bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Certain aspects of the development of foreign language professional competencies of public administration students
Authors: Nurlybaeva Guliya K 
Published: May 2020

For the full implementation of strategic goals of public administration, as well as a worthy representation of the interests of the state at the international level, civil servants must have high foreign-language professional competencies. Practical issues of educational and training programs in the field of development of these competencies are carefully studied by the author. The current state of the level of language training of future civil service students (undergraduates, graduates and postgraduates) at the Institute for Social Sciences at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration is analyzed. The analysis includes the definition and formulation of tasks, goals, curriculum technologies, qualification requirements of future civil servants, ways of improving the quality of their knowledge of foreign languages and improving the methodological support of foreign-language teaching, and the creation of textbooks and teaching aids to solve the above-mentioned problem, etc. The research methods include theoretical research, analytical research methods, methodology of empirical research and methods of comparative research. The conclusions are based on the results of the analysis. Ways of improving programs for better development of civil servants’ foreign-language professional competencies are outlined. Some recommendations for teachers and education managers are presented.
Effect of antidepressant drugs on the brain sphingolipid system
Authors: Jaddoa Estabraq , Masania Jinit , Masiero Eva , Sgamma Tiziana , Arroo Randolph , Sillence Daniel , Zetterström Tyra 
Published: May 2020

Background: Major depression is a common mood disorder and the central sphingolipid system has been identified as a possible drug target of this condition. Here we investigated the action of antidepressant drugs on sphingolipid levels in rat brain regions, plasma and in cultured mouse macrophages. Methods: Two antidepressant drugs were tested: the serotonin reuptake inhibitor paroxetine and the noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor desipramine, either following acute or chronic treatments. Content of sphingosine and ceramide were analysed using LC-MS or HPLC-UV, respectively. This was from samples of brain, plasma and cultured mouse macrophages. Antidepressant-induced effects on mRNA expression for two key genes of the sphingolipid pathway, SMPD1 and ASAH1, were also measured by using quantitative real-time PCR. Results: Chronic but not acute administration of paroxetine or desipramine reduced sphingosine levels in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus (only paroxetine) but not in the striatum. Ceramide levels were also measured in the hippocampus following chronic paroxetine and likewise to sphingosine this treatment reduced its levels. The corresponding collected plasma samples from chronically treated animals did not show any decrease of sphingosine compared to the corresponding controls. Both drugs failed to reduce sphingosine levels from cultured mouse macrophages. The drug-induced decrease of sphingolipids coincided with reduced mRNA expression of two enzymes of the central sphingolipid pathway, i.e. acid sphingomyelinase ( SMPD1) and acid ceramidase ( ASAH1). Conclusions: This study supports the involvement of brain sphingolipids in the mechanism of action by antidepressant drugs and for the first time highlights their differential effects on brain versus plasma levels.
Medial Meniscal Posterior Horn Tears Are Associated With Increased Posterior Tibial Slope: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Moon Hyun-Soo , Choi Chong-Hyuk , Jung Min , Lee Dae-Young , Eum Kwang-Sik , Kim Sung-Hwan 
Published: May 2020

Background: While the medial meniscal posterior horn (MMPH) is reported to bear a considerable portion of overall load on the knee joint, including compressive and shear forces, no study has yet investigated the relationship between the MMPH and posterior tibial slope (PTS), which is a geometric factor associated with the shear force component in the presence of a compressive load in the knee joint. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose was to investigate the relationship between the PTS and MMPH tears in patients without ligamentous injury. It was hypothesized that the PTS is greater in patients with MMPH tears as compared with those without. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: From March 2015 to December 2018, 159 patients with isolated MMPH tears and 60 patients without any pathologic findings on magnetic resonance imaging (control group) were included in this study. The PTS in the affected and contralateral knees was compared between the groups, which were statistically matched according to baseline characteristics (ie, age, sex, body mass index, radiographic osteoarthritis grade according to the Kellgren-Lawrence scale, and hip-knee-ankle angle) via the inverse probability of treatment weighting method. Furthermore, the MMPH tear group was subdivided according to meniscal tear patterns; these subgroups were then compared with the control group. Results: The mean PTS was significantly greater in the MMPH tear group than in the control group (affected knee: MMPH tear group, 7.0°± 3.4° [mean ± SD]; control group, 5.2°± 2.1°, P < .001; contralateral knee: MMPH tear group, 6.7°± 3.3°; control group, 4.7°± 2.2°, P < .001). The mean PTS in each subgroup also tended to be greater than that in the control group. In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the cutoff point of the PTS discriminating between the MMPH tear and control groups was 6.6° for the affected knee (sensitivity, 55.3%; specificity, 75.0%) and 5.5° for the contralateral knee (sensitivity, 61.0%; specificity, 76.7%). Conclusion: An increased PTS is strongly associated with an increased incidence of MMPH tears and less affected by the meniscal tear patterns.
A Focus Group Evaluation of Breathe Easier: A Mindfulness-Based mHealth App for Survivors of Lung Cancer and Their Family Members
Authors: Beer Jenay M. , Smith Kasey N. , Kennedy Taylor , Mois George , Acena Dane , Gallerani David G. , McDonnell Karen Kane , Owens Otis L. 
Published: May 2020

Purpose: To explore attitudes and acceptance (i.e., intent for future adoption) of survivors of lung cancer and their family members toward a dyad-focused mHealth mindfulness-based intervention (MBI). Approach: Focus groups. Setting: Community hospital setting in South Carolina. Participants: Survivors n = 11 (M = 64.6 years; 73% female; 64% African American) of non-small cell lung cancer (stage I-IIIa) and their family members, n = 8 (M = 58.6 years; 38% female; 75% African American). Intervention: A fully functional prototype mHealth app to deliver a tailored MBI for survivors of lung cancer and their family members. Method: Semi-structured focus groups were conducted and assessed using thematic data analysis to identify the benefits, concerns, needs, and expectations of the app. Results: Convenience and health were the top benefits of using the app, while cost and difficulty of use were the top concerns. Survivors mentioned benefits more than their family members did. Participants felt positively about adding a community network to the app. Finally, participants expected to hear about Breathe Easier from their care provider. Conclusion: Participants perceived a benefit to having credible health information delivered through an mHealth app. Guidance and credible health information regarding lung cancer survivorship should be accessible and convenient for everyone impacted by the disease. Thus, future research should explore platforms for a virtual support system and understanding dissemination of mHealth apps through health care providers.
Impact of Prenatal Education on Breastfeeding Initiation Among Low-Income Women
Authors: Ahlers-Schmidt Carolyn R. , Okut Hayrettin , Dowling Jolynn 
Published: May 2020

Purpose: To determine whether participants in the Baby Talk prenatal education program were more likely to initiate breastfeeding than nonparticipants. Design: Retrospective cohort study comparing women with a singleton pregnancy who were enrolled in Baby Talk with matched controls based on zip code, maternal age, race, language spoken, and payer source. Setting: Urban Midwest county. Sample: Baby Talk participants enrolled between November 2015 and December 2016 (n = 299) and matched controls identified through vital statistics records who were not enrolled (n = 1190). Intervention: A 12-hour prenatal education curriculum with 2.5 hours of breastfeeding content. Measures: The primary outcome was breastfeeding at hospital discharge as reported in vital statistics. Analysis: Likelihood-ratio χ2 and Fisher exact test were used to test the significant association between categorical variables. Results: Baby Talk participants were significantly more likely to initiate breastfeeding (93.65%) than matched nonparticipants (87.48%; P = .003). Non-Hispanic white and black Baby Talk participants were more likely to initiate breastfeeding than controls (96.15% vs 89.83%; 91.03% vs 77.02%, respectively; P < .05). Conclusions: Prenatal education has the potential to increase breastfeeding initiation among low-income women, especially non-Hispanic white and black. This study is limited as participants were from a single community, though Baby Talk was offered at 5 separate locations, and potentially from information bias as it was reliant on the accuracy of vital statistics data.
Accuracy of acupuncture point location among first-year acupuncture students: A pilot study evaluating the impact of training and use of an adjustable ruler
Authors: Godson Debra R , Wardle Jonathan L 
Published: May 2020

Background The proportional method of acupuncture point location (APL) currently taught at Endeavor College of Natural Health and advocated by the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) was found to be imprecise and/or inaccurate in previous student studies. The ruler and elastic methods of APL were identified as more accurate or precise than the proportional method of APL but were not well received by student participants. Use of an adjustable ruler may overcome barriers to uptake of the more accurate APL methods. This pilot study was the first to evaluate the comparative accuracy of the adjustable ruler and the proportional methods of APL in first-year students at a major Australian acupuncture training college. Methods After 10 weeks of in-class instruction in both proportional and adjustable ruler methods of APL, student participants (n = 14) attempted location of three acupuncture points (LI10, SP6 and ST38) on a volunteer using both APL methods of interest. A self-administered questionnaire and lecturer field notes elucidated attitudes to implementation of both APL methods. Results Points marked using the adjustable ruler were closer to the correct location than those marked using the proportional method across all three acupuncture points. Students and lecturers rated the adjustable ruler more highly than the proportional method for ease of learning and ease of use. Conclusion Encouraging results with the adjustable ruler method warrant further larger scale studies. Use of the adjustable ruler method of APL should be considered for use in point location training at educational institutions teaching traditional acupuncture.
Does Foreign Direct Investment Enhance Economic Growth? Evidence from 30 Leading Global Economies
Authors: Okwu Andy Titus , Oseni Isiaq Olasunkanmi , Obiakor Rowland Tochukwu 
Published: May 2020

Investment expenditure is a major component of aggregate macroeconomic variables in any economy, irrespective of the development status. This article employed relevant econometric methodology on panel data environment to analyze the effects of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows on economic growth of 30 leading global economies during the period between 1998 and 2017. Other variables considered in the analysis were domestic credit to private sector (DCPS), gross fixed capital formation (GFCF), inflation–consumer prices index (INFPC), trade openness (TOPNESS), and youth unemployment (UEMPYT). The results showed mixed growth effects of the variables in general. Specifically, FDI exerted positive and significant effect on economic growth of the countries during the period. Therefore, this article concluded that FDI inflows enhanced economic growth and emphasized the need to foster more FDI-attracting policies as well as adequate GFCF to complement FDIs for sustainable economic growth potentials. JEL Classification: C23, C33, C51, F21, F43, O47.
Performance of Identification of Seniors at Risk tool to predict unplanned revisits to the emergency department in 6 months was low in predictive accuracy: A single-center study
Authors: Demir Akça Ayse Semra , Kafadar Didem , Kahveci Fatih Ozan , Büyükuysal Mustafa Çağatay , Akca Fatih 
Published: May 2020

Background:Elderly people are at risk for mortality, functional decline, reattendance, and hospitalization after an emergency department visit.Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of Identification of Seniors at Risk tool to predict unplanned readmissions after an emergency department visit.Methods:Records of patients aged ⩾65 years, who completed Identification of Seniors at Risk tool as they were being discharged from the emergency department, were analyzed. Patients were called back at 30th, 60th, 90th, 120th, and 180th days after emergency department discharge to assess their readmission to emergency department. Descriptive statistics and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were performed.Results:This was a single-center study conducted with elderly patients with chronic diseases in a tertiary-level hospital within a period of 10 months with the follow-up calls. During the first month, 1792 patients were admitted to emergency department and 333 patients were aged ⩾65 years. Patients who completed Identification of Seniors at Risk tool as they were discharged from the emergency department were 170 out of 333. In 6 months, 71 patients out of 170, 36 men (50.7%) and 35 women (49.3%), were able to complete the follow-up. For predictive unplanned admissions, specificity and sensitivity at 1, 3, and 6 months were 40%, 40%, 38% and 69%, 78%, 67%, respectively, which demonstrates that sensitivity of Identification of Seniors at Risk tool was higher than its specificity. Although representing poor performance, Identification of Seniors at Risk tool was better at 3 months in predicting health risks for the elderly who have visited emergency department.Conclusion:Predictive ability of Identification of Seniors at Risk tool at the usual cutoff ⩾2 points to identify elderly at risk for revisiting emergency department for adverse health outcomes is limited. Multicentered studies, with standardized procedures and well-defined patient profile, are needed to improve the predictive ability of Identification of Seniors at Risk tool to screen elderly who require additional support after hospitalization.
Dietary factors in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis: A comprehensive review
Authors: Valburg Claire , Sonti Anup , Stern Joel NH , Najjar Souhel , Harel Asaff 
Published: May 2020

Background: Dietary intervention in multiple sclerosis carries potential therapeutic implications. While studies utilizing animal models of multiple sclerosis (MS) have demonstrated intriguing findings, well-designed clinical trials are few in number. Objective: The objective of this study is to review the animal model and clinical literature regarding dietary factors in experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) and MS. Methods: This manuscript provides a comprehensive review of current animal model and clinical knowledge related to dietary factors in MS. Results: While there is currently little data for any specific diet in MS, there is growing evidence that certain dietary factors may influence the disease. Conclusions: Definitive information regarding dietary factors as a modifiable risk factor in MS will require larger randomized clinical trials.
Risk and Reform: Explaining Support for Constitutional Convention Referendums
Authors: Blake William D. , Anson Ian G. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractScholars of comparative constitution-making and direct democracy agree that economic conditions affect public support for constitutional reform but disagree as to how. Prospect theory suggests both approaches may be correct, depending on the political and economic context in which voters operate. Fourteen states periodically ask their citizens whether to call a state constitutional convention, making this the oldest form of direct democracy in the United States. We test our theory in preelection polls in two of these states and a survey experiment. According to the results, negative perceptions of economic and government performance increase support for conventions when voters view them as opportunities to correct problems. On the other hand, if a convention represents a chance to improve on an acceptable status quo, voters with positive performance evaluations become more supportive. Our findings contribute to the heuristics literature and inform normative debates over direct democracy and popular constitutionalism.
Instruments to measure outcomes of post-intensive care syndrome in outpatient care settings – Results of an expert consensus and feasibility field test
Authors: Spies Claudia D , Krampe Henning , Paul Nicolas , Denke Claudia , Kiselev Jörn , Piper Sophie K , Kruppa Jochen , Grunow Julius J , Steinecke Karin , Gülmez Tuba , Scholtz Kathrin , Rosseau Simone , Hartog Christiane , Busse Reinhard , Caumanns Jörg , Marschall Ursula , Gersch Martin , Apfelbacher Christian , Weber-Carstens Steffen , Weiss Björn 
Published: May 2020

Background There is no consensus on the instruments for diagnosis of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). We present a proposal for a set of outcome measurement instruments of PICS in outpatient care. Methods We conducted a three-round, semi-structured consensus-seeking process with medical experts, followed each by exploratory feasibility investigations with intensive care unit survivors (n1 = 5; n2 = 5; n3 = 7). Fourteen participants from nine stakeholder groups participated in the first and second consensus meeting. In the third consensus meeting, a core group of six clinical researchers refined the final outcome measurement instrument set proposal. Results We suggest an outcome measurement instrument set used in a two-step process. First step: Screening with brief tests covering PICS domains of (1) mental health (Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4)), (2) cognition (MiniCog, Animal Naming), (3) physical function (Timed Up-and-Go (TUG), handgrip strength), and (4) health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (EQ-5D-5L). Single items measure subjective health before and after the intensive care unit stay. If patients report new or worsened health problems after intensive care unit discharge and show relevant impairment in at least one of the screening tests, a second extended assessment follows: (1) Mental health (Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7), Impact of Event Scale – revised (IES-R)); (2) cognition (Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), Trail Making Test (TMT) A and B); (3) physical function (2-Minute Walk Test (2-MWT), handgrip strength, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)); and (4) HRQoL (EQ-5D-5L, 12-Item WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0)). Conclusions We propose an outcome measurement instrument set used in a two-step measurement of PICS, combining performance-based and patient-reported outcome measures. First-step screening is brief, free-of-charge, and easily applicable by health care professionals across different sectors. If indicated, specialized healthcare providers can perform the extended, second-step assessment. Usage of the first-step screening of our suggested outcome measurement instrument set in outpatient clinics with subsequent transfer to specialists is recommended for all intensive care unit survivors. This may increase awareness and reduce the burden of PICS. Trial registration This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04175236; first posted 22 November 2019).
The CRAS-EAHFE study: Characteristics and prognosis of acute heart failure episodes with cardiorenal-anaemia syndrome at the emergency department
Authors: Llauger Lluis , Jacob Javier , Herrero-Puente Pablo , Aguirre Alfons , Suñén-Cuquerella Guillem , Corominas-Lasalle Gerard , Llorens Pere , Martín-Sánchez Francisco J , Gil Víctor , Roset Alex , Ruibal José C , Pérez-Durá María J , Juan-Gómez María Á , Garrido José M , Richard Fernando , Lucas-Imbernon Francisco J , Alonso Héctor , Tost Josep , Gil Cristina , Miró Òscar 
Published: May 2020

Background
The coexistence of other comorbidities confers poor outcomes in patients with acute heart failure. Our aim was to determine the characteristics of patients with acute heart failure and cardiorenal anaemia syndrome and the relationship between renal dysfunction and anaemia, alone or combined as cardiorenal anaemia syndrome, on short-term outcomes.

Methods
We analysed the Epidemiology of Acute Heart Failure in Emergency Departments registry (cohort of patients with acute heart failure in Spanish emergency departments). Renal dysfunction was defined by an estimated glomerular filtration rate &lt;60 ml/min/m2, anaemia by haemoglobin values &lt;12/&lt;13 g/dl in women/men, and cardiorenal anaemia syndrome as the presence of both. Comparisons were made according to cardiorenal-anaemia syndrome positive (CRAS+) with respect to the rest of patients (CRAS–) and according the presence of renal dysfunction (RD+) and anaemia (A+), (alone, RD+/A–, RD–/A+) or in combination (RD+/A+; i.e. CRAS+) with respect to patients without renal dysfunction and anaemia (RD–/A–). The primary outcome was 30-day mortality, and the secondary outcomes were need for admission, prolonged hospitalisation (&gt;10 days), in-hospital mortality during the index event, and reconsultation and the combination of 30-day post-discharge reconsultation/death. These short-term outcomes were compared and adjusted for differences among groups.

Results
Of the 13,307 patients analysed, CRAS+ (36.4%) was associated with older age, multiple comorbidities, chronic use of loop diuretics, oedemas and hypotension. The 30-day mortality in CRAS+ was greater than in CRAS– (hazard ratio = 1.46, 95% confidence interval = 1.26–1.68) and RD–/A– (hazard ratio = 1.83, 95% confidence interval = 1.46–2.28) control groups. The mortality level was also higher in RD+/A– (hazard ratio = 1.40, 95% confidence interval = 1.10–1.78) and higher, but not statistically significant, in RD–/A+ (hazard ratio = 1.28, 95% confidence interval = 0.99–1.63) with respect to RD–/A–. All of the secondary outcomes, when related to CRAS– and RD–/A– control groups, were worse for CRAS+ and to a lesser extent, RD+/A–, being more rarely observed in RD–/A+.

Conclusions
Cardiorenal anaemia syndrome in acute heart failure is related to greater mortality and worse short-term outcomes, and the impact of renal dysfunction and anaemia seems to be additive.