bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of the BOPPPS model combined with case-based learning versus lecture-based learning on ophthalmology education for five-year paediatric undergraduates in Southwest China
Authors: Chen Lin , Tang Xiao-Jiao , Chen Xin-Ke , Ke Ning , Liu Qin 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
To investigate the effect of the bridge-in, objective, preassessment, participatory learning, post assessment, and summary (BOPPPS) model combined with case-based learning (CBL) on ophthalmology teaching for five-year paediatric undergraduates.

Methods
The effects of the BOPPPS model combined with CBL (BOPPPS-CBL) and traditional lecture-based learning (LBL) on ophthalmology teaching were compared among students in a five-year programme. The questionnaire surveys of the students were collected and statistically analysed after the class. The final examination scores, including on elementary knowledge and case analysis, in the two groups were analysed.

Results
There were no statistically significant differences between the teachers and students in the baseline data. More students agreed that the BOPPPS-CBL model helped develop their problem-solving skills, analytical skills and motivation for learning better than the LBL model. There was no significant difference in learning pressure between the two groups. The final examination scores of the BOPPPS-CBL group were significantly higher than those of the LBL group. The overall course satisfaction of the BOPPPS-CBL group was obviously higher than that of the LBL group.

Conclusions
The BOPPPS-CBL model is an effective ophthalmology teaching method for five-year paediatric undergraduates.
Knowledge, attitude and use of evidence based practice (EBP) among registered nurse-midwives practicing in central hospitals in Malawi: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Kaseka Paul Uchizi , Mbakaya Balwani Chingatichifwe 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundEven though evidence based practice (EBP) is being considered as a critical element in improving the quality of health services and achieving excellence in patient care, there is currently little knowledge of how EBP relates to nursing and midwifery in Malawi. This paper is a report of a study describing EBP knowledge, attitudes, and use of registered nurse-midwives practicing in central hospitals across Malawi.MethodsThe descriptive, cross-sectional research design was conducted with a randomly selected sample of 183 nurse-midwives (response rate of 87.9%). The study used a paper version questionnaire to collect the data. The data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics in the Statistical Product and Service Solutions version 23. Descriptive statistics were calculated to summarise overall knowledge levels, attitudes, and use of nurse-midwives as percentages based on their scores on the assessment scale (1 to 7 Likert scale) in the EBP questionnaire. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were carried out to compare evidence-based practice scores based on demographics. Pearson’s correlation (r) and stepwise regression analysis were further performed to analyse the relationship between the knowledge, attitude and use of nurse-midwives on the overall EBP of nurse-midwives.ResultsThe average scores (mean±SD) of evidence-based practice amongst nurse-midwives were 78.7 ± 19.6 for attitude, 70.6 ± 15.1 for knowledge levels, 57.8 ± 23 for use, and 68.9 ± 14.2 for the overall EBP. Higher educational qualification was associated with higher scores in knowledge levels (P= 0.02). Research experience was associated with higher scores in nursing use (P= 0.005), and higher overall evidence-based practice were associated with both research experience (P= 0.035) and educational qualification (P= 0.004). Nurse-midwives attitude was affected by clinical experience (P= 0.006) and the hospital where nurse-midwives worked (P= 0.016). There was no significant difference in the EBP scores of nurse-midwives based on gender and/or their administrative roles in their respective central hospitals.ConclusionIt is important to develop the knowledge or skills of nurse midwives in order to enhance evidence-based practice amongst nurse-midwives in Malawian hospitals. The results can be used by nurse managers, nurse educators, policy makers at the Ministry of Health and Nurses and Midwives Council of Malawi to enhance implementation of EBP.
Adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines and measures to prevent them
Authors: Yamamoto Kenji 
Published: June 2022

AbstractRecently, The Lancet published a study on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and the waning of immunity with time. The study showed that immune function among vaccinated individuals 8 months after the administration of two doses of COVID-19 vaccine was lower than that among the unvaccinated individuals. According to European Medicines Agency recommendations, frequent COVID-19 booster shots could adversely affect the immune response and may not be feasible. The decrease in immunity can be caused by several factors such as N1-methylpseudouridine, the spike protein, lipid nanoparticles, antibody-dependent enhancement, and the original antigenic stimulus. These clinical alterations may explain the association reported between COVID-19 vaccination and shingles. As a safety measure, further booster vaccinations should be discontinued. In addition, the date of vaccination should be recorded in the medical record of patients. Several practical measures to prevent a decrease in immunity have been reported. These include limiting the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including acetaminophen to maintain deep body temperature, appropriate use of antibiotics, smoking cessation, stress control, and limiting the use of lipid emulsions, including propofol, which may cause perioperative immunosuppression. In conclusion, COVID-19 vaccination is a major risk factor for infections in critically ill patients.
Long-range enhancement of N501Y-endowed mouse infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 by the non-RBD mutations of Ins215KLRS and H655Y
Authors: Zhu Yichao , Zhou Wenzhao , Niu Zubiao , Sun Jiayi , Zhang Zhengrong , Li Qinqin , Zheng You , Wang Chenxi , Gao Lihua , Sun Qiang 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Rodents, such as mice, are vulnerable targets, and potential intermediate hosts, of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Omicron. N501Y in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of Spike protein is the key mutation dictating the mouse infectivity, on which the neighboring mutations within RBD have profound impacts. However, the impacts of mutations outside RBD on N501Y-mediated mouse infectivity remain to be explored.

Results
Herein, we report that two non-RBD mutations derived from mouse-adapted strain, Ins215KLRS in the N-terminal domain (NTD) and H655Y in the subdomain linking S1 to S2, enhance mouse infectivity in the presence of N501Y mutation, either alone or together. This is associated with increased interaction of Spike with mouse ACE2 and mutations-induced local conformation changes in Spike protein. Mechanistically, the H655Y mutation disrupts interaction with N657, resulting in a less tight loop that wraps the furin-cleavage finger; and the insertion of 215KLRS in NTD increases its intramolecular interaction with a peptide chain that interfaced with the RBD-proximal region of the neighboring protomer, leading to a more flexible RBD that facilitates receptor binding. Moreover, the Omicron Spike that contains Ins214EPE and H655Y mutations confer mouse infectivity > 50 times over the N501Y mutant, which could be effectively suppressed by mutating them back to wild type.

Conclusions
Collectively, our study sheds light on the cooperation between distant Spike mutations in promoting virus infectivity, which may undermine the high infectiousness of Omicron variants towards mice.
Intron losses and gains in the nematodes
Authors: Ma Ming-Yue , Xia Ji , Shu Kun-Xian , Niu Deng-Ke 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe evolution of spliceosomal introns has been widely studied among various eukaryotic groups. Researchers nearly reached the consensuses on the pattern and the mechanisms of intron losses and gains across eukaryotes. However, according to previous studies that analyzed a few genes or genomes, Nematoda seems to be an eccentric group.ResultsTaking advantage of the recent accumulation of sequenced genomes, we extensively analyzed the intron losses and gains using 104 nematode genomes across all the five Clades of the phylum. Nematodes have a wide range of intron density, from less than one to more than nine per kbp coding sequence. The rates of intron losses and gains exhibit significant heterogeneity both across different nematode lineages and across different evolutionary stages of the same lineage. The frequency of intron losses far exceeds that of intron gains. Five pieces of evidence supporting the model of cDNA-mediated intron loss have been observed in tenCaenorhabditisspecies, the dominance of the precise intron losses, frequent loss of adjacent introns, high-level expression of the intron-lost genes, preferential losses of short introns, and the preferential losses of introns close to 3′-ends of genes. Like studies in most eukaryotic groups, we cannot find the source sequences for the limited number of intron gains detected in theCaenorhabditisgenomes.ConclusionsThese results indicate that nematodes are a typical eukaryotic group rather than an outlier in intron evolution.
Analysis of a debonding model of two elastic 2D-bars
Authors: Shillor Meir , Kuttler Kenneth L. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThis work establishes the existence of a weak solution to a new model for the process of debonding of two elastic 2D-bars caused by humidity and vibrations. A version of the model was first presented in the PCM-CMM-2019 conference in Krakow, Poland, and was published in (Shillor in J. Theor. Appl. Mech. 58(2): 295–305 2020). The existence of a weak solution is proved by regularizing the problem and then setting it in an abstract form that allows the use of tools for pseudo-differential operators and a fixed point theorem. Questions of further analysis of the solutions, effective numerical methods and simulations, as well as possible controls, are unresolved, yet.
Facilitating and supporting the engagement of patients, families and caregivers in research: the “Ottawa model” for patient engagement in research
Authors: Vanderhout Shelley , Nicholls Stuart , Monfaredi Zarah , Hampel Claudia , Ashdown Lynn , Bilodeau Maxime , Rich Susan , Shea Beverley , Fergusson Dean 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Patient engagement is increasingly being recognized as a critical component of health research; however, institutional models for building infrastructure and capacity for patient engagement in research are limited. There is an opportunity to create reproducible and scalable models of patient engagement in research and share best and promising practices.

Main body
In this article, we describe the development and features of the framework for the Ottawa Patient Engagement in Research Model at The Ottawa Hospital (TOH) and the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI). Key components of the model include: a Patient and Family Engagement Program at TOH, which recruits, educates, and supports patients, families and caregivers to engage in clinical care, governance, and research; the Ottawa Methods Centre within the OHRI, which leads methodological research and provides support to investigators for patient engagement and patient-oriented research at TOH; and the Office of Patient Engagement in Research Activities, also within the OHRI, which facilitates collaborations between patients, researchers, clinicians and other stakeholders. Early success of this model can be attributed to aligned institutional priorities between TOH, OHRI and patients, the establishment of a patient engagement policy, ongoing education and support provided to patient partners and researchers, and innovative recruitment, tracking and evaluation procedures. Ongoing challenges and next steps include promoting diversity among patient partners, implementing an equitable compensation policy, engaging patients across a variety of roles and research areas, and developing resources to expand and sustain this program.

Conclusion
This model represents a unique effort of patients, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers across disciplines and institutions to produce a harmonized strategy and infrastructure for meaningful collaboration with patients and families in health research, and capacity building in patient-oriented research.
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy: systematic review and meta-analyses
Authors: Felipe Camila Q. , Biancardi Ana Luiza , Civile Vinicius T. , Carvas Junior Nelson , Serracarbassa Pedro D. , Koike Marcia K. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) are widely used for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSCR), but their effectiveness remains unclear. This research was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of this drugs for cCSCR.

Methods
This is a review of randomized clinical trials (RCT) comparing MRAs to placebo in adults with cCSCR, using the effects of MRAs on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and adverse events as primary outcomes and the effects of MRAs on anatomical parameters as secondary outcomes: central subfield thickness (CST), subretinal fluid height (SFH) and central choroidal thickness (CCT). Our all-language online search included Medline (via PubMed), Central, Embase, Lilacs, Ibecs, and RCT registers platforms, as late as May 2021. We used the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (version 2) to assess the methodological quality of each study and synthesized the results in meta-analyses using a random-effects model.

Results
The search identified 302 records, five of which were eligible, totaling 225 cCSCR patients (aged 45–62 years; M/F ratio 3.1:1) treated for 1 to 12 months with spironolactone (50 mg/day) or eplerenone (50 mg/day) vs. placebo. Moderate-certainty evidence suggests MRAs result in little to no improvement in BCVA compared to placebo (SMD 0.22; 95% CI − 0.04 to 0.48; studies = 5; comparisons = 6; participants = 218; I2 = 0%). Very low-certainty evidence suggests that, when compared to placebo, MRAs have a very uncertain impact on adverse effects (no meta-analysis was performed), and CST (MD 18.1; 95% CI − 113.04 to 76.84; participants = 145; studies = 2; I2 = 68%). MRAs also result in little to no difference in SFH (SMD − 0.35; 95% CI − 0.95 to 0.26; studies = 5; comparisons = 6; participants = 221; I2 = 76%; moderate certainty) and CCT (MD − 21.23; 95% CI − 64.69 to 22.24; participants = 206; studies = 4; comparisons = 5; I2 = 85%; low certainty).

Conclusion
MRAs have little to no effect on BCVA. Evidence for adverse events and CST is very uncertain. MRAs also have little to no effect on SFH and CCT. These findings should be considered when prescribing MRAs for cCSCR.
This research was previous registration in the PROSPERO platform (CRD42020182601).
Swiss pension funds: funding ratio, discount rate, and asset allocation
Authors: Schäublin Jorma J. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe funding ratio is a financial indicator to measure the viability of pension funds. The paper analyzes how Swiss occupational pension funds’ technical discount rate and asset allocation are related to the funding ratio. The paper shows that funds with weaker funding ratios apply higher rates to discount future pension liabilities what points toward euphemistic discounting. Further, weaker funded pension funds invest less in equities—with the exception of pension funds below the regulatory minimum threshold. The latter invest more in equities than funds above the threshold, which points to gambling for resurrection. The findings question the funding ratio as a transparent measure for pensions’ sustainability and unfold the regulatory environment’s disincentives.
Application of computer-aided image reconstruction and image guide in parasagittal meningioma resection
Authors: Zhang Rui , Alpdogan Serdar , Kong Shiqi , Muhammad Sajjad 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
In recent years, smaller-sized (diameter < 2.5 cm) meningiomas are diagnosed due to increased cranial imaging. Symptomatic meningiomas need to be removed surgically. Therefore, it is extremely important to locate the lesion exactly to tailor the craniotomy especially if the neuro-navigation system is not available. Many hospitals located in the underdeveloped countries cannot afford the high costs of neuro-navigation equipment. Hence, it is relevant to discover low-cost associated and effective methods for lesion localization for surgery.

Methods
The use of localization markers in advance can help to acquire preoperative CT images of the patients to create and calculate a three-dimensional (3D) virtual graph using a computer. With the 3D graph, spatial distance of the tumor from the markers is calculated and the tumor location projected on the scalp by the Triangle Pythagorean theorem. This enables precise localization of intracranial microlesions preoperatively.

Results
The location of the tumor was consistent with that of the pre-operative virtual image, and the craniotomy was exact. The patient was discharged 3 days later without any neurological deficits.

Conclusions
This method is simple and reliable, inexpensive, and accurate in the location of small-sized lesions, which can partially compensate for the lack of neuro-navigation and is suitable for widespread application in hospitals in developing countries.
Six-Month Periodic Fasting in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Nephropathy: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Sulaj Alba , Kopf Stefan , von Rauchhaupt Ekaterina , Kliemank Elisabeth , Brune Maik , Kender Zoltan , Bartl Hannelore , Cortizo Fabiola Garcia , Klepac Katarina , Han Zhe , Kumar Varun , Longo Valter , Teleman Aurelio , Okun Jürgen G , Morgenstern Jakob , Fleming Thomas , Szendroedi Julia , Herzig Stephan , Nawroth Peter P 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Context
Novel fasting interventions have gained scientific and public attention. Periodic fasting has emerged as a dietary modification promoting beneficial effects on metabolic syndrome.

Objective
Assess whether periodic fasting reduces albuminuria and activates nephropathy-driven pathways.

Design/Participants
Proof-of-concept study where individuals with type 2 diabetes (n = 40) and increased albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) were randomly assigned to receive a monthly fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) or a Mediterranean diet for 6 months with 3-month follow-up.

Main Outcomes Measures
Change in ACR was assessed by analysis of covariance adjusted for age, sex, weight loss, and baseline value. Prespecified subgroup analysis for patients with micro- vs macroalbuminuria at baseline was performed. Change in homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), circulating markers of dicarbonyl detoxification (methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone 1, glyoxalase-1, and hydroxyacetone), DNA-damage/repair (phosphorylated histone H2AX), lipid oxidation (acylcarnitines), and senescence (soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor) were assessed as exploratory endpoints.

Results
FMD was well tolerated with 71% to 95% of the participants reporting no adverse effects. After 6 months, change in ACR was comparable between study groups [110.3 (99.2, 121.5) mg/g; P = 0.45]. FMD led to a reduction of ACR in patients with microalbuminuria levels at baseline [−30.3 (−35.7, −24.9) mg/g; P ≤ 0.05] but not in those with macroalbuminuria [434.0 (404.7, 463.4) mg/g; P = 0.23]. FMD reduced HOMA-IR [−3.8 (−5.6, −2.0); P ≤ 0.05] and soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor [−156.6 (−172.9, −140.4) pg/mL; P ≤ 0.05], while no change was observed in markers of dicarbonyl detoxification or DNA-damage/repair. Change in acylcarnitines was related to patient responsiveness to ACR improvement. At follow-up only HOMA-IR reduction [−1.9 (−3.7, −0.1), P ≤ 0.05]) was sustained.

Conclusions
Improvement of microalbuminuria and of markers of insulin resistance, lipid oxidation, and senescence suggest the potential beneficial effects of periodic fasting in type 2 diabetes.
Breaking Consensus, Transforming Metabolisms
Authors: De Rosa Salvatore Paolo 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThis article discusses the politics of direct action against fossil fuels put forward by climate justice movements, focusing in particular on the tactic of the blockade. Drawing on the conceptual toolkit of urban political ecology, the argument moves from a critique of the consensual regime of climate change governance to highlight conflict and dissent as central forces for the transformation of the socioecological metabolisms structuring the capitalist urbanization of nature—of which fossil fuels constitute the lifeblood. This approach shifts the debate around climate change politics from an issue of technological transition to one of metabolic transformation. On this basis, the article proposes a characterization of direct action against fossil fuels as expressions of metabolic activism: instances of grassroots ecopolitical engagement that aim to break consensus by disrupting capitalist-driven metabolic relations while also experimenting with alternative values, knowledges, spaces, and sociomaterial relations. To ground these reflections, the article offers an account of the Swedish climate justice coalition Fossilgasfällan and its successful three-year campaign, culminating in a blockade to halt the expansion of the gas terminal of Gothenburg port.
Stimuli-Responsive and Switchable Platinum(II) Complexes and Their Applications in Memory Storage
Authors: Yam Vivian Wing-Wah , Cheng Yat-Hin 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Platinum(II) complexes can be fascinating candidates for the design of effective stimuli-responsive materials. Being one of the most extensively explored classes of transition metal complexes, their square-planar molecular geometry, rich charge-transfer transitions and strong propensity to form supramolecular assemblies with the aid of directional Pt(II)⋯Pt(II) interactions have endowed the Pt(II) complexes with distinct features to display responsive behavior in the presence of stimuli, such as light, external electric field and organic solvent vapor. Together with other unique advantages, including low-energy charge-transfer excited states, red emission and high photostability, many functional and switchable materials based on platinum(II) complexes have been developed. In this account, we introduce a summary of our advances in the development of various classes of responsive and switchable platinum(II) complexes with selected examples.