bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19 and assessment of risks of infection by SARS-CoV-2 among the Bangladeshi population: An online cross sectional survey
Authors: Haque Tasnima , Hossain Khondoker Moazzem , Bhuiyan Md. Monzur Rahman , Ananna Sadia Afreen , Chowdhury Shafquat Haider , Islam Mohammad Rafiqul , Ahmed Asif , Rahman Mohammad Mahmudur
Published: April 2020

The COVID19 pandemic has been transmitted worldwide rapidly. The best ways of preventing this virus are to know about and act accordingly. An online cross sectional survey was conducted to know the knowledge, attitude and practices towards COVID19 and to assess the risks of infections among Bangladeshi population. Among 2045 respondents, 54·87% respondents kept good knowledge. Knowledge was significantly diverged across age, gender, education levels, residences, income groups, and marital status. Despite the knowledge, the attitude and practices of Bangladeshi people are not impressive. Among population, 32·08%, and 44·30% people were in high, and in medium risk of infection respectively. Everybody is in risk. Reasons for the mediocre attitude and practices could be the poor knowledge, nonscientific and orthodox religious believe. Government and policy makers must consider these knowledge levels, attitude & practices and the risk of infection assessment to implement productive interventions for preventing the COVID19.
Time-Space Flowering and Podding Characterization in Erect-growing Summer Mung Bean（Vigna radiate L.）
Authors: Wang Na , Zhang Jun , Huang Meng-Di , Wu Hui-Qing , Feng Yv , Zhao Ying-Nan , Yang Pu , Gao Jin-Feng , Gao xiaoli
Published: April 2020

The flowering and podding sequences and patterns in different Mung bean varieties were studied by examining the flowering and podding of Xilv 1 and Anlv 7, in order to provide a basis for Mung bean hybridization and high efficiency production. It was shown that the flower period of Mung bean could be divided into initial, full bloom, final stages, and secondary full bloom and final stages. Flowers mainly distributed at nodes 6-8 at the initial flowering stage; distributed at all plant nodes, especially at the nodes on lower branches at the full bloom stage; and sporadically distributed at the final flowering stage. The flowering sequence of Mung bean was that they began to flower on the first inflorescences developed from axillary buds and then flowered first at proximal nodes on lower branches, then at nodes on relatively upper branches, and finally at nodes on top branches. There were the highest numbers of open flowers and fructifying pods on lower branches, followed first by those on relatively upper branches and finally by those on top branches.
Transcriptomic analysis of flower opening response to relatively low temperatures in Osmanthus fragrans
Authors: Fu Jianxin , Zhang Chao , Liu Yucheng , Pang Tianhong , Dong Bin , Gao Xiaoyue , Zhu Yimin , Zhao Hongbo
Published: April 2020

Background: Osmanthus fragrans Lour. is one of the top ten traditional ornamental flower in China. The flower time of once-flowering cultivars in O. fragrans is greatly affected by the relatively low temperature, but there is few reports on its molecular mechanism to date. Results: In this study, the cell size of adaxial and abaxial petal epidermal cells and ultrastructural morphology of petal cells at different developmental stages were observed. The cell size of adaxial and abaxial petal epidermal cells increased gradually with the process of flower opening. Then the transcriptomic sequencing was employed to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under different days’ treatments with relatively low temperatures (19°C) or 23°C. Analysis of DEGs in GO analysis showed that “metabolic process”, “cellular process”, “binding”, “catalytic activity”, “cell”, “cell part”, “membrane”, “membrane part”, “single-organism process”, and “organelle” were highly enriched. In KEGG analysis, “metabolic pathways”, “biosynthesis of secondary metabolites”, “plant-pathogen interaction”, “starch and sucrose metabolism”, and “plant hormone signal transduction” were the top five pathways containing the greatest number of DEGs. DEGs involved in cell wall metabolism, phytohormone signal transduction pathways, and eight kinds of transcription factors were analyzed in depth. Conclusions: Several unigenes involved in cell wall metabolism, phytohormone signal transduction pathway, and TFs with highly variable expression levels between different temperature treatments may be involved in petal cell expansion during flower opening process in response to the relatively low temperature. These results could improve our understanding of the molecular mechanism of relatively low temperature regulating flower opening of O. fragrans and provide theoretical reference for the prediction and regulation of flowering time and genetic modification in O. fragrans.
3D characterization of walnut morphological traits using X-ray computed tomography
Authors: Bernard Anthony , Hamdy Sherif , Corre Laurence Le , Dirlewanger Elisabeth , Lheureux Fabrice
Published: April 2020

Background:
Walnuts are grown worldwide in temperate areas and producers are facing an increasing demand. In a climate change context, the industry also needs cultivars that provide fruits of quality. This quality includes satisfactory filling ratio, thicker shell, ease of cracking, smooth shell and round-shaped walnut, and larger nut size. These desirable traits have been analysed so far using calipers or micrometers, but it takes a lot of time and requires the destruction of the sample. A challenge to take up is to develop an accurate, fast and non-destructive method for quality-related and morphometric trait measurements of walnuts, that are used to characterize new cultivars or collections in any germplasm management process.
Results:
In this study, we develop a method to measure different morphological traits on several walnuts simultaneously such as morphometric traits (nut length, nut face and profile diameters), traits that previously required opening the nut (shell thickness, kernel volume and filling kernel/nut ratio) and traits that previously were difficult to quantify (shell rugosity, nut sphericity, nut surface area and nut shape). These measurements were obtained from reconstructed 3D images acquired by X-ray computed tomography (CT). A workflow was created including several steps: noise elimination, walnut individualization, properties extraction and quantification of the different parts of the fruit. This method was applied to characterize 50 walnuts of a part of the INRAE walnut germplasm collection made of 161 unique accessions, obtained from the 2018 harvest. Our results indicate that 50 walnuts are sufficient to phenotype the fruit quality of one accession using X-ray CT and to find correlations between the morphometric traits. Our imaging workflow is suitable for any walnut size or shape and provides new and more accurate measurements.
Conclusions:
The fast and accurate measurement of quantitative traits is of utmost importance to conduct quantitative genetic analyses or cultivar characterization. Our imaging workflow is well adapted for accurate phenotypic characterization of a various range of traits and could be easily applied to other important nut crops.
Ecosytem Services Assessment of Urban Forests of Adama City, Ethiopia
Authors: Koricho Hingabu Hordofa , Seboka Ararsa Derese , Song Shaoxian
Published: April 2020

Background: The recent urban challenges due to climate change and urban environment deterioration requires proper planning and inventories of urban forests. In this paper, trees and shrub information were used to estimate leaf area/biomass, carbon storage, carbon sequestration, pollution removal, and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, hydrological and functional values of Adama city urban forest. This study was conducted to assess and quantify the ecosystem services of urban forests of Adama city, Central Ethiopia.Results: The result of i-tree Eco model has indicated that the tree species such as Azadirachta indica, Eucalyptus globulus, Carica papaya and Delonix regia sequester high percentage of carbon which is approximately 14.7%, 7.4%, 7.3% and 6.2% of all annually sequestered carbon respectively. Besides, urban forests of the city was estimated to store 116,000 tons of carbon; the most carbons were stored by the species such as Eucalyptus globulus, Azadirachta indica, Carica papaya and Delonix regia that stores approximately 22.1%, 12.3%, 9.5% and 4.2% of all stored carbon respectively. Trees in Adama urban forests were estimated to produce 19.93 thousand tons of oxygen per year. It was estimated that trees and shrubs remove 188.3 thousand tons of air pollution due to O3, CO, NO2, PM2.5 and SO2 per year. In the city, 35 percent of the urban forest's VOC emissions were from Eucalyptus cinerea and Eucalyptus globulus. Besides, the monetary value of Adama urban forest in terms of carbon storage, carbon sequestration, and pollution removal was estimated to 16,588,470 ETB/yr, 118,283 ETB /yr and 12,162,701,080. 9 ETB /yr respectively.Conclusion: Urban forest of Adama city has significant contribution in terms of enhancing woody species diversity and the regulation of urban environment of the study area. From the management and conservation perspectives, urban forests of the study area needs consolidated interventions in terms of tree planting in bare areas and management works. Hence, reliable commitment should be demanded form the key stakeholders such as government, urban foresters and city dwellers.
Person-Centred Care in Practice: Perspectives from A Short-Course Regimen for Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan
Authors: Horter Shona , Stringer Beverley , Gray Nell , Parpieva Nargiza , Safaev Khasan , Tigay Zinaida , Singh Jatinder , Achar Jay
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Person-centred care, an internationally recognised priority, describes the involvement of people in their care and treatment decisions and the consideration of their needs and priorities within service delivery. Clarity is required regarding the feasibility of its implementation within different contexts. The standard multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment regimen is lengthy, toxic and insufficiently effective. 2019 World Health Organisation guidelines include a shorter (9-11-month) regimen and recommend that people with MDR-TB be involved in the choice of treatment option. We examine the perspectives and experiences of people with MDR-TB and health-care workers (HCW) on treatment choice in an MDR-TB programme in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan, run by Médecins Sans Frontières and the Ministry of Health. Methods: A qualitative study comprising 48 interviews with 24 people with MDR-TB and 20 HCW was conducted in June-July 2019. Participants were recruited purposively to include a range of treatment-taking experiences and professional positions. Interview data were analysed thematically using coding to identify emerging patterns, concepts, and categories relating to person-centred care, with Nvivo12. Results: People with MDR-TB were unfamiliar with shared decision-making and felt uncomfortable taking responsibility for their treatment choice. HCW were viewed as having greater knowledge and expertise, and patients trusted HCW to act in their best interests, deferring the choice of appropriate treatment course to them. HCW had concerns about involving people in treatment choices, preferring that doctors made decisions. People with MDR-TB wanted to be involved in discussions about their treatment, and have their preference sought, and were comfortable choosing whether treatment was ambulatory or hospital-based. Participants felt it important that people with MDR-TB had knowledge and understanding about their treatment and disease, to foster their sense of preparedness and ownership for treatment. Involving people in their care was said to motivate sustained treatment-taking, which some felt directly observed treatment (DOT) could undermine. Conclusions: There is a preference for doctors choosing the treatment regimen, linked to shared decision-making unfamiliarity and practitioner-patient knowledge imbalance. Involving people in their care, through discussions, information, and preference-seeking could foster ownership and self-responsibility, supporting sustained engagement with treatment, which DOT may contradict.
Are antenatal interventions effective in improving multiple health behaviours among pregnant women? A systematic review protocol.
Authors: Hollis Jenna , Doherty Emma , Dray Julia , Tremain Danika , Hunter Mandy , Takats Karen , Williams Christopher M , Murray Henry , Pennell Craig , Tully Belinda , Wiggers John , Daly Justine , Kingsland Melanie
Published: April 2020

Background: Maternal behaviours in pregnancy associated with adverse pregnancy, birth and health outcomes include tobacco smoking, poor nutrition, alcohol consumption and low physical activity, collectively referred to as the SNAP risk factors. Due to the high prevalence, co-occurrence, and possible interactive health effects of such health behaviours in pregnancy, antenatal interventions that support pregnant women to improve multiple SNAP behaviours have a greater potential impact on the health outcomes of women and their children than interventions addressing single behaviours. The objective of this review is to determine the effectiveness of interventions delivered as part of antenatal care that aim to improve multiple SNAP behaviours among pregnant women. Methods: Seven electronic databases will be searched for potentially eligible studies. Eligible studies will include those where pregnant women are attending antenatal care. Studies that examine the effect of an intervention that addresses multiple SNAP behaviours (≥ two behaviours) during pregnancy and are delivered or instigated through antenatal care in a healthcare service will be included. Systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), RCTs, cluster RCTs, stepped wedge RCTs, and non-randomised control trials will be eligible. Studies that include a no intervention control, wait-list control group, standard/usual care, or another active single behavioural intervention (e.g. addressing one behaviour only) will be considered. Two independent reviewers will conduct study screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment. Discrepancies will be resolved by consensus or a third reviewer if required. A random effects model will be used to synthesise the results. Alternative synthesis methods will be investigated in instances where a meta-analysis is not appropriate, such as summarising effect estimates, combining P values, vote counting based on direction of effect, or synthesis in narrative form. Discussion: The review will synthesise the evidence on the effect of interventions that address multiple SNAP behaviours in antenatal care, and will help researchers, policy makers, and health services to develop and deliver best practice integrated models of antenatal care that have the potential to impact on both the short and long term health outcomes for women and their children. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018095315
Variation in larval ecology and predictors of malaria risk across regions of Madagascar
Authors: Arisco Nicholas , Rice Benjamin L , Tantely Luciano M , Girod Romain , Emile Gauthier N , Randriamady Hervet J , Castro Marcia C , Golden Christopher D
Published: April 2020

Background: Deforestation and land use change is widespread in Madagascar, altering local ecosystems and creating opportunities for disease vectors, such as the Anopheles mosquito, to proliferate and more easily reach vulnerable, rural populations. Knowledge of risk factors associated with malaria infections is growing globally, but these associations remain understudied across Madagascar’s diverse ecosystems experiencing rapid ecological change. This study aims to uncover socioeconomic, demographic, and ecological risk factors for malaria infection across regions through analysis of a large, cross-sectional dataset.Methods: Here, we assess (1) the ecological correlates of malaria vector breeding through larval surveys, and (2) the socioeconomic, demographic, and ecological risk factors for malaria infection in four ecological regions of rural Madagascar. We determine risk factors using multilevel models for each unique ecological region of included in the study.Results: We find that regardless of the region, the presence of forms of aquatic agriculture around a community are predictive of the presence of malaria vectors. We determine that ecological and socioeconomic risk factors for malaria infection vary dramatically across study regions and range in their complexity.Conclusions: Risk factors for malaria transmission differ dramatically across regions of Madagascar. These results may help stratifying current malaria control efforts in Madagascar beyond the scope of existing interventions.
Thymoquinone protects against hyperlipemia-induced cardiac damage in low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (LDL-R−/−) mice
Authors: Pei Zuowei , Guo Ying , Zhu Huolan , Dong Min , Zhang Qian , Wang Fang
Published: April 2020

Background Hyperlipemia is a risk factor for cardiac damage and cardiovascular disease. Several studies have shown that thymoquinone (TQ) can protect against cardiac damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective effects of TQ against hyperlipemia-induced cardiac damage in low-density lipoprotein receptor deficient (LDL-R−/−) mice. Methods: Eight-week-old male LDL-R−/−mice were randomly divided into the following three groups: the control group fed a normal diet (ND group), the high fat diet (HFD) group, and the HFD mixed with TQ (HFD+TQ) group. All groups were fed the different diets for 8 weeks. Blood samples were obtained from the inferior vena cava, collected in serum tubes, and stored at -80 °C until use. Cardiac tissues were fixed in 10% formalin and then embedded in paraffin for histological evaluation. The remainder of the cardiac tissues was snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen for mRNA preparation or immunoblotting.Results The levels of metabolism-related factors, such as total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), were decreased in the HFD+TQ group compared with that in the HFD group. Periodic acid-Schiff staining demonstrated that lipid deposition was lower in the HFD+TQ group than that in the HFD group. The expression of pyroptosis indicators (NOD-like receptor 3 [NLRP3], interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-18 and caspase-1), pro-inflammation factors (IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]), and macrophage markers (cluster of differentiation [CD]68) was significantly downregulated in the HFD+TQ group compared with that in the HFD group.Conclusions Our results indicate that TQ may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for hyperlipemia-induced cardiac damage.
Portable neuromodulation induces neuroplasticity to re-activate motor function recovery from brain injury: A high-density MEG case study
Authors: D'Arcy Ryan C.N. , Greene Trevor , Greene Debbie , Frehlick Zack , Fickling Shaun D. , Campbell Natasha KJ , Etheridge Tori , Smith Christopher , Bollinger Fabio , Danilov Yuri , Livingstone Ashley , Tannouri Pamela , Martin Pauline , Lakhani Bimal
Published: April 2020

Background: In a recent high-profile case study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to monitor improvements in motor function related to neuroplasticity following rehabilitation for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The findings demonstrated that motor function improvements can occur years beyond current established limits. The current study extends the functional imaging investigation to characterize neuromodulation effects on neuroplasticity to further push the limits. Methods: Canadian Soldier Captain (retired) Trevor Greene (TG) survived a severe open-TBI when attacked with an axe during a 2006 combat tour in Afghanistan. TG has since continued intensive daily rehabilitation to recover motor function, experiencing an extended plateau using conventional physical therapy. To overcome this plateau, we paired translingual neurostimulation (TLNS) with the continuing rehabilitation program. Results: Combining TLNS with rehabilitation resulted in demonstrable clinical improvements along with corresponding changes in movement evoked electro-encephalography (EEG) activity. High-density magneto-encephalography (MEG) characterized cortical activation changes in corresponding beta frequency range (27Hz). MEG activation changes corresponded with reduced interhemispheric inhibition in the post-central gyri regions together with increased right superior/middle frontal activation suggesting large scale network level changes. Conclusions: The findings provide valuable insight into the potential importance of non-invasive neuromodulation to enhance neuroplasticity mechanisms for recovery beyond the perceived limits of rehabilitation.
Impact of gestational low-protein intake on embryonic kidney microRNA expression and in the nephron progenitor cells of the male offspring fetus
Authors: Sene Leticia B , Scarano Wellerson R , Zapparoli Adriana , Gontijo Jose AR , Boer Patricia A
Published: April 2020

Background: Authors demonstrated that gestational low-protein (LP) intake offspring presents a lower birthweight, reduced nephrons numbers and renal salt excretion, arterial hypertension and renal failure development when compared to normal protein (NP) intake rats in adulthood. The current study evaluated the miRNAs and predicted gene expression patterns in the 17-days LP (17-DG) fetal kidney to elucidate the molecular pathways and renal cell proliferation and differentiation profile. Methods: Pregnant Wistar rats were allocated into two groups, according to protein supply during pregnancy: NP (normal protein diet- 17%) or LP (low protein diet-6%). miRNA transcriptome sequencing (miRNA-Seq) was performed on the MiSeq platform and, RT-qPCR of predicted target genes, immunohistochemistry and morphological quantification from 17-DG offspring kidneys using previously described methods. Results: Forty-four expressed miRNAs, which 19 miRNA were up- and 25 downregulated, were identified in 17-DG LP fetuses compared to age-matched NP offspring. The study selected 7 miRNAs related to proliferation, differentiation, and cellular apoptosis processes. The study showed a reduced cell number, Six-2 and c-Myc immunoreactivity in metanephros cap (CM) and ureter bud (UB) in 17-DG LP fetuses. Also, Ki-67 immunoreactivity in CM was 48% lesser in LP compared to NP age-matched fetus. Conversely, in LP CM and UB β-catenin was 154% and 85% markedly enhanced, respectively and, mTOR immunoreactivity was also higher in LP CM (139%) and UB (104%) compared to the NP offspring. UB TGFβ-1 staining cells increased (about 30%) in the LP offspring. Otherwise, Zeb1 metanephros-stained, enhanced 30% in LP offspring without Zeb2 staining in both groups. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that maternal protein restriction change miRNAs, mRNAs, and critical proteins expression involved in the processes of proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis that occurs during renal development. The renal ontogenic dysfunction caused by maternal protein restriction promotes a reduced reciprocal interaction between CM and UB, and consequently, a programmed and expressive decrease in the nephron number fetuses.
The impact of the social distancing policy on COVID-19 new cases in Iran: insights from an interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Ghanbari Mahboubeh Khaton , Behzadifar Meysam , Imani-Nasab Mohammad Hasan , Behzadifar Masoud , Bakhtiari Ahad , Mir Iman , Wu Jianhong , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi
Published: April 2020

Background In late December 2019, a viral outbreak occurred in Wuhan, province of Hubei, People’s Republic of China, and rapidly spread out worldwide. The infectious agent was identified and termed as SARS-CoV-2, responsible of the “coronavirus disease 19” (COVID-19). Due to the lack of vaccines and effective drugs for this disease, many policy- and decision-makers have focused on non-pharmacological methods to prevent and control this disease. Social distancing can be effective in reducing the spread of the outbreak. This study was aimed at assessing the effects of the implementation of the social distancing policy in Iran, one of the countries most affected by the COVID-19. Methods This study was designed as a quasi-experimental study, and was conducted utilizing the interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) approach. Daily data was collected between February 20th 2020 and April 16th 2020. The social distancing policy was launched on March 27th 2020.Results A significant decrease of -288.57 (95% CI: 269.08 (95% CI: -83.37 to -621.55, P-value=0.04) new confirmed cases following the implementation of the social distancing policy was found, corresponding to a daily decrease in the trend of -8.10 (95% CI: -10.02 to -6.19, P-value=0.001). A significant decrease of -24.78 (95% CI: -42.97 to -6.58, P-value=0.01) new deaths following the implementation of the social distancing policy could be found, corresponding to a daily decrease in the trend of -8.10 (95% CI: -10.02 to -6.19, P-value=0.001). Conclusion The growth rate of new cases and deaths from the COVID-19 in Iran has significantly decreased after the implementation of social distancing. By monitoring and implementing this policy in all countries, the burden of COVID-19 can be mitigated.
Analysis and prediction of the 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic in China based on an individual-based model
Authors: Guo Zuiyuan , Xiao Dan
Published: April 2020

We developed a stochastic model to simulate the process of the epidemic of novel coronavirus pneumonia in China. The study provides valuable reference to understand the transmission mechanism of the novel coronavirus and evaluate the influence of intervention meaures. We established a stochastic individual-based model, and simulated the whole process of occurrence, development, and control of the epidemic, and the infectors and patients leaving Hubei Province before the traffic was closed. Additionally, the R0 and the number of infectors and patients who left Hubei were estimated using the coordinate descent algorithm. The median R0 at the initial stage of the epidemic predicted by the model was 4.97 (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.82- 5.17). Before the traffic lockdown in Hubei , an estimated 2000 (95% CI, 1982–2030) infectors and patients left Hubei and traveled throughout the country. The model estimated that as of March 15, the cumulative number of laboratory-confirmed patients in Hubei and other provinces would reach 42,739 (95% CI, 32734-55472) and 12,870 (95% CI, 11520-14572), respectively. If the government had taken prevention and control measures 1 day later, the cumulative number of laboratory- confirmed patients in the whole country would increase by 32.1%. If the lockdown of Hubei was taken 1 day in advance, it is estimated that the cumulative number of laboratory-confirmed patients in other provinces would decrease by 7.7%. The stochastic model could fit the officially issued data well and simulate the evolution process of the epidemic. Intervention measurements nationwide have effectively curbed human-to-human transmission of the virus.
Characteristics and Treatment Strategies of Different Clinical Types in Patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019
Authors: Liu Fangfang , Ji Chengcheng , Luo Jiajun , Wu Weiwei , Zhang Junchang , Zhong Zhiqiang , Mo Guoxin , Hu Xingshuo , Lankford Seth , Jiang Tianjun , Lin Fang , Wang Yonggang , Shao Yanling , Ji Sumin , Zhang Yawei , Qin Enqiang , Mu Jinsong
Published: April 2020

Objective To describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID19) in Beijing. To analyze the treatment strategies especially the application of corticosteroids in patients with severe pneumonia.Methods We collected information on demographic characteristics, exposure history, clinical characteristics, treatment and outcomes of the 65 confirmed cases of COVID19 at the 5th Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from Jan 20 to Feb 23, 2020. The final follow-up date observed was Feb 29, 2020. Results The number of patients with mild, general, severe, and critical type were 10 (15.38%), 32 (49.23%), 8 (12.31%), and 15 (23.08%), respectively. The median incubation period was 6 days. Notable outliers were 1 patient at 16 days and 1 patient at 21 days. In lymphocyte subgroup analysis, decreases in total, T, CD4, and CD8 lymphocytes were more common as the disease worsened (All P<0.05). Methylprednisolone was applied to 31 (47.69%) patients with pneumonia, including 10 (31.25%) general, 8 (100%) severe, and 13 (86.67%) critical patients, respectively. Corticosteroids inhibited Interleukin-6(IL-6) production (P=0.0215) but did not affect T lymphocyte (P=0.0796). There was no significant difference between patients using lower dose (≤2mg/kg.d) and higher dose (>2mg/kg.d) methylprednisolone in inhibiting IL-6 production (P=0.5856). Thirty of 31 patients (96.77%) had stopped methylprednisolone due to improvement of pneumonia. Virus RNA clearance time lengthened with disease progression (P=0.0001). In general type, there was no significant difference in virus clearance time between patients with (15, 12-19 days) and without (14.5, 11-18 days) (P=0.7372) methylprednisolone use. Conclusions Lymphocyte, especially T lymphocyte, in severe and critical patients showed a dramatic decrease. Application of lower dose corticosteroids (≤2mg/kg.d) could inhibit IL-6 production (a representative of cytokines) as effectively as a higher dose. Proper use corticosteroids in general type patients did not delay virus clearance. Authors Fangfang Liu and Chengcheng Ji contributed equally to this work.
Partizipative Mediendidaktik
Authors: Mayrberger Kerstin
Published: April 2020

Prozesse von Digitalisierung sind aufgrund ihrer durchgehenden Relevanz von der interaktionistischen Mikro- über die institutionelle Meso- bis hin zur gesellschaftlichen und politischen Makroebene als derzeitige Ausprägung des Metaprozesses einer Mediatisierung zu verstehen. Im weiteren Sinne beschreiben sie relevante Einflussfaktoren und Kontextbedingungen für derzeit alle Formen des Lehrens und Lernens. Mediendidaktik fokussiert im engeren Sinne traditionell die Rolle von Bildungsmedien bzw. für Bildungszusammenhänge verwendete Medien in Form von Applikationen (‹tools›) und digitalen Technologien im Lehr- und Lernprozess. Die partizipative Mediendidaktik steht für ein Modell einer kritisch-konstruktivistischen Mediendidaktik und knüpft an allgemeindidaktische Überlegungen wie auch an medienpädagogische Grundsätze an. Sie fokussiert das partizipative Element in der Analyse, Planung und Gestaltung von Lernumgebungen unter den Bedingungen von Digitalisierung, Digitalität und (tiefgreifender) Mediatisierung. Der Ansatz bezieht sich im Sinne einer zeitgemässen Mediendidaktik gleichermassen auf formale, non-formale sowie informelle Lehr- und Lernprozesse und wird in diesem Sinne weiterentwickelt. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird das heuristische Strukturmodell einer partizipativen Mediendidaktik bildungskontextübergreifend betrachtet und primär aus wissenschaftlicher Perspektive zur Diskussion gestellt. Es werden im Überblick konzeptionelle Eckpunkte wie theoretische Anbindungen aufgezeigt. Ein wesentlicher Schwerpunkt wird dabei auf das konstituierende Strukturelement des Partizipationsraums gelegt.
Menjadi Sahabat bagi Sesama: Memaknai Relasi Persahabatan dalam Pelayanan Pastoral
Authors: Messakh Besly Yermy Tungaoly
Published: April 2020

Abstract

The capability to build relationships is important in doing pastoral ministry successfully. However, this factor is often neglected by a pastoral counsellor or pastoral caregiver. Many pastoral counsellors tend to improve their technical skills rather than capability to build a good relationship with the client. As a consequence, many persons in trouble feel unaccepted by their pastoral counsellor, leading to the situation of helplessness.

Using the method of Christopraxis, this article attempts to respond to such situation. Christopraxis places the attitude and works of Jesus, as witnessed in the Gospel, as the fundamental reference and resource for today’s ministerial works. In this case, Jesus’ praxis of friendship is employed as the model of relationships in pastoral ministry. It is suggested that a pastoral ministry inspired by the radical and open friendship model that Jesus practised would off er a better approach than the feudalistic and paternalistic ones, commonly practised in Indonesia.

 

Abstrak

Kemampuan membangun relasi merupakan faktor penting dalam keberhasilan pelayanan pastoral. Sayangnya faktor ini sering diabaikan oleh para konselor dan pelayan pastoral. Banyak konselor cenderung hanya meningkatkan keterampilan teknis ketimbang kemampuan membangun relasi dengan klien. Akibatnya, banyak orang bermasalah merasa kurang diterima oleh konselor mereka. Hal itu menimbulkan keputusasaan.

Menggunakan metode Kristopraksis, artikel ini berupaya menjawab situasi tersebut. Kristopraxis menempatkan sikap dan pekerjaan Yesus, sebagaimana dipersaksikan dalam Injil, sebagai acuan dan sumber bagi pelayanan gerejawi masa kini. Dalam hal ini, praksis persahabatan Yesus digunakan sebagai model relasi dalam pelayanan pastoral. Disarankan bahwa pelayanan pastoral yang terinspirasi model persahabatan Yesus yang radikal dan terbuka akan menawarkan pendekatan yang lebih baik ketimbang pelayanan yang feodalistik dan paternalistik yang sering dijalankan di Indonesia.
La presencia norteamericana en el agro sinaloense en la primera mitad del siglo XX
Authors: Carton de Grammont Hubert
Published: April 2020

El presente artículo nos presenta el panorama del agro sinaloense desde finales del siglo XIX hasta los años treinta, en que el gobierno federal realizó el reparto agrario. Los extranjeros tenían el control económico tanto sobre las tierras, como sobre la producción de cultivos, los ingenios azucareros, las concesiones sobre las redes ferroviarias, etc. En reacción contra la política porfirista de dar facilidades a la inversión extranjera en el país, en particular a la agricultura, los gobiernos pos-revolucionarios se vieron en la necesidad de limitar la influencia y el poder de los extranjeros, especialmente de los norteamericanos en la economía nacional. Después del reparto cardenista se prosiguió al reparto agrario con la apertura de los distritos de riego y la aplicación de la Ley Federal de Aguas. A lo largo de estos años, las compañías norteamericanas salieron poco a poco del sector de la producción agrícola. Sin embargo, al cabo del tiempo, a partir de los sesenta las agroindustrias internacionales volvieron a penetrar con tal fuerza que ahora en gran medida la agricultura mexicana está dominada por el capital agroindustrial extranjero, esencialmente norteamericano.
La política federal de desarrollo fronterizo: análisis y perspectivas
Authors: Teutli Otero Guillermo
Published: April 2020

La tesis que se sustenta en estas páginas afirma que no obstante que se ha logrado cambiar el perfil del desarrollo económico regional a pesar de los años en que ha sido aplicada, la política de desarrollo fronterizo no ha consolidado a plenitud sus frutos, y en tanto no lo haga, seguirá reaccionando más que accionando y su capacidad inductora del desarrollo cobrará frutos aislados que resten la integralidad deseada en el proceso. Visto en el largo plazo, el desarrollo fronterizo ha pasado por varios momentos. Primero había que arraigar a la población y asegurar su abasto. Segundo, era necesario encontrar los motores de la actividad económica que sentaran nuevas bases al desarrollo fronterizo. Tercero, consolidar estas nuevas bases definidas por maquiladoras, comercio y turismo. Cuarto, se promovieron actividades menores vulnerables vis a vis al extranjero, para fortalecer la economía regional. Quinto y último, se plantea la realización de una política integral que involucra el desenvolvimiento económico y cultural.
Zrównoważony rozwój w działalności UE – na przykładzie realizacji i monitorowania środowiskowych priorytetów Strategii Zrównoważonego Rozwoju
Authors: Osuch-Rak Ewa , Proczek Magdalena
Published: April 2020

Koncepcja zrównoważonego rozwoju może być definiowana i interpretowana na wiele różnych sposobów. Jednak w swej istocie polega ona na rozwoju, który równoważy różne – i często sprzeczne – wymagania środowiskowe, społeczne i gospodarcze. Podstawowym celem artykułu jest przedstawienie istoty koncepcji zrównoważonego rozwoju ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem jej wymiaru środowiskowego, zarówno w aspekcie teoretycznym, jak i na przykładzie Strategii Zrównoważonego Rozwoju Unii Europejskiej. Analizie poddane zostały dwa wskaźniki wiodące Strategii Zrównoważonego Rozwoju, czyli emisja gazów cieplarnianych oraz zużycie energii pierwotnej.
Ecological Initiatives of the Global Catholic Climate Movement
Authors: Dall’Oglio Cecilia
Published: April 2020

This paper presents the structure and main aims of Global Catholic Climate Movement (GCCM): an international organization serving Catholics all over the world to promote ecological values. It points to a close connection between teaching of the Catholic Church and care about the creation. The efforts to prevent effects of climate changes are indicated as an important mission for believers, in accordance with Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato si’. There are three major dimensions describing how to bring Pope’s teaching to life: spiritual dimension, lifestyle dimension and public policy dimension. In this article one can find many examples of good practices, which have been in the process of being realized since the GCCM was set up in 2015. The main content is followed by the detailed calendar, which shows the crucial achievements of GCCM.
Acquiring Funds from NFEP&WM by Religious Entities for Pro-environmental Activities
Authors: Michalski Artur
Published: April 2020

Over the last 30 years, the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFEP&WM) has been the main source of funding investments and other pro-ecological activities in Poland in the following areas: protection and sustainable management of water resources, support for projects in the scope of low-emission and resource-efficient economy, including innovation; waste management; earth surface protection, geology and mining; atmosphere protection, including improving air quality; biodiversity protection, environmental monitoring, counteracting environmental threats, ecological education, expertise and scientific and research works. Priority programmes implemented by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management supporting activities aimed at environmental protection, whose beneficiaries may be Church organizations include: Environmental Education, Protection of Biological and Landscape Diversity, Energy-saving Construction Part 1) Reduction of Energy Consumption in Construction.
Anti-VEGF and Retinal Dystrophies
Authors: Parodi Maurizio Battaglia , Iacono Pierluigi , Da Pozzo Stefano
Published: April 2020

The therapeutic approach based on anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF)
molecules can be used to treat two important complications of retinal dystrophies: choroidal neovascularization
and macular edema. The macular involvement in retinal dystrophies can lead to further visual
deterioration in patients at a young age and already affected by functional limitations. The study
reports the effect of anti-VEGF treatment in several subforms of retinal dystrophies, critically discussing
advantages and limitations.
Autophagy Driven Extracellular Vesicles in the Leukaemic Microenvironment
Authors: Horton Rebecca H. , Wileman Tom , Rushworth Stuart A.
Published: April 2020

The leukaemias are a heterogeneous group of blood cancers, which together, caused
310,000 deaths in 2016. Despite significant research into their biology and therapeutics, leukaemia is
predicted to account for an increased 470,000 deaths in 2040. Many subtypes remain without targeted
therapy, and therefore the mainstay of treatment remains generic cytotoxic drugs with bone marrow
transplant the sole definitive option. In this review, we will focus on cellular mechanisms which
have the potential for therapeutic exploitation to specifically target and treat this devastating disease.
We will bring together the disciplines of autophagy and extracellular vesicles, exploring how the
dysregulation of these mechanisms can lead to changes in the leukaemic microenvironment and the
subsequent propagation of disease. The dual effect of these mechanisms in the disease microenvironment
is not limited to leukaemia; therefore, we briefly explore their role in autoimmunity, inflammation
and degenerative disease.
Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites among Patients with Chronic Urticaria in Northern Iran
Authors: Fakhar Mahdi , Ghaffari Javad , Dabbaghzadeh Abbas , Charati Jamshid Yazdani , Ghaffari Bahman , Esboei Bahman Rahimi
Published: April 2020

Background:

Chronic urticaria (CU) has a range of clinical demonstrations and causes. Parasitic infections are mentioned as one of the main causes of the CU.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients with CU (with duration time of more than 6 weeks) compared healthy subjects.

Methods:

A total of 169 cases and 210 controls were included in this study. Ages ranged from 1 to 77 years old. Three samples were gathered from each patients and direct wet mount, formol-ether concentration, Ziehl-Neelsen and trichrome staining were used.

Results:

Out of the 379 individuals examined here, 208 were from urban areas and 171 from rural areas. Three stool samples were taken from each patient in three consecutive days. Based on parasitological tests, 7 (4.1%) cases from 169 patients with CU and 6 (2.9%) cases from 210 non- CU group individuals were positive for intestinal parasites.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of various parasites between case and control groups was not significant.
Self-Myofascial Release Intervention and Mobile App in Patients With Hemophilic Ankle Arthropathy: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Meroño-Gallut Antonio Javier , Cuesta-Barriuso Rubén , Pérez-Llanes Raúl , Donoso-Úbeda Elena , López-Pina José-Antonio
Published: April 2020

Background

Hemophilic ankle arthropathy is manifested by degenerative functional alterations and chronic pain. Myofascial release techniques are used to treat soft tissue adhesions, relieve pain, and reduce tissue sensitivity.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a protocol using self-myofascial release with a foam roller to be applied in patients with hemophilic ankle arthropathy.

Methods

Patients with ankle arthropathy (N=70) will be recruited, enrolled, and assigned to one of two groups—experimental or control—in a 1:1 allocation ratio. Patients will be recruited from 5 centers in different regions of Spain. Patient data will be collected at baseline, posttreatment, and follow-up. The primary outcome will be frequency of ankle joint bleeding (self-reported). The secondary outcomes will be ankle range of motion (measured with a digital goniometer); joint pain (measured with a visual analog scale and an algometer); joint status (measured using the Hemophilia Joint Health Score); muscle strength (measured with a dynamometer); functionality of lower limbs (measured using the 6-minute walking test); activity (self-reported); and muscle flexibility (measured using the fingertip-to-floor test). The treatment program includes 11 exercises that must be administered bilaterally. A mobile app will be developed where each patient will be able to observe the exercises to be carried out. Each session will last 15 minutes with 5 physiotherapy sessions per week for a period of 3 months. It is expected that patients with hemophilia who receive the foam roller intervention will show improvement in mobility, pain, and status of the ankle joint; muscle strength; and function in the lower extremities.

Results

The study has been approved by the institutional review board of the University of Murcia. Patient recruitment will begin in September 2020, and the intervention period will last until June 2021. Data collection will take place between September 2020 and October 2021.

Conclusions

This protocol describes a randomized clinical trial to examine the safety and efficacy of a self-myofascial release intervention using a foam roller in patients with hemophilic ankle arthropathy.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03914287; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03914287.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/15612
High School Students’ Preferences and Design Recommendations for a Mobile Phone–Based Intervention to Improve Psychological Well-Being: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Müssener Ulrika , Thomas Kristin , Bendtsen Preben , Bendtsen Marcus
Published: April 2020

Background

Young adults’ mental health is characterized by relatively high rates of stress and anxiety and low levels of help-seeking behavior. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions could offer a cost-effective and readily available avenue to provide personalized support to young adults. More research needs to be directed at the development of mHealth interventions targeting youths specifically, as well as at determining how to reach young people and how to effectively intervene to improve psychological well-being.

Objective

The objective was to gather perceptions from high school students to inform the development of a prototype mHealth intervention aiming to promote psychological well-being.

Methods

A mixed methods design was used to (1) investigate high school students’ perceptions about stress and its consequences in daily life, as well as their ability to cope with stress, and (2) explore their preferences and design recommendations for an mHealth intervention to improve psychological well-being. Students from two high schools in the southeast of Sweden were invited to take part in the study. Recruitment of high school students was completed over a 6-week period, between October 25 and December 7, 2018. Recruitment entailed inviting students to complete a stress test (ie, screening and feedback) on their mobile phones. After completing the stress test, all participants were invited to complete a follow-up questionnaire and take part in telephone interviews.

Results

A total of 149 high school students completed the stress test, of which 68 completed the questionnaire. There were 67 free-text comments distributed across the items. The majority of participants (55/68, 81%) stated that they coped with stress better or in the same way after engaging in the stress test, due to time management, dialogue with others, and self-refection. A total of 4 out of 68 participants (6%)—3 female students (75%) and 1 male student (25%)—took part in telephone interviews. Three main themes were identified from the interview data: perceptions about stress, design features, and intervention features.

Conclusions

Stress was described by the students as a condition caused by high demands set by oneself and the social environment that impacted their physical health, personal relationships, school performance, and emotional well-being. Participants claimed that mHealth interventions need to be clearly tailored to a young age group, be evidence based, and offer varied types of support, such as information about stress, exercises to help organize tasks, self-assessment, coping tools, and recommendations of other useful websites, literature, blogs, self-help books, or role models. Mobile phones seemed to be a feasible and acceptable platform for the delivery of an intervention.