bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Manipulatives in Teaching Basic Mathematics
Authors: Ballado Ronato S. , Pelonia Alexander G.
Published: March 2020

Manipulative are concrete objects that are designed to help students learn mathematics. Modeling real-life situations and abstract mathematics concepts is the most striking advantage of physical manipulatives in the mathematics classroom. The study used a quasi-experimental design to compare the performance of two freshman Bachelor of Secondary Education classes in Math 101 (Basic Mathematics) and determine the effect of teaching the subject using manipulative. The controlled group had the conventional instruction method while the experimental group was taught using activities with manipulative. Sources of data used in the study were results of the OLSAT mental ability test, an attitude towards mathematics inventory and a mathematics test used in the pretest and posttest. Statistical tools included frequency counts, percentages, ranking, weighted means and t-test for independent samples and correlated samples. The study found out that both groups were within the normal range of mental ability. The subject had a favorable attitude towards mathematics. There was a significant difference in the performance of the two groups after the treatment. The study recommended the extensive use of manipulatives in teaching mathematics classes inasmuch as the students taught could adopt the same techniques when they become teachers in the field.
Academic Performance, Aspirations, Attitudes And Study Habits As Determinants Of The Performance In Licensure Examination Of Accountancy Graduates
Authors: Tan Jade B.
Published: March 2020

The graduates it produces often determine the quality of education offered by an institution. In like manner, the quality of graduates produced by an institution is measured by their performance in licensure examinations. The study determined the level of student’s academic performance, aspirations, attitudes towards accounting and study habits. It also determined the performance of the graduates in the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure examination, as well as the relationship of the academic performance, aspirations, attitudes towards accounting and study habits and the performance in the licensure examination. One hundred twenty-four (124) respondents were considered in the study which utilized the descriptive-correlational method. A survey questionnaire determined the level of academic performance, aspirations, attitudes and study habits. Official results of the CPA Licensure Examination were retrieved from the Professional Regulation Commission. The study employed frequency counts, weighted means, ranking and regression analysis as statistical tools. The respondents had good academic performance, a high level of aspiration, a favorable attitude towards Accounting and good study habits. Performance of graduates is above the national passing percentage, though, graduates do not make it in the first attempt. Graduates performed best in the Theory of Accounts while the weakest performance is in Practical Accounting I. Academic performance, attitudes towards accounting and study habits are significantly related to the performance in the examination while the level of aspirations was not related. The study recommended the emphasis of students’ persistence to work toward their goals, study habits and passion in accounting in admitting prospective students. Regular assessment through a qualifying examination is also recommended to improve performance.
Self-Efficacy in Classroom Management of Faculty Members of the University of Eastern Philippines
Authors: Giray Miriam B. , Ballado Ronato S.
Published: March 2020

Our behavior is influenced by how much we believe we can do things. If a teacher believes s/he can manage the classroom well, then there is a probability that s/he will be able to do it. The study determined the level of self-efficacy in classroom management of faculty members of the University of Eastern Philippines. It determined the relationship of the level of self-efficacy to faculty profile such as age, sex, educational attainment, and academic rank. Using the 8-item classroom management efficacy part of the Teacher Efficacy Scale, the study covered 136 faculty members of the University of Eastern Philippines who were sampled from all colleges. A descriptive correlational design was used and employed statistical tools such as frequency counts, means, ranking, percentages, and multiple regression analysis. Data revealed that the majority of the faculty members are female, have an age range of 41-60, with Instructor rank and have at least Doctoral units. The faculty members have a Very High level of self-efficacy on classroom management. No significant relationship was found between the level of efficacy and the sex, age, academic rank, and educational attainment. The study recommended the conduct of further studies correlating the level of efficacy with other teacher-related variables.
Understanding of Accounting Students About Earning Management to Preparation of Financial Statements, and Code of Ethics for Accountant
Authors: Winarso Eddy , Garcia Revelino D.
Published: March 2020

OECD based on one component of Corporate Governance is the existence of an adequate financial reporting system. Wyatt (2004) mentions that there are weaknesses in accounting, is the greed of individuals and corporations, providing services that reduce independence, too ‘soft’ on the client and avoiding participation in existing accounting rules. Should give greater attention in accounting education on two things, namely the appreciation of the accounting profession and an appreciation of the ethical dilemmas. This can be manifested in a subject, teaching method to the preparation of the curriculum which is based on the values of ethics and morals. The development of accounting education based on ethics is needed feedback about the current conditions. This study aimed to determine students ‘perceptions with intent to know the understanding of earnings management in the preparation of the financial statements and the effectiveness of the existing curriculum in shaping students’ understanding of accounting. The study sample consisted of 139 students majoring in Accounting S1 Regular programs are divided into 100 final year students and 39 new students. It also conducted tests of differences with other accounting courses, the number of samples used in this study were 156 students in Accounting Diploma program, and 62 students of the Accounting Profession. Based on the research results, (1) that the disclosures of information to the problem avoid differences between groups of respondents. (2) The student refuses accounting earnings management. (3) The difference in the curriculum between studies in accounting education programs leads to differences in perception between students across the course. (4) The process of teaching in S1 has managed to give a better understanding to the students that accountants require interaction with the environment.
Clinical features of critically ill patients with COVID-19 infection in China
Authors: Hu Bo , Wang Dawei , Hu Chang , Hu Ming , Zhu Fangfang , Xiang Hui , Zhao Beilei , Zhang Xiaoyi , Kashani Kianoush B. , Peng Zhiyong
Published: March 2020

Importance: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections outbreak in China is now a global issue. There is only a limited understanding of the clinical characteristics of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections is available.Objective:To describe the characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes of critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.Design, Setting, and Patients: This is aretrospective, multi-center case series of 50 critically ill patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who were admitted at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University and Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital in Wuhan, China, from January 8 to February 9, 2020.Exposures:Documented Corona Virus Disease, 2019 (COVID-19).Main Outcome Measures: Demographic, clinical, laboratory, imaging data were collected along with management strategies, complications and outcomes of enrolled individuals. Results Fifty critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections were enrolled. Their median age was 62 (range, 29-92) [IQR,49.5-69.0] years, 68% were male, and 28 (56%) patients had comorbidities, the most common being hypertension. In this cohort, 20(40%) patients survived ,16(32%) patients died, and the rest remained hospitalized. The invasive mechanical ventilator was used in 36(72%) patients with 15(30%) of them requiring prone positioning, and 17(34%) switched to ECMO. The compliance scores of lungs (Cstat)on the day of ICU admission among survivors were higher than those in non-survivors [42.0(18.0-47.0), vs. 19.5(14.0-24.2), p=0.038].The blood IL-6 levels and neutrophils counts at the first day of ICU admission were significantly higher in non-survivors compared to survivors [123.7(85.3-228.8), vs. 20.2(6.8-67.2) ng/ml, p=0.025 for IL-6, and 20.2(6.8-67.2) vs. 4.01(1.99-7.05) × 10⁹/L, p=0.02 for neutrophils counts].The heart rates, PaCO2, lung injury scale (LIS), and positive end-expiratory pressure levels were constantly higher for 10 days in non-survivors than those who survived (p<0.05). The frequency of vasopressor uses and neuromuscular blockers was higher in non-survivors from day 1 to day 10 compared to survivors (p<0.05). In the whole cohort, the most common complications were ARDS (97%), shock (44%), arrhythmia (38%), acute cardiac injury (26%), and acute kidney injury (22%). A secondary bacterial infection was noted in 17(34%) patients. Univariate analysis indicated that lower lung complianceand higher neutrophil counts at the day of ICU admission were related to higher mortality (p-0.03, and 0.04, respectively)ConclusionWe demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 infection-related critical illness predominantly affected old individuals with comorbidities and characterized by severe hypoxemic respiratory failure, often requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation and rescue therapies. Low lung compliance and persistently elevated PaCO2 indicated poor outcomes.
Bioinformatic analysis of epitope-based vaccine design against the novel SARS-COV-2
Authors: Chen Hongzhi , Wu Xiang
Published: March 2020

Background: An outbreak of infection caused by SARS-COV-2 recently has brought great challenge to public health. Rapid identification of immune epitopes would be an efficient way to screen the candidates for vaccine development at the time of an impending pandemic. This study aimed to predict the protective epitopes with bioinformatic methods and resources for vaccine development. Methods: ABCpred and BepiPred servers were utilized for sequential B-cell epitope analysis. Discontinuous B-cell epitopes were predicted via DISCTOPE server. IEDB server was utilized for HLA-1 and HLA-2 binding peptides computation. Surface accessibility, antigenicity, and other important features of forcasted epitopes were characterized for immunogen potential evaluation.Results: A total of 63 sequential B-cell epitopes on spike protein were predicted and 3 peptides (333-338, 648-663, 1064-1079) exhibited high antigenicity score and good surface accessibility in our modeling. 8 residues within spike protein (Gly184, Gly502, Lys558, Pro561, Pro809, Ser810, Lys811, Pro812) are forcasted as components of discontinuous B-cell epitopes. The bioinformatic analysis of HLA binding peptides within nucleocapsid protein produced 81 and 64 peptides being able to bind class-I and class-II molecule respectively. The peptide (104-112) has a high immunogenicity score and was predicted to bind a wide spectrum of both HLA-1 and HLA-2 molecules. Conclusions: Linear B-cell epitopes (333-338, 648-663, 1064-1079) and discontinuous B-cell epitopes (Gly184, Gly502, Lys558, Pro561, Pro809, Ser810, Lys811, Pro812) on spike protein, T-cell epitope (104-112) within nucleocapsid protein were identified and recommended for developing vaccine against SARS-COV-2.
How miRNAs can protect humans from coronaviruses COVID-19, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV
Authors: Ivashchenko Anatoliy , Rakhmetullina Aizhan , Aisina Dana
Published: March 2020

Viral diseases cause significant harm to human health and often cause high mortality. In the past twenty years, humanity has undergone infection by SARS-CoV (severe acute respiratory syndrome), MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome) and COVID-19 coronaviruses, which spread from animals to humans and from person to person. These diseases have led to large economic losses. To fight coronaviruses and other viruses, it is proposed to use miRNAs, which regulate protein synthesis at the translational level. MirTarget program was used to determine the following binding characteristics: the locations of miRNA binding sites in the 3'UTR, 5'UTR, and CDS; the free energy interaction ∆G between miRNA and mRNA; the ΔG/ΔGm value, where ΔGm is equal to the free energy binding of miRNA with its full complementary nucleotide sequence; and the nucleotide interaction schemes between miRNAs and mRNAs. Out of 2565 miRNAs, miR-4778-3p, miR-6864-5p and miR-5197-3p were identified as the most effectively interacting with the gRNA of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and COVID-19, respectively. Based on the miR-4778-3p, miR-6864-5p and miR-5197-3p sequences, complete complementary miRNA (cc-miR) binding sites in the gRNA coronaviruses were created. The detected binding sites of these cc-miRs did not form intramolecular complexes in the 2D structure of the gRNA of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and COVID-19 with a value of more than 85%. Therefore, the cc-miRs will bind gRNA at these sites without competition. The cc-miRs for SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and COVID-19 did not have target genes among the 17508 human coding genes with a ΔG/ΔGm of more than 85%, which implies the absence of side effects of these cc-miRs on the translation of human mRNAs. cc-miRs can be used as therapeutic agents by incorporating them into exosomes or other vesicles and introducing them into the blood or lung by inhalation. The introduction of cc-miR into the blood will suppress the reproduction of the virus in the blood and in all organs into which it can enter. The proposed method of inhibiting the reproduction of coronaviruses can be used for other viruses.
A 49-year-old Woman Co-infected with SARS-COV-2 and Mycoplasma – A Case Report
Authors: Gao Ziang , Gao Lingbao , Chen Xinjie , Xu Yu
Published: March 2020

Background: SARS-COV-2 is a new virus responsible for the outbreak of respiratory illness known as Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Mycoplasma is an uncommon co-infected pathogen with SARS-COV-2 and has not been reported yet. Besides, Computed Tomography (CT), used as an accessory examination, may play a more significant role this time.Case presentation: A 49-year-old female presented with cough, expectoration and chest congestion followed by elevated CRP and ESR. CT images showed ground-glass opacities in bilateral lower lobes and patchy and striate shadow in right upper lobe. IgM antibody of Mycoplasma pneumoniae was positive and RT-PCR outcome of sputum was positive for the SARS-COV-2 nucleic acid. Her diagnosis of COVID-19 was made on the basis of laboratory results, chest CT images, clinical manifestations and epidemiologic characteristics. She was treated with combination therapy for 17 days following which she showed marked recovery.Conclusion: Co-infection of SARS-COV-2 and Mycoplasma in COVID-19 patients appears to be uncommon. Computed tomography is an acceptive way to make primary diagnosis and treatment for patients as soon as possible. Combination therapy of antiviral, anti-inflammatory, traditional Chinese medical herbal and supportive care may be a reference for further progress.
Services Export Diversification and Economic Growth
Authors: GNANGNON SENA KIMM
Published: March 2020

The present article investigates the effect of services export diversification on economic growth by relying on a sample of 131 countries over the period 1985-2014. The empirical results, based on the two-step system Generalized Methods of Moments (GMM), has suggested that services export diversification enhances economic growth in developing countries, whereas in High Income Countries (HICs), services export specialization promotes economic growth. Furthermore, services export diversification enhances economic growth as countries experience a rise in their services exports growth, with the magnitude of this positive effect increasing as the growth rate of services exports rises. Finally, services export diversification tends to be positively associated with economic growth, but as countries enjoy greater trade openness, they tend to enhance their services export specialization so as to enjoy higher economic growth. Interestingly, it is services export specialization that promotes economic growth as countries better integrate into the international trade market. One key message conveyed by the analysis is the importance of services export diversification (or concentration) for economic growth, including when countries further open up to international trade.
Aid for Trade and Real Exchange Rate in Recipient-Countries
Authors: GNANGNON SENA KIMM
Published: March 2020

The current analysis contributes to the literature on the real exchange rate (RER) effect of development aid by separating out the RER effect of the development aid allocated to the trade sector - referred to as Aid for Trade (AfT) - from the effect of NonAfT flows. The empirical findings show that AfT flows exert a RER depreciation in recipient-economies, while NonAfT flows are associated with a RER appreciation. From a policy perspective, these results show that scaling-up AfT flows could promote countries' competitiveness in the international trade market through a greater extent of RER depreciation.
The correlation Between Viral Clearance and Biochemical Outcomes of 94 Discharged Patients with COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Yuan Jing , Zou Rongrong , Zeng Lijiao , Kou Shanglong , Lan Jianfeng , Li Xiaohe , Liang Yanhua , Din Xiaoyan , Tan Guoyu , Tang Shenghong , Liu Lei , Liu Yingxia , Pan Yanchao , Wang Zhaoqin
Published: March 2020

Objective This study aims to evaluate the relationships between viral clearance and blood biochemical index of 94 discharged patients with COVID-19 infection in Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, enrolled from Jan 5 to Feb 13, 2020.Methods The clinical, and laboratory findings were extracted from the electronic medical records of the patients. The data were analysed and reviewed by a trained team of physicians. Information on clinical symptoms and signs, medical treatment, virus clearance and laboratory parameters including interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were collected.Results COVID-19 mRNA clearance ratio was identified significantly correlated with the decline of serum creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. Furthermore, COVID-19 mRNA clearance time was positively correlated with the length of hospital stay in patients treated with either IFN-α + lopinavir/ritonavir or IFN-α + lopinavir/ritonavir+ ribavirin.Conclusions Therapeutic regimen of IFN-α+lopinavir/ritonavir and IFN-α + lopinavir/ritonavir + ribavirin regimens might be beneficial for treatment of COVID-19. Serum LDH or CK decline may predict a favorable response to treatment of COVID-19 infection.
Clinical and CT Characteristics of Medical Personnel with the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) in Wuhan
Authors: Xiong Ying , Zhang Qiang , Sun Dong , Li Xiaoming , Zhu Wenzhen
Published: March 2020

Objectives: To investigate the clinical and chest CT characteristics of medical personnel infected with the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19).Methods: The clinical, laboratory test and computed tomography (CT) features of 30 medical personnel (MP group, 26-65 years, 16 males) with COVID-19 were retrospectively analyzed, and compared to 33 non-medical related patients (non-MP group, 26-74 years, 19 males). Follow-up CT characteristics were analyzed to assess the changes of the COVID-19 infection in the period of hospitalization.Results: At admission, the main complaints of MP group, including fever (86.7%), fatigue (53.3%) and cough (43.3%), were similar to the non-MP group; the C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and lactate dehydrogenase levels of the non-MP group (55.6±45.9mg/L, 34.7±26.3mm/H and 321±117U/L) were higher than that of the MP group (17.8±19.9mg/L, 18.6±21.3mm/H and 219±54.2U/L, respectively, all p<0.05). Ground-grass opacities, consolidation, interstitial thickening were common CT features of both groups. The days from illness onset to the first CT exam, and the severity of opacities on initial CT were less in the MP group than that of the non-MP group (p<0.05). However, the days from onset to observation of the most obvious pulmonary opacities, according to CT findings, were similar in the MP group (11.5±5.9 days) and the non-MP group (12.2±3.1 days, p=0.55).Conclusions: Like the general population, medical personnel are also susceptible to the COVID-19, although with more professional knowledge and protective equipment. Occupational exposure is a very important factor. Medical personnel have a higher vigilance about the infection in the early stage of the disease.
The effects of aerobic exercise training with octopamine supplementation on cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by deep frying oil: the role of caspase and pro-Caspase 3
Authors: kianmehr Pantea , Azarbayjani Mohammad Ali , Peeri Maghsoud , Farzanegi Parvin
Published: March 2020

Background

Mitophagy is the optional decadence of mitochondria by autophagy and mostly happens to defective mitochondria following damage or stress. Several studies indicated that mitophagy may offer protection against myocyte death induced by cardiac ischemia. On the other hand, the activation of caspase can lead to programmed cell death such as apoptosis and necrosis. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of aerobic exercise and octopamine on cardiomyocytes proliferation and mitophagy and also changes in caspase 3 and pro-caspase 3 expression of rat exposed deep frying oil.

Methods

30 mail wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (n=6 in each) including 1) control (CO), 2) deep frying oil (DFO), 3) deep frying oil + exercise (DFO+EXE), 4) deep frying oil + octopamine (DFO+OCT), and 5) deep frying oil + exercise + octopamine (DFO+EXE+OCT). The apoptotic effects of DFO in heart tissue were examined by TUNEL assay. Masson's trichrome stain used to study cardiomyocytic fibers. Moreover, caspase 3 and pro-caspase 3 genes and proteins expression in all groups was evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot method, respectively.

Results

Data showed a significant increase in apoptotic cells in the DFO-treated group (P<0.05). In Masson's Trichrome stainanalysis demonstrated more cardiomyocytic fibers degradation and aggregation lymphocytic cells in DFO that exercise and OCT signisicantly improve this degradation. Also, the expression level of caspase 3 and pro-caspase 3 was significantly decrease in deep frying oil + exercise + octopamine group (P<0.05).

Conclusions

According to the result of the current study, it can be assumed that DFO can lead to programmed cell death via the activation of caspase in heart tissue. However it seems that aerobic exercise with octopamine supplementation improve heart tissue by significantly decrease expression of caspase 3 and pro-caspase 3 that inhibit apoptosis.
Risk factors for the adverse cardiac outcomes in the patients with Takayasu’s arteritis.
Authors: Wang Yu-Jiao , Ma Li-Li , Yan Yan , Sun Ying , Wang Yong-Shi , Dai Xiao-Min , Ji Zong-Fei , Ma Ling-Ying , Chen Hui-Yong , Liu Yun , Jiang Lindi
Published: March 2020

Background : This study was aimed to investigate the long-term cardiac outcomes and find out risk factors for the deterioration of cardiac structure and function in patients with Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK).Methods : One hundred and ninety-eight TAK patients were recruited in the Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from January 2012 to December 2017. The endpoint of observation was December 31, 2019. Patients were divided into normal, mild-moderate and severe subgroups based on the severity of structural and functional impairment of heart. Comparison of baseline characteristics and treatment among these three subgroups was conducted to identify the risk factors for adverse cardiac outcomes.Results : A total of 60.1% (119/198) of TAK patients exhibited heart involvement on echocardiography at baseline. 70.6% (84/119) and 79.8% (95/119) cases showed pathological valvular and atrioventricular abnormalities, respectively. 68.7% (136/198) of patients were followed up and the median follow-up duration was 28.6 (12.3-43.4) months. 42.7% (58/136) and 22.8% (31/136) of patients had progress in heart’s structure and function. Cox regression showed that serum TNF-α level (HR=1.028, p= 0.021), aortic regurgitation (HR=3.109, p<0.001) and ventricular hypertrophy (HR=2.090, p= 0.006) at baseline were risk factors for the deterioration of cardiac structure. The cases with serum TNF-α levels (≥8.1pg/ml), mild aortic regurgitation and ventricular hypertrophy at baseline had highest risk of structural progression at 83.4%. Using normal subgroup as a control, the deterioration of cardiac structure and function was the most severe in the severe subgroup, with hazard ratios of 16.2 (95% CI, 6.0-44.1, p < 0.001) and 9.0 (95% CI, 3.3-24.5, p<0.001), respectively. The deteriorating events typically occurred within 2 years after diagnosis.Conclusions : To find out if there is heart involvement and progress, it’s indispensable to regularly monitor the serum TNF-α level and cardiac structure in TAK patients during the long-term follow-up.
Rapid Declines in Systolic Blood Pressure Are Associated With an Increase in Pulse Transit Time
Authors: Schaanning Sebastian , Skjærvold Nils Kristian
Published: March 2020

Background : Substantial investigation has been made into the correlation between Pulse Transit Time (PTT) and Blood Pressure (BP), as a possible route to achieve continuous non-invasive measurement of BP (cNIBP). We investigated whether PTT-trends could model BP-trends during episodes of rapid declines in Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP). Methods: From the freely available Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-III) waveform database, we identified subjects who experienced a reduction in SBP from ≥ 120mmHg to ≤ 90 mmHg during a period of ≤ 15 minutes, for whom complete peak detection was possible. SBP was extracted from the Arterial Blood Pressure (ABP) waveform, and PTT was calculated from the R-peak of the ECG to the peak of the ABP waveform. Both SBP and PTT were processed using a moving average filter, yielding the variables SBP AV and PTT-RA AV . A moving average of continuous heart rate (HR AV ) was also analysed as a negative control to assess the effect of averaging. The intra-individual association between variables was assessed per subject using linear regression. Results: 511 patients were included for the main analysis. Median correlation coefficients (r) obtained from linear regression versus SBP AV were as follows: PTT-RA AV -0.93 (IQR -0.98 to -0.76), HR AV 0.46 (IQR -0.16 to 0.83). Regression slopes for the relationship between SBP AV and PTT-RA AV displayed a median of -2.46 mmHg/ms (IQR -3.47 mmHg/ms to -1.61 mmHg/ms). In supplementary analysis, results did not differ substantially when widening inclusion criteria, but the results were not always consistent within subjects across episodes of hypotension. Conclusions: In a large cohort of critically ill patients experiencing episodes of rapid declines in systolic blood pressure, there was a moderate-strong intra-individual correlation between averaged systolic blood pressure and averaged pulse transit time as measured from ECG R-peak to the peak of the arterial blood pressure waveform. Our findings encourage further investigation into using the pulse transit time for non-invasive real-time detection of hypotension.
Improved Absolute Quantification using Bayesian Penalized Likelihood Reconstruction on a Digital PET/CT – Towards True Uptake Measurement
Authors: Wu Zhifang , Qin Zhixing , Huang Bin , Guo Binwei , Hao Xinzhong , Wu Ping , Zhao Bin , Xie Jun , Li Sijin
Published: March 2020

Background To evaluate the quantification accuracy, we measured the recovery coefficient (RC) and contrast recovery (CR) in a phantom study and used it as a guide in clinical evaluation about digital positron emission tomography -computed tomography (PET/CT). Methods The RC and CR of the PET images reconstructed with 4 different methods [ordered subsets expectation maximazation (OSEM), time of flight(TOF), TOF-point spread function (PSF), bayesian penalized likelihood (BPL)] were measured in the phantom study. And, SUVmax and SUVmean (the maximum and mean of the standardized uptake values, SUVs) of 75 small pulmonary nodules (sub-centimeter group: <10 mm and medium size group: 10 - 25 mm) from 26 patients were measured with those methods. For lesions smaller than 3 times of the spatial resolution, partial-volume-effect correction (PVC) based on RC values was performed. Results BPL enables higher RC and CR values, which can improve quantification accuracy compared with other methods (P < 0.05), except for the RC of 37 mm sphere (P > 0.05). The SUVs of sub-centimeter fludeoxyglucose (FDG)-avid pulmonary nodules with BPL illustrated highly significant difference from those reconstructed with other algorithms (P<0.001). However, reconstruction algorithms had less impact on SUVs measured in medium group (P>0.05). With the PVC, highly significant difference (P<0.001) still existed in the SUVmean measured on BPL compared with those measured on the other 3 algorithms, although PVC had the least effect on BPL. Conclusions BPL on the digital PET/CT demonstrated improved quantification accuracy. For small pulmonary nodules, PVC is important.
Effect of diacutaneous fibrolysis on the muscular properties of Gastrocnemius muscle
Authors: López-de-Celis Carlos , Pérez-Bellmunt Albert , Bueno-Gracia Elena , Fanlo-Mazas Pablo , Zárate-Tejero Carlos Antonio , Llurda-Almuzara Luis , Cadellans-Arróniz Aida , Rodríguez-Rubio Pere Ramón
Published: March 2020

Background: Diacutaneous fibrolysis is a noninvasive technique that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders such as shoulder pain, lateral epicondylalgia, patellofemoral pain syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome. However, while diacutaneous fibrolysis is applied to soft tissue, its effects on muscular properties are unknown. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of diacutaneous fibrolysis on muscle properties as measured by tensiomyography and myotonometry in asymptomatic subjects. Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial with a blinded evaluator was performed. A single session of diacutaneous fibrolysis on the gastrocnemius muscle was applied to one limb (treated limb group) and the other limb was the control (control limb group). Subjects were assessed with tensiomyography and myotonometry before treatment (T0), after treatment (T1) and 30 minutes later (T2). The primary outcomes were tensiomyography and myotonometry variables. The intra-group comparison was performed with repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test or Freidman test with Wilcoxon post hoc test. In the between-group comparisons, a paired t test or Wilcoxon test was used. Results: The treated limb group showed a statistically significant increase (p<0.014) in tensiomyography parameters. A decrease in rigidity and increase in relaxation was also observed on myotonometry at T1, with some of the effects being maintained at T2. Rigidity and relaxation at T1 were statistically significant between groups (p<0.05). Conclusions: A single session of diacutaneous fibrolysis to the gastrocnemius muscle of asymptomatic subjects produced immediate changes in muscle properties. These changes were maintained 30 minutes after the application of the technique. Trial registration: NCT03963674. Keywords: Diacutaneous Fibrolysis, Tensiomyography, Myotonometry.
Psychological Distress In Canadian Men And Women With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Exploring The Differential Role Of Social Support
Authors: Fowler Ken , Walsh Nyissa , Morgan David
Published: March 2020

Background: Individuals with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) experience significant levels of psychological distress which is often moderated by social support. PTSD prevalence and symptomology gender differences tend to exist, and this may have important implications for the potential differential impact of social support. Objectives: The primary objectives of this study were to explore levels of psychological distress and social support in a sample of 364 Canadian adults reporting a PTSD diagnosis by a health professional, and to examine the link between specific social support types and psychological distress overall, and for males and females separately. Methods: Using a cross-sectional, national data file, 117 male and 247 female Canadian adults aged 20-64 reporting PTSD were profiled using the Social Provisions Scale – Short Form (SPS-SF), and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and compared to a sex, age and frequency matched control group without a PTSD diagnosis. Social support subtype scores were subsequently regressed onto psychological distress.Results: The PTSD sample had psychological distress scores that were more than double that of the matched control group, and were significantly lower in overall social support, and on each subscale. A diagnosis of PTSD was found to moderate the effect of social support on psychological distress, and while higher social integration and income predicted lower distress overall, higher reliable alliance scores, personal income, and lower age predicted lower distress for men, and higher social integration but lower guidance scores predicted lower distress for women.Conclusions: Social support subtypes were differentially associated with psychological distress experienced by those with PTSD depending on gender, and this may have important implications for clinical practice.
Comparison of periodontal status between middle-aged human and the Macaca fascicularis
Authors: Bingpeng Lin , Zhong Mei , Gao Hongbin , Zhou Zijun , Ser Hooi-Leng , Wu Lihong , Lee Learn-Han , Chen Jianming , Ge Linhu , Wang Lijing
Published: March 2020

Background: Having an adverse impact on systemic health, periodontitis is an inflammatory disease which is characterized by the loss of integrity in tooth-supporting tissues. Middle-aged human (MAH) have been reported to have a higher incidence of periodontitis and a greater extent of bone loss. Although the similar dental anatomy and physiology as humans, whether middle-aged monkey (MAM) has the same disease phenotype as MAH is unclear. Furthermore, literature comparing the periodontal status between MAH and MAM is limited. Methods: Therefore, four female middle-aged Macaca fascicularis and five middle-aged woman were used to evaluate the periodontal status before evaluating possible mechanism that may explain the difference between these two primates. CBCT examination and histological analysis were performed to characterize the periodontal condition, while 16s rRNA sequencing was done to explore the oral microbial profiles of two groups. Results: The present study revealed a more severe disease phenotype in MAH than in MAM, along with significantly higher levels of alveolar bone loss and increased blood vessels and inflammatory cells infiltration. High-throughput gene sequencing demonstrated that the diversity of salivary microorganisms in MAH was lower than that of MAM. In addition, at the phylum level, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria in the MAH was higher than MAM, while Bacteroidetes showed a totally opposite trend. At the genus level, the relative abundances of Alloprevotell, Aggregatibacter, Haemophilus, Gemella and Porphyromonas in the MAH group were significantly less than that of the MAM group. Conclusions: Altogether, these results demonstrated a potential link that may explain for the difference in inflammatory status in the oral cavity of MAH and MAM – the oral microbiota, prompting further investigation to explore specific roles of these bacterial population in the maintenance of oral health.
Smokers’ perspectives of tobacco dependency medications and medication adherence during a quit attempt in an urban NHS stop smoking service : a qualitative study
Authors: Sanders Carol Jane , LINDENMEYER Antje , MARRIOTT John
Published: March 2020

Background: Smoking and poor medication adherence are both associated with increased morbidity, mortality and immense costs for the healthcare system. Numerous studies have investigated the barriers and facilitators of medication adherence among patients with chronic disease. However, the factors influencing adherence to medication targeted to reduce smoking remain unexplored. In order to achieve further reduction of smoking prevalence, improvement of medication adherence is essential. Thus, this study aims to uncover and understand adult smokers’ attitudes towards adherence to medication to reduce tobacco dependence. Methods: A purposive approach was used to recruit smokers aged over 18 and motivated to quit using pharmacotherapy. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with a diverse sample of eleven smokers who were engaged with a NHS Stop Smoking Program. Data were thematically analysed using PRIME theory . Results: Smokers were active decision makers regarding their tobacco dependence medications. Adherence was influenced by smokers’ evaluations, plans, access to support and experiential learning, highlighting the need for tailored adherence support. Conflicting views about medication were held by all participants. Side effects, fear of dependency and inability to stop cravings influenced initiation and adherence. Electronic cigarettes were viewed negatively. Adherence was influenced by their unique psycho-social contexts including deep-rooted personal rejection and, fear of medicines. These attitudes influenced smokers’ beliefs, decisions about quitting and the role and use of medications in the quitting process. Conclusions: Tobacco dependency is a unique treatment context with specific adherence issues. Lay perspectives of medications to support quit attempts differ from the medical viewpoint. Adherence to tobacco dependency regimens is a challenging goal, inhibited by many complex factors. There is a need for smoking cessation interventions to respond to individual medication beliefs and concerns to help to build a smoker’s confidence that an individual can take their tobacco dependency mediation as prescribed and maximise benefits.
Investigating Occupational Stress of Disaster and Emergency Medical Management Center 115 and the Role of Demographic Variables in Kermanshah, Iran
Authors: Kalhori Reza Pourmirza , Gheshlaghi Parvin Abdi , Toghroli Razie , Garosi Vahid Hatami , Abbas Jaffar , lebni Javad Yoosefi , Salahshoor Mohammad Reza , Kianipour Neda , Azizi Seyyed Amar , Ziapour Arash
Published: March 2020

Background: The first and one of the most important chains of providing care to patients is pre-hospital emergency medical services. Personnel employed in this sector are at risk of occupational stress due to the nature of their job which can affect their health and quality of services provided to patients. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the occupational stress of the personnel of disaster and emergency medical management center 115 and the role of demographic variables in 2019.Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical study. 200 medical emergency personnel of Kermanshah province were selected through stratified sampling and according to inclusion criteria. A two-part questionnaire including demographic information and HSE standard questionnaire were used for collecting data. Finally, descriptive and inferential statistics (t-test and one-way ANOVA) were used for data analysis. Significance level was considered P<0.05. Results: The mean score of total occupational stress was 3.41±0.26. The highest and the lowest stress levels related to the role dimensions was calculated (4.34±0.35) and changes (2.72±0.86). There was a significant relationship between stress level with age, marital status, educational level, type of base of work place and hours of work per month, while there was no relationship between type of employment and work experience with stress level. Conclusion: Emergency medical personnel experience a high level of occupational stress. Senior managers can use the results of similar studies to think measures to reduce the experience of employees' stress.
Comparison of glucose, acetate and ethanol as carbon resource for production of acetyl-CoA derived chemicals in engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Sun Shenmei , Ding Yamei , Liu Min , Xian Mo , zhao guang
Published: March 2020

Background: Acetyl-CoA is a fundamental metabolite in Escherichia coli, and also a precursor for biosynthesis of chemicals and materials suitable for multiple applications. The acetyl-CoA synthesis route from glucose presents low atomic economy due to the release of CO2 in pyruvate decarboxylation reaction. Because ethanol and acetate, both ordinary and inexpensive chemicals, can be converted into acetyl-CoA directly, they could be alternative substrates for production of acetyl-CoA derivatives. Results: In this study, the bifunctional reductase AdhE mutant (A267T/E568K), which converts ethanol into acetyl-CoA, was used to enable E. coli to grow on ethanol, and AMP-forming acetyl-CoA synthetase ACS was employed to enhance the ability of E. coli to utilize acetate. Several products derived from acetyl-CoA, including polyhydroxybutyrate, 3-hydroxypropionate, and phloroglucinol, were produced from glucose, ethanol, and acetate, respectively, by engineered E. coli strains. Compared with glucose and acetate, the strains grown on ethanol presented the highest production and yield of carbon source, and metabolome analysis revealed the reasons of high yield from ethanol. Conclusions: The conversion of ethanol into acetyl-CoA presents high atomic economy along with generation of reducing power, and the yield of target chemical from ethanol is much higher than those from glucose and acetate. All these results suggested that ethanol could be a suitable carbon source for production of acetyl-CoA derived bioproducts.
Sero-Epidemiological Study on Bovine Rota and Coronavirus in Neonatal Calves in Dairy Farms of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Assefa Hayat Abdela , Tesfaye Asaminew , Dibaba Motuma Debelo
Published: March 2020

Background: Bovine rotavirus (BRV) and coronavirus (BCoV) are most commonly associated etiologies from viral causative agents of neonatal calf diarrhea. A cross-sectional study was carried out in randomly selected dairy farms of Addis Ababa from November 2018 to April 2019 with the objectives of estimating the prevalence of bovine rota and coronavirus infection in diarrheic and non-diarrheic calves and determining the associated risk factors. A probability proportional to size sampling technique (PPS) was used and accordingly, the study involved a total of 110 calves under 30 days of age from 57 dairy herds of which 34 (59.6%), 18 (31.6%) and 5 (8.8%) were small scale, medium scale and large scale farms respectively. As well risk factors associated with herd and calves were obtained from an interview of farm owners.Results: By using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test, out of these 110 calves, 4 (3.64%) were found positive for rotavirus while only 1 (0.91%) was found positive for coronavirus infection. Data generated from both interview and laboratory investigation was analyzed using SPSS version 20. As a result, prevalence of rotavirus infection showed a significant difference (P<0.05) with respect to sex, diarrhea status, colostrum timing and consistency of diarrhea. However, prevalence of coronavirus infection showed significant difference (P<0.05) only with consistency of diarrhea.Conclusions: In conclusion, rotavirus and coronavirus infection in neonatal calves in this finding showed as there is less prevalence in dairy farms of the study area; therefore, effort should be initiated for further studies on other (infectious and non-infectious) causes of calf diarrhea in this area.
Análise do custo e do potencial de geração de energia fotovoltaica em uma universidade pública brasileira
Authors: Silva Josiane Tamires Santos , Alencar Janaina Kawata de , Oliveira Sandra Cristina de , Braga Júnior Sérgio Silva , Morales Angélica Gois
Published: March 2020

As fontes de energia limpas e renováveis como a energia solar têm ganhado destaque pelo seu potencial em termos de sustentabilidade. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é estimar o custo e o potencial de geração de energia elétrica fotovoltaica nos campi da Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Utilizou-se a técnica estatística de análise de clusters associada à de análise de variância (ANOVA), considerando os 24 municípios-sede desses campi, a fim de agrupar aqueles com características similares de incidência solar e de altitude. Foram obtidos quatro clusters distintos, e selecionou-se, de cada cluster, o campus com a menor unidade de área construída, para aferição do custo de implantação e do potencial de captação de energia de um sistema por painéis fotovoltaicos. Foram considerados seis modelos de placas fotovoltaicas com os seguintes atributos: modelo, dimensões, peso, potência, eficiência, tipo de célula e preço. Observou-se que a placa CS6K300MS apresenta um desempenho de captação solar mais eficiente, não requer uma quantidade muito grande de placas, e o custo é mediano em relação às demais. Ainda que a aferição tenha sido feita para o campus com menor área construída, dentro de cada cluster, pode-se prever um planejamento e resultados análogos, em termos de custo e de geração de energia, para os outros campi pertencentes ao mesmo cluster. Por fim, ressalta-se a metodologia proposta, pois tem potencial para ser considerada ou expandida a empreendimentos similares, de forma que um planejamento minucioso seja realizado para a aquisição e instalação desse sistema, e seja garantida a sua viabilidade.