bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of antithrombotic agent use with clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with troponin I elevation in the absence of acute coronary syndrome (Figure 1) v1
Authors: Tsai Chuan-Tsai , Lu Ya-Wen , Chou Ruey-Hsing , Tsai Yi-Lin , Kuo Ming-Ren , Guo Jiun-Yu , Lu Chi-Ting , Kuo Chin-Sung , Huang Po-Hsun
Published: April 2020

Introduction: To evaluate efficacy of antithrombotic agents in critically ill patients with elevated troponin I level during intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Methods and results: It was a retrospective observational study which was conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital in Taipei, Taiwan. All patients hospitalized in ICU for >3 days and with available serum troponin I data from December 2015 to July 2017 were included. Patients with definite diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were excluded. We divided patients with troponin I elevation into three groups; no prescription, chronic prescription and new prescription of antithrombotic agents during ICU admission. We defined new prescription when patients were on antithrombotic agents, including antiplatelet agents, direct oral anticoagulants, and warfarin after troponin I was found to be elevated at ICU admission and chronic prescription, if antithrombotic agents were on medication list more than 30 days before ICU admission. Primary outcomes were 30-day and one-year all-cause mortality. Of 597 subjects who met inclusion criteria, 407 (68%) patients had elevated troponin I (>0.1 ng/mL) on ICU admission. These patients had increased 30-day [hazard ratio (HR), 1.679; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.132–2.491; p = 0.009] and one-year (HR, 1.568; 95% CI, 1.180–2.083; p = 0.002) all-cause mortality compared with those without elevated troponin I. In patients with elevated troponin I, there was no significant difference of 30-day all-cause mortality among three groups (p = 0.051) whereas patients on chronic prescription showed significant survival benefit in one-year all-cause mortality when compared to those without or with new prescription (p= 0.008). Conclusions: In critically ill patients, elevated troponin I in the absence of AMI was associated with poor prognosis. Newly prescribed antithrombotic agents in ICU didn’t reveal the difference in short and long-term prognosis while chronic antithrombotic agent use was associated with better one-year survival rate, suggesting that these drugs play a protective role in this high-risk population.
Qant-iT™ PicoGreen® dsDNA Quantification v1
Authors: Angel Roey , Petrova Eva , Lara-Rodriguez Ana
Published: April 2020

The following protocol is intended for the quantification of double-stranded DNA using Quant-iT™PicoGreen® dsDNA Assay Kit (ThermoFisher). This protocol is a simplified and condensed version of the full protocol from the manufacturer. The procedure described here is for 96 reactions. If samples are run in duplicates, then this should allow quantifying 40 samples.
Implementation of Good Governance Business Sharia (GGBS) and Its Implications for Sharia Conformity and Profitability (SCnP) Financial Performance in Sharia Commercial Banks in Indonesia
Authors: Apriani Nindi , Kusnendi Kusnendi , Firmansyah Firmansyah
Published: April 2020

Abstract.     Financial performance is an analysis carried out to see the extent to which a company carries out the rules of implementing finances properly and correctly. The measurement of the financial performance of Islamic banks mostly still uses conventional measurement indicators namely profitability. This is considered less relevant, because the measurement of the performance of Islamic banks should be measured based on the suitability of sharia. Sharia Conformity and Profitability is a tool that measures the integrity of a bank, but still does not ignore the conventional side because the purpose of Islamic banks is to seek profit. This study aims to analyze the influence of Good Governance Business Sharia on Sharia Conformity and Profitability of Islamic Commercial Banks in Indonesia. The population in this study used all Islamic Commercial Banks (BUS) in Indonesia. The sample used was eleven Sharia Commercial Banks in Indonesia in 2012-2016. The method in this study uses explanatory research methods. The data analysis technique used is panel data regression. The results showed that the level of implementation of Good Governance Business Sharia was good enough and tended to increase. The Sharia Conformity and Profitability level of Islamic Commercial Banks in Indonesia has a high level of performance which means that the average performance is above on average. The implementation of Good Governance Business Sharia (GGBS) has a positive effect on Sharia Conformity but has a negative effect on Profitability. The results have important implications for Islamic Commercial Banks and regulator regarding Good Governance Business Sharia that should be modified as it aligns with sharia conformity but does not have impact on profitability. Keywords.    Financial performance, Sharia Conformity and Profitability, Good Governance Business Sharia.
The Effect of Spiritual Motivation and Compensation on The Employee Performance of The Bank of Center Sharia Jabar Banten
Authors: Rahmawati Laili
Published: April 2020

Abstract.     Nowadays, the sharia banking industries in Indonesia have increased dramatically because there are many the companies of conventional banking that have redeveloped to be a the sharia banking. According to many, the industries of sharia banking require the systems that can spur them to be a large banking company not only in Indonesia but also in the world. Meanwhile, the sources  that they have both of human and natural resources respectively need the increasing to compete in this era. Moreover, to enhance the capacity of employees are indispensable work to create the greate employee and this is quite essential for the sharia banking companies. The aim of this study is to provide a describing regarding the impact of spiritual motivation and compensation on the employee performance. The methodology that be used in this research is a survey method with explanatory likewise the spiritual motivation and the compensation are independent variable meanwhile employee performance is dependent variable. In addition, the location of the survey is in the Bank of Center Sharia Jabar Banten. The result of the study has delivered that both of the spiritual motivation and the compensation have the significant positive impact to incline the employee performance of the Bank of Center Sharia Jabar Banten. Keywords.    Sharia Banking, Spiritual Motivation, Compensation and Employee Performance.
Implementation of Aqad Musyarakah Mutanaqisah (MMQ) Take Over Financing on KPR Products in Sharia Banks
Authors: Ashsiddiqqy Muhammad Rafi , Monoarfa Hilda , Cakhyaneu Aneu
Published: April 2020

Abstract.     House Ownership Financing (PKR) there are various types of contracts used, one of which is Musyarakah Mutanaqisah (MMQ). However, financing through the Mushanaqishah Mutanaqishah pattern (MMQ) has some common problem in the banking world faced. This study aims to see how the implementation of Musharaka Mutanaqishah (MMQ) contract. Take Over financing on KPR products is in accordance with Fatwa DSN MUI Number: 73 / DSN-MUI / XI / 2008 concerning Musyarakah Mutanaqisah (MMQ) .This study use descriptive quantitative method. The population in this study were mortgage customers totaling 31 people with census techniques. The instrument in this study used a questionnaire. The results showed the implementation of Musyarakah Mutanaqisah (MMQ)  agreement. Take Over financing for KPR products is in a good category, although there are several indicators in the sufficient category. Keywords.    Musharakah Mutanaqisah (MMQ), Take Over Financing, Shariah Home Financing.
Algorithms for Mediation Restorative Work of the Territorial Reconciliation Service in Difficult Cases
Authors: Belonogova Elena V. , Prokopyeva Natalya G.
Published: April 2020

The article presents the experience of the Territorial Reconciliation Service of the Kemerovo Region in the development and testing of algorithms for mediation resolution of complex school and family situations of minors based on the principles of the restorative approach. For restorative work with multi-level conflicts in the escalation stage in educational organizations, as well as difficult life situations of minors and their families, registered in the juvenile affairs departments, special social technologies have been developed that have a comprehensive design and include various restorative programmes (restorative mediation, community circle, school-parent council, family group conference, family mediation). An analysis of the results of pilot empirical testing of the technologies developed by the authors shows their effectiveness in relation to complex school and family conflict situations. If there is special training in restorative technologies and an organizational structure uniting trained restorative practitioners (Territorial Reconciliation Service), these algorithms can be applied by specialists in the social sphere, education system, juvenile delinquency prevention and neglect system
Root Locus of Algebraic Equations
Authors: Bykov Valeriy I. , Tsybenova Svetlana B.
Published: April 2020

The locus of real and complex roots of algebraic equations are constructed in this paper. Calculations of specific equations show that the location of their roots depends on the type of equation
Singular Quasilinear Elliptic Systems with (super-) Homogeneous Condition
Authors: Didi Hana , Khodja Brahim , Moussaoui Abdelkrim
Published: April 2020

In this paper we establish existence, nonexistence and regularity of positive solutions for a class of singular quasilinear elliptic systems subject to (super-) homogeneous condition. The approach is based on sub-supersolution methods for systems of quasilinear singular equations combined with perturbation arguments involving singular terms
The Cauchy Problem for Multidimensional Difference Equations in Lattice Cones
Authors: Lyapin Alexander P. , Chandragiri Sreelatha
Published: April 2020

We consider a variant of the Cauchy problem for a multidimensional difference equation with constant coefficients, which connected with a lattice path problem in enumerative combinatorial analysis. We obtained a formula in which generating function of the solution to the Cauchy problem is expressed in terms of generating functions of the Cauchy data and a formula expressing solution to the Cauchy problem through its fundamental solution and Cauchy data
Optimization of sprint interplanetary trajectories with nuclear bimodal thermal propulsion
Authors: Kharytonov O. M. , Savchenko S. R. , Miranda N.
Published: April 2020

Interplanetary missions require fast and fuel-efficient transfers. Combining small times transfers of high-thrust and efficiency of low-thrust propulsion can provide a good compromise. Saving an amount of fuel from the initial high-thrust burn and using it to correct the trajectory could lead to an economy of fuel. We investigated the optimal way to take advantages of both high and low-thrust propulsion benefits in order to maximize the payload mass of the mission. Using a simple model of ideal engine of limited power and the transporting trajectory method, we determined the analytical expression of final payload mass. The solution of the optimization problem gave us the optimal repartition of fuel between high and low-thrust maneuvers for a given thrust of thermal propulsion and electrical power of low-thrust propulsion system. As the mass of the low-thrust propulsion system depends on the electrical power, we took it into account to determine the optimal electrical power for a sprint trajectory in a given time. As a result, we could obtain the interval of transfer time for which the combination of high and low thrust becomes optimal.
Clinical and genetic characteristic of patients with Pitt–Hopkins syndrome
Authors: Kondakova Olga B. , Grebenkin Dmitry I. , Lyalina Anastasiya A. , Krustaleva Evgeniya V. , Kanivets Ilya V. , Batysheva Tatiana T.
Published: April 2020

Background. PittHopkins syndrome (PHS) is the rare inherited disease, caused by a microdeletion on chromosome 18q21 or heterozygous mutation TCF4 gene and characterized by severe mental retardation, abnormal breathing patterns: hyperventilation, apnea, and unusual facial features.

Material and method. We examined 9 children, included 4 boys and 5 girls at the age of 1 year 8 months to 12 years with PHS. All children have clinical symptoms characteristic of this syndrome. The diagnosis was confirmed by Array CGH (deletion of genomic material in chromosomal region 18q21) and new generation sequencing.

Results. Microdeletions chromosome 18 (18q21) were identified in 5 patients. The size of the microdeletions varied from 307 Kb to 11.62 Mb. A point mutation was detected in 4 children: two patients had a mutation in the splicing site, 1 missense and 1 nonsense-mutation. The clinical picture was analyzed in all children: psychomotor retardation, severe intellectual disability, poor speech, autistic behavior, hypotonia, and specific phenotype.

Conclusion. Comparative analysis of the clinical picture in patients with PHS, caused by a microdeletion on chromosome 18q21 and point mutation in the TCF4 gene showed that no significant clinical differences were found. The main clinical criteria for suspecting PHS are gross developmental delay, severe delayed psychomotor development, behavioral disorders, and episodes of hyperventilation with the subsequent apnea.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation in child neurology
Authors: Kurenkov Aleksey L. , Artemenko Ada R.
Published: April 2020

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation used for research and diagnostic purposes, as well as for the treatment of a number of diseases as one of the methods of neuromodulation. In pediatrics, TMS is most often used to assess the normal maturation of the corticospinal tract when stimulating the motor areas of the cortex of healthy children with a short single pulse magnetic stimulus, and recording motor evoked potentials from different muscles of the upper and lower extremities, as well as calculating the central motor conduction time. This technique is also used in pediatric neurology to determine conduction disturbances of the pulse along the corticospinal tract and to test neuroplasticity in damage to motor areas of the cerebral cortex and descending motor pathways in such diseases as cerebral palsy, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. Another aspect of TMS application is the evaluation of cortical inhibitory mechanisms with an assessment of the indices of the cortical silent period and the ipsilateral silent period, which often change with central nervous system lesions. With TMS it is also possible to map the cortical representation of a particular muscle, which is used to evaluate functional changes of the cerebral cortex in various neurological diseases. For an accurate implementation of the TMS mapping technique, complex navigation equipment must be currently used with focal TMS. The article describes in detail these and other diagnostic methods of TMS used in child neurology. The possibilities of the therapeutic use of repetitive TMS in childrens neurological diseases are considered in separate sections.
Bias in Homeopathy: Technical Note
Authors: Chirumbolo Salvatore
Published: April 2020

Homeopathy is fundamentally based on the assumption that a biological activity is borne by a chemical system made by a molecular solute within a solvent that is diluted and mechanically stressed an undefined number of times and then reaches a zero point where molecules disappear and the solvent is the only chemical species being left. With the exception of an author who recently stated “We have been working in this field for over 20 years [35], and are thus perfectly aware of the issues related to the “plausibility” of high-dilution pharmacology, particularly when using dilutions beyond Avogadro’s constant”, yet no evidence was reported to date about the real nature of homeopathic high dilutions.
Evaluation of Antibacterial Property of Cell-free Hemolymph and Hemocytes of Marine Gastropod, Rapana Rapiformis from Inshore Waters of Pondicherry, Southeast Coast of India
Authors: Amruthalakshmi S. A. , Yogamoorthi A.
Published: April 2020

The cell –free hemolymph and hemocytes isolated from body-fluid of marine gastropod Rapana rapiformis distributed in the shallow waters of Pondichery coast, were tested for their antibiotic potential against five common human bacterial pathogens viz. Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio cholera and E.Coli. The sensitivity test thro Disc diffusion assay revealed that cell–free hemolymph of Rapana rapiformis exhibited higher level of inhibition even at MIC of 2.5ul against Vibrio cholera when compared to reference drug. A peptide molecule in haemolymph that showed higher inhibitory activity with the molecular mass of 35kDa, has been found by Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. It could be of greater interest to isolate and characterize this protein which might be used commercially against existing antibiotic resistant strains such as MRSA in future.
Protective Effects of Ferulic Acid in Alcohol Withdrawal Induced Anxiety and Depression in Mice
Authors: Kotwal Suraj , Upaganlawar Aman B. , Mahajan Manoj , Upasani Chandrashekhar
Published: April 2020

Background: Anxiety and depression are the most important troubling symptoms of continuous alcoholism. Objective: The present study was designed to examine the protective effects of ferulic acid in alcohol withdrawal-induced anxiety and depression in experimental mice.

Methods: Male albino mice were divided into different groups. They were received 10% ethanol (2 g/kg; p.o.) twice on the first day and once on successive days for total six days, after 24 hrs. Withdrawal symptoms were observed using the different model for anxiety and depression such as elevated plus maze, open field test, hole board test, marble burying test and tail suspension test. Ferulic acid was tested as 10 and 20 mg/ kg, orally.

Results: Treatment with ferulic acid (10 and 20 mg/kg, p.o) showed significant reduction of alcohol withdrawal syndromes in different models. Taken together our result showed a protective effect in alcohol withdrawal anxiety and depression as tested in well-established animal models.

Conclusion: The present study showed that ferulic acid dose-dependently prevents alcohol withdrawal-induced anxiety and depression in mice.
Research on financial report fraud in listed manufacturing companies and its countermeasures
Authors: He Yilu
Published: April 2020

Financial fraud is the deliberate and planned fraud of report data. The problem of fraud in financial reporting among listed companies in the manufacturing industry is relatively significant and has not been effectively curbed. This problem has long persisted and has seriously affected investor trust. Therefore, it is of great significance to find a solution to the problem of financial fraud in listed manufacturing companies.
VIVÊNCIA FAMILIAR DO ATENDIMENTO DE EMERGÊNCIA
Authors: Barreto Mayckel Da Silva , Marcon Sonia Silva , Garcia-Vivar Cristina , Do Prado Eleandro , Da Costa Josane Rosenilda , Ferreira Patricia Chatalov , Seguraço Ricardo De Souza Campos
Published: April 2020

Objetivo: compreender como a família percebe a vivência do atendimento emergencial a um de seus membros. Método: estudo descritivo de natureza qualitativa, realizado em três municípios do Sul do Brasil. Os dados foram coletados em junho de 2015 por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, realizadas no domicílio de 16 indivíduos que acompanharam seus familiares em unidade emergencial. As entrevistas foram gravadas, transcritas e submetidas à Análise de Conteúdo, modalidade temática. Resultados: as famílias revelaram intenso sofrimento durante o atendimento emergencial de seu familiar. A rapidez e resolutividade no atendimento, a presença de comunicação efetiva e a possibilidade de acompanhar a assistência foram percebidas pelos familiares, quando presentes, como qualificadores do atendimento e, quando ausentes, como desqualificadores. Conclusão: a vivência familiar durante o atendimento emergencial foi caracterizada por intenso sofrimento, o qual é diretamente influenciado pelo modo como os profissionais de saúde acolhem e atendem o paciente e sua família.

Descritores: Família. Relações Profissional-família. Serviços Médicos de Emergência.
Pride in Teachers’ Everyday Work. Conditions and Contexts
Authors: Pawłowska Beata
Published: April 2020

The aim of this article is to elaborate on the reasons behind feeling the emotion of pride within the professional context of actions undertaken by contemporary Polish teachers. The article attempts to answer the question of what role pride plays in teachers’ career building process and their daily work. All considerations focus on the social construction of the meaning of pride, established from teachers’ perspectives. Pride is here referred to as social emotion, in line with an interpretivist approach. The following reflections are based on the data collected due to: 1) multiple observations conducted by the author in the years 2008-2016 in the primary, as well as junior high schools; 2) interviews with teachers, parents, and other school staff. Pride in teachers’ work arises in three main contexts: 1) pride due to prestige, 2) pride due to one’s recognition (appreciation), and 3) pride as a result of diverse interactions, for example, teacher-student. The emotion at hand is, like shame, of a social origin and plays a key role when it comes to interactions, social control, as well as maintaining social order. And yet, most of the researchers would give the lead to emotions such as shame, guilt, or related stigma. Based on the collected data, this article focuses on the emotion of pride in the process of identity building by employees—teachers.
Emotional Education Discourses: Between Developing Competences and Deepening Emotional (Co-)Understanding
Authors: Góralska Renata
Published: April 2020

The article addresses an issue important in educational sciences which is emotional education understood as an activity for human emotional development. It is important in the context of lifelong learning, that is, both for the functioning of children and young people at school and for the lifelong learning of adults. Emotional education plays a significant role in the development of pro-social attitudes, the functioning of individuals in the local community, and in the building of civil society. Owing to the fact that the objectives of education and the principles of their implementation in educational practice are based on different theoretical assumptions, two different approaches to emotional education were distinguished, that is, technological-instrumental and humanistic-critical. There are clear and significant differences between those two perspectives, and not only in the way they conceptualize and explain “emotional education.” The two singled out approaches have consequences for educational policy and pedagogical practice. The aim of the article is to characterize both of the theoretical perspectives at hand and to indicate their implications for pedagogical activities.
Assessment of Hypertension Self-Care Behaviors and Self-Efficacy Among Men in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bahari Ghareeb , Scafide Katherine , Weinstein Ali A. , Krall Jenna , Han Hae-Ra
Published: April 2020

Background and Purpose

Hypertension is rapidly increasing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), particularly among men. Assessment of hypertension self-care behaviors is a critical step to promoting blood pressure control. This study aimed to evaluate the Hypertension Self-Care Profile (HBP-SCP) among Saudi men in KSA.

Methods

The HBP-SCP self-efficacy and behavior scales were translated into Arabic and tested on a convenience sample of 160 Saudi men with hypertension. Cronbach's alpha and factor analysis were conducted using SPSS.

Results

Internal consistency of the Arabic HBP self-care and self-efficacy scales was 0.84 and 0.90, respectively. Factor loading ranged from 0.25 to 0.70 for HBP self-care behaviors and from 0.28 to 0.77 for HBP self-efficacy.

Conclusions

The Arabic HBP-SCP is acceptable in its reliability and validity for measuring HBP self-care behaviors and self-efficacy among Saudi men with hypertension.
Proyectos de vida, género y maternidad en el Perú
Authors: Buitrón Aranda Aymé
Published: April 2020

Este artículo tiene por objetivo mostrar la valoración de la sociedad respecto a la maternidad, sobre todo desde la perspectiva de las mujeres. Para cumplir este fin hemos hecho una revisión bibliográfica y también nos hemos basado en dos investigaciones que hicimos sobre el tema. Las variables que presentamos para explicar la valoración de la maternidad son las siguientes: aspectos sociales vinculados a la maternidad de la mujer en el campo peruano, los proyectos de vida de las mujeres, la búsqueda de afecto en función de la maternidad, la valoración que tienen ellas del trabajo fuera del hogar y de los estudios universitarios. Nuestro hallazgo ha sido encontrar que existe relación entre el proyecto de vida, los estudios universitarios y la valoración de la maternidad. Las madres adolescentes, por problemas en su autoestima y falta de proyectos alternativos de vida tienen una valoración extrema de la maternidad; en cambio, las jóvenes universitarias valoran la maternidad tanto como los varones con quienes estudian.
La constancia del movimiento. Olga Tokarczuc. Premio Nobel de Literatura 2018
Authors: Vivar Mendoza Aldo
Published: April 2020

La literatura centroeuropea  está llena de   sorpresas. Olga   Tokarczuk es una   de ellas. Casi desconocida para los lectores hispanoamericanos, posee una obra cautivante que combina narrativa y ensayo, realidad y magia, movimiento y constancia.
Application of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) as Sensors: A Review
Authors: Faudzi Ahmad Athif Mohd , Sabzehmeidani Yaser , Suzumori Koichi ,   Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, Kampung Datuk Keramat, Kuala Lumpur 54100, Malaysia,   School of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia,   School of Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology 2-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8552, Japan
Published: April 2020

This paper presents a review of the current applications of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) in the robotics and industrial applications. MEMS are widely used as actuators or sensors in numerous respects of our daily life as well as automation lines and industrial applications. Intersection of founding new polymers and composites such as silicon and micro manufacturing technologies performing micro-machining and micro-assembly brings about remarkable growth of application and efficacy of MEMS devices. MEMS indicated huge improvement in size reduction, higher reliability, multi-functionality, customized design, and power usage. Demonstration of various devices and technologies utilized in robotics and industrial applications are illustrated in this article along with the use and the role of silicon in the development of the sensors. Some future trends and its perspectives are also discussed.
High-Speed and Large-Amplitude Resonant Varifocal Mirror
Authors: Sasaki Takashi ,   Tohoku University 6-6-01 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan, Kamada Takuro , Hane Kazuhiro
Published: April 2020

We design, fabricate, and measure high-speed resonant varifocal mirrors for a reflective type focus scanning optical element. A circumference supported type mirror and a node supported type mirror with a 1 mm diameter driven by an electrostatic actuator are investigated. In the node supported type, a larger amplitude compared to that of the circumference supported type was obtained. The fabricated mirror could operate at approximately 450 kHz with axisymmetric deformation. The focal length was calculated to be ±28 mm at an applied total voltage amplitude of 150 V.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Schreening of New 4,5,6,7-Tatra Hydro Benzo Thiophene Derivatives
Authors: Ali Zainab
Published: April 2020

A group of derivatives for compounds 2-Amino-3-carboxy-4,5,6,7-tetra hydrobenz -othiophene bearing different heterocyclic moieties such as Schiff bases. B-Lactum, 4-thiazolidinone.1,3-oxazepan. The newly synthesized derivatives have been supported by spectral data FT-IR, H1-NMR. All the synthesized compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activities against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as reference.
Sellado de suelos, fragmentación y conectividad ecológica en la conurbación de Madrid (España)
Authors: García Alvarado José María , Pérez González María Eugenia , García Rodríguez María Pilar
Published: April 2020

La rápida expansión de la ocupación urbana en las últimas décadas está provocando un crecimiento de la impermeabilización del suelo no justificable por el valor del crecimiento de la población, con injustificables agresiones medioambientales. Por ello, se debería optar por una mayor integración de los espacios urbanos con su entorno naturalizado, generando menor huella ecológica, y el mayor valor de resiliencia frente a los fenómenos naturales catastróficos, que se incrementarán según se presentan en los diferentes escenarios de cambio climático. El objetivo del estudio es valorar la intensidad del sellado de suelo como medida de la fragmentación ecológica, y con la finalidad de aportar algunas medidas que pudieran mejorar la conectividad ecológica a diferentes escalas en Madrid (España). Se utiliza una metodología fácilmente actualizable y gratuita, mediante el libre acceso a las imágenes satelitales Sentinel y a diversas fuentes cartográficas. En 2018, la conurbación de Madrid ya consumió de media el 18,5 % del suelo, con grandes variaciones espaciales (13,33 % al N y 41,41 % al S), por lo que las propuestas de mitigación deberán ser también dispares.
Effects of blended versus offline case-centered learning on academic performance and critical thinking ability among undergraduate nursing students：a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yu Zhenzhen , Shen Ling , Zhuang Jiayuan , Chen Yimin , Chen Meijing , Lin Yazhu , Hu Rong
Published: April 2020

Background: Educational reform, especially methods of teaching, has been a focus among nursing educators. This study explored the impact of blended versus offline case-centered learning on academic performance of Medical Nursing and critical thinking ability among undergraduate nursing students.Methods: A cluster randomized controlled study design was used, with assessments immediately before and one school year after the intervention. All the second-year undergraduate nursing students in two class were enrolled in this study by cluster sampling. The two classes of Medical Nursing were randomly allocated to either the experimental class, which undertook blended case-centered learning, or the control class, which undertook offline case-centered learning. The primary outcomes were academic performance consisting of final exam and process assessment, as well as the critical thinking ability assessed with the Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory-Chinese Version (CTDI-CV). The Mann-Whitney U test and the unpaired t test was subsequently used. ANCOVA analyses were also performed to examine the two teaching methods’ effect on academic performance and critical thinking.Results: Students in the experimental class showed a significantly higher improvement in academic performance of Medical Nursing than the control class. In addition, compared with the control class, the pre-post difference in competency in critical thinking self-confidence in the experimental class was significantly greater (p=0.037). In the experimental class, there was significant improvement compared with baseline in dimension of critical thinking self-confidence (p=0.022). In the control class, there was significant improvement compared with baseline in the total score (p=0.029) and two of the seven dimensions: truth-seeking (p=0.016) and systematicity (p=0.005).Conclusions: Use of the blended case-centered learning showed the promising results in promoting students’ academic performance. Both the blended and offline case-centered learning in this study were a suitable educational approach to improve the critical thinking ability of undergraduate nursing students. In the future, blended and offline case-centered learning could be implemented in other nursing subjects. Moreover, further efforts to improve teaching are warranted.
Prevalence of Pseudoexfoliation among Adults and its Related Ophthalmic Variables in the Community of Kebena Woreda, Gurage Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: SHERIEF SADIK Taju , Kibru Ephrem , Shibeshe Menen Ayalew
Published: April 2020

Background: Clinical studies in the hospital settings using patients having ocular morbidities have shown a high prevalence of pseudoexfoliation (PXF) in Ethiopia. With this information in mind community based study was conducted to determine prevalence and socio demographic factors of pseudoexfoliation syndrome among adults in Southern Ethiopia.Methods: A community based Crosse sectional study was conducted among subjects aged 40 years or older. Subjects underwent standardized examination, including portable slit lamp biomicroscopy before and after pupillary dilatation, and IOP measurement using Tono-Pen. Pseudoexfoliation was diagnosed on slit lamp exam by the presence of white dandruff-like material on the pupillary margin and/or on the anterior lens capsule of one or both eyes. Results: Among 760 participants, the prevalence of Pseudoexfoliation(PXF) was 12.0% (95% confidence interval, 9.7%-14.3%). The mean age was 63.9 years (SD 9.96, age range 40-90 years). The prevalence increased with increasing age, with 26.9% of those 60 or older affected. Slightly higher proportion of males (12.4%) were found to have Pseudoexfoliation in either of the eyes than females (11.6%) which was not statistically significant (p=0.738). Mean IOP in subjects with PXF was found to be 20.65 + 5.15 mmHg, while it was 15.0 + 2.3mmHg for those without PXF. The difference between the two populations was found to be statistically significant (P<0.05).Conclusions: The prevalence of PXF in eyes of people in Southern Ethiopia appears greater than that reported in other places of Africa and Asia. PXF occurs at a relatively younger age in our population. Increasing age is associated with the presence of PXF, and PXF in turn is associated with high IOP.
WITHDRAWN: Why Did They Fail? A Case Study on Undergraduate First Year Medical Students
Authors: Holder Nurul Atira Khairul Anhar , Nazri Nik Nadia Nik , Foong Chan Choong , Pallath Vinod , Sim Joong Hiong , Hong Wei-Han , Vadivelu Jamuna
Published: April 2020

Background: Academic struggle is a concern for students, medical schools and the society. As academic struggle is not idiopathic and instantaneous, qualitative research could provide an in-depth understanding on why it occurs. This qualitative research aimed to explore the reasons for why Year 1 medical students failed in their studies.Methods: This study adopted a single, embedded case design. Six medical students repeating their Year 1 studies performed a written reflection describing their experiences and behaviours during Year 1. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted with each student and data was analysed by two researchers. Independent analysis was compared, and discrepancies were resolved through discussions between the researchers. Results: Each student narrative demonstrated difference in behaviours and experiences. Students engaged less in studies or had ineffective learning methods. Narratives indicated various reasons such as being overconfident or unmotivated to study for these behaviours. However, interpreting based on Theories of Action, the students’ failures could be explained by three types of invalid governing variables found in the data. Students may have performed their actions based on either inadequate knowledge, possessing misbeliefs or have no rationales at all. Invalid governing variables may have led to ineffective actions, and subsequently resulted in unintended consequences. Hence, all students failed the mid-year and/or end-year assessments. Conclusion: Struggling students lacked the valid governing variables in rationalising their actions. One suggestion based on the Theories of Action is the recommendation that students perform double loop learning to deeply assess and alter their governing variables.
Impacts of stigma and discrimination in the workplace on people living with psychosis
Authors: Hampson Margaret E , Watt Bruce D , Hicks Richard Edward
Published: April 2020

Background. Employment holds many benefits for people living with psychosis. However, significant barriers to employment for this cohort appear to exist, notably stigma and discrimination against people living with serious mental health conditions. We asked: Would a qualitative sample including multiple stakeholder groups reveal similar results and if so, what would be the main impacts of such stigma and discrimination? Method. This analysis used data from a qualitative study that had applied focus groups and interviews to investigate the employment barriers and support needs of people living with psychosis, including views of the multiple stakeholders (such as those living with mental health conditions, health professionals, and employers). Results: The analyses confirmed the most frequently referenced barriers to employment were stigma and discrimination. The main impacts of workplace stigma and discrimination on people living with psychosis involved five areas: work avoidance, reluctance to disclose mental health conditions to employers, work-related stress, and reduced longevity of employment. Conclusions. As in earlier studies, the main barriers to employment for those living with psychosis were stigma and discrimination, and significant impacts from such stigma and discrimination were found in this study. The findings indicate a need to provide support mechanisms and to change the culture of workplaces to improve employment opportunities and outcomes for people living with psychosis.
Influence of Time Under Mechanical Ventilation on Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Severity in Extremely Preterm Infants: A Pilot Study.
Authors: Escobar Victoria , Soares Darllyana , Kreling Jane , Ferrari Ligia , Felcar Josiane M. , Camillo Carlos A. M. , Probst Vanessa Suziane
Published: April 2020

Background: The relation between mechanical ventilation (MV) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) - a common disease in extremely premature newborn (PTNB) - is well stabilished, but is unknown, however, how much time under MV influences the severity of the disease. Aim: To define the duration under MV with greater chance to develop moderate to severe BPD in extremely PTNB and to compare clinical outcomes before and during hospitalization among patients with mild and moderate to severe BPD. Methods: 53 PTNB were separated into mild and moderate to severe BPD groups and their data were analyzed. Time under MV with a greater chance of developing moderate to severe BPD was estimated by the ROC curve. Perinatal and hospitalization outcomes were compared between groups. A logistic regression was performed to verify the influence of variables associated to moderate to severe BPD development, such as pulmonary hypertension (PH), gender, gestational age (GA) and weight at birth, as well the time under MV found with ROC curve. The result of ROC curve was validated using an independent sample (n=16) by Chi-square test. Results: Time under MV related to a greater chance of developing moderate to severe BPD was 36 days. Moderate to severe BPD group had more males (14 vs 5, p=0,047), longer time under MV (43 vs 19 days, p<0,001), more individuals with PH (12 vs 3, p=0,016), worse retinopathy of prematurity (grade 3, 2 vs 11, p=0,003), longer hospital length of stay (109 vs 81,5 days, p<0,001), greater PMA (41 vs 38 weeks, p<0,001) and weight (2620 vs 2031 grams, p<0,001) at discharge and the mild BPD group had more CPAP use prior to MV (12 vs 7, p=0,043). Among all variables included in logistic regression, only PH and MV<36 days were significant in the model, explaining 72% of variation in moderate to severe BPD development. In the validation sample, prevalence of preterm infants who needed MV for more than 36 days in the moderate to severe BPD group was 100% (n=6) and 0% in mild BPD group (p=0,0001). Conclusion: Time under MV related to moderate to severe BPD development is 36 days, and worst outcomes are related to disease severity. PH and time under MV for more than 36 days are related to development of moderate to severe BPD.
Chitosan-capped enzyme-responsive hollow mesoporous silica nanoplatforms for colon-specific drug delivery
Authors: Cai Defu , Han Cuiyan , Liu Chang , Ma Xiaoxing , Qian Jiayi , Zhou Jianwen , Li Yue , Sun Yiming , Zhang Changting , Zhu Wenquan
Published: April 2020

An enzyme-responsive colon-specific delivery system was developed based on hollow mesoporous silica spheres (HMSS) to which biodegradable chitosan (CS) was attached via cleavable azo bonds (HMSS-N=N-CS). Doxorubicin (DOX) was encapsulated in a noncrystalline state in the hollow cavity and mesopores of HMSS with the high loading amount of 35.2%. In vitro drug release proved that HMSS-N=N-CS/DOX performed enzyme-responsive drug release. The grafted CS could increase the biocompatibility and stability, and reduce the protein adsorption on HMSS. Gastrointestinal mucosa irritation and cell cytotoxicity results indicated the good biocompatibility of HMSS and HMSS-N=N-CS. Cellular uptake results indicated that the uptake of DOX was obviously increased after HMSS-N=N-CS/DOX was preincubated with a colonic enzyme mixture. HMSS-N=N-CS/DOX incubated with colon enzymes showed increased cytotoxicity, and its IC 50 value was three times lower than that of HMSS-N=N-CS/DOX group without colon enzymes. The present work lays the foundation for subsequent research on mesoporous carriers for oral colon-specific drug delivery.
Application of doctor-patient communication skills in clinical teaching of postgraduates of tumour radiotherapy
Authors: Liu Guohui , Liu Feng , Wang Chunbo , Lan Tian , E Mingyan
Published: April 2020

Background: To cultivate the doctor-patient communication ability of medical students as the core and explore the new model of clinical communication ability training and evaluation for graduate students majoring in tumour radiotherapy and its application value.Methods: From January 2018 to June 2019, 60 postgraduates who were interned in the Department of Tumour Radiotherapy in our hospital were selected as the subjects, who were randomly divided into the experimental group (30) and control group (30). The experimental group adopted the Case Based Learning(CBL) teaching mode of introducing doctor-patient communication skills training, and the control group adopted the traditional CBL teaching method. After the teaching, the two groups of students were evaluated, measured and gave feedback on the effect of the teaching through the combination of examination and patient satisfaction questionnaire. The data were statistically analysed by SPSS19.0 software.Results: The doctor-patient communication skills assessment scale score of the experimental group was better than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Patients' satisfaction in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05).Conclusion: The CBL teaching mode of introducing doctor-patient communication skills training for postgraduates of tumour radiotherapy can increase doctor-patient communication ability and improve patient satisfaction.
Genome-wide organization and expression profiling of the R2R3-MYB transcription factor family in sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.)
Authors: Liu Hong , Zhang Guoyun , Lv Zhongrui , Diao Songfeng , He Caiyun , Zhang Jianguo
Published: April 2020

Background

MYB transcription factor family involved in multifarious stages of plant growth and development until death, which is one of the largest and most versatile gene families in plants, therefore it is an important regulatory factor in plants. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is rich in many secondary metabolites and has high nutritional and medicinal value. With the completion of sea buckthorn genome sequencing, it has laid the foundation for us to explore the gene structure, evolutionary relationship and function prediction of sea buckthorn MYB gene family from the whole genome perspective.
Results

In this study, 161 R2R3-MYB genes were identified from the sea buckthorn genome. We systematically analyzed their gene structure, collinearity, phylogenetic relationships and expression pattern. According to the gene structure, conserved motifs and phylogenetic relationship of 161 HrMYB genes, all the HrMYB genes were divided into 28 subgroups. The phylogenetic tree of Hippophae rhamnoides L. and Arabidopsis thaliana R2R3-MYB genes showed that the sea buckthorn MYB gene family showed functional differentiation during evolution. Chromosomal localization results showed that the distribution of HrMYB genes were random. RNA-seq data from seven different tissues indicated that the HrMYB genes have significant spatiotemporal and tissue expression differences. QRT-PCR analysis showed that the selected genes which relate to flavonoid biosynthesis of sea buckthorn fruit expressed different degrees in different developmental stages of the fruit.
Conclusion

The sea buckthorn R2R3-MYB gene family was successfully identified from the whole genome sequence by a series of bioinformatics methods. The results firstly provide a more comprehensive insight for the phylogenetic relationships and expression patterns of the HrMYB genes. It will help us to further study their specific functions in the growth and development of sea buckthorn.
IgA, albumin, eosinopenia as early warning indicators for cytomegalovirus infection in patients with acute ulcerative colitis
Authors: Yang Hong , Wu Kaichun , Zhang Hongjie , Owyang Qin , Miao Yinglei , Gu Fang , Hu Naizhong , Zou Kaifang , Sheng Jianqiu , Li Jin , Zheng Ping , Liu Yulan , Li junxia , Wang Xiaodi , Wu Yongdong , Yuan Yaozong , Chen Chunxiao , Cui Meihua , Pang Yanhua , Qian Jia Ming
Published: April 2020

Background
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can significantly complicate and worsen the condition of acute severe ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. We aimed to explore the predictive risk factors to prevent and identify CMV infection at an early stage in acute UC patients.
Methods
A total of 115 moderate-to-severe active UC patients from 17 hospitals throughout China were enrolled. Active CMV infection was diagnosed by one of the following: CMV pp65 antigens, CMV IgM antibodies or CMV DNA. We identified the independent risk factors by multivariate analyses.
Results
A total of 64 of 115 active UC patients had active CMV infection. Compared to the non-CMV-infected patients, the CMV-infected patients had a tendency to be male and to exhibit abdominal pain; fever; oral ulcers; eosinopenia; low albumin, immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgM, and IgG levels; increased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels; hyponatremia; pancolonic lesions; initial onset type; severe activity; and glucocorticoid (high-dose) and immunosuppressive agent use (P < 0.05). In further multivariate analyses, the use of high-dose glucocorticoids (OR 13.55, 95% CI 2.49–73.61, P < 0.01) and immunosuppressive agents (OR 11.23, 95% CI 1.05-119.99, P = 0.04) were independent risk factors for CMV infection. Decreasing eosinophil and albumin levels were risk factors for CMV infection. With every 0.1*10^9/L decrease in the peripheral blood eosinophil level or 1 g/L decrease in the serum albumin level, the risk for CMV infection in UC patients increased by 5.21-fold (1/0.192) or 1.19-fold (1/0.839), respectively.
Conclusions
High-dose glucocorticoid and immunosuppressive agent treatment significantly increase the risk of CMV infection, and correcting eosinopenia and low albumin levels may help prevent CMV infection in UC patients.