bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endothelium as a Therapeutic Target in Diabetes Mellitus: From Basic Mechanisms to Clinical Practice
Authors: Tentolouris Anastasios , Eleftheriadou Ioanna , Tzeravini Evangelia , Tsilingiris Dimitrios , Paschou Stavroula A. , Siasos Gerasimos , Tentolouris Nikolaos
Published: February 2019

Endothelium plays an essential role in human homeostasis by regulating arterial blood pressure, distributing nutrients and hormones as well as providing a smooth surface that modulates coagulation, fibrinolysis and inflammation. Endothelial dysfunction is present in Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and contributes to the development and progression of macrovascular disease, while it is also associated with most of the microvascular complications such as diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy. Hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia and dyslipidemia are the main factors involved in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction. Regarding antidiabetic medication, metformin, gliclazide, pioglitazone, exenatide and dapagliflozin exert a beneficial effect on Endothelial Function (EF); glimepiride and glibenclamide, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and liraglutide have a neutral effect, while studies examining the effect of insulin analogues, empagliflozin and canagliflozin on EF are limited. In terms of lipid-lowering medication, statins improve EF in subjects with DM, while data from short-term trials suggest that fenofibrate improves EF; ezetimibe also improves EF but further studies are required in people with DM. The effect of acetylsalicylic acid on EF is dose-dependent and lower doses improve EF while higher ones do not. Clopidogrel improves EF, but more studies in subjects with DM are required. Furthermore, angiotensin- converting-enzyme inhibitors /angiotensin II receptor blockers improve EF. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors improve EF locally in the corpus cavernosum. Finally, cilostazol exerts favorable effect on EF, nevertheless, more data in people with DM are required.
Clinical Implications of Methotrexate Pharmacogenetics in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
Authors: Gervasini Guillermo , Mota-Zamorano Sonia
Published: February 2019

Background:

In the past two decades, a great body of research has been published regarding the effects of genetic polymorphisms on methotrexate (MTX)-induced toxicity and efficacy. Of particular interest is the role of this compound in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), where it is a pivotal drug in the different treatment protocols, both at low and high doses. MTX acts on a variety of target enzymes in the folates cycle, as well as being transported out and into of the cell by several transmembrane proteins.

Methods:

We undertook a structured search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed research literature using a focused review question.

Results:

This review has intended to summarize the current knowledge concerning the clinical impact of polymorphisms in enzymes and transporters involved in MTX disposition and mechanism of action on paediatric patients with ALL.

Conclusion:

In this work, we describe why, in spite of the significant research efforts, pharmacogenetics findings in this setting have not yet found their way into routine clinical practice.
Inhibition of Autophagy Potentiated Hippocampal Cell Death Induced by Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and its Activation by Trehalose Failed to be Neuroprotective
Authors: Halbe Luisa , Rami Abdelhaq
Published: February 2019

Introduction:

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced the mobilization of two protein
breakdown routes, the proteasomal- and autophagy-associated degradation. During ERassociated
degradation, unfolded ER proteins are translocated to the cytosol where they are
cleaved by the proteasome. When the accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins excels the
ER capacity, autophagy can be activated in order to undertake the degradative machinery and to
attenuate the ER stress. Autophagy is a mechanism by which macromolecules and defective organelles
are included in autophagosomes and delivered to lysosomes for degradation and recycling
of bioenergetics substrate.

Materials and Methods:

Autophagy upon ER stress serves initially as a protective mechanism,
however when the stress is more pronounced the autophagic response will trigger cell death. Because
autophagy could function as a double edged sword in cell viability, we examined the effects
autophagy modulation on ER stress-induced cell death in HT22 murine hippocampal neuronal
cells. We investigated the effects of both autophagy-inhibition by 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and
autophagy-activation by trehalose on ER-stress induced damage in hippocampal HT22 neurons.
We evaluated the expression of ER stress- and autophagy-sensors as well as the neuronal viability.

Results and Conclusion:

Based on our findings, we conclude that under ER-stress conditions, inhibition
of autophagy exacerbates cell damage and induction of autophagy by trehalose failed to be
neuroprotective.
Design, Synthesis, Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity and Docking Studies of New Thiazole-based Chalcones
Authors: Tratrat Christophe , Haroun Michelyne , Xenikakis Iakovos , Liaras Konstantinos , Tsolaki Evangelia , Eleftheriou Phaedra , Petrou Anthi , Aldhubiab Bandar , Attimarad Mahesh , Venugopala Katharigatta N. , Harsha Sree , Elsewedy Heba S. , Geronikaki Athina , Soković Marina
Published: February 2019

Background:

Thiazole derivates as well as chalcones, are very important scaffold for medicinal chemistry. Literature survey revealed that they possess wide spectrum of biological activities among which are anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial.

Objectives:

The current studies describe the synthesis and evaluation of antimicrobial activity of twenty eight novel thiazole-based chalcones.

Methods:

The designed compounds were synthesized using classical methods of organic synthesis. The in vivo evaluation of antimicrobial activity was performed by microdilution method.

Results:

All compounds have shown antibacterial properties better than that of ampicillin and in many cases better than streptomycin. As far as the antifungal activity is concerned, all compounds possess much higher activity than reference drugs bifonazole and ketoconazole. The most sensitive bacterial species was B. cereus (MIC 6.5-28.4 µmol × 10-2/mL and MBC 14.2-105.0 µmol × 10-2/mL) while the most resistant ones were L. monocytogenes (MIC 21.4-113.6 µmol × 10-2/mL) and E. coli (MIC 10.7- 113.6 µmol × 10-2/mL) and MBC at 42.7-358.6 µmol × 10-2/mL and 21.4-247.2 µmol × 10-2/mL, respectively. All the compounds exhibited antibacterial activity against the three resistant strains, MRSA, P. aeruginosa and E.coli. with MIC and MBC in the range of 0.65-11.00 µmol/mL × 10-2 and 1.30-16.50 µmol/mL × 10-2. Docking studies were performed.

Conclusion:

Twenty-eight novel thiazole-based chalcones were designed, synthesized and evaluated for antimicrobial activity. The results showed that these derivatives could be lead compounds in search of new potent antimicrobial agents. Docking studies indicated that DNA gyrase, GyrB and MurA inhibition may explain the antibacterial activity.
Functional Evaluation of an Ectopic Supernumerary Kidney in Pelvis
Authors: Akbulut Aylin , Kalayci Suleyman , Koca Gokhan , Korkmaz Meliha
Published: February 2019

Background:

Supernumerary kidney is an accessory organ with its own encapsulated
parenchyma, blood vessels and ureters, either separated from the normal kidney or connected to it
via fibrous tissue and ectopic kidney is a migration abnormality of the kidney. Here, we have
evaluated a rare case of the supernumerary and ectopic kidney with DMSA, MAG3 and also CT
fusion of the images.

Methods:

The absolute divided renal function was calculated for each kidney by DMSA. The
MAG3 scintigraphy showed no obstruction in the ureteropelvic junction. Furthermore, the
renogram curve and Tmax and time to ½ values were assessed. Two months after the conventional
scintigraphies, the patient was referred to a CT scan and the fusion of DMSA SPECT and CT data
was generated on a workstation.

Results:

The ectopic supernumerary kidney was functioning very well except a small hypoactive
area, visible on DMSA, which was possibly a minimal pelvicalyceal dilatation. However, consequent
CT scan did not show any pathology.

Conclusion:

It is important to evaluate particularly complicated or rare cases with multimodality
systems with 3D or fusion techniques for the accurate diagnosis.
Computational Approaches as Rational Decision Support Systems for Discovering Next-Generation Antitubercular Agents: Mini-Review
Authors: Aher Rahul Balasaheb , Roy Kunal
Published: February 2019

Tuberculosis, malaria, dengue, chikungunya, leishmaniasis etc. are a large group of neglected
tropical diseases that prevail in tropical and subtropical countries, affecting one billion people
every year. Minimal funding and grants for research on these scientific problems challenge
many researchers to find a different way to reduce the extensive time and cost involved in the drug
discovery cycle of these problems. Computer-aided drug design techniques have already been
proved successful in the discovery of new molecules rationally by reducing the time and cost involved
in the development of drugs. In the current minireview, we are highlighting on the molecular
modeling studies published during 2010-2018 for target specific antitubercular agents. This review includes
the studies of Structure-Based (SB) and Ligand-Based (LB) modeling and those involving Machine
Learning (ML) techniques against different antitubercular targets such as dihydrofolate
reductase (DHFR), enoyl Acyl Carrier Protein (ACP) reductase (InhA), catalase-peroxidase (KatG),
enzyme antigen 85C, protein tyrosine phosphatases (PtpA and PtpB), dUTPase, thioredoxin reductase
(MtTrxR), etc. The information presented in this review will help the researchers to get acquainted
with the recent progress in the modeling studies of antitubercular agents.
Spark Plasma Sintering of Hybrid Nanocomposites of Hydroxyapatite Reinforced with CNTs and SS316L for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Hussain Muhammad Asif , Maqbool Adnan , Hakeem Abbas Saeed , Khalid Fazal Ahmad , Rafiq Muhammad Asif , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Farooq Muhammad Umer , Abidi Irfan Haider , Bakhsh Nabi
Published: February 2019

Background:

The development of new bioimplants with enhanced mechanical and biomedical
properties have great impetus for researchers in the field of biomaterials. Metallic materials
such as stainless steel 316L (SS316L), applied for bioimplants are compatible to the human osteoblast
cells and bear good toughness. However, they suffer by corrosion and their elastic moduli
are very high than the application where they need to be used. On the other hand, ceramics such as
hydroxyapatite (HAP), is biocompatible as well as bioactive material and helps in bone grafting during
the course of bone recovery, it has the inherent brittle nature and low fracture toughness. Therefore,
to overcome these issues, a hybrid combination of HAP, SS316L and carbon nanotubes (CNTs)
has been synthesized and characterized in the present investigation.

Methods:

CNTs were acid treated to functionalize their surface and cleaned prior their addition to the
composites. The mixing of nano-hydroxyapatite (HAPn), SS316L and CNTs was carried out by nitrogen
gas purging followed by the ball milling to insure the homogeneous mixing of the powders. In
three compositions, monolithic HAPn, nanocomposites of CNTs reinforced HAPn, and hybrid nanocomposites
of CNTs and SS316L reinforced HAPn has been fabricated by spark plasma sintering
(SPS) technique.

Results:

SEM analysis of SPS samples showed enhanced sintering of HAP-CNT nanocomposites,
which also showed significant sintering behavior when combined with SS316L. Good densification
was achieved in the nanocomposites. No phase change was observed for HAP at relatively higher
sintering temperatures (1100°C) of SPS and tricalcium phosphate phase was not detected by XRD
analysis. This represents the characteristic advantage with enhanced sintering behavior by SPS technique.
Fracture toughness was found to increase with the addition of CNTs and SS316L in HAPn,
while hardness initially enhanced with the addition of nonreinforcement (CNTs) in HAPn and then
decrease for HAPn-CNT-SS316L hybrid nanocomposites due to presence of SS316L.

Conclusion:

A homogeneous distribution of CNTs and SPS technique resulted in the improved
mechanical properties for HAPn-CNT-SS316L hybrid nanocomposites than other composites and
suggested their application as bioimplant materials.
Infantile GM1-Gangliosidosis Revealed by Slate-Grey Mongolian Spots
Authors: Draïss Ghizlane , Fouad Adil , Rada Nourddine , Hocar Ouafa , Fdil Naima , Bouskraoui Mohamed
Published: February 2019

Introduction:

GM1-gangliosidosis is an inherited metabolic disease caused by mutations in the GLB1 gene resulting in deficiency of β-galactosidase. Three forms have been identified: Infantile, juvenile, and adult. The infantile type progresses rapidly and aggressively and a delayed diagnosis hampers the prevention of many neurological deficits. This delay in diagnosis may be due to the variability of clinical expression of the disorder.

Hypothesis:

Extensive Mongolian or slate-grey spots deserve special attention as possible indications of associated inborn errors of metabolism, especially GM1-gangliosidosis and mucopolysaccharidosis. Only symptomatic treatments are available for GM1-gangliosidosis; research is underway.

Observation:

In this article, we report a case of infantile GM1-gangliosidosis revealed by slate-grey Mongolian spots, a rare condition in Morocco, and a review of the literature.

Conclusion:

The finding of persistent and extensive slate-grey mongolian spots in infant could lead to early detection of GM1-gangliosidosis before irreversible organ damage occurs.
Analysis of the Ruff 2 & 7 Test of Attention with the Rasch Poisson Counts Model
Authors: Nadri Mahsa , Baghaei Purya , Zohoorian Zahra
Published: February 2019

Background:

Attention is a basic neurocognitive function which is a prerequisite for performance on more complex cognitive tasks. The Ruff 2 & 7 test is a well-known measure of attention with a well-supported theoretical and empirical underpinnings.

Objective:

The Ruff 2 & 7 test, has not been subjected to rigorous item response theory analysis yet. The purpose of this research was to examine the fit of the Ruff 2 & 7 test to the Rasch Poisson Counts Model (RPCM).

Methods:

Responses of 138 nonclinical subjects to the Ruff 2 & 7 test were analyzed with the RPCM measurement model using ‘lme4’ package in R. The fit of the individual items (blocks) and the overall test to the model were examined.

Results:

Findings showed that three out of seven scoring techniques fit the Rasch model. The scoring techniques which fitted the model were total number of characters cancelled, total number of characters correctly cancelled, and total number of characters correctly cancelled minus errors of commission.

Conclusion:

Three of the scoring techniques fit the RPCM which support the internal validity of the test when these scoring procedures were employed. Therefore, the Ruff 2 & 7 test is psychometrically uni-dimensional when these three scores are computed.
Threats and Vision for the Conservation of Galápagos Birds
Authors: Jiménez-Uzcátegui Gustavo , Wiedenfeld David , Valle Carlos A. , Vargas Hernán , Piedrahita Paolo , Muñoz-Abril Laia J. , Alava Juan José
Published: February 2019

Introduction:

Threats that affect the avian diversity on the Galápagos Islands are increasing. We evaluated threats such as climate change and severe weather, human intrusions and disturbance, biological resource use, invasive and other problematic species, genes and diseases, pollution, geological events and loss of genetic diversity in relation with avian species enlisted in both the international and national (Ecuador) IUCN Red List, which can be used as sentinel species of the ecosystem. Here, the status of the threatened species for the next ten years (present time up to 2028), under two scenarios, including thestatus quoand theavian diversity visionfor the species’ conservation, was assessed.

Methods:

The conceptual framework of the assessment was envisioned within the existing knowledge and projections of present and future threats to revisit current conservation efforts. Based on this evaluation, a set of management actions coupled with mitigation strategies to address new anthropogenic threats affecting the long-term survival of species in the face of global and regional environmental changes are recommended. Alternative strategies for species conservation, mainly when declining avian populations are susceptible to demographic bottlenecks or risk of extinction and when natural disasters affect ecosystem stability, are also considered.

Results:

These results should be envisioned as a guide for the evaluation and management of the avian species in the future to be replicated every decade.
Seismic Assessment of Steel MRFs by Cyclic Pushover Analysis
Authors: Barbagallo F. , Bosco M. , Ghersi A. , Marino E.M. , Rossi P.P.
Published: February 2019

Background:

Structural members subjected to strong earthquakes undergo stiffness and strength degradation. To predict accurately the seismic behaviour of structures, nonlinear static methods of analysis have been developed in scientific literature. Generally, nonlinear static methods perform the pushover analysis by applying a monotonic lateral load. However, every earthquake input is characterized by several repeated loads with reverse in signs and the strength and deformation capacities of structures are generally related to the cumulative damage. This aspect is neglected by the conventional monotonic approaches, which tend to overestimate the strength and stiffness of structural members.

Objective:

This paper aims to investigate the possibility that the Cyclic Pushover Analysis (CPA) may be used as a tool to assess the seismic behaviour of structures. During the CPA, the structure is subjected to a distribution of horizontal forces that is reversed in sign when predefined peak displacements of the reference node are attained. This process repeats in cycles previously determined in a loading protocol.

Methods:

To investigate the effectiveness of the CPA in predicting the structural response, a steel moment resisting frame is designed as a case study building. A numerical model of this frame is developed in OpenSees. To examine the influence of the loading protocols on the seismic response, the CPA is run following the ATC-24 and the SAC protocols. Additionally, the seismic demand of the case study frame is determined by a Monotonic Pushover Analysis (MPA) and by Incremental nonlinear Dynamic Analysis (IDA).

Results and Conclusions:

The following results are obtained:

• Despite the differences between the SAC and the ATC-24 loading protocols, the CPA applied according to those two protocols led to almost the same structural response of the case study frame.

• The CPA showed the capability of catching the stiffness and strength degradation, which is otherwise neglected by the MPA. In fact, given a base shear or peak ground acceleration, the CPA leads to the estimation of larger displacement demands compared to the MPA.

• During long (or medium) duration earthquakes, the CPA was necessary to estimate accurately the response of the structure. In fact, at a PGA equal to 1 g, the CPA estimated the top displacement demand with an error lower than 10%, while the MPA underestimated it by 18%.

• The importance of considering the cyclic deterioration is shown at local level by the damage indexes of the frame. In the case of long earthquakes, given a top displacement of 600 mm (corresponding to a PGA equal to 1 g), the CPA estimated the damage indexes with an error equal to 12%.
Aqueous Enzymatic Extraction of Oil from Microwave-pretreated Jicaro Seeds
Authors: Arroyo Brenda Yesenia Nolasco , Chacón Sandy Luz Ovando , Tacias-Pascacio Veymar Guadalupe , Chacón Guillermo Efrén Ovando , Canseco Cristina Ventura , Gordillo Rocio Meza , Quintero Arnulfo Rosales
Published: February 2019

Background:

Jicaro seeds can be considered oilseeds due to their high content of lipids,
which could be used. Aqueous Enzymatic Extraction (AEE) of oils is a safe, economical and ecological
technique, with the disadvantage that oil yields are lower than conventional methods. The microwaves
pre-treatment of the seeds has been applied to overcome this inconvenience. Therefore, the objective
of this study was to investigate the aqueous enzymatic extraction of oil from Jicaro seed pretreated
in a microwave (M-AEE) compared to Soxhlet extraction, in terms of oil yield and its quality.

Methods:

M-AEE was evaluated varying type of enzyme, extraction time, enzyme concentration,
solid/liquid ratio and particle size, according to Fractional Factorial experimental design. The obtained
oil was analyzed in terms of fatty acid content and antioxidant activities. The same analyses were performed
in oil obtained by Soxhlet extraction for comparison.

Results:

All parameters investigated in this work had a positive effect on the extraction process. The
highest oil yield of 69.71% was obtained with a particle size of 0.59 mm, 3% (w/w) of Viscozyme L,
solid/ liquid ratio of 1:6, and 5 h. No differences were found in fatty acid content and antioxidant activity
between the oil obtained by M-AEE and that obtained by SE.

Conclusion:

The properties of the oil were not different in the two extraction methods evaluated;
however, M-AEE has the advantage of being environmentally friendly technique. Jicaro seed oil physicochemical
properties were similar to edible oils, thus could be considered as a new option of edible
vegetable oil.
Ocurrencia y apuntes etnomicológicos sobre Phallus indusiatus (Phallaceae, Basidiomycota) en la Reserva Extrativista Tapajós-Arapiuns, Pará, Brasil
Authors: Ferreira Santana Marcos Diones , Lopes Costa Ana Daiane , Costa Gomes Emeli Susane , Santos Guimarães Luciana Edilena
Published: February 2019

Antecedentes y Objetivos: Los estudios acerca de Phallus (Phallaceae, Basidiomycota) en la Amazonia son escasos teniendo en cuenta las lagunas existentes en el conocimiento del taxon. En la Reserva Extrativista Tapajós-Arapiuns, estado de Pará, Brasil, se desconocía la ocurrencia de P. indusiatus, y sus nombres locales. Por lo tanto, se presenta el primer registro de esta especie en la zona, incluyendo dos nombres locales usados por los ribereños de esta localidad; y un sistema taxonómico popular para reconocer los hongos macroscópicos.Métodos: Durante mayo de 2016, se realizaron expediciones en Vila Franca y Maripá, comunidades tradicionales de la Reserva Extrativista (RESEX) Tapajós-Arapiuns, ubicada al oeste del estado de Pará, así como entrevistas abiertas con los ribereños de estas comunidades.Resultados clave: En las dos comunidades, el prefijo Urupê fue utilizado para designar hongos macroscópicos. Para el reconocimiento de P. indusiatus entre los demás hongos, los ribereños de cada comunidad atribuyeron un segundo término derivado al prefijo, siendo identificado como Urupê-tajá-de-cobra en Vila Franca y Urupê-véu-de-noiva en Maripá.Conclusiones: El sistema taxonómico popular de los ribereños es útil en el estudio de la diversidad de hongos, y su conservación es necesaria principalmente en áreas poco o aún no estudiadas. El etnoconocimiento sobre Phallus constituye información importante a la luz de las lagunas de conocimiento existentes para el taxon, y amplía los horizontes a nuevos estudios etnomicológicos en la Amazonia.
Technology-enhanced pre-instructional peer assessment: Exploring students’ perceptions in a Statistical Methods course
Authors: Kristanto Yosep Dwi
Published: February 2019

There has been strong interest among higher education institution in implementing technology-enhanced peer assessment as a tool for enhancing students’ learning. However, little is known on how to use the peer assessment system in pre-instructional activities. This study aims to explore how technology-enhanced peer assessment can be embedded into pre-instructional activities to enhance students’ learning. Therefore, the present study was an explorative descriptive study that used the qualitative approach to attain the research aim. This study used a questionnaire, students’ reflections, and interview in collecting student’s perceptions toward the interventions. The results suggest that the technology-enhanced pre-instructional peer assessment helps students to prepare the new content acquisition and become a source of students’ motivation in improving their learning performance for the following main body of the lesson. A set of practical suggestions is also proposed for designing and implementing technology-enhanced pre-instructional peer assessment.
Mapping of physics problem-solving skills of senior high school students using PhysProSS-CAT
Authors: Istiyono Edi , Dwandaru Wipsar Sunu Brams , Faizah Revnika
Published: February 2019

Evaluation using computerized adaptive tests (CAT) is an alternative to paper-based tests (PBT). This study was aimed at mapping physics problem-solving skills using PhysProSS-CAT on the basis of the item response theory (IRT). The study was conducted inSleman Regency, Yogyakarta, involving 156 students of Grade XI of senior high school. Sampling was done using stratified random sampling technique. The results of the study show that the PhysProSS-CAT is able to accurately measure physics problem-solving skills. Students’ competences in physics problem solving can be mapped as 6% of the very high category, 4% of the high category, 36% of the medium category, 36% of the low category, and 18% of the very low category. This shows that the majority of the students’ competences in physics problem solving lies within the categories of medium and low.
Association of Online Learning Behavior and Learning Outcomes for Medical Students: Large-Scale Usage Data Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Bientzle Martina , Hircin Emrah , Kimmerle Joachim , Knipfer Christian , Smeets Ralf , Gaudin Robert , Holtz Peter
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Digital learning environments have become very common in the training of medical professionals, and students often use such platforms for exam preparation. Multiple choice questions (MCQs) are a common format in medical exams and are used by students to prepare for said exams.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to examine whether particular learning activities contributed more strongly than others to users’ exam performance.

METHODS

We analyzed data from users of an online platform that provides learning materials for medical students in preparation for their final exams. We analyzed whether the number of learning cards viewed and the number of MCQs taken were positively related to learning outcomes. We also examined whether viewing learning cards or answering MCQs was more effective. Finally, we tested whether taking individual notes predicted learning outcomes, and whether taking notes had an effect after controlling for the effects of learning cards and MCQs. Our analyses from the online platform Amboss are based on user activity data, which supplied the number of learning cards studied and test questions answered. We also included the number of notes from each of those 23,633 users who had studied at least 200 learning cards and had answered at least 1000 test exam questions in the 180 days before their state exam. The activity data for this analysis was collected retrospectively, using Amboss archival usage data from April 2014 to April 2017. Learning outcomes were measured using the final state exam scores that were calculated by using the answers voluntarily entered by the participants.

RESULTS

We found correlations between the number of cards studied (r=.22; P<.001) and the number of test questions that had been answered (r=.23; P<.001) with the percentage of correct answers in the learners’ medical exams. The number of test questions answered still yielded a significant effect, even after controlling for the number of learning cards studied using a hierarchical regression analysis (β=.14; P<.001; ΔR2=.017; P<.001). We found a negative interaction between the number of learning cards and MCQs, indicating that users with high scores for learning cards and MCQs had the highest exam scores. Those 8040 participants who had taken at least one note had a higher percentage of correct answers (80.94%; SD=7.44) than those who had not taken any notes (78.73%; SD=7.80; t23631=20.95; P<.001). In a stepwise regression, the number of notes the participants had taken predicted the percentage of correct answers over and above the effect of the number of learning cards studied and of the number of test questions entered in step one (β=.06; P<.001; ΔR2=.004; P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that online learning platforms are particularly helpful whenever learners engage in active elaboration in learning material, such as by answering MCQs or taking notes.
Initiative evolution, institutions, and policy issues on Blockchain in Healthcare in China: from the perspective of data governance (Preprint)
Authors: Yu Hai-Yan , Chen Jing-Jing , Qiu Hang , Yu Jiang , Liu Mu-Qing
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Motivated by the interest around blockchains, we examine whether the healthcare sector benefits from this emerging technology, taking the case of China. Since blockchain technology can possibly provide a high level of privacy protection and robust and strong cybersecurity solution, this technology offers a promising new distributed framework across a range of uses and stakeholders. Despite of the shift towards Bitcoin, attitudes of China governments towards blockchains and its application on healthcare evaluate forward through setting policies for data governance.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate blockchain's roles in strengthening cybersecurity and protecting privacy in healthcare, we summarized the evidence on the initiative evolution, institutions and policy issues from the macroscopic and microcosmic views.

METHODS

From the perspective of data governance, this paper investigated how blockchain can make it possible to benefit healthcare from the security and privacy considerations. This paper also discussed and evaluated China’ initiative evolution, institutions, and policy issues on this front. This paper also compared the development of blockchains in healthcare in China and those in the other world. Then, a case study was conducted on the implication of smart contract in healthcare data governance.

RESULTS

Through analysis from the macroscopic, the regulators mainly including the national governments focused more on promoting the innovation of the emerging technology and standardization of its applications and service, while preventing the risk of block chain and related virtual currency. Meanwhile, block chain and related technologies had been initiative in the industries to develop for auditing, protecting privacy and data sharing in pharmaceutical supply chains and electronic medical records. Besides, smart contract as one pillar of blockchain technologies had been integrated in the patient's medical records, attributing to the innovation of chronic disease management service.

CONCLUSIONS

The results also supported the argument that China's initiative evolution, institutions, and policy issues on blockchain in healthcare attribute to increasing the data privacy, interoperability and scalability. The regulators made public policy efforts on protecting privacy using blockchain, assisting key stakeholders in healthcare blockchain implementation and increasing investment in this technology. To enrich the blockchain ecosystem, the regulators of blcokchain should provide legal clarity and more information for public–private partnerships to engage in smart contracts.
The HealthChain Blockchain for Electronic Health Records: Development Study (Preprint)
Authors: Xiao Yonggang , Xu Bin , Jiang Wenhao , Wu Yunjun
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Health care professionals are required to maintain accurate health records of patients. Furthermore, these records should be shared across different health care organizations for professionals to have a complete review of medical history and avoid missing important information. Nowadays, health care providers use electronic health records (EHRs) as a key to the implementation of these goals and delivery of quality care. However, there are technical and legal hurdles that prevent the adoption of these systems, such as concerns about performance and privacy issues.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to build and evaluate an experimental blockchain for EHRs, named HealthChain, which overcomes the disadvantages of traditional EHR systems.

METHODS

HealthChain is built based on consortium blockchain technology. Specifically, three organizations, namely hospitals, insurance providers, and governmental agencies, form a consortium that operates under a governance model, which enforces the business logic agreed by all participants. Every peer node hosts an instance of the distributed ledger consisting of EHRs and an instance of chaincode regulating the permissions of participants. Designated orderers establish consensus on the order of EHRs and then disseminate blocks to peers.

RESULTS

HealthChain achieves functional and nonfunctional requirements. It can store EHRs in a distributed ledger and share them among different participants. Moreover, it demonstrates superior features, such as privacy preservation, security, and high throughput. These are the main reasons why HealthChain is proposed.

CONCLUSIONS

Consortium blockchain technology can help to build new EHR systems and solve the problems that prevent the adoption of traditional systems.
Perceptions and Experiences of Women Participating in a Digital Technology–Based Physical Activity Intervention (the mPED Trial): Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lindgren Teri , Hooper Julie , Fukuoka Yoshimi
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Despite the benefits of regular physical activity, women in every age group have lower activity levels than men, and few women meet the recommended levels of physical activity. Digital technologies have been useful in increasing physical activity during the course of an interventional study. However, sustaining that activity once the clinical trial was complete was a major challenge.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe the experiences and perspectives of physically inactive women who completed the mobile phone–based physical activity education (mPED), a randomized controlled trial, at 12 months.

METHODS

Of 210 women who were enrolled in the mPED trial, 203 completed a 12-month open-ended exit interview and survey through phone. The participants were asked about their physical activity levels; their digital technology use; what they learned from, liked, and would change about the trial; their motivations to keep active post-trial; and their advice for other women. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed using the brief survey qualitative description. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the survey data with the significance level set at P<.05.

RESULTS

In the 12-month survey, a greater proportion of the participants in the intervention group, compared with the control group, reported that they regularly wore a pedometer or physical activity tracker (49.3%, 66/143 vs 26.1%, 18/69; P=.002) and engaged in brisk walking (54.5%, 73/134 vs 30.4%, 21/69; P=.001). The experiences and perceptions of physical activity of physically inactive women over time were embedded in a complex interplay of internal and external factors. A total of 6 interactive themes emerged as critical in supporting continued engagement in physical activity postintervention: tracking, technology versus personal touch, accountability, resources and environment, motivation, and habit formation. Technology allowed for self-tracking, which supported internal accountability. However, tracking by another person (personal touch) was needed for external accountability. Resources and environment underpinned the relationship among the themes of tracking, technology versus personal touch, accountability, motivation, and habit formation.

CONCLUSIONS

Future research is needed to identify the best ways to harness this dynamic process in promoting and sustaining physical activity among inactive women. Digital technology is evolving at an exponential rate and provides new opportunities to transform research into new approaches to promote physical activity.
A alfabetização no contexto de uma formação humana
Authors: Arruda Leticia , Grosch Maria Selma , Dos Santos Vanice , Fornari Diez Carmen Lucia
Published: February 2019

O texto apresenta uma reflexão sobre a educação escolar, com destaque para a importância da alfabetização no desenvolvimento dos seres em formação articulada com algumas relações e representações do fazer humano. Para a discussão, foram utilizadas  as contribuições de diferentes autoras/es que tratam da formação humana integral, alfabetização e formação de professoras/es, pois, trata-se de um processo que necessita do protagonismo e do trabalho conjunto de todos os envolvidos no seu desenvolvimento.
Políticas educacionais neoliberais na educação básica da rede pública de Goiás
Authors: Mikolaiczyk Fernanda De Aragão , Fiera Letícia
Published: February 2019

LIBÂNEO, José Carlos; FREITAS, Raquel A. Marra da Madeira (Orgs.). Políticas educacionais neoliberais e escola pública: uma qualidade restrita de educação escolar. Goiânia: Editora Espaço Acadêmico, 2018, 364p.
Tributo a Florestan Fernandes: reminiscências de um incomum, destemido e fundamental desafio
Authors: Auras Marli
Published: February 2019

Quando fui fazer o doutorado na área da Educação, na PUC/SP, em 1985, logo vários colegas me alertaram para não deixar de fazer o curso que estava sendo ofertado pelo professor Florestan Fernandes, “Análise dos processos revolucionários”. Em 1984, por iniciativa de alguns dos pós-gradua ndos, suas aulas foram gravadas (com seu devido consentimento, é claro), em fitas k7, e, depois, diligentemente transcritas e datilografadas. Essa transcrição, por sua vez, ainda sofreu uma cuidadosa revisão, acompanhada da audição das gravações, o que, enfim, acabou por resultar num volumoso conjunto de páginas e páginas datilografadas e, ao mesmo tempo, contendo várias correções e acréscimos feitos a mão, em letra cursiva legível, num criterioso trabalho de equipe, de modo a tornar a leitura do material a mais fiel possível ao que havia sido exposto pelo professor. Todo esse empenho resultou em preciosas 336 páginas, que foram encadernadas em dois volumes espiralados. Esse trabalho artesanal de edição, concluído meses após, possibilitou aos discentes interessados ter seu próprio exemplar fotocopiado da íntegra do curso que havia sido dado pelo professor Florestan, no segundo semestre de 1984. Em 1986, de posse de um desses exemplares, tive também o privilégio de cursar a disciplina oferecida pelo professor Florestan Fernandes.
Measuring the efficacy of board governance: Empirical evidence from Italian publicly listed companies
Authors: Napoli Francesco
Published: February 2019

Recent progress in the literature shows that board efficacy might be signaled by lower firm performance variability in a ﬁrm’s income, since the board has a fiduciary duty to protect shareholder investments that may be affected when performance is variable. Our analysis is an attempt to contribute to this debate by extending it to include family firms. In particular, we detect appointments of directors to family firm boards within a sample of 483 observations (year/firm) regarding Italian publicly listed companies. Sampled family firms have one of the family members as CEO and/or chairman (in cases of non-CEO duality) of the firm’s board. The aim is to test predictions which suggest that the presence of independent (Agency Theory), on the one hand, and interlocking directors (Resource Dependence theory), on the other, have a significant impact on performance stability. Unlike agency theory, which affirms that independents are efficient, our findings suggest that the number of independents on the board of a family firm has no impact on performance stability. Instead, we find that interlocking directors can provide a significant contribution to the achieving of lower performance variability.
MENCARI KEBENARAN DI DALAM SAINS Kajian atas Gagasan Ian G. Barbour dalam Buku Issues in Science and Religion
Authors: Gusmian Islah
Published: February 2019

Abstract: This article tries to describe the main idea ofBarbour‟s work on Issues in Science and Religion related to scientificmethods. According to Barbour, three criteria are used to evaluate atheory: it should match with observations, the internal relationshipbetween the theories and concepts, and its comprehension. Barbouroutlines some views in relation to the theory of science tradition. Thereare four views, all of which have differences to apply the theory in thestudy of science, namely positivism, instrumentalism, Idealism, andRealism. Models of scientific discovery do not only give blessing forhuman life, but also a challenge for religious philosophical outlook.Scientific thoughts will be also able to open the forms of truth that liesin the sphere of personal life and human relationships
MEMBANGUN KELUARGA HARAPAN ANTI KORUPSI: Perspektif Nilai-Nilai Alqur`an
Authors: Hasan Moh Abdul Kholiq
Published: February 2019

The Family in the Qur'an is the main pillar of a society.Family occupies a strategic position in the formation of man. Includedin the hopes of building a family of anti-corruption. Planting the anticorruptionneeds to be done early. Particularly through the practice ofreligion is not limited to mere ritual activity. But also to transform thevalues of rituals in daily life character. Among Qurani values, whichcan be used to build the character of a family of anti-corruption is theintention of working as a worship, cultivate a sense of shame in thefamily, cultivate honesty in the family, even the simplest life as highofficials, educate the family to work hard. And the most important wayin instilling the values Qur`an is the real example of parents for theirchildren. So that when they grow up to be a part of the communitywho are able to protect themselves from a variety of crimes includingcorruption.
AL-ASHIL WA DAKHIL FI TAFSIR
Authors: Junaidi Rofiq
Published: February 2019

The Qur'an is primary source for the life of Muslimsbesides the hadith from the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. As a Moslem,following the guidance of Allah and His messenger that explained inthe Qur'an and Sunnah is an obligation. Qur'an declared itself to behudan linnas for all divines in religious teachings. Its teachingscontained in the stories either explicitly or implicitly so that people cantake the lessons. In addition it also contains general rules, globlprinciples, including verses of muhkamat and mutashabihat.Everything was revealed by Allah through his messenger ProphetMuhammad PBUH and was subsequently conveyed to mankind. TheMoslems are aware to get Allah‟s guidance and His taufiq. They haveno glory except heading towards to the Qur'an and Sunnah. However,the messages that Allah sent down to His messengers often getblasphemies even tahrif from the followers in terms of both the textsand the meaning. All messages were distorted by those who follow theirdesires except the holy book of the Koran (Al-Qur‟an). Allahguaranteed the authenticity of its contents until the judgment day(yaum el Qiyamah). In keeping the authenticity of the Qur'an in 'Ulumal-Qur'an (Sciences of the Qur'an), there is a subject knowledge thatserves as „cleaning‟ and „sterilizing‟ the Qur'an from the things that arenot true in Koran teachings. The subject is known as Ad-Dakhil
OTENTITAS HADIS DALAM PERSPEKTIF HARALD MOTZKI
Authors: Junaidi M. Rofiq
Published: February 2019

To study Hadis, authenticity, validity, and reliability of themethod are very fundamental dimension. The doubt of some of theMuslim scholars on the role of Hadis as second aurthorized sourceafter Qur‟an were not fully related to their resistances to Sunnah, butmore on the doubt to the accuracy of method which is used to decidethe originality of Hadis. The study on the authetification of Hadiswhich is done by Harald Moztki started from the data analysis on thebook of al-Musannaf written by Abdurrazzaq As-Shan‟ani. According toMoztki, the book of al-Musannaf is documentation of Hadis which isvery authentic since 1st Century of Hijriyah. It meant there was realevidence that Islamic Lawa has exis at the time. This finding directlybrought down Moztki predecessor, G.H.A. Juynboll J. and projectingback of Schacht that stated that Sanad‟s system started from the 2ndcentury of Hiriyah.
MANUSIA DAN KEDUDUKANNYA: Pemikiran Alfred North Whitehead tentang Antropologi
Authors: Saudah Siti
Published: February 2019

Whitehead‟s thought is fundamental issues that interest andinfluence over the years. This leads to be categorized as a contemporaryphilosophy. Whitehead‟s thought about human being and his positionis described as follows: (1) Human being is a part of nature; accordingto Whitehead, human body and the surrounding world are closelyrelated and real. (2) Human being is Dynamic Creatures; according toWhitehead, the essence of one's existence lies in how active, howcreative, and how innovative he is in using his past for a newmanifestation of his life which gives the intensity of life experiencesmore deeply. (3) Human being Lives From and For Others; accordingto Whitehead, it refers to a “transition" or macroscopic process.Building relations with others is not only something that is accidental,but also something that is essential for every provider.I. Pendahuluan
Effect of Glucose Improvement on Spirometric Maneuvers in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: The Sweet Breath Study
Authors: Gutiérrez-Carrasquilla Liliana , Sánchez Enric , Barbé Ferran , Dalmases Mireia , López-Cano Carolina , Hernández Marta , Rius Ferran , Carmona Paola , Hernández Cristina , Simó Rafael , Lecube Albert
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE

Type 2 diabetes exerts a deleterious effect on lung function. However, it is unknown whether an improvement in glycemic control ameliorates pulmonary function.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Prospective interventional study with 60 patients with type 2 diabetes and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) ≤90% of predicted. Spirometric maneuvers were evaluated at baseline and after a 3-month period in which antidiabetic therapy was intensified. Those with an HbA1c reduction of ≥0.5% were considered to be good responders (n = 35).

RESULTS

Good responders exhibited a significant improvement in spirometric values between baseline and the end of the study (forced vital capacity [FVC]: 78.5 ± 12.6% vs. 83.3 ± 14.7%, P = 0.029]; FEV1: 75.6 ± 15.3% vs. 80.9 ± 15.4%, P = 0.010; and peak expiratory flow [PEF]: 80.4 ± 21.6% vs. 89.2 ± 21.0%, P = 0.007). However, no changes were observed in the group of nonresponders when the same parameters were evaluated (P = 0.586, P = 0.987, and P = 0.413, respectively). Similarly, the initial percentage of patients with a nonobstructive ventilatory defect and with an abnormal FEV1 decreased significantly only among good responders. In addition, the absolute change in HbA1c inversely correlated to increases in FEV1 (r = −0.370, P = 0.029) and PEF (r = −0.471, P = 0.004) in the responders group. Finally, stepwise multivariate regression analysis showed that the absolute change in HbA1c independently predicted increased FEV1 (R2 = 0.175) and PEF (R2 = 0.323). In contrast, the known duration of type 2 diabetes, but not the amelioration of HbA1c, was related to changes in forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of the FVC.

CONCLUSIONS

In type 2 diabetes, spirometric measurements reflecting central airway obstruction and explosive muscle strength exhibit significant amelioration after a short improvement in glycemic control.