bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A form of Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults Named LADA – An Update on Essential Features and Controversies
Authors: Grill Valdemar , Åsvold Bjørn O.
Published: April 2019

Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in the Adult, LADA has been investigated less than “classical”
type 1 and type 2 diabetes and the criteria for and the relevance of a LADA diagnosis has been challenged.
Despite the absence of a genetic background that is exclusive to LADA, this form of diabetes
displays phenotypic characteristics that distinguish it from other forms of diabetes. LADA is heterogeneous
in terms of the impact of autoimmunity and lifestyle factors, something that poses problems as to
therapy and follow-up perhaps particularly in those with marginal positivity. Yet, there appears to be
clear clinical utility in classifying individuals as LADA.
The Identification of Characteristic Macro- and Micronutrients and the Bioactive Components of Indonesian Local Brown Rice as a Functional Feed in Obesity Nutrition Therapy
Authors: Sulistyowati Etik , Rudijanto Achmad , Soeharto Setyawati , Handayani Dian
Published: April 2019

Background:

Public interest and awareness of the use of functional food as an obesity nutrition therapy are increasing.

Objective:

This study aims to analyze the content of energy, macronutrients, minerals (magnesium, manganese, and potassium), and bioactive components (fiber, β-glucan) in Indonesian varieties of brown rice compared to white rice, to provide precise information on the nutritional content of brown rice as a functional food in obesity nutrition therapy.

Methods:

This research took the form of a laboratory analysis to identify the content of energy, macronutrients, fiber, β-glucan, magnesium, manganese, and potassium in brown rice varieties Sinta Nur. The energy content of rice was analyzed using bomb calorimetry; macronutrients were analyzed by spectrophotometry, gravimetric extraction, and acid-base titration; dietary fiber, and β-glucan were analyzed by enzymatic methods; and mineral contents were analyzed by spectrophotometry and atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Results:

The results demonstrated that the energy and macronutrient content of brown rice are higher than white rice. However, brown rice also has dietary fiber and β-glucan contents that are 5 times higher than white rice. For the macronutrient, in brief, magnesium content was 7.7 times higher, potassium was 5.7 times higher, and manganese was 1.59 times higher within the brown rice. Cooked rice is known for lower nutritional value, but the nutritional value of Indonesian brown rice is still higher than white rice.

Conclusion:

The results of this study indicate that brown rice has nutrient content and bioactive components that allegedly contribute to higher obesity intervention than white rice.
First Example of Antiparasitic Activity Influenced by Thermochromism: Leishmanicidal Evaluation of 5,7-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine Metal Complexes
Authors: Méndez-Arriaga José M. , Oyarzabal Itziar , Martín-Montes Álvaro , García-Rodríguez Judith , Quirós Miguel , Sánchez-Moreno Manuel
Published: April 2019

Background:

The World Health Organization catalogues illnesses such as Leishmaniasis
as neglected diseases, due to low investment in new drugs to fight them. The search of novel
and non-side effects anti-parasitic compounds is one of the urgent needs for the Third World. The
use of triazolopyrimidines and their metallic complexes has demonstrated hopeful results in this
field.

Objective:

This work studies the antiparasitic efficacy of a series of 5,7-dimethyl-1,2,4-
triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine first row transition metal complexes against three leishmania spp.
strains.

Methods:

The in vitro antiproliferation of promastigote forms of different strains of leishmania
spp. (L. infantum, L. braziliensis and L donovani) and the cytotoxicity in macrophage host cells are
reported here. The antiparasitic assays have been complemented with enzymatic tests to elucidate
the mechanisms of action. New crystal structure description, thermal analysis, magnetic susceptibility
and magnetization experiments have also been carried out in order to present a whole characterization
of the studied compounds and interesting physical properties besides the biological tests.

Results:

The results of antiproliferation screening and cytotoxicity show great antiparasitic efficacy
in the studied complexes. The superoxide dismutase enzymatic assays exhibit a different
behaviour according to the thermochromic triazolopyrimidine form tested.

Conclusion:

Antiproliferative assays and enzymatic tests corroborate the synergetic leishmanicidal
effect present in coordination triazolopyrimidine complexes. The changes in coordination sphere
derived from thermochromism affect the physical properties as well as the biological efficacy.
Development and Validation of a Microbiological Agar Assay for Determination of Thiamphenicol in Soft Capsules
Authors: Martins Yugo Araújo , dos Santos Sousa Reginaldo , de Oliveira Cristiani Lopes Capistrano Gonçalves
Published: April 2019

Background:

Thiamphenicol belongs to the amphenicol class of antibiotic and possesses a
broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. An alternative microbiological assay for quantification of thiamphenicol
in pharmaceutical formulations has not yet been reported in the literature.

Objective:

This study aimed to develop and validate an agar diffusion method for quantification of thiamphenicol
in soft capsules.

Methods:

The assay was based on the inhibitory effect of thiamphenicol on the following: a strain of
Kocuria rhizophila ATCC 9341, used as the test microorganism, Antibiotic 1culture medium, phosphate
buffer pH 6, 0, inoculum at a concentration of 1%, as well as standard and sample solutions at the concentrations
of 20.0, 40.0 and 80.0 μg mL-1.

Results:

The method validation yielded good results for the parameters of linearity, precision, accuracy,
robustness and selectivity. The experimental statistic results were analyzed using analysis of variance
(ANOVA). The method was found to be linear (r2 = 0.9992) in the range of 20-80 μg mL-1, precise
(inter-assay R.S.D = 0.09%), accurate (R.S.D. = 4.65%), specific, and robust.

Conclusion:

The results demonstrated the validity of the proposed bioassay, which allows for reliable
quantification of thiamphenicol in a pharmaceutical sample. An alternative methodology for thiamphenicol
determination in routine quality control has been reported herein.
Crystal Transition and Drug-excipient Compatibility of Clarithromycin in Sustained Release Tablets
Authors: Li Yu , Kong Xiangwen , Hu Fan
Published: April 2019

Background:

Clarithromycin is widely used for infections of helicobacter pylori. Clarithromycin
belongs to polymorphic drug. Crystalline state changes of clarithromycin in sustained release
tablets were found.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to find the influential factor of the crystal transition of clarithromycin
in preparation process of sustained-release tablets and to investigate the possible interactions
between the clarithromycin and pharmaceutical excipients.

Methods and Results:

The crystal transition of active pharmaceuticals ingredients from form II to form
I in portion in clarithromycin sustained release tablets were confirmed by x-ray powder diffraction.
The techniques including differential scanning calorimetry and infrared spectroscopy, x-ray powder
diffraction were used for assessing the compatibility between clarithromycin and several excipients as
magnesium stearate, lactose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl-pyrrolidone K-30 and microcrystalline
cellulose. All of these methods showed compatibilities between clarithromycin and the selected
excipients. Alcohol prescription simulation was also done, which showed incompatibility between
clarithromycin and concentration alcohol.

Conclusion:

It was confirmed that the reason for the incompatibility of clarithromycin with high concentration
of alcohol was crystal transition.
Higher Levels of Serum TLR2 and TLR4 in Patients with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Authors: Aktaş Tugba , Celik Sevim K. , Genc Gunes C. , Arpaci Dilek , Can Murat , Dursun Ahmet
Published: April 2019

Objective:

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disorder caused by the interaction
between genes and environmental triggers. HT is the most common endocrine disorder, as well as
the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Autoimmunity plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of
HT and recent studies suggest that Toll-like receptor (TLR) signals lead to increased inflammatory
response. The aim of our study is to investigate whether TLR-2 and TLR-4 levels and gene polymorphisms
contribute to the damaged immune response leading to HT.

Methods:

Using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP)
method, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TLR2 gene Arg677Trp, Arg753Gln, 196-174 del
and TLR4 gene Asp299Gly, Thr399Ile were studied in 100 patients with HT and 100 healthy controls.
Also, we investigated serum levels of TLR-2 and TLR-4 in the immunopathogenesis of HT. TLR-2
and TLR-4 serum levels were found to be significantly higher in HT patients than the control group.
However, no statistical significance was found between patient and control groups in terms of genotype
frequencies and allele frequency distribution of TLR2 gene Arg677Trp, Arg753Gln, 196-174 del
and TLR4 gene Asp299Gly, Thr399Ile polymorphisms.

Result:

TLR2 gene Arg677Trp, Arg753Gln, 196-174 del and TLR4 gene Asp299Gly, Thr399Ile polymorphism
do not appear to have a role in the development of HT disease. However, in our study, serum
levels of TLR-2 and TLR-4 were found to be higher in HT patients than control groups

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that TLR-2 and TLR-4 play an important role in the immunopathologic
mechanism of disease by causing an increase in proinflammatory response.
GPU Accelerated Bilateral Filter for MR Image Denoising
Authors: Oza Shraddha D. , Joshi Kalyani R.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging plays a significant role in the computer-
aided diagnostic systems for remote healthcare. In such systems, the soft textures and tissues
within the denoised MR image are classified by the segmentation stage using machine learning algorithms
like Hidden Markov Model. Thus, the quality of the MR image is of extreme importance
and is decisive in the accuracy of the process of classification and diagnosis.

Objective:

To provide real-time medical diagnostics in the remote healthcare intelligent setups, the
research work proposes CUDA GPU based accelerated bilateral filter for fast denoising of 2D
high- resolution knee MR images.

Methods:

To achieve optimized GPU performance with better speed-up, the work implements an
improvised technique that uses on-chip shared memory in combination with a constant cache.

Results:

The speed-up of 382x is achieved with the new proposed optimization technique which is
2.7x as that obtained with the shared memory only approach. The superior speed-up is along with
90.6%occupancy index indicating effective parallelization. The work here also aims at justifying
the appropriateness of bilateral filter over other filters for denoising magnetic resonance images.
All the patents related to GPU based image denoising are revised and uniqueness of the proposed
technique is confirmed.

Conclusion:

The results indicate that even for a 64Mpixel image, the execution time of the proposed
implementation is 334.91 msec only, making the performance almost real time. This will
surely contribute to the real-time computer-aided data diagnostics requirement under remote critical
conditions.
Chronic Urticaria: An Overview of Treatment and Recent Patents
Authors: Hon Kam L. , Leung Alexander K.C. , Ng Wing G.G. , Loo Steven K.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Up to 1% of the general population in the USA and Europe suffer from
chronic urticaria (CU) at some point in their lifetime. CU has an adverse effect on the quality of life.

Objectives:

This study aims to provide an update on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations,
diagnosis, aggravating factors, complications, treatment and prognosis of CU.

Methods:

The search strategy included meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials,
reviews and pertinent references. Patents were searched using the key term "chronic urticaria" at the
following links: www.google.com/patents, www.uspto.gov, and www.freepatentsonline.com.

Results:

CU is a clinical diagnosis, based on the episodic appearance of characteristic urticarial lesions
that wax and wane rapidly, with or without angioedema, on most days of the week, for a period of six
weeks or longer. Triggers such as medications, physical stimuli, and stress can be identified in 10 to
20% of cases. C-reactive protein/erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and complete blood cell count with
differential are the screening tests that may be used to rule out an underlying disorder. The mainstay of
therapy is reassurance, patient education, avoidance of known triggers, and pharmacotherapy. Secondgeneration
H1 antihistamines are the drugs of choice for initial therapy because of their safety and efficacy
profile. If satisfactory improvement does not occur after 2 to 4 weeks or earlier if the symptoms
are intolerable, the dose of second-generation H1 antihistamines can be increased up to fourfold the
manufacturer’s recommended dose (all be it off license). If satisfactory improvement does not occur
after 2 to 4 weeks or earlier if the symptoms are intolerable after the fourfold increase in the dosage of
second-generation H1 antihistamines, omalizumab should be added. If satisfactory improvement does
not occur after 6 months or earlier if the symptoms are intolerable after omalizumab has been added,
treatment with cyclosporine and second-generation H1 antihistamines is recommended. Short-term use
of systemic corticosteroids may be considered for acute exacerbation of CU and in refractory cases.
Recent patents for the management of chronic urticaria are also discussed. Complications of CU may
include skin excoriations, adverse effect on quality of life, anxiety, depression, and considerable humanistic
and economic impacts. On average, the duration of CU is around two to five years. Disease
severity has an association with disease duration.

Conclusion:

CU is idiopathic in the majority of cases. On average, the duration of CU is around two to
five years. Treatment is primarily symptomatic with second generation antihistamines being the first
line. Omalizumab has been a remarkable advancement in the management of CU and improves the
quality of life beyond symptom control.
Pre-feasibility Study for Establishing Radioisotope and Radiopharmaceutical Production Facilities in Developing Countries
Authors: Perini Efrain Araujo , Skopchenko Mikhail , Hong Tran Thu , Harianto Rahmat , Maître Alexis , Rodríguez Maidelys Rosa Rodríguez , de Oliveira Santos Nathalia , Guo Yinglei , Qin Xiangyu , Zeituni Carlos A. , Starovoitova Valeriia N.
Published: April 2019

Background:

A significant number of developing countries have no facilities to produce medical radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals.

Objective:

In this paper we show that access to life-saving radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals and the geographical distribution of corresponding infrastructure is highly unbalanced worldwide.

Methods:

We discuss the main issues which need to be addressed in order to establish the production of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals, which are especially important for developing countries as newcomers in the field. The data was gathered from several sources, including databases maintained by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), World Health Organization (WHO), and other international organizations; personal interactions with representatives in the nuclear medicine field from different regions of the world; and relevant literature.

Results:

Developing radioisotope and radiopharmaceutical production program and installing corresponding infrastructure requires significant investments, both man-power and financial. Support already exists to help developing countries establish their medical radioisotope production installations from several organizations, such as IAEA.

Conclusion:

This work clearly shows that access to life-saving radioisotopes and the geographical distribution of corresponding infrastructure is highly unbalanced. Technology transfer is important as it not only immediately benefits patients, but also provides employment, economic activity and general prosperity in the region to where the technology transfer is implemented.
Designing Robust N-of-1 Studies for Precision Medicine: Simulation Study and Design Recommendations (Preprint)
Authors: Percha Bethany , Baskerville Edward B , Johnson Matthew , Dudley Joel T , Zimmerman Noah
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Recent advances in molecular biology, sensors, and digital medicine have led to an explosion of products and services for high-resolution monitoring of individual health. The N-of-1 study has emerged as an important methodological tool for harnessing these new data sources, enabling researchers to compare the effectiveness of health interventions at the level of a single individual.

OBJECTIVE

N-of-1 studies are susceptible to several design flaws. We developed a model that generates realistic data for N-of-1 studies to enable researchers to optimize study designs in advance.

METHODS

Our stochastic time-series model simulates an N-of-1 study, incorporating all study-relevant effects, such as carryover and wash-in effects, as well as various sources of noise. The model can be used to produce realistic simulated data for a near-infinite number of N-of-1 study designs, treatment profiles, and patient characteristics.

RESULTS

Using simulation, we demonstrate how the number of treatment blocks, ordering of treatments within blocks, duration of each treatment, and sampling frequency affect our ability to detect true differences in treatment efficacy. We provide a set of recommendations for study designs on the basis of treatment, outcomes, and instrument parameters, and make our simulation software publicly available for use by the precision medicine community.

CONCLUSIONS

Simulation can facilitate rapid optimization of N-of-1 study designs and increase the likelihood of study success while minimizing participant burden.
Why Do Data Users Say Health Care Data Are Difficult to Use? A Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Kim Ho Heon , Kim Bora , Joo Segyeong , Shin Soo-Yong , Cha Hyo Soung , Park Yu Rang
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

There has been significant effort in attempting to use health care data. However, laws that protect patients’ privacy have restricted data use because health care data contain sensitive information. Thus, discussions on privacy laws now focus on the active use of health care data beyond protection. However, current literature does not clarify the obstacles that make data usage and deidentification processes difficult or elaborate on users’ needs for data linking from practical perspectives.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to investigate (1) the current status of data use in each medical area, (2) institutional efforts and difficulties in deidentification processes, and (3) users’ data linking needs.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional online survey. To recruit people who have used health care data, we publicized the promotion campaign and sent official documents to an academic society encouraging participation in the online survey.

RESULTS

In total, 128 participants responded to the online survey; 10 participants were excluded for either inconsistent responses or lack of demand for health care data. Finally, 118 participants’ responses were analyzed. The majority of participants worked in general hospitals or universities (62/118, 52.5% and 51/118, 43.2%, respectively, multiple-choice answers). More than half of participants responded that they have a need for clinical data (82/118, 69.5%) and public data (76/118, 64.4%). Furthermore, 85.6% (101/118) of respondents conducted deidentification measures when using data, and they considered rigid social culture as an obstacle for deidentification (28/101, 27.7%). In addition, they required data linking (98/118, 83.1%), and they noted deregulation and data standardization to allow access to health care data linking (33/98, 33.7% and 38/98, 38.8%, respectively). There were no significant differences in the proportion of responded data needs and linking in groups that used health care data for either public purposes or commercial purposes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a cross-sectional view from a practical, user-oriented perspective on the kinds of data users want to utilize, efforts and difficulties in deidentification processes, and the needs for data linking. Most users want to use clinical and public data, and most participants conduct deidentification processes and express a desire to conduct data linking. Our study confirmed that they noted regulation as a primary obstacle whether their purpose is commercial or public. A legal system based on both data utilization and data protection needs is required.
Internet-based HIV self-testing program to increase HIV testing uptake for men who have sex with men in Brazil (Preprint)
Authors: De Boni Raquel Brandini , Veloso Valdilea Gonçalves , Fernandes Nilo M , Lessa Flavia , Correa Renato Girade , Lima Renato , Cruz Marly , Oliveira Juliane , Muniz Simone , de Jesus Beto , Reis Toni , Lentine Nena , Miranda Raquel Lima , Bingham Trista , Johnson Cheryl C. , Barbosa Aristides , Grinsztejn Beatriz
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Approximately 30% of people living with HIV worldwide are estimated to be unaware of their infection. HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a strategy recommended by the World Health Organization which increases access to and uptake of testing among key populations who are at high risk for HIV infection.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the development and feasibility of a free, anonymous, Internet-based HIV self-testing (HIVST) strategy designed for men who have sex with men (MSM) in Curitiba, Brazil (E-testing).

METHODS

The project was developed under the scope of the “A Hora é Agora” (Time is now) program. Individuals aiming to request an HIVST package (2 tests each) answered an anonymous 5-minute questionnaire regarding inclusion criteria and sexual risk behavior. Eligible individuals could receive one package every 6 months for free. Website analytics, response to online questionnaires, packages distribution, and return of test results were monitored via a platform-integrated system.

RESULTS

Between February 2015 and January 2016, the website documented 17,786 unique visitors with 3,218 provided complete answers to the online questionnaires. Most individuals self-reported being white (77%), young (median age was 25 years, interquartile range 22-31), educated (87.3% complete secondary education or more), and had previously tested for HIV (62.5%). Overall, 2,526 HIVST packages were delivered; of those, 542 (21.4%) reported a result online or by mail (23 reactive and 11 invalid). During the study period, 37 individuals reporting to have used E-testing visited the pre-specified health facility for confirmatory testing (30 positive; 7 negative).

CONCLUSIONS

E-testing proved highly feasible and acceptable in this study, thus supporting scale-up to additional MSM population centers in Brazil.
Using Facebook Advertisements and Online Resources to Recruit Tattoo Artists for a Web-based Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Sapp Jessica LC , Vogel Robert L , Telfair Joseph , Reagan Julie K
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Almost one-third of U.S. adults (29%) have a tattoo, and almost half (47%) of millennials reported having a tattoo. With more people getting tattoos, there is an increased risk for infectious diseases, skin infections, and allergic reactions. Tattoo artists can influence these health risks with their standards of practice, tattoo inks, and sterilization techniques. Although tattoos are becoming mainstream, it was unclear if tattoo artists would be a hard-to-reach population. Using social media sites represent a promising method for recruiting tattoo artists for online survey research studies.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate various online platforms and traditional methods for recruiting tattoo artists into a descriptive, online survey study.

METHODS

From September 2015 to February 2016, tattoo artists who primarily tattooed in the United States were recruited using both online and traditional methods. Recruitment occurred via Facebook advertisements, Instagram, Twitter, website, online advertisement, emails, and postcards mailed to tattoo shops.

RESULTS

Recruitment methods resulted in 2332 respondents, of which 1845 answered question one, “Are you a tattoo artist?” Only 1571 were tattoo artists. Facebook advertisements recruited the most study participants. Facebook accounted for 1228 (78.17%) respondents who were tattoo artists. This number surpassed the next leading category of HTTP referer unknown, which had 268 (17.06%). The [removed for blinded manuscript] website recruited 45 (2.86%) tattoo artists while other online sources contributed to 28 (1.78%). Twitter and email had the lowest response rate with only 0.06% (n=1) each.

CONCLUSIONS

Social media sites enhanced survey participation, making it easier to reach tattoo artists nationwide. Of the recruitment methods used, Facebook advertisements were the most effective option, both for cost and recruitment rates. This study’s findings extend previous research studies that demonstrated the timeliness, ease, and effectiveness of using Facebook advertisements for recruitment.
The intervening role of mHealth apps in postpartum obesity and mental health (Preprint)
Authors: Wan Mohamed Radzi Che Wan Jasimah , Salarzadeh Jenatabadi Hashem , Samsudin Nadia
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

The development of mHealth (mobile health) has changed people’s routines of improving self-management. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of the apps depends on the frequency of use.

OBJECTIVE

This paper introduces a new framework of fitness apps associated with obesity modeling by using structural equation modeling (SEM) and examining data of postpartum women through moderation analysis. Fitness mHealth apps are considered the moderator in the research framework.

METHODS

Online questionnaires were sent to Malaysian postpartum women within one year after pregnancy and 468 completed questionnaires were returned. The frequency of mHealth fitness app use was categorized into four groups: daily, weekly, rarely and never. Therefore, four models were considered for the final analysis.

RESULTS

According to the output, every model has a different structure in terms of significance and coefficients. The R-squared obtained for the “daily” model (0.82) is the highest, followed by the “weekly” (0.79), “rarely” (0.66) and “never use” (0.59) models. This infers that 82% of mental health variation is related to the demographics, lifestyle, healthy and unhealthy food intake and BMI of daily fitness app users. In addition, the impact of BMI on mental health in every model is significant with a negative coefficient, which implies that users with high BMI have less mental health issues. Meanwhile, the factor loading analysis indicates that the screen time (0.89) and physical activity (0.81) indicators are the two highest coefficients in the lifestyle variable. This result is subsequently equivalent to the daily and weekly fitness app users who choose to consume more healthy food and thus have a lower BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper proves that Malaysian postpartum women who use fitness apps as part of their daily life are more disciplined and such applications have significant effects on obesity and mental health. However, for never or weekly users, the statistical analysis shows there is no proof of the effectiveness of self-management activities that affected on obesity and mental health. Therefore, the frequency of fitness app use acts as a moderator in postpartum obesity and mental health modeling.
Mitigation of Perceived Pain in Older Adults by Serious Motion-Based Exercise Games (Preprint)
Authors: Brauner Philipp , Ziefle Martina
Published: April 2019

UNSTRUCTURED

Many societies face a demographic change that challenges the viability of health and welfare systems. Serious Games for Healthcare as well as Ambient Assisted Living offer support and health benefits for older adults and mitigate the negative effects of the demographic shift. We developed a motion-based serious exercise game for older adults in prototypic Ambient Assisted Living environments. In two user studies outside (n=69) and within (n=64) the AAL context we studied the influence of age, gender, self-efficacy in interacting with technology, and need for achievement on performance, effect of the game, evaluation of the game, and overall acceptance. Both games were evaluated as easy to use and fun to play. Remarkably, both game interventions had a strong pain mitigating effect in older adults (-55%; -66%). Consequently, serious exercise games outside and inside Ambient Assisted Living environments can contribute to individuals' health and well-being and to the stability of health care systems.
Risk Factors for End-Stage Renal Failure Among Patients on Hemodialysis in Aljomhory Hospital, Sa’adah Governorate, Yemen: Hospital-Based Case-Control Study (Preprint)
Authors: Dahnan Mohammed , Assabri Ali M , Khader Yousef S
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

More than 16% of the world’s population is affected by chronic kidney disease, and these people are at the highest risk of developing end-stage renal failure (ESRF).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors of ESRF in Sa’adah Governorate in Yemen.

METHODS

A hospital-based case-control study (86 cases and 263 controls) was conducted in the Aljomhory Hemodialysis Center in Sa’adah city, Yemen. Patients with ESRF who attended the hemodialysis center in Aljomhory Hospital in Sa’adah City from January 1 to February 15, 2016, were included. Control participants were healthy persons without end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who attended Aljomhory Hospital as outpatients’ relatives during the study period.

RESULTS

A total of 86 cases and 263 controls were included in this study. The mean age was 43.3 (SD 17.7) years for cases and 32.3 (SD 13.0) years for controls. In univariate analysis of factors associated with ESRD, patients aged≥40 years were 3.7 times more likely to have ESRD than younger patients. The odds of ESRD was higher among men than women. Illiteracy was significantly associated with higher odds of ESRD. Hypertension (odds ratio [OR]=8.34), diabetes (OR=3.07), cardiovascular diseases (OR=12.71), presence of urinary stones (OR=21.87), recurrent urinary tract infection (OR=9.64), cigarette smoking (OR=2.44), and shammah use (OR=6.65) were significantly associated with higher odds of ESRD. Hypertension (OR=6.68), urinary stones (OR=16.08), and recurrent urinary tract infection (OR=8.75) remained significantly associated with ERD in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertension, presence of urinary stones, and recurrent urinary tract infections were significantly associated with ESRF development. Improving the management of hypertension and designing suitable interventions to control problems of the urinary tract would help reduce ESRD prevalence.
PATHway-I: Feasibility, acceptability and clinical effectiveness of a technology enabled cardiac rehabilitation platform. A randomized controlled trial. (Preprint)
Authors: Claes Jomme , Cornelissen Véronique , McDermott Clare , Moyna Niall , Pattyn Nele , Cornelis Nils , Gallagher Ann , McCormack Ciara , Newton Helen , Gillain Alexandra , Budts Werner , Goetschalckx Kaatje , Woods Catherine , Moran Kieran , Buys Roselien
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is highly effective as secondary prevention for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Uptake of CR remains suboptimal (30% of eligible patients) and long-term adherence to a physically active (PA) lifestyle is even lower. Innovative strategies are needed to counteract this phenomenon.

OBJECTIVE

We developed the PATHway system (Physical Activity Towards Health) to provide a comprehensive, remotely monitored home-based CR program for CVD patients. The PATHway-I study aimed to investigate its feasibility and clinical efficacy during phase III CR.

METHODS

Participants were randomized on a 1:1 basis to the PATHway intervention group (PW) or usual care control group (UC) in a Single-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled pilot trial. Outcomes were assessed at completion of phase II CR and six months follow-up. The primary outcome was PA (Actigraph GT9X link). Secondary outcomes included measures of physical fitness, modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, endothelial function, intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery and quality of life. System usability and patients' experiences were evaluated only in PW. A mixed-model ANOVA with Bonferroni adjustment was used to analyze between-group effects over time. Missing values were handled by means of an intention-to-treat analysis. Statistical significance was set at a two-sided alpha level of 0.05. Data are reported as mean ± SD.

RESULTS

A convenience sample of 120 CVD patients (61.4 ± 13.5 years, 22 women) was included. The PATHway system was deployed in the homes of 60 participants. System use decreased over time and system usability was average with a score of 65.7 ± 19.7 (range 5-100). Moderate to vigorous intensity PA increased in PW (PW: 127 ± 58 min to 141 ± 69 min, UC: 146 ± 66 min to 143 ± 71 min; p-interaction=0.039), while diastolic blood pressure (PW: 79 ± 11 to 79 ± 10 mmHg, UC: 78 ± 9 to 83 ± 10 mmHg; p-interaction=0.004) and cardiovascular risk score remained constant, but deteriorated in UC (PW: 15.9 ± 10.4 to 15.5 ± 10.5%, UC: 14.5 ± 9.7 to 15.7 ± 10.9%; p-interaction=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a technology-enabled, remotely monitored, home-based CR program. Although clinical effectiveness was demonstrated, several challenges were identified that could influence adoption of PATHway.

CLINICALTRIAL

This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02717806
МЕРЕЊЕ ПЕРФОРМАНСИ БАНКАРСКОГ СЕКТОРА РЕПУБЛИКЕ СРБИЈЕ ПУТЕМ CAMELS МЕТОДА
Authors: Todorović Violeta , Furtula Srđan , Durkalić Danijela
Published: April 2019

Realization of the undeniable role of banks in the functioning of the economic system assumes their successful business, based on the achievement of key financial performance. Interrelatedness and interdependence of bank performance indicators, their dynamic relationship, and interaction, on the one hand, as well as differences and contradictions, on the other hand, require precise monitoring and harmonization by banks, in order to achieve adequate business results and minimize negative financial developments. In this sense, it is very important to choose appropriate ways to measure and manage bank performance. A key role in this process belongs to a banking rating system, measured by CAMELS model. Therefore, the paper attempts a comprehensive analysis of bank performance measurement, using CAMELS model. The aim is to examine the possibility of applying this model to effectively measure the performance of the banking sector in the Republic of Serbia.
DO WE REALLY KNOW WHAT THE ELEMENTARY ASSETS ARE? – THE ANALYSIS OF THE SEMANTIC MEANING OF ТHE TERM “ELEMENTARY ASSETS” IN SERBIAN HIGH SCHOOL TEXTBOOKS AND ACCOUNTING REGULATIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA
Authors: Павловић Владан Драган , Кнежевић Горанка Радуле , Милачић Срећко П
Published: April 2019

In standard course of knowledge we expect that textbooks from various disciplines use precise, professional and compliant terminology. This is explicitly stated in the Law on Basics of Education and Upbringing, Law on Textbooks and Bylaw on Textbook Quality Standards and the Manual for its Use. Although, there are cases that in some disciplines professional terms are given different semantic meaning and some of them are differently defined even in the same discipline. In this manuscript we analyse the definition and content of the term „osnovna sredstva“ (elementary assets) used in high schools of economics and their respective textbooks in Serbia. The compliance of the content of this term with its definition is analysed. Also, the article demonstrates in its concluding comments why the confusion still exists.
Emociones en educación: cómo las emociones, cognición y motivación influyen en el aprendizaje y logro de los estudiantes
Authors: McConnell Meghan
Published: April 2019

Comprender la naturaleza de las emociones en el contexto educativo constituye un tema importante para investigadores, educadores, administradores y desarrolladores instruccionales. Los estudiantes con frecuencia experimentan una gama de emociones en la escuela, tales como orgullo, gusto, expectativas, confusión, enojo, ansiedad y aburrimiento. Estas emociones académicas pueden tener una influencia en el nivel de desempeño de los alumnos, así como en su bienestar psicológico general. El propósito de esta revisión es proporcionar una introducción a la influencia de las emociones de los estudiantes en el aprendizaje y logro, de acuerdo con investigación en las áreas de psicología educativa y cognitiva para comprender cómo y por qué las emociones afectan el aprendizaje. Se discuten las implicaciones prácticas para la enseñanza y el aprendizaje.
El papel del docente y del estudiante en el uso de las redes sociales como herramienta para la enseñanza en la educación a distancia
Authors: Medina Ojeda Adriana
Published: April 2019

A través del tiempo, la tarea más complicada para el docente a distancia de una segunda lengua ha residido en contextualizar los aprendizajes a un entorno real, pero con la tecnología y el acercamiento que propician las redes sociales es posible agregar calidad a la enseñanza. Las redes sociales facilitan la comunicación en escenarios reales de forma actualizada, potencializando el trabajo de los alumnos, y creando más oportunidades en la transdisciplinariedad y multiculturalidad de los procesos discursivos en el idioma inglés.
Este documento desarrolla un análisis sobre la pertinencia del uso de las redes sociales en la educación a distancia y ahonda en cómo permite un mayor acercamiento entre los docentes y alumnos al promover el aprendizaje colaborativo y el uso de estrategias didácticas innovadoras. El artículo se enfocará en los procesos de aprendizaje de una segunda lengua, en este caso, del inglés, debido a que se requiere de una gran determinación, motivación y una práctica continua de las habilidades lingüísticas; sin embargo, al contar con una limitada oportunidad de práctica de un segundo idioma en entornos reales, las redes sociales se convierten en herramientas para propiciar la interacción de los estudiantes en contextos reales.
Motivación y emociones: ingredientes esenciales del interés y el involucramiento en el aprendizaje en línea
Authors: García Cabrero Benilde , Pineda Ortega Vania Jocelyn
Published: April 2019

Se presenta una revisión teórica sobre los aspectos motivacionales y afectivos que impulsan el involucramiento académico de los estudiantes. Se describen, en primera instancia, las principales facetas de la motivación, como son la autoeficacia, y la orientación a la meta, entre otras, así como las principales emociones que se manifiestan en los contextos educativos. Posteriormente, se explora la importancia del interés como variable vinculada al involucramiento del alumno, para finalmente destacar el rol de los profesores en el surgimiento y sostenimiento del interés y la motivación intrínseca, aspectos clave que propician la participación activa y aprendizaje profundo de los estudiantes en el ámbito escolar.
Contaminación por ruido y el tráfico vehicular en la frontera de México
Authors: Zamorano-González Benito , Peña-Cárdenas Fabiola , Velázquez-Narváez Yolanda , Vargas-Martínez José Ignacio , Parra-Sierra Víctor
Published: April 2019

Objetivo - determinar la relación entre el nivel de ruido de las principales intersecciones viales y el número de vehículos que transitan sobre ellas.

Método - se utilizó un aforador vehicular electrónico no invasivo en periodos de una semana; evaluación del nivel de ruido en intervalos diarios durante la semana completa, utilizando sonómetros integradores tipo I.

Resultados - se identificó el tráfico promedio diario anual de 2739 unidades; estimación del nivel de ruido de 77.6 dB para periodos de 12 horas; niveles máximos de 98.5 dB y 58.3 dB como nivel mínimo de ruido.

Limitaciones - el desarrollo del trabajo de campo en un periodo menor a un año.

Principales hallazgos - el nivel de ruido en la ciudad supera el referente de 65 decibeles, mencionado por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, lo que permite concluir que la ciudad presenta contaminación a causa del ruido derivado del tráfico vehicular.
Efficient Class of Estimators for Finite Population Mean using Auxiliary Information in Two-Occasion Successive Sampling
Authors: Singh G. N. , Khalid Mohd
Published: April 2019

In the case of sampling on two occasions, a class of estimators is considered which uses information on the first occasion as well as the second occasion in order to estimate the population means on the current (second) occasion. The usefulness of auxiliary information in enhancing the efficiency of this estimation is examined through the class of proposed estimators. Some properties of the class of estimators and a strategy of optimum replacement are discussed. The proposed class of estimators were empirically compared with the sample mean estimator in the case of no matching. The established optimum estimator, which is a linear combination of the means of the matched and unmatched portions of the sample at the current occasion, was empirically compared with the proposed class of estimators. Mutual comparisons of the proposed estimator were carried out. Suitable recommendations are made to the survey statistician for practical applications.
Drug-Induced Liver Injuries (Clinical Guidelines for Physicians)
Authors: Ivashkin Vladimir T. , Baranovsky Andrey Yu. , Raikhelson Karina L. , Palgova Lyudmila K. , Maevskaya Marina V. , Kondrashina Elina A. , Marchenko Natalya V. , Nekrasova Tatyana P. , Nikitin Igor G.
Published: April 2019

Aim.Clinical guidelines for the management of adult patients suffering from drug-induced liver injuries (DILI) are intended for all medical specialists, who treat such patients in their clinical practice.

Key findings.The presented recommendations contain information about the epidemiological data, terminology, diagnostic principles, classification, prognosis and management of patients with DILI. The recommendations list pharmacological agents that most commonly cause DILI, including its fatal cases. Dose-dependent and predictable (hepatotoxic), as well as dose-independent and unpredictable (idiosyncratic) DILI forms are described in detail, which information has a particular practical significance. The criteria and types of DILI are described in detail, with the most reliable diagnostic and prognostic scales and indices being provided. The pathogenesis and risk factors for the development of DILI are considered. The clinical and morphological forms (phenotypes) of DILI are described. The diseases that are included into the differential diagnosis of DILI, as well as the principles of its implementation, are given. The role and significance of various diagnostic methods for examining a patient with suspected DILI is described, with the liver biopsy role being discussed. Clinical situations, in which DILI can acquire a chronic course, are described. A section on the assessment of causal relationships in the diagnosis of DILI is presented; the practical value of using the CIOMS-RUCAM scale is shown. All possible therapeutic measures and pharmacological approaches to the treatment of patients with various DILI phenotypes are investigated in detail. A particular attention is paid to the use of glucocorticosteroids in the treatment of DILI.

Conclusion.The presented clinical recommendations are important for improving the quality of medical care in the field of hepatology.
Clinical and Pathogenetic Parallels of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Gallstone Disease
Authors: Bueverov Aleksey O.
Published: April 2019

Aim:to analyze the data that has so far been accumulated on the pathogenetic association of gallstone disease (GD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), as well as to assess the effect of cholecystectomy on the NAFLD course.

Key findings.The relationship between GD and NAFLD is very complex and seems to be mutually aggravating. There is no doubt that there is an increased risk of GB in NAFLD patients, which is primarily associated with common pathogenetic mechanisms. These include central and peripheral insulin resistance, changes in the expression of transcription factors (liver X-receptor and farnesoid X-receptor) and the bile acid membrane receptors (TGR5). Conversely, the effect of GD on the NAFLD course is assumed, although the pathogenetic factors of this association are still unknown. In recent years, convincing data has emerged concerning the role of cholecystectomy in the NAFLD progression, which may be connected with the development of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, as well as with the disruption of the endocrine balance and the signal function of bile acids.

Conclusion.The connection between NAFLD, GD and cholecystectomy is complex and multifaceted. The study of this connection will allow new methods of treatment to be developed.
Hepatoprotection by L-Ornithine L-Aspartate in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Butterworth Roger F. , Canbay Ali
Published: April 2019

Background.Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading chronic hepatic condition worldwide and new approaches to management and treatment are limited.

Summary.L-ornithine L-aspartate (LOLA) has hepatoprotective properties in patients with fatty liver of diverse etiology and results of a multicenter randomized clinical trial reveal that 12 weeks treatment with oral LOLA (6–9 g/d) results in a dose-related reduction in activities of liver enzymes and triglycerides together with significant improvements of liver/spleen CT ratios. A preliminary report described improvements of hepatic microcirculation in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) following treatment with LOLA. Mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects of LOLA in NAFLD/NASH involve, in addition to its established ammonia-lowering effect, metabolic transformations of the LOLA-constituent amino acids L-ornithine and L-aspartate into L-glutamine, L-arginine, and glutathione. These metabolites have well-established actions implicated in the prevention of lipid peroxidation, improvement of hepatic microcirculation in addition to anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties.

Key messages.(1) LOLA is effective for the treatment of key indices in NAFLD/NASH. (2) Mechanisms other than LOLA’s ammonia-lowering action have been postulated. (3) Further assessments in the clinical setting are now required.