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Security and performance of remote patient monitoring for chronic heart failure with Satelia® Cardio: First results from real-world use
No full textBackground: Since 2019, remote patient monitoring (RPM) for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) has been supported by the European Society of Cardiology. However, real-world data on the use of such solutions has been limited and not primarily based on patient-reported outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe the Satelia® Cardio solution in France within the French ETAPES funding program and assess the security and performance of its clinical algorithm.Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on CHF patients monitored by RPM through Satelia® Cardio. From September 1, 2018, to June 30, 2020, patients were included if they had completed over six months of follow-up. The risk of a possible CHF decompensation was categorized by the system in three levels: green, orange and red. The algorithm security and performance were assessed through the negative predictive value (NPV) of the prediction of hospitalization of a patient within seven days.Results: In total, 331 patients were included in this study with 36,682 patient self-administered questionnaires answered. Patients were mostly males (70.4%) and had a mean age of 68.1 years. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 35.4% (± 12.3) and 73.3% of patients had a LVEF ≤ 40%. The questionnaire response rate was 90.9%. A green status was generated for 95.3% of answers. There were 4.5% (n = 1,499) orange alerts and 0.2% (n = 74) red alerts. Overall, 92.1% of patients had at least one CHF related hospitalization and 31.7% (n = 105) of these cases were non-scheduled. The NPV at seven days was 99.43%.Conclusion: Satelia® Cardio is a feasible, relevant and reliable solution to safely monitor the cohorts of patients with CHF, reassuring cardiologists about patient stability
Socioeconomic impacts of drug and substance abuse on secondary school students in Nigeria from 1980 to 2023: A narrative review of the extent of published studies
No full textBackground: The socioeconomic impact of drug and substance abuse on secondary school students in Nigeria is yet to be fully evaluated even in the face of the current surge in abuse of substances among the younger folks who constitute more than half of the entire population.Objective: This study narratively reviewed the studies on the socioeconomic impacts of drug and substance abuse on secondary school students and studies by researchers in Nigeria. Methods: The study was a narrative review of the literature covering the socioeconomic impacts of drug and substance abuse on secondary school students in Nigeria from 1980 to 2023. Data were extracted and summarized with descriptive statistics. Results: All the studies took place between 2012 and 2023; 6 (100%). The studies carried out were all observational studies 6 (100%). All the studies fell below average in the benchmark for the hierarchy of evidence-based studies. The studies mostly took place in the South-West 3 (50.00%), while 1 (16.67%) took place in the South-East, North-West, and North-Central respective regions of Nigeria.Conclusion: The available studies done on the impacts of drug and substance abuse focused more on the social impacts, with little or no attention to the economic effect. The available studies however remain at the observational level in the evidence-based ladder. Future Research on the reviewed theme should focus on the economic implications of the social effects of drug and substance abuse on secondary school students in Nigeria
Gyroscope oscillation depends on a rotor speed velocity
No full textIn engineering, all moving rotating objects exhibit gyroscopic effects resulting from the action of an external torque on a rotating object. Gyroscopic effects are the action of a set of inertial moments and movements of an object around three axes of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. Moments of inertia are created by centrifugal and Coriolis forces, as well as the moment of change in angular momentum, which is expressed by their kinetic energy. The values of the moments of inertia directly depend on the speed of rotation of the object and its rotation around the axes. A short-term effect of an external load on a running gyroscope with displaced support can be manifested by its oscillations. The physics of gyroscope oscillations is not well explained in publications. This article describes the oscillations of a gyroscope by the action of the external torque which is its potential energy converting into kinetic energy of the inertial torques of the gyroscope. The conversion is carried out by the principle of mechanical energy conservation which is the same as for oscillations of a spring with a load
Probing nuclear equation of state with the cdm3y version of B3y-fetal effective interaction
No full textThis paper is a study of the nuclear Equation of State (EOS) of cold nuclear matter with the B3Y-Fetal effective interaction in its CDM3Y density-dependent version within the framework of Hartree-Fock approximation. The well-known saturation properties of both symmetric and asymmetric nuclear matter are well-reproduced in this work. Using the CDM3Y-K approach, this study has evolved a new set of user interactions, some of which are CDB3Y1-, CDB3Y2-, CDB3Y3-, CDB3Y4-, CDB3Y5-, CDB3Y6-Fetal interactions with corresponding incompressibilities K0 = 188, 204, 217,228, 241 and 252 MeV respectively, in excellent agreement with those of the M3Y-Paris and M3Y-Reid effective interactions. For asymmetric nuclear matter, the new set of interactions has produced the symmetry energy Esym = 32.00 MeV with an associated slope parameter L = 55 MeV at a saturation density ρ = 0.17fm−3 and asymmetry parameter δ = 1.00 (pure neutron matter) in good agreement with the standard values obtained from coupled channel analysis of charge exchange reactions, statistical multifragmentation model and terrestrial Nuclear Physics experimental analyses. Furthermore, the new set of interactions has been found to have bright prospects in a nuclear reaction as the real folded potential computed with the CDB3Y6-Fetal interaction within the framework of double folding potential has been found to be good and similar to that of CDB3Y6-Paris whose optical potential has a repulsive direct component
Evaluation of factors affecting the quality of luxury residential buildings using the fuzzy BWM method
No full textThe construction sector consists of a collection of activities related to buildings and engineering constructions of all kinds. It is the close relationship between this sectors with other economic sectors, which distinguishes it. Therefore, it is an important indicator of the movement of the national economy, but this sector faces major risks, especially in the construction of luxury residential buildings, and these risks may affect the implementation of the project and may lead to increase costs, affect the quality and sometimes delay delivery. This study was carried out to evaluate the factors affecting the quality of luxury residential buildings in Iran using the fuzzy best-worst method (fuzzy BWM). The BWM method provides a consistent structural comparison of factors through best and worst criteria. And this method extended using a fuzzy set to address the ambiguity from the decision-maker’s judgment. The evaluation consists of five criteria: Strength and stability, physical comfort and mental peace, visual proportions and beauty, safety, security and environment, and welfare and health. To determine the fuzzy criteria’ weights, the nonlinearly constrained optimization problem was applied. The result indicated that the best and the worst criteria were Visual proportions and beauty and welfare and health
Role of measurable residual disease quantified by 4 to 6 color flow cytometry before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for high-risk Philadelphia-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia
No full textBackground: Measurable residual disease (MRD) status before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is commonly associated with a high risk of relapse. It is still uncertain whether AHSCT could overcome the negative impact of MRD positivity (MRD+), especially in patients with high-risk Philadelphia negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph-negative ALL).
Materials and methods: An observational retrospective study was conducted on patients with high-risk Ph-negative ALL who underwent AHSCT between January 2005 and June 2022. The patients selected were in complete remission (CR): with 80% in CR1 (n = 69) and 20% in CR2 (n = 17). Graft sources were bone marrow (BM) in 71% of patients and peripheral blood stem cells in 29% of patients. The conditioning regimen was TBI or chemotherapy-based (CT). Bone marrow MRD level was quantified using 4-6 color multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC). The threshold for MRD positivity was ≥ 0.1%.
Results: The study included 86 patients (45 B-ALL and 41 T-ALL) with a median age of 18 years (range, 4–55 years). The median level of MRD pre-AHSCT (pre-MRD) was 0.4×10-3 (range, 0.01-75.6×10-3). After a median follow-up of 25 months (range 1-205 months), the cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) was significantly higher in the MRD+ group (39% vs. 20%, p = 0.04). The median time of relapse post-AHSCT was 14 months (range, 1-203 months) in the MRD+ group and 32 months (range, 4-209 months) in the MRD- group (p = 0.28). Non-relapse mortality (NRM) was 15% in both groups (p = 0.97). The 2-year estimated overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) were 61% vs. 74% (p = 0.07) and 58% vs. 70% (p = 0.10) in the MRD+ and MRD- groups, respectively. A subgroup analysis in MRD+ patients showed that a TBI-based conditioning regimen was distinctly associated with lower CIR (22% vs. 60% respectively, p = 0.04), improved OS (82% vs. 36% respectively, p = 0.007) and better EFS (73% vs. 38%, p = 0.04) compared to CT-based. In a multivariate analysis, pre-AHSCT MRD+ status and non-TBI-based conditioning were significantly associated with inferior OS (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, [1.027-5.168], p = 0.04 and OR, 3.91; 95% CI, [1.624-9.418], p = 0.002, respectively). The only predicting factor of lower EFS was the non-TBI-based regimen (OR, 2.82; 95% CI, [1.308-6.097], p = 0.008). Non-TBI-based and CR2 were significantly associated with higher CIR (OR, 6.25; 95% CI, [1.947-20.055], p = 0.002 and OR, 4.74; 95% CI, [1.197-18.791], p = 0.03, respectively). Peripheral stem cell source was significantly associated with higher NRM (OR, 6.55; 95% CI, [1.488-28.820], p = 0.01).
Conclusion: High-risk Ph-negative ALL patients with MRD ≥ 10-3 prior AHSCT had lower OS compared to MRD- patients and may benefit from TBI as a conditioning regimen before AHSCT
Cognitive behavioral therapy treatment for drug addiction
No full textDrug addiction remains a major health concern following its devastating consequences to the users and the economy. Current statistics show a rising trend in substance abuse around the globe with approximately 284 million people engaging in drug abuse. Various approaches are used to treat the victims of drug abuse. Cognitive behavior therapy, a form of nonpharmacological intervention, has also been shown to be an effective treatment option for drug addiction. The use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has grown since the 1970s to become one of the most important models of psychotherapy in this decade. Various empirical studies have shown the efficacy of CBT in well-controlled trials. A total of 19 randomized trials (cases) (with over 1400 patients treated) were selected and studied. In the various cases, results showed that patients were treated for drug and substance abuse disorders with the majority being those who abused cannabis, cocaine, alcohol and other opioids. In most cases, the CBT techniques that were used for drug addiction included cognitive restructuring, relapse prevention and contingency management. Components of CBT for drug addiction include skills and training, amplification of non-substance-related activities, approaches for managing urges, drug rejection and improvement of social aptitudes. Cognitive restructuring focuses on the identification of misconceptions and influencing the way people think about themselves by eliminating distorted thinking. Relapse prevention focuses on the identification and prevention of high-risk situations that may trigger the patient to engage in drug abuse. Contingency management reinforces positive behaviors and reduces negative behaviors through the use of rewards and incentives
Forensic Comparison of Textile Fibre for Identification using X-ray Diffraction Technique
No full textThis study delves into the forensic examination of textile fibers for identification through the application of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. With the textile industry producing an array of materials, both natural and man-made fibers, the need to distinguish between them for forensic purposes becomes paramount. The primary objective of this research is to identify unique characteristics in fiber samples, differentiating between branded and non-branded company textiles. The focus is placed on fresh, unused cloth fibers obtained directly from shops. The study encompasses two broad categories of fibers: natural (such as cotton, silk, and wool) and man-made (including nylon, rayon, and polyester). Samples from both branded and non-branded textiles undergo analysis using XRD, a sophisticated method capable of revealing the crystallographic structure of materials. Results obtained from the XRD analysis unveil intensity peaks at various levels and degrees, providing distinctive patterns for individualization. Even within the same fiber category, such as polyester and cotton, discernible differences in intensity peaks facilitate the identification process. This research contributes to the advancement of forensic techniques by offering a reliable means of identifying textile fibers. The utilization of XRD not only allows for the differentiation between natural and man-made fibers but also enables discrimination among textiles produced by different companies. The implications of this study extend to forensic investigations, where the ability to precisely identify fibers can provide valuable evidence in criminal cases involving textiles
Studies on the Influence of Charge Inducer and it’s Combination with P-gp Inhibitor to Improve the Oral Bioavailability of Nimodipine via Submicron Lipid Emulsions
No full textBackground: Nimodipine (NM), is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker with poor oral bioavailability (BA) of about 13% due to first-pass metabolism and P-gp efflux. Objective: The present work aimed to study the influence of the charge inducer and its combination with P-gp inhibitor to improve the oral bioavailability of NM by developing a suitable delivery system of Submicron Lipid Emulsion (SME). Methods: Five SME formulations of NM were prepared by homogenization followed by ultrasonication. Prepared SMEs were characterized for particle size, PDI, Zeta Potential (ZP), Entrapment Efficiency (EE), and drug content. In vitro, release studies were performed in 0.1N HCl and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer by open tube method. The physical stability of all NM–SMEs was tested by the individual effects of centrifugation, dilution (desorption stress), and storage. Bioavailability studies were conducted on male Wistar rats after oral administration of NM suspension and F1 to F5 SME formulations. Results and conclusion: Five NM- SMEs were developed with a mean size ranging from 93 - 137 nm, Zeta potential of – 26 ± 1 mV (negatively charged), +45.8 to +46.3 mV (positively charged), and PDI of 0.15 - 0.25. The in vitro release studies showed that relatively more cumulative percentage release of NM – SMEs in 0.1N HCl than in pH phosphate buffer during 24 hours. The physical stability of NM–SMEs indicated that they were stable to the effects of centrifugation, dilution, and storage. Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies showed that the oral bioavailability of NM in F4 SME was significantly higher than that of all other formulations. Taken together, the results indicated the development of a stable lipid-based carrier, F4 SME to improve the oral bioavailability of this drug by minimizing first-pass metabolism due to lymphatic transport, reducing the efflux by P-gp inhibition, and further, by increased uptake of the positively charged F4 SME globules by enterocytes. Future: The research study findings increase the possibility of developing NM F4 SME by the pharmaceutical industry for the patient’s benefit
Characteristics of Juvenile Sex Offenders in Poland
No full textAccording to statistical data in Poland, sexual acts of minors account for about 3% of all criminal acts committed by minors and nearly 20% of all acts from the catalogue of crimes against sexual freedom and morality. The main objective of the study was to attempt to develop and present characteristics of minors who commit rape with particular cruelty. Taking into account the way the perpetrators act, the motivational background, and the circumstances of the crime. In particular, attention was paid to specific individual and family characteristics. Because it is not clear whether juvenile sex offenders are different from non-sex offenders. The aim of this article is an attempt to capture individual, family, and environmental differences. The study was also intended to provide information about who the victims are. The study was conducted on the basis of empirical material from court cases in which the basis of liability was Article 197§4 of the Penal Code, and the perpetrators or accomplices of the acts were minors who at the time of the act were over 15 years of age but under 17 years of age. The research material consisted of court case files that had been finally completed, including forensic psychological opinions prepared by court experts. Cases from 2015-2020 were analysed. The obtained results allowed us to capture some specific features of families in which minors were brought up and the characteristics of juvenile sex offenders themselves. This article raises the difficult issue of juvenile responsibility for sexual crimes and indicates areas in which it is necessary to regulate interactions and areas of possible preventive impacts