bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ratings of Performance in Multisource Feedback: Comparing Performance Theories of Residents and Nurses
Authors: Tariq Muhammad , Govaerts Marjan , Afzal Azam , Ali Syed Ahsan , Zehra Tabassum 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Multisource feedback (MSF) is increasingly being used to assess trainee performance, with different assessor groups fulfilling a crucial role in utility of assessment data.. However, in health professions education, research on assessor behaviors in MSF is limited. When assessing trainee performance in work settings, assessors use multidimensional conceptualizations of what constitutes effective performance, also called personal performance theories, to distinguish between various behaviors and sub competencies., This may not only explain assessor variability in Multi Source Feedback, but also result in differing acceptance (and use) of assessment data for developmental purposes. The purpose of this study was to explore performance theories of various assessor groups (residents and nurses) when assessing performance of residents. Methods A constructivist, inductive qualitative research approach and semi-structured interviews following MSF were used to explore performance theories of 14 nurses and 15 residents in the department of Internal Medicine at Aga Khan University (AKU). Inductive thematic content analysis of interview transcripts was used to identify and compare key dimensions in residents’ and nurses’ performance theories used in evaluation of resident performance. Results Seven major themes, reflecting key dimensions of assessors’ performance theories, emerged from the qualitative data, namely; communication skills, patient care, accessibility, teamwork skills, responsibility, medical knowledge and professional attitude. There were considerable overlaps, but also meaningful differences in the performance theories of residents and the nurses, especially with respect to accessibility, teamwork and medical knowledge. Conclusion Residents’ and nurses’ performance theories for assessing resident performance overlap to some extent, yet also show meaningful differences with respect to the performance dimensions they pay attention to or consider most important. In MSF, different assessor groups may therefore hold different performance theories, depending on their role. Our results further our understanding of assessor source effects in MSF. Implications of our findings are related to implementation of MSF, design of rating scales as well as interpretation and use of MSF data for selection and performance improvement.
Recovery and resiliency of skin microbial communities on the southern leopard frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus) following two biotic disturbances
Authors: Weeks Denita Mychele , Parris Matthew James , Brown Shawn Paul 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Microorganisms have intimate functional relationships with invertebrate and vertebrate taxa, with the potential to drastically impact health outcomes. Perturbations that affect microbial communities residing on animals can lead to dysbiosis, a change in the functional relationship, often associated with disease. Batrachocytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), a fungal pathogen of amphibians, has been responsible for catastrophic amphibian population declines around the globe. Amphibians harbor a diverse cutaneous microbiome, including some members which are known to be antagonistic to Bd (anti-Bd). Anti-Bd microorganisms facilitate the ability of some frog populations to persist in the presence of Bd, where other populations that lack anti-Bd microorganisms have declined. Research suggests disease-antagonistic properties of the microbiome may be a function of microbial community interactions, rather than individual bacterial species. Conservation efforts have identified amphibian-associated bacteria that exhibit anti-fungal properties for use as ‘probiotics’ on susceptible amphibian populations. Probiotic application, usually with a single bacterial species, may benefit from a greater understanding of amphibian species-specific microbiome responses to disturbances (e.g. dysbiosis vs. recovery). We assessed microbiome responses to two microbial disturbance events over multiple time points. Results: Exposing Lithobates sphenocephalus (southern leopard frog) adults to the biopesticidal bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis, followed by exposure to the fungal pathogen Bd, did not have long term impacts on the microbiome. After initial shifts, microbial communities recovered and returned to a state that resembled pre-disturbance. Conclusions: Our results indicate microbial communities on L. sphenocephalus are robust and resistant to permanent shifts from some disturbances. This resiliency of microbial communities may explain why L. sphenocephalus is not experiencing the population declines from Bd that impacts many other species. Conservation efforts may benefit from studies outlining amphibian species-specific microbiome responses to disturbances (e.g. dysbiosis vs. recovery). If microbial communities on a threatened amphibian species are unlikely to recover following a disturbance, additional measures may be implemented to ameliorate the impacts of physical and chemical stressors on host-associated microbial communities.
Substance P Induces Sympathetic Immune Response in the Contralateral Eye after the First Eye Cataract Surgery in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Gong Xianhui , Ren Yueping , Fang Xiuxiu , Cai Junyong , Song E 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Substance P (SP) is a nociceptive tachykinin which regulates the immune inflammatory reactions including monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) production. Sequential second-eye cataract surgery patients often suffer more pain than the first one partly because of the MCP-1 increase in aqueous humor (AH). This study aims to illustrate whether SP is involved in sympathetic inflammatory responses in the contralateral eye in patients with or without type 2 diabetes.Methods: This prospective randomized clinical study included 51 cataract patients (22 with diabetes and 29 without). Bilateral sequential cataract surgeries were conducted with 1-day or 1-week interval randomly. More than 100 µl of AH were obtained before surgery and stored for later analysis using magnetic Luminex assays to detect interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-1ra,IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, MCP-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, spinal macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP-1a), interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), regulated on activation, normal T expressed and secreted (RANTES), as well as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for SP.Results: Among the 4 groups, no significant differences were found in age, sex distribution, the R/L ration of the first surgery eye, or the lens nucleus hardness (P ≥ 0.802). Over 100 µl of AH samples were collected safely in all cases without intraoperative complications. SP and MCP-1 levels were both increased significantly in the second eye of the diabetic patients with 1-day and 1-week interval ( P ≤ 0.040). The SP increase in the second eye of the diabetic patients were significantly higher than that of the patients without diabetes ( P ≤ 0.030) both in the groups with 1-day and 1-week interval. Similarly, the MCP-1 increase was significantly higher in the diabetic patients in the group with 1-week interval (P = 0.042).Conclusions: Substance P and MCP-1 productions elevated in the AH of the contralateral eye after the first-eye cataract surgery in diabetic patients, indicating that SP and MCP-1 were involved in the sympathetic inflammatory responses. Diabetic patients are susceptible to noninfectious inflammation after cataract surgery, and perceive more pain in the second-eye phacoemulsification.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900028374, retrospectively registered on 20th December, 2019.
The role of mass media exposure on Tuberculosis knowledge and attitude among migrant and seasonal farmworkers in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Gelaye Kassahun Alemu , Debalkie Getu , Ayele Tadesse Awoke , Wami Sintayehu Daba , sisay Malede mequanent , Fetene Destaw , Wolde Haileab Fekadu , Akalu Temesgen Yihunie 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Globally, tuberculosis (TB) is the 10 th leading cause of death. Despite no country achieved its target, the world health organization (WHO) proposed a 90-90-90 approach to fastening the end TB strategy. Improvement and progression of TB control need good knowledge and a favorable attitude towards the disease. However, interventions designed don’t take migrants and seasonal farmworkers into account. Therefore, this study aimed at estimating the level of knowledge and attitude on Tuberculosis among migrant and seasonal farmworkers in northwest Ethiopia. Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the West Gondar zone from October to November 2018. A two-stage cluster sampling was used to select 949 migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. A p-value of <0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. The goodness of fit was checked using Hosmer and Lemeshow test. Results: In this study, (41.8%), (95% CI: 38.73, 45.01) and (50.5%), (95% CI: 47.29, 53.65) of migrants and seasonal farmworkers had good knowledge and a favorable attitude, respectively. The odds of good knowledge among mass media exposed migrants were AOR=1.42, 95% CI: (1.02, 2.01). Moreover, urban residence and having good knowledge increase the odds of favorable attitude by 1.66, (AOR=1.7; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.62) and 4.3 (AOR=4.3, 95%CI: 3.26, 5.75), respectively. Conclusion: In this study, the overall knowledge and attitude of migrant and seasonal farmworkers on TB were low. Family size and mass media exposure significantly affect knowledge of the migrants on TB. On the other hand, the attitude was affected by urban residence, health information, and having good knowledge. Health promotion interventions, focused on TB cause, mode of transmission, prevention, and treatment are important to migrant and seasonal farmworkers to improve the knowledge and attitude of migrants and seasonal farmworkers.
Influence of social determinants, diabetes knowledge, health behaviors, and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes: An analysis from real-world evidence
Authors: Silva-Tinoco Rubén , Cuatecontzi-Xochitiotzi Teresa , Torre-Saldaña Viridiana De la , León-García Enrique , Serna-Alvarado Javier , Orea-Tejeda Arturo , Castillo-Martínez Lilia , Gay Juan G. , de-León David Cantú , Prada Diddier 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Although important achievements have been done in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) treatment and glycemic control, new strategies may take advantage of non-pharmacological approaches and of other potential determinants of health (e.g., socioeconomic status, education, diabetes knowledge, physical activity, and self-care behavior). However, the relationships between these factors are not totally clear and have not been studied in the context of large urban settings. This study aimed to explore the relationship between these determinants of glycemic control (GC) in a low-income urban population from Mexico City, focused in exploring potential the mediation of self-care behaviors in the association between diabetes knowledge and GC.Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) from 28 primary care outpatient centers located in Mexico City. Using multivariable-adjusted models, we determined the associations between diabetes knowledge, self-care behaviors, and GC. The mediation analyses to determine the pathways on glycemic control were done using linear regression models, where the significance of indirect effects was calculated with bootstrapping.Results The population (N=513) had a mean age of 53.8 years (standard deviation: 11.3 yrs.), and 65.9% were women. Both socioeconomic status and level of education were directly associated with diabetes knowledge. Using multivariable-adjusted linear models, we found that diabetes knowledge was associated with GC (β: -0.102, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] -0.189, -0.014). Diabetes knowledge was also independently associated with self-care behavior (for physical activity: β: 0.181, 95% CI 0.088, 0.273), and self-care behavior was associated with GC (for physical activity: β: -0.112, 95% CI -0.194, -0.029). The association between diabetes knowledge and GC was not observed after adjustment for self-care behaviors, especially physical activity (β: -0.084, 95% CI -0.182, 0.014, p-value: 0.062). Finally, the mediation models showed that the effect of diabetes knowledge on GC was 17% independently mediated by physical activity (p-value: 0.049). Conclusions Socioeconomic and educational gradients influence diabetes knowledge among primary care patients with type 2 diabetes. Self-care activities, particularly physical activity, mediated the effect of diabetes knowledge on GC. Our results indicate that diabetes knowledge should be reinforced in low-income T2D patients, with an emphasis on the benefits physical activity has on improving GC.
Prognostic factors of metastatic myxoid liposarcoma.
Authors: Shinoda Yusuke , Kobayashi Eisuke , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Mori Tomoaki , Asano Naofumi , Nakayama Robert , Morioka Hideo , Iwata Shintaro , Yonemoto Tsukasa , Ishii Takeshi , Hiruma Tohru , Kawai Akira , Kawano Hirotaka 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Myxoid liposarcoma (MLS) has the tendency to metastasize extrapulmonary. Although prognostic factors at the initial diagnosis of MLS have been reported, those at diagnosis of metastasis remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic factors for disease-specific survival at the initial diagnosis of metastasis.

Methods

This retrospective observational study was conducted at three cancer centers and two university hospitals in Japan. Of 274 MLS patients pathologically diagnosed between 2001 and 2015, 48 metastatic patients were examined.

Results

Lung metastases were detected in nine patients (18.8%) and extrapulmonary metastases in 45 (93.8%). Interval from primary diagnosis to the first metastasis was significantly shorter in patients with lung metastases than without ( p = 0.007). Median disease-specific survival after diagnosis of metastases was 52.5 months in all patients. In multivariable analysis, liver metastasis (hazard ratio (HR), 2.71 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.00–7.09]) and no evidence of disease (NED) achieved by radical treatment (resection with or without radiation therapy, or radiation therapy ≥60 Gy) or semi-radical (radiation therapy ≥40 Gy) treatment were significantly related to survival (HR, 0.36; 95%CI [0.13–0.95]). The number of metastases (odds ratio (OR), 0.44; 95%CI [0.25–0.78]) and abdominal/retroperitoneal metastases (OR, 0.09; 95%CI [0.008–0.95]) were the significant inhibitory factors of achieving NED.

Conclusions

This is the first study to statistically demonstrate the importance of achieving NED with surgical resection or radiation therapy for longer survival in metastatic MLS patients. As number of metastases was a significant factor for achieving NED, early detection of metastases might be important.
Heritability and correlation analysis of morphological and yield traits in genetically modified cotton
Authors: Rehman Abdul , Mustafa Nida , Xiongming Du , Azhar Muhammad Tehseen 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Cotton is known for fiber extraction and it is grown in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world due to having hot weather. Cotton crop has a significant role in GDP of Pakistan. Therefore, the two-years research was conducted to estimate heritability and association among various yield contributing parameters of cotton, i.e., plant height, number of bolls per plant, number of sympodial branches per plant, seed cotton yield, boll weight, seed index, ginning outturn (GOT), fiber length, fiber strength, and fiber fineness. Results: Association analysis revealed that seed cotton yield had significant positive correlation with plant height, number of bolls per plant, number of sympodial branches per plant, ginning outturn (GOT), staple length and fiber strength. Staple length and fiber strength were negatively linked with each other. Estimates of heritability were high for all of the traits except number of sympodial branches per plant and boll weight.Conclusion: The parent IUB-222 was found to be the best for plant height, number of bolls per plant, boll weight, ginning outturn (GOT), seed cotton yield and seed index. The genotypes namely NIAB-414 and VH-367 were identified as the best parents for fiber length, strength and fineness. Among the crosses NIAB-414 × IUB-222 was the best for number of bolls per plant, seed index, seed cotton yield and fiber fineness, whereas, cross of NIAB-414 × CIM-632 was good for plant height. The combination of A555 × CIM-632 was the best for number of sympodial branches per plant, boll weight, fiber length and strength, and VH-367 × CIM-632 proved the best for ginning outturn (GOT).
Comprehensive research of the painted statues of Tutang Buddha and two attendants Buddha in Jingyin Temple, Taiyuan, China
Authors: Bai Xiaojian , Jia Chen , Chen Zhigen , Gong Yuxuan , Cheng Huwei , Wang Jiayue 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The painted statues of Tutang Buddha and two attendants Buddha in Jingyin Temple, with exquisite design and unique style, are precious cultural heritages of China. The statue of Tutang Buddha which was carved from a mound and painted by ancient craftsmen, is rarely found in ancient China. However, on account of the influence of natural factors and artificial harms, the statues were severly damaged. Obviously, it requires urgently carrying out appropriate protection and restoration of the statues. In this study, the samples taken from the statues were analysed by multiple analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), biological microscopy and particle size analysis. The analysis enabled us to infer the techniques used by the creators in making the statues. This research provides reliable evidence for the conservation and future protection of these and similar statues.
Proficiency testing for identifying underperforming students before postgraduate education: a longitudinal study
Authors: Andreou Vasiliki , Eggermont Jan , Gielis Guy , Schoenmakers Birgitte 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Efficient selection of medical students in GP training plays an important role in improving healthcare quality. The aim of this study was to collect quantitative and qualitative validity evidence of a multicomponent proficiency-test for identifying underperforming students in cognitive and non-cognitive competencies, prior to entering postgraduate GP Training. From 2016 to 2018, 894 medical GP students in four Flemish universities in Belgium registered to take a multicomponent proficiency-test before admission to postgraduate GP Training. Data on students were obtained from the proficiency-test as a test-score and from traineeship mentors’ narrative reports.Results: In total, 849 students took the multicomponent proficiency-test during 2016-2018. Test scores were normally distributed. Five different descriptive labels were extracted from mentors’ narrative reports based on thematic analysis, considering both cognitive and non-cognitive competences. Chi-square tests and odds ratio showed a significant association between students scoring low on the proficiency test and having gaps in cognitive and non-cognitive competences during GP traineeship.Conclusion: A multicomponent proficiency-test could detect underperforming students prior to postgraduate GP Training. Students that ranked in the lowest score quartile had a higher likelihood of being labelled as underperforming than students in the highest score quartile. Therefore, a low score in the multicomponent proficiency-test could indicate the need for closer guidance early remediating actions focusing on both cognitive and non-cognitive competences.
Laparoscopic orchiopexy versus traditional inguinal incision orchidopexy for palpable undescended testes in cryptorchidism
Authors: Gu Shaodong , wang Yingxun , Luo Hong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background ： Laparoscopic orchidopexy (LO) has become a standard procedure for the treatment of nonpalpable undescended testes. Nevertheless, the use of LO for palpable undescended testes still remains controversial. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of laparoscopic orchiopexy procedure on palpable undescended testes in children suffering from cryptorchidism. Methods: A retrospective study was performed for LO and traditional inguinal incision orchidopexy (TIO) carried out to treat palpable undescended testes. In total, 291 children aged 9 months to 96 months with either left or right side palpable inguinal canalicular testes were included. 170 patients received LO and 121 patients received TIO. Age, operative time and clinical outcomes of the patients were reviewed. Independent t test and Fisher’s exact test were performed by using the SPSS 25.0 software. Results: In the younger groups, the mean operative time (younger than 1 year old, 30.50±5.88 vs. 39.86±6.11 min; 1-2 years old, 34.43±6.65 vs. 40.23±8.74) and postoperative normal activity time (younger than 1 year old, 1.20±0.40 vs. 2.12±0.48 days; 1-2 years old, 1.58±0.50 vs. 2.02±0.43 days) of LO were significantly shorter than those in the TIO group ( P <0.05). The operative time of LO was significantly longer than that in the TIO group in older groups (aged>3 years old). 47 of 49 cases (95.9%) of patients aged less than 1 year old were treated by LO successfully. Among the patients aged 1-2 years, 80 of 86 cases (93.0%) successfully completed LO. Totally, 43 cases were transferred to inguinal incisions. Conclusion: LO is an appropriate choice for palpable undescended testes, especially in children younger than 2 years old. The percentage of successful LO decreased with the increasing age.
Identification of Loci Controlling Mineral Element Concentration in Soybean Seeds
Authors: MALLE SIDIKI , Morrison Malcolm , Belzile Francois 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Mineral nutrients play a crucial role in the biochemical and physiological functions of biological systems. The enhancement of seed mineral content via genetic improvement is considered as the most promising and cost-effective approach compared alternative means for meeting the dietary needs. The overall objective of this study was to perform a GWAS of mineral content (Ca, K, P and S) in seeds of a core set of 137 soybean lines that are representative of the diversity of early maturing soybeans cultivated in Canada (maturity groups 000-II).Results: This panel of 137 soybean lines was grown in five environments (in total) and the seed mineral content was measured using a portable x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer. The association analyses were carried out using three statistical models and a set of 2.2 million SNPs obtained from a combined dataset of genotyping-by-sequencing and whole-genome sequencing. Eight QTLs significantly associated with the Ca, K, P and S content were identified by at least two of the three statistical models used (in two environments) contributing each from 17 to 31% of the phenotypic variation. A strong reproducibility of the effect of seven out these eight QTLs was observed in three other environments. In total, three candidate genes were identified involved in transport and assimilation of these mineral elements.Conclusions: There have been very few GWAS studies to identify QTLs associated with the mineral element content of soybean seeds. In addition to being new, the QTLs identified in this study and candidate genes will be useful for the genetic improvement of soybean nutritional quality through marker-assisted selection. Moreover, this study also provides details on the range of phenotypic variation encountered within the Canadian soybean germplasm.