bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Key stakeholder experiences of an integrated healthcare pilot in Australia: A thematic analysis
Authors: TRANKLE STEVEN , USHERWOOD TIM , ABBOTT PENELOPE , ROBERTS MARY , CRAMPTON MICHAEL , GIRGIS CHRISTIAN M , RISKALLAH JOHN , CHANG YASHU , SAINI JASPREET , REATH JENNIFER
Published: February 2020

Background In Australia and other developed countries, the prevalence of chronic illness is increasing, as are costs of healthcare, particularly hospital-based care. Integrating healthcare and supporting illness management in the community are seen as a means of preventing illness, improving outcomes and reducing unnecessary hospitalisation. Western Sydney has high rates of diabetes, heart and respiratory diseases and the NSW State Ministry of Health funded a range of key strategies through the Western Sydney Integrated Care Program (WSICP) to integrate care across hospital and community settings for patients with these illnesses. Methods We aimed to explore how different stakeholders experienced the WSICP and investigate their broader perspectives on the care delivered. We administered 125 in-depth interviews in two rounds over 12 months with 83 participants including patients and their carers, care facilitators, hospital specialists and nurses, allied health professionals, general practitioners and primary care nurses, and program managers. Half of the participants (n=42) were interviewed twice. We conducted a thematic analysis on the interview transcripts. Results The key themes related to the set-up and operationalising of WSICP; challenges encountered; and the added value of the program. Implementing the WSICP was a large and time consuming undertaking but challenges including those with staffing and information technology were being addressed. The WSICP was considered to have value in reducing hospital admissions due to improved patient self-management and a focus on prevention, greater communication and collaboration between healthcare providers across health sectors and an increased capacity to manage chronic illness in the primary care setting. Conclusions Patients, carers and health providers experienced the WSICP as an innovative integrated care model and valued its patient centred approach. Long term sustainability of the WSICP will depend on more effectively sharing information including across health sectors to support enhanced collaboration, continuing its suite of strategies and expanding them into other illness areas and locations, and ongoing capacity building of primary health care. Funding reform of the current fee-for-service payment system was recommended to facilitate high quality management of chronic illness in the community.
Mapping the lipid metabolites in follicular fluid from patients with infertility issues across ages
Authors: Zhang Xingxing , Wang Tianqi , Song Jingyan , Deng Jifeng , Sun Zhengao
Published: February 2020

Background: Follicular fluid is an important external environment for the growth and development of oocytes. A thorough identification of specific components in follicular fluid can better the existing understand of intracellular signal transduction and reveal potential biomarkers of oocyte health in women undergoing assisted reproductive therapy. To study the biomarkers that affect the development of oocytes, we have adopted a new method of SWATH to MRM( the sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment-ion spectra to multiple reaction monitor)metabolomics to provide extensive coverage and excellent quantitative data. This was done to investigate the differences in follicular fluid of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer in different age groups and to further explore the relationship between follicular fluid, age and reproductive function.Method: A combination of Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography and high resolution mass spectrometry techniques were used to analyze the follicular fluid of 230 patients enrolled for the IVF cycle. The patients were of different ages grouped into two groups:the younger and older patients.The obtained multidimensional chromatographic data were processed by principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). The charge ratios and mass numbers enabled for the identification of different fragments in the samples. Matching information obtained through database search and the fragment information obtained by fragment ion scan structurally identified substances in the samples. This was used to determine the differential compounds.Results: The quality and quantity of oocytes decline with age. This in caused by changes in follicular fluid metabolites. The main differences were in lipid metabolites. Some were up-regulated : Arachidonate, LysoPC(16:1), LysoPC(20:4) and LysoPC(20:3) while others were down-regulated: LysoPC(18:3) and LysoPC(18:1).Conclusions: Metabolomic analysis of follicular fluid revealed that with the increase in age, several differential metabolites are at play. Among these metabolites, lipid metabolism undergoes significant changes that affect the development of oocytes thus causing reduced fertility in older women. These differential metabolites related to follicular development may provide possible detection and treatment targets for promoting oocyte health, and provide scientific basis for understanding the environment of oocyte development.
Risk Factor Analysis for Anastomotic Leakage after Lower Rectal Cancer Resection: A Retrospective Single-Center Study
Authors: Kinugasa Tetsushi , Nagasu Sachiko , Murotani Kenta , Mizobe Tomoaki , Ochi Takafumi , Isobe Taro , Fujita Fumihiko , Akagi Yoshito
Published: February 2020

Background We investigated the correlation between surgery-related factors and the incidence of leakage after low anterior resection (LAR) for lower rectal cancer. Methods A total of 630 patients underwent colorectal surgery between 2011 and 2014 in our department. Of these, 97 patients (15%) underwent LAR, and are the subjects of this retrospective study. Temporary ileostomy was performed for each patient.Results Anastomotic leakage occurred in 21 patients (21.7%). Univariate analysis showed that operative duration (p=0.0051), transanal hand-sewn anastomosis (p=0.0141), and operation procedure (p=0.0191) were significantly associated with the incidence of leakage. Multivariate analysis showed that underlying disease (p=0.044), transanal hand-sewn anastomosis (p=0.0188), and drain type (p=0.0251) were significantly associated with the incidence of leakage. The propensity score analysis results showed that closed drainage was associated with 6.3 times more postoperative blood loss (mls) in patients experiencing anastomotic leakage compared with open drainage, in the inverse probability of treatment-weighted analysis.Conclusions Our results showed that underlying disease, transanal hand-sewn anastomosis, and the drain type may be risk factors for developing anastomotic leakage after LAR for lower rectal cancer. The notable finding was that the type of drainage was related to the incidence and volume of anastomotic leakage: open drainage was correlated with the incidence of leakage, and closed drainage was correlated with the volume of anastomotic leakage.
Vitamin D3 supplementation in controlling metabolic changes associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Authors: Han Hongmei , Song Xiangzhun , Cui Minghua , You Xi , Piao Xixu
Published: February 2020

Background Supplementation with vitamin D3 was previously demonstrated to have a number of positive effects in models of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this study, metabolic changes associated with vitamin D3 supplementation in rats kept on choline-deficient (CD) diet were studied. Methods Animals were randomly assigned into three groups: a control group (CG, n = 5) with adequate level of dietary choline content, a CD group (CDG, n = 5) which was kept on CD-diet, and a vitamin D3 supplementation group (CDVDG, n = 15) with CD-diet plus IP vitamin D3 injection. To explore the effects of different vitamin D3 doses on the progression of NASH, the animals in CDVDG group were randomly assigned into three subgroups with the vitamin D3 dosage of 1, 5, or 10 µg/kg of body weight administered IP twice a week (CDVDG1, CDVDG5 and CDVDG10, respectively). Results After 12 weeks of the experiment period, as compared with the CG, the CDG had an increase in the serum fasting insulin (29.50±0.34 mU/L vs 26.49±0.76 mU/L, p < 0.05), HOMA-IR (homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance index) (11.07±0.20 vs 9.07±0.34, p < 0.05) and leptin (569.71±38.97 ng/L vs 408.24±43.71 ng/L, p < 0.01), with no significant difference in the serum fasting blood glucose (8.44±0.11 mM vs 7.70±0.22 mM, p = 0.07). As compared with the CDG, the CDVDG had significantly decreased fasting blood glucose (CDVDG5: 7.70±0.03 mM vs 8.44±0.11 mM, p < 0.05), fasting insulin (CDVDG1, 5, 10 vs CDG: 27.20±0.91 μIU/mL, 22.94±0.90 μIU/mL, 21.47±0.77 μIU/mL vs 29.50±0.34 μIU/mL, respectively, p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.01), HOMA-IR (CDVDG5, 10 vs CDG: 7.85±0.32, 7.56±0.59 vs 11.07±0.20, respectively, p<0.01, p<0.05) and leptin (CDVDG5 vs CDG: 445.87±14.98 ng/L vs 569.71±38.97 ng/L, p<0.05) (Fig. 1). In addition, serum fasting blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR and leptin levels in the CDVDG were significantly decreased upon treatment with vitamin D3 in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions These results show that vitamin D3 supplementation could effectively control the critical metabolic parameters known to be affected by NASH. The findings suggest that VD3 supplementation could be an effective measure for the treatment of patients with clinical NASH.
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor deficiency attenuates kidney Injury by downregulating cytokines via CYR61 in lupus-prone mice induced by pristane.
Authors: Tu Yang , Wang Baoxiang , Wang Suli , Fan Chaofan , Meng Xinyu , Leng Lin , Bucala Richard , Li Jia , Lu Liangjing
Published: February 2020

Background Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most serious manifestations of systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) and accounts for significant mortality and morbidity. Previous research has demonstrated that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is involved in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis, but the detailed mechanism is not elucidated. The aim of this study was to explore the pathogenesis of MIF in lupus nephritis with the pristane-induced mouse model of SLE. Methods Mif-/- mice and Wild type mice in the C57BL/6 (B6) background were used to induce Lupus model by pristane. 24 hour urine and sera were collected in the sixth month and mice were sacrificed to harvest tissues. Serum ANA, anti-dsDNA antibodies, C3, urinary creatinine and albumin were detected by ELISA. Related inflammatory cytokines were detected by Bio-Plex Pro™ assays and ELISA. CYR61 mRNA expression was detected by RT-qPCR and CYR61 protein expression were detected by Western blot. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of MIF, ICs and C3 deposition and related cytokines expression in the kidneys. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect macrophage infiltration and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining were used for kidney histology. The Mann-Whitney test and Student’s t test were used to compare multiple group differences. The correlation were analyzed by Spearman correlation. Results Mif -/- mice with pristane-induced SLE have less inflammatory cytokines expression in sera. The Mif-/- mice have reduced renal injury, less macrophage infiltration, CYR61 and inflammatory cytokines expression in the kidneys. MIF induced the expression of CYR61, which can induce the expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and MCP-1 in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) in a cell-based assay. Conclusions The results suggest that MIF plays an important role in kidney injury by inducing macrophages infiltration and inflammatory cytokines expression in situ. Our finding support the pathogenic contribution of high expression MIF alleles in SLE and suggest that MIF antagonism might offer an effective therapeutic option in lupus nephritis.
Cardiac troponin I predicts clinical outcome of patients with cancer at emergency department
Authors: PARK SOO HYUN , Kang Eun-Jin , Park Jong Eun , Song Minseok , Kim Taerim , Cha Won Cul , Yoon Hee , Hwang Sung Yeon , Shin Tae Gun , Sim Min Seob , Jo IkJoon , Lee Seung-Hwa , Park Hyung-Doo , Choi Jin-Ho
Published: February 2020

Background Cardiac troponin I has been shown its prognostic ability in general population or cardiovascular disease but not yet in cancer patients. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic implication of cardiac troponin in cancer patients visiting emergency department. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, cancer patients visiting emergency department were enrolled. Patients with previously known coronary artery disease or clinically indicated coronary angiography were not included. The maximal value of Siemens ADVIA Centaur troponin I Ultra assay (TnI) within 24 hour were assessed. Primary endpoint was 180-day all-cause death that included cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular death. Results A total of 9,135 patients (mean age 63 year, male gender 60%) were enrolled. The lowest (0.006 ng/ml), assay-specific <99 percentile (0.007-0.039 ng/ml), below median of ≥99 percentile (0.040-0.129 ng/ml), and above median of ≥99 percentile (≥0.130 ng/ml) TnI were found in 4,487 (49.1%), 3,158 (34.6%), 852 (9.3%), and 638 (7.0%) patients. There was 3,192 (34.9%) all-cause death including 137 (1.5%) cardiovascular and 3,047 (33.4%) non-cardiovascular death in the 180-day follow-up period. The risks of all-cause, cardiovascular, and non-cardiovascular death increased across higher TnI strata (hazard ratio (HR)=1.3 to 2.9; 2.1 to 9.3; 1.3 to 1.8; p<0.001, all). These findings were consistent in clinical subgroups including solid and hematologic cancer. Conclusions Cancer patients visiting emergency department with elevated troponin I were at increased risk of 180-day death. Cancer patients with elevated TnI may need additional evaluation or careful follow-up even without diagnosis of cardiovascular disease.
Measuring Inclusive Growth in Nigeria: An Application of the Social Opportunity Function
Authors: Ajayi Patricia Iyore , Oburota Chukwuedo S.
Published: February 2020

Inclusive growth, pro-poor growth and broad-based growth are all terms used to explain growth processes that enables the entire population including the poor to actively participate and benefit from the growth process. In the last two decades Nigeria’s GDP has averaged at about 7%, indicating a fast-growing economy. Despite having a high GDP growth rate, it has not translated to improved standard of living for majority of the people, rather the level of poverty is on the increase. Income inequality has also widened in the country. This clearly shows that increase in GDP alone is not a sufficient condition for reduction in poverty and inequality. In order to avoid the problem of unwanted labour reserves with high growth rate, it is important to make growth inclusive. This study utilised the opportunity index to analyse the growth and equity dimension of inclusive growth across the entire population distribution. Cross sectional data obtained from the General Household Survey (GHS) 2015, by the National Bureau of Statistics was used. This study revealed that inclusive growth was not achieved in the area of employment, provisions of health care in the private and rural health institutions, secondary and tertiary education.
Cathepsin-C (CTSC) Gene Mutations in Papillon-Lefevre Syndrome in India.
Authors: Kulkarni Suyamindra , Gai Prabhanjan P , Anehosur Gouri , Gai Pramod
Published: February 2020

Background: Papillion Lefevre Syndrome (PLS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by severe early onset periodontopathia and palmoplantar hyperkeratosis leading to premature loss of both primary and permanent dentition. PLS is caused by mutations in cathepsin C (CTSC) gene. The prevalence being 1-4 per million individuals with a carrier rate of 2 to 4 per million with no sex prediction and no racial predominance, onethird of all reported cases having consanguineous parents. A major gene locus for PLS has been mapped on chromosome 11q14. Correlation of physical and genetic maps of this interval indicate it includes at least 40 ESTs and six known genes including the lysosomal protease CTSC gene. Methods: Peripheral blood samples were obtained from three families with a total of 14 members of which 7 with PLS and others as ethnically matched controls were studied. DNA was extracted and all the 7 exons of the CTSC gene amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers. All the PCR amplicons were subjected to automated DNA sequencing for mutations analysis. Results: The mutation spectrum shows that, in exon 2, 5 and 6 only missense mutations and in exon 3 only frame shift insertion were observed. Hence the total number of mutations observed in this study are 6. Out of this 5 are missense mutations and 1 is a frame shift insertion. Conclusions: This study describes a novel mutation of the cathepsin C gene in an Indian population with Papillon-Lefévre syndrome.
Insights into wing dimorphism in the worldwide agricultural pest Aphis gossypii, the host-alternating aphid
Authors: Ji Jichao , Zhang Shuai , Huangfu Ningbo , Luo Junyu , Niu Lin , Gao Xueke , Cui Jinjie
Published: February 2020

Background: Three wing morphs exists in the life cycle of the worldwide pest Aphis gossypii, i.e., wing parthenogenetic female (WPF), gynopara (GP) and male, which were produced mostly by crowding and host quality, photoperiod, loss of X chromosome, respectively. However, the shared molecular mechanism underlying their wing differentiation remains an enigma. Here we firstly induced gynoparae and males indoors and compared the characters of these wing morphs in body, internal genitals and fecundity. Then we identified the shared and separate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and signaling pathways potentially involved in the wing morphs regulation in WPF, GP and male compared to wingless parthenogenetic female (WLPF). Results: Newly-born nymphs reared in short photoperiod condition exclusively produce gynoparae and males in adulthood successively, in which the sex ratio is gynoparae biased. Compared with WLPF, three wing morphs have similar morphology in bodies but is obviously discriminated in the reproductive system and fecundity. Built upon our previous study, 37 090 annotated unigenes were obtained from libraries constructed by the four morphs above through RNA-sequencing, in which 10 867, 19 334 DEGs were identified in pairwise comparison of GP vs. WLPF, Male vs. WLPF, respectively. Furthermore, 2 335 shared DEGs including 1 658 up- and 677 downregulated were obtained in these wing morphs compared to WLPF. The 1 658 shared up-regulated DEGs were enriched in multiple signaling pathways including insulin, FoxO, MAPK, strarch and sucrose metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis and degradation which hint their key roles in the regulation of wing plasticity in cotton aphid. Gene expression levels were validated by using Pearson’s correlation (r) and potential roles of 15 DEGs related to the insulin signaling pathway in cotton wing dimorphism were discussed. Conclusions: The results of this study establish a solid foundation for deciphering molecular mechanisms underlying the switch between wingless and wing morphs in the cotton aphid and provide valuable resources for future research on the host-alternating aphid species.
An Investigation of the Expression of 2019 Novel Coronavirus Cell Receptor Gene ACE2 in a Wide Variety of Human Tissues
Authors: Li Mengyuan , Li Lin , Zhang Yue , Wang Xiaosheng
Published: February 2020

Background: The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has affected more than 72,000 people worldwide and caused more than 1,800 deaths so far. 2019-nCoV uses the angiotensinconverting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the cell receptor to invade the human host and primarily causes pneumonia. Thus, ACE2 is the key to understanding the mechanism of 2019-nCoV infection.Methods: We compared ACE2 expression levels across 31 human normal tissues, between males and females, and between younger (ages £ 49 years) and older (ages > 49 years) persons in these tissues. We also investigated the correlations between ACE2 expression and immune signatures in various tissues.Results: ACE2 expression levels were the highest in small intestine, testis, kidney, heart, thyroid, and adipose tissue, and were the lowest in blood, spleen, bone marrow, brain, blood vessel, and muscle. In lungs, colon, liver, bladder, and adrenal gland, ACE2 showed the medium expression levels. ACE2 was not differentially expressed between males and females and between younger and older persons in any tissue. In skin, digestive system, brain, and blood vessel, ACE2 expression levels were positively associated with immune signatures in both males and females. In thyroid and lungs, ACE2 expression levels were positively and negatively associated with immune signatures in males and females, respectively.Conclusions: Our data provide potential cues for the 2019-nCoV epidemic may infect other tissues outside lungs, affect males and females and young and old persons equally, and old age and male are associated with higher mortality risk for 2019-nCoV infection.
CT Manifestations and Clinical Features of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia Infected by Cluster Transmission Within a Family: Case Report
Authors: Cao Jin-ming , Wu Yu-ping , Chen Tian-wu , Yang Li-qin , Zhang Xiao-ming , Mu Qi-wen , Li Hong-jun
Published: February 2020

Background: In December 2019, a cluster of patients associated with a seafood wholesale market was confirmed having infected the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan, China. As of Feb 11, 2020, 43144 cases of the 2019-nCoV infection have been confirmed in the world, and person-to-person transmission has been recognized. To our knowledge, there are no reports regarding the 2019-nCoV pneumonia infected by cluster transmission within a family. The amount of close contact suspect was increasing. We reported cases of family cluster transmission of the 2019-nCoV infection, showing the differences in computed tomography (CT) manifestations and symptoms between patients with and without history of exposure to the epidemic area (Wuhan).Case Presentation: A 48-year-old man was presented to the hospital in Jan 30, 2020 with a 2-day history of low fever and chill. He had traveled to Wuhan City of Hubei Province of China 12 days before, and was confirmed having the 2019-nCoV infection based on his positive CT manifestations, clinical signs, and real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction results. The other three members of his family without history of exposure to the epidemic area (Wuhan) were subsequently identified having the 2019-nCoV transmissive infection based on the positive findings of real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction, but they did not have abnormal CT manifestations and clinical signs.Conclusion: For patients who have history of exposure to the epidemic area (Wuhan), the 2019-nCoV infected pneumonia can be identified by real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction testing and chest CT together with the symptoms. But for patients without exposure to the epidemic area, the 2019-nCoV infection can be confirmed by real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction testing and history of close contact with confirmed patients who have history of exposure to the epidemic area.
Evaluating Hemolytic and Photo Hemolytic Potential of Organophosphorus by In Vitro Method as an Alternative Tool Using Human Erythrocytes
Authors: Soria Ana L.G. , Ramirez Fabiola R. , Pliego Alberto B. , Guadarrama Héctor R.D. , Farrera Guadalupe P.M. , Angel Gilberto Y. , Chagoyán Juan C.V. , Gomaa Raafat M.M. , Tenorio-Borroto Esvieta
Published: February 2020

Aims:

The present study aims to determine the phototoxic and haemolytic activity of organophosphorus.
The use of alternative in vitro assays with human erythrocytes is suggested to predict the
polluting effect of these products on health.

Methodology:

Human erythrocytes from Toluca Blood Bank were used. Sodium dodecyl sulfate was
employed as a positive control. Additionally, the haemolysis percentage of three organophosphate (Acetate,
Chlorpyrifos, Malathion, Methamidophos, Methyl Parathion) induced photo haemolysis formulated
with surfactants on a concentration of 2 x 109 erythrocytes were evaluated. Finally, the products were
classified as irritant or phototoxic.

Results:

Results showed that the HC50 red blood cells were similar for each organophosphate
(Malathion and Methamidophos) indicating very irritant action with ratio classification (L/D) of 0.041
and 0.053, respectively. On the other hand, Chlorpyrifos was classified as an irritant with L/D= 0.14. On
the other hand, the HC50 obtained photo hemolysis assays irradiated red blood cells was similar for each
organophosphate (Acetate, Chlorpyrifos, Malathion, Methamidophos, Methyl Parathion) indicating no
phototoxic action.

Conclusion:

As a conclusion, it can be said that the parameters of haemolysis and denaturation of proteins
are good indicators to classify organophosphorus formulated with surfactants as irritating or phototoxic.
Organic Lesions in the Brain MRI of Children with Febrile Seizure
Authors: Nezami Alireza , Tarhani Fariba , Shoshtari Negin Koochak
Published: February 2020

Objective:

Seizure is the most common neurological disorders in children, where 4-10%
of the cases experience at least one seizure before the age of 16. The most frequent causes of
seizures in children are fever, epilepsy, infection and brain damage. The aim of this study was to
investigate the frequency of organic lesions in MRI of children with seizures unrelated to fever.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study included children presented with fever-unrelated
seizures. The MRI was examined by a radiologist to identify abnormal findings in each patient.
A researcher-made questionnaire including general information, history of head trauma, obstructed
labor and the history of seizure was completed for the patients.

Results:

Of 287 children with fever-related seizure, 127 (45.7%) were male and 151 (54.3%) were
female. History of seizure, history of obstructed labor, abnormal MRI, complete delay, use of antiepileptic
drug and history of trauma were 22(9.9%), 1 (0.4%), 11(4%), 5(1.8%), 259(93.2%) and
12 (4.3%), respectively. Of 11 patients with abnormal MRI, 4 had MTS lesions, 2 had tumor lesions,
2 had scarring trauma, 1 had an epidural abscess and 1 had meningitis. The frequency of organic
lesions had no significant differences based on gender, use of antiepileptic drug and traumatic
history, but it had a significant relation with obstructed labor andthehistory of seizure.

Conclusion:

The results showed that organic brain lesions in children with fever-unrelated seizure
had a significant relationship with the history of seizure and obstructed maternal labor.
Integrando análisis morfométricos y filogenéticos: de la sistemática fenética a la morfometría filogenética
Authors: De Luna Efraín
Published: February 2020

Antecedentes y Objetivos: Se han acumulado métodos cuantitativos para el uso de mediciones lineales y coordenadas Cartesianas de puntos en análisis de la variación morfométrica. A diferencia de revisiones previas, aquí se enfatizan las bases teóricas de los espacios matemáticos y del morfoespacio de un carácter taxonómico. El objetivo de esta revisión es suministrar elementos conceptuales para una comprensión básica de los métodos morfométricos y estadísticos útiles en la sistemática bajo un enfoque filogenético. Métodos: Los datos morfométricos se están aplicando en estudios de biología comparativa, usando las filogenias como referencia. En contraste, las aplicaciones de la morfometría en sistemática han sido con el objetivo de agrupar y distinguir grupos taxonómicos fenéticamente con la similitud total. Bajo un enfoque filogenético, los datos morfométricos también se pueden usar para el estudio de la variación de caracteres taxonómicos, la identidad de los estados y la inferencia de filogenias. Los grupos taxonómicos debieran ser propuestos a partir de grupos monofiléticos descubiertos con métodos filogenéticos. Resultados clave: Se presentan las bases de la teoría de la morfometría, geometría vectorial, el espacio de Kendall, la distancia Procrustes, proyección de espacios tangenciales y construcción de hipercubos del morfoespacio. Se revisan conceptos estadísticos útiles para la aplicación de los Análisis de Componentes Principales y los Análisis de Variables Canónicas en sistemática. Particularmente se dan recomendaciones y ejemplos sobre el uso de mediciones lineales y coordenadas de puntos en análisis morfométricos para la identificación de especies, la variación de caracteres taxonómicos y en la inferencia de filogenias y clasificación. Conclusiones: El amplio acervo actual de métodos brinda la oportunidad de integrar los datos morfométricos para descubrir homología táxica y homología transformacional. Esto implica un cambio epistemológico necesario para transitar de aplicaciones bajo una sistemática fenética, a la integración de los análisis morfométricos como parte de la investigación filogenética.
Video Game–Based Rehabilitation Approach for Individuals Who Have Undergone Upper Limb Amputation: Case-Control Study
Authors: Hashim N A , Abd Razak N A , Gholizadeh H , Abu Osman N A
Published: February 2020

Background

Brain plasticity is an important factor in prosthesis usage. This plasticity helps with brain adaptation to learn new movement and coordination patterns needed to control a prosthetic hand. It can be achieved through repetitive muscle training that is usually very exhausting and often results in considerable reduction in patient motivation. Previous studies have shown that a playful concept in rehabilitation can increase patient engagement and perseverance.

Objective

This study investigated whether the inclusion of video games in the upper limb amputee rehabilitation protocol could have a beneficial impact for muscle preparation, coordination, and patient motivation among individuals who have undergone transradial upper limb amputation.

Methods

Ten participants, including five amputee participants and five able-bodied participants, were enrolled in 10 1-hour sessions within a 4-week rehabilitation program. In order to investigate the effects of the rehabilitation protocol used in this study, virtual reality box and block tests and electromyography (EMG) assessments were performed. Maximum voluntary contraction was measured before, immediately after, and 2 days after interacting with four different EMG-controlled video games. Participant motivation was assessed with the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) questionnaire and user evaluation survey.

Results

Survey analysis showed that muscle strength and coordination increased at the end of training for all the participants. The results of Pearson correlation analysis indicated that there was a significant positive association between the training period and the box and block test score (r8=0.95, P<.001). The maximum voluntary contraction increment was high before training (6.8%) and in the follow-up session (7.1%), but was very small (2.1%) shortly after the training was conducted. The IMI assessment showed high scores for the subscales of interest, perceived competence, choice, and usefulness, but low scores for pressure and tension.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that video games enhance motivation and adherence in an upper limb amputee rehabilitation program. The use of video games could be seen as a complementary approach for physical training in upper limb amputee rehabilitation.
Studying the Learning Environment of EL Newcomer Students in the Schooling Process
Authors: Rivera Hector , He Bizhu , Lynch Julia , Castro-Olivo Sara
Published: February 2020

In this study, we examined the schooling process of newcomer students in secondary urban schools involving survey research with newcomers and other ELs (n=268). Additionally, we conducted focus groups with students (n=10) and educators (n=12). Through qualitative measures, we examined: (a) grade level placement, (b) content area placement, and (c) academic challenges confounded by L1 proficiency, previous academic experiences, and socio-cultural experiences among newcomers. We employed quantitative methods (e.g., Descriptive, Chi Square, Factor Analysis) to detect group differences in regard to perceptions of the classroom learning environment as a function of time in the United States. In general, the Principal Component Factor analysis yielded ten factors that accounted for 66.8% of the variance. These factors provide insight into key components for the development of effective classroom learning environments in order to serve EL newcomers in the schooling process. The implications for teaching and learning practices within the classroom and school learning environments of EL newcomers are discussed.
Kartu Ragam Gerak Tari Pendet Berbasis 3 Bahasa sebagai Stimulasi Kinestetik Anak Tuna Grahita
Authors: Restian Arina , Alifatussa'dah Alifatussa'dah
Published: February 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melatih kecerdasan kinestetik siswa tuna grahita di SDN Pandanwangi 3 Malang. Hal ini dilakukan dengan memberikan stimulasi kinestetik berupa gerakan-gerakan dasar tari pendet yang dijelaskan melalui media kartu ragam gerak tari pendet. Dalam media ini digunakan 3 bahasa sebagai bahasa pengantarnya, yaitu bahasa Indonesia, bahasa Inggris, dan bahasa Thailand. Penelitian menggunakan model ADDIE. Sumber data penelitian adalah siswa tuna grahita di SDN Pandawangi 3 Malang, GPK, validator ahli materi dan media. Penelitian dilakukan 2 kali pada semester genap 2018/2019. Penelitian dilakukan dalam 5 tahapan, yaitu analisis, desain, pengembangan, implementasi, dan evaluasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukan (1) telah dilakukan implementasi pengembangan kartu ragam gerak tari pendet berbasis 3 bahasa dengan cara melakukan proses belajar mengajar dan penerapan 10 gerakan dasar tari pendet yang terdapat di dalam kartu ragam gerak tari pendet, (2) keefektifan pengembangan kartu ragam gerak tari pendet berbasis 3 bahasa sebagai stimulasi kinestetik  pada anak tuna grahita di SDN Pandanwangi 3 Malang harus diterapkan. Hal ini ditunjukan dengan uji keefektifan hasil belajar dengan presentase 65% dan uji keefektifan observasi aktivitas belajar dengan presentase 81,25%. Serta adanya uji kelayakan dari validator ahli media dan validator ahli materi. Hasil ini menunjukkan bahwa media pembelajarna yang dikembangkan efektif untuk digunakan dalam menstimulasi siswa tuna di SDN Pandanwangi 3 Malang
APLICAÇÃO DE FERRAMENTAS DA QUALIDADE: UM ESTUDO DE CASO EM UMA AGROPECUÁRIA DA SERRA GAÚCHA
Authors: De Oliveira Lucas Domingues , Cislaghi Tatiane Pellin
Published: February 2020

O estudo tem por objetivo analisar as transformações dos aspectos relacionados à qualidade dos produtos e serviços, a partir da aplicação de ferramentas da qualidade em uma empresa do setor agropecuário. A pesquisa de natureza qualitativa utilizou-se da estratégia de estudo de caso único realizado em um comércio de produtos agropecuários localizado na Serra Gaúcha. As ferramentas da qualidade utilizadas foram o Diagrama de Pareto; juntamente com a Matriz GUT e a Matriz 5W1H. Como principais resultados identificou-se que o conforto no espaço físico da loja é muito importante para o cliente e que a poluição visual é um fator negativo quando relacionado à qualidade pelo fato do consumidor ser dependente de um vendedor para localizar os produtos. Um layout com excesso de produtos e distância entre itens do mesmo segmento gera problemas na execução dos processos e faz com que os clientes não se sintam plenamente satisfeitos.
Modelo de implementación de foros virtuales como instrumento para promover aprendizaje colaborativo y desarrollo del pensamiento crítico
Authors: Garita González Gabriela , Chacón Ballestero Xinia
Published: February 2020

El artículo presenta los foros virtuales como una estrategia metodológica que estimula el aprendizaje colaborativo y el pensamiento crítico y ofrece un procedimiento apropiado, paso a paso, para implementar un foro en un curso en línea.
Recordando a un amigo
Authors: Sánchez Ronald , Bravo Roberto
Published: February 2020

Llegó una tarde a la oficina del antiguo Programa de laboratorios de la Oficina de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales ...
Cápsulas Científicas
Authors: Elías José
Published: February 2020

Cápsulas científicas
Prueba sensorial de grado de satisfacción para una ensalada y un dip tipo hummus elaborados a base de gandul (Cajanus cajan (L.) Mill sp.)
Authors: Andrés Jiménez Carmen , Amerling Quesada Carolina , Saravia Zúñiga Karol
Published: February 2020

El gandul es una leguminosa de diferentes variedades que se está cultivando en la zona de San Carlos, Costa Rica, por parte de un grupo de productores con la asistencia de la UNED y el ICE. El desarrollo de productos nuevos a base de esta leguminosa se ha apoya por medio de la rea- lización de pruebas sensoriales, entre las que se destaca la de grado de satisfacción de los panelistas, para la cual se utilizó una escala hedónica de 9 puntos y los comentarios que el panelista considerara conveniente sobre el producto. Se encontró que para ambos productos la aceptación fue de moderada (37.8% ensalada y 36.8% dip tipo hummus) a mucha (62.2% ensalada y 63.2% dip tipo hummus). Además, se encontró que la apariencia de la ensalada y el sabor del dip tipo hummus fueron los atributos más acep- tados por los panelistas, mientras que la cantidad de condi- mentos de la ensalada y la apariencia del dip tipo hummus fueron los más objetados. Se concluye que a un alto por- centaje de los panelistas ambos productos les gustó mucho y que hay características tales como el sabor y la aparien- cia, que se deben mejorar antes de ser lanzados al mercado. Se recomienda realizar pruebas a nivel piloto para mejorar la apariencia del dip tipo hummus y la cantidad de condi- mentos de la ensalada.
Determinación de la eficiencia productiva de cuatro abonos orgánicos y una fertilización química utilizando plantas de maíz (Zea mays) como indicadoras
Authors: Fernández Rivera Daniel
Published: February 2020

El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la calidad y eficiencia nutricional de los abonos orgánicos: compost, lombricompost, bocashi, biofermento y una fertilización química en la variedad H5 de maíz. Se realizaron seis tratamientos (T), uno para cada abono orgánico, una fertilización química y un tratamiento testigo. Las variables analizadas fueron: altura de las plantas, diámetro de los tallos; el peso, largo y diámetro de las mazorcas. En la alturase presentaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas a un nivel de significancia del 0,05% y del 0,01% entre cada uno de los (T). En el caso de los diámetros no se presentaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre cada uno de los (T), a un nivel de significancia del 0,05% y 0,01%. El mayor numero de mazorcas se alcanzo con el compost, con el biofermento se obtuvo el mayor peso y diámetro en las mazorcas.
Percepción de los efectos del cambio climático en las actividades productivas de las localidades aledañas a la cuenca hidrográfica Aguas Zarcas, Alajuela, Costa Rica
Authors: Ávila Murillo Josellyn Karina , Ruiz Rodríguez Adrián
Published: February 2020

Se presenta la percepción de una muestra de la comunidad de Aguas Zarcas sobre el cambio climático, sus efectos e impactos sobre las actividades vinculadas con la cuenca hidrográfica del mismo nombre. Se logró inferir que tanto productores, comerciantes agropecuarios y residentes perciben cambios en el clima, principalmente temperaturas y variación en las precipitaciones, por lo que sus actividades son afectadas y vinculadas a la incertidumbre del estado del tiempo, lo que les hace requerir alternativas que les permita adaptarse a estos cambios.
Pavimentos especiales y materiales para suelos en espacios públicos urbanos
Authors: Fallas Solano Aarón A.
Published: February 2020

Los espacios públicos urbanos en Costa Rica y el mundo deben de tener sus bases en estudios previos de diseño. Los cuales deben de incluir estudios climáticos del sitio a emplazar y los posibles materiales a utilizar (entre muchos otros), con el fin de generar espacios agradables, confortables y accesibles. El presente estudio hace énfasis a generalidades climáticas de Liberia Guanacaste, áreas públicas urbanas como entornos confortables y accesibles, así como un estudio de materiales encontrados para utilizar como pavimentos especiales en construcciones de carácter público y privado, así como las recomendaciones de la utilización de algunos de estos materiales en espacios públicos de Liberia Guanacaste.
Transfronterización de enfermedades infecciosas en la camaronicultura.
Authors: Varela Mejías Alexander , Peña Navarro Nelson
Published: February 2020

El cultivo de camarones marinos se ha visto afectado por gran cantidad de agentes infecciosos; los cuales se han propagadoentre regiones, países e incluso continentes. Dando lugar a un fenómeno llamado transfronterización, el cual ha sido acelerado por las actividades humanas propias del comercio y la globalización. La disponibilidad local de larvas o reproductores de camarones en algunas países, es insuficiente e incluso inexistente, provocando el movimiento de especímenes entre países, y como consecuencia de ello, varias enfermedades han sido introducidas, entre ellas el Virus del síndrome de las manchas blancas, el Virus del síndrome de Taura, el Virus de la Mionecrosis infecciosa, el Parvovirus hepatopancreático, el Virus de la cabeza amarilla y recientemente la Necrosis aguda del hepatopáncreas. La falta de control efectivo de los movimientos de organismos acuáticos entre países, ha facilitado la proliferación de brotes de enfermedades que una vez introducido el patógeno y establecido en el ambiente natural y de cultivo, su erradicación es casi imposible.
Lineamientos para propuestas metodológicas inclusivas en Matemáticas para estudiantes ciegos
Authors: Ramírez Zuñiga Karen María , Rojas Quesada Estibaliz , Sequeira Salazar Ronald
Published: February 2020

Este artículo es el producto de la primera parte del proyecto de investigación “Mediación pedagógica en geometría para la atención de personas ciegas o con baja visión, en sétimo año de la educación costarricense”, que se lleva a cabo en el Programa de Bachillerato y Licenciatura Enseñanza de la Matemática y que tiene por objetivo establecer lineamientos generales, que guíen al docente en el diseño de propuestas metodológicas para la mediación pedagógica en Matemáticas. Se consultaron los programas de estudio vigentes de matemática del Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP), literatura especializada tanto  nivel nacional como internacional y la sistematización de la experiencia obtenida en el Taller Estrategias Inclusivas para el Desarrollo de las Matemáticas en Secundaria, dirigido a profesores de Matemática de San Ramón y San José durante los años 2012 y 2013 en coordinación con la Cátedras de Educación Especial e Informática Educativa de la Escuela de Ciencias de la Educación y la Cátedra de Geometría de la Escuela de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales de la UNED.
IMPROVING DESCRIPTIVE WRITING SKILL THROUGH CONTEXTUAL APPROACH IN 4 GRADERS OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OF 1 PADAAN
Authors: Nurwulandari Ika , Mariyani Anna
Published: February 2020

The success of teaching and learning process is largely determined by students’ ability to write. However, most teachers still apply inappropriate teaching method, so this is important to find a new innovations in teaching. One of them is through contextual approach. This study aims to find out whether contextual approach can improve the 4th graders’ descriptive writing skills or not. This is a classroom action research in the form of collaboration between researchers and class teachers. the data source used was information data from the people as participants. They are 4th graders teacher, students' daily test scores, observations of the learning process using contextual approach, and other information about the school and its history. To test the validity of the data the writer uses triangulation. The analysis technique used is data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The result of the study shows that the contextual approach can improve 4th graders descriptive writing skills of SDN 01 Padaan, Japah, Blora in the academic year of 2019/2020.Keywords: descriptive writing, contextual approach
ANALYSIS OF PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENT SKILLS IN WRITING DESCRIPTIVE TEXTS
Authors: Sopandi Daden
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of students to write descriptive texts. This study was designed as a descriptive quantitative study and was carried out in MI Malingping located in Sukabumi Regency. The number of samples in this study were 40 students. In this study, researchers used a writing test as a research instrument where students were asked to write descriptive texts based on the topics given to them. In this study, researchers analyzed 5 descriptive text components written by students such as content, organization, grammar, vocabulary and mechanics. From the results of the study, the researchers found that the average score of students in descriptive text writing was 51.87 and that meant their writing skills in descriptive text could be categorized at a low level.
Gobernanza urbana y metropolitana en el accionar público contemporáneo
Authors: Medina-Garzón Andrés Mauricio
Published: February 2020

Reseña analítica de: Metropolitan goverment and governance in western countries: A Critical Review (Lefèvre, C., 1998).

Desde hace más de medio siglo, varios factores han dado pie para que la discusión del concepto del gobierno metropolitano, en términos generales, favorezca la idea de la nueva institucionalidad basada en la legitimidad política, el otorgamiento de autonomía a diferentes escalas de poder, el amplio rango jurisdiccional y la gran comprensión territorial.

A partir de los nuevos arreglos institucionales propuestos por el modelo, se emplazan los supra municipales y los intra municipales, cada uno diferenciado por el grado de autoridad dentro de la estructura metropolitana. Por otra parte, están los grupos de presión social, considerados otra escala de la estructura territorial, que pueden llegar a no aceptar la estructura funcional metropolitana. Aunque resulte una visión más holística, el nuevo Modelo de Gobernanza está sujeto a los tradicionales problemas político-institucionales y al "clima económico actual".
PROBLEMY ŚRODOWISKOWE ZWIĄZANE Z OCHRONĄ PRZYRODY W POLSCE W ŚWIETLE WIELOWYMIAROWEJ ANALIZY PORÓWNAWCZEJ
Authors: Ozga Patrycja
Published: February 2020

W niniejszym artykule dokonano przestrzennej analizy wybranych problemów środowiskowych z którymi boryka się Polska, a mianowicie zagadnienia te dotyczą zróżnicowania kraju w zakresie podejmowanych działań proekologicznych, stopnia zanieczyszczania środowiska naturalnego, jak również ponoszonych nakładów na środki trwałe służące ochronie środowiska. Aby umożliwić porównanie powyższych problemów, wykorzystano metody z zakresu wielowymiarowej analizy porównawczej, a w efekcie otrzymano rankingi wytypowanych zjawisk złożonych. Otrzymane rankingi zostały poddane procedurze porównania.