bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RESULTS OF ORTHOSES USED ON AMBULATORY PATIENTS WITH BILATERAL CEREBRAL PALSY
Authors: MELANDA ALESSANDRO GIURIZATTO , PAULETO ANA CAROLINA , IUCKSCH DIELISE DEBONA , CUNHA RODRIGO FAUCZ MUNHOZ DA , SMAILI SUHAILA MAHMOUD
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the impact of ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) on subjects diagnosed with bilateral cerebral palsy (CP) using the gait index and temporal data parameters. Methods: Twenty-four subjects, 14 male and 10 female, with a mean age of 11 (5-17 years old), underwent a comprehensive gait analysis under both barefoot (BF) and braced walking conditions. All children had been wearing the orthoses for at least 2 months before the gait analysis. Results: The overall values for the left and right Gait Profile Scores (GPS) did not show statistically significant variations when comparing the same individuals with and without orthoses. Gait velocity increased by 19.5% (p < 0.001), while the cadence decreased by 4% with use of orthosis, although it was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The stride and the step lengths on both the right and left sides, however, resulted in statistically significant increases, when wearing AFO. Conclusion: AFO, prescribed for assistance by professionals without using gait data, did not significantly affect the gait index (GPS), but improved temporal data. The determination of quantitative clinical parameters for the prescription of orthotics in patients with bilateral CP, as well as orthotics that meet the specific requirements are points to be addressed in the future to obtain more significant effects. Level of evidence III, Case control study.
Anteaters on the edge: giant and lesser anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla and Tamandua tetradactyla) at their geographic distributional limits in Paraguay
Authors: Laino Rafaela , Musalem Karim , Caballero-Gini Andrea , Bueno-Villafañe Diego , González-Maya José F. , Chaparro Silvina
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACT Species tend to be less abundant at the limits of their geographic distribution. Giant and lesser anteaters have their southernmost limits in Argentina and Paraguay, where scarce information exists regarding their ecology and conservation. We present a study carried out in the Paraguay River floodplain, in an area dedicated to cattle rearing using native grasses in a subtropical flooded savanna associated with naturally occurring forest islets, wetlands and palm groves. Using camera-traps within three different forest types, we estimated parameters related to habitat preference, social behavior and activity patterns of both species. Results show that capture success was greater in the Floodable sub-humid forest islets (FSF), compared to other types of forests: Riparian forests associated with wetlands (W-RF) and Mesoxerophytic semi-deciduous forests dominated by Schinopsis balansae (MXF). Most detections corresponded to solitary anteaters, although mother-young pairs were occasionally observed during summer. Both species showed a nocturnal and crepuscular activity pattern with a peak of records around midnight. Myrmecophaga tridactyla was detected between 11°C and 26°C, while Tamandua tetradactyla occurred between 15°C and 23°C. Future research that incorporates systematically taken data in other different habitats, including grasslands and shrublands, during all seasons of the year is recommended.
Use of near infrared spectroscopy in cotton seeds physiological quality evaluation
Authors: Mayrinck Lívia Giro , Lima Juliana Maria Espíndola , Guimarães Gabriel Castanheira , Nunes Cleiton Antônio , Oliveira João Almir
Published: May 2020

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the near-infrared spectroscopy potential in analyzing the quality of cottonseed regarding different physiological quality levels, noting the need for faster techniques and tools to aid decision making. It was used eight samples of cottonseed with and without lint, presenting different physiological quality. The “high” (lots 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7) and “low” (lots 2, 3 and 8) vigor levels were defined based on vigor tests carried out and on the Normative Instruction 45/2013. The near infrared spectroscopy spectra was obtained from four types of sample preparations: whole seeds, cut in a half, without tegument and grounded seeds. Using the spectra and the grouping of lots in high and low vigor, cross validation models were optimized, built using the PLS - DA method, making it possible to predict seed classes. Grounded seeds were the best type of sample preparation, with 95% of correct predictions for high vigor seeds and 100% of low vigor (both for seeds with lint) and with 100% correct predictions for high vigor seeds and 91.7% low vigor (without lint).
Biochemical changes stimulated by accelerated aging in safflower seeds (Carthamus tinctorius L.)
Authors: Önder Sercan , Tonguç Muhammet , Güvercin Damla , Karakurt Yaşar
Published: May 2020

Abstract: Seed vigor tests are used to estimate their quality. One of the most commonly used is the accelerated aging test (AA). The aim of the present study was to study the biochemical changes caused in the seeds and to determine their germination status after the AA. Six safflower genotypes were tested at 43 °C and 45 °C for 0, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h, and germination percentage (GP), mean germination time (MGT) and normal seedling percentage (NSP) were evaluated to determine the aging reactions of the genotypes. During the AA at 45 °C, the seeds quickly lost their germination ability after 48 h; after 120 h, the seeds lost their viability, remaining, however, still viable at 43 °C. Two genotypes that aged more (Linas and Olas) and less (Bayer-6 and Bayer-12) were chosen to examine the biochemical changes during the AA at 43 °C. Eleven biochemical analysis were performed to understand physiological changes associated with the test. Total caratone, xanthophyll, phenolics, flavonoid, soluble protein, soluble sugars, oil and malondialdehyde contents were lower after 120 h, compared to 0 h. Reducing sugars and free fatty acids contents increased in the least and most aging genotypes. However, the total tocopherol content increased in the least aging genotypes and decreased in the most aging genotypes after 120 h, compared to 0 h. The results showed that the AA at 43 °C was suitable to study the aging process in the safflower seeds. Besides, understanding the chemical changes was useful to elucidate the physiological basis of seed aging.
Ganho auditivo e influência do tempo de privação auditiva na percepção de fala em usuários de implante coclear
Authors: Cordeiro Bianca Bastos , Banhara Marcos Roberto , Mendes Carlos Maurício Cardeal
Published: May 2020

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o ganho de percepção de fala na ausência e na presença de ruído competitivo; avaliar, após três meses de uso do implante coclear, se houve correlação entre a percepção de fala nas duas condições e correlacionar o tempo de privação auditiva e o lado implantado com a percepção de fala na ausência e na presença do ruído. Métodos Participaram deste ensaio clínico 12 indivíduos com perda auditiva de severa a profunda, submetidos à cirurgia de implante coclear. A percepção de fala foi avaliada através do teste Listas de Sentenças em Português, utilizando a direcionalidade Opti Omni, em situações de ausência e presença de ruído competitivo. Resultados A percepção de fala na ausência e na presença de ruído competitivo aumentou, em comparação com a percepção de fala pré-operatória com a utilização da direcionalidade Opti Omni e estes achados não tiveram associação com o tempo de privação auditiva ou o lado implantado. Conclusão Houve ganho na percepção de fala, tanto na ausência, como na presença do ruído competitivo, com forte correlação entre essas duas situações. Além disso, não houve associação entre tempo de privação auditiva sem o uso do aparelho de amplificação sonora individual ou o lado implantado com o desempenho na percepção de fala.
TRABAJO DOCENTE Y NUEVA GESTIÓN PÚBLICA EN CHILE: UNA REVISIÓN DE LA EVIDENCIA
Authors: Maldonado Cristian Oyarzún , Chávez Rodrigo Cornejo
Published: May 2020

RESUMEN El artículo presenta una revisión de alcance de la literatura sobre trabajo docente y Nueva Gestión Pública en Chile a partir de 48 investigaciones publicadas en el periodo 2008-2018. La revisión permitió identificar cuatro líneas de investigación, estas son: “análisis de marcos regulatorios y prescripciones del trabajo docente” (7 estudios); “investigaciones sobre implementación de políticas gerenciales” (16 estudios); “subjetividad docente y políticas gerenciales” (15 estudios); y “estudios sobre validez de instrumentos de política” (10 estudios). Como consideraciones finales se expone una síntesis valorativa acerca de las cuatro categorías identificadas, sus enfoques metodológicos y principales hallazgos, a la vez que se señalan brechas de conocimiento y desafíos para futuras investigaciones.
Experiência de mentoring entre estudantes de graduação em enfermagem: reflexões e ressonâncias dialógicas
Authors: Franzoi Mariana André Honorato , Martins Gisele
Published: May 2020

Trata-se de relato da experiência a respeito do Programa de Mentoria Estudantil em Enfermagem entre pares da Universidade de Brasília (UnB), com enfoque nas relações de apoio e aprendizado mútuo estabelecidas entre os estudantes. As narrativas dos estudantes registradas em formulários on-line aplicados a cada edição do Programa desvelam a construção de relações mais humanizadas, solidárias e dialógicas constituídas a partir do processo de mentoring. Os estudantes puderam vivenciar e desenvolver habilidades e valores de uma práxis de natureza relacional e reflexiva, tão essencial na construção do trabalho coletivo, fundante para a área da saúde e da enfermagem. As ressonâncias dessa experiência perpassam seres inacabados e incompletos que, ao se tornarem cada vez mais conscientes do próprio inacabamento, podem se movimentar permanentemente na busca de desenvolverem autonomia e novas potencialidades em sua jornada acadêmica.
Ensino superior público e privado na Paraíba nos últimos 15 anos: reflexões sobre o acesso, a permanência e a conclusão
Authors: Branco Uyguaciara Veloso Castelo
Published: May 2020

O presente artigo consiste em um estudo de caso e objetiva estabelecer parâmetros importantes para situar o fenômeno da evasão da educação superior a partir da análise dos microdados e sinopses do Censo da Educação Superior (BRASIL, MEC/INEP, 2002-2016), tendo como foco o contexto do estado da Paraíba, envolvendo as instituições de ensino superior públicas e privadas. Para tanto, utilizou-se como base teórica a compreensão da categoria evasão feita por Silva Filho; Motejunas; Hipolito; Lobo, 2007; Almeida; Veloso, 2002; Baggi; Lopes, 2011; Castelo Branco; Jezine; Nakamura, 2015. Os dados foram sistematizados e apresentados em forma de tabelas e gráficos, analisados à luz do referencial teórico. Os resultados apontam para importantes indicadores de evasão tanto no contexto público quanto no contexto privado, na Paraíba, através das reflexões sobre os dados relativos à taxa de abandono e de conclusão de curso.
Gestão da internacionalização das instituições de ensino superior
Authors: Carvalho Sabrina Borges Ramos de , Araújo Geraldino Carneiro de
Published: May 2020

Este estudo tem como objetivo discutir o contexto da gestão da internacionalização no ensino superior brasileiro. A internacionalização da educação superior se justifica e revela seu significado e que visa contribuir para a gestão das instituições de ensino superior brasileiras. A internacionalização, como política pública para o ensino superior, se insere como uma estratégia importante para o avanço e compartilhamento da ciência no mundo globalizado. Ainda existem limitações significativas à efetiva implantação e gestão da internacionalização, porém o processo não é mais incipiente e o país tem avançado. A gestão da internacionalização tem muitos desafios, no entanto, se vê esforços para o alcance de melhores índices, de forma a fomentar a internacionalização promovendo oportunidades de progresso e desenvolvimento da cidadania.
Evasão na educação a distância: pontos e contrapontos à problemática
Authors: Branco Lilian Soares Alves , Conte Elaine , Habowski Adilson Cristiano
Published: May 2020

O estudo visa traçar um panorama das causas da evasão na educação a distância, discutindo os (contra)pontos e jogando luzes ao problema. Embora existam muitos estudos e discursos afinados sobre as causas da evasão, percebemos um distanciamento por parte das instituições formadoras em relação aos problemas da evasão, o que gera uma diminuição ou isenção de responsabilidades, tendo em vista a tendência em atribuir suas causas a dimensões psicológicas do estudante ou a (in)comunicabilidade entre os sujeitos participantes ou ainda às (des)continuidades ordenadas normativamente. O esforço dessa pesquisa consiste em dar visibilidade ao conjunto de dissertações e teses produzidas sobre a evasão na EaD. Trata-se de mapear na Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações estas produções com os descritores Evasão EaD, por meio de uma busca avançada, considerando o período de publicação de 2007 a 2017. Acerca dessa temática, obtivemos setenta e dois resultados, dos quais fizeram parte do corpus investigativo de produção de dados sessenta e oito trabalhos. Compreende-se que apesar da EaD ser avaliada como um modelo de gestão propício às demandas sociais ela recebe forte influência de interesses de mercado, o que exige reavaliações constantes para um processo efetivo de (re)construção de conhecimentos e metodologias, contribuindo, também, para a diminuição dos índices da evasão (tensão inclusão/exclusão) na EaD. O estudo pontuou vários fatores comuns à evasão, apresentando contrapontos, no sentido de utilizar meios tradicionais de forma virtualizada, e propostas de melhoria nos processos via EaD, considerando os limites de estudar a distância, a necessidade de não confundir flexibilidade com facilidade para avaliação dos estudantes.
Experimental Antiglomerular Basement Membrane GN Induced by a Peptide from Actinomyces
Authors: Gu Qiu-hua , Huynh Megan , Shi Yue , Jia Xiao-yu , Luo Jie-jian , Jiang Tai-jiao , Cui Zhao , Ooi Joshua D. , Kitching A. Richard , Zhao Ming-hui
Published: May 2020

Significance Statement

Antiglomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease is associated with HLA-DRB1*1501 (the major predisposing genetic factor in the disease), with α3127–148 as a nephritogenic T and B cell epitope. Association of infections with anti-GBM disease has been long suspected. In this study, the authors used bioinformatic tools to search for peptides from microbes mimicking the critical motif of a pathogenic epitope for Goodpasture disease (α3127–148). They identified a pathogenic peptide derived from Actinomyces, which was recognized by sera from patients with anti-GBM disease and that induced proteinuria, linear IgG deposition on GBM, and crescent formation in both WKY rats and humanized HLA-DR15 transgenic mice via crossreactivity of lymphocytes. These findings implicate a role for infection and molecular mimicry in the pathogenesis of anti-GBM disease.

Background

Antiglomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease is associated with HLA-DRB1*1501 (the major predisposing genetic factor in the disease), with α3127–148 as a nephritogenic T and B cell epitope. Although the cause of disease remains unclear, the association of infections with anti-GBM disease has been long suspected.

Methods

To investigate whether microbes might activate autoreactive T and B lymphocytes via molecular mimicry in anti-GBM disease, we used bioinformatic tools, including BLAST, SYFPEITHI, and ABCpred, for peptide searching and epitope prediction. We used sera from patients with anti-GBM disease to assess peptides recognized by antibodies, and immunized WKY rats and a humanized mouse model (HLA-DR15 transgenic mice) with each of the peptide candidates to assess pathogenicity.

Results

On the basis of the critical motif, the bioinformatic approach identified 36 microbial peptides that mimic human α3127–148. Circulating antibodies in sera from patients with anti-GBM recognized nine of them. One peptide, B7, derived from Actinomyces species, induced proteinuria, linear IgG deposition on the GBM, and crescent formation when injected into WKY rats. The antibodies to B7 also targeted human and rat α3127–148. B7 induced T cell activation from human α3127–148-immunized rats. T cell responses to B7 were detected in rats immunized by Actinomyces lysate proteins or recombinant proteins. We confirmed B7’s pathogenicity in HLA-DR15 transgenic mice that developed kidney injury similar to that observed in α3135–145-immunized mice.

Conclusions

Sera from patients with anti-GBM disease recognized microbial peptides identified through a bioinformatic approach, and a peptide from Actinomyces induced experimental anti-GBM GN by T and B cell crossreactivity. These studies demonstrate that anti-GBM disease may be initiated by immunization with a microbial peptide.
Analysis of clinical features and early warning signs in patients with severe COVID-19: a retrospectivecohort study v1
Authors: Yue Xinpei , Liu Xinkui
Published: May 2020

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first identified in Wuhan, China during December of 2019. Previous studies have described clinical aspectsof the COVID-19 illness;however, insufficient literature currently exists regarding detecting severe conditions in patients during the early diagnosisstage. Patients admitted to a designated hospital in the Henan Province of China with outcomes of either discharge or death before February 15, 2020 were enrolled retrospectively as a cohort study population. Patients who underwent at least one of the following treatments were considered a severe group: continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), high-flow oxygen absorption, noninvasive and invasive mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO); while,the remaining patients were considereda non-severe group. Data regarding basic information, initial symptoms, and first visit examination results were collected from electronic medical records (EMR) and compared between the severe and non-severe groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors. Areceiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to find threshold for each predictor. Altogether,104 patients were enrolled to our study with 30 and 74 patients in the severe and non-severe groups, respectively. A majority of older patients werein the severe group. In addition,patients in the severe group had higher direct bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin along witha lower absolute lymphocyte value. Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that patients aged ≥63-years (odds ratio 41.0, 95% CI 2.8~592.4)，with an absolute lymphocyte value≤1.02×10^9/L (odds ratio 6.1, 95% CI 1.5~25.2), CRP≥65.08mg/L (odds ratio8.9, 95% CI 1.0~74.2) had more risk being diagnosed as severe condition.
Chloroform-Methanol Protein Extraction for Gram-negative Bacteria (High Throughput) v1
Authors: Gin Jennifer , Chen Yan , J Petzold Christopher
Published: May 2020

Recent improvements in the speed and sensitivity of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry systems have driven progress toward system-wide characterization of the proteome of many species. These efforts create large proteomic datasets that provide insight into biological processes and identify diagnostic proteins whose abundance changes significantly under different experimental conditions. Consequently, it is important to have reproducible sample preparation methods that consist of mixing, various centrifugation and incubation steps, and an extended tryptic digestion step. We developed a high-throughput sample preparation workflow that consists of cell lysis, protein precipitation, protein resuspension, protein quantification, and normalization of protein concentration followed by standard bottom-up proteomic procedures of reducing and blocking cysteine residues and tryptic digestion. This protocol was adapted from the manual sample preparation method found in Chen, Y., et al. "Automated “Cells-To-Peptides” Sample Preparation Workflow for High-Throughput, Quantitative Proteomic Assays of Microbes."Journal of proteome research 18.10 (2019): 3752-3761.
nCoV-2019 sequencing protocol (RAPID barcoding, 1200bp amplicon) v3
Authors: Freed Nikki , Silander Olin
Published: May 2020

To enable faster, easier sequencing of SARS-COV2 genomes with fewer steps than current methods, we use multiplexed 1200 base pair PCR amplicons with the Oxford Nanopore RAPID barcoding kit (RBK004). This is a modification of the ARTIC amplicon V3 sequencing protocol for MinION for nCoV-2019 developed by Josh Quick, which produces 400 base pair amplicons and uses the Oxford Nanopore Ligation barcoding kit (LSK-109). We have increased the size of the amplicons to 1200bp and use the RAPID barcode kit (RBK004), which enables requires less time and fewer reagents than the LSK-109 protocol. The amplicons produced in this protocol could also be used for Illumina sequencing. Primers were all designed using Primal Scheme: http://primal.zibraproject.org/, described here https://www.nature.com/articles/nprot.2017.066. Primer sequences are here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1M5I_C56ZC8_2Ycgm9EFieVlVNqxsP7dXAnGoBZy3nDo/edit?usp=sharing
Features of the Development of the Educational Route for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Shargorodskaya L.V.
Published: May 2020

The difficulties in developing an educational route for students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) de- termined by both the heterogeneity of this group of students and the wide variation in the severity of autistic disorders in specific children. In addition, the lack of systematization of the experience of involving school- children with autism in the Russian educational system is other point. The individual educational route for a child with ASD, presented in the article, involves a phased metered expansion of social contacts of a student with ASD with adults and children in the process of training. Child’s abilities, corresponding to the level of his self-control and self-awareness, as well as the actual experience of the child’s involvement in social relations primarily taken into account in the development of individual education environment at each of educational stages. This gives an opportunity to develop an educational environment aimed at preventing of pathological forms of autistic protection and which has a developing potential. The following stages of teaching at a school of a student with an ASD described: individual stage, stage of including in the group, education in a special class of low occupancy, integrative stage.
The Impact of an Online Happiness Course on Subjective Happiness Among College Students
Authors: Murdoch Rodowicz Casey , Morris Laura , Sidman Cara L. , Beyer Kelsey
Published: May 2020

Background: This research examined the subjective happiness of students enrolled in either a 5-week happiness or a 5-week recreational course, both administered online. Studies have shown improvements in college students’ well-being after teaching them behavior modification strategies, in a face-to-face setting, similar to those implemented in the present study. In addition, the past three decades of research on positive psychology has provided extensive evidence of the beneficial impact of happiness, or positive psychological interventions (PPIs), on various aspects of well-being. These include emotional variables related to stress.Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of an evidence-based online happiness course on subjective happiness among college students. Methods: Participants (N = 74) were self-selected based on course enrollment. The population of interest was college students (18 – 22 years of age). An online survey methodology was utilized for data collection of pretest/posttest measures of subjective happiness.Results: Participants in both the happiness and recreational courses reported increased measures of subjective happiness, although there was no significant difference between group meansConclusion: Future research investigating university-based happiness courses and other interventions, using a variety of delivery formats, is recommended to determine the most effective ways to improve overall happiness in student populations.
Healthy lifestyle behaviors in sophomore nursing students: A descriptive correlational study
Authors: Chunta Kristy S.
Published: May 2020

Aim: The purpose of this research was to describe health perceptions, behaviors, and perceived stress of undergraduate nursing students and to determine if supportive incentives improved students’ healthy lifestyle behaviors.Background: Nurses have a primary responsibility in promoting health in the United States.  Nursing students will become the future health workforce and must understand the importance of personal health and wellness, even before entering the profession. Methods: This descriptive study used a convenience sample of sophomore nursing students (N = 65) from one state university in the Northeast.  Students’ motivators and barriers of a healthy lifestyle, perceived difficulty in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, perceived stress, and personal health rating were measured at the beginning and end of the semester.Results: Small and moderate correlations were noted among several variables.  Paired t-tests revealed statistically significant findings for students’ perceived difficulty in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, health barriers, and personal health rating.  Open-ended responses identified time and money/cost as the greatest barriers to making healthy lifestyle decisions.  Supportive incentives offered throughout the semester did not increase participation in wellness activities.Conclusions: Undergraduate nursing students reported barriers and difficulties in relation to maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors.  Future research should focus on the challenges that college students face and provide interventions to promote health and wellness behaviors.  Continued research with nursing students may identify healthy lifestyle challenges that are unique to this group of students.
Editorial Advisory Board
Authors: BHAC Journal Building Healthy Academic Communities
Published: May 2020

No abstract available.
National Consortium for Building Healthy Academic Communities 4th National Summit: Building Cultures of Well-Being Additional Summit Abstracts
Authors: BHAC Journal Building Healthy Academic Communities
Published: May 2020

No abstract available.CorrigendumCorrection of: https://doi.org/10.18061/bhac.v3i2.7286The authors of the abstract entitled "BUILDING CULTURES OF WELL-BEING: THE HAPPINESS APPROACH" [Building Healthy Academic Communities Journal Vol. 3, No. 2, 2019] inadvertently omitted Danny Twilley (Ohio University) from the list of authors. The author Danny Twilley should have been added after Cara Sidman in the published abstract. The authorship correction is published in Building Healthy Academic Communities Journal Vol. 4, No. 1, 2020, https://doi.org/10.18061/bhac.v4i1.7629.
Impact of a sensitization program on prescription order writing skills of second year MBBS students: a prospective study
Authors: R. Subhashini , K. Bhuvaneswari , A. Umamaheswari
Published: May 2020

Background: Incomplete and erroneous prescriptions affect the effective management of patients. The undergraduates of today are the physicians of tomorrow. Hence, the need for inculcating good prescription writing practice from undergraduate level to improve quality of healthcare. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a sensitization program on the effective prescription writing skills of second year MBBS students.Methods: This prospective study was conducted between January and November 2017 among 149 second year medical students. The prescriptions by students were assessed prior to and after a sensitization program which emphasized on the importance of each component of the prescription, need for generic prescribing and rational use of drugs.Results: After the sensitization program, there was significant improvement in mentioning of all components (p<0.05) except for route of administration, instructions, and health advise which were still deficient. The rationality in prescribing was analyzed by scoring vital drug related information on a scale of 12. Majority of inscriptions (72%; n=107) were rational after the program. There existed a weak positive correlation (r=0.15) between students’ knowledge of drugs assessed by theory examinations and scores of prescriptions assessed in practical examinations.Conclusions: The sensitization program served as an effective strategy in improving knowledge regarding every component of the prescription and enhanced the prescription writing skills at the undergraduate level. This could help prevent deficiencies in health care arising from errors in prescribing.
Genetic analysis of SLC47A1, SLC22A1, SLC22A2, ATM gene polymorphisms among diabetics in an Indian population
Authors: Phate Sagar D. , Daswani Bharti R. , Mishra Deepika N. , Joshi Kedar S.
Published: May 2020

Background: Metformin is a first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the glycaemic response to metformin is likely to be affected by polymorphisms of transporter genes. Therefore, the study was done with the  aim to assess demographic distribution of transporter genotypes involved in disposition and action of metformin.Methods: This cross-sectional, observational, single centre, clinical study was conducted in 80 diabetic patients recruited from medicine OPD. Descriptive analysis was done for distribution of the four transporter genotypes viz. SLC47A1 (rs2289669), ATM (rs11212617), SLC22A2 (rs316019) and SLC22A1 (rs622342). Genotyping was determined by DNA extraction, agarose gel electrophoresis, estimation of DNA concentration, polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing, sequencing analysis.Results: Transporter genotype analysis showed that for SLC47A1 (rs2289669) transporter, 31.25% and 26.25% were homozygous for AA and GG allele respectively, while 42.5% were heterozygous (AG). For ATM (rs11212617), SLC22A2 (rs316019) and SLC22A1 (rs622342) transporter, 45% and 10%, 1.25% and 80%, 58.75% and 7.50% were homozygous for AA and CC allele respectively; while 45%, 18.75%, 33.75% were heterozygous (AC) respectively. Interethnic differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of SLC22A1 (rs622342) and ATM (rs11212617) gene polymorphism were observed when compared with other major populations.Conclusions: In the genotypic distribution of four transporter genotype study showed that there was an ethnic variation in allelic distribution of allele A and C of ATM (rs11212617) and SLC22A1 (rs622342) while AA genotype of SLC22A2 (rs316019) was rare genotype and allele ‘A’ was major allele found in our study. The study data observed would justify further pharmacogenetic studies to evaluate the role of gene polymorphism in the therapeutic efficacy of metformin.
Effect of sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors on serum uric acid: an outpatient based prospective interventional study
Authors: Saha Dipan , Das Subhayan , Maiti Ramnarayan , Paul Swarnali
Published: May 2020

Background: Hyperuricemia is considered to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. It has been found to be related to features of metabolic syndromes like hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. Sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are known to have a decremental effect on serum uric acid level. We evaluated the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on serum uric acid of diabetic population.Methods: In this prospective study we recruited 50 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients who were on metformin monotherapy and were having inadequate glycemic control. Patients were prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors as an add-on therapy. Serum uric acid of the subjects was measured at the baseline and after 3 months. The primary outcome was to observe changes in serum uric acid (SUA) levels from the baseline to the end of the study. Glycemic changes were determined by observing the changes in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels (if any).Results: The study population was predominantly male (82%). BMI wise most of the subjects (44%) were overweight. Mean HbA1c of total population was 7.65±0.5, whereas mean serum uric acid was 6.31±0.72 at the baseline. After 3 months HbA1C and serum uric acid levels were 7.45±0.50 and 6.06±0.64 respectively. Both the changes were statistically significant (p<0.005).Conclusions: SGLT2 inhibitors could improve glycemic control and lower SUA levels in patients with uncontrolled T2DM. Randomized study with bigger sample size and longer study period are required to further demonstrate the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on serum uric acid and explore the potential underlying mechanisms.
Attitudes and barriers of medical students towards conducting research in a medical college
Authors: Narasimhaiah Manjunath G. , Mallikarjuna Swamy R. , Kalaburgi Riyaj A.
Published: May 2020

Background: It is well known that evidence-based medicine is the rule for clinical practice. This can be enhanced by conducting good research. Medical students being the future doctors should contribute significantly. But the research among the medical students is very poor with respect to presentations and publications. In view of this data the study was done to know their perception, attitude and barriers for conducting research.Methods: This was a cross sectional observational study involving three different batches of medical students by giving a semi-structured questionnaire.Results: The response among the participants to involve in research was only 30%. Among them the overall attitude and barrier score were 3.69±0.29 and 3.63±0.42 respectively with statistical significance shown between genders and not between batches. The biggest barrier was lack of previous research experience (91.67%). The most common motivational factor was self-interest (90.7%).Conclusions: If given sufficient training and facilities provided, we should be able to get more research among the medical students.
Personalized drug concentration predictions with machine learning: an exploratory study
Authors: Shakeel Danish , Mir Shakeel Ahmad
Published: May 2020

Background: The dose individualization by therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) can be improved if population-based reference ranges are available, as there is large inter- and intrapatient variability. If these ranges are not available, dose individualization may not be optimal. Machine learning can help achieve accurate drug dose settings and predict the resultant levels.Methods: Two random forest models, a multi-class classifier to predict dose and a regression model to predict blood drug level were trained on 320 patients’ data, consisting of their age, sex, dose and blood drug level. The classifier consisted of 1000 estimators (decision trees) and the regression model consisted of 1300 estimators. The model was evaluated on randomly split test set having 10% of the total dataset size. The regression model was compared against k-Nearest neighbor and linear regression models. The classifier was evaluated using accuracy, precision, and F1 Score; the regression model was evaluated using R2, Root mean squared error, and mean absolute error.Results: The classifier had an out-of-sample accuracy of 68.75%, average precision of 0.7567, and an average F1 score of 0.6907. The regression model had an out-of-sample R2 value of 0.2183, root mean squared value of 3.7359, and a mean absolute error of 2.5156. These values signify an average classification performance, and a below-average regression performance due to small dataset.Conclusions: It is possible for machine learning algorithms to be used in therapeutic drug monitoring. With a well-structured, rich, and large dataset, a very accurate model can be built.
Role of primary care physicians in diabetes care in India
Authors: Bashar M. D. Abu , Begam Nazia
Published: May 2020

Diabetes is a major worldwide epidemic and a public health challenge of 21st century with >415 million individuals living with the disease and this number is expected to grow to staggering 642 million by 2040. Of patients with this disease, 90% to 95% have type 2 DM. Factors contributing to this increase mainly of type 2 diabetes include an aging population, improved survival rates, and the increasing prevalence of overweight or obesity.
Comparative validity evaluation of para-nasal sinus diseases using conventional radiography and computed tomography in a tertiary care hospital of Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Sethi Chandni , Sethi Anuj Shamsher
Published: May 2020

Background: Sinonasal diseases include a wide spectrum ranging from inflammatory conditions to neoplasms, both benign and malignant and with the advancement in medical sciences and technology, and the ability to detect and control most illnesses, time has witnessed a momentous evolutionary change in medical practice. Objectives of the present study was to assess the demographical profile of sinonasal diseases patients and to compare the role of X-ray and computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of sinonasal diseases.

Methods: The study was conducted on 100 cases presenting in the ENT OPD, patients admitted in ENT ward and cases referred from medical and surgical departments of G. R. Medical College and J. A. Group of Hospitals, Gwalior, who had chronic sinonasal symptoms. All the collected data was analyzed using SPSS15.0 and frequencies, validity of both the modalities were compared.  

Results: The mean age was 33.75 years with youngest patient of 5 years and oldest being 85 years of age. CT had a good sensitivity and specificity for bacterial sinusitis (95.1%, 93.2%), fungal sinusitis (80%, 97.9%), single nucleotide polymorphism (90%, 88.6%), benign lesions (75%, 97.7%), malignant lesions (78.6%, 98.8%) respectively with a p value of <0.001, reflecting a highly significant level.

Conclusions: Present study proves the significance of CT in diagnosing sinonasal pathologies and guiding their management. However, the importance of X-ray as a preliminary investigation, especially in acute or chronic cases which cannot be ignored.
An overview of endoscopic stapedotomy in a tertiary care centre
Authors: Gujrathi Atish B. , Shroff Siddharth A. , Gadpayale Nishikant , Agarwal Naman
Published: May 2020

Background: Stapedotomy is now one of the most popular and common surgeries done worldwide. Otosclerosis remains the most common single cause of conducting hearing loss in adult population. Females are more frequently affected than males with an approximate 2:1 ratio.

Methods: This study consists of 30 patients who underwent stapedotomy for otosclerosis. This study was conducted at Dr Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College, Nanded, during the period of 2 years (2017-2019). Patients were evaluated and operated. The various anatomical variations, diagnostic dilemmas, intraoperative complications, its management and follow-up were done systematically.  

Results: Age of patients included in this study ranged from 15 to 50 years. Youngest patient was a 17-year-old male. Age of presentation was most commonly seen in third decade of life. Male to female ratio was 1:2. The most common symptom was hard of hearing followed by tinnitus. In this study, 76.67% of the patient’s had bilateral disease. 66.66% of patients had hearing loss between 41-55 dB with mean pre-operative pure tone average was 51.16 dB. About 80% of patients had successful air bone closure between 0-10 dB after the surgery.

Conclusions: Endoscopic stapedotomy seems a feasible and relatively safe surgical technique in limited case series. Cosmetically this procedure was more compliant by the patients however endoscopic stapedotomy requires a significant learning curve and an extreme expertise.
A case report of giant anterior neck lipoma
Authors: Jain Shalini , Maingi Sahil , Sofia Ancy S. , Rai A. K.
Published: May 2020

Lipoma is a benign mesenchymal tumor with a thirteen percent incidence in head and neck region. Posterior triangle is the most common location while anterior neck lipoma is a rare one. Giant lipomas >10 cm have been reported in different parts of the body but rarely in the anterior neck. Surgical excision remains the treatment of choice. We here report a case of giant anterior neck lipoma in a 50 year old male managed surgically.
Using signals from the gas-turbine engine shaft speed sensor in the diagnosis of the technical condition of its reduction gearbox
Authors: Avramenko A. A. , Kryuchkov A. N. , Plotnikov S. M. , Sundukov E. V. , Sundukov A. E.
Published: May 2020

It is shown that analyzing the signals from standard sensors of gas-turbine engine shaft speed we can resolve some issues of diagnostics of the technical condition of the reduction gearbox without installing any additional vibration transducers. It was found, in particular, that the vibration spectrum component generated by the wear of the differential reduction devices gear teeth causing resonant oscillations of the turbocharger blades produces torsional vibration at the appropriate frequency. The analysis of the parameters of the instantaneous rotational speed of the reduction gear output link (the shaft of the rear screw) made it possible to obtain some diagnostic indicators of the value of the reduction gear teeth wear on the basis of evaluation of the frequency deviations variance. It was established that the value of the diagnostic indicator is linearly dependent on the value of wear. The norm for this indicator was established for the engine under investigation. Significant influence of the load on its level was shown.
Bringing spacecraft into solar-oriented attitude by the measurements of a single-axis angular-rate sensor and an optical solar sensor
Authors: Shipov M. G. , Steklova A. A. , Davydov A. A.
Published: May 2020

The algorithm of the turn of the spacecraft from an initial arbitrary angular position at an arbitrary angular rate to a solar-oriented attitude is investigated. Minimum essential equipment of the motion control system required for the purpose of ensuring maintenance of solar orientation is defined: a solar sensor, a single-axis angular-rate sensor, low-thrust liquid rocket engines. A solution of the problem of defining the spacecraft angular rate vector by the measurements of the deviation of the optical axis of the solar sensor from the sun vector and the single-axis angular-rate sensor is presented. The conditions under which control action on the rocket engines for the purpose of changing the value of the angular-rate vector for the Sun to get into the field of viewing of the solar sensor or for the spacecraft stabilization are defined. Mathematical modeling of the spacecraft attitude control system with the unknown initial state vector of motion is carried out. The results of mathematical modeling confirmed the efficiency of the proposed algorithm in terms of reducing propellant fuel consumption and high-speed performance. In comparison with the known methods of solving the problem of reducing angular speed (a lengthy process with the use of a magnetic system or a fast process with the use of a three-axis angular-rate sensor and rocket engines) the duration of the process of reducing angular speeds is the same as in normal operation, however, at the same time the problem of bringing spacecraft into the solar oriented attitude is solved.
Animal Languages
Authors: Meijer Eva
Published: May 2020

Chapter 2 turns the focus to non-human animal languages. The author draws on empirical studies of non-human animal languages and cultures, in order to provide a better insight into their worlds as a starting point for conceptualizing interspecies interactions and world-building. The chapter begins by discussing language research in which humans investigate the linguistic capacities of other animals through teaching them to use human language. It then discusses problems with this approach, for non-human animals and language, and examines how Ludwig Wittgenstein’s later work, and specifically his concept “language games,” can function as an alternative way of studying non-human animal languages and interspecies languages. The second half of the chapter, in which the author uses ethological studies and philosophical insights to provide a phenomenological view of language, is devoted to exploring how different functions of language can be characterized in a multispecies context. The author discusses the language games of mimicry, alarm calls, grammar, identity, and performativity, as well as meta-communication. The final section argues that we need to move from thinking about to thinking with other animals, and that we therefore need to explore the relation between language and world in an interspecies context.
From Animal Languages to Interspecies Worlds
Authors: Meijer Eva
Published: May 2020

This chapter investigates how we can conceptualize language games between animals of different species, specifically focusing on human/non-human animal relations, and the author explores the role that language plays in constructing common worlds with other animals. The author first reflects on the relationship between language and world, using dog trainer and philosopher Vicki Hearne’s views about interspecies language games, and Heidegger’s views on the relation between world and language. She then turns to the embodied aspects of language, drawing on the work of Maurice Merleau-Ponty. The following section focuses on understanding other animals and the role of empathy in this process. The second part of the chapter investigates how this works in practice. The author first conceptualizes ethologist Barbara Smuts’s experience of living with baboons as world-building practice. The chapter then turns to living and speaking with dogs, discussing language, habits, and building common worlds. Next, the author considers sharing households with other animals, and the role that material interventions can play in working towards understanding and improving conditions for other animals, including increasing their freedom. In the final section, the author further explores the relation between these different examples of interspecies world-building practices and freedom.
Goose Politics
Authors: Meijer Eva
Published: May 2020

The second case study draws on the insights developed in the first two parts of the thesis to investigate the goose-human conflict around Schiphol Airport. Geese are not wanted in the fields around the airport, yet they keep coming back because they like the grass. In response, humans kill them, even though this does not solve the problem. Many different parties play a role in this conflict—politicians, animal welfare activists, farmers, the airport, the general public—but the role of the geese is underexposed. The geese are the center of attention, but no one is paying attention to their views on the matter, nor is anyone interested in working with them to solve this situation. This is unfortunate for normative and practical reasons. Seeing geese as political actors, paying attention to their species-specific behaviors, and investigating how they act politically can help us to establish new relations, and further clarify how human political concepts can play a role in interspecies relations more generally.