits comparable to pharmacologic therapies, displacing medications for some patients.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to estimate the economic impact of a digital behavioral intervention in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension (HTN) and estimate the impact of clinical inertia on deprescribing medications.

METHODS

Decision analytic models estimated health resource savings and cost effectiveness from a US commercial payer perspective. A 3-year time horizon was most relevant to the intervention and payer. Effectiveness of the DTx in improving clinical outcomes was based on cohort studies and published literature. Health resource utilization (HRU), health state utilities, and costs were drawn from the literature with costs adjusted to 2018 dollars. Future costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were discounted at 3%. Sensitivity analyses assessed uncertainty.

RESULTS

Average HRU savings ranged from $97 to $145 per patient per month, with higher potential benefits in T2DM. Cost-effectiveness acceptability analyses using a willingness-to-pay of $50,000/QALY indicated that the intervention would be cost effective at total 3-year program costs of $6468 and $6620 for T2DM and HTN, respectively. Sensitivity analyses showed that reduced medication costs are a primary driver of potential HRU savings, and the results were robust within values tested. A resistance to deprescribe medications when a patient’s clinical outcomes improve can substantially reduce the estimated economic benefits. Our models rely on estimates of clinical effectiveness drawn from limited cohort studies with DTxs and cannot account for other disease management programs that may be implemented. Performance of DTxs in real-world settings is required to further validate their economic benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

The DTxs studied may provide substantial cost savings, in part by reducing the use of conventional medications. Clinical inertia may limit the full cost savings of DTxs.