bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF/CCN2) Levels Predict Myocardial Infarction in the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT) Cohort
Authors: Hunt Kelly J. , Jaffa Miran A. , Garrett Sara M. , Luttrell Deirdre K. , Lipson Kenneth E. , Lopes-Virella Maria F. , Luttrell Louis M. , Jaffa Ayad A. ,   VADT Investigators, Lopes-Virella Maria F. , Hunt Kelly J. , Baker Nathaniel L. , Virella Gabriel , Moritz Thomas 
Published: January 2018

OBJECTIVE
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), also known as CCN2, is a potent chemotactic and extracellular matrix-inducing matricellular protein that has been implicated in progression of inflammatory and fibroproliferative disorders. An emerging role of CTGF/CCN2 is that of a prosclerotic factor implicated in the development of cardiac disease. Our objective was to determine the role of CTGF/CCN2 as a predictor of cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes in the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT) cohort.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Levels of CTGF/CCN2 were measured in 952 VADT patients a median of 1.9 years after entry into the study. Participants were followed for an average of 3.3 years for vascular outcomes. CTGF/CCN2 categories were defined as below the detectable limit (referent, 54.5%), lower half of detectable values (22.8%), and upper half of detectable values (22.7%). Hazard ratios (HRs) for cardiovascular end points in relation to CTGF/CCN2 categories were calculated by Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS
During follow-up, 4.8% had a myocardial infarction (MI), 6.9% had an MI or cardiovascular death, and 6.9% died. After adjustments by conventional risk factors, individuals in the highest category of CTGF/CCN2 were at higher risk of MI (HR 2.43 [95% CI 1.15, 5.14]), MI or cardiovascular death (HR 2.71 [95% CI 1.44, 5.08]), and all-cause mortality (HR 2.70 [95% CI 1.43, 5.08]) relative to individuals with CTGF below the detectable limit.

CONCLUSIONS
Our study indicates that high levels of CTGF/CCN2 predict future MI and cardiovascular death in patients with type 2 diabetes.
The impact of gender on routes for registered unemployment exit in Poland
Authors: Bieszk-Stolorz Beata 
Published: January 2018

Research background: Numerous studies show that men?s and women?s situation on the labour market differs. Women?s disadvantageous position on the labour market in Poland has been confirmed by statistical data (Kobiety?, 2016). The most common reasons for de-registration from the employment office are finding a job and deleting from the records due to an unjustified refusal to accept an offer by an unemployed person. Additionally, registered unemployed people can for example: retire, apply for invalidity pension, receive early retirement benefits or start full time studies. The above causes are regarded as competing risks of various kinds.
Purpose of the article: The purpose of this article is to assess the effect of the unemployed individual?s gender on the probability and intensity of de-registering from the labour office lists due to finding a job, de-registering or other causes.
Methods: In the study the survival analysis methods were used. The assessment of the probability of de-registration due to a specific cause was made by means of the cumulative incidence function. The intensity of de-registration was tested with the Lunn-McNeil model. Differences in the effect of gender on the de-registration possibility were tested with the use of Gray?s test. The study was based on individual data of people registered by the Labour Office in Szczecin.
Findings & Value added: Among women, job-finding was the most common cause of de-registration, followed by the removal from the register. In the case of men the order was reversed, the most probable de-registration cause was the removal, followed by job-finding. The remaining causes were of marginal significance, both for men and women. Women took up a job more intensively than men and were less intensively removed from the register. The differences between males and females in the intensities of de-registering due to the remaining causes were not statistically relevant.
An Evaluation of the Mathematics Foundation Course in Sultan Qaboos University: Does High School Performance Matter?
Authors: Mazharul Islam Mohammad , Al-Ghassani Asma , Y.S. Al-Hadhrami Ahmed 
Published: January 2018

Although the mathematics foundation program was introduced in Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) half a decade ago, there has been no evaluation or assessment of the program. The aim of this study was to evaluate the students’ performance in the Mathematics foundation course in SQU and to examine the predictive value of a student’s high school performance for success in the math foundation course. The study considered a sample of 551 students who took the math course (MATH2107) during 2014 Spring semester. More than 95% of the students were admitted to SQU with a high school score of 80 and above. The analysis revealed that, in general, female students were admitted to SQU with a significantly higher average high school score than the male students. The findings indicate a very unsatisfactory performance of the students in the mathematics foundation course as the mean GPA was 1.66 and more than half (59%) of the students obtained a GPA less than 2 (i.e. below grade C), of which 14% failed and 35% obtained grade D. Female students outperformed male students in the mathematics course. High school mathematics performance, gender and cohort of students were identified as significant predictors of success in the mathematics foundation course. To increase the success rate of the mathematics course, the high school curriculum needs to be aligned with the University standards and the admission authority should continue to give more attention to high school mathematics scores along with overall high school performance while making admission decisions for the College of Science in SQU.
Assessment of the Possibilities of B-Mode Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis of Lumbar Intervertebral Discs Protrusion in Adolescents
Authors: Abdullaiev Rizvan Ya , Mammadov Ilgar G , Dudnik Tatyana A , Abdullaiev Roman R 
Published: January 2018

Objective: To improve the efficiency of lumbar intervertebral discs protrusion by determining the ultrasound biomarkers. Materials and Methods: The study included 68 patients with the disc protrusion and 65 healthy adolescents with normal lumbar intervertebral discs and neurologic status aged 16-18 years. Ultrasonography (USG) was performed at the level of disks L1-L2, L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1 in longitudinal and transverse projections. In longitudinal section was measured height of lumbar vertebrae and intervertebral discs, in axial section – the sagittal sizes of intervertebral discs and spinal canal, width of spinal nerve canals, thickness of the yellow ligament. Results: In 31 (45,6±6,0%) cases the protrusion was paramedian, in 16 (23,5±5,1%) – posterolateral, in 13 (19,1±4,8) – median and in 8 (11,8±3,9%) – circular types. The paramedian protrusion was significantly more frequently recorded than the posterolateral (P<0,05), median and circular (p <0.001) types. In 7 (10,3±3,7% ) cases the protrusion was localized at the level of L2-L3, in 13 (19,1 ±4,8%) – L3-L4, in 27 (39,7±5,9%) - at the level of L4-L5 and in 21 (30,9±5,6%) – at the level of L5-S1 respectively. There were no significant differences in the frequency of occurrence between L2-L3 and L3-L4, as well as L4-L5 and L5-S1. The lower located lumbar discs were significantly more affected than the upper ones (P<0,05; P<0,001).Conclusions: In adolescents in the lumbar spine, paramedian protrusion are most commonly found, which are most often localized at the level of both L4-L5 and L5-S1. The greatest narrowing and deformation of the spinal nerve canal is observed by posterolateral and paramedian protrusion. The greatest thickness of the yellow ligament, radiculopathy is observed at level of L5-S1 protrusion.
Radiotherapy and risk of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator malfunctions: experimental data from direct exposure at increasing doses
Authors: Zecchin Massimo , Artico Jessica , Morea Gaetano , Severgnini Mara , Bianco Elisabetta , De Luca Antonio , Fantasia Anna Zorzin , Salvatore Luca , Milan Vittorino , Lucarelli Matteo , Dissegna Roberta , Cannatà Antonio , Sinagra Gianfranco 
Published: January 2018

Aim
During radiotherapy, in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) malfunctions are considered more likely if doses more than 2 Gy reach the ICD site; however, most malfunctions occur with high-energy (>10 MV) radiations, and the risk is less defined using 6-MV linear accelerators. The purpose of the study is to experimentally evaluate the occurrence of malfunctions in ICDs radiated with a 6-MV linear accelerator at increasing photon doses.

Methods
Thirty-two ICDs from all manufacturers (31 explanted and one demo) were evaluated; all devices with a sufficient battery charge underwent multiple radiations with a 6-MV photon beam reaching a cumulative dose at ICD site of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 Gy and interrogated after every session. All antitachycardia therapies were left enabled; two ICDs were connected to a rhythm simulator (one simulating a complete atrioventricular block without ventricular activity) and visually monitored by external ECG and the ICD programmer during radiation.

Results
Thirteen ICDs were excluded before radiation because of battery depletion; after radiation up to the cumulative dose at the cardiac implantable electronic device site of 10 Gy, in the remaining 19 devices, programmation and battery charge remained unchanged and no switch to safety mode was observed; oversensing, pacing inhibition or inappropriate antitachycardia therapy were neither recorded nor visually observed during radiation.

Conclusion
With a low-energy accelerator, neither malfunctions nor electromagnetic interferences were detected radiating the ICDs at doses usually reaching the ICD pocket during radiotherapy sessions. In this context, magnet application to avoid oversensing and inappropriate therapy seems, therefore, useless.
Analysis of Fibronectin and TGF-β1 Immunoexpression to Determination of Wound Vitality in Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Novita Nita , Agustina Hasrayati , Hernowo Bethy S. , Hassan Abdul H. 
Published: January 2018

Wound examination is indispensable in forensic practice. The scientific field of wound age determination has advanced progressively during recent years.The purpose of this study was to determine the differences of fibronectin and TGF-β1 expression in both antemortem and postmortem wounds. This study was an experimental with completely randomized design. The skin wounds (vital and postmortem) were taken from fourty Wistar rats and divided into 10 groups of rats. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to determine the differences between antemortem and postmortem wounds. The result showed that in 30 minutes after antemortem wound infliction, all of samples showed weak reactivity for fibronectin and TGF-β1 (100%). In first hour after wound infliction, 3 samples (75%) showed weakly positive and 1 sample (25%) strongly positive for fibronectin and TGF-β1. In 2 hour after wound infliction, 1 sample (25%) showed weakly positive and 3 sample (75%) strongly positive for fibronectin and TGF-β1. In 3 and 4 hour after wound infliction, all of samples strongly positive for fibronectin and TGF-β1. In postmortem wound, all of samples showed negativity for fibronectin and TGF-β1. In conclusion, fibronectin and TGF-β1 may be useful in the determination of wound vitality. Keywords: wound, fibronectin, TGF-β1, vitality
Pengaruh Pemberian Kompres Panas untuk Mengurangi Nyeri Persalinan pada Kala I Fase Aktif di BPM Susi Hersaptiti Desa Kalikebo, Trucuk Klaten, Jawa Tengah Tahun 2014
Authors: Sari Fatimah , Wijanarko Nova , Pramestyani Mustika 
Published: January 2018

Background: Mothers who give birth often experience pain and no pain will rarely cause anxiety, muscles become spastic, rigid, narrow birth canal and less relaxation. It also can cause fatigue in a decrease uterine contractions. The number of women who want to give birth with the birth process that takes place without pain, the various efforts undertaken to reduce pain in childbirth,both pharmacological and non-pharmacological. One alternative non-pharmacological administration of hot compress on the back.
Objective: Knowing the effect of hot compress compresses to reduce pain in active phase of the first stage of labor on Susie Hersaptiti BPM.
Methods: The study was a Quasi Experiment. With one group pre-test post-test. Respondents in this study were all women giving birth in the active phase of the first stage in BPM Susi Hersaptiti the number of subjects 10 mothers, who were taken by means of non-probability sampling with quotas techniques.
Results: The test results analysis using the Wilcoxon test marked ratings obtained asymp. Sing (2-tailed) for the effect of hot compress is (0.004) with the a = 0.05 it can be concluded that Ho is rejected Ha accepted. There is the effect of hot compresses to reduce pain active phase of the first stage of labor.
Pengaruh Eksrak Daun Binahong (Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis) Terhadap Pertumbuhan Bakteri Streptococcus pyogenes Secara In Vitro
Authors: Prasetyaningsih Yuliana , Kurniati Eni , Setiarini Dina 
Published: January 2018

Background: Infectious diseases are diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. This bacterium is a gram-positive, cocci-shaped chain that infect the respiratory tract. As a result of irrational use of antibiotics is causing bacterial resistance. Utilization of plants used in traditional medicine as an alternative by some people. Binahong (Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis) is a plant that can be used as a traditional medicine can be found easily in Indonesia. Binahong is one of the medicinal plants are thought to have antibacterial effects.
Objective: To investigate the effect of leaf extracts binahong (Anredera cordifolia (Ten) Steenis) against Streptococcus pyogenes bacterial growth in vitro.
Research Methods: The study was conducted in July 2014 in the Laboratory of Bacteriology of Ministry of Health polytechnic Yogyakarta. Types experimental research is real by using desain one-short case study. Binahong leaves were tested came from Yogyakarta Sleman. Analysis of the data obtained and performed descriptive statistics and presented in tables or graphs. The statistical test used is one way analysis of variance (One Way Anova).
Result: The mean diameter of inhibition zone binahong leaf extract on the growth of the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes at the smallest concentration that is 20% of 12.3 mm and largest concentration of 100% at 23.6 mm.
Conclusion: there is influence binahong leaf extract against Streptococcus pyogenes growth in vitro.
Penerapan Lesson Study pada Pembelajaran Fisika Materi Perubahan Wujud Zat
Authors: Ernawati Ernawati , Effendi Effendi 
Published: January 2018

Proses kegiatan pembelajaran merupakan faktor penting dalam menentukan keberhasilan prestasi belajar yang akan dicapai siswa. Oleh karena itu guru harus mampu memlah dan memilih serta menentukan pendekatan pembelajaran yang sesuai dengan materi pembelajaran, karakteristik siswa dalam proses pembelajaran serta tujuan pembelajaran. Penerapan suatu pendekatan pembelajaran yang sesuai diasumsikan dapat mempengaruhi prestasi belajar fisika siswa. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh penerapan lesson study terhadap prestasi belajar fisika siswa kelas X MA Al Ikhlas Pemetung Basuki Kecamatan Buay Pemuka Peliung pada Materi perubahan wujud zat Tahun Pelajaran 2017/2018. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh kelas X MA Al Ikhlas Pemetung Basuki yang terdiri dari tiga kelas. Diambil dua kelas sebagai sampel dengan teknik cluster sampling yaitu kelas X.1 sebagai kelas kontrol dan kelas X.3 sebagai kelas eksperimen. Proses pembelajaran pada kelas eksperimen menggunakan lesson study dan pada kelas kontrol menggunakan konvensional. Teknik pengumpulan data mengunakan tes. Pengujian hipotesis menggunakan uji dua pihak dengan rumus t-test. Berdasarkan hasil analisis data penelitian diperoleh skor rata-rata pada kelas eksperimen adalah 81,95 kelas kontrol adalah 71,17. Dari pengujian hipotesis diperoleh harga t hitung = 4,607 dengan harga t tabel = 1,998, menunjukkan bahwa harga t hitung tidak berada pada daerah penerimaan H0 penerimaan H0 (antara - t tabel = - 1,998 sampai dengan t tabel = 1,998) maka H0 ditolak dan Ha diterima. Hal ini berarti terdapat pengaruh penerapan lesson study yang signifikan terhadap prestasi belajar fisika siswa kelas X MA Al Ikhlas Pemetung Basuki Kecamatan Buay Pemuka Peliung pada materi perubahan wujud zat Tahun Pelajaran 2017/2018.
Almanya Türklerinin Dil Tutumları Üzerine Toplumdilbilimsel Bir Araştırma
Authors: SAKIN Bertuğ 
Published: January 2018

Almanya’da yarım asrı geride bırakarak misafir konumundan yerleşik duruma geçen Türk toplumu, bu süreç zarfında sosyal, ekonomik ve kültürel bakımdan büyük değişimler yaşamıştır. Hâkim toplumun baskın kültürü sebebiyle uğradıkları değişimlerin yanı sıra Almanya Türklerinde farklı dilsel tutumlar da ortaya çıkmıştır. Bu dilsel tutumlar, nesiller arası farklılık göstermekle beraber aynı zamanda çeşitli sosyal sınıflara göre de şekil almaktadır. Bu araştırmada, Almanya Türklerinin göç süreçleri sonucunda ortaya çıkan dil tutumları, toplumdilbilim açısından ele alınmıştır. Bu bakış açısıyla Almanya Türklerinin dilsel tutumları; ana dile bakış açısı, Türkçeyi kullanma eğilimi, dil sürdürümü, dil tercihi, dil değiştirimi, Almancaya yaklaşımları, Türkçe hakimiyeti, ağızlara bakış açısı, dil kayması, genç kuşakların Türk edebiyatına yaklaşımları, Türkçe yayınlara eğilim, dil bağlamında entegrasyona yaklaşımları başlıkları altında incelenerek mevcut durum tespit edilmiş ve bu tutumlarda; yaşanılan eyalet, cinsiyet, nesil, doğulan ülke, eğitim durumu, vatandaşlık durumu, medeni hal, aylık gelir durumu, evde kimlerle yaşanıldığı, Almanya’da kalma süresi, eşin ve çocukların vatandaşlık durumu, katılımcının ve eşin konuşabildiği diller değişkenleri açısından tespit edilen farklılıklar ve bu değişkenlerin mevcut tutumlardaki etkileri ortaya konmuştur.
Who's still smoking? Disparities in adult cigarette smoking prevalence in the United States
Authors: Drope Jeffrey , Liber Alex C. , Cahn Zachary , Stoklosa Michal , Kennedy Rosemary , Douglas Clifford E. , Henson Rosemarie , Drope Jacqui 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe continuing high prevalence of cigarette smoking among specific subpopulations, many of them vulnerable, is one of the most pressing challenges facing the tobacco control community. These populations include individuals in lower education and/or socioeconomic groups; from certain racial/ethnic groups; in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community; with mental illness; and in the military, particularly among those in the lowest pay grades. Although traditional tobacco control measures are having positive health effects for most groups, the effects are not sufficient for others. More attention to and support for promising novel interventions, in addition to new attempts at reaching these populations through conventional interventions that have proven to be effective, are crucial going forward to find new ways to address these disparities.CA Cancer J Clin 2018;68:106‐115. ©2018 American Cancer Society.
Using Evidence to Prepare Non-Oncology Nurses for Cancer Survivor Care
Authors: Lockhart Joan Such , Oberleitner Melinda G. , Felice Toni L. , Vioral Anna 
Published: January 2018

Background:
Growing increases in current and projected cancer survivors demands a workforce that can safely meet their health care needs spanning a lifetime. The literature lacks sufficient evidence regarding the knowledge needed by non-oncology nurses who care for cancer survivors in settings not designated for cancer care. This study identified this oncology knowledge and perceived barriers.

Method:
The Cancer Nursing Curriculum Survey was completed by a national pool of 302 oncology and 313 medical–surgical nurses who rated the depth and importance of 33 cancer concepts needed by non-oncology nurses for cancer survivor care.

Results:
Concept means for depth and importance were similar between both groups, with importance rated higher. Major concepts focused on symptom management. Barriers included lack of time, knowledge, and access to resources.

Conclusion:
The findings indicate the understanding of knowledge needed by non-oncology nurses for survivor care and provide a first step to design continuing education to address needs.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2018;49(1):12–18.
Dementia Care Content in Prelicensure Nursing Curricula: A Pilot Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Adewuyi Modupe , Kimble Laura P. , Dormire Sharon L. , Sudia Tanya 
Published: January 2018

Background:
Having a nursing workforce equipped to provide quality care for patients living with dementia is essential. The purpose of this study was to investigate how undergraduate nursing programs integration of dementia care content into their curricula.

Method:

Using sequential explanatory mixed methods, a stratified sample of 137 representatives of programs in 11 states with dense elderly populations completed a quantitative survey. A subsample (
n
= 8) completed qualitative e-mail interviews.

Results:

Most respondents indicated dementia care content was integrated into their curricula (
n
= 103, 92.8%). Clinical partnership with dementia care centers was associated with a greater proportion of students interacting with individuals having dementia (
p
= .02). Curriculum overload was the most significant challenge to integrating dementia content (
n
= 61, 43.9%). Qualitative themes supported the quantitative results.

Conclusion:

Future research is needed to identify best practices to ensure that nursing curricula provide essential content to meet the care needs of the growing population of individuals with dementia. [
J Nurs Educ.
2018;57(2):88–95.]
Techniques to Promote Reflective Practice and Empowered Learning
Authors: Nguyen-Truong Connie Kim Yen , Davis Andra , Spencer Cassius , Rasmor Melody , Dekker Lida 
Published: January 2018

Background:Health care environments are fraught with fast-paced critical demands and ethical dilemmas requiring decisive nursing actions. Nurse educators must prepare nursing students to practice skills, behaviors, and attitudes needed to meet the challenges of health care demands. Evidence-based, innovative, multimodal techniques with novice and seasoned nurses were incorporated into a baccalaureate (BSN) completion program (RN to-BSN) to deepen learning, complex skill building, reflective practice, teamwork, and compassion toward the experiences of others.Method:Principles of popular education for engaged teaching–learning were applied. Nursing students experience equitable access to content through co-constructing knowledge with four creative techniques.Results:Four creative techniques include poem reading aloud to facilitate connectedness; mindfulness to cultivate self-awareness; string figure activities to demonstrate indigenous knowledge and teamwork; and cartooning difficult subject matter.Conclusion:Nursing school curricula can promote a milieu for developing organizational skills to manage simultaneous priorities, practice reflectively, and develop empathy and the authenticity that effective nursing requires. [J Nurs Educ.2018;57(2):115–120.]