Chemical spray pyrolysis of β-In2S3 thin films deposited at different temperatures

In2S3 thin films were deposited onto indium tin oxide-coated glass substrates by chemical spray pyrolysis while keeping the substrates at different temperatures. The structures of the sprayed In2S3 thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XFD). The quality of the thin films was determined by Raman spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy were used to explore the surface morphology and topography of the thin films, respectively. The optical band gap was determined based on optical transmission measurements. The indium sulfide phase exhibited a preferential orientation in the (0, 0, 12) crystallographic direction according to the XRD analysis. The phonon vibration modes determined by Raman spectroscopy also confirmed the presence of the In2S3 phase in our samples. According to SEM, the surface morphologies of the films were free of defects. The optical band gap energy varied from 2.82 eV to 2.95 eV.This research was supported by the Generalitat Valenciana through the grant PROMETEUS 2009/2013 and the European Commission through the Nano CIS project (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IRSES ref. 269279).Sall, T.; Marí Soucase, B.; Mollar García, MA.; Hartitti, B.; Fahoume, M. (2015). Chemical spray pyrolysis of β-In2S3 thin films deposited at different temperatures. Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids. 76:100-104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpcs.2014.08.007S1001047

Report from the Hand Osteoarthritis Working Group at OMERACT 2018: Update on Core Instrument Set Development

Objective: To evaluate hand osteoarthritis tools for core instrument set development. Methods: For OMERACT 2018, a systematic literature review and advances in instrument validation were presented. Results: Visual analog and numerical rating scales were considered valuable for pain and patient’s global assessment, despite heterogeneous phrasing and missing psychometric evidence for some aspects. The Modified Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain scale was lacking evidence. The Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire had advantages above other pain/function questionnaires. The Hand Mobility in Scleroderma scale was valid, although responsiveness was questioned. Potential joint activity instruments were evaluated. Conclusion: The development of the core instrument set is progressing, and a research agenda was also developed

International, multidisciplinary Delphi consensus recommendations on non-pharmacological interventions for fibromyalgia

Funding Information: The Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Education for the PhD studentship. Publisher Copyright: © 2022 The Author(s)Objectives: To develop evidence-based expert recommendations for non-pharmacological treatments for pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and depression in fibromyalgia. Methods: An international, multidisciplinary Delphi exercise was conducted. Authors of EULAR and the Canadian Fibromyalgia Guidelines Group, members of the American Pain Society and clinicians with expertise in fibromyalgia were invited. Participants were asked to select non-pharmacological interventions that could be offered for specific fibromyalgia symptoms and to classify them as either core or adjunctive treatments. An evidence summary was provided to aid the decision making. Items receiving >70% votes were accepted, those receiving <30% votes were rejected and those obtaining 30-70% votes were recirculated for up to two additional rounds. Results: Seventeen experts participated (Europe (n = 10), North America (n = 6), and Israel (n = 1)) in the Delphi exercise and completed all three rounds. Aerobic exercise, education, sleep hygiene and cognitive behavioural therapy were recommended as core treatments for all symptoms. Mind-body exercises were recommended as core interventions for pain, fatigue and sleep problems. Mindfulness was voted core treatment for depression, and adjunctive treatment for other symptoms. Other interventions, namely music, relaxation, hot bath, and local heat were voted as adjunctive treatments, varying between symptoms. Conclusions: This study provided evidence-based expert consensus recommendations on non-pharmacological treatments for fibromyalgia that may be used to individualise treatments in clinical practice targeting the diverse symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.publishersversionepub_ahead_of_prin

Identifying key elements of non-pharmacological treatment package for fibromyalgia: Evidence synthesis and Delphi exercise

Background Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common condition that manifests with chronic widespread pain, fatigue, non-restorative sleep and cognitive dysfunction. FM impacts directly on health and quality of life (QoL) and is associated with a large economic burden on health care systems. Its diagnosis and management are often challenging due to heterogeneous manifestations. Non-pharmacological interventions are recommended as first-line treatment for FM. However, there are no evidence-based recommendations for which intervention(s) to offer patients with different manifestations of FM, and, which of these should be offered as core and adjunctive treatments within a package of care. Objectives: The overall purpose of the research project was to identify key elements of a non-pharmacological treatment package for FM. The study had the following objectives: 1. To estimate the efficacy of non-pharmacologic treatments for FM using a systematic review with conventional meta-analysis (CMA) approach. 2. To estimate the relative efficacy of non-pharmacologic interventions for FM using a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) approach. 3. To select the most efficacious interventions for different outcomes of FM using a Delphi exercise (consensus building) approach. Methods Two meta-analytical techniques, CMA and NMA, were conducted in the first stage of the project. Following this, a Delphi exercise was undertaken. CMA and NMA: MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science were systematically searched from their dates of inception until September 2018. In addition, the first 100 articles on Google Scholar were included. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any non-pharmacological intervention versus another non-pharmacological intervention, usual care, no treatment, waiting list or placebo/sham treatments in patients with FM aged >16 were included without language restriction. The composite score of the FM Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was the primary outcome of interest. Pain, fatigue, sleep and depression were assessed as secondary outcomes. Usual care/placebo controlled RCTs were pooled in random-effects conventional meta-analyses (CMA) and standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) compared the treatments using usual care as a common comparator. SMDs and 95% credible intervals (CrIs) were estimated between interventions. Direct and indirect evidence were pooled using the random effect model. Modified Cochrane‘s tool was used to assess risk of bias. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plot and Egger’s test. Delphi exercise: A three-stage Delphi exercise was designed and potential panel members were selected from experts in FM identified from the author list of international FM guidelines (EULAR, Canadian guidelines) and local clinician advice. In the first round Delphi survey, participants were asked to confirm their professional details, select interventions that they thought should be offered to people with FM, and to rate these interventions as core or adjunctive treatment for the four key symptoms of FM (pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance and depression). They were provided a summary of current research evidence from CMA to support their decision-making. Surveys for the second and third rounds were prepared based on the items which did not achieve the consensus threshold of 70%. Results 16,251 studies were identified and 187 RCTs (n=13,454 participants) met all inclusion criteria for the systematic review. In total, 21 non-pharmacological interventions were evaluated. CMA: 148 RCTs (n=9,598) were included in the CMA. Exercise was the only intervention associated with significant improvements for all five outcomes [FIQ (SMD=-0.67; 95% CI -0.89, -0.45), pain (-0.84; 95% CI -1.13, -0.55), fatigue (-0.88; 95% CI -1.39, -0.37), sleep (-0.55; 95% CI -1.04, -0.06) and depression (-0.55; 95% CI -0.82, -0.28)]. Psychological treatments including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness were significantly more efficacious than usual care for FIQ, pain and depression but showed no improvement for fatigue and sleep. All exercise types were effective at relieving pain. Mind body and strengthening exercises were effective at improving fatigue, while aerobic and strengthening exercises were effective at improving sleep. All exercise types except for aerobic exercise improved depression. NMA: 78 studies (n = 5,639 participants) met the inclusion criteria. While multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) was the best for improving pain [-1.28 (-1.84, -0.72)], sleep [-1.14 (-2.38, 0.07)] and depression [-1.20 (-1.99, -0.46)], balneotherapy and exercise were the most effective treatments for overall FIQ [-1.06 (-1.52, -0.62)] and fatigue [-0.75 (-1.35, -0.25)] respectively. Data from 47 exercise trials (n = 3,271 participants) were also analysed to examine the relative efficacy of different exercise types. Of the different types of exercise, strengthening showed the greatest benefits for FIQ [-0.76 (-1.39, -0.15)], pain [-0.94 (-1.58, -0.29)] and depression [-0.83 (-1.53, -0.14)], whereas aerobic exercise was the best for fatigue [-0.98 (-2.33, 0.18)] and sleep disorders [-0.96 (-2.08, 0.13)]. Delphi exercise: Of 48 invitees, 17 agreed to participate. These included seven rheumatologists, two physiotherapists, one psychologist, one nurse and six people from other professional backgrounds, specifically physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, immunology and public health. Response and completion rates for the 17 participants were 100%. Aerobic exercise, education, sleep hygiene, CBT, mindfulness, mind-body exercise and stress management were recommended for all four outcomes. Also, all these interventions except for mindfulness were voted as core in the management of FM. Conclusions Several non-pharmacological interventions are beneficial for FM. Some interventions appear particularly efficacious for certain FM manifestations. The results of this study should be used to guide the selection of the most beneficial interventions according to the predominant symptom(s) of the individual patient. Further research is required to evaluate if such a strategy better improves outcomes in FM patients. Registration The protocol for the systematic review of non-pharmacological interventions for FM has been registered with the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO), registration number CRD42017074982

Identifying key elements of non-pharmacological treatment package for fibromyalgia: Evidence synthesis and Delphi exercise

Background Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common condition that manifests with chronic widespread pain, fatigue, non-restorative sleep and cognitive dysfunction. FM impacts directly on health and quality of life (QoL) and is associated with a large economic burden on health care systems. Its diagnosis and management are often challenging due to heterogeneous manifestations. Non-pharmacological interventions are recommended as first-line treatment for FM. However, there are no evidence-based recommendations for which intervention(s) to offer patients with different manifestations of FM, and, which of these should be offered as core and adjunctive treatments within a package of care. Objectives: The overall purpose of the research project was to identify key elements of a non-pharmacological treatment package for FM. The study had the following objectives: 1. To estimate the efficacy of non-pharmacologic treatments for FM using a systematic review with conventional meta-analysis (CMA) approach. 2. To estimate the relative efficacy of non-pharmacologic interventions for FM using a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) approach. 3. To select the most efficacious interventions for different outcomes of FM using a Delphi exercise (consensus building) approach. Methods Two meta-analytical techniques, CMA and NMA, were conducted in the first stage of the project. Following this, a Delphi exercise was undertaken. CMA and NMA: MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science were systematically searched from their dates of inception until September 2018. In addition, the first 100 articles on Google Scholar were included. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any non-pharmacological intervention versus another non-pharmacological intervention, usual care, no treatment, waiting list or placebo/sham treatments in patients with FM aged >16 were included without language restriction. The composite score of the FM Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was the primary outcome of interest. Pain, fatigue, sleep and depression were assessed as secondary outcomes. Usual care/placebo controlled RCTs were pooled in random-effects conventional meta-analyses (CMA) and standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) compared the treatments using usual care as a common comparator. SMDs and 95% credible intervals (CrIs) were estimated between interventions. Direct and indirect evidence were pooled using the random effect model. Modified Cochrane‘s tool was used to assess risk of bias. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plot and Egger’s test. Delphi exercise: A three-stage Delphi exercise was designed and potential panel members were selected from experts in FM identified from the author list of international FM guidelines (EULAR, Canadian guidelines) and local clinician advice. In the first round Delphi survey, participants were asked to confirm their professional details, select interventions that they thought should be offered to people with FM, and to rate these interventions as core or adjunctive treatment for the four key symptoms of FM (pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance and depression). They were provided a summary of current research evidence from CMA to support their decision-making. Surveys for the second and third rounds were prepared based on the items which did not achieve the consensus threshold of 70%. Results 16,251 studies were identified and 187 RCTs (n=13,454 participants) met all inclusion criteria for the systematic review. In total, 21 non-pharmacological interventions were evaluated. CMA: 148 RCTs (n=9,598) were included in the CMA. Exercise was the only intervention associated with significant improvements for all five outcomes [FIQ (SMD=-0.67; 95% CI -0.89, -0.45), pain (-0.84; 95% CI -1.13, -0.55), fatigue (-0.88; 95% CI -1.39, -0.37), sleep (-0.55; 95% CI -1.04, -0.06) and depression (-0.55; 95% CI -0.82, -0.28)]. Psychological treatments including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness were significantly more efficacious than usual care for FIQ, pain and depression but showed no improvement for fatigue and sleep. All exercise types were effective at relieving pain. Mind body and strengthening exercises were effective at improving fatigue, while aerobic and strengthening exercises were effective at improving sleep. All exercise types except for aerobic exercise improved depression. NMA: 78 studies (n = 5,639 participants) met the inclusion criteria. While multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) was the best for improving pain [-1.28 (-1.84, -0.72)], sleep [-1.14 (-2.38, 0.07)] and depression [-1.20 (-1.99, -0.46)], balneotherapy and exercise were the most effective treatments for overall FIQ [-1.06 (-1.52, -0.62)] and fatigue [-0.75 (-1.35, -0.25)] respectively. Data from 47 exercise trials (n = 3,271 participants) were also analysed to examine the relative efficacy of different exercise types. Of the different types of exercise, strengthening showed the greatest benefits for FIQ [-0.76 (-1.39, -0.15)], pain [-0.94 (-1.58, -0.29)] and depression [-0.83 (-1.53, -0.14)], whereas aerobic exercise was the best for fatigue [-0.98 (-2.33, 0.18)] and sleep disorders [-0.96 (-2.08, 0.13)]. Delphi exercise: Of 48 invitees, 17 agreed to participate. These included seven rheumatologists, two physiotherapists, one psychologist, one nurse and six people from other professional backgrounds, specifically physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, immunology and public health. Response and completion rates for the 17 participants were 100%. Aerobic exercise, education, sleep hygiene, CBT, mindfulness, mind-body exercise and stress management were recommended for all four outcomes. Also, all these interventions except for mindfulness were voted as core in the management of FM. Conclusions Several non-pharmacological interventions are beneficial for FM. Some interventions appear particularly efficacious for certain FM manifestations. The results of this study should be used to guide the selection of the most beneficial interventions according to the predominant symptom(s) of the individual patient. Further research is required to evaluate if such a strategy better improves outcomes in FM patients. Registration The protocol for the systematic review of non-pharmacological interventions for FM has been registered with the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO), registration number CRD42017074982

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD PROPERTIES

Lactobacillus plantarum, Micrococcus aurantiacus, and Pediococcus pentosaceus in different combinations and amounts were used for the production of fermented soudjouck. The effects of starter cultures on total aerobic bacteria, and selected chemical properties of samples were determined. Additionally, the effects of starter culture and packaging on the sensory characteristics of final product were studied. It was found that nitrite and sugar content of samples decreased during ripening, while protein and fat content relatively increased with drying. Mesophilic aerobic bacteria counts increased in the first days of ripening and then decreased, similar trend was also observed for the counts of all three starter cultures. Sensory results showed that reducing amount of starter culture negatively affected and incorporation of glucano delta lactone (GDL) into formula along with starter culture had an adverse effect on the sensory properties. It was demonstrated that vacuum packaging improved the sensory properties; therefore, it should be preferred over normal packaging