Traditional melissopalynology integrated by multivariate analysis and sampling methods to improve botanical and geographical characterisation of honeys

Abstract

Melissopalynological analysis is the official test to determine the botanical and geographical origin of honey. Geographical characterisation is generally obtained by synthesising the pollen data of all available local honeys in a pollen spectrum interpreted according to palynological expertise. The subjective ability to interpret data is considered a limiting factor for this method and alternative tests are promoted. Nevertheless, melissopalynological analysis is still the most reliable test, and data, if properly exploited, could provide a large amount of information that is generally disregarded. The aim of our work was to apply a new experimental approach for honey sampling, and a statistical multivariate analysis of melissopalynological data. The study was conducted in the Sorrento-Amalfi Peninsula (southern Italy) where 36 hives were positioned in 12 experimental stations distributed in three main land-use types (citrus orchards, chestnut woods and Mediterranean maquis). The new approach proved to be useful for the comprehensive evaluation of honey variability across time and space, allowing objective identification of the pollen types as markers of a given geographical area.     

Contributo Allo Studio Fitosociologico Dei Popolamenti Algali Del Mediterraneo Orientale

Abstract

Marine phytocoenoses in the Eastern Mediterranean Setz. — In this paper a survey is given on the benthic communities observed in the Eastern Basin of the Mediterranean Sea. The investigation was carried out in 13 localities with aid of diving technique, down to 70 mt. depth. Samples at greater depths were collected with the use of a bottom-dredge. The data obtained from 56 phytoso-ciological «relevés» are shown in the 6 tables in the text. The ecological analysis has pointed out the subtropical character of the biocoenoses encoutered, due to the environmental factors. The surface Corallinaceae communities and the depth one, markedly in its precorraligenous facies, have exhibited the most conspicuous and subtropical characters. A comparative survey is carried out with the analogous formation which are found in the Western Mediterranean Basin. An attempt is made to interpret the ecological requirements of some algal species, whose distribution in the Mediterranean Sea is of particular interest. The conclusions are given as temporary assumption in view of a more detailed synthetic work to be carried out in the next years on the problems concerning the algal communities in the Mediterranean Sea.     

Do short courses in evidence based medicine improve knowledge and skills? Validation of Berlin questionnaire and before and after study of courses in evidence based medicine

ObjectiveTo develop and validate an instrument for measuring knowledge and skills in evidence based medicine and to investigate whether short courses in evidence based medicine lead to a meaningful increase in knowledge and skills.DesignDevelopment and validation of an assessment instrument and before and after study.SettingVarious postgraduate short courses in evidence based medicine in Germany.ParticipantsThe instrument was validated with experts in evidence based medicine, postgraduate doctors, and medical students. The effect of courses was assessed by postgraduate doctors from medical and surgical backgrounds.InterventionIntensive 3 day courses in evidence based medicine delivered through tutor facilitated small groups.ResultsThe questionnaire distinguished reliably between groups with different expertise in evidence based medicine. Experts attained a threefold higher average score than students. Postgraduates who had not attended a course performed better than students but significantly worse than experts. Knowledge and skills in evidence based medicine increased after the course by 57% (mean score before course 6.3 (SD 2.9) v 9.9 (SD 2.8), P<0.001). No difference was found among experts or students in absence of an intervention.ConclusionsThe instrument reliably assessed knowledge and skills in evidence based medicine. An intensive 3 day course in evidence based medicine led to a significant increase in knowledge and skills.

What is already known on this topic

Numerous observational studies have investigated the impact of teaching evidence based medicine to healthcare professionals, with conflicting resultsMost of the studies were of poor methodological quality

What this study adds

An instrument assessing basic knowledge and skills required for practising evidence based medicine was developed and validatedAn intensive 3 day course on evidence based medicine for doctors from various backgrounds and training level led to a clinically meaningful improvement of knowledge and skills     

Developing Children’s Observation Skills Using a Fractal Pattern from Nature

Abstract

This study aimed to support the development of the scientific observation skills of children at an early age using a pattern selected from nearby nature. For this purpose, a simple, innovative and authentic observation activity was designed using thorny burnet (Sarcopoterium spinosum L.), a plant unique to the Mediterranean region. The activity was conducted in a preschool institution with six-year-old children in the class hours of a weekly science course in three different environments (in-class, out-of-class, and out-of-school), and seven stages. In this activity, which aimed to transform children’s natural/spontaneous observation skills into scientific observation skills, patterns were revealed through systematic and sequential observation and drawings. At the end of the activity, it was found that the children had developed skills related to breaking a whole into its parts and putting the parts together according to patterns, making detailed observations, and systematic data collection, and they successfully implemented these skills outside the classroom and school.     

医务社工与志愿者在医院服务管理中作用的评价

目的 通过实证调查采集患者、医务工作者和志愿者对医务社工及志愿者工作的评价,解析医务社工及志愿者在医院服务管理中的作用。方法 采用问卷调查、文献查阅、深度访谈法,调研上海市三家三级甲等公立医院获取第一手资料。结果 调查结果显示,患者、医务人员及医务管理人员高度认可医务社工与志愿者在医院服务管理的作用。结论 医务社工和志愿者在医院服务管理中能发挥独特的作用,可以增进医患沟通,缓解或预防医患矛盾,给患者更多人文关怀和增值服务,一定程度上解决医患之间的诊治经费问题,提升服务品质、降低人力成本,应当得到全社会更多的重视。     

Chronotherapy of hypertension: advantages of 48-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring assessments in MAPEC and Hygia Chronotherapy Trial

ABSTRACT

The specific purpose of this communication is to summarize the relevant details of the methods utilized to conduct, analyze, and interpret the ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM)-obtained patient data in both MAPEC and Hygia Chronotherapy Trial, including details of the sampling requirements in terms of duration and frequency, proper calculation of ABPM-derived mean values, prognostic and therapeutic implications of BP dipping, and limitations of the 24 h BP mean as diagnostic/prognostic parameter still mistakenly recommended by some hypertension guidelines.     

大隐静脉顺行序贯式吻合技术在冠心病患者中的应用

目的:探讨大隐静脉(SVG)顺行序贯式吻合技术在冠心病患者中的应用价值。方法:收集我院2011年1月至2014年6月收治的78例冠心病患者,回顾性分析患者非体外循环下行SVG顺行序贯式冠状动脉旁路移植术患者的临床资料,术后随访1~3.5年,平均(2.1±1.5)年,密切观察患者治疗效果以及相应的并发症的发生情况。结果:SVG双支桥48例,三支桥20例,四支桥10例,吻合口共196个。术后测定近段血流流速(37.14±11.78)m L/min,搏动指数(PI)值(3.00±1.25)。术后出现2例低心排血量综合征,2例迟发性心脏压塞,除1例因序贯出现多脏器功能衰竭而死亡外,其余均痊愈。术后复查,SVG桥的通畅率为100%。结论:SVG顺行序贯吻合能尽快恢复心脏供血,术后通畅率高,在医生严格掌握手术技巧的前提下,可安全用于冠心病的治疗。     

基于探索性因子分析的输血科人员胜任力模型构建

??????? 目的 构建医院输血科室人员胜任力模型。方法 采用横断面问卷调查收集数据,采用探索性因子分析对胜任力模型内部结构进行分析。 结果 医院输血科室人员胜任力模型包含了6个公因子和24个特征指标,维度分别为：专业技能、个人特质、能力素质、防控差错、遵守规范和职业素养。结论 构建医院输血科室人员胜任力模型可以极大的丰富医院人力资源管理策略,在甄选、培训和绩效测评输血科室人员等方面具有积极的现实意义。     

Distinct energetics and closing pathways for DNA polymerase β with 8-oxoG template and different incoming nucleotides

Background  

8-Oxoguanine (8-oxoG) is a common oxidative lesion frequently encountered by DNA polymerases such as the repair enzyme DNA polymerase β (pol β). To interpret in atomic and energetic detail how pol β processes 8-oxoG, we apply transition path sampling to delineate closing pathways of pol β 8-oxoG complexes with dCTP and dATP incoming nucleotides and compare the results to those of the nonlesioned G:dCTP and G:dATPanalogues.     

Mining cancer biology through bioinformatic analysis of proteomic data

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Discovery proteomics for cancer research generates complex datasets of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic significance in human cancer. With the advent of high-resolution mass spectrometers, able to identify thousands of proteins in complex biological samples, only the application of bioinformatics can lead to the interpretation of data which can be relevant for cancer research.

Areas covered: Here, we give an overview of the current bioinformatic tools used in cancer proteomics. Moreover, we describe their applications in cancer proteomics studies of cell lines, serum, and tissues, highlighting recent results and critically evaluating their outcomes.

Expert opinion: The use of bioinformatic tools is a fundamental step in order to manage the large amount of proteins (from hundreds to thousands) that can be identified and quantified in a cancer biological samples by proteomics. To handle this challenge and obtain useful data for translational medicine, it is important the combined use of different bioinformatic tools. Moreover, a particular attention to the global experimental design, and the integration of multidisciplinary skills are essential for best setting of tool parameters and best interpretation of bioinformatics output.     

Effectiveness of teaching general practitioners skills in brief cognitive behaviour therapy to treat patients with depression: randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of teaching general practitioners skills in brief cognitive behaviour therapy.DesignParallel group, cluster randomised, controlled trial of an educational package on cognitive behaviour therapy.SettingGeneral practices in north London.Participants84 general practitioner principals and 272 patients attending their practices who scored above the threshold for psychological distress on the hospital anxiety and depression scale.InterventionA training package of four half days on brief cognitive behaviour therapy.ResultsDoctors'' knowledge of depression and attitudes towards its treatment showed no major difference between intervention and control groups after 6 months. The training had no discernible impact on patients'' outcomes.ConclusionGeneral practitioners may require more training and support than a basic educational package on brief cognitive behaviour therapy to acquire skills to help patients with depression.

What is already known on this topic

Trained professionals can deliver effective cognitive behaviour therapy to depressed patients presenting to general practitionersLimited evidence shows that cognitive behaviour therapy is effective when delivered by general practitioners who have received extensive instructionMost doctors do not have the time or inclination to carry out such comprehensive training

What this study adds

Basic training in brief cognitive behaviour therapy has little effect on general practitioners'' attitudes to the identification and treatment of depression or the outcome of their patients with emotional problemsGeneral practitioners may require more extensive training and support if they are to acquire skills in brief cognitive behaviour therapy that will have a positive impact on their patients     

Protein dynamics in solution and powder measured by incoherent elastic neutron scattering: the influence of Q-range and energy resolution

Incoherent elastic neutron scattering (IENS) has been widely used to measure intramolecular atomic mean square displacements (MSDs) of proteins in powder and in solution. The instrumental energy resolution and the wave vector transfer (Q-range) determine, respectively, the time and length scales of observable motions. In order to investigate contributions of diffusive motions to MSDs measured by this method, we calculated the elastic intensity for several simple scattering functions. We showed that continuous translational diffusion contributes to MSDs in a Q-range where the energy width of the scattering function is of the order of the instrumental energy resolution. We discuss the choice of instruments adapted to focus on intramolecular motions in the presence of solvent or global macromolecular diffusion. The concepts developed are applied to interpret experimental data from H₂O- and D₂O-hydrated proteins. Finally, analogies between the Gaussian approximation in IENS and the Guinier approximation in small-angle scattering are discussed.     

Overdispersed fungus germination data: statistical analysis using R

ABSTRACT

Proportion data from dose-response experiments are often overdispersed, characterised by a larger variance than assumed by the standard binomial model. Here, we present different models proposed in the literature that incorporate overdispersion. We also discuss how to select the best model to describe the data and present, using R software, specific code used to fit and interpret binomial, quasi-binomial, beta-binomial, and binomial-normal models, as well as to assess goodness-of-fit. We illustrate applications of these generalized linear models and generalized linear mixed models with a case study from a biological control experiment, where different isolates of Isaria fumosorosea (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) were used to assess which ones presented higher resistance to UV-B radiation. We show how to test for differences between isolates and also how to statistically group isolates presenting a similar behaviour.     

A Study on the Application of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) Model on Rational Drug Use Behavior among Second-Level Hospital Outpatients in Anhui,China

BackgroundThe high prevalence of risky irrational drug use behaviors mean that outpatients face high risks of drug resistance and even death. This study represents the first application of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model on rational drug use behavior among second-level hospital outpatients from three prefecture-level cities in Anhui, China. Using the IMB model, our study examined predictors of rational drug use behavior and determined the associations between the model constructs.MethodsThis study was conducted with a sample of 1,214 outpatients aged 18 years and older in Anhui second-level hospitals and applied the structural equation model (SEM) to test predictive relations among the IMB model variables related to rational drug use behavior.ResultsAge, information and motivation had significant direct effects on rational drug use behavior. Behavioral skills as an intermediate variable also significantly predicted more rational drug use behavior. Female gender, higher educational level, more information and more motivation predicted more behavioral skills. In addition, there were significant indirect impacts on rational drug use behavior mediated through behavioral skills.ConclusionsThe IMB-based model explained the relationships between the constructs and rational drug use behavior of outpatients in detail, and it suggests that future interventions among second-level hospital outpatients should consider demographic characteristics and should focus on improving motivation and behavioral skills in addition to the publicity of knowledge.     

Digital game design-based STEM activity: Biodiversity example

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to design a digital game design-based STEM activity for fifth-grade students learning about endangered organisms and significance of biodiversity for living. This activity was carried out with twenty students in a public school in Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey during academic year of 2018–2019 spring term. This study planned as eight-lesson time (8?×?40?minutes) and completed at this lesson time. The students were given the digital game design challenge in real-life problem context that has been created based on design-based science learning and for which they shall use their knowledge and skills in each of the STEM disciplines. During this design challenge, students worked like a scientist and an engineer. They carried out scientific research and inquiry process in the science discipline, understood the engineering design process in the engineering discipline, established mathematical relations in the mathematics discipline, learned how to make coding in the technology discipline, and used this knowledge and skills thus acquired in their suggested solutions for the design challenge. They designed a digital game by coding and presented science knowledge and skills that acquired from inquiry process.     

Attachment Behavior of Shewanella putrefaciens onto Magnetite under Aerobic and Anaerobic Conditions

In this study, batch experiments were used to characterize attachment behavior of Shewanella putrefaciens strain 200R to ferrihydrite and magnetite. Attachment was quantified in batch experiments with a 0.01 M NaNO ₃ solution as a function of pH (ranging from 3 to 10), sorbed anion (PO₄ ^{3 ?} ), and growth conditions (aerobic vs. anaerobic). Electrophoretic mobility data was collected for S. putrefaciens cells and magnetite grains and used as a means to interpret the role of electrostatic interaction in attachment studies. Little difference in attachment behavior was observed as a function of growth conditions or surface treatments. The exception was at pH ranging from 2 to 4, under anaerobic conditions, where increased attachment was measured on magnetite surfaces with sorbed PO₄ ^{3 ?} . This increased attachment was attributed to development of Fe-PO₄ surface complexes or secondary mineral phases, resulting in altered surface interactions between cell and mineral surfaces. Attachment was irreversible and increased with time under anaerobic conditions even under elevated pH conditions unfavourable to electrostatic interactions between cells and mineral surfaces. These results suggest that electrophoretic mobility data in this system is not a good predictor of attachment behavior, while surface charge development via protonation and deprotonation of surface functional groups is consistent with experimental attachment data. In this study, S. putrefaciens appears to utilize polymers or pili to remain attached to Fe-oxides and this process may facilitate Fe reduction on these surfaces. Results from this study underscore the need for quantitative bulk measurements of microbial attachment to accurately predict partitioning of dissimilatory iron reducing bacteria between solution and solid phases.