Stability of a functional equation deriving from cubic and quartic functions

In this paper, we obtain the general solution and the generalized Ulam-Hyers stability of the cubic and quartic functional equation &4(f(3x+y)+f(3x-y))=-12(f(x+y)+f(x-y)) &+12(f(2x+y)+f(2x-y))-8f(y)-192f(x)+f(2y)+30f(2x)

Generalized relation between the relative entropy and dissipation for nonequilibrium systems

Recently, Kawai, Parrondo, and Van den Broeck have related dissipation to time-reversal asymmetry. We generalized the result by considering a protocol where the physical system is driven away from an initial thermal equilibrium state with temperature $\beta_0$ to a final thermal equilibrium state at a different temperature. We illustrate the result using a model with an exact solution, i.e., a particle in a moving one-dimensional harmonic well.Comment: 4 page

Detection of hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA in the plasma of Iranian HBeAg-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B

Background: Covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a marker of HBV replication in the liver of patients infected with HBV. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between the presence of cccDNA in the plasma samples of Iranian treatment-naive patients with chronic hepatitis B infection and HBV viral load and HBsAg levels. Patients and Methods: From April 2012 to May 2015, 106 treatment-naive patients with chronic hepatitis B infection were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The HBsAg titer was measured by the Roche HBsAg II assay on the Cobas e411 system, and HBV DNA quantitation was performed using the COBAS TaqMan 48 kit. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed for the detection of HBV cccDNA. Results: The mean (SD) age of the patients was 41.1 ± 12.4 years (range, 20 - 62 years). From a total of 106 study participants, 67 (63.2) were males. The HBV cccDNA was detected in plasma specimens in 19 (17.9) out of the total 106 patients, and a significant relationship was found between the presence of cccDNA in plasma sample of males (23.9) and females (7.7) (P = 0.039). Also, a significant correlation was found between the presence of cccDNA in plasma sample of the patients and HBV viral load level (P < 0.0001) and HBsAg titer (P = 0.0043). Conclusions: This study showed that cccDNA can be detected in the plasma specimen of 17.9 of Iranian treatment-naive patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. Therefore, designing prospective studies focusing on the detection of cccDNA in these patients would provide more information. © 2015, Kowsar Corp

In vivo killing of Staphylococcus aureus using a light-activated antimicrobial agent

Background: The widespread problem of antibiotic resistance in pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus has prompted the search for new antimicrobial approaches. In this study we report for the first time the use of a light-activated antimicrobial agent, methylene blue, to kill an epidemic methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (EMRSA-16) strain in two mouse wound models.Results: Following irradiation of wounds with 360 J/cm(2) of laser light (670 nm) in the presence of 100 mu g/ml of methylene blue, a 25-fold reduction in the number of viable EMRSA was seen. This was independent of the increase in temperature of the wounds associated with the treatment. Histological examination of the wounds revealed no difference between the photodynamic therapy (PDT)-treated wounds and the untreated wounds, all of which showed the same degree of inflammatory infiltration at 24 hours.Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that PDT is effective at reducing the total number of viable EMRSA in a wound. This approach has promise as a means of treating wound infections caused by antibiotic-resistant microbes as well as for the elimination of such organisms from carriage sites

Implementation science in adolescent healthcare research: an integrative review.

BACKGROUND: Multiple theories, models and frameworks have been developed to assist implementation of evidence-based practice. However, to date there has been no review of implementation literature specific to adolescent healthcare. This integrative review therefore aimed to determine what implementation science theories, models and frameworks have been applied, what elements of these frameworks have been identified as influential in promoting the implementation and sustainability of service intervention, and to what extent, in what capacity and at what time points has the contribution of adolescent consumer perspectives on evidence implementation been considered.  METHODS: An integrative design was used and reported based on a modified form of the PRISMA (2020) checklist. Seven databases were searched for English language primary research which included any implementation science theory, model or framework developed for/with adolescents or applied in relation to adolescent healthcare services within the past 10 years. Content and thematic analysis were applied with the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) used to frame analysis of the barriers and facilitators to effective implementation of evidence-informed interventions within youth health settings. RESULTS: From 8717 citations, 13 papers reporting 12 studies were retained. Nine different implementation science theories, frameworks or approaches were applied; six of 12 studies used the CFIR, solely or with other models. All CFIR domains were represented as facilitators and barriers for implementation in included studies. However, there was little or no inclusion of adolescents in the development or review of these initiatives. Only three mentioned youth input, occurring in the pre-implementation or implementation stages. CONCLUSIONS: The few studies found for this review highlight the internationally under-developed nature of this topic. Flagging the importance of the unique characteristics of this particular age group, and of the interventions and strategies to target it, the minimal input of adolescent consumers is cause for concern. Further research is clearly needed and must ensure that youth consumers are engaged from the start and consistently throughout; that their voice is prioritised and not tokenistic; that their contribution is taken seriously. Only then will age-appropriate evidence implementation enable innovations in youth health services to achieve the evidence-based outcomes they offer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020201142 https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=201142

The impact of nurse short message services and telephone follow-ups on diabetic adherence: Which one is more effective?

Aim. To compare the effectiveness of two methods of follow-up: short message service and telephone follow-up on type 2 diabetes adherence for threemonths. Background. Using telemedicine approaches may preserve appropriate blood glucose levels and may improve adherence to diabetes control recommendations in diabetic patients. Design. A quasi-experimental, two-group, pretest and post-test design was used in this study to evaluate the effectiveness of nurse's follow-up via cellular phones and telephones. Methods. The sample consisted of 77 patients with type 2 diabetes that randomly were assigned to two groups: telephone follow-up (n=39) and short message service (n=38). Telephone interventions were applied by a researcher for threemonths; twice a week for the first month and every week for the second and third month. For three successive months, the short message service group that received messages about adherence to therapeutic regimen was examined. The data gathering instrument included data sheets - to record glycosylated haemoglobin - and the questionnaire related to adherence therapeutic regimen. Data gathering was carried out at the beginning of the study and after three and sixmonths. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistic methods with SPSS version 11.5. Results. Results showed that both interventions had significant mean changes in glycosylated haemoglobin. For the telephone group (p<0·001), a mean change of -0·93 and for the short message service group (p<0·001), a mean change of -1·01. There was no significant difference in diet adherence (p=0·000), physical exercise (p=0·000) and medication taking (p=0·000) adherence in either groups. Conclusion. Intervention using short message services of cellular phones and nurse-led-telephone follow-up improved HbA1c levels and adherence to diabetes therapeutic regimen for threemonths in type 2 diabetic patients. Relevance to clinical practice. Both of follow-up intervention uses in this study can decrease HbA1c levels and escalate adherence to diabetes control recommendations in people with type 2 diabetes for three months. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd

The impact of nurse short message services and telephone follow-ups on diabetic adherence: Which one is more effective?

Aim. To compare the effectiveness of two methods of follow-up: short message service and telephone follow-up on type 2 diabetes adherence for threemonths. Background. Using telemedicine approaches may preserve appropriate blood glucose levels and may improve adherence to diabetes control recommendations in diabetic patients. Design. A quasi-experimental, two-group, pretest and post-test design was used in this study to evaluate the effectiveness of nurse's follow-up via cellular phones and telephones. Methods. The sample consisted of 77 patients with type 2 diabetes that randomly were assigned to two groups: telephone follow-up (n=39) and short message service (n=38). Telephone interventions were applied by a researcher for threemonths; twice a week for the first month and every week for the second and third month. For three successive months, the short message service group that received messages about adherence to therapeutic regimen was examined. The data gathering instrument included data sheets - to record glycosylated haemoglobin - and the questionnaire related to adherence therapeutic regimen. Data gathering was carried out at the beginning of the study and after three and sixmonths. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistic methods with SPSS version 11.5. Results. Results showed that both interventions had significant mean changes in glycosylated haemoglobin. For the telephone group (p<0·001), a mean change of -0·93 and for the short message service group (p<0·001), a mean change of -1·01. There was no significant difference in diet adherence (p=0·000), physical exercise (p=0·000) and medication taking (p=0·000) adherence in either groups. Conclusion. Intervention using short message services of cellular phones and nurse-led-telephone follow-up improved HbA1c levels and adherence to diabetes therapeutic regimen for threemonths in type 2 diabetic patients. Relevance to clinical practice. Both of follow-up intervention uses in this study can decrease HbA1c levels and escalate adherence to diabetes control recommendations in people with type 2 diabetes for three months. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd