bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of e-learning in the modern high education
Authors: Filatov V. V. , Gobysh A. V.
Published: February 2021

The article is devoted to the problem of establishing the frames to use distant learning in higher education. The topic relevance is related to emerging a force majeure situation associated with a pandemic, which made it possible to carry out a unique experiment on such large-scale training applying. The paper analyzes some aspects of this problem concerning the mathematical discipline learning at the technical university junior courses. The study is based on the analysis of scientific publications by domestic and foreign authors devoted to the problems of mixed learning, distant learning, and peculiarities of teaching mathematical disciplines in universities. The author conclude that the main problems of introducing e-learning and distant learning technologies into the educational process is insufficient motivation of students pronounced especially in junior courses. They note that the effectiveness of using distant educational technologies in additional education is largely due to the good motivation of people who want to improve their professional level. The paper discusses results obtained during the forced transition to distant learning (March-July 2020), in particular, gives the rationale for a certain model of mixed learning. It emphasizes that, as the threat of the pandemic situation repetition, as well as the need for a new transition to e-learning are not excluded, the problem of motivating students should be given special attention at all educational process levels.
Role of intellectuals in providing an evolutionary option for modern society development
Authors: Ravochkin N. N.
Published: February 2021

The changes taking place in the modern world under the influence of globalization processes leave a serious imprint on the development of social systems contributing to the of a new era formationбwhich is associated with the temporality dominance. To develop in the desired evolutionary version, the states need implementing various social transformations under rapidly changing conditions. It is well known that both spontaneous and projected transformations are based on certain ideas, which, as a rule, are created by networks of intellectuals, and only then are implemented in practice – most often by powerful actors. Thus, the work objective is identifying the role of intellectuals in ensuring the possibilities of the evolutionary variant of the modern society development. To achieve this goal, the author uses own synthetic methodology, as well as an analytical-descriptive method, pragmatic and sociocultural approaches. The work shows the difference between an intellectual and intelligent man. It determines the essential characteristics of intellectuals. Practical examples show the diverse functions performed by intellectuals who go beyond the traditional understanding of «advisers to the authorities». The paper shows real opportunities that intellectuals can realize in a particular society; presents the risks of brain drain caused by non-attention to intellectuals and their inability to exert any real impact on the processes of social transformations.
Applied orientation of physical training of cadets in military universities of National Guard troops
Authors: Gushcha R. A. , Skvortsova S. O.
Published: February 2021

The article objective is to justify the need for applied orientation of physical training of cadets depending on the specific military profession that the university prepares students for. Introduction. The educational process of a military university is aimed at solving tasks aligned at quality training of military specialists who have high command qualities, are able to fully perform qualified their duties. The professional readiness of a cadet of a military university to fulfill tasks is a complex developing subjective-personal education consisting of three components that reflect the need-semantic, operational-technical and physical-volitional characteristics of the cadet. This encourages researchers to look for ways to further improve the organization of physical training of cadets in military universities taking into account modern reality. Research methodology and methodology. The author presents the organization peculiarities of physical training in various universities at present, paying attention to the dependence of the maintenance and organization of cadet physical training on the specific military- professional activities that the university prepares students for. Improving the physical training of cadets of the National Guard troops is combined with the need to create conditions to develop service-applied and national sports. The authors emphasize that applied physical training is designed to develop the professional qualities of future officers, which are important for service in the units of the Russian Guard and ensure their effective professional activities in these units. Results of a research. The article presents a content analysis of the concepts of «vocational and applied physical training», «vocational and applied physical culture». The analysis showed various interpretations of the concept of «vocational physical training», however, many authors present it as a «specialized type of physical education». The applied focus emphasizes the profiling of physical education on the professional activities of cadets. The authors conclude that the applied physical training of cadets is a systemically important element of the entire educational process of military universities of the National Guard troops and should consist of the following components: educational, motivational-value, practical-activity, physical ones.
Some psychological and pedagogical principles of mathematical education
Authors: Jumaev M. I.
Published: February 2021

The article deals with the construction of regular inscribed polygons, which are of great scientific and practical importance. As a result of solving such problems, new formations arise, new systems of connections are formed, new properties, qualities of the mind (flexibility, depth, awareness), which mark a progressive shift in mental development. This is why the effect of math training is directed at this side of the psyche. To increase its developing effect, it is necessary to take into account the specifics of thinking, the ratio of age and individual mental characteristics of schoolchildren. Let us now consider the problem of humanizing higher education. Humanitarianization presupposes, first of all, the introduction of a young person to the humanitarian culture of mankind. In other words, humanitarization is usually seen as an additional and necessary component of professional education. The author draws attention to the issues of humanitarization of mathematical education in Uzbekistan for further improving the system of teaching mathematical science at all levels of education, support the effective work of teachers, expand the scale and increase the practical significance of research, and strengthen ties with the international community.
Gamification as a tool to rise motivation of studying immunology in a medical university
Authors: Davidovich N. V. , Bashilova E. N. , Shestakova M. V. , Kukalevskaya N. N.
Published: February 2021

Modern realities make us think about future doctor's motivation raising to study labor-intensive progressively developing disciplines including immunology. Understanding the immune mechanisms and their role in normal and pathological conditions requires students to have deep fundamental knowledge, analytical thinking and spatial representation of the processes occurring at the immune response. Creating a motivated competent personality of a doctor who is able to navigate quickly in a dynamically developing and updating information space, solve medical problems based on acquired competencies, and integrate knowledge and skills from fundamental disciplines to clinical practice is currently a paradigm of medical education. Introducing modern educational technologies, such as gamification (using the game in the educational process) into the pedagogical process increases significantly its effectiveness by raising the student involvement. This article reveals the design of the interactive digital quiz «General Immunology» created base on «Kahoot» service for test and educational project development, and reflects the research results of the game effect on learning and engagement. 112 students of the Medical Faculty of Northern State Medical University (Arkhangelsk) took part in the quiz, 67 (59.8 %) valid questionnaires with «feedback» were received. Most students (86.5 %) reported that the game was useful to study immunology and raised interest in the discipline. Respondents had a positive game perception in terms of fixing terminology in immunology (86.6 %), and structuring the material (86.1 %). Thus, introducing gamification technology can increase the student's motivation to study fundamental and clinical immunology, helps to structure the material and fix complex terminology.
Could Protein Content of Urinary Extracellular Vesicles be Useful to Detect Alcoholic Liver Disease and Assess Hepatocarcinoma Risk?
Authors: E. Gonzalez , M. Azkargorta , C. Garcia-Vallicrosa , J. Prieto-Elordui , F. Elortza , S. Blanco-Sampascual , JM Falcon-Perez
Published: February 2021

(1) Background: Alcohol abuse has a high impact on the mortality and morbidity related to a great number of diseases and is responsible for the development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). It remains challenging to detect and evaluate its severity, which is crucial for prognosis. In this work, we studied if urinary EVs (uEVs) could serve in diagnose and evaluate cirrhosis in ALD. (2) Methods: uEVs characterization by cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM), Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) and Western blotting (WB) was performed in a cohort of 21 controls and 21 cirrhotic patients. Then, proteomics of urinary EVs (uEVs) was carried out in a second cohort of 6 controls and 8 patients in order to identify new putative biomarkers for cirrhosis in ALD. (3) Results: uEVs concentration, size and composition were altered in cirrhotic patients. A total of 1304 proteins were identified in uEVs, and 90 of them were found to be altered in cirrhotic patients. (4) Conclusions: uEVs could be considered as a tool and a supplier of new biomarkers for ALD, whose application would be especially relevant in chronic patients. Yet, further research is necessary to obtain more relevant result in clinical terms.
Examining the Issue of Centralization and Decentralization in the Development of Soft and Hard Energy Path in the Developing World
Authors: Khan Muhammad Salar
Published: February 2021

A reliable and affordable energy supply is a fundamental prerequisite for reducing poverty, promoting investment, and boosting economic growth in the developing world. Among the different challenges that developing countries face, chronic energy crises are harrowing. The crises result from the unsatisfactory state of the central grid, a misguided energy mix, and ill-informed policies, among other things. The possibility of solving energy crises through a variety of alternative solutions is worth exploring. This review discusses two paths of energy development side by side: a traditional “hard” path of energy development (i.e., central grid extension powered by fossil fuels and nuclear energy expansion) and a relatively recent “soft” path of energy development, which is based on energy conservation and the deployment of renewable energy resources. This paper focuses on one central axis of the discussion: centralization vs. decentralization. This discussion, in turn, has technological, economic/business, and political dimensions. Finally, the paper discusses the significance of the debate from meeting the developing world’s energy demands. The paper intends not to prefer one or another path of energy development, nor it gives recommendations on diffusing or adopting those development paths. Instead, it explores the literature’s central arguments that might help frame the questions for further research. While this debate could be used to ask interesting questions that might help solve the energy crisis in the developing world, the discussion informs countries to advance policies specific to their circumstances under the umbrella of a sound and thoughtful energy productivity policy framework.
PENGARUH PROMOSI PENJUALAN DAN E-SERVICE QUALITY TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PENGGUNAAN APLIKASI OVO
Authors: Amel Amalia Fajrin
Published: February 2021

Peningkatan popularitas e-commerce berkembang sudah sampai ke tahap “berbelanja tanpa uang” dan kini budaya pembayaran menggunakan kartu atau dompet digital (cashless) untuk melakukan transaksi semakin marak terjadi. Riset McKinsey menyebutkan perkembangan layanan perbankan sedang bergeser ke layanan digital, akhir-akhir ini muncul fenomena maraknya penyedia uang elektronik di Indonesia dengan berbagai keunggulan. Maka, perusahaan e-payment harus mampu menyiapkan strategi dalam memasarkan produk agar tetap bersaing. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menganalisis dan membahas pengaruh promosi penjualan dan e-service quality terhadap keputusan penggunaan Aplikasi OVO. Teknik pengambilan sampel yang digunakan adalah non probability sampling dengan metode jugmental sampling. Sampel yang digunakan sebanyak 200 orang. Responden dalam penelitian ini adalah konsumen yang telah melakukan transaksi di restoran/cafe merchantnya OVO, dengan minimal 2 kali transaksi dalam 1 bulan terakhir dan usia responden 20-39 tahun. Skala pengukuran menggunakan skala likert. Alat ukur yang digunakan adalah angket online. Teknik pengumpulan datamenggunakan kuesioner yang telah diuji validitas dan reliabilitasnya. Analisis data dengan menggunakan model persamaan regresi linier berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa promosi penjualan berpengaruh positif terhadap keputusan penggunaan, dan E-Service Quality berpengaruh positif terhadap keputusan penggunaan. Hasil penelitian ini akan dapat membantu OVO dalam mempertahankan strategi promosi yang sudah dilakukan dan untuk terus meningkatkan e-service quality aplikasi OVO agar dapat memberikan layanan yang diharapkan penggunanya.
PENGARUH RELIGIUSITAS, PREFERENSI RISIKO, DAN LOCUS OF CONTROL TERHADAP PERILAKU KEUANGAN DAN DAMPAKNYA TERHADAP PERSONAL FINANCIAL DISTRESS PADA PEKERJA MUDA DI DKI JAKARTA
Authors: Tri Kurniati Khairunnisa  , Gatot Nazir Ahmad  , Etty Gurendawati
Published: February 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh religiusitas, preferensi risiko, dan locus of control terhadap perilaku keuangan dan dampaknya terhadap personal financial distress pada pekerja muda di DKI Jakarta. Teknik pengambilan sampel dalam penelitian ini menggunakan purposive sampling dengan jumlah sampel 370 pekerja muda di DKI Jakarta. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan kuesioner yang telah dibagikan secara langsung melalui formulir online (google-form) dan dilakukan uji instrumen validitas dan rentabilitas. Metode penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan teknik analisis data untuk menguji hipotesis menggunakan teknik SEM (Structrural Equation Modeling) PLS. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: (1) religiusitas tidak terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap personal financial distress, (2) ada pengaruh positif dan signifikan: preferensi risiko terhadap personal financial distress, religiusitas dan locus of control terhadap perilaku keuangan, preferensi risiko terhadap personal financial distress melalui perilaku keuangan, (3) ada pengaruh negatif dan signifikan: locus of control dan perilaku keuangan terhadap personal financial distress, preferensi risiko terhadap perilaku keuangan, religiusitas dan locus of control terhadap personal financial distress melalu perilaku keuangan.
MONETARY POLICY RULES IN MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE AND THAILAND
Authors: Tan Chai-Thing , Mohamed Azali
Published: February 2021

This paper investigates whether monetary policies in Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore are best represented by either the Taylor rule or the augmented Taylor rule. It finds that the augmented Taylor rule, which incorporates the exchange rate and government spending, best represents monetary policies in these countries. The results show that past inflation and the output gap play a role in the monetary policy reaction function in Malaysia and Thailand. The results further show a strong preference towards interest rate smoothing, government spending, and the exchange rate by the central banks.
Age-related increase in caveolin-1 expression facilitates cell-to-cell transmission of α-synuclein in neurons
Authors: Ha Tae-Young , Choi Yu Ree , Noh Hye Rin , Cha Seon-Heui , Kim Jae-Bong , Park Sang Myun
Published: February 2021

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, with aging being considered the greatest risk factor for developing PD. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) is known to participate in the aging process. Recent evidence indicates that prion-like propagation of misfolded α-synuclein (α-syn) released from neurons to neighboring neurons plays an important role in PD progression. In the present study, we explored the association between cav-1 and cell-to-cell transmission of α-syn.Methods: Using SH-SY5Y cells and primary neurons overexpressing WT and Y14A cav-1, we investigated the effect of cav-1 expression on the uptake of α-syn using a dual chamber system. Additionally, we investigated the effect of cav-1 expression on the formation of Lewy body-like inclusions using co-culture assay and microfluidic chamber assay.Results: We demonstrated that cav-1 expression in the brain increased with age, and considerably increased in the brain of A53T α-syn transgenic mice. Cav-1 overexpression facilitated the uptake of α-syn into neurons and formation of additional Lewy body-like inclusion bodies, phosphorylation of cav-1 at tyrosine 14 was found to be crucial for this process. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the relationship between age and α-syn spread and will facilitate our understanding of the molecular mechanism of the cell-to-cell transmission of α-syn.
A randomized study on the prophylactic use of acetaminophen to prevent fever after the removal of drainage tubes in lumbar surgery
Authors: Ye Kaifeng , Li Yan , Xing Yong , Liu Kaixi , Zhu Tengjiao , He Baichuan , Zhou Fang , Tian Yun , Zhang Yanping
Published: February 2021

Study design: a prospectively random clinical trialObjective: To explore the efficacy of prophylactic use of Acetaminophen in preventing fever after the removal of tube drainage in lumbar surgery.Summary and background data: Many inpatients encountered a fever in the first 24 hours when the drainage tube was removed. When fevers appeared, it was costly to exclude the possibility of deep infection and always failed to identify the etiology. Just like the postoperative fever, we suggested that the fever was caused by the normal inflammatory response, and tried to figure out whether the prophylactic use of Acetaminophen could lower the possibility of fever or not.Methods: 183 consecutive patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery were prospectively randomized into 2 groups. 91 patients were allocated into the study group, they would receive a pill of Acetaminophen (Tylenol, 650mg) before the removal of lumbar tube drainage, and another one at 8p.m. The rest 92 patients were divided into the control group, they were treated in routine treatment without Acetaminophen. In the first 24 hours, a temperature higher than 37.7°C was defined as fever. The 2 groups were then compared for differences in age, gender, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), surgical segments, surgical time, blood loss, blood transfusion, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, duration of the tube drainage, total volume of the drainage collection, variation of the levels of WBC, CRP, hospital stay since the removal of drainage to discharge and the rate of fever.Results: There were no differences in all the basic information of 2 groups, but the fever rate of the 2 groups had significant differences (P=0.006), the fever rate of the study group (14/91, 15.38%) was significant lower than the control group (30/92, 32.61%).Conclusion: Fever after the removal of tube drainage was caused by normal inflammation response, and a small dose of acetaminophen could significantly lower the possibility fever. Trail registration: This trail was registered in the ClinicalTrial.gov PRS on July 13, 2019, and the ID was NCT04042948.
Agarose gel microcapsules enable easy-to-prepare, picolitre-scale single-cell genomics, yielding near-complete genome sequences
Authors: Aoki Hiroyoshi , Masahiro Yuki , Shimizu Michiru , Hongoh Yuichi , Ohkuma Moriya , Yamagata Yutaka
Published: February 2021

A novel type of agarose gel microcapsule (AGM), consisting of an alginate picolitre sol core and an agarose gel shell, was developed to obtain high-quality single-cell amplified genomic DNA of bacteria. The AGM is easy to prepare in a stable emulsion with oil of water-equivalent density which prevents AGM aggregation, with only standard laboratory equipment. Single cells from a pure culture of Escherichia coli, a mock community comprising 15 strains of human gut bacteria, and a termite gut bacterial community were encapsulated within AGMs, and their genomic DNAs were obtained with massively parallel amplifications in a tube. The genome sequencing did not need second-round amplification, and showed an average genome completeness that was much higher than that obtained by the conventional amplification method in microlitre scale, regardless of the genomic guanine-cytosine contents. Our novel method using AGMs allows many researchers to perform single-cell genomics easily and effectively, and can enhance the genome analysis of yet-uncultured microorganisms.
Floods Risk Mapping and Assessing Vulnerability of Morang, Nepal
Authors: Thapa Pawan , Thapa Narayan
Published: February 2021

Background: The impact of flooding rises due to unplanned settlements, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries. This study tries to address these issues by mapping flood risk places and assessing their impact on population and household.Methods: This study used the dataset available in Google Earth Engine (GEE), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Central Bureau Statistics (CBS), Earth Data for preparing slope, drainage density, digital elevation model, rainfall, land use map, and soil map. These maps create using GEE and QGIS through overlay analysis that has two factors. The one is influence and other slopes, and it has provided high and low value according to its role on flooding.Results: The risk assessment shows around twenty-four percent population is at higher risk, whereas more than three thousand settlements are prone to flooding. It depicts a significant increasing trend of floods in the Morang district.Conclusion: This settlement risk map can help determine the flood safe and very high-risk areas in the Morang district. It will support residential places' planning by the local government, urban planners, and community people to reduce flooding risk.
Association Between Birth Circumstances and Prenatal Maternal Mental Health – A Retrospective Study of Intergenerational Transmission
Authors: MoghaddamHosseini Vahideh , Mahdavifar Neda , Makai Alexandra , Varga Katalin , Bogaerts Annick , Várnagy Ákos
Published: February 2021

Background:The evidence on long-lasting effects of certain specific aspects of birth circumstances on the maternal mental health later during pregnancy in offspring is scares. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the association between birth circumstances and prenatal maternal mental health in offspring. Method: In this retrospective survey, 380 pregnant women completed the Hungarian translation of Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire A, Beck Depression Inventory-Short Form, Beck Anxiety Inventory to measure prenatal fear of childbirth (FOC), depression, and anxiety, respectively. Information on peri and postnatal events were obtained from participants’ biological mothers through Mother’s Birth Circumstances Questionnaire. This included questions regarding mode of birth, administered medical interventions during labor, early life care, and breastfeeding during infancy. Multiple Linear regression was performed for statistical analysis.Results: After adjusting for potencial confounders, administration of Oxytocin (OT) induction during labor was significantly associated with higher levels of prenatal FOC (β= 0.14; 95% CI, 0.59, 14.70), depression (β= 0.18; 95% CI, 0.47, 2.73), and anxiety (β= 0.15; 95% CI, 0.50, 6.95). Moreover, being breast fed for more than 12 months was significantly associated with lower level of prenatal FOC in offspring (β= -0.12; 95% CI, -18.42, -1.36). Conclusion: Poor prenatal mental health might be rooted in administered OT induction as a common medical practice during labor while long duration of breast feeding can have a positive effect on improving prenatal maternal mental health in offspring. Further studies of prospective design are on demand to explore the biological trajectories of these findings in humans.
Prevalence, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern and Associated Risk Factors for Urinary Tract Infections in Pregnant Women Attending ANC In Some Integrated Health Centers in the Buea Health District
Authors: Nji Innocentia , Fru-Cho Jerome , Yung Melduine Akom , Akoachere Jane-Francis Kihla Tatah
Published: February 2021

BackgroundUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most frequent infections after respiratory tract infections that affect man, with over 150 million cases per year. The anatomy of the female urinary tract predisposes them to UTIs than men. More so, physiological and hormonal changes during pregnancy put pregnant woman at risk of UTIs. Untreated UTI(s) in pregnancy can be detrimental to both the mother and child causing preterm labour, low birth weight and pyelonephritis. The situation is worrisome because the infection can be asymptomatic. This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors for UTIs, diagnostic potential of dipstick analyses and antimicrobial susceptibility of uropathogens from pregnant women attending ANC in some Integrated Health Centers (IHCs) in Buea Health District(BHD).MethodsA structured questionnaire was administered to consenting pregnant women at participating IHCs to collect data on demographic characteristics, risk factors and symptoms of UTI. Urine samples were collected for dipstick analysis and culture. Antibiograms were performed on the isolates by the disc diffusion method. A bivariate analysis was performed to investigate the association of the risk factors to UTI. Chi square (χ2) test, odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were used to compare statistics and test for associations at a significant level of p ≤ 0.05.FindingsOf the 287 participants recruited, 89(31%) were positive for UTI. There were 150 women with no symptoms of which 43(28.7%) were positive for UTI. E. coli was the most frequent (43.2%) of the organisms implicated in bacteriuria. There was no significant association between the risk factors studied and UTI. Isolates were most sensitive to ciprofloxacin (73.5%) and gentamycin (73.5%) and resistant to ceftriaxone (70.6%) and tetracycline (64.7%). Nitrite test was highly specific (100%) for the diagnosis of UTI while leucocyte esterase was more sensitive (48.3%) than specific (44.9%).ConclusionsThe prevalence of UTI in BHD was high. In conformity with previous findings in same area, there were no risk factors associated with UTI. We recommended a longitudinal study with a larger sample size to follow up the women to term in order to determine the gravity of this infection on pregnancy outcomes.
Survival in Patients with Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids-Induced Hepatic Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome Versus Other Causes of Portal Hypertension in the Treatment of Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Placement: A Propensity Score Matching Study
Authors: Chen Yiran , Zhang Wei , Zhang Ming , Zhang Feng , Xiao Jiangqiang , Yin Qin , Zhuge Yuzheng
Published: February 2021

Background/purpose: The etiology of portal hypertension may be an important factor affecting patient outcomes after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) treatment. Pyrrolizidine alkaloid-induced hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (PA-HSOS) is characterized by acute portal hypertension and liver injury. The aim of this study was to compare the post-TIPS survival between patients with PA-HSOS and those with other etiologies of hepatic portal hypertension. Methods: A retrospective file review of 787 patients with portal hypertension-related complications, including 146 patients with PA-HSOS, who had received TIPS treatment at our institution between August 2008 to September 2020 was performed. We recorded the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients before TIPS. The median follow-up was 20.27 months. Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT)-free survival was compared between PA-HSOS and non-HSOS patients. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to minimize bias.Results: Compared to patients with other etiologies of portal hypertension, PA-HSOS patients had a statistically significantly higher Child-Pugh and model for end-stage liver disease score. No significant differences were found in the orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT)-free survival between patients with PA-HSOS and patients with other causes of portal hypertension (all P > 0.05). After PSM, OLT-free survival was significantly better in PA-HSOS patients than in patients with viral hepatitis (P = 0.0011), primary biliary cirrhosis or autoimmune hepatitis (P = 0.021), and schistosomiasis (P = 0.025).Conclusions: TIPS placement can be performed safely in patients with PA-HSOS. PA-HSOS patients had a better or similar prognosis after TIPS treatment than patients with portal hypertension of other etiologies.Trial registration: This study was retrospectively registered in the chictr.Org database (ChiCTR2000040899) in 14 December 2020.
Mindfulness as a Well-being Initiative for Future Nurses: A Survey With Undergraduate Nursing Students
Authors: McVeigh Clare , Reid Joanne , Carswell Claire , Ace Lindsay , Walsh Ian , Graham-Wisener Lisa , Rej Soham , Potes Angela , Atkinson Karen , Edginton Trudi , Noble Helen
Published: February 2021

Objectives Mindfulness can potentially positively impact well-being and resilience in undergraduate nursing students. The psychological well-being of such students undertaking clinical training is paramount to ensure optimal learning, and to equip them with skills to manage their wellbeing in future clinical practice. The aim of our study was to explore the views of undergraduate nursing students in relation to understanding and engaging with mindfulness, and how mindfulness could best be delivered within their university programme.Methods An online survey was administered via a cloud-based student response system to a convenience sample of first year undergraduate nursing students completing a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours (Hons) degree in nursing at a University in the United Kingdom. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results The survey achieved a response rate of 78% (n=208). Seventy-nine percent of participants had heard of mindfulness and were interested in taking part in a mindfulness programme. Respondents reported that the ideal delivery of the programme would consist of weekly 45-minute, in person group sessions, over a 6-week period. Respondents also indicated that a mobile application could potentially facilitate participation in the programme. Thematic analysis of open-ended comments, and free text, within the survey indicated 4 overarching themes: 1) Perceptions of what mindfulness is; 2) Previous mindfulness practice experiences; 3) Impact of mindfulness in nursing; 4) The need for a future well-being initiative for undergraduate nursing students. Conclusions Undergraduate nursing students perceived that a mindfulness programme has the potential to enhance well-being and future clinical practice. This student cohort are familiar with mindfulness and want more integrated within their undergraduate curriculum. Further research is required to examine the effectiveness of a tailored mindfulness intervention for this population that incorporates the use of both face-to-face and mobile delivery.
Insights into the Endophytic Bacterial Community Comparison and their Potential Role in the Dimorphic Seeds of Halophyte Suaeda Glauca
Authors: Wang Hongfei , Rao Manik Prabhu Narsing , Gao Yanli , Li Xinyang , Gao Rui , Xie Yuanguo , Li Qiuli , Li Wenjun
Published: February 2021

Background: The seed dimorphism was thought to be a bet-hedging strategy, which assists plants to survive in the disturbed environment and has been widely studied for their ecological adaptation mechanism. Many studies showed that seed-associated microorganisms play an important role in enhancing plant fitness, but information regarding endophytic bacteria associated with dimorphic seeds is limited. This study explores the influence of seed coat structure and seed phytochemical properties on the community composition and diversity of endophytic bacteria of dimorphic seeds of Suaeda glauca. In the present study, we firstly used 16S rRNA high-throughput gene sequencing method to compare the bacterial diversity and community composition between brown and black seeds of Suaeda glauca. Results: A significant difference was observed in seed coat structure and phytochemical properties between brown and black seeds of S. glauca. Total 9 phyla, 13 classes, 31 orders, 53 families, 102 genera were identified in the dimorphic seeds. The dominant phyla were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. The results showed that seed dimorphism had little impact on the diversity and richness of endophytic bacterial communities but significantly differs in the relative abundance of the bacterial community between brown and black seeds. At the phylum level, Actinobacteria tend to be enriched significantly in brown seeds. At the genus level, Rhodococcus, Ralstonia, Pelomonas and Bradyrhizobium tend to be enriched significantly in brown seeds, while Marinilactibacillus was mainly found in black seeds. Besides, brown seeds harbored a large number of bacteria with plant-growth-promoting traits, whereas black seeds presented bacteria with enzyme activities (i.e. pectinase, cellulolytic and xylanolytic activities). Conclusion: The endophytic bacterial community compositions were significantly different between dimorphic seeds of Suaeda glauca, and play an important role in the ecological adaptation of dimorphic seeds by performing different bacterial function roles. The endophytic bacterial communities of the dimorphic seeds might be influenced mainly by the seed coat structure and partly by seed phytochemical characteristics. These findings provide valuable information for better understanding of the ecological adaptation strategy of dimorphic seeds in the disturbed environment.
Comparison Between Calcaneus Quantitative Ultrasound and the Gold Standard DXA In the Ability to Detect Osteoporosis in COPD Patients
Authors: Chanprasertpinyo Wandee , Punsawad Chuchard , Sukkriang Naparat , Khwanchuea Rapheeporn , Yincharoen Pirada , Rerkswattavorn Chaiwat
Published: February 2021

IntroductionOsteoporosis is a prevalent comorbidity in patients with COPD that is usually underrecognized and hence undertreated. Compared to the gold standard dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), calcaneus quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is less expensive, more portable, and more accessible, especially in less developed countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of calcaneus QUS to detect osteoporosis in patients with COPD.MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled 67 males older than 50 years with clinically stable COPD. DXA scans of the lumbar spine (L2-4) and femoral neck were performed. QUS of the right calcaneus (AOS-100) were used to assess the broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), speed of sound (SOS), osteo sono-assessment index (OSI), and T-score. When the T-score was ≤ − 2.5, osteoporosis was diagnosed by both DXA and QUS.ResultsForty-eight patients (71.6%) had DXA T-scores ≤ − 2.5 at either the lumbar spine or femoral neck. All QUS parameters (BUA, SOS, OSI, and T-score) could discriminate DXA-determined osteoporosis (the area under the curve varied from 0.64 to 0.83). The QUS T-score was significantly moderately correlated with the DXA T-score at both the femoral neck (r = 0.62) and lumbar spine (r = 0.53). The sensitivity and specificity of QUS in identifying osteoporosis were 10.4% and 94.7%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 83.3% and 29.5%, respectively.ConclusionThe calcaneus QUS T-score had the ability to identify osteoporosis with an acceptable level of accuracy. However, the sensitivity and specificity of the QUS T-score were not sufficiently high to serve as an alternative diagnostic tool to DXA.
Phenotypic Characterization, Genetic Analysis and Antibiotic Sensitivity of Aeromonas Hydrophila Isolates Causing Abdominal Dropsy in Labeo Rohita Collected From Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Sughra Fatima , Muhammad Hafeez-ur-Rahman , Abbas Farzana , Altaf Imran , Muhammad Akram
Published: February 2021

Motile Aeromonas Septicaemia (MAS) is a common fresh water fish disease and major threat to the aquaculture in Pakistan. The present study was carried out on suspected cases of Rohu (Labeo rohita) to characterize and genetically analyze local strains of Aeromonas (A.) hydrophila, a key pathogen responsible for the said disease in farmed fish of Pakistan. A total of ninety suspected samples were collected from fish farms in various districts of Punjab from June 2018 to April 2019. The samples were processed and A. hydrophila strains were isolated. The primary identification of sixty seven isolates was verified by colony morphology, microscopy and phenotypic characterization with ten biochemical reactions. The A. hydrophila strains of test samples were characterized by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using 16S rRNA at desired size of 356 bp. The PCR amplified product was subjected to DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed homology with related strains of Aeromonas spp. By antibiotic sensitivity test, the isolates were checked for nine antibiotics, in which pathogen was sensitive to four and resistant to five drugs. Results of molecular characterization confirmed strains as A. hydrophila which are useful to take preventive measures against the said disease.
Efficacy of normal saline nasal spray and gargle on SARS-CoV-2
for prevention of COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: Chatterjee Uday , Chakraborty Ajay , Naskar Sishir , Saha Bibhuti , Bandyapadhyay Bhaswati , Shee Subhasis
Published: February 2021

Background: Role of microaspiration of mucus mixed with SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2) causing pneumonia is lacking in searched literature. Recently some authors have emphasized on microaspiration. SARS-CoV-2 primarily replicates in nasal mucosa and sheds in nasal mucus which travels down as microaspiration and causes pneumonia. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of normal saline nasal spray and gargle (NSNSG) to wash off SARS-CoV-2 from nasal and pharyngeal mucosa to prevent microaspiration and pneumonia. Methods: From RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) report, we selected 61 patients for study group and 64 patients for control, having higher virion load; cycle threshold (Ct) value 25 or less. Patients in study group were trained with NSNSG. We reviewed HRCT (high resolution computed tomogram) of lung in 56 patients of both groups for severity score in lung and were compared with initial HRCT. Results: Twenty nine out of 61 (47%) of study group significantly (p=0·02) became negative following NSNSG compared to 17 out of 64 patients (26%) of control. Severity score (SS) in 31 out of 34 patients (91%) either decreased or became static in study group. In control group, 14 out of 22 patients (63%) also showed same findings. Nevertheless, study group significantly improved (p=0·028) in SS. Conclusions: NSNSG significantly washes off SARS-CoV-2 from nasal cavity and pharynx and prevents microaspiration of SARS-CoV-2 in lung alveoli. Trial Registration No: CTRI/2020/08/027465
Development and Validation of a Nomogram For Predicting Drug-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Yu Chengxuan , Yao Chong , Zhu Yu , Liu Siyuan , Kong Xianghao , Guo Daihong
Published: February 2021

Background: Drug-induced acute kidney injury (D-AKI) is associated with increased mortality and longer hospital stays. This study aims to establish a nomogram to predict the occurrence of D-AKI in hospitalized patients in a multi-drug environment. Methods: A retrospective study among adult hospitalized patients was conducted from July 2019 to September 2019 based on the Adverse Drug Events Active Surveillance and Assessment System-2 developed by our hospital. According to the propensity score matching algorithm, four controls per case were matched to eliminate the confounding bias caused by individual baseline variables. The predictors for D-AKI were obtained by logistic regression equation and used to establish the nomogram. Results: Among 51,772 hospitalized patients, 332 were diagnosed with D-AKI. After matching, 288 pairs and 1,440 patients were included in the study, including 1,005 cases in the development group and 435 cases in the validation group. The top three drugs in terms of incidence were amphotericin B liposome (4/52, 7.69%), amphotericin B (2/39, 5.13%) and ceftazidime (2/52, 3.85%). Six variables were independent predictors for D-AKI: alcohol abuse, the concurrent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or diuretics, chronic kidney disease, lower baseline red blood cell count and neutrophil count ≥7×109/L. The area under the curve (AUC) of the prediction model in the development group and validation group were 0.787 (95%CI, 0.752 ~ 0.823) and 0.788 (95%CI, 0.736 ~ 0.840), respectively. The GiViTI calibration belts showed that the model had a good prediction accuracy for the occurrence of D-AKI (P>0.05). Conclusions: This nomogram can help identify patients at high risk of D-AKI, which was useful in preventing the progression of-D-AKI and treating it in the early stages.
The Accuracy of Contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography Scans to Detect Postpartum Haemorrhage: An Observational Study
Authors: MITSUYAMA YUMI , KATAYAMA YUSUKE , OI KAZUYA , SHIMAZAKI JUNYA , MIMURA KAZUYA , ENDO MASAYUKI , SHIMAZU TAKESHI
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Postpartum haemorrhage is a major cause of maternal mortality. Although contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) is useful to reveal arterial bleeding, its accuracy in postpartum haemorrhage is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of CE-CT scanning in detecting postpartum haemorrhage.Methods: This was a retrospective observational study. We included patients with postpartum haemorrhage treated by emergency physicians in collaboration with obstetricians. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for CE-CT scanning to detect arterial bleeding.Results: CE-CT scanning was performed in 52 patients, and 31 patients had extravasation. The sensitivity of CE-CT scanning to detect arterial extravasation was 100% (15/15), specificity was 28.6% (2/7), positive predictive value was 75% (15/20), and negative predictive value was 100% (2/2).Conclusion: We showed the sensitivity of CE-CT scanning to detect arterial extravasation in patients with postpartum haemorrhage to be 100%.
Earliest Evidence of Marine Habitat Use by Mammals
Authors: Wroblewski Anton , Gulas-Wroblewski Bonnie
Published: February 2021

Evidence for the earliest invasion of the marine realm by mammals was previously restricted to Eocene (48.6-37.8 Ma) skeletal remains. We report incontrovertible ichnofossil evidence for brackish-water habitat use by at least two mammalian species in southern Wyoming during the late Paleocene (58 Ma). These are the first Paleocene mammal trackways recorded in the United States and only the fourth documented in the world. Multiple tracks preserved in restricted marine deposits represent animals repeatedly walking across submerged to partially emergent tidal flats. Hundreds of tracks are preserved in planform and cross-sectional exposure within five horizons along a 1,032 m tracksite. Four prints exhibit five clear toe imprints, while two others distinctly display four toes. Some tracks penetrate beds populated by dwelling traces of marine bivalves and polychaetes in the upper layers and sea anemones at the base. Candidates for the five-toed tracemakers are pantodonts such as Titanoides, Barylambda, and Coryphodon, which have been recovered from late Paleocene strata throughout western North America. The four-toed tracks provide the earliest evidence of previously-undescribed large artiodactyls and/or tapiroids, mutually supporting recent molecular phylogenetic studies that place the origin of Cetartiodactyla near the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary (~67.7 Ma). Collectively, these trackways irrefutably demonstrate the utility of ichnological data in reconstructing the evolutionary history and adaptive behaviors of extinct taxa beyond the evidence provided by body fossils alone.
Clinicopathological Characteristics and Prognosis of Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma of the Gallbladder
Authors: Li Jiayi , You Jun , Zhou Yanming , Wang Shijie
Published: February 2021

Background Signet ring cell carcinoma (SRC) is a rare histological subtype of gallbladder adenocarcinoma. The current study evaluates the clinicopathologic features and prognosis of SRC.Methods Patients with adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 1973 to 2016. Overall survival (OS) was assessed using Cox regression method.Results Of 22,781 gallbladder adenocarcinomas retrieved, 377 (1.7%) were SRC and the other 22,404 were non-SRC. SRC was more significantly associated with older age, female gender, poor differentiation, advanced tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and advanced AJCC stage. The 1-, 2- and 5-year OS was 28.1%, 16.8% and 7.2% for SRC vs. 34.9%, 23.1% and 13.2% for non-SRC, respectively (P = 0.002). Multivariable analysis showed that the SRC histology was independently associated with a dismal prognosis (hazard ratio [HR] 1.256, P = 0.021). Surgery in combination with chemotherapy improved OS of gallbladder SRC patients compared with surgery alone (HR 0.726, P = 0.036) or chemotherapy alone (HR 0.433, P < 0.001). Conclusion Patients with SRC of the gallbladder have distinct clinicopathological features with poor prognosis. Surgery in combination with chemotherapy can improve survival.
Inverse Ratio Ventilation for Preventing Intra-Operative Hypercapnia in Children Undergoing Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Han XD , Zhang Wangping , Qian XH
Published: February 2021

BackgroundHigh end-tidal carbon dioxide tension (PETCO2) and respiratory acidosis occurs frequently in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. The aim of this study is to be investigate the effect of pressure-controlled inverse ratio ventilation (IRV) with inspiratory to expiratory ratio (I: E) of 2:1 on children undergoing laparoscopic surgery. MethodsEighty children undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery were allocated randomly to the IRV group (1: E=2:1) and the control group (I: E=1:2). Children received pressure-controlled ventilation with I: E ratio of 2:1 or 1:2. Hemodynamic parameters and respiratory mechanics were recorded. Side effects were also recorded. ResultsAt 30 min after CO2 pneumoperitoneum, tidal volume (Vt) and arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) were greater in the IRV group than the control group (100.6 ± 6.6 vs. 95.1±7.9 ml, 282.7 ± 45.6 vs.246.5 ± 40.1mmHg, respectively) (P < 0.01), but PaCO2 was lower than the control group (43.9 ± 5.45 vs. 46.7 ± 4.90 mmHg, P = 0.013). The incidence of intra-operative hypercapnia was lower in the IRV group (25% vs. 42.5%, P= 0.03). ConclusionIRV may reduce the incidence of intra-operative hypercapnia as well as increasing Vt and thus improving CO2 elimination in children undergoing laparoscopy. (Registration number: ChiCTR2000035589)