bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Data-based Instruction (DBI) for Students with Learning Difficulties in Korea: A Single-subject Meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Dongil , Choi Seohyeon
Published: December 2021

Data-based instruction (DBI) is an ongoing process to utilize students’ data for determining when and how to intensify intervention. It is an educational approach that is suggested as effective to enhance achievements of struggling learners, particularly for those who did not respond to intensive intervention in usual ways. In Korea, DBI was introduced and applied for students with learning difficulties especially since 2000 when the first Korea curriculum-based measurement (CBM) was developed as the name of Basic Academic Skills Assessment. Despite a number of studies accumulated since then, there has been a lack of research that examined the level of evidence-based practice (EBP) of DBI research. Thus, the present study sought to synthesize the DBI research so far in Korea by analyzing the effectiveness of DBI for school-aged students with learning difficulties via meta-analysis and evaluating the quality of the research. In this study, a total of 32 single-subject design studies were used. Multilevel meta-analysis revealed that the mean effect size of DBI was statistically significant (B = 1.34) and there was significant variance across participants in effect sizes. The results from the conditional model showed that exceptionality type, the number of sessions, and the length of each session were significantly accountable for the variability of effect sizes. In addition, the results of the qualitative analysis revealed the acceptable quality of the overall DBI research with some limitations. Based on these findings, implications and study limitations were discussed.
A non-randomized clinical trial to examine patients’ experiences and communication during telemonitoring of pacemakers after five years follow-up
Authors: Catalan-Matamoros Daniel , Lopez-Villegas Antonio , Leal Costa Cesar , Bautista-Mesa Rafael , Robles-Musso Emilio , Rocamora Perez Patricia , Lopez-Liria Remedios
Published: December 2021

Patients with pacemakers need regular follow-ups which are demanding. Telemonitoring for pacemaker can provide a new opportunity to avoid follow-up visits. On the other hand, in-person visits could help patients with pacemakers to cope better with the anxiety linked to their condition and maintain better communication with their doctors than simple remote control of their device status. Therefore, our objective was to analyze the experiences and communication comparing telemonitoring (TM) versus conventional monitoring (CM) of patients with pacemakers. A single-center, controlled, non-randomized, non-blinded clinical trial was designed. Data were collected five years after implantation in a cohort of 89 consecutive patients assigned to two different groups: TM and CM. The ‘Generic Short Patient Experiences Questionnaire’ (GS-PEQ) was used to assess patients’ experiences, and the Healthcare Communication Questionnaire (HCCQ) was used to measure the communication of patients with healthcare professionals. Additionally, an ad-hoc survey including items from the ‘Telehealth Patient Satisfaction Survey’ and a ‘costs survey’ was used. After five years, 55 patients completed the study (TM = 21; CM = 34). Participants’ mean (±SD) age was 81 (±6.47), and 31% were females. No differences in baseline characteristics between groups were found. The comparative analyses TM versus CM showed some significant differences. According to GS-PEQ, TM users received adequate information about their diagnosis or afflictions (p = .035) and the treatment was better adapted to their situation (p = .009). Both groups reported negative experiences regarding their involvement in their treatment decisions, the waiting time before admission, and perceived a low-benefit. According to HCCQ, the TM group experienced poorer consultation management by the healthcare provider (p = .041). Participants reported positive overall communication experiences. The study provides insights into the experiences and communication in PM monitoring services as well as specific areas where users reported negative experiences such as the consultation management by clinicians.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02234245.
Eco-friendly soil amendments improve growth, antioxidant activities, and root colonization in lingrain (Linum Usitatissimum L.) under drought conditions
Authors: Fallah Mahdieh , Hadi Hashem , Amirnia Reza , Hassanzadeh-Ghorttapeh Abdollah , Zuan Ali Tan Kee , Sayyed R. Z.
Published: December 2021

This study’s primary purpose was to investigate the possible amelioration of limited irrigation conditions by mycorrhiza (AMF), vermicompost, and green manure for lingrain plants. This experiment was accomplished as a factorial based on the completely randomized design with three replications. The first factor was green manure (without green manure and with Trifolium pratense as green manure); the second factor consisted of Rhizophagus irregularis mycorrhiza, vermicompost, a combination of mycorrhiza and vermicompost and none of them, and also the third factor was irrigation regime (full irrigation and late-season water limitation). Green manure, vermicompost, and mycorrhiza single-use enhanced the plant’s underwater limitation conditions compared to the control. However, vermicompost and green manure or mycorrhiza developed a positive synergistic effect on most traits. Combining green manure with the dual fertilizer (mycorrhiza + vermicompost) resulted in the vermicompost and mycorrhiza synergistic effects, especially under limited irrigation. Consequently, the combination of green manure, mycorrhiza, and vermicompost experienced the highest amount of leaf relative water content, root colonization, leaf nitrogen, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, antioxidant enzymes activity, grain yield, and oil yield, which would lead to more resistance of plants to limited irrigation conditions.
Assessing the knowledge and skill of vaccination staff at Adult Vaccination Counters for COVID-19 vaccines: Simulated client method
Authors: Qamar Wajiha , Qayum Mehran , Sadiq Naveed
Published: December 2021

The Government of Pakistan has established Adult Vaccination Counters (AVCs) to immunize general population with COVID-19 vaccine. Different brands of COVID-19 vaccines have different protocols. It is important that the knowledge and skills of the vaccination staff at AVCs should be accurate. To assess this, a cross-sectional study was conducted in all 15 AVCs at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s provincial capital in May 2021, using the simulated client approach. Structured open-ended and simulated scenario-based questions were used to collect data from the vaccination staff of AVCs. This study showed that 53.3% of the AVCs had at most three out of four brands of COVID-19 vaccines. 60% of the AVCs did not have the mechanism to track client’s vaccine first dose, date, and brand. Only 66.7% of the AVCs had a complete knowledge of all the available vaccines. 86.7% and 80% of the AVCs knew the correct duration and administration of the same brand of COVID-19 vaccine’s second dose respectively. At the client’s end, 6.7% were aware about the brand of administered COVID-19 vaccine. 46.7% were advised about the date of the second shot of vaccination. Only 13.3% of the clients were informed about the procedure of getting an official vaccination certificate. It was concluded that the knowledge and skill of the vaccination staff at AVCs is inadequate. Every vaccine has a different protocol in terms of number of doses and duration. AVCs must have a tracking system to inoculate the second dose with the same brand as the first dose. There is a need for rigorous monitoring and training of the COVID-19 vaccination staff on various protocols of vaccine to prevent losing public’s trust.
Recent trends of refractive surgery rate and detailed analysis of subjects with refractive surgery: The 2008-2015 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Lee Yunjin , Kim Ji Soo , Park Un Chul , Lim Juwon
Published: December 2021

The present study was conducted to investigate recent trends of refractive surgery rates and analyze subjects undergoing refractive surgery using large-scale population studies over the past 8 years. We used the dataset of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, a nationwide population-based cross-sectional study which were performed from 2008 to 2015. Of the 21,415 participants aged 20 to 49 years, 1,621 had refractive surgeries. Seventy three percent of them were females and 81% of them were aged under 40 years old. Over the past 8 years, cumulative prevalence of refractive surgery rate increased more than 10%. Although young (< 40 years, odds ratio (OR) 0.31, P<0.001) women (OR 1.86, P<0.001) living in urban areas (OR 0.51, P<0.001) with high educational attainment (OR 2.67, P<0.001) and income levels (OR 3.16, P<0.001) accounted for a high proportion in refractive surgery group through all survey years, subgroup analyses revealed that gaps between genders (ORs 3.8 in 2008–2009, 2.1 in 2010–2012, and 1.5 in 2013–2015), educational level (ORs 3.0, 2.5, and 2.1, respectively), and highest/lowest quartiles of household income (ORs 5.2, 2.6, and 2.4, respectively) were decreasing over time. Overall, our study suggests that refractive surgery has reached an age where the majority accepts it, and indeed more and diverse people are undergoing refractive surgeries.
Comparison of biosimilar Tigerase and Pulmozyme in long-term symptomatic therapy of patients with cystic fibrosis and severe pulmonary impairment (subgroup analysis of a Phase III randomized open-label clinical trial (NCT04468100))
Authors: Amelina Elena L. , Krasovsky Stanislav A. , Akhtyamova-Givirovskaya Nina E. , Kashirskaya Nataliya Yu. , Abdulganieva Diana I. , Asherova Irina K. , Zilber Ilya E. , Kozyreva Liliya S. , Kudelya Lubov M. , Ponomareva Natalya D. , Revel-Muroz Nataliya P. , Reutskaya Elena M. , Stepanenko Tatiana A. , Seitova Gulnara N. , Ukhanova Olga P. , Magnitskaya Olga V. , Kudlay Dmitry A. , Markova Oksana A. , Gapchenko Elena V.
Published: December 2021

Background

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) need costly medical care and adequate therapy with expensive medicinal products. Tigerase® is the first biosimilar of dornase alfa, developed by the lead Russian biotechnology company GENERIUM. The aim of the manuscript to present post hoc sub-analysis of patients’ data with cystic fibrosis and severe pulmonary impairment of a larger comparative study (phase III open label, prospective, multi-centre, randomized study (NCT04468100)) of a generic version of recombinant human DNase Tigerase® to the only comparable drug, Pulmozyme®

Methods

In the analyses included subgroup of 46 severe pulmonary impairment patients with baseline FEV1 level 40–60% of predicted (23 patients in each treatment group) out of 100 patients registered in the study phase III open label, prospective, multi-center, randomized study (NCT04468100), and compared efficacy endpoints (FEV1, FVC, number and time of exacerbations, body weight, St.George’s Respiratory Questionnaire) as well as safety parameters (AEs, SAEs, anti-drug antibody) within 24 treatment weeks.

Results

All outcomes were comparable among the studied groups. In the efficacy dataset, the similar mean FEV1 and mean FVC changes for 24 weeks of both treatment groups were observed. The groups were also comparable in safety, all the secondary efficacy parameters and immunogenicity.

Conclusions

The findings from this study support the clinical Tigerase® biosimilarity to Pulmozyme® administered in CF patients with severe impairment of pulmonary function.
Protocol for Escitalopram and Language Intervention for Subacute Aphasia (ELISA): A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Stockbridge Melissa D. , Fridriksson Julius , Sen Souvik , Bonilha Leonardo , Hillis Argye E.
Published: December 2021

In this forthcoming multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial, we will investigate the augmentative effects of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, escitalopram, on language therapy in individuals with post-stroke aphasia. We hypothesize that, when combined with language therapy, daily escitalopram will result in greater improvement than placebo in an untrained picture naming task (Philadelphia Naming Test short form) administered one week after the end of language therapy. We also will examine whether escitalopram’s effect on language is independent of its effect on depression, varies with lesion location, or is associated with increased functional connectivity within the left hemisphere. Finally, we will examine whether individuals with BDNF met alleles show reduced response to treatment and reduced changes in connectivity. We expect to enroll 88 participants over four years. Participants are given escitalopram or placebo within one week of their stroke for 90 days and receive fifteen 45-minute computer-delivered sessions of language treatment beginning 60 days from the start of drug therapy. Patients then complete a comprehensive assessment of language at one, five, and twenty weeks after the last language therapy session. ELISA is the first randomized, controlled trial evaluating the effect of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor on the improvement of language in people with aphasia undergoing language treatment during the acute to subacute post-stroke period.

Trial registration: The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03843463.
Quantification of stroke volume in a simulated healthy volunteer model of traumatic haemorrhage; a comparison of two non-invasive monitoring devices using error grid analysis alongside traditional measures of agreement
Authors: Hutchings Sam D. , Watchorn Jim , McDonald Rory , Jeffreys Su , Bates Mark , Watts Sarah , Kirkman Emrys
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Haemorrhage is a leading cause of death following traumatic injury and the early detection of hypovolaemia is critical to effective management. However, accurate assessment of circulating blood volume is challenging when using traditional vital signs such as blood pressure. We conducted a study to compare the stroke volume (SV) recorded using two devices, trans-thoracic electrical bioimpedance (TEB) and supra-sternal Doppler (SSD), against a reference standard using trans- thoracic echocardiography (TTE).

Methods

A lower body negative pressure (LBNP) model was used to simulate hypovolaemia and in half of the study sessions lower limb tourniquets were applied as these are common in military practice and can potentially affect some haemodynamic monitoring systems. In order to provide a clinically relevant comparison we constructed an error grid alongside more traditional measures of agreement.

Results

21 healthy volunteers aged 18–40 were enrolled and underwent 2 sessions of LBNP, with and without lower limb tourniquets. With respect to absolute SV values Bland Altman analysis showed significant bias in both non-tourniquet and tourniquet strands for TEB (-42.5 / -49.6 ml), rendering further analysis impossible. For SSD bias was minimal but percentage error was unacceptably high (35% / 48%). Degree of agreement for dynamic change in SV, assessed using 4 quadrant plots showed a seemingly acceptable concordance rate for both TEB (86% / 93%) and SSD (90% / 91%). However, when results were plotted on an error grid, constructed based on expert clinical opinion, a significant minority of measurement errors were identified that had potential to lead to moderate or severe patient harm.

Conclusion

Thoracic bioimpedance and suprasternal Doppler both demonstrated measurement errors that had the potential to lead to clinical harm and caution should be applied in interpreting the results in the detection of early hypovolaemia following traumatic injury.
The diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value of OCT for the evaluation of the visual function in children with a brain tumour: A systematic review
Authors: Nuijts Myrthe A. , Imhof Saskia M. , Veldhuis Nienke , Dekkers Coco C. , Schouten – van Meeteren Antoinette Y. N. , Stegeman Inge
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To systematically review the evidence on the diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value of retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) to detect visual acuity (VA) or visual field (VF) loss in children with a brain tumour.

Methods

PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to February 2021. We included studies evaluating retinal OCT and standard visual function parameters (VA and or VF) in children with a brain tumour. Two authors independently extracted data from each included study. They also assessed the methodological quality of the studies using the QUADAS-2 or QUIPS tool. The diagnostic accuracy of OCT was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic analysis, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value. The prognostic value of OCT was evaluated with predictive measures (odds ratio).

Results

We included five diagnostic studies, with a total of 186 patients, all diagnosed with optic pathway glioma. No prognostic studies were eligible for inclusion. Included studies evaluated either retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness or ganglion cell layer—inner plexiform layer (GCL-IPL) thickness. There was considerable heterogeneity between OCT devices, OCT protocols, visual function parameters and threshold values. Sensitivity and specificity for RNFL thickness measurement ranged from 60.0% to 100.0% and 76.6% to 100%, respectively. For GCL-IPL thickness measurement, area under the curve ranged from 0.91 to 0.98 for different diameters.

Conclusion

The literature regarding the diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value of OCT parameters in children with a brain tumour is scarce. Due to heterogeneity and a considerable risk of bias of included studies, we cannot draw solid conclusions regarding the accuracy of retinal OCT. Future research should investigate the potential of OCT as diagnostic and prognostic tool for the evaluation of the visual function and detection of visual impairment in children with any type of brain tumour.
Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and physical performance measures in middle-aged and old Japanese men and women: The Unzen study
Authors: Uchiyama Michiko , Mizukami Satoshi , Arima Kazuhiko , Nishimura Takayuki , Tomita Yoshihito , Abe Yasuyo , Tanaka Natsumi , Honda Yuzo , Goto Hisashi , Hasegawa Maiko , Sou Youko , Tsujimoto Ritsu , Kanagae Mitsuo , Osaki Makoto , Aoyagi Kiyoshi
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Regarding epidemiological studies, the role of vitamin D in musculoskeletal functionality (muscle weakness and physical performance) among elderly people is still controversial. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and physical performance among community-dwelling middle-aged and old Japanese men and women.

Methods

The subjects were community-dwelling 297 men and 415 women aged 50 years and over. Data on height (m) and weight (kg) were collected. Serum 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone, calcium, and albumin levels were measured. Serum 25(OH)D was classified into deficiency group: < 20 ng/mL, insufficiency group: 20–30 ng/mL, and sufficiency group: ≧ 30 ng/mL. Physical performance was assessed by grip strength, chair stand time, and functional reach. Information on current smoking, alcohol drinking, regular exercise, any comorbidities (hypertension, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, lung disease, and stroke), and pain (lumbar and knee) was collected.

Results

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency based on serum 25(OH)D levels were observed in 15.2% and 56.9% of men and 52.0% and 43.6% of women, respectively. In men, higher serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with better grip strength (p for trend = 0.003), chair stand time (p for trend = 0.042), and functional reach (p for trend <0.001). On the other hand, these parameters were not associated with serum 25(OH)D levels in women.

Conclusion

A higher level of serum 25(OH)D was associated with better physical performance in men but not in women.
Investigating the effects of effective stress on pore-dependent permeability measurements of crushed coal
Authors: Pang Mingkun , Zhang Tianjun , Gao Lu , Qin Binfeng
Published: December 2021

The accurate determination of permeability is one of the parameters essential for the study of fluid flow and transport state. However, a large number of fractured coal bodies are faced during the production of coal mines. The study of permeability of these special media composed of grains of a certain size, whose structure is different from that of raw coal, has been in the exploratory stage. In this paper, inspired by the calculation method of median particle size and the calculation principle of KC’s equation, we calculate the permeability parameters of broken coal particles. It is considered that its permeability is closely related to the compaction and re-crushing process of skeletal grains. The lateral limit compression test of the crushed coal body was designed, and the pore-dominated permeability calculation method was given to reveal the mechanism of the action of the effective stress. The dependence relationship between the effective stress and the pore-correlation permeability is obtained by data analysis, and the force and deformation process of the crushed coal grain media is described. In contrast to the conventional Darcy series of permeability discussions, our approach excludes the influence of fluid factors on the permeability of porous media. The permeability of porous media is considered to be determined only by its own pore structure.
Inhaled ciprofloxacin-loaded poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) nanoparticles from dry powder inhaler formulation for the potential treatment of lower respiratory tract infections
Authors: Sabuj Mohammad Zaidur Rahman , Dargaville Tim R. , Nissen Lisa , Islam Nazrul
Published: December 2021

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are one of the fatal diseases of the lungs that have severe impacts on public health and the global economy. The currently available antibiotics administered orally for the treatment of LRTIs need high doses with frequent administration and cause dose-related adverse effects. To overcome this problem, we investigated the development of ciprofloxacin (CIP) loaded poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx) nanoparticles (NPs) for potential pulmonary delivery from dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulations against LRTIs. NPs were prepared using a straightforward co-assembly reaction carried out by the intermolecular hydrogen bonding among PEtOx, tannic acid (TA), and CIP. The prepared NPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The CIP was determined by validated HPLC and UV spectrophotometry methods. The CIP loading into the PEtOx was between 21–67% and increased loading was observed with the increasing concentration of CIP. The NP sizes of PEtOx with or without drug loading were between 196–350 nm and increased with increasing drug loading. Thein vitroCIP release showed the maximum cumulative release of about 78% in 168 h with a burst release of 50% in the first 12 h. The kinetics of CIP release from NPs followed non-Fickian or anomalous transport thus suggesting the drug release was regulated by both diffusion and polymer degradation. Thein vitroaerosolization study carried out using a Twin Stage Impinger (TSI) at 60 L/min air flow showed the fine particle fraction (FPF) between 34.4% and 40.8%. The FPF was increased with increased drug loading. The outcome of this study revealed the potential of the polymer PEtOx as a carrier for developing CIP-loaded PEtOx NPs as DPI formulation for pulmonary delivery against LRTIs.
Phytochemical and proximate content of Carapa procera bark and its antimicrobial potential against selected pathogens
Authors: Owusu Derrick Ansah , Afedzi Alfred Elikem Kwami , Quansah Lydia
Published: December 2021

Medicinal plants represent a great source of antimicrobial and phytochemical constituents which are increasingly used to treat microbial infections and other ailments such as tuberculosis, anemia, and trachoma. Despite the use of antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance continues to be a world issue, in as much as nutrition. This study investigated the presence of phytochemicals, proximate compositions, and antimicrobial activity of methanolic extract of Carapa procera bark. The bark of Carapa procera was collected, cleaned and air dried for 72 h. The powder obtained was treated with diethyl ether and soaked in methanol (99%) for 72 h to obtain crude extract. The extract was used to test for the presence of phytochemicals and antimicrobial activities. The raw bark was used for proximate analysis. The result showed presence of steroids, tannins and saponins, but no alkaloids present. The 100 mg/mL extract had the highest inhibition zone on all tested organisms from 24.00 ± 0.94 to 26.67 ± 1.18, and 50 mg/mL showed the least (16.67 ± 1.24) on Candida albicans. Staphylococcus aureus showed the lowest minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of 3.12 mg/mL, whereas the Gram-negative bacteria exhibited variations in their sensitivity with E. coli having the highest MIC of 25 mg/mL. The extract had high MIC (6.25 mg/mL) on Candida albicans than clotrimazole (50 mg/mL). The proximate compositions of Carapa procera were moisture (6.07 ± 0.07%), ash (12.46 ± 0.46%), crude protein (9.54 ± 0.12%), crude fat (1.42 ± 0.06%) and carbohydrate (70.50 ± 0.35%). The energy value was 1413.17 kj. Thus, Carapa procera possesses both antimicrobial and nutritional potentials worth exploring and domesticating for sustainable management and conservation.
Management options for large plants of glyphosate-resistant feather fingergrass (Chloris virgata) in Australian fallow conditions
Authors: Chauhan Bhagirath Singh , Congreve Mark , Mahajan Gulshan
Published: December 2021

Chloris virgata has become one of the most difficult glyphosate-resistant (GR) grass weeds in summer fallows in the eastern region of Australia. It germinates in several cohorts following rainfall events; therefore, growers are often tempted to wait for most of the weeds to emerge before herbicide application. However, by that time, some seedlings have reached an advanced stage and there is limited information on the efficacy and reliability of alternate herbicides when targeting large plants of GR C. virgata. A series of experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy of alternate herbicides for the control of GR C. virgata. Haloxyfop (80 g a.i. ha-1) on its own, in mixtures, or sequential applications of haloxyfop and paraquat or glufosinate provided 97 to 100% mortality of the 8–10 leaf stage plants. Glufosinate (1500 g a.i. ha-1) also provided complete control of plants at this growth stage. For larger plants at the 24–28 leaf stage, glufosinate, with or without additional tank-mixed adjuvants, generally did not provide full control, however did show very high levels of biomass reduction and panicle suppression at application rates of 750 or 1500 g a.i. ha-1. Haloxyfop (40 to 160 g a.i. ha-1) and clethodim (180 g a.i. ha-1) on their own achieved 96 to 100% mortality at this growth stage. When applied to large plants (40–50 leaf stage), a tank-mix of isoxaflutole plus paraquat demonstrated significantly higher levels of plant mortality and biomass reduction than either herbicide used alone, and this mixture appears to be synergistic when tested via the Colby equation for synergy or antagonism. Plant mortality was greater (83%) when isoxaflutole (75 g a.i. ha-1) plus paraquat (300 g a.i. ha-1) was taken up through the foliage and soil, compared with the foliage alone. This study identified alternative herbicide options for large plants of GR C. virgata.
Nanoemulsions containing Garcinia mangostana L. pericarp extract for topical applications: Development, characterization, and in vitro percutaneous penetration assay
Authors: Krisanti Elsa Anisa , Kirana Dyah Paramawidya , Mulia Kamarza
Published: December 2021

A highly stable oil-in-water nanoemulsion for topical applications, containing mangostins extracted from the pericarp of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.), is a promising strategy to protect mangostins as well as to improve penetration of these important antioxidants through the skins. Nanoemulsions consisted of virgin coconut oil as the oil phase, Tween-80 and Span-80 as surfactants, and xanthan gum as the thickening agent, were prepared using the high-energy and low-energy emulsification methods. The nanoemulsions that were stable up to 28 days had oil droplet diameter of 220 nm to 353 nm and zeta potential of -46.9 mV to -63.7 mV. The accelerated stability test showed that the most stable nanoemulsions were those prepared using the low-energy emulsification method with an estimated shelf life of eleven months, composed of 11% oil phase, 17% surfactant, and 72% aqueous phase. The in vitro percutaneous penetration test for the nanoemulsion with added xanthan gum provided high cumulative skin penetration of mangostins of up to 114 μg/cm2. The results of this study indicate that virgin coconut oil-based nanoemulsions containing mangostins, prepared using the low-energy emulsification method, stabilized by xanthan gum and mixed at 40°C can prospectively be used for topical applications.
Examination of validity, reliability, and interpretability of a self-reported questionnaire on Occupational Balance in Informal Caregivers (OBI-Care) – A Rasch analysis
Authors: Röschel Anna , Wagner Christina , Dür Mona
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Informal caregivers often experience a restriction in occupational balance. The self-reported questionnaire on Occupational Balance in Informal Caregivers (OBI-Care) is a measurement instrument to assess occupational balance in informal caregivers. Measurement properties of the German version of the OBI-Care had previously been assessed in parents of preterm infants exclusively. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the measurement properties of the questionnaire in a mixed population of informal caregivers.

Methods

A psychometric study was conducted, applying a multicenter cross-sectional design. Measurement properties (construct validity, internal consistency, and interpretability) of each subscale of the German version of the OBI-Care were examined. Construct validity was explored by assessing dimensionality, item fit and overall fit to the Rasch model, and threshold ordering. Internal consistency was examined with inter-item correlations, item-total correlations, Cronbach’s alpha, and person separation index. Interpretability was assessed by inspecting floor and ceiling effects.

Results

A total of 196 informal caregivers, 171 (87.2%) female and 25 (12.8%) male participated in this study. Mean age of participants was 52.27 (±12.6) years. Subscale 1 was multidimensional, subscale 2 and subscale 3 were unidimensional. All items demonstrated item fit and overall fit to the Rasch model and displayed ordered thresholds. Cronbach’s Alpha and person separation index values were excellent for each subscale. There was no evidence of ceiling or floor effects.

Conclusions

We identified satisfying construct validity, internal consistency, and interpretability. Thus, the findings of this study support the application of the German version of the OBI-Care to assess occupational balance in informal caregivers.
Possible relationship between esophageal dilatation and severity of M. abscessus pulmonary disease
Authors: Hara Hiromichi , Okuda Keitaro , Araya Jun , Utsumi Hirofumi , Takekoshi Daisuke , Ito Saburo , Wakui Hiroshi , Minagawa Shunsuke , Numata Takanori , Kuwano Kazuyoshi
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Recently, incidence ofMycobacterium abscessus (Mab)pulmonary disease (Mab-PD) is increasing worldwide. We aimed to identify factors associated with severity ofMycobacterium abscessus (Mab)pulmonary disease (Mab-PD).

Methods

All patients diagnosed as Mab-PD based on the official ATS/IDSA statement between 2017 January 1 and 2021 July 31 were included (n = 13). We reviewed medical records, bacteriological and laboratory data of the patients. Severity of lung lesions and esophageal diameters in chest CT were quantitatively evaluated. Gaffky score in the sputum was used as airway mycobacterial burden. We explored the factors associated with high CT score and high Gaffky score.

Results

Maximum diameter of esophagus (MDE) in severe disease (CT score≧10) was greater than that in milder disease (CT score<10) (18.0±7.9mm, 9.3±3.1mm, respectively, p = 0.01), and MDE was well correlated with CT score (R = 0.69, p = 0.007). MDE in high mycobacterial burden group (Gaffky score ≧5) tended to be greater than that in low mycobacterial burden group (Gaffky score <5) (16.1±6.8mm, 10.1±5.5mm, respectively, p = 0.12), and MDE was well correlated with Gaffky score (R = 0.68, p = 0.009). Lung lesions were bilateral and predominant in middle or lower lobes.

Conclusions

Esophageal dilatation was correlated with severity ofMab-PD and airway mycobacterial burden. Gastroesophageal reflux might be associated withMabdisease progression.
Transcriptome study of receptive endometrium in overweight and obese women shows important expression differences in immune response and inflammatory pathways in women who do not conceive
Authors: Salamun Vesna , Bokal Eda Vrtacnik , Maver Ales , Papler Tanja Burnik
Published: December 2021

Obesity and being overweight are growing worldwide health problems that also affect women of reproductive age. They impair women’s fertility and are associated with lower IVF success rates. The mechanism by which increased body weight disrupts fertility has not yet been established. One possibility is that it affects the process of embryo implantation on the endometrial level. The purpose of our study was to determine the differences in enriched biological pathways in the endometrium of overweight and obese women undergoing IVF procedures. For this purpose, 14 patients (5 pregnant, 9 non-pregnant) were included in the study. Endometrial samples were obtained during the window of implantation and RNA sequencing was performed. There were no differences in general patient’s and IVF cycle characteristics between pregnant and non-pregnant women. In the endometrial samples of women who did not conceive, pathways related to the immune response, inflammation, and reactive oxygen species production were over-expressed. Our findings show that the reason for implantation failure in overweight and obese women could lie in the excessive immune and inflammatory response at the endometrial level.
Evaluation of different types of enrichment - their usage and effect on home cage behavior in female mice
Authors: Hobbiesiefken Ute , Mieske Paul , Lewejohann Lars , Diederich Kai
Published: December 2021

Numerous studies ascertained positive effects of enriched environments on the well-being of laboratory animals including behavioral, physiological and neurochemical parameters. Conversely, such conclusions imply impaired animal welfare and health in barren husbandry conditions. Moreover, inappropriate housing of laboratory animals may deteriorate the quality of scientific data. Recommendations for housing laboratory animals stipulate that cages should be enriched to mitigate adverse effects of barren housing. In this context, it is not only unclear what exactly is meant by enrichment, but also how the animals themselves interact with the various items on offer. Focal animal observation of female C57BL/6J mice either housed in conventional (CON) or enriched (ENR) conditions served to analyze the impact of enriching housing on welfare related behavior patterns including stereotypical, maintenance, active social, and inactive behaviors. CON conditions resembled current usual housing of laboratory mice, whereas ENR mice received varying enrichment items including foraging, housing and structural elements, and a running disc. Active and inactive use of these elements was quantitatively assessed. CON mice showed significantly more inactive and stereotypical behavior than ENR mice. ENR mice frequently engaged with all enrichment elements, whereby riddles to obtain food reward and the running disc preferably served for active interactions. Offering a second level resulted in high active and inactive interactions. Structural elements fixed at the cagetop were least attractive for the mice. Overall, the presented data underline the positive welfare benefits of enrichment and that mice clearly differentiate between distinct enrichment types, demonstrating that the perspective of the animals themselves should also be taken into account when specifying laboratory housing conditions. This is particularly important, as the ensuring of animal welfare is an essential prerequisite for reliable, reproducible, and scientifically meaningful results.
Genotyping-in-Thousands by sequencing panel development and application to inform kokanee salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) fisheries management at multiple scales
Authors: Chang Sarah L. , Ward Hillary G. M. , Russello Michael A.
Published: December 2021

The ability to differentiate life history variants is vital for estimating fisheries management parameters, yet traditional survey methods can be inaccurate in mixed-stock fisheries. Such is the case for kokanee, the freshwater resident form of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), which exhibits various reproductive ecotypes (stream-, shore-, deep-spawning) that co-occur with each other and/or anadromousO.nerkain some systems across their pan-Pacific distribution. Here, we developed a multi-purpose Genotyping-in-Thousands by sequencing (GT-seq) panel of 288 targeted single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to enable accurate kokanee stock identification by geographic basin, migratory form, and reproductive ecotype across British Columbia, Canada. The GT-seq panel exhibited high self-assignment accuracy (93.3%) and perfect assignment of individuals not included in the baseline to their geographic basin, migratory form, and reproductive ecotype of origin. The GT-seq panel was subsequently applied to Wood Lake, a valuable mixed-stock fishery, revealing high concordance (>98%) with previous assignments to ecotype using microsatellites and TaqMan®SNP genotyping assays, while improving resolution, extending a long-term time-series, and demonstrating the scalability of this approach for this system and others.
Global streamers: Placing the transnational at the heart of TV culture
Authors: Chalaby Jean K.
Published: December 2021

As media globalization has progressed, transnational media have evolved, and this article contends that a new generation has emerged. The first that developed in the latter part of the twentieth century consists of cross-border TV networks and formats. The second is the rise of streaming platforms. During the first generation, the transnational remained a professional practice out of viewers’ reach. With the arrival of the second generation, the transnational has become an everyday mode of media consumption and interaction. Online entertainment services have altered the status of the transnational within TV culture, and what was once at the margins now sits at the core. This article theorizes the notion of the transnational before examining the first and second generations of cross-border media. Considering the advent of streaming, it divides the market into three spaces: subscription video on demand (SVoD), advertising video on demand (AVoD) and video sharing. This article demonstrates how transnational consumption makes SVoD platforms more cosmopolitan than cross-border TV networks. Turning to video-sharing platforms – YouTube in particular – it argues that in the history of TV culture this constitutes a shift in status of the transnational by turning a professional practice into a popular one performed by millions. Based on interviews, this article shows how international access lowers the threshold of economic viability for content creators, while users get involved in cross-border conversations through memetic videos and comments. It is no longer place but technology that determines the fate of stories and ideas, and internet delivery has loosened the ties between TV culture and national culture more than ever.
Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Pada Dua Sekolah Inklusi Di Ponorogo
Authors: Muafiah Evi , Puspita Ayunda Riska , Wanda Damayanti Vivi Vellanita
Published: December 2021

Sekolah Luar Biasa (SLB) yang didirikan untuk membantu Anak Berkebutuhan Khusus (ABK) dalam mengakses pendidikan, ternyata di sisi lain menjadikan anak-anak ini terkelompokkan berdasar pada kategorisasi kekhususannya, sehingga mereka menjadi eksklusif. Hal ini berbeda dengan pendidikan inklusif yang memberikan kesempatan kepada semua anak untuk belajar bersama-sama di sekolah umum. Kesempatan belajar tersebut dilaksanakan dengan memperhatikan keragaman dan kebutuhan serta peran gender masing-masing individu. Paperini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan pembelajaran bernuansa Gender Equality and Social Inclusion ( GESI)di sekolah inklusi di Ponorogo. Analisis difokuskan pada aspek akses, partisipasi, kontrol, dan manfaat dalam pembelajaran di sekolah tersebut. Tahapan paperdimulai dari pengumpulan data (observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi), analisis data yang meliputi tahapan reduksi data, paparan data dan verifikasi data serta penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menyatakan bahwa pembelajaran bernuansa GESI diterapkan dalam pelaksanaan pembelajaran dengan cara memperhatikan kebutuhan dan kemampuan siswa yang beragam terutama pada siswa berkebutuhan khusus dan tanpa membeda-bedakan antara peran laki-laki dan perempuan.[The Special School (SLB), which was established to assist Children with Special Needs (ABK) in accessing education,  in fact makes these children were grouped into their specificity so that they become exclusive. This is different with  inclusive education, which provides opportunities for all children to learn together in public schools. These learning opportunities are implemented by considering each individual’s diversity and needs and gender roles. This study aims to describe learning process with Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) in inclusive schools in Ponorogo. The analysis focuses on access, participation, control, and benefits in learning at the school. The research stages began with data collection (observation, interviews, and documentation), data analysis that included data reduction, data exposure, data verification, and conclusion. The study results  that GESI-style learning is applied in learning by paying attention to students’ various needs and abilities, especially students with special needs, without differentiating between men’s and women’s roles.]
Crosswalk among Prominent Open Research Data Repositories
Authors: Krishnamurthy Dr.M. , Deshpande Dr. Bhalachandra S. , Sajana Dr.C.
Published: December 2021

Open Access is a synergised global movement using Internet to provide equal access to knowledge that once hid behind the subscription paywalls. Many new models for scholarly communication have emerged in recent past. One among them is institutional or digital repositories which archive the scholarly content of an organization. While the concept of Open Access opened new arena for institutional or digital repositories in the form of Open repositories. Likewise, the Open repositories for Research Data Management (RDM) are initiative to organize, store, cite, preserve, and share the collected data derived from the research. There are many multidisciplinary and subject specific open repositories for RDM offering exquisite features for perpetual management of research data. The objective of the present study is to evaluate features of popular Open Data Repositories-Zenodo, FigShare, Harvard Dataverse and Mendeley Data. The evaluation provided insights about the key features of the selected Open Data Repositories and which enable us to select the best among them. Zenodo provides maximum data upload limit. While the major features required by a researcher like DOI, File Types, citation support, licenses, search (metadata harvesting) are provided by all three repositories.
ŪLŪL ‘ILMI Generation as a Basis for Development of Islamic Educational Objectives
Authors: Budiyanti Nurti , Parhan Muhamad , Aziz Asep Abdul , Hyangsewu Pandu , Abdillah Hilman Taufiq , Rakhmat Anwar Taufik , Nasibah Nok
Published: December 2021

Education is a process of developing the potential that God has given to humans. In reality, the potential that God has given has not been able to be developed perfectly in the world of education. Low morale and spiritual awareness often mushroomed, which resulted in severe moral degradation. There is a need to embed the Islamic spirit into the system, concepts, and educational material so that education is no longer partial. The Koran provides comprehensive and integrative guidance for humans concerning education. The proof of the perfection of the Koran is illustrated by the concept of ūlūl ‘ilmi. In this study, researchers sought to explore and understand the concept of ūlūl ‘ilmi in the Koran by referring to tafsīr mu’tabaroħ. The purpose of this research is to formulate the generation of ūlūl ‘ilmi as the basis for developing the goals of Islamic education. This research used a qualitative approach through analytical methods. Based on the findings and analysis in this study, it was found that the generation of ūlūl ‘ilmi is someone who has knowledge based on reality, is broad-minded, his intelligence can reach makrifat, and his heart is united in monotheism because it has a level of khasyyah like the clerics (ulama). The ūlūl ‘ilmi generation has different characteristics from the others, which have the nuances of Ilāyyah, spiritual, and bathiniyyah. This characteristic covers six domains, namely cognitive domain, affective domain, psychomotor domain, social domain, ethical domain, and spiritual domain. Therefore, the development of Islamic education goals into a generation Ūlul Ilmi is expected to be able to develop quality human resources and become a superior generation of the nation's hopes in building the progress of Islamic civilization.
Gambaran Implementasi Pengembangan Keprofesian Berkelanjutan oleh Perawat di RSUD R.A. Kartini Kabupaten Jepara
Authors: Sulisno Madya , Santoso Agus , Warsito Bambang Edy , Hidayah Luthfi , Ulliya Sarah , Ardani Muhammad Hasib , Rofii Muhamad
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Continuing Professional Development (CPD) implementation is not optimal. There is no evaluation regarding CPD implementation by nurses in RSUD R.A. Kartini, Jepara Regency. The purpose of this study was to describe the implementation of PKB by nurses in RSUD R.A. Kartini, Jepara Regency.Methods: This study used quantitative research design using descriptive studies. The sampling technique used simple random sampling with 169 respondents. Data collection used a questionnaire containing 55 question items from Indonesian National Nurses Association.Results: Description of CPD by nurses at R.A. Kartini Hospital in Jepara Regency are as follows: professional practice activities (100%), scientific activities (94.67%), scientific development activities (26.62%), and community service activities (71%).  Conclusion: Based on the research results, nurses should optimize themselves in various aspects of the form of CPD activities so that it can fulfill the achievement of 25 credits in five years while increasing the self-development of nurses.