bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROBLEM BASED AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT MODEL IN INDONESIAN LEARNING: STUDY IN GENERAL HIGH SCHOOL PADANG LAWAS UTARA, INDONESIA
Authors: Efendi Pohan Jusrin , Atmazaki  , Agustina
Published: March 2020

Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study is to describe the results of the development of authentic problem-based assessment models in learning Indonesian in high school. This development uses the Plomp model which has stages, preliminary research, prototyping, and evaluation. The product developed is a problem-based authentic assessment model book and a teacher's manual. Both books were tested for validity, practicality, and effectiveness well.

Methodology: The development of this research follows the preliminary, prototype and evaluation research stages. The three steps are carried out selectively. The validity of the model is obtained from an expert judgment of the problem based authentic assessment model book and the problem based authentic assessment handbook. The trial was conducted in class XI of high school to see the practicality and effectiveness of the model book and the guidebook.

Main Findings: The development of this authentic problem-based assessment model has produced model books and manuals for Indonesian language teachers in high schools. The results of this study indicate that (1) the problem-based authentic assessment model is very valid, (2) the problem-based authentic assessment model is very practical, and (3) the problem-based authentic assessment model is very effective in learning Indonesian.

Applications of this study: Teachers can more easily assess the process and learning outcomes in learning Indonesian. The problem-based authentic assessment model can be used in language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing). The teacher can develop appropriate assessment instruments used to assess students' knowledge, attitudes, and psychomotor. The grades obtained are not only numerical but in the form of student work.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This authentic problem-based assessment model presents problems in the form of text or questions to be answered by students. Assessment instruments are presented to teachers to assess students' attitudes, cognitive, and psychomotor. The teacher can judge according to the student's ability to answer the questions given. Furthermore, to assess student and psychomotor attitudes, teachers can use portfolio and project instruments.
FORMS OF EDUCATIONAL COOPERATION OF TECHNICAL UNIVERSITIES WITH THE OIL AND GAS ENTERPRISES
Authors:   Lipetsk STU, Meshcheryakov V.N. , Kryukov O.V. ,   LLC «Gazprom VNIIGAZ», Moscow, Russia
Published: March 2020

The state and the prospects of innovative development of approaches to educational and scientific and technical cooperation of the leading technical universities of the country and the enterprises of fuel and energy complex for preparation and retraining of person-nel are analyzed. The main directions and forms of educational and innovative interaction of new basic departments of universities and design and production enterprises of the industry to improve the quality of training of bachelors, masters and specialists for the main departments of organizations. Examples of the successful implementation of the tasks of improving the teaching process at the basic faculties in interaction with human and technological capabilities of oil and gas companies.
Scheme of Evaluating Information System Effectiveness of the Border Guard Service
Authors:   Bohdan Khmelnytskyi National Academy of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine., Strelbitskyi Mykhailo , Mazur Valentyn ,   Bohdan Khmelnytskyi National Academy of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, Ivashkov Yuriy ,   Bohdan Khmelnytskyi National Academy of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine., Karpushyn Andrii ,   Bohdan Khmelnytskyi National Academy of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, Serkhovets Serhii ,   Bohdan Khmelnytskyi National Academy of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine., Sinkevych Serhii ,   Bohdan Khmelnytskyi National Academy of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine., Bloshchynskyi Ihor ,   Bohdan Khmelnytskyi National Academy of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine
Published: March 2020

The analysis of the State Border Guard Service Information and Telecommunication Systems, which provide the activity of the information and analytical units of the Border Guard Agency, has been carried out. The peculiarity of such systems lies in the requirement of truetime operation. Moreover, even a minor malfunction or a halt in operation can result in serious national scale damages. Thus, the modernization process quality evaluation will allow to choose among the many available options the most efficient and consecutively to increase the effectiveness of administrative decision-making while protecting Ukraine's borders. Based on the analysis of the researches in the field of information and telecommunication systems quality assessment, the theory of effectiveness of goal-oriented processes is proposed to use. This approach most accurately describes the system effectiveness concept as the standard to achieve the system’s goal. To describe the approaches to quality assessment, the semantics of the input parameters of the effectiveness evaluation scheme has been developed and the indicator of the effectiveness of the Information and Telecommunication System functioning has been justified, on the basis of which the effectiveness evaluation scheme has been evolved.
PCR Based Identification of Saprolegnia parasitica Affecting Rainbow Trout Aquaculture in Kashmir Region of Indian Himalayas
Authors: Jaies Inain , Shah Feroz Ahmad , Abubakr Adnan , Asmi Oyas , Bhat Bilal Ahmad , Balkhi Masood Ul Hassan , Fu Xue Yan , Shi Kun Peng
Published: March 2020

Saprolegnia parasitica infecting Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), has been a major bottleneck in the intensification and propagation of trout culture in northern Himalayas of India. Present study was to ascertain the presence of S. parasitica infections using molecular diagnostic techniques in cultured rainbow trouts collected from different hatcheries of Kashmir valley. Growth of S. parasitica at different incubation temperatures was examined. The molecular detection of fungus done by using PCR, revealed that the twenty trout specimens out of 144 collected samples were found infected with Saprolegnia parasitica with overall prevalence of 13.88%, with a PCR product size of around 750 bp. No growth of S. parasitica was reported at 4°C after 48 h of incubation. S. parasitica infections were more frequent in cold water months when water temperature was recorded between 7°C – 9°C.
Cytological and Microbiological Analysis of Canine Otitis Externa
Authors: Karnad V V , Jeyaraja K , Vijayarani K , Vairamuthu S , Subapriya S , Ronald B S.M.
Published: March 2020

The ear discharge of fifteen dogs was examined for cytological and microbiological evaluation along with antibiotic sensitivity testing. The ear discharge of ten healthy dogs was also analyzed for comparative data. Cytological analysis showed that inflammatory cells and rod shaped organisms in highly infected cases. Otic microbiota in healthy cases revealed Bacillus spp. and Staphylococcus spp., while in clinical cases Pseudomonas spp., E coli, Klebsiella spp. and Alcaligenes spp., were also identified by using universal primer 16S rRNA PCR. The yeast Malassezia pachydermatis was isolated from ear discharge of all dogs. Among the anti – microbial drugs tested, Gentamicin had the most effective response against the otic microbes, followed by ciprofloxacin while neomycin had the least
In-vivo Analgesic and In-vitro Cytoprotective Potential of Various Leaf Extracts of Bitter Apple
Authors: Sagar Rashmi , Dumka V K , Deka Dipak
Published: March 2020

The present study investigated the potential of different leaf extracts of Bitter Apple (Citrullus colocynthis) as an analgesic agent and In-vitro cytoprotective ameliorative effects of the various extracts in thiomethoxam-induced toxicity in MDBK cell lines. Different leaf extracts of Citrullus colocynthis i.e. alcoholic, acetone and chloroform were investigated for analgesic activity at the dose rate of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg in Wistar rats. For the assessment of analgesic activity, tail flick method was used. In-vitro cytoprotective activity of various leaf extracts (at concentrations of 5% and 10%) was evaluated in ATCC acquired MDBK cell lines and for this study, cytotoxicity was induced by thiomethoxam. For cytoprotective study, oxidative stress parameters- catalase, LPO, SOD and GPx were determined. Study on analgesic activity revealed the presence of dose dependent effect in all extracts with highest effect in alcoholic extract of Bitter Apple. It is believe that triterpene alkaloids and steroidal principles present in the plant products might be responsible for the analgesic effect.
The role of the language aptitude and self-reported strategy use on the achievement of EFL learners
Authors: Yavas Celik Gamze , Yavuz Fatih
Published: March 2020

Whether the success depends on language aptitude or the language aptitude tests can predict the language learning achievement is one of the contradictive issues in SLA. Scholars have questioned the effect of aptitude on success, and they developed many language aptitude tests in time; because the success in aptitude measurement and the achievement prediction would mean to gain time in language learning. In addition, with the changing understanding of aptitude in recent years, language learning aptitude began to be compared to other individual differences (ID). These studies aim to increase the success of learners by designing instructions according to their aptitude and other ID. Therefore, this study aimed to find out the relationship between language aptitude, self-reported strategy use and language achievement of the Turkish EFL learners to see the decisiveness of language aptitude on strategy use and achievement. Results showed that the language aptitude influences foreign language learning achievement.

Keywords: Language aptitude, language learning strategies, achievement, individual differences, EFL.
An investigation of students’ preferences in Japanese teaching and learning
Authors: Winch Junko
Published: March 2020

The teachers in the individualist country usually teach students using individualist approach while teachers in the collectivist countries teach students using collectivist approach. However, teachers and students do not usually share the same educational culture in language classrooms. The purpose of this study has two: first, to examine individualist and collectivist characteristics; second, to ascertain the students’ teaching preference whether it is individualist or collectivist approach in a British university. Participants were 19 students who study Japanese language through institution wide language program at a British university in the South of England. The collected data consist of two: questionnaire and an informal interview, both of which were conducted at the end of spring term 2019. The data were analysed using mixed methods. The quantitative results showed that students preferred a mixture of both educational cultures. The ratio of individualist:collectivist:neutral position was 74:11:16 in spite of the fact that this study was conducted in an individualist education culture.
Keywords: Collectivist, educational culture, higher education, individualist, Japanese learning
Constructive friction? Charting the relation between educational research and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Authors: Larsson Maria , Mårtensson Katarina , Price Linda , Roxå Torgny
Published: March 2020

While educational research and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) are overlapping fields, over time there has appeared considerable friction between the two. There are claims that educational research has been tainted by SoTL’s emergence and that those engaged in SoTL lack adequate training. They maintain that those engaged in SoTL would benefit from a better understanding of educational research theories and methods. Some engaged in SoTL perceive educational research as too distanced from practice. What underpins these perceived differences between the two fields? How might this friction be explained? The study described in this article explored empirical, interview-based viewpoints from new and experienced educational researchers and SoTL scholars, respectively. Participants were purposefully drawn from attendees at two European conferences specializing in educational research and SoTL. The data was examined using thematic analysis and focused mainly on the perceived differences between these communities. The central themes that emerged where differences occurred are community membership and governance, scope and purpose of inquiry, and intended recipients of inquiry results. Some differences include what and who determines the value of the contribution to the field and why it is valuable. This article provides an empirically based understanding of the relative attributes of both communities. We hope that it leads to future discussions about further developing fruitful and constructive interrelationships.
La médecine narrative face à l’impossible singularité des récits
Authors: Ferry-Danini Juliette
Published: March 2020

Selon l’une des thèses les plus répétées de la médecine narrative, la théorie littéraire, ou plus largement, la narration, permettrait aux membres du personnel médical d’appréhender les récits des patients et par là, de prendre en considération leurs expériences dans leur singularité absolue. Dans ma contribution, je soulignerai quelques limites de cette thèse. J’appuierai mon analyse sur un exemple de récit dominant de maladie, les récits portant sur le cancer du sein aux États-Unis au XXe siècle, à partir des analyses féministes qui en ont été faites. Ainsi je montrerai d’une part qu’il est peu plausible que les récits des patients soient absolument singuliers et uniques, en un sens pertinent, et d’autre part que certains récits peuvent devenir dominants et marginaliser des récits qui voudraient s’en démarquer.
On Bounds of the Sine and Cosine along a Circle on the Complex Plane
Authors: Qi Feng
Published: March 2020

In the paper, the author finds bounds of the sine and cosine along a circle on the complex plane in terms of two double inequalities for the norms of the sine and cosine along a circle on the complex plane.
Superior Antibacterial Activity of Integral Lemon Pectin From Hydrodynamic Cavitation
Authors: Presentato Alessandro , Scurria Antonino , Albanese Lorenzo , Lino Claudia , Sciortino Marzia , Pagliaro Mario , Zabini Federica , Meneguzzo Francesco , Alduina Rosa , Nuzzo Domenico , Ciriminna Rosaria
Published: March 2020

Pectin extracted via hydrodynamic cavitation in water only from waste lemon peel and further isolated via freeze drying displays significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram positive pathogen which easily contaminates food. The antibacterial effect of the new IntegroPectin is largely superior to that of commercial citrus pectin, opening the way to advanced applications of a new bioproduct now obtainable in large amounts and at low cost from citrus juice industry’s waste.
Waste-to-Wealth: The Economic Reasons for Replacing Waste-to-Energy With the Circular Economy of Municipal Solid Waste
Authors: Pagliaro Mario
Published: March 2020

Sharing the same raw material, recycling and composting are in direct conflict with incineration of municipal solid waste in combined heath and power plants. Indeed, waste-to-energy plants in regions with high recycling rates import urban waste from other countries to use otherwise unused capacity, and raise revenues. Using the case of Italy’s second largest and economically most developed region, I discuss the economic viability of municipal solid waste incineration to produce electricity and heath in the context of the increasing role of electricity production from renewable energy sources as well as of the emerging mass-scale uptake of bioplastics. Four lessons and three guidelines aimed to local authorities and policy makers emerge from the present study.
Measles and Mumps Outbreaks in Lebanon : Trends and Links
Authors: Zarif Talal El , Kassir Mohamed Faisal , Bizri Nazih , Kassir Ghida , Musharrafieh Umayya , Bizri Abdul Rahman
Published: March 2020

Background: Lebanon has experienced several measles and mumps outbreaks in the past twenty years. In this article, a case-based surveillance of both measles and mumps outbreaks in Lebanon was carried out in an attempt to outline factors contributing to the failure of elimination plans and to provide potential solutions. The relationship between the outbreaks of both diseases was described and explored.
Methods: A retrospective descriptive study of confirmed cases of measles and mumps in Lebanon between 2003 and 2018 collected from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health Epidemiological Surveillance Unit public database was carried out. The information collected was graphically represented taking into consideration dates of reported cases, age groups affected, and vaccination status.
Results: The mean number of measles cases was 150.25 cases/year in the 1-4 years age group, 87 cases/year in individuals aging between 5 and 14, and 63.68 cases/year in those > 14 years old. In the latter group, only 18.05% were unvaccinated. The mean number of mumps cases was 30.4 cases/year in the <4 year age group and 53.8 cases/year in the 10-19 years age group. During the study period, every spike in measles cases was followed by a similar spike in mumps. 9.66% of measles cases occurred in individuals who received at least 2 doses of the vaccine, 52.26% in the unvaccinated, and 38% in those whose vaccination status was undetermined.
Conclusions: Measles in Lebanon is a disease of the pediatric population, but adults remain at risk. Outbreaks of mumps followed those of measles and were mainly among adolescents. Presence of a large number of Syrian refugees in the country may further complicate the situation. Vaccination activities need to be intensified.
Keywords: Measles, mumps, elimination, vaccine, Lebanon.
The functions of ocu-miR-205 in regulating hair follicle development in Rex rabbits
Authors: Liu Gongyan , Li Shu , Liu Hongli , Zhu Yanli , Bai Liya , Sun Haitao , Gao Shuxia , Jiang Wenxue , Li Fuchang
Published: March 2020

Background: Hair follicles is an appendage from the vertebrate skin epithelium, and arise from the embryonic ectoderm andregenerate cyclically during adult life. Dermal papilla cells (DPCs) is the key dermal component of the hair follicle that directly regulates hair follicle development, growth and regeneration. Recent studies have reported that miRNA plays an important role in regulating hair follicle morphogenesis, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of hair follicle stem cells.
Results: The miRNAs expression profile of the DPCs from different hair density Rex rabbits shown that 240 differentially expressed of miRNAs were screened (log 2 (HD/LD)｜>1.00 and Q-value≤0.001). Among them, the expression of ocu-miR-205-5p in low hair densities DPCs was higher than that in high hair densities, and it is highly expressed in the skin tissue of Rex rabbits ( P <0.05). ocu-miR-205 could increase cell proliferation and cell apoptosis ratio, change cell cycle process ( P <0.05), affect the genes expression of PI3K/Akt, Wnt, Notch and BMP signaling pathways in DPCs and skin tissue of Rex rabbits, inhibit the protein phosphorylation level of CTNNB1, GSK-3β and the protein expression level of noggin (NOG), promote Akt phosphorylation level ( P <0.05). There was no significant change in primary follicle density ( P >0.05), but the secondary follicle density and total follicle density ( P <0.05) were changed after ocu-miR-205-5p interfered expression, and secondary/primary ratio (S/P) in ocu-miR-205-5p interfered expression group increased at 14 days after injection ( P <0.05).
Conclusion: ocu-miR-205 could promote the apoptosis of DPCs, affect PI3K/Akt, Wnt, Notch and BMP signaling pathways genes and proteins expression in DPCs and skin of Rex rabbits, promote the transformation of hair follicles from growth phase to regression and resting phase, and affect hair density of Rex rabbits.
The Effect of prenatal counseling on breastfeeding self-efficacy and frequency of breastfeeding problems in Mothers with Previous Unsuccessful Breastfeeding: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: shafaei fahimeh sehhatie , mirghafourvand mojgan , havizari shiva
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Breastfeeding is one of the most important interfering factors in infants’ health. Monitoring mothers’ performance and providing them with the feedback helps to increase their self-efficacy, interest in learning, and level of performance. The present research evaluates the effect of prenatal counseling on the breastfeeding self-efficacy and frequency of breastfeeding problems in mothers with previous unsuccessful breastfeeding.
Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 108 pregnant women with unsuccessful breastfeeding in Tabriz health centers during 2017-2018. The participants were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group had four prenatal counseling sessions and the controls only received routine care. Then, the mothers who gave birth to their children received a counseling session up to 4 months after the delivery. The Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy (BSES) questionnaire and the frequency of breast feeding problems checklist on the 15 th day, and 2 nd and 4 th month were completed both by the intervention and control groups.
Results: The mean (SD) of breastfeeding self-efficacy was 119.3 (10.5), 128.3 (8.3) and 133.8 (10.3) in the intervention group and 105.3 (16.1), 105.7 (19.7) and 109.4 (24.7) in the control group on the 15 th day, 2 nd and 4 th month after the delivery, respectively. There was a significant difference in terms of breastfeeding self-efficacy between intervention and control group on the 15 th day (p<0.001), and 2 nd (p<0.001) and 4 th (p<0.001) month after the delivery. The frequency of breastfeeding problems on the 15 th (p=0.008), 2 nd (p<0.001) and 4 th (p<0.001) after the delivery was significantly different in most cases of the intervention group when compared to the controls. Conclusion : The results indicated that prenatal counseling can increase mothers’ breastfeeding self-efficacy and solves most breastfeeding problems during postpartum period. Trial registration: IRCT20100109003027N19
Key words: Self-efficacy, problems, exclusive breastfeeding, infant, counseling
Thickness profiles of the corneal epithelium along the steep and flat meridians of astigmatic corneas after orthokeratology
Authors: Zhou Jiaqi , Xue Feng , Zhou Xingtao , Naidu Rajeev Krishnan , Qian Yishan
Published: March 2020

Background: To investigate the changes in corneal epithelial thickness along the principle meridians of astigmatic corneas after six months of overnight spherical myopic orthokeratology (OK) lens wear. Methods: A prospective study. Fifty-seven subjects with up to 1.50 diopters (D) of corneal toricity wore spherical OK lenses for 6 months. Evaluations of OK lens fit, visual acuity, refractions and corneal toricity (CT) were performed. Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) was conducted to measure the corneal epithelial thickness (ET) along the principle meridians of corneal toricity over a diameter of 6mm. The means of △ET of the same diameter at individual meridians (△ETSm and △ETFm) were calculated and compared. Results: Visual acuity and refraction improved significantly after OK lens wear. △ETFm (-4.2±3.4μm) thinned more than △ETSm (-3.4±4.0μm, P=0.027) at 1.5mm in radius. △ETSm thickened more than △ETFm at 2.5mm (△ETSm: 4.1±5.1μm, △ETFm: 2.8±4.2μm, P=0.019) and 3.0mm (△ETSm: 5.0±5.0μm, △ETFm: 3.7±4.9μm, P=0.036).∣△ETSm - △ETFm∣ were significantly correlated with the baseline central CT at 2.0mm, 2.5mm and 3.0mm (2.0mm: r=0.285, P=0.032; 2.5mm: r=0.422, P=0.001; 3.0mm: r=0.239, P=0.027). ∣△ETSm - △ETFm∣was significantly correlated with the baseline peripheral CT at 2.5mm (r=0.299, P=0.028). Conclusions: Overnight wear of spherical OK lenses resulted in differential changes in the thickness profiles of the corneal epithelium between the steep and flat meridians in eyes with corneal toricity.
Potential suitable habitat of Eleusine coracana (L) Gaertn (Finger millet) under the climate change scenarios in Nepal
Authors: Luitel Dol Raj , Siwakoti Mohan , Joshi Mohan D. , Rangaswami Muniappan , Jha Pramod K.
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Finger millet is the fourth major crop in Nepal and is cultivated in a traditional integrated subsistence system. Timely rain and appropriate temperature predominately affects crop distribution and yield. Climate change is evident in Nepal and it is imperative to understand how it affects habitat suitability of finger millet. Main objective of this study was to map the current suitable habitat and predicting the potential changes in the future under different climate scenarios in Nepal. Habitat mapping is important for maximizing production and minimizing the loss of local landraces.
Results: Maxent model was used in this study to quantify the current suitable habitat and changes in the future habitat suitability of finger millet, based on representative concentration pathways (RCP)(RCP 2.6, 4.5, 6.0 and 8.5) in two different time periods (2050 and 2070AD) using climatic predictive variables and species localities. The model shows that 39.7% (58512.71km2) area of Nepal is highly suitable for finger millet, with cultivation mostly between 96-2300m above sea level. Eastern and central parts of Nepal have more suitable areas than western parts. Our research clearly shows that the future climatic suitable area of finger millet would shrink by 4.3 to 8.9% in 2050 and 8.9-10.5% under different RCPs by 2070.
Conclusion: Finger millet is mostly cultivated in mid-hill terraces. The substantial increase in temperature due to climate change may be one reason for decrease in habitat suitability of finger millet. This situation would further threat loss of local landraces of finger millet in the future. The findings can help in planning and policy framing for climate resilient smart agriculture practice.
Key words: Climate change, finger millet, habitat suitability, Maxent model
Histopathological assessment of optic nerve invasion guided by radiological findings in enucleated globes with retinoblastoma.
Authors: Abusayf Mohammed , Alkatan Hind Manaa , Elkhamary Sahar , Almesfer Saleh , Maktabi Azza MY
Published: March 2020

Background: Optic nerve (ON) invasion is an important high-risk feature, and an indicator for neoadjuvant chemotherapy and prognosis. We aim through this study to correlate the detected-ON invasion by Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the corresponding confirmed histopathological level of invasion. Methods: A retrospective study of enucleated globes with the diagnosis of retinoblastoma received in the histopathology department(s) from January 2015 to December 2016 (2 years). Slides were reviewed for ON invasion assessment, charts were reviewed for basic demographic data. All patients underwent MRI under sedation upon diagnosis and MRI findings were collected for the above correlation. Results: A total of 38 patients were included: 21 males and 17 females. 29 (77.3%) had unilateral involvement, 7 (18.4%) had bilateral involvement and 2 cases had trilateral disease. The overall mean age at diagnosis was 22.63 ±15.15 months. Histopathological examination revealed ON invasion in 28 cases (74%) distributed as follows: prelaminar (31.6%), laminar (18.4%), and post-laminar (23.7%). MRI confirmed post-laminar ON invasion in 8 cases (true positive) but failed to detect this in 1 case. Additionally, MRI detected another 8 cases of ON invasion that were false positive on histopathology (accuracy: 63.3%; sensitivity: 88.9%; specificity: 72.4%; Positive predictive value (PPV): 50%; Negative predictive value (NPV): 95.5%). Conclusions: MRI is found to be less sensitive in evaluating prelaminar and laminar ON invasion (0.0 and 42.9%) compared to post-laminar invasion (88.9%). MRI has generally better specificity in detecting ON invasion irrespective of the invasion level. In our study, obtaining deeper and/or additional histologic sections from the other surface of the tissue block in cases where a post-laminar ON invasion by MRI is found but not confirmed histopathologically in routine sections is essential to avoid missing such an important high-risk feature.
Photosynthetic performance and growth responses of Liriope muscari (Decne.) L.H. Bailey (Asparagaceae) planted within poplar forests having different canopy densities
Authors: zhang jiaojiao , Zhu Ling , Zhang Xu , Zhou Jian
Published: March 2020

Background: Liriope muscari (Decne.) L.H. Bailey is a valuable horticultural and medicinal plant that grows under a range of light intensities, from high to low, in the understories of shrubs. To understand how this species adapts to these various environments, we selected two groups of lilyturf growing under poplar trees at two different spacings. Each group was divided into three types, open field, forest edge and shaded forest with high, medium and low irradiance levels, respectively, and then we examined their photosynthetic characteristics, physiology and biomasses.
Results: Light saturation point, light compensation point and in situ net photosynthetic rate ( P N ) were highest in lilyturf growing under high light. In contrast, lilyturf growing under low light had a higher apparent quantum yield and Chl a and b contents, indicating that they adapted to low light. Although the leaves of lilyturf growing under low light were small, their root tubers were heavier.
Conclusions: The research demonstrates the eco-physiological basis of lilyturf’s shade adaptation mechanism as indicated by photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll fluorescence, Chl a, Chl b and Car contents when grown under different irradiances. We believe that lilyturf is a shade-tolerant plant suitable for planting in undergrowth, but attention should be paid to the canopy density of the forest when interplanting. The findings presented here advance our understanding of the photosynthetic characteristics of understory plants and may assist in the optimization of irradiances in the future.
Simulation via Instant Messaging-Birmingham Advance (SIMBA) model helped improve clinicians’ confidence to manage cases in diabetes and endocrinology
Authors: Melson Eka , Davitadze Meri , Aftab Manal , Ng Cai Ying , Ooi Emma , Blaggan Parisha , Chen Wentin , Hanania Thia , Thomas Lucretia , Zhou Dengyi , Chandan Joht Singh , Senthil Latha , Arlt Wiebke , Sankar Sailesh , Ayuk John , Karamat Muhammad Ali , Kempegowda Punith
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Simulation-based learning (SBL) has been increasingly used in both undergraduate and postgraduate medical training curricula. The aim of Simulation via Instant Messaging-Birmingham Advance (SIMBA) is to create a simple virtual learning environment to improve trainees’ self-reported confidence in diabetes and Endocrinology. Methods: This study was done as part of the continuous professional development for Health Education England West Midlands specialty trainees in diabetes and Endocrinology. Standardized transcripts of anonymized real-life endocrinology (endocrine session) and diabetes cases (diabetes session) were used in the simulation model. Trainees interacted with moderators through WhatsApp® in this model. All cases were then discussed in detail by a consultant endocrinologist with reference to local, national and international guidelines. Trainee acceptance rate and improvement in their self-reported confidence levels post-simulation were assessed.Results: 70.8% (n=17/24) and 75% (n=18/24) strongly agreed the simulation session accommodated their personal learning style and the session was engaging. 66.7% (n=16/24) strongly felt that the simulation was worth their time. In endocrine session, there was a significant improvement in trainees’ confidence in the management of craniopharyngioma (p=0.0179) and acromegaly (p=0.0025). There was a trend towards improved confidence levels to manage Cushing’s disease and macroprolactinoma. In diabetes session, there was a significant improvement in trainees’ confidence to interpret continuous glucose monitor readings (p = 0.01). There was a trend towards improvement for managing monogenic diabetes, hypoglycaemic unawareness and interpreting Libre readings. Overall, there was a significant improvement in trainees’ confidence in managing cases that were discussed post-simulation. Conclusion: SIMBA is an effective learning model to improve trainees’ confidence to manage various diabetes and endocrine case scenarios. More sessions with a variety of other specialty case scenarios is needed to further assess SIMBA’s effectiveness and application in other areas of medical training.
Effects of Kinesio Tape on kinesiophobia, balance and functional performance of athletes with post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A Pilot Trial
Authors: Gholami Milad , Kamali Fahimeh , Mirzaei Maryam , Motealleh Alireza , Shamsi MohammadBagher
Published: March 2020

Background : This study aimed to investigate the effects of Kinesio Taping on Kinesiophobia (fear of re-injury), balance and functional performance in athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Methods: This randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 20 athletes with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (mean age 32.35 ± 6.25 years) at the time of return to sport. The participants were selected using purposive sampling approach and they were randomly assigned to kinesio tape group (n=10) or placebo kinesio tape group (n=10).
While subjects under taped, the following outcomes were measured at baseline, ten minutes after the intervention, and two days later. Kinesiophobia, balance, strength, functional / agility performance was assessed by Tampa Scale, Y balance test (YBT), single leg hops and 10-yard extremity functional test, respectively. Data were analyzed using the repeated measure analysis of variance (RMANOVA) in the SPSS v.23.
Results: Two days after Kinesio taping, the difference between the scores obtained in the first and the second measurements for all variables in the kinesio tape group was not significantly different rather than placebo kinesio tape group (all P> 0.05). The difference between scores of the third and the first measurements of all variables was also not significantly different in the kinesio tape group compared to the placebo kinesio tape group (all P> 0.05).
In the kinesio tape and placebo kinesio tape groups, RMANOVA indicated that the differences in all variables scores were significant over time (P < 0.001), Sidak post-hoc test indicated that the differences between the first and the second measurements, as well as between the first and the third measurements were significant (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: This study gives no support for any beneficial effect of kinesio taping on reduction of kinesiophobi or improvement of balance score and functional performance in athletes with post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Trial registration: This study was registered in the Iranian Clinical Trial Center with the code IRCT20190130042556N1, https://www.irct.ir/trial/37312, registered 12 February 2019.
Psychosocial barriers and enablers of exclusive breastfeeding: lived experiences of mothers in low-income townships, North West Province, South Africa
Authors: Witten Chantell Beverley , Claasen Nicole , Kruger Herculina S , Coutsoudis Anna , Grobler Herman
Published: March 2020

Background

Despite national efforts to promote exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), South Africa’s EBF rate is only 32%. The aim of this study was to examine the rate of EBF discontinuation and the lived experiences of breastfeeding mothers at postnatal time points 3-14 days, 4-8 weeks, 10-14 weeks and 20-24 weeks.

Methods

This community-based mixed-methods study collected data within a prospective cohort study on socio-demographics, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF) at 6-8 weeks with infant feeding data collected at 4-8, 10-14 and 20-24 weeks from 159 mothers living in low income areas. Six focus groups with 32 mothers with infants aged 6-24 weeks were conducted. Descriptive statistics was used for the quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data.

Results

The majority of mothers were unmarried (84.9%), living with family (69.2%) and unemployed (74.2%). EBF decreased from 34% at 4-8 weeks to 9.7% at 20-24 weeks. Mixed feeding with infant formula increased from 17.0% to 50.1% and food feeding from 3.1% to 54.2%. While there were no statistically significant associations between EBF and any of the quantitative socio-demographic variables, in the qualitative data, codes associated with barriers were more than enablers. The themes were Mothers’ attributes (wellbeing, experiences and relationships) with the code mother’s stress the strongest barrier, Mother’s knowledge, attitudes and practices of breastfeeding with the code conventional medicines the strongest barrier , Family environment with the code home setting the strongest barrier, Social environment with public spaces and places a barrier and in Baby cues the code baby stomach ailments the barrier. Within these same themes mother’s positive emotions , benefits of breastfeeding , support in the home , access to information and services from health professionals and baby’s health were strong enabling factors.

Conclusions

Low EBF, high mixed feeding and a high EPDS score were explained by the barriers identified in the qualitative data. The data suggests that mothers from low-income households would be better supported through interventions that address food insecurity; family relationships and those that build confidence in mothers and resilience in confronting difficult and hostile breastfeeding environments.
Comparison of Trunk Muscle Activities during Pressure Feedback Monitoring among Individuals With and Without Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Wang Chu Huai , Li Xin , Lo Wai Leung Ambrose , Lu Song Wei , Liu Howe , Lin Ke Yu , Lai Jian Yang , Li Le
Published: March 2020

Background: Pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) is a widely used non-invasive device for the monitoring of transverse abdominals (TA) and multifidus (MF) muscles in patients with low back pain (LBP). There is little research that compared trunk muscle activities with pressure feedback during trunk muscle contraction in a seated position. The aim this study was to compare muscle activities between deep local trunk muscles (TA and MF) and different target pressures (50, 60 and 70mmHg) of PBU in individuals with and without cLBP. Methods: Twenty-two patients with chronic LBP (cLBP) and 24 age matched healthy individuals were recruited. Electromyography (EMG) signals were recorded from the TA and MF muscles while the TA and MF were contracted to achieve PBU pressure value of 50, 60 and 70mmHg in random order. The average EMG amplitude (AEMG) of 3 replicate trials was used in the analysis after normalization to %MVIC. %MVIC is defined as the mean of the three AEMG divided by the AEMG of MVIC. Two-way ANOVA was performed to assess the effects of groups (Healthy and cLBP) and the three different target pressures of PBU. Spearman’s correlation analysis was performed in the cLBP group to determine potential correlations between EMG activity, NPRS and ODI. Results: The %MVIC of the TA and MF in the cLBP group were statistically higher than the control group at each pressure value (P＜0.05). The slope of the %MVIC-pressure of the cLBP subjects was significantly steeper than the healthy subjects (TA: P=0.01, MF: P＜0.001). During maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of TA and MF, compared with pain-free group, cLBP subjects showed a decrease in EMG amplitudes (P≤0.001). The MVIC of MF was negatively correlated with Numerical Pain Rating Scale (r = -0.48, P=0.024) and Oswestry Disability Index (r = -0.59, P=0.004). Conclusions: The study demonstrated the feasibility of using PBU to assess muscle contraction that corresponds with changes of muscle activity as measured by EMG. Clinicians may be able to confer PBU measurements with EMG recordings to estimate the level of muscle activities during MF and TA contraction exercise in patients with cLBP.
Pre-operative hemoglobin level and use of sedative-hypnotics are independent risk factors for post-operative delirium following total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Kijima Eiji , Kayama Tomohiro , Saito Mitsuru , Kurosaka Daisaburo , Ikeda Ryo , Hayashi Hiroteru , Kubota Daisuke , Hyakutake Takashi , Marumo Keishi
Published: March 2020

Background: Delirium is a well-known complication following surgery, especially with the increasing age of patients undergoing surgery. The increasing demands resulting from a prolonged healthy life expectancy has resulted in more arthroplasties despite their age and existing comorbidities. The purpose of this study is to explore the various risk factors that may contribute to delirium in unilateral and bilateral total knee arthroplasties in the elderly population. Methods: 170 patients who underwent unilateral or bilateral total knee arthroplasties were analyzed retrospectively for delirium. Age, sex, comorbidities, use of sedative-hypnotics, peri-operative blood loss, pre- and post-operative laboratory blood test results were investigated and analyzed. Results: The incidence of post-operative delirium was 6.5% (11 out of 170 patients) with a mean age of 79.5 (± 6.9) years, compared to 73.0 (± 9.0) years in the non-delirium group. Higher age, use of sedative-hypnotics, low pre-operative Hb and Ht, low post-operative Hb, Ht and BUN were observed in the delirium group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that the use of sedative-hypnotics and pre-operative Hb level were independent risk factors for post-operative delirium after TKA. The odds ratios for the use of sedative-hypnotics and pre-operative Hb level were 4.6 and 0.53, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that pre-operative Hb of less than 11.1 g/dL was a predictor for the development of delirium, with a sensitivity of 54.6% and a specificity of 91.6%. Conclusion: Patients with a pre-operative Hb level of <11.1 g/dL or those using sedative-hypnotics are associated with post-operative delirium. Peri-operative management and preventative measures are therefore needed to reduce the risks of post-operative delirium in such patients.
Evaluation of efficacy and recurrence for anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in idiopathic choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Wu Qianru , Chen Xiaoyong , Feng Kang , Liu Yuling , Zhang Chun , Zhao Lin
Published: March 2020

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the visual and morphological outcomes of intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy and the recurrence for idiopathic choroidal neovascularization (ICNV).

Methods

This retrospective study included 35 patients (35 eyes) with ICNV from July 2012 to October 2017. All patients received 1 intravitreal anti-VEGF injection followed by pro re nata injections until there was no sign of ICNV activity. This was defined as the first follow-up period. To evaluate ICNV recurrence, we continued to follow-up 27 of the 35 patients for at least 2 years after the initial diagnosis, and the longest follow-up period was 5 years. Additional injection was performed when ICNV recurred. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were recorded and morphological improvement in optical coherence tomography (OCT) was assessed. Parameters that affect prognosis and recurrence were analysed.

Results

The mean follow-up period was 168.0 ± 34.82 weeks. Mean BCVA improved from 56.20 ± 14.13 letters at baseline to 73.31 ± 12.57 letters (P＜0.01); Mean CRT decreased from 353.6 ± 98.70 μm at baseline to 273.1 ± 53.56 μm (P < 0.001) at the end of the first follow-up period. Better baseline BCVA indicated a better morphological improvement(P = 0.026) in OCT: the lesion had completely subsided with recovery of the foveal contour. Those with high baseline BCVA (more than 60 letters) showed significant resolution of CNV lesions (P = 0.036). ICNV recurred in six patients (22.2%), 1 of whom experienced 2 recurrences. The mean timing of recurrence was 90.83± 49.02 weeks after diagnosis. There was no significant correlation between ICNV recurrence and the morphological improvement (P = 0.633). The final BCVA in patients with recurrence did not differ from that in patients without recurrence (P=0.065).

Conclusions

Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy on a pro re nata basis was effective for treating ICNV. High baseline BCVA indicated a better prognosis. Re-treatment with anti-VEGF could effectively lead to resolution of recurrent ICNV. Disease recurrence had no significant effect on final visual prognosis and had no correlation with the morphological improvement during treatment, suggesting that follow-up for subsequent monitoring should be performed in all ICNV patients.
Surgical treatment strategies for extra-pelvic intravenous leiomyomatosis
Authors: Li Hua , Xu Jing , Lin Qiaowei , Zhang Yong , Zhao Yun , Tong Hanxing , Tu Ruiqin , Xu Demin , Wang Chunsheng , Lu Weiqi
Published: March 2020

Background

Extra-pelvic intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL) extending into inferior vena cava (IVC) or heart (i.e. intracardiac leiomyomatosis, ICL) is an extremely rare benign disease. No consensus has been reached on the optimal surgical strategy. The aim of this study is to introduce four types of one-stage surgical strategies including less invasive options and a guideline to select patient-specific strategy for this disease.

Methods

Twenty-four patients of extra-pelvic IVLs receiving one-stage resections at the Zhongshan Hospital from July 2011 to November 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Base on the initial experiences of the indiscriminate choices of tumor thrombectomies through sterno-laparotomy under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in 6 ICLs, an anatomy-based guideline for four types of surgical strategies was developed and applied for the next 18 patients.

Results

Under the direction of guideline, tumor thrombectomies through single laparotomy were applied without CPB in 2 ICLs and 4 IVLs confined in IVC, or with CPB in 7 ICLs. Guideline-directed double-incisions with CPB were applied in only 5 ICLs, including 1 receiving mini-thoracotomy and 4 receiving sternotomy because of tumor adherences with right atriums in 2 and with pulmonary arteries in 2. All 24 patients accomplished one-stage panhysterectomy, bilateral adnexectomy and complete resections of intracaval and intracardiac tumors. For residual pelvic intravenous tumors in 19 patients, 17 received macroscopically complete resections while the other 2 failed because of high risk of hemorrhage. Intraoperative blood losses, operation time and hospitalization expense in the single-laparotomy non-CPB group were significantly lesser than the other groups. In CPB groups, inpatient stay and hospitalization expense in the single-incision group were significantly lesser than the double-incisions group. All patients were alive and free of recurrences during a mean follow-up of 35.4±27.2 months (range, 1–100 months). The pelvic tumor residues in 2 patients remained unchanged for 51 and 52 months since operation, respectively.

Conclusions

For various extra-pelvic IVLs, the 4 types of surgical strategies including less invasive options are feasible, providing these are selected by a guideline base on the tumor extension and morphology. The proposed guideline is believed to accommodate more patients receiving less invasive surgery without compromising the curative effect.