bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Challenges of Teacher Autonomy for Professional Competence
Authors: Kadel Purna Bahadur 
Published: February 2021

Teacher autonomy is essential for their professional competence. Unless they are accountable at their profession, there will not be any positive output in the domain of teaching and learning. The main objectives of this study were to explore the teachers' perceptions on the impact of teacher autonomy in enhancing their professional competences, to identify how far the level of teacher autonomy affects the professional competences of the teachers, and to investigate the existing practices of teacher autonomy at Tribhuvan University. The phenomenological research design was adopted to accomplish this study. Ten English teachers at least 2 from each of 5constituent colleges of Tribhuvan University were selected as a sample using purposive non-random sampling procedure to collect data. Semi-structured in-depth interview and classroom observations were administered as tools to elicit data to address the objectives of this study. The findings were obsolete of teaching and learning activities and classroom management due to the lack of online digital books and articles in the library, lack of blended between online Moodle and face to face mode of pedagogy, lack of technological pedagogical and content knowledge, no teacher autonomy in curriculum designing, and no grants for travelling and lack of daily allowances to teachers to attend the conference, seminar, and workshop at home and abroad.
A Virtual Reality-Based Screening Test for Cognitive Impairment in Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Limoncu Hatice , Boz Hatice Eraslan , Zygouris Stelios , Tsolaki Magda , Giakoumis Dimitrios , Votis Konstantinos , Tzovaras Dimitrios , Öztürk Vesile , Yener Görsev Gülmen 
Published: February 2021

Background: There is a need for new practical tools to assess the cognitive impairment of small vessel disease (SVD) patients in the clinic. Objective: This study aimed to examine cognitive functioning by administering the Virtual Supermarket (VST) in patients with SVD with cognitive impairment (SVD-CI, N = 32), cognitively normal SVD (SVD-CN, N = 37), and age-and education-matched healthy controls (HC, N = 30). Methods: The tablet-based VST application and comprehensive traditional pencil-and-paper neuropsychological tests assessing memory, attention, executive function, visuospatial function, and language were administered to all participants. Results: A moderate correlation was found between the “Duration” and “Correct Quantities” variables of VST and visuospatial function and general cognitive status composite Z scores across SVD-CI patients. “Duration” and “Correct Money” variables were moderately related to memory, executive functions, and visuospatial function composite Z scores across SVD-CN patients. A combination of all VST variables discriminated SVD-CI and HC with a correct classification rate of 81%, a sensitivity of 78%, and a specificity of 84%. Conclusion: This study is the first to evaluate cognitive functions employing the VST in SVD with and without cognitive impairment. It provides encouraging preliminary findings of the utility of the VST as a screening tool in the assessment of cognitive impairment and the differentiation of SVD patients from HC. In the future, validation studies of the VST with larger samples are needed.
Health care professional knowledge and attitude towards the use of digital technologies in provision of maternal health services at Tumbi regional referral hospital in Tanzania
Authors: Thadeus Willcliff K , Mushi Lawrencia D 
Published: February 2021

Objectives: In recent years Tanzania introduced digital technologies in health industry where several initiatives such as Government of Tanzania, Hospital Management Information System (GoT-HoMIS) along other digital devices are taken to ensure quality services delivery. The purpose of this study was to assess Health Care Providers (HCPs) knowledge and attitude towards the use of Digital Health Technology (DHT) in provision of maternal health services at Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital (TRRH).
Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional design involving 50 purposively selected HCPs from obstetrics and gynecology department was used. A self-administered questionnaire and direct field observation was used to collect data from respondents. Data were analyzed using SPSS V.20 and presented by using tables, percentages and frequencies.
Results: We found that, DHT are highly used by HCPs 49(98%). Also, DHT devices are available and functioning properly thus used in providing maternal health services by enhancing effective patient management. 43(86%) of HCPs were aware on DHT practice and about 46(92%) understood the use of DHT in provision of maternal health services despite of varying knowledge level. On the side of attitude, we found that, 43(86%) of the HCP had a positive attitude on the use of DHT.
Conclusion: Knowledge, attitudes and rate of use of DHT by HCP was found to be good, despite notable challenges such as dependent on the internet signals for their proper functioning. More initiatives should be undertaken by the Ministry of Health, Community and other stakeholders to promote DHT practices in the health facilities.
Fraksinasi Ekstrak Daun Sirih dan Ekstrak Gambir serta Uji Antibakteri Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Herdiana Irvan , Aji Nur 
Published: February 2021

Salah satu tanaman obat yang memiliki aktivitas antibakteri yaitu sirih dan gambir telah terbukti memiliki aktivitas terhadap Streptococcus mutans. Penggunaan kombinasi ekstrak tersebut menyebabkan penurunan aktivitas antibakteri, maka perlu dilakukan ke tahap fraksinasi. Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu melakukan fraksinasi pada ekstrak daun sirih dan ekstrak gambir dan uji aktivitas terhadap bakteri Streptococcus mutans. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian eksperimental. Sampel penelitian ini adalah ekstrak gambir dan daun sirih. Penelitian dimulai dengan ekstraksi daun sirih dan gambir dengan menggunakan etanol 96%, uji mutu ekstrak, kemudian fraksinasi menggunakan pelarut n-heksan, etil asetat dan n-butanol. Metode diameter daya hambat (DDH) dipakai dengan cara dihitung zona bening, berupa diameter (mm). Pengolahan data menggunakan standar deviasi. Hasil uji DDH tertinggi pada fraksi etil asetat ekstrak daun sirih pada konsentrasi 20%, yaitu 8-13 mm dan fraksi etil asetat ekstrak gambir pada konsentrasi 20%, yaitu 0,4-2,5 mm. Hasil uji kombinasi fraksi etil asetat sirih dan gambir konsentrasi 20%, yaitu 8-11,4 mm, nilai daya hambat lebih kecil dibandingkan dengan fraksi tunggal etil asetat ekstrak sirih, menunjukan bahwa kombinasi fraksi ekstrak tidak sinergis atau antagonis.
Tradition of Pemamanen “Uncle” of the Alas Community in Aceh Tenggara District: An Anthropolinguistic Study
Authors: Cempaka Mz Mycellia , Sibarani Robert , Dardanila Dardanila 
Published: February 2021

The research is entitled ‘Tradition of Pemamanen “Uncle” of the Alas Community in Aceh Tenggara district’. The objectives of this study are to describe the tradition of harvesting 'uncle' in Khezeki (circumcision) in Alas community in Aceh Tenggara or known as Adat Siempat Pekhkakhe or Siempat Perkara, especially in Khezeki (circumcision) tradition which becomes the core of studies in this research and to discuss some matters related to customs. Defining pemamamen tradition (ontology), carrying out the Pemamanen tradition (epistemology) and cultural preservation (axiology). The Anthropolinguistic Concept is used in this research. Descriptive research with qualitative methods is carried out by using the ethnographic case studies, and the interview with the informants directly. From the research, the tradition of "uncle" finds out the local wisdom in Khezeki (circumcision) tradition of the Alas community in Aceh Tenggara. The tradition of understanding 'uncle' in the Alas Community in Aceh Tenggara Tenggara includes 5 local wisdoms, namely; cooperation, respect, gratitude, harmony, and politeness.
Clostridium difficile Induced Diarrhoea Among Hospitalized Patients of Tertiary Care Hospitals in Dhaka
Authors: Halder Kakali , Nesa Maherun , Tanni Nusrat Noor , Ahmed Sharmeen , Anwar Shaheda , Setu Sanjida Khondakar , Saleh Ahmed Abu 
Published: February 2021

Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) has become a global public health challenge as C. difficile associated-diarrhea (CDAD) is increasing in incidence and severity of disease in several countries during recent years. This cross sectional study evaluated the frequency of CDAD among 100 adult patients who were clinically diagnosed as nosocomial diarrhoea in various clinical wards of Bangabandhu Shiekh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH). CDAD diagnosis was based on detection of C. difficile along with clinical symptoms of diarrhea. Stool microscopy was done for cytology followed by anaerobic culture in cycloserine cefoxitin fructose agar (CCFA) media, confirmed by latex agglutination of culture isolates. Toxin genes (both A and B) were detected by multiplex Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from culture isolates. Out of 100 diarrhoeal stool samples collected, 25% samples were pus cell positive in microscopy, culture yielded growth of C. difficile in 10% samples and all isolated C. difficile were confirmed by both latex agglutination and PCR. Out of 10 isolates, 7 were only tpi (triose phosphate isomerase) gene positive which is species-specific for C. difficile indicating the presence of non-toxigenic C. difficile and 3 isolates had both tpi and toxin genes (both tcdA and tcdB gene) on PCR indicative of toxigenic C. difficile respectively. C. difficile toxin gene detection by PCR along with culture is highly specific and sensitive diagnostic modality for CDAD. Differentiation between toxigenic and non-toxigenic strains by PCR may facilitate the appropriate patient management.
Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2018; 12 (1): 4-9
Aberrant Antigen Expression in Children with Acute Leukemia A Flow Cytometric Analysis
Authors: Jahan Nusrat , Sattar Humayun , Tarafder Shirin , Roy Chandan Kumar , Rahman Irin , Johora Fatima Tuj 
Published: February 2021

The primary clinical tool for predicting the lineage potential of leukemic blasts is the characterization of protein expression by immunophenotyping. It is common for acute leukemias to aberrantly express protein markers more typically associated with other lineages. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the frequency of aberrant antigens expression in childhood acute leukemia. Peripheral blood and bone marrow samples were collected from 76 clinically suspected and morphologically diagnosed untreated cases of acute leukemia (children of 0-<18 years). Flow cytometry immunophenotyping was carried out with the help of Flow cytometer (BD FACSVerse). Total 9 (11.84%) cases showed aberrant antigens expression. Out of 9 aberrantly expressed cases, 2 (22.22%) AML cases showed aberrant lymphoid marker CD7 expression. Co-expression of myeloid markers CD13 and CD117 found in 2 (22.22%) B-ALL cases and 2 (22.22%) cases of B-ALL expressed myeloid marker CD117. Myeloid marker CD33 expressed by 2 (22.22%) case of B-ALL. Only 1(11.11%) T-ALL case co expressed myeloid markers CD33 and CD117. These findings may help to recognize patients with high risk group and low remission rate as aberrant antigen expression may represent a poor prognostic indicator. Further studies are needed to confirm the correlation between aberrant phenotypes with prognosis and therapeutic response of acute leukemia.
Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2018; 12 (1): 10-14
Brain Heart Infusion Agar : A Surrogate of Agar Blood
Authors: Asna Shah Md Zahurul Haque , Karmaker Mousumi , Sarker Una Jessica 
Published: February 2021

Blood agar is needed for culture of various organisms. As sheep blood is needed for it’s preparation, many small laboratories specially those of rural areas can not prepare it due to difficulty in collection of sheep blood. So, either they do not do the culture or do it without blood agar which cause missing of some important organisms. In this study Brain heart infusion agar was used together with Blood agar to assess it’s efficacy as an alternative of Blood agar. In total 1256 various samples were cultured, on Blood agar , Brain heart Infusion agar and MacConkey agar. Out of 1256 samples 404 samples showed growth of various organisms. It was noted that all bacteria including Enterococcus sp. grew equally in blood agar and BHIA. Brain heart infusion agar can be used as a surrogate of blood agar.
Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2018; 12 (1): 24-26
Challenges Presented by SARS-Corona Virus 2 to Global Health
Authors: Jannat Hasnatul , Mamun Kazi Taib , Mahboob Nabeela , Iqbal Hasina , Afrin Sabrina 
Published: February 2021

Emerging and reemerging pathogens are global challenges for public health. In recent times, corona viruses have become the most important virus worldwide because of the occurrence of more than 2 thousand deaths caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in China. Rapid spread of the infection occurred in many countries. However, most cases of mortality have occurred in China. The Center for Diseases Control and Prevention and World Health Organization maintain a website that is updated frequently with new cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here we provide a brief introduction to corona viruses and also discuss the outbreaks of recently identified SARS-CoV-2.
Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2019; 13 (2): 18-24
Strategi Pengembangan Agribisnis Kopi Untuk Mendukung Wisata Telaga Ngebel Ponorogo
Authors: Sari Mila Diana 
Published: February 2021

Abstract— One of the natural attractions in Ponorogo is Ngebel lake. Increasing the tourist attraction of Ngebel Lake can be done by developing agribusiness around it. The coffee agribusiness in the Ngebel Lake area was developed traditionally so that it has not been able to support the development of the Ngebel Lake tourism park. On the other hand, to increase the attractiveness of a tourist park, it is necessary to support the management of the potential of the surrounding area. Therefore it is necessary to conduct a study on the strategy of developing coffee agribusiness so that the attractiveness of Lake Ngebel can be increased. The method used in this study is to analyze the potential of coffee agribusiness using a SWOT analysis so that the most strategic method in developing coffee agribusiness can be determined. The results showed that the coffee agribusiness in Gondowido Village could support Ngebel Lake agro-tourism through improving weaknesses by taking advantage of opportunities. Keywords—: Strategy; coffee agribusiness; Ngebel lake.
Hemodynamic Modeling of Biological Aortic Valve Replacement Using Preoperative Data Only
Authors: Hellmeier Florian , Brüning Jan , Sündermann Simon , Jarmatz Lina , Schafstedde Marie , Goubergrits Leonid , Kühne Titus , Nordmeyer Sarah 
Published: February 2021

Objectives: Prediction of aortic hemodynamics after aortic valve replacement (AVR) could help optimize treatment planning and improve outcomes. This study aims to demonstrate an approach to predict postoperative maximum velocity, maximum pressure gradient, secondary flow degree (SFD), and normalized flow displacement (NFD) in patients receiving biological AVR.Methods: Virtual AVR was performed for 10 patients, who received actual AVR with a biological prosthesis. The virtual AVRs used only preoperative anatomical and 4D flow MRI data. Subsequently, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed and the abovementioned hemodynamic parameters compared between postoperative 4D flow MRI data and CFD results.Results: For maximum velocities and pressure gradients, postoperative 4D flow MRI data and CFD results were strongly correlated (R2 = 0.75 and R2 = 0.81) with low root mean square error (0.21 m/s and 3.8 mmHg). SFD and NFD were moderately and weakly correlated at R2 = 0.44 and R2 = 0.20, respectively. Flow visualization through streamlines indicates good qualitative agreement between 4D flow MRI data and CFD results in most cases.Conclusion: The approach presented here seems suitable to estimate postoperative maximum velocity and pressure gradient in patients receiving biological AVR, using only preoperative MRI data. The workflow can be performed in a reasonable time frame and offers a method to estimate postoperative valve prosthesis performance and to identify patients at risk of patient-prosthesis mismatch preoperatively. Novel parameters, such as SFD and NFD, appear to be more sensitive, and estimation seems harder. Further workflow optimization and validation of results seems warranted.
Systemic Oxidative Stress, Aging and the Risk of Cardiovascular Events in the General Female Population
Authors: Bourgonje Martin F. , Bourgonje Arno R. , Abdulle Amaal E. , Kieneker Lyanne M. , la Bastide-van Gemert Sacha , Gansevoort Ron T. , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Mulder Douwe J. , Pasch Andreas , Saleh Jumana , Gordijn Sanne J. , van Goor Harry 
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Menopause is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, in which oxidative stress plays a pivotal role. Systemic oxidative stress is reflected by decreased levels of free thiols (R-SH, sulfhydryl groups), which are key components of the extracellular antioxidant machinery. In this study, we investigated the relation between serum free thiols as marker of oxidative stress and the female cardiovascular phenotype, as well as potential associations with the risk of cardiovascular (CV) events in pre- and postmenopausal women from the general population.Methods: Female participants (n = 2,980) of the Prevention of REnal and Vascular ENd-stage Disease (PREVEND) cohort study were included. Serum free thiol concentrations were analyzed for associations with demographic, clinical, biochemical, and gynecological parameters, as well as with menopausal status and, prospectively, with the risk of CV events.Results: Postmenopausal women had significantly reduced levels of serum free thiols (4.8 ± 1.0 vs. 5.2 ± 1.0 μmol/g, P &lt; 0.001) compared to reproductive women. In multivariable analyses, serum free thiols were significantly associated with menopausal status (OR 0.70 [0.49–0.98], P = 0.039), even when adjusted for potential confounding factors, except for age (P = 0.550). Prospectively, serum free thiols were significantly associated with the risk of CV events (HR 0.52 [0.27–0.97], P = 0.040), even with covariate adjustment, although this disappeared when correcting for age.Conclusion: In this study, we revealed serum free thiols to be strongly associated with the female cardiovascular phenotype as well as with female risk of CV events, where the influence of age itself seemed to outweigh that of female menopause. Future studies are warranted to further unravel the clinical utility of serum free thiol levels in the context of female cardiovascular risk management.
Disclosing Pharmacogenetic Feedback of Caffeine via eHealth Channels, Assessment of the Methods and Effects to Behavior Change: A Pilot Study
Authors: Alev Kerti , Kütt Andres , Viigimaa Margus 
Published: February 2021

Background: The integration of genetic testing into eHealth applications holds great promise for the personalization of disease prevention guidelines. However, relatively little is known about the impact of eHealth applications on an individual's behavior.Aim: The aim of the pilot study was to investigate the effect of the personalized eHealth application approach to behavior change in a 1-month follow-up period on groups with previously known and unknown caffeine impacts.Method: We created a direct-to-consumer approach that includes providing relevant information and personalized reminders and goals on the digital device regarding the caffeine intake for two groups of individuals: the intervention group (IG) with the genetic raw data available and the control group (CG) to test the impact of the same content (article about caffeine metabolism) on participants without the genetic test. Study participants were all Estonians (n = 160).Results: The study suggests that eHealth applications work for short-term behavior change. Participants in the genetic IG tended to increase caffeine intake if they were informed about caffeine not being harmful. They reported feeling better physically and/or mentally after their behavioral change decision during the period of the study.Conclusions: Our pilot study revealed that eHealth applications may have a positive effect for short-term behavior change, regardless of a prior genetic test. Further studies among larger study groups are required to achieve a better understanding about behavior change of individuals in the field of personalized medicine and eHealth interventions.
Evaluation of Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation as a Treatment Option for Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma in the Isthmus: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Song Qing , Gao Hanjing , Tian Xiaoqi , Ren Ling , Lan Yu , Yan Lin , Luo Yukun 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundAbout 3–9.2% of papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) are found in the isthmus, which has unique anatomic properties, making treatment more challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment and undesirable effects of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for PTC in the isthmus.MethodsThis retrospective case series study assessed 112 patients with single papillary thyroid microcarcinoma in the isthmus, pathologically diagnosed before RFA at the General Hospital of Chinese PLA in 2014–2018. Follow-up was performed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and ultrasound examinations at 1, 3, and 6 months and every 6 months thereafter. The complete ablation (CAR), disappearance (DR), and volume reduction (VRR) rates of nodules, the incidence of complications, and the rate of lymph-node metastasis were recorded.ResultsThe CAR of the tumors was 100%. During follow-up, the volume of coagulation necrosis gradually decreased. DRs at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after RFA were 0.8% (1/112), 10.7% (12/112), 51.7% (58/112), 91.0% (102/112), and 100% (112/112), respectively. The VRR evaluated by ultrasound and CEUS gradually increased. One recurrent case (0.8%) was found at 7 months after RFA. No complications, lymph node metastasis confirmed by ultrasound, and abnormal thyroid function were observed.ConclusionsThis retrospective study shows that RFA is beneficial for the treatment of PTMC in the isthmus.
The Sex Specific Association Between Maternal Gestational Diabetes and Offspring Metabolic Status at 1 Year of Age
Authors: Du Qinwen , Sompolinsky Yishai , Walfisch Asnat , Zhong Huiping , Liu Yan , Feng Weiwei 
Published: February 2021

Previous studies showed the association between maternal GDM and long-term effects of overweight in offspring. However, the nature of this association in the early postnatal period is still undetermined. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to evaluate whether maternal GDM is associated with overweight and obesity status in offspring at age 1 year. We studied 1167 infants born at a large obstetrical care hospital including 778 normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and 389 GDM pregnancies, matched in a 1:2 ratio according to offspring’s gender, during the years 2016–2017. Overweight and obesity status in offspring of both groups were evaluated at 1 year of age through questionnaires. Infant outcomes were defined according to the WHO Child Growth Standards based on the length-based BMI-for-age. Female offspring from the GDM group exhibited a higher mean BMI (17.2 vs. 16.6, p &lt; 0.01), a higher rate of obesity (13.9% vs. 7.7%; p &lt; 0.05), and overweight (33.1% vs. 23.5%; p &lt; 0.05) as compared to the NGT female group. In the multivariable regression model, maternal GDM was found to be independently and significantly associated with overweight or obesity in 1-year aged female offspring only (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.09–2.37, p &lt; 0.05). We found a sex specific association between maternal GDM and the overweight risk only in female offspring at 1 year of age.