bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Xuezhikang Therapy on Expression of Pulmonary Hypertension Related miR-638 in Patients With Low HDL-C Levels
Authors: Cao Ruihua , Sun Tao , Xu Ruyi , Zheng Jin , Wang Hao , Wang Xiaona , Bai Yongyi , Ye Ping 
Published: December 2021

Objective: Low plasma level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) associated with poor outcomes in several cardiovascular diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Regulation of miR-638 have been proved to be associated with PAH. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of miR-638 after Xuezhikang (XZK) therapy in patients with low HDL-C.Methods: Plasma levels of miR-638 were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reactions in 20 patients with PAH and 30 healthy controls. A total of 40 subjects with low HDL-C were assigned to receive an XZK therapy for 6 months. The miR-638 expression profiles were detected in PAH patients, XZK-treated subjects and lovastatin treated pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PA-SMCs).Results: The relative expression level of miR-638 in the plasma was lower in the PAH patients than that in the controls (p &lt; 0.001). An increase of 11.2% from baseline in the HDL-C level was found after XZK therapy (p &lt; 0.001). The relative expression of miR-638 was increased after XZK treatment (p &lt; 0.01). The changes of miR-638 were inversely associated with baseline HDL-C levels. A significantly reduction in miR-638 expression were found in PDGF-BB-treated hPA-SMCs compared to the control cells, and the pre-treatment of the cells with lovastatin significantly re-gain the expression levels in miR-638.Conclusion: In patients with low HDL-C levels, XZK therapy raised the expression of miR-638, suggesting that the potential therapeutic effect of XZK in PAH patients with low serum HDL-C levels deserves further exploration.
A Scale to Measure the Joy in Work of Doctors: Development, Validity, and Reliability
Authors: Zhang Zemiao , Hu Yinhuan , Chen Hao , Zhu Weilin , Li Dehe , Zhu Ximin , Wu Xiaoyue , Li Jiayi 
Published: December 2021

Background: The aim of this study is to develop a scale and evaluate its' validity and reliability to measure the joy in work of doctors.Methods: Based on literature review and panel discussion, the scale framework and item pool were determined. Next, the items were modified by two rounds of expert consultation. Then the pre-investigation was applied and the formal version of scale was formed. Last, the reliability and validity of the scale were tested with 426 physicians.Results: The scale was composed of four dimensions: work autonomy needs, competency identification needs, competency perception needs and work relationship needs. Each dimension had 7 items, and both reliability and validity were acceptable. The Cronbach α coefficient and half-reliability coefficient of the whole scale were 0.954 (&gt;0.9) and 0.974 (&gt;0.9). The Spearman correlations of item-total score ranged from 0.556 to 0.749, indicating a good-item total score correlation. The χ 2/ df, RMSEA, RMR, GFI, CFI, and TLI, CFA of the maximum likelihood method supported a good fit with the model.Conclusions: Based on the self-determination theory, this study develops a scale to measure the joy in work of doctors. It has good validation and reliability, which is useful for doctors and medical institutions to take steps to improve happiness.
Online Medical Teaching in China During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Tools, Modalities, and Challenges
Authors: Su Bin , Zhang Tong , Yan Li , Huang Chaoyang , Cheng Xiangpu , Cai Chao , Cui Dan 
Published: December 2021

Background: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has tested the ability of universities to provide a high-quality, safe educational experience for students due to campuses shutting down. As a result, online learning could shift from a traditional classroom teaching mode and make education accessible to students. Previous studies have used individual online teaching cases to exploit a variety of online learning tools to ensure the continuation of medical education during this difficult time in China. However, for the first time, we have conducted a systematic review of local online teaching approaches, existing challenges, and potential solutions.Purpose: We present the issues and experience of conducting online medical teaching practices in China with the aim of communicating them to our peers in other countries or regions when examining the transition to e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.Methods: We searched the keywords below from public databases and reviewed relevant publications reporting on medical online teaching in China during the COVID-19 pandemic to analyze and summarize the online tools, modalities, and challenges.Results: We listed common online teaching tools and described a variety of online teaching modalities, as well as possible challenges. We also discussed potential solutions for those challenges, as well as the impact of the transition to online teaching on traditional education.Conclusion: By investigating local online medical teaching in China, we present useful tools and modalities that have been successfully exploited in education during the difficult time of COVID-19, although some challenges remain. The exploration of the transition to online teaching or learning will likely continue to have a profound impact on traditional classroom teaching.
Process Evaluation of MAPS: A Highly Tailored Digital Intervention to Support Medication Adherence in Primary Care Setting
Authors: Kassavou Aikaterini , Court Charlotte A. , Mirzaei Venus , Brimicombe James , Edwards Simon , Sutton Stephen 
Published: December 2021

Background: Medication adherence can prevent health risks, but many patients do not adhere to their prescribed treatment. Our recent trial found that a digital intervention was effective at improving medication adherence in non-adherent patients with Hypertension or Type 2 Diabetes; but we do not know how it brought about behavioural changes. This research is a post-trial process evaluation of the mechanism by which the intervention achieved its intended effects.Methods: A mixed methods design with quantitative and qualitative evidence synthesis was employed. Data was generated by two studies. Study 1 used questionnaires to measure the underlying mechanisms of and the medication adherence behaviour, and digital logfiles to objectively capture intervention effects on the process of behaviour change. Multilevel regression analysis on 57 complete intervention group cases tested the effects of the intervention at modifying the mechanism of behaviour change and in turn at improving medication adherence. Study 2 used in depth interviews with a subsample of 20 intervention patients, and eight practise nurses. Thematic analysis provided evidence about the overarching intervention functions and recommendations to improve intervention reach and impact in primary care.Results: Study 1 found that intervention effectiveness was significantly associated with positive changes in the underlying mechanisms of behaviour change (R2 = 0.26, SE = 0.98, P = 0.00); and this effect was heightened twofold when the tailored intervention content and reporting on medication taking (R2 = 0.59, SE = 0.74, P = 0.00) was interested into the regression model. Study 2 suggested that the intervention supported motivation and ability to adherence, although clinically meaningful effects would require very brief medication adherence risk appraisal and signposting to ongoing digitally delivered behavioural support during clinical consultations.Conclusion: This post trial process evaluation used objective methods to capture the intervention effect on the mechanisms of behaviour change to explain intervention effectiveness, and subjective accounts to explore the circumstances under which these effects were achieved. The results of this process evaluation will inform a large scale randomised controlled trial in primary care.
Validation of the Chinese Version of Relaxation Sensitivity Index: A Tool for Predicting Treatment Effect in Mindfulness Interventions
Authors: Zhang Jieting , Luberto Christina M. , Huang Qi , Kuang Jin , Zhong Juan , Yeung Albert , Zou Liye 
Published: December 2021

Background: The Relaxation Sensitivity Index (RSI) measures relaxation-related fears developed and validated in western samples. The RSI captures three facets of fear regarding relaxation: physical, cognitive, and social concerns. This study aimed to translate and identify the factor structure of the Chinese version of the RSI.Methods: In a preliminary study, 26 items were generated mainly by translation and modified from the original RSI. In Study 1, factor analysis and internal consistency reliability analysis were conducted on separated half samples of 597 Chinese college students. In Study 2, test-retest reliability, convergent, and predictive criterion validity were examined based on 465 Chinese college students.Results: Fourteen items were selected based on the factor loading and item prevalence in the preliminary study. Factor analysis based on Study 1 identified three factors: Social appealing, Social performance, and Physical concerns. In general, the RSI demonstrated good internal consistency (αs = 0.750–0.860), convergent validity and predictive criterion validity, while the test-retest reliability is relatively low (rs = 0.525–0.685). Notably, less related to the other two factors, Social performance concerns may be a unique factor solely predicting social anxiety (p &lt;0.001), but not relaxation-induced anxiety (p = 0.442).Conclusion: The Chinese version of the RSI possesses a factor structure different from the western population. The robustness of factor structure and test-retest reliability was not as good as expected. Further research is warranted to explore the validity of the RSI in Chinese samples.
Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Prospective Clinical Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of the Assisi Anti-anxiety Device (Calmer Canine) for the Treatment of Canine Separation Anxiety
Authors: Pankratz Katherine , Korman Judy , Emke Carrie , Johnson Brianna , Griffith Emily H. , Gruen Margaret E. 
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Separation anxiety (SA) is among the most common canine behavior disorders and affects quality-of-life for dogs and their owners. Dogs with SA show signs of anxiety during absence or perceived absence of their owners. While psychoactive medications are often helpful for treating SA, dog and human factors may limit their utility. This study explored the efficacy of a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) device for treatment of canine SA.Materials and Methods: In this double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study, a screening questionnaire and baseline video confirmed the diagnosis of SA. Owners treated their dog with the device twice daily for 6 weeks, completed weekly questionnaires, and noted adverse events. Videos were taken of the dog while alone at weeks 4 and 6. Behaviors were coded and categorized as negative and positive. Questionnaire and video data at weeks 4 and 6 were compared to baseline.Results: Forty client-owned dogs with moderate to severe SA completed the study. There were no differences between groups for age, weight, or sex. In owner questionnaires, no difference in behavior or overall score was found between the active and sham groups (p &gt; 0.05). Videos of the active group compared to the sham group showed significant reduction in negative behaviors by week 6 (p = 0.036) and higher percentage of success at week 4 (Z = 2.83, p = 0.005), at week 6 (Z = 1.65, p = 0.098), and across the full study (Z = 1.99, p = 0.047). Adverse events were reported in eight dogs (6 active, 2 sham); all resolved and were unlikely to be related to treatment.Discussion: This study supports the efficacy and safety of this PEMF device for treatment of SA in dogs. Questionnaire results may not be sensitive enough to detect subtle negative behavioral states compared to video, and may not capture other owner observed behavioral changes. A caregiver placebo effect may account for some improvement seen in both groups. Video data appear better for diagnosis and monitoring dog's behavior when left alone. Future studies should assess PEMF's impact on other anxieties or combination of anxiety disorders in dogs.
Case Report: Intra-Tumoral Vaccinations of Quadrivalent HPV-L1 Peptide Vaccine With Topical TLR-7 Agonist Following Recurrence: Complete Resolution of HPV-HR-Associated Gynecologic Squamous Cell Carcinomas in Two Patients
Authors: Reedy Mark , Jonnalagadda Shirisha , Palle Komaraiah 
Published: December 2021

The human papilloma virus (HPV) high-risk variants (HPV-HR) such as HPV16 and HPV18 are responsible for most HPV related cancers, including anogenital and head and neck cancers. Here, we present two patients with HPV-HR-associated gynecological malignancies who, after failing radiation therapy, were treated with experimental salvage immunotherapy regimen resulting in complete, durable responses in both patients. Each patient was diagnosed with recurrent, radiation-refractory, HPV-HR positive, squamous cell carcinoma of the lower genital tract. Patient A was a 90-year-old, African American, with metastatic vulvar cancer to the right inguinal-femoral triangle and pulmonary metastases. Patient B was a 41-year-old, Caucasian, with a central-recurrence of cervix cancer. Each patient received at least two intratumoral quadrivalent HPV-L1 vaccine (Gardasil™) injections and daily topical TLR-7 agonist (imiquimod) to the tumor surface 2 weeks apart. This combination of intratumoral vaccinations and topical TLR-7 agonist produced unexpected complete resolution of disease in both patients. The importance of radiation therapy, despite being considered a treatment failure by current definitions, cannot be understated. Radiation therapy appears to have offered a therapeutic immune advantage by modifying the tumor microenvironment. This immune protocol has potential to help patients with advanced HPV-HR-related malignancies previously considered incurable.
RELAÇÃO ENTRE ÍNDICE DE DESENVOLVIMENTO HUMANO E NÚMERO DE CASOS DE COVID-19 EM CIDADES DO TOCANTINS
Authors: Panontin Juliane Farinelli , Ferreira Neto Domingos Marques , Morbeck Natália Belo Moreira , Welter Áurea 
Published: December 2021

No final do ano de 2019, aproximadamente em dezembro, aparece uma nova enfermidade do trato respiratório bastante propagativa na China, nomeada de COVID-19, a qual se alastrou ligeiramente por diversos países fazendo com que a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) decretasse estado de pandemia. Cidades que apresentam uma maior vulnerabilidade podem apresentar uma disseminação maior da COVID-19. O presente estudo teve como objetivo relacionar o IDH com o número de casos de COVID-19 em cidades tocantinenses. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo descritivo retrospectivo, exploratório, no qual foram analisados 20 municípios do estado do Tocantins, selecionando os 10 municípios com maior IDH e os 10 municípios com menor IDH, de acordo com censo de 2010. Os dados coletados foram tabulados no software Excel e foi realizada análise de correlação no R 4.1.1. Foi usado a correlação de Spearman no programa R version 4.1.1 onde o valor obtido de ρ(rho) foi analisado. A partir dos resultados obtidos, observa-se que o IDH da cidade tem relação com o índice de casos por 1.000 habitantes, quando for levado em consideração o número de incidência, pois os seis primeiros municípios com maior taxa de incidência pela COVID-19 têm um IDH alto, ou seja, quando feito a correlação dos dados levando em consideração o número de incidência de casos em todas as cidades relacionado ao IDH, verificou-se que cidades com maior população apresentaram uma proliferação maior da COVID-19. Com o levantamento realizado, verificou-se que no Tocantins, a disseminação da COVID-19 em relação ao IDH, foi bem maior em cidades IDH alto devido, possivelmente à maior movimentação de pessoas.
EFEKTIVITAS HUKUM PEMBATASAN JAM MALAM DALAM RANGKA PENCEGAHAN DAN MEMUTUS MATA RANTAI PENYEBARAN COVID-19 DI KOTA SURABAYA
Authors: Syafaadin Mohammad Ricky , Wahyudi Eko 
Published: December 2021

Hadirnya aturan pembatasan jam malam di Kota Surabaya sendiri berbuntut dari Pandemi Covid-19 yang masih belum terkendali, aturan ini dijalankan dengan membatasi kegiatan masyarakat/tmpat usaha yang tidak berkepentingan di malam hari pukul 22.00-04.00 WIB, pada penelitian ini berfokus guna mengetahui efektivitas hukum dari jalannya pembatasan jam malam yang sedang berlaku di surabaya, karena memang berdasarkan temuan awal penulis di lapangan masih banyak pelanggaran, aturan tersebut termuat di dalam Peraturan Walikota Surabaya Nomor 67 Tahun 2020 dalam penelitian ini bahasannya berfokus pada analisis pelaksanaan pembatasan jam malam dengan didukung data dari instansi terkait, serta wawancara dengan beberapa masyarakat terkait adanya aturan ini, serta kendala penegakan hukum pembatasan jam malam dan upaya mengatasi kendala tersebut. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian yuridis empiris yang merupakan penelitian terhadap efektivitas hukum pada hukum yang berlaku di masyarakat. Hasil penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan bahwa pembatasan jam malam ini telah dijalankan dengan efektif oleh instansi terkait dengan sanksi administrasinya namun dari memang dari sisi kepatuhan masyarakat pada aturan ini masih kurag efektif karena pelanggarannya masih cukup banyak, selain itu juga memang dalam penegakan hukumnya masih terdapat kendala dan diperlukan upaya mengatasi agar pelaksanaanya lebih baik lagi.Kata Kunci: Pembatasan Jam Malam, Efektivitas, COVID-19
Graffiti as an example of a new kind of objects for handwritten expertise. Styles and variants
Authors: Yaskina Valentina 
Published: December 2021

In this article one can find examples of the analytical work based on a current terminology of a word “graffiti”, that can be found in scientific research works on this phenomenon in the fields of sociology, psychology, art and law. Current classifications of this notion are analyzed taking into account the content of these objects, their attitude to a graffiti community and a certain author, motivation and outward. Analysis considers materials and tools used for a certain object implementation. These writing tools in some cases determine the type of graffiti.
The main objective of this analysis was the need to identify certain classified objects the ones that might be necessary for a handwriting expertise and to determine of the relations between the notions of “graffiti” and “handwritten objects made with the use of unconventional writing materials”.
During the analysis, a number of characteristics that can be used as a support for conducting handwritten expertise of considered object were defined and conclusions for those graffiti objects that meet these criteria were drawn.
Social perceptions of convicts about the attitude of society towards ever imprisoned persons
Authors: Suchkova Elizaveta 
Published: December 2021

The article analyzes the content of the social perception of convicts about the attitude of society towards ever imprisoned persons. It is noted that the very fact of a conviction often causes a wary attitude of people towards former convicts, which significantly complicates the process of their adaptation to life in freedom. The negative assessment of the personality and behavior of criminals which still persists in public opinion even after they have served their sentence and this contributes to the fact that convicts feel themselves as a group being subjected to stigmatization. An empirical study tested the hypothesis that in convicted persons’ view, who have served their sentences in places of deprivation of liberty, are still criminals in public opinion who constitute a menace even after their release. The assessment of society position about people with conviction by convicts is associated with the experience of those who were in places of liberty deprivation. Repeatedly convicted persons as compared with those who were convicted for the first time are surer in negative and biased treatment of former prisoners.
To study the content of social perceptions a mixed research strategy was used. It consists in integrating of methods for collecting and analyzing data of qualitative and quantitative strategies. The study used specially designed interview plan and rating scale constructed on the basis of the data obtained with its help. The research sample includes groups of convicts formed depending on the number of sentences served. The results of the research allow us to conclude that in convicts’ perception there is a negative society attitude towards former prisoners which manifests itself in social distance from them in various spheres of social interaction. Persons who have previously served their sentences in places of deprivation of liberty, unlike those convicted for the first time, demonstrate greater confidence in the discriminatory nature of society’s attitude towards their group.
STEROWANIE CZTEROPRZEWODOWYM TRÓJPOZIOMOWYM PRZEKSZTAŁTNIKIEM AC/DC Z NIEZALEŻNĄ KONTROLĄ MOCY W KAŻDEJ Z FAZ
Authors: Stefańczak Bartłomiej 
Published: December 2021

W artykule przedstawiono projekt czteroprzewodowego trójpoziomowego przekształtnika AC/DC. Sterowanie przekształtnika zrealizowano z wykorzystaniem regulatorów proporcjonalno-rezonansowych opartych na sterowaniu zorientowanym napięciowo (VOC). Zaimplementowana topologia przekształtnika AC/DC pozwala na sterowanie każdą z faz z osobna. Przekłada się to możliwość niezależnej kontroli mocy czynnej i biernej w każdej z faz. Ponadto szyna DC przekształtnika AC/DC połączona jest równolegle z magazynem energii poprzez izolowaną przetwornicę DC/DC oraz odnawialne źródło energii. Badania przeprowadzono z wykorzystaniem zaprojektowanego przekształtnika, sterownika DSP oraz platformy Matlab/SIMULNIK, którą wykorzystano do automatycznej generacji kodu. Otrzymane wyniki wskazują, że sterowanie niezależne każdą z faz jest możliwe jednakże, praca z dużymi asymetriami mocy na każdej z faz prowadzi do dużej pulsacji prądu na szynie DC. Jest to zjawisko zagrażające poprawności działania magazynu energii. W skutek tego poziom asymetrii między fazami powinien być ograniczony do poziomu akceptowalnego przez magazyn energii.
Simulation evaluation on a compact monitor for gamma-emitting tracers in plant stems
Authors: Yamaguchi Mitsutaka , Suzui Nobuo , Nagao Yuto , Kawachi Naoki 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Non-destructive monitoring of radioactivities derived from radioactive tracers at multiple points in plant stems can be used to evaluate the velocity of element transport in living plants. In this study, we calculated absorption-efficiency distributions for several detector geometries to determine appropriate shapes for non-destructive monitoring of radioactivities in the stem. The efficiency distributions were calculated by Monte Carlo simulations, and the flatnesses and spatial resolutions were evaluated. It was found that the placement of four detectors around the stem could limit the percentage of standard deviation to the mean of the pixel values to less than 5%. We could determine a compact detector geometry with a spatial resolution of 1.35 cm using four small detectors. The detection efficiencies were 0.014, 0.0030 and 0.000 63 cm at the initial gamma-ray energies of 0.5, 1 and 2 MeV, which is sufficiently applicable to detect 10 kBq cm−1 of radioactivity.