bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Eugenia punicifolia (Kunth) D. C. leaf extraction using a simplex centroid design focused on extracting phenolics with antioxidant and antiproliferative activities
Authors: dos Santos Catarina , Mizobucchi Andressa Lie , Escaramboni Bruna , Lopes Bruno Pereira , Angolini Celio Fernando Figueiredo , Eberlin Marcos Nogueira , de Toledo Karina Alves , Núñez Eutimio Gustavo Fernández 
Published: April 2020

AbstractEugenia punicifolia (Kunth) D. C. (Myrtaceae) has been showing interesting biological activities in the literature which was correlated to its phenolic compounds. In the sense of a better recovering of phenolics with the best antioxidant and antiproliferative activities, an extraction, based on multivariate analytical approach, was developed from E. punicifolia leaves. The different extractor solvents (ethanol, methanol and water) and their binary and ternary combinations were evaluated using a simplex-centroid mixture design and surface response methodology. The optimized crude extracts were investigated for phenol and flavonoid content and compared to their antioxidant (EC50) and antiproliferative properties against HEp-2 (cell line derived from the oropharyngeal carcinoma) and mononuclear viability cells. Ethanolic extracts showed the best phenolic content with the highest antioxidant activity and moderated activity antiproliferative to HEp-2. ESI-QTOF–MS revealed the presence of quercetin and myricetin derivatives, which was correlated to activities tested. Then, simplex-centroid design allowed us to correlate the Eugenia punicifolia biological activities with the extracts obtained from solvent different polarity mixtures.
A preseason booster prolongs the increase of allergen specific IgG4 levels, after basic allergen intralymphatic immunotherapy, against grass pollen seasonal allergy
Authors: Weinfeld Dan , Westin Ulla , Hellkvist Laila , Mellqvist Ulf-Henrik , Jacobsson Ingvar , Cardell Lars-Olaf 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Allergen specific IgG4 levels have been monitored as a surrogate marker for the tolerance inducing effect of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) in many studies. Its accuracy at group level has been well established, but IgG4 has not yet found its place in the daily care of immunotherapy patients.

Methods
Intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) is a novel route for allergy vaccination against pollen allergy, where an ultrasound-guided injection of 1000 SQ-U Alutard is given directly into a groin lymph node. The suggested standard dosing so far has been one injection with 4 weeks in-between. In total 3000 SQ-U with the treatment completed in 2 months. IgG4 was measured with Immulite technique and rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms were estimated with daily online questionnaires. Mann–Whitney U-test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test were applied for comparisons between groups and within groups, respectively.

Results
The present study demonstrates that a single, preseason ILIT booster of 1000 SQ-U Alutard 5-grasses®, re-increases the allergen specific timothy-IgG4 levels, in patients already treated with ILIT before the previous pollen season. It also shows the feasibility of the ILIT-route for allergy vaccination of rhinitis patients, with or without concomitant asthma, with low degree of side effects and reconfirms high and sustained patient satisfaction.

Conclusions
It is tempting to suggest that the allergen specific IgG4 levels can be used to build an intuitive algorithm for future clinical guidance of ILIT patients.
Trial registration Is Intralymphatic Allergen Immunotherapy Effective and Safe?, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04210193. Registered 24 December 2019—Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT04210193?term=NCT04210193&draw=2&rank=1
Does financial inclusion reduce poverty and income inequality in developing countries? A panel data analysis
Authors: Omar Md Abdullah , Inaba Kazuo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractFinancial inclusion is a key element of social inclusion, particularly useful in combating poverty and income inequality by opening blocked advancement opportunities for disadvantaged segments of the population. This study intends to investigate the impact of financial inclusion on reducing poverty and income inequality, and the determinants and conditional effects thereof in 116 developing countries. The analysis is carried out using an unbalanced annual panel data for the period of 2004–2016. For this purpose, we construct a novel index of financial inclusion using a broad set of financial sector outreach indicators, finding that per capita income, ratio of internet users, age dependency ratio, inflation, and income inequality significantly influence the level of financial inclusion in developing countries. Furthermore, the results provide robust evidence that financial inclusion significantly reduces poverty rates and income inequality in developing countries. The findings are in favor of further promoting access to and usage of formal financial services by marginalized segments of the population in order to maximize society’s overall welfare.
Recommendations from the CSO-HNS taskforce on performance of tracheotomy during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sommer D. D. , Engels P. T. , Weitzel E.K. , Khalili S. , Corsten M. , Tewfik M. A. , Fung K. , Cote D. , Gupta M. , Sne N. , Brown T. F. E. , Paul J. , Kost K. M. , Witterick I. J. 
Published: April 2020

Introduction The performance of tracheotomy is a common procedural request by critical care departments to the surgical services of general surgery, thoracic surgery and otolaryngology - head & neck surgery. A Canadian Society of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery (CSO-HNS) task force was convened with multi-specialty involvement from otolaryngology-head & neck surgery, general surgery, critical care and anesthesiology to develop a set of recommendations for the performance of tracheotomies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Main body The tracheotomy procedure is highly aerosol generating and directly exposes the entire surgical team to the viral aerosol plume and secretions, thereby increasing the risk of transmission to healthcare providers. As such, we believe extended endotracheal intubation should be the standard of care for the entire duration of ventilation in the vast majority of patients. Pre-operative COVID-19 testing is highly recommended for any non-emergent procedure. Conclusion The set of recommendations in this document highlight the importance of avoiding tracheotomy procedures in patients who are COVID-19 positive if at all possible. Recommendations for appropriate PPE and environment are made for COVID-19 positive, negative and unknown patients requiring consideration of tracheotomy. The safety of healthcare professionals who care for ill patients and who keep critical infrastructure operating is paramount.
Towards an optimal personalization strategy in MOOCs
Authors: A.Qaffas Alaa , Kaabi Kaouther , Shadiev Rustam , Essalmi Fathi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSeveral successful initiatives have resulted from the OER movement. One of them is Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) which is a popular learning mode as it offers an affordable and flexible way to learn. However, the evolution of the MOOCs has some challenges. One of the major problems of MOOCs is the diversity of learners and the need to personalize the content as well as the way of delivering it. The origin of this problem is the one size does not fit all. In fact, learners have different characteristics such as their learning styles, levels of knowledge, and so on. The selection of the most suitable parameters (set of complementary learners’ characteristics) to be considered in learner’s profile is not easy in the presence of a considerable number of learners in MOOCs. One reason is because a course can be attended by many learners with varied profiles from different regions of the world. This plurality of learner profiles makes it important to develop content that can meet the needs and objectives of each learner in MOOCS. Our solution to solve this problem consists of personalizing the content of MOOC for each learner. We propose a new approach which allows to optimize the selection of the personalization parameters and to apply the appropriate personalization strategy, based on a classification algorithm. The proposed approach aims to improve the retention rate and the quality of learning in MOOCs. This approach is validated by experiments which test its success when applied to many combinations of strategies and learner profiles.
A cognitive remediation training for young adults with psychotic disorders to support their participation in education — study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Otto Lana K. M. , Hofstra Jacomijn , Mullen Michelle G. , Malenczak Derek , Boonstra Nynke , van der Meer Lisette , Veling Wim , Boerhout Cees , van Rijsbergen Gerard D. , de Vries Jos , van der Pol Boudien , Pijnenborg Gerdina H. M. , Korevaar Lies 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Most severe mental disorders have their onset between the age of 17 and 27, a time when many young adults begin participating in secondary or post-secondary education. The cognitive deficits typically associated with psychiatric disorders, especially psychotic disorders, increase the risk of leaving school early, which can lead to a reduction in employment opportunities later on in life and, in turn, a poorer long-term prognosis. Therefore, specific interventions aiming to improve these cognitive functions are needed. Cognitive remediation (CR) aims to improve cognitive functioning and may increase real-world functioning in educational performance. This study aims to examine the feasibility and applicability of a CR training named Mindset for students with psychotic disorders in the Netherlands.

Methods/design
Sixty students diagnosed with a psychotic disorder and currently reporting cognitive deficits will be included from four Dutch Mental Health Care institutes. Half of the participants (N = 30) will be randomly assigned to the CR training consisting of twelve, individual, weekly 1-h meetings. The other half will be assigned to an active control condition consisting of twelve weekly assignments that will be sent by email aiming to improve school performance. Students will be evaluated at baseline (T0), directly after finishing the CR training or control intervention (T1), and 6 months later (T2). Treatment feasibility will be the primary outcome, using evaluation forms, interviews with trainers and participants, number of study drop outs, and patient eligibility and recruitment rates. School functioning, cognitive functioning, and strategy use will also be assessed to get a preliminary idea of the potential effectiveness of the intervention.

Discussion
The CR training in this study will provide real-world examples and exercises aimed to teach useful strategies to cope with the cognitive deficits experienced by students with psychotic disorders. Furthermore, since students with other psychiatric disorders might also experience cognitive deficits, the results of this study may also provide some further implications for future studies on the effect of this CR training for students with these disorders.

Trial registration
The study was registered with Trialregister.nl, no. NL6590 (NTR6764), date registered: September 7, 2017. Register name: Mindset. A cognitive rehabilitation training for young adults with psychotic spectrum disorder in an educational setting: A pilot study.
Protocol version: 3, date December 23, 2019
Pilot test of an interactive obesity treatment approach among employed adults in a university medical billing office
Authors: Tabak Rachel G. , Strickland Jaime R. , Kirk Bridget , Colvin Ryan , Stein Richard I. , Dart Hank , Colditz Graham A. , Dale Ann Marie , Evanoff Bradley A. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
There is a need for workplace programs promoting healthy eating and activity that reach low-wage employees and are scalable beyond the study site. Interventions designed with dissemination in mind aim to utilize minimal resources and to fit within existing systems. Technology-based interventions have the potential to promote healthy behaviors and to be sustainable as well as scalable. We developed an interactive obesity treatment approach (iOTA), to be delivered by SMS text messaging, and therefore accessible to a broad population. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate participant engagement with, and acceptability of, this iOTA to promote healthy eating and activity behaviors among low-wage workers with obesity.

Methods
Twenty participants (self-reporting body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) of a single workgroup employed by a university medical practice billing office had access to the full intervention and study measures and provided feedback on the experience. Height and weight were measured by trained research staff at baseline. Each participant was offered a quarterly session with a health coach. Measured weight and a self-administered survey, including dietary and activity behaviors, were also collected at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Participant engagement was assessed through responsiveness to iOTA SMS text messages throughout the 24-month pilot. A survey measure was used to assess satisfaction with iOTA at 3 months. Due to the small sample size and pilot nature of the current study, we conducted descriptive analyses. Engagement, weight change, and duration remaining in coaching are presented individually for each study participant.

Results
The pilot was originally intended to last 3 months, but nearly all participants requested to continue; we thus continued for 24 months. Most (14/20) participants remained in coaching for 24 months. At the 3-month follow-up, eight (47%) of the remaining 17 participants had lost weight; by 24 months, five (36%) of the remaining 14 participants had lost weight (one had bariatric surgery). Participants reported very high satisfaction.

Conclusions
This pilot provides important preliminary results on acceptability and participant engagement with iOTA, which has significant potential for dissemination and sustainability.
Geospatial clustering, seasonal trend and forecasting of Kyasanur Forest Disease in the state of Goa, India, 2015–2018
Authors: Oliveira Annet , Selvaraj Kalaiselvi , Tripathy Jaya Prasad , Betodkar Utkarsh , Cacodcar Jagadish , Quadros Nikhita , Wadkar Abhijit 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Five states in India are reporting sporadic outbreaks of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD). Goa experienced an outbreak of KFD in 2015. It remains as an important differential diagnosis for tropical fever in the endemic regions. Few studies among neighboring two states (Karnataka and Kerala) have described the epidemiological characteristics of KFD. However, there is no study which describes the same among cases in the state of Goa. Hence, we planned to understand the epidemiology (time, place, and person distribution) of the disease including seasonal pattern with forecasting using zero-inflated negative binomial regression and time series models. We also explored geo-spatial clustering of KFD cases in Goa during 2015–2018 which would help design effective intervention to curb its transmission in Goa.

Results
Blood samples of all suspected cases of KFD during 2015 to 2018 were tested using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction technique. Reports of these results were periodically shared with the state surveillance unit. Records of 448 confirmed cases of KFD available at the State Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme were analyzed. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 41.6 (14.9) years. Of 143 cases with documented travel history, 135 (94.4%) had history of travel to forest for cashew plucking. Two thirds of cases (66.3%) did not receive KFD vaccine prior to the disease. Case fatality rate of 0.9% was reported. Seasonal peaks were observed during January to April, and forecasting demonstrated a peak in cases in the subsequent year also during January–April persisting till May. Around 40 villages located along the Western Ghats had reported KFD, and affected villages continued to report cases in the subsequent years also. Case density-based geographic maps show clustering of cases around the index village.

Conclusion
Most of the confirmed cases did not receive any vaccination. KFD cases in Goa followed a specific seasonal pattern, and clustering of cases occurred in selected villages located in North Goa. Most of the patients who had suffered from the disease had visited the forest for cashew plucking. Planning for public health interventions such as health education and vaccination campaigns should consider these epidemiological features.
Genetic diversity and genome recombination in Yam mild mosaic virus isolates
Authors: Zou Cheng-Wu , Meng Jiao-Rong , Yao Zi-Ting , Zhang Lei , Wang Zhi-Qiang , Wei Ben-Hui , Chen Bao-Shan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractYam mild mosaic virus(YMMV) is prevalent in yams (Dioscoreaspp.) worldwide. To gain an insight into the genetic diversity and molecular evolution of YMMV, 89 isolates from West Africa, Asia, South Pacific, and America were analyzed phylogenetically by using sequence between the 3′-terminal of the coding region of the coat protein and the 5′-terminal of non-coding region at the 3′ end of the YMMV genome. The results revealed that there was a significant genetic diversity among isolates and a clear correlation between the coat protein gene sequence and the geographical origin of YMMV isolates. Of particular, YMMV isolates from North China and South China fell into two different groups. Furthermore, full genome comparison identified four chimeric genome patterns and six putative recombination signals representing four recombination events were detected among 12 genomes of independent isolates from China and Brazil, suggesting a high frequency of genome recombination event.
Irinotecan, Temozolomide, and Dinutuximab With GM-CSF in Children With Refractory or Relapsed Neuroblastoma: A Report From the Children’s Oncology Group
Authors: Mody Rajen , Yu Alice L. , Naranjo Arlene , Zhang Fan F. , London Wendy B. , Shulkin Barry L. , Parisi Marguerite T. , Servaes Sabah-E-Noor , Diccianni Mitchell B. , Hank Jacquelyn A. , Felder Mildred , Birstler Jennifer , Sondel Paul M. , Asgharzadeh Shahab , Glade-Bender Julia , Katzenstein Howard , Maris John M. , Park Julie R. , Bagatell Rochelle 
Published: April 2020

PURPOSE The combination of irinotecan, temozolomide, dintuximab, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (I/T/DIN/GM-CSF) demonstrated activity in patients with relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma in the randomized Children’s Oncology Group ANBL1221 trial. To more accurately assess response rate and toxicity, an expanded cohort was nonrandomly assigned to I/T/DIN/GM-CSF. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients were eligible at first relapse or first designation of refractory disease. Oral T and intravenous (IV) irinotecan were administered on days 1 to 5 of 21-day cycles. DIN was administered IV (days 2-5), and GM-CSF was administered subcutaneously (days 6-12). The primary end point was objective response, analyzed on an intent-to-treat basis per the International Neuroblastoma Response Criteria. RESULTS Seventeen eligible patients were randomly assigned to I/T/DIN/GM-CSF (February 2013 to March 2015); 36 additional patients were nonrandomly assigned to I/T/DIN/GM-CSF (August 2016 to May 2017). Objective (complete or partial) responses were observed in nine (52.9%) of 17 randomly assigned patients (95% CI, 29.2% to 76.7%) and 13 (36.1%) of 36 expansion patients (95% CI, 20.4% to 51.8%). Objective responses were seen in 22 (41.5%) of 53 patients overall (95% CI, 28.2% to 54.8%); stable disease was also observed in 22 of 53. One-year progression-free and overall survival for all patients receiving I/T/DIN/GM-CSF were 67.9% ± 6.4% (95% CI, 55.4% to 80.5%) and 84.9% ± 4.9% (95% CI, 75.3% to 94.6%), respectively. Two patients did not receive protocol therapy and were evaluable for response but not toxicity. Common grade ≥ 3 toxicities were fever/infection (18 [35.3%] of 51), neutropenia (17 [33.3%] of 51), pain (15 [29.4%] of 51), and diarrhea (10 [19.6%] of 51). One patient met protocol-defined criteria for unacceptable toxicity (grade 4 hypoxia). Higher DIN trough levels were associated with response. CONCLUSION I/T/DIN/GM-CSF has significant antitumor activity in patients with relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma. Study of chemoimmunotherapy in the frontline setting is indicated, as is further evaluation of predictive biomarkers.
Patterns of medication use and adherence to medications among residents in the elderly homes
Authors: AlGameel Magda 
Published: April 2020

Objective: To evaluate health care related to medication regimens among institutionalized elders in Damanhour, Beheira Governate, Egypt.
Methods: A prospective, multi-centered, observational study was conducted in the two elderly residential homes in Damanhour between March and May 2017. A questionnaire was developed and validated to test for elderly socio-economic, chronic diseases, current therapy adherence, vaccination history and patient education. Descriptive and quantitative analysis were performed.
Results: sixty-three elderly residents were included in the study. The sample showed broad socioeconomic variability posing a true reflection of Egyptian population. 63.5% had no hearing problems, 31.7% had proper vision and 57% could move with no help. More than three quarters had chronic diseases of which 58.7% were previously hospitalized. The most prevalent diseases were hypertension, diabetes and arthritis 46%, 41.3%, 26.9% respectively. Only 7.9% and 4.7% showed chronic liver and kidney diseases, respectively and less than 10% suffered from respiratory related diseases. No alcohol drinker, 25.3% were smokers and 58.7% drank caffeine. Only 25.3% of residents showed full adherence to their medication pattern. Approximately 80% of residents never received proper patient education. Forty-three residents did not know the indication of their medications and 92% ignored its side effects.
Conclusion: Absence of proper medical care exposure for the elderly residents was reflected in their low medication adherence, adverse side effects and hospitalization. We suggest extension of the national medical insurance system to include larger number of elderly population. To monitor the care given concerning medication, a daily resident gerontological nurse needs to be assigned, visits by clinical pharmacists weekly or bi-weekly from the nearby governmental hospital can improve improper medication.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.1923
How to cite this:Algameel M. Patterns of Medication use and adherence to medications among residents in the elderly homes. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(4):729-734. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.1923
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.