bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficiency and safety of convalescent plasma therapy in patients with COVID-19: a systematic review
Authors: Ostrovskaya Elena A. , Kostin A. I. , Bulanov A. Yu.
Published: April 2022

INTRODUCTION. High mortality during the pandemic of COVID-19 conducted the research for all available treatments. Convalescent plasma (CP) has become valuable empirical resource for health support, especially during the initial phase of COVID-19 pandemic. It still draws attention of many scientists, while data on the effectiveness of CP is rather controversial. OBJECTIVES. The purpose of this review is to analyze the results of modern studies on the efficacy and safety of the clinical use of CP. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The search for publications was carried out in electronic databases PubMed, MedRxiv, Cochrane Library, Cochrane COVID-19 study registry from June 7, 2021 to December 20, 2021. RESULTS. The article analyzes data from recent retrospective and prospective studies related to CP therapy. The use of CP is known since the 1880s in the treatment of diphtheria, Spanish flu, measles, polio. In the 21st century CP has been used in the epidemic of Ebola, H1N1pdm09, other SARS1 and MERS coronaviruses. CP therapy is based on the concept of passive immunization and includes the infusion of antibodies from convalescent donors with virus-neutralizing activity (VNA). Pathogen reduction technologies are used to minimize the risks of transfusion-transmitted infections. Historical and current data confirm the safety of CP use. The criteria for effectiveness and timing for transfusion of the CP were considered. Clinical data is presented confirming the effectiveness of CP in certain groups of patients. CONCLUSIONS. The use of CP is safe and reasonable in seronegative patients with COVID-19 on the early stages of the disease or in the presence of an immunodeficiency. CP with high VNA titers has the highest efficiency. CP therapy in severe patients on the late stages of the disease does not provide disease regression and increased survival.
Development and testing of the Russian version of Postoperative Quality of Recovery score — the QoR-40 and its short form — QoR-15
Authors: Nikitina Tatiana P. , Kulikov A. Yu. , Mishina A. A. , Sidorov D. D. , Ionova T. I. , Efremov S. M.
Published: April 2022

INTRODUCTION. To assess the postoperative quality of recovery, patient-completed questionnaires are used in clinical practice and scientific research. OBJECTIVES. To create and test Russian versions of postoperative quality of recovery questionnaires QoR-40 and QoR-15. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Adult patients with thyroid pathology and hyperparathyroidism undergoing elective surgery were enrolled into the study. Linguistic and cultural adaptation were performed in accordance with international guidelines. The external validity of the Russian versions of the questionnaires was assessed upon the results of patients cognitive interviewing. Reliability, validity and sensitivity to changes in time of Russian versions of QoR-40 and QoR-15 were assessed. RESULTS. Overall 144 surgical patients were included in study. The external validity coefficient was 0.96 for QoR-40 and 0.94 for QoR-15. The differences in reproducibility were not significant (p > 0.05) for QoR-40 (180.5 and 184.9) and for QoR-15 (120.0 and 119.0). The Cronbach-α coefficient values were 0.92 (high internal consistency) and 0.89 (good internal consistency) for the QoR-40 and QoR-15 questionnaires, respectively. Spearman’s correlation coefficient between the Total score of the questionnaire and the Global recovery by VAS was 0.672 (p < 0.001) and 0.669 (p < 0.001) for QoR-40 and QoR-15, respectively. Patients with low level of postoperative recovery (< 70 scores according to VAS) had lower Total scores of QoR-40 and QoR-15, then patients with high postoperative recovery (≥ 70 by VAS): 165.2 vs 186.2; 98.1 vs 134.8 respectively (p < 0.001). Both tools are sensitive to changes in patients’ condition after surgery: Total scores of QoR-40 and QoR-15 were significantly lower after surgery as compared to baseline scores: 186.4 vs 181.1 by QoR-40 (p < 0.001), 133.8 vs 124.9 by QoR-15 (p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS. The Russian versions of QoR-40 and QoR-15 are reliable, valid and sensitive tools for assessing the postoperative quality of patient recovery and may be used in both research studies and clinical practice.
Ultrasound control of the feeding tube position in newborns: a prospective study
Authors: Smirnov O. G. , Gorbachev Vladimir I. , Aleynikova N. G. , Braginа N. V.
Published: April 2022

INTRODUCTION. In the last decade, there has been a rethinking of the value of nutritional support for neonatal intensive care patients. According to the American and European guidelines for nutritional therapy, enteral feeding is the preferred method of nutrition for patients with a functioning gastrointestinal tract. Preterm infants in critical ill have a low tolerance to during gastric feeding. Research shows that the use of transpiloric feeding is comparable in effectiveness to operative fundoplication. X-ray control method is used to confirm the correct position of the transpyloric tube. OBJECTIVES. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound control of the transpyloric tube position in comparison with X-ray examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS. All patients included in the study had a low tolerance to enteral feeding through a gastric tube. The use of ultrasound during this manipulation provided an alternative method for monitoring the position of the tube without the X-ray control. Before the tube insertion procedure, the pyloric canal and postpyloric area were visualized in 100 % of patients. RESULTS. After the manipulation, according to sonography data, in 94.1 % of patients, the transpyloric tube was located outside the pyloric part of the stomach (in the duodenum). In more than half of the cases, there was a complete coincidence of the conclusions of radiography and ultrasound examination. At 41.2 % of cases, the radiologist could not determine the exact location of the distal end of the tube between the duodenum and jejunum. CONCLUSIONS. Usage transpyloric tube of ill infants may lead to improved treatment outcomes. The obtained data indicate that ultrasound imaging of the tube is statistically more reliable than X-ray control. The use of ultrasound to visualize the process of installing tube may exclude the additional use of radiography.
Correlation between ST-elevation myocardial infarction, non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction and the local Earth’s magnetic field changes
Authors: Vanagaitė Giedrė , Jakuškaitė Gabrielė , Žiubrytė Greta , Landauskas Mantas , Vainoras Alfonsas , McCraty Rollin , Jaruševičius Gediminas
Published: April 2022

Stronger oscillations in the local Earth magnetic field may have an impact on the course of ischemic heart disease. This effect is individual for every person and depends on the sex, age, living territory, season, capability to adjust to magnetic field fluctuations and health status. Individuals who already have cardiovascular disease are more sensitive to magnetic field fluctuations, therefore further research is needed to make conclusions. Aim: To identify correlations between changes in local Earth magnetic field frequencies and patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) cases per week, cases by sex per week and patients’ blood laboratory parameters (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and Troponin I level). Methods: A retrospective study of 1667 patients, who were admitted to the Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics between 1st January and 31st December 2019 due to acute coronary syndrome (STEMI and NSTEMI), were included in the study. Local Earth's time varying magnetic field (TVMF) was measured by a magnetometer located in Baisogala, Lithuania. Data from the magnetometer was collected daily, and weekly averaged. We assessed the correlations between average weekly geomagnetic field strength in six different frequency ranges (Hz) and average number of STEMI and NSTEMI cases per week, cases by sex per week and patients’ blood laboratory parameters (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and Troponin I level). Results: The presence of a stronger magnetic field in the frequency range of 32-65 Hz was significantly related to the number of cases in the STEMI group during the winter season (r= 0.583, p= 0.036). Tendency towards a positive correlation was found during the winter in the men's group with STEMI in the high frequency range of 32-65 Hz. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level correlated positively in the winter STEMI group with the magnetic field in the 32-65 Hz range, and in the autumn STEMI group with the magnetic field in the frequency range of 0-7 Hz. Conclusion: Increased geomagnetic field strength in the high frequency range of 32-65 Hz is associated with a higher number of cases in the STEMI group.
Critical Strategies for Drug Precipitation Inhibition: A Review with the
Focus on Poorly Soluble Drugs
Authors: Kadu Pramod , Parmar Tanvi , Kale Pravin
Published: April 2022

An oral route for drug administration is a more suitable route because of its ease of administration,
pain avoidance, patient compliance, accommodation of various types of drug molecules, etc.
But there are many factors affecting the oral absorption of the drugs. The main factor associated with
oral absorption is drug solubility. Many new chemical molecules are poorly soluble in nature and can
be included in BCS classes II and IV. For the administration of these drugs through the oral route, it was
found that solubility is the rate limiting step. The low solubility of these drugs tends to cause precipitation
in the gastrointestinaltract (GIT), affecting their bioavailability. Drug precipitation may be triggered
by many factors such as insolubility of the drug in co-solvent, drug-excipient interactions, physiochemical
properties of the drug, sudden change in the pH of the environment, incompatibility with the surfactant,
etc. Precipitation of a drug may occur in two stages, formation of nucleation and crystal growth. To
overcome precipitation, there are many strategies such as the use of polymers, the addition of surfactants,
modulating drug loading and solubilizing capacity, change in the pH of the environment, etc. In
this review, the causes of precipitation and diverse strategies of precipitation inhibition are critically
reviewed.
Smart Advancements for Targeting Solid Tumors via Protein and Peptide
Drug Delivery (PPD)
Authors: Singh Siddharth , Sanwal Priyanka , Bhargava Samir , Behera Ashok , Upadhyay Shuchi , Akhter Md. Habban , Gupta Manish , Gupta Shraddha Manish
Published: April 2022

Proteins and peptides possess considerable potential in treating solid tumors because of their
unique properties. At present, there are over 100 peptide-based formulations on the market. Today,
peptides and proteins are in more demand due to their selective nature and high target-binding efficiency.
Targeting solid tumors with compounds of molecular weight less than 10 kDa are much more desirable
because they undergo excessive penetration in view of the fact that they are small sized. The solid
tumors have thick tissues and possess excessive interstitial fluid pressure, because of which high molecular
compounds cannot enter. The properties of proteins and peptides induce low toxic effects and
lessen the major side effects caused by chemical-based drugs. However, their delivery is quite challenging
as most proteins and peptides stop functioning therapeutically when following a parenteral route of
administration. This paper elaborates on the importance of new age formulations of peptides and proteins
followed by their recently documented advancements that increase their stability and delay their
metabolism, which helps to target solid tumors.
An Overview of Potential Applications for Nanotechnology, Probiotics, and Medicinal Plants in Infertility Problems
Authors: Salmany Nooshin , Lotfi Hajie , Keyhanmanesh Rana , Ghiasi Rafighe
Published: April 2022

Various assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are applied in the infertility treatment. However, considerable attention is addressed to use alternative approaches, such as non-biotechnology, probiotics, and traditional medicinal plants to treat cancerous and non-cancerous cases of infertility. Nanotechnology was remarkably aided in treatment, diagnosis, and drug delivery. The existing data of this technology might demonstrate the enormous potential of nanomaterials and their viability in clinical trials for the study of reproductive issues. In order to understand the function of the microbiome in infertility and the many good effects of probiotics in illnesses such as colon cancer, obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease, research on infertility must be conducted. Healthy reproductive systems are important for successful fertility in males and females, and using probiotics can help reduce the associated complications. Besides, in vivo models are required to determine the probiotics proper administration, identify the functional species, effective doses, administration forms, and the effects of their combination with conventional antibiotics. In addition, medicinal herbs should be explored, notably in the treatment of male infertility and the improvement of sperm abnormalities. The antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory reactions, increased sperm production, and increased testosterone levels in the blood are all examples of medicinal plant benefits. More study is needed to establish specific findings on which substances are involved and have effective and safe fertility potential. This review presents an overview of potential applications for nanotechnology, probiotics, and medicinal plants in infertility, discussing the advantages, their feasibility, and associated concerns, which demand more investigations to set of clinical applications.
Inhibitory Effects of Linum usitatissimum Alkaloid on Inflammatory and Nociceptive Responses in Mice
Authors: Bribi Noureddine , Merakeb Mohamed Sofiane , Ferhat Riad , Yanat Betitera
Published: April 2022

Background:

Linum usitatissimum is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammation, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

Methods:

Acute oral toxicity, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of total alkaloid extract from Linum usitatissimum seeds (ALU) were investigated in vivo. Xylene induced ear edema was used to determine anti-inflammatory effect, and acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin induced paw licking and tail-immersion tests were used to investigate analgesic activity.

Results:

Oral administration of ALU (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) produced anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. ALU significantly diminished the edema induced by xylene. ALU also significantly reduced the abdominal construction induced by acetic acid. Furthermore, ALU also inhibited responses in both phases of formalin-induced paw licking and increased reaction time of mice in the tail-immersion test.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest the total alkaloid extract from Linum usitatissimum seeds presents significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects on chemical behavioral models of inflammation and nociception in mice.
Identification of Pim-1 Kinase Inhibitors by Pharmacophore Model, Molecular
Docking-based Virtual Screening, and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Zhu Ying , Huang Jing , Yuan Ye , Zhu Xiaoxiao , Li Guodong , Xu Ya , Chen Wenlin
Published: April 2022

Aim:

This study aimed at screening and development of Pim-1 inhibitors as anticancer agent.

Background:

Pim-1, a member of the Ser/Thr kinase family, plays a crucial role in cell prolifera-tion and is being regarded as a promising target for cancer therapeutics.

Objective:

The present work focused on screening more potent Pim-1 inhibitors by in-silico method and biological evaluation.

Materials and Methods:

To identify more potent Pim-1 inhibitors, a GALAHAD pharmacophore model was constructed based on nine known Pim-1 inhibitors and followed by in silico screening including pharmacophore and molecular docking-based virtual screening. The hit compounds were further assessed the Pim-1, 2, and 3 kinase activities and the anticancer inhibition property against human myeloma RPMI-8226 and U266 cells using cytotoxicity studies.

Results:

Based on Qfit value (from pharmacophore), docking score and clustering analysis, six compounds including C445_0268, C470_0769, 4456_0744, 0806_0325, G395_1510 and V023_3227 were hit. Binding mode analysis showed that hydrogen bond, hydrophobic and π-π stacking interactions dominated the bindings of these compounds to Pim-1. The further biological evaluation indicated that compounds C445_0268 and C470_0769 possessed excellent pan-Pim ki-nase activities and inhibited the growths of RPMI-8226 and U266 cell lines with IC50 values lower than 3.75 μM.

Conclusion:

We reported a series of Pim-1 small molecule inhibitors that could serve as the lead compounds to develop new targeted anticancer therapeutics.
Prevalence and Impact of Sarcopenia in Heart Failure: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Pinijmung Prapromporn , Yuenyongchaiwat Kornanong , Buakhamsri Adisai
Published: April 2022

Background:

Abnormal structure and function of cardiac muscles in heart failure (HF) may lead to decreased muscle mass and muscle strength, including low physical performance. This may play an important role in the development of sarcopenia.

Objective:

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia among patients with HF and to explore the association between sarcopenia and HF.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study of 152 patients with HF was conducted in Thammasat University Hospital and Central Chest Institute of Thailand. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Participants were requested to perform handgrip strength, gait speed, and muscle mass. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between sarcopenia occurrence and HF.

Results:

The prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with HF was 19.8% (14.0% in men and 31.1% in women). Participants with sarcopenia had a significantly lower body mass index (BMI) than those without sarcopenia (p<0.001). In addition, patients with sarcopenia had significantly lower respiratory muscle strength than those without sarcopenia (p<0.01). Sarcopenia was found to be significantly associated with age, sex, BMI, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p<0.05). In addition, age, sex, BMI, and LVEF predicted skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) accounted for 76.8% of the variance.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of sarcopenia among patients with HF was similar to that reported in previous studies. Regarding risk factors, age, sex, BMI, and LVEF were related to sarcopenia in the female sex, advanced age, low BMI, and low LVEF.
Aortic Area as an Indicator of Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Kuipers Allison L. , Carr J. Jeffrey , Terry James G. , Nair Sangeeta , Barinas-Mitchell Emma , Wheeler Victor , Zmuda Joseph M. , Miljkovic Iva
Published: April 2022

Aim:

Outward arterial remodeling occurs early in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and, as such, measuring arterial dimension may be an early indicator of subclinical disease.

Objective:

The objective of our study was to measure area at three aortic locations: The ascending thoracic (ASC), the descending thoracic (DSC), and the abdominal (ABD), and to test for association with traditional CVD risk factors and subclinical CVD throughout the body.

Methods:

We measured ASC, DSC, and ABD using computed tomography (CT) in 408 African ancestry men aged 50-89 years. We assessed prevalent CVD risk factors via participant interview and clinical exam, and subclinical CVD, including carotid atherosclerosis through B-mode carotid ultrasound, vascular calcification via chest and abdominal CT, and arterial stiffness via pulse-wave velocity (PWV).

Results:

As expected, all aortic areas were in correlation with each other (r=0.39-0.63, all p<0.0001) and associated with greater age, greater body size, and hypertension (p≤0.01 for all). After adjustment for traditional CVD risk factors, ASC was positively associated with carotid atherosclerosis (p<0.01). A greater area at each location was associated with greater PWV (p<0.03 for all), with the DSC region showing the most significant association.

Conclusion:

This is the first study to test the association of aortic area measured at multiple points with subclinical CVD. We found that combined CT assessment of ascending and descending aortic area may indicate a high risk of prevalent subclinical CVD elsewhere in the body independent of age, body size, and blood pressure.
The Citizenship Paradigm Debate in Dual Citizenship Discourses in Indonesia
Authors: Ramdhani Hilal
Published: April 2022

Various adjustments regarding citizenship law regulations in Indonesia still do not provide accommodation for all citizens. After the enactment of Law Number 12 of 2006 concerning Citizenship, there was pressure from the Indonesian diaspora to implement dual citizenship. This urge received a rejection from other citizens because it endangered security, economy, politics and questioned loyalty as a citizen. This study aims to examine in the literature the differences in paradigms of globalist and nationalist groups in Indonesia and the reality that occurs in other countries regarding dual citizenship. The study uses a qualitative approach with a literature study to examine the issue of dual citizenship in Indonesia and compare the development of dual citizenship in other countries. The results showed that the debate on the dual citizenship paradigm is in the material and immaterial debates. The group that supports dual citizenship wants distributive justice in terms of material (economics) for those who live abroad. In contrast, the opposing group wants to maintain immaterial aspects. (identity, culture, and ideology). This situation makes Indonesia unable to fully implement dual citizenship. Besides that, Law Number 12 of 2006 concerning citizenship at the beginning of its formation was intended to prevent apatride and bipatride. On this basis, recommendations for stakeholders related to dual citizenship need to be careful in making policies, being able to accommodate the various wishes of citizens, as well as further reviewing the legal and social impacts caused when implementing dual citizenship in Indonesia.
The Effects of a Computer Game (Healthy Rat King) on Preschool Children’s Nutritional Knowledge and Junk Food Intake Behavior: Nonrandomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chang Ing-Chau , Yang Cheng-Ying , Yen Chin-En
Published: April 2022

Background

Playing computer-aided games could enhance children’s interest in learning about nutritional knowledge and eventually promote healthy dietary intake behavior.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a computer game (Healthy Rat King) in improving the knowledge on nutrition and junk food intake among preschool children in Taiwan.

Methods

This was a quasi-experimental study that utilized the computer game Healthy Rat King as the nutrition education tool. We recruited 104 preschool children (aged 5-6 years) from preschools in central Taiwan, who were assigned to either the experimental group (n=56) or the control group (n=48). In the experimental group, a 1-hour computer-based educational game intervention was included in the course for 4 consecutive weeks. The control group did not receive this intervention.

Results

The level of nutritional knowledge for children in the experimental group was significantly higher than those in the control group after 4 weeks (P=.002). Furthermore, the frequency of consumption of chocolate, candies, and ice cream (high-calorie junk food) was reduced in the experimental group. There was also no significant difference in the consumption of candy and chocolate (P=.54), ice cream and ice pops (P=.21), cake (P=.92), biscuit (P=.98), soft drinks (P=.52), and fruit juice and sugary drinks (P=.31) between the 2 groups in the posttest.

Conclusions

Teaching using a computer game could improve children’s nutritional knowledge. However, the intake frequency of junk food among children in the experimental group showed no significant difference from those in the control group.
A Text Messaging Intervention to Support Latinx Family Caregivers of Individuals With Dementia (CuidaTEXT): Development and Usability Study
Authors: Perales-Puchalt Jaime , Acosta-Rullán Mariola , Ramírez-Mantilla Mariana , Espinoza-Kissell Paul , Vidoni Eric , Niedens Michelle , Ellerbeck Edward , Hinton Ladson , Loera Linda , Ramírez A Susana , Lara Esther , Watts Amber , Williams Kristine , Resendez Jason , Burns Jeffrey
Published: April 2022

Background

Latinx family caregivers of individuals with dementia face many barriers to caregiver support access. Interventions to alleviate these barriers are urgently needed.

Objective

This study aimed to describe the development of CuidaTEXT, a tailored SMS text messaging intervention to support Latinx family caregivers of individuals with dementia.

Methods

CuidaTEXT is informed by the stress process framework and social cognitive theory. We developed and refined CuidaTEXT using a mixed methods approach that included thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. We followed 6 user-centered design stages, namely, the selection of design principles, software vendor collaboration, evidence-based foundation, caregiver and research and clinical advisory board guidance, sketching and prototyping, and usability testing of the prototype of CuidaTEXT among 5 Latinx caregivers.

Results

CuidaTEXT is a bilingual 6-month-long SMS text messaging–based intervention tailored to caregiver needs that includes 1-3 daily automatic messages (n=244) about logistics, dementia education, self-care, social support, end of life, care of the person with dementia, behavioral symptoms, and problem-solving strategies; 783 keyword-driven text messages for further help with the aforementioned topics; live chat interaction with a coach for further help; and a 19-page reference booklet summarizing the purpose and functions of the intervention. The 5 Latinx caregivers who used the prototype of CuidaTEXT scored an average of 97 out of 100 on the System Usability Scale.

Conclusions

CuidaTEXT’s prototype demonstrated high usability among Latinx caregivers. CuidaTEXT’s feasibility is ready to be tested.
Scaling-up citizen workshops in public libraries to disseminate and discuss primary care research results: a quasi interventional study (Preprint)
Authors: Massougbodji José , Zomahoun Hervé Tchala Vignon , Adisso Evehouenou Lionel , Sawadogo Jasmine , Borde Valérie , Cameron Cynthia , Moisan Hélène , Paquette Jean-Sébastien , Akbaraly Zamzam , Châteauneuf Lëa-Kim , David Geneviève , David Geneviève ,   Bibliothèques2 Group, Légaré France
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Little is known about engaging patients and stakeholders in the process of scaling up effective knowledge translation interventions targeting the general public.

OBJECTIVE

Using an integrated knowledge translation approach, we aimed to scale up and evaluate an effective pilot program of disseminating research results in public libraries.

METHODS

We conducted a scaling-up study targeting the general public. Based on our successful pilot project, we co-developed and implemented a larger-scale program of free citizen workshops in public libraries, this time in close research partnership with stakeholders and patient representatives. Citizen workshops, each facilitated by one participating physician and one science communicator, consisted of a 45-min computer-assisted presentation and a 45-min open exchange. The intervention outcome was knowledge gained. Scale-up outcomes were satisfaction, appropriateness, coverage and costs. An evaluation questionnaire was used to collect data of interest. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The workshop theme chosen by patient and stakeholder representatives was the high prevalence of medication overuse among people over 65 years of age. From April to May 2019, 26 workshops were given in 25 public libraries reaching 362 people. The mean age of public participants was 64.8 years (SD=12.5). Eighteen participating physicians and six science communicators facilitated the workshops. Participants reported significant knowledge gain (mean difference 2.1, 95% CI 2.0–2.2, P < .001). Median score for overall public satisfaction was 9/10 (IQR 8–10). A high level of appropriateness of the workshops was globally rated by the public participants. Coverage was 92.6% of the total number of public libraries targeted. Costs were $6,051.84 CAD for workshop design and $22,935.41 CAD for scaling them up.

CONCLUSIONS

This project successfully established a large-scale and successful KT bridge between researchers, clinicians, and citizens via public libraries. This study provides a model for a dissemination practice that benefits the general public by both engaging them in the dissemination process and by targeting them directly.
Digital Health Discussion Through Articles Published Until the Year 2021: A Digital Topic Modeling Approach (Preprint)
Authors: Sung Junhyoun , Kim Hyoungsook
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Since the 2010s, the digital health industry has grown significantly, gaining popularity with the public. The term “Digital Health” is being explored in various academic fields, such as public health, medicine, and computer science.

OBJECTIVE

This study analyzes the research trends of digital health related articles published in the Web of Science until 2021 to understand the research concentration, boundary, scope, and characteristics.

METHODS

By crawling and preprocessing 27,638 digital health-related papers provided by Web of Science and investigating 15,950 of them, the number of articles published by year and by field are compared and analyzed. Since these 15,950 papers belong to the top 10 academic fields, they were regrouped into three major fields: public health, medicine, and electrical engineering and computer science (EECS). Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) is applied as a topic modeling method for each field and time period. The number of topics is determined based on the coherence score.

RESULTS

The number of optimal topics in the first and second halves for public health were 13 and 19, for medicine, 14 and 25, and for EECS, 7 and 21, respectively. Text analysis showed that articles from public health, medicine, and EECS share similar topics but vary in composition. The homogeneity test showed that the contrast between each group is significant (p<2.2e-16). All the topics revealed in articles could be categorized into six dominant themes; journal article methodology, information technology, medical issues, subject, social phenomenon, and healthcare. As a result of the LDA analysis, the topics of each domain differed, and the composition of each theme was different between academic fields and time periods. Studies on public health focused on social phenomena, prevention, and daily care, while studies in medicine investigated treatment and cure issues in the second half. Studies in EECS highlighted the importance of technical issues, while showing a comparatively distant relation to public health or medicine. All fields emphasized information technology (IT) in the first half, and each domain published specialized articles in the second half. In particular, there were numerous articles belonging to both public health and medicine, while only a few were common with EECS.

CONCLUSIONS

The articles belonging to each domain became more specialized and distinguished from other domains and all three fields highlighted social phenomena and healthcare over time. With Covid-19 becoming a dominant issue recently, digital health has come to be strongly related to depression and mental disorders, education, and physical activity with articles on these topics appearing in the second half in all fields. The scope of digital health research is expanding and its composition fluctuating. In the future, it will be necessary to explore papers on expanded topics that reflect people's needs for digital health.
A telepsychiatry approach for COVID-19+ patients and family members during and after hospitalization: the DigiCOVID trial protocol (Preprint)
Authors: Cantù Filippo , Biagianti Brunoo , Lisi Ilaria , Zanier Elisa , Bottino Nicola , Fornoni Chiara , Gallo Francesca , Ginex Valeria , Tombola Valentina , Zito Silvana , Colombo Elisa , Stocchetti Nino , Brambilla Paolo
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic is negatively impacting the mental health of both COVID-19 patients and the general population. Given the current guidelines limiting in person contact to reduce the spread of the virus, a digital approach is needed to tackle the psychological aftermath of the pandemic. Here, we present DigiCOVID, a digital mental health approach to offer remote, personalized support to former or current COVID-19 patients and/or their relatives.

OBJECTIVE

The main goal of this project is to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and usability of DigiCOVID. Furthermore, as we have designed DigiCOVID in order to improve mental wellbeing, we also aim to assess the impact of the abovementioned intervention by means of pre-post changes in psychological clinical variables.

METHODS

Participants undergo an initial phone-based screening to ensure inclusion criteria are met. Then, they complete a neuropsychological test over video to assess IQ, and fill out online self-reports of health and wellbeing. Participants are then assigned to psychotherapist who offers 8 tele-therapy sessions. At the end of the therapy cycle, the online questionnaires are filled out again.

RESULTS

As of April 2022, we enrolled a total of 122 subjects, of which 94 have completed neuropsychological tests and online questionnaires.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study aims at testing the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of DigiCOVID, a remote tele-psychiatry approach to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic psychological aftermaths. To date, the approach used seems to be feasible and highly customizable to patients’ needs, and thus DigiCOVID could provide a blueprint for future tele-psychiatry-based interventions.

CLINICALTRIAL

This study was approved by our local Ethics Committee (IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico) on 28.10.2020. The trial is registered on clinicaltrials.gov with the following ID: NCT05231018.
Chronic gastroduodenitis associated with Helicobacter pylori in combination with giardiasis in children
Authors: Sorokman T.V. , Koliesnik D.I. , Popelyuk N.O.
Published: April 2022

Background. The results of most scientific studies in recent years have made it possible to reconsider the traditional ideas about the pathogenesis of chronic gastroduodenitis (CGD) from a new perspective. The purpose was to investigate the clinical and endoscopic features of СGD associated with Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) in combination with giardiasis. Materials and methods. The study included 105 children aged 7–16 years divided into two groups: I — patients with СGD associated with H.pylori (n = 29), II — children with СGD associated with H.pylori in combination with giardiasis (n = 76). The study was conducted on the basis of the gastroenterology department of the Chernivtsi Regional Clinical Hospital during 2020–2021 and included esophagogastroduodenofibroscopy, ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity, rapid urease test, determination of specific M, A and G immunoglobulins to H.pylori CagA antigen in the blood serum and in feces, fecal examination for Giardia lamblia (G.lamblia) antigen by polymerase chain reaction. Results. The most severe infection of G.lamblia occurred in children aged 9–13 years (17 people out of 29 positive). The number of children with G.lamblia increased between the ages of 7–9 and 10–12 years (p < 0.05, χ2 = 5.236, z = 1.899) and decreased in the age of 13–16 years (p < 0.05, χ2 = 7.144, z = 2.567). Patients with giardiasis complained of irritability (p < 0.05), headache, dizziness, restless sleep, heart pain, and they were more likely to show signs of intoxication and skin syndromes. Children of group I were most often diagnosed with corpus gastritis (p < 0.05), antral gastritis (p < 0.05) or pangastritis (p < 0.05) with focal hyperplasia (p < 0.05), and children of group II — with mainly antral gastritis, as well as severe duodenitis (p < 0.05). A characteristic endoscopic feature in children of group II was follicular duodenitis. Inflammatory process in group II significantly more often (p < 0.05) was severe (81.5 %) and active (77.6 %) and was associated with eosinophilic infiltration (51.3 %), microerosions and foci of lymphoid tissue hyperplasia (6.5 %). Conclusions. The clinical course of СGD associated with H.pylori in combination with G.lamblia is characterized by more pronounced dyspeptic symptoms with signs of intoxication and skin syndromes. According to the results of endoscopic examination, patients suffered from СGD associated with H.pylori infection had esophagitis, corpus gastritis, antral gastritis and pangastritis (p < 0.05) significantly more often. Children with G.lamblia invasion had severe follicular duodenitis (p < 0.05).
Clinical features of hyperprolactinemia in children: modern methods of diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Abaturov A.E. , Nikulina A.O. , Alieinykova T.D.
Published: April 2022

Hyperprolactinemia is a common endocrine disease that can be associated with significant morbidity and disability in the population. A systematic review of literature sources on the diagnosis and treatment results in patients with hyperprolactinemia, including drug-resistant micro- and macroadenomas of the pituitary gland, was carried out in order to highlight the most significant practical recommendations. The purpose of this literature review is to provide algorithms for differential diagnosis and clinical observation of patients, to compare the efficacy and side effects of drugs, surgeries, and radiation therapy in the treatment of hyperprolactinemia. Prolactinomas are the most common pituitary adenomas in older children. Their share in the structure of pituitary adenomas is about 50 %. The clinical picture depends on the age, sex of the child, volume and characteristics of tumor growth. The leading clinical manifestations of hyperprolactinemia are disorders of the reproductive system, including signs of the development of secondary hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, sexual dysfunction, psychoemotional disorders, and endocrine and metabolic disorders. The main criterion for the diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia is the concentration of prolactin in the blood serum, which is above the upper limit of the physiological norm. The primary step in the treatment of patients with pituitary macroadenoma is to control the compression effects of the tumor, including compression of the optic chiasm, followed by restoration of gonadal function. The main areas of treatment for hyperprolactinemia are restoration and maintenance of the normal function of the gonads; restoration of fertility; prevention of osteoporosis. Dopamine receptor agonists are the gold standard in the treatment of hyperprolactinemia. However, some people do not respond satisfactorily to these drugs. In this case, in the presence of pituitary tumors, in addition to drug treatment, surgery and radiation therapy are used. But surgery and radiation therapy are not the primary methods of choice for the management of patients with prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas; first of all, preference is given to drug therapy. The prognosis of the course of prolactinomas is favorable and is based on the results of dynamic observation and the presence of markers of the aggressiveness of this adenoma.
Effects of relay intercropping model and application of biological agents on the growth and yield of hot pepper
Authors: Sevirasari Nindy , Sulistyaningsih Endang , Kurniasih Budiastuti , Suryanti Suryanti , Wibowo Arif , Joko Tri
Published: April 2022

Tiyung cultivar, the consumer preferences of hot pepper in Magelang Regency, is still low in productivity (7 ton.ha-1). This research aimed to determine the growth and yield of hot pepper planted in relay intercropping as affected by biological agent application as a technology to increase productivity. This research was arranged in a Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design with an intercropping pattern of hot pepper (two and three rows model). The second factor was the application of biological agents, consisting of Trichoderma asperellum, Bacillus velezensis B-27 and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (with and without biological agents). The control was the monoculture of hot pepper without biological agent application. The data observed were analyzed using Analysis of Variance and followed by the Duncan's Multiple Range Test at α= 5 %. The results showed that the relay intercropping of hot pepper produced less numbers of branches and leaves.  It indicated more efficiency in the use of assimilates for the development of generative organs, thereby resulting in the high values fruits weight per plant, which were as high as those in monoculture. The productivity observed in relay intercropping was 12.93 ton.ha-1, which was 15.8 % higher than in monoculture. The application of biological agents significantly increased the stomatal density, the size of stomatal opening, the number of leaves, weight of fruits per plant and productivity of hot pepper. The productivity of plant applied with biological agents was 16.84 ton.ha-1, which was 86.50 % higher than that without biological agents application.
Compartmental Modeling Approach: Application on Transdermal Delivery for In Vitro Drug Permeation Mechanism Analysis
Authors: Pawestri Sekar Ayu , Nugroho Akhmad Kharis , Lukitaningsih Endang , Purwantiningsih
Published: April 2022

Compartmental modeling analysis was used to understand the transport mechanism of drugs in biological systems by computation presented as intercompartmental flows or material. This study was aimed to implement compartmental modeling analysis for in vitro permeation studies in transdermal delivery. The cumulative drug transported versus time were obtained based on the previous report and implemented the two structural different proposed models. WinSAAM software (Windows-based Simulation Analysis and Modeling-WinSAAM Project Group, University of Pennsylvania) was used to analyze data with compartmental analysis. The chosen models were selected through visual and numeric evaluation. The best model had been chosen and could figure out the drug transport kinetics in the biological system. The compartmental modeling approach was helpful used in understanding drug transport mechanisms in transdermal delivery and effectively estimate the drug transport parameter.
Analysis of Heavy Metals in Shellfish in Tanjung Balai Waters
Authors: Siahaan Reny Yuliana , Silalahi Jansen , Lubis Zulkifli
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Shellfish is a source of toxic heavy metals and the maximum levels of heavy metals allowed in shellfish by BPOM RI are Lead 1.5 mg/kg, Cadmium 1 mg/kg and Copper 20 mg/kg. Heavy metal content in shellfish is influenced by environmental pollution in which the shellfish live. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of heavy metals in three types of shellfish in Tanjung Balai Asahan waters. Shellfish samples were taken from 3 different locations in Tanjung Balai in July 2021. Determination of the levels of heavy metals Pb, Cd and Cu in green mussels, mussels and blood clams was carried out using the AAS method with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) in Green mussels in Tanjung Balai, namely: Pb of 0.273 mg/kg – 0.406 mg/kg, Cd of 0.089 mg/kg – 0.106 mg/kg mg /kg, Cu is 1,864 mg/kg – 2,011 mg/kg. In oyster shells Pb was 0.051 – 0.095 mg/kg, Cd was 0.077 – 0.091 mg/kg, and Cu was 1.024 mg/kg – 1.064 mg/kg. It was concluded that green mussels had the highest heavy metal content. The levels of heavy metals in the analyzed shellfish samples were still below the maximum levels permitted by BPOM RI.

Keywords: Lead, Cadmium, Copper,Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, Shells
Research on the Allocation Efficiency of Compulsory Education Resources in Chongqing from the Perspective of Space
Authors: Wang Yu
Published: April 2022

This paper makes full use of the related research methods of spatial econometrics and envelope analysis to conduct in-depth analysis and research on the efficiency of the allocation of compulsory education resources in Chongqing. The influence of social and economic development, the scale of compulsory education and the distribution of urban and rural population on the allocation efficiency of compulsory education resources in Chongqing and its degree of influence. The analysis and research results show that: the overall level of the allocation efficiency of compulsory education resources in Chongqing is low, and it shows a gradual downward trend; the allocation of compulsory education resources in Chongqing is unbalanced within the region; the allocation efficiency of compulsory education resources in Chongqing has a significant positive spatial correlation; the districts (counties) of the same type of compulsory education resource allocation show obvious spatial aggregation characteristics, and the aggregation area is getting larger and larger; the spatial dependence and spatial spillover effect of the allocation efficiency of compulsory education resources in Chongqing is also very significant.
The Strategy Implementation of Chinese SMEs in Different Economic Environment
Authors: Alqahtani Khaled Mohammed
Published: April 2022

It is very important for all enterprises to adjust their strategy implementation in different economic environment. The adoption of appropriate strategy will help enterprises to fulfill different requirements from the changing environment and pursue the profit-maximization. This research identifies the strategy implementation of Chinese SMEs at different economic stages from 1978 to 2022.
Intergenerational Transmission of Hanunuo Heritage Language
Authors: Casanova Venessa Sualog
Published: April 2022

This case study explored the reasons, approaches, and challenges encountered in the intergenerational transmission of the Hanunuo heritage language. The study was conducted from April to June 2019 at Emok and Canabang, Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. A total of 17 Hanunuo Mangyan selected through purposive sampling participated in the study. It was found that cultural heritage, strong adherence to language, strong identification with the group, residence in the speech community, and ease of communication were the reasons for heritage language maintenance. The oral approach is used in the intergenerational transmission of the Hanunuo heritage language. The challenges encountered include no proper documentation, non-Hanunuo teacher, school curriculum, technology, inter-marriages, and orthography is not taught by elders. Nevertheless, the Hanunuo Mangyan maintains their heritage language to facilitate communication. They have high orality in their language, and the challenges encountered were attributed to personal and societal factors.