Dreyfus scale-based feedback increased medical students’ satisfaction with the complex cluster part of a interviewing and physical examination course and improved skills readiness in Taiwan

Shiau-Shian Huang,Chia-Chang Huang,Ying-Ying Yang,Shuu-Jiun Wang,Boaz Shulruf,Chen-Huan Chen 한국보건의료인국가시험원 2019 보건의료교육평가 Vol.16 No.-

PurposeIn contrast to the core part of the clinical interviewing and physical examination (PE) skills course, corresponding to the basic, head-to-toe, and thoracic systems, learners need structured feedback in the cluster part of the course, which includes the gastrointestinal, neuromuscular, and musculoskeletal systems. This study evaluated the effects of using Dreyfus scale-based feedback, which has elements of continuous professional development, instead of Likert scale-based feedback in the cluster part of training in Taiwan. MethodsInstructors and final-year medical students in the 2015-2016 classes of National Yang-Ming University, Taiwan comprised the regular cohort, whereas those in the 2017-2018 classes formed the intervention cohort. In the intervention cohort, Dreyfus scale-based feedback, rather than Likert scale-based feedback, was used in the cluster part of the course. ResultsIn the cluster part of the course in the regular cohort, pre-trained standardized patients rated the class climate as poor, and students expressed low satisfaction with the instructors and course and low self-assessed readiness. In comparison with the regular cohort, improved end-of-course group objective structured clinical examination scores after the cluster part were noted in the intervention cohort. In other words, the implementation of Dreyfus scale-based feedback in the intervention cohort for the cluster part improved the deficit in this section of the course. ConclusionThe implementation of Dreyfus scale-based feedback helped instructors to create a good class climate in the cluster part of the clinical interviewing and PE skills course. Simultaneously, this new intervention achieved the goal of promoting medical students’ readiness for interviewing, PE, and self-directed learning.

Green Tea Consumption May Be Associated with Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Type 2 Diabetics: A Cross-Sectional Study in Southeast China

Huan-Huan Yang,Hui Zhou,Wan-Zhan Zhu,Cai-Long Chen,Guo-Chong Chen,Lu-Gang Yu,Li-qiang Qin 한국식품영양과학회 2020 Journal of medicinal food Vol.23 No.10

Dietary factors play a crucial role in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Therefore, we aimed to examine the associations between habitual green tea consumption and risk factors of CVD among T2DM patients. A total of 1013 patients with T2DM were included in a community-based cross-sectional study. Data on dietary habits, including tea consumption, were collected using a food frequency questionnaire. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyze the associations. In men, as compared with nongreen tea drinkers, odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were 2.06 (95% CI, 1.20–3.55) for those with green tea consumption of once per day and 2.45 (95% CI, 1.31–4.58) for more than or equal to twice per day (P-trend = .004); ORs (95% CI) of general obesity were 2.19 (95% CI, 1.02–4.68) and 2.70 (95% CI, 1.18–6.21), respectively (P-trend = .021); whereas no such association was found in women. Sensitivity analysis according to self-awareness of their T2DM status revealed that the positive association between green tea consumption and general obesity was not reliable. Higher intake of green tea was still positively associated with NAFLD, but it only persisted in participants aged ≥52 years or the lower dietary quality subgroup in further analyses. Our findings suggest that tea consumption was associated with an increased risk of NAFLD among male T2DM patients aged 52 years or older, and those with lower dietary quality, which needs to be confirmed in future prospective studies.

Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy: Evaluating Microstructural Changes of Extraocular Muscles and Optic Nerves Using Readout-Segmented Echo-Planar Imaging-Based Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Huan-Huan Chen,Hao Hu,Wen Chen,Dai Cui,Xiao-Quan Xu,Fei-Yun Wu,Tao Yang 대한영상의학회 2020 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.21 No.3

Objective: We aimed to investigate the ability of readout-segmented echo-planar imaging (rs-EPI)-based diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in assessing the microstructural change of extraocular muscles (EOMs) and optic nerves in patients with thyroidassociated orbitopathy (TAO) as well as in evaluating disease activity. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 35 TAO patients and 22 healthy controls (HCs) who underwent pre-treatment rs-EPIbased DTI. Mean, axial, and radial diffusivity (MD, AD, and RD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) of the medial and lateral EOMs and optic nerve for each orbit were calculated and compared between TAO and HC groups and between active and inactive TAO groups. Factors such as age, sex, disease duration, mediation, and smoking history between groups were also compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the predictive value of significant variables for disease activity. Results: Disease duration was significantly shorter in active TAOs than in inactive ones (p < 0.001). TAO patients showed significantly lower FA and higher MD, AD, and RD than HCs for both medial and lateral EOMs (p < 0.001), but not the AD value of lateral EOMs (p = 0.619). Active patients had significantly higher FA, MD, and AD than inactive patients for medial EOMs (p < 0.005), whereas only FA differed significantly in the lateral EOMs (p = 0.018). The MD, AD, and RD of optic nerves were significantly lower in TAO patients than HCs (p < 0.05), except for FA (p = 0.129). Multivariate analysis showed that the MD of medial EOMs and disease duration were significant predictors for disease activity. The combination of these two parameters showed optimal diagnostic efficiency for disease activity (area under the curve, 0.855; sensitivity, 68.4%; specificity, 96.9%). Conclusion: rs-EPI-based DTI is promising in assessing microstructural changes of EOMs and optic nerves and can help to indicate the disease activity of TAO, especially through the MD of medial EOMs.

The design of large packaging production line system based on Embedded Technology

Huan Yang,Qianqian Zhang,Chenghao Yuan,Hancheng zhao,Yanjun Xiao 보안공학연구지원센터 2016 International Journal of Multimedia and Ubiquitous Vol.11 No.8

Environmental Friendly Intumescent Flame Retardant Gives Epoxy Resin Excellent Fire Resistance and Mechanical Properties

Huan Wang,Li Li,Yan Kang,Xue Yin,Xuedi Lei,Jing Yang,Hui Xi,Xueqing Xu,Zhiwang Yang,Ziqiang Lei 한국고분자학회 2022 Macromolecular Research Vol.30 No.8

To reduce the fire hazard of epoxy resin (EP), PA-CS-M (where PA = phytic acid, CS =c hitosan, M=Cu2+, Co2+, Al3+, Zn2+, Mn2+) environmental friendly flame retardant is prepared by a simple and green method. By comparing the data after cone calorimetry test (CCT) of various composites, it is found that when 5 wt% PA-CS-Mn is added to EP, it has good flame retardant and smoke suppression performance. The peak heat release rate (pk-HRR) decreased by 38% and the smoke production rate (SPR) decreased by 33%. In addition, some toxic smoke such as CO has been significantly inhibited. The structures and morphologies of the materials were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). When combined with expandable graphite (EG), it is found that when the ratio of PA-CS-Mn to EG is 1:5, the pk-HRR value and SPR value decreased by 69.8% and 66.6%, respectively. More importantly, the mechanical properties of the EP composites have also been greatly improved. The flexural modulus reaches 5.04 GPa, which is 52.3% higher than pure EP, and the flexural strength increases to 79.4 MPa, which also shows an increase of 41.4% as to the matrix.

Accurate measurement of residual stresses of 2219-T87 aluminum alloy friction stir welding joints based on properties of joints

Yang Du,Huan Li,Lijun Yang,Chuanguang Luo 대한기계학회 2018 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.32 No.1

In order to avoid the deviation caused by calculating the residual stresses of welding joints with the release coefficients of the same parent metal, a new method has been proposed based on the properties of weld joints. Since the mechanical property of 2195-F Al alloy is close to that of 2219-T87 Al alloy Friction stir welding (FSW) joint, 2195-F Al alloy is selected as the substitute material of 2219-T87 Al alloy FSW joint in the calibration test. Release coefficients of 2195-F Al alloy and proper correction coefficient are used to calculate the residual stresses of 2219-T87 Al alloy FSW joints. Compared to the results calculated with release coefficients of its parent metal, it has been proved that the proposed correction method is more precise in residual stresses measurement of weld joints. The mathematical analysis and the results of verification tests have shown that this new method is reliable, and it will provide guidance in academic research and engineering application of the spherical indentation strain-gauge method.

Effects of maternal undernutrition during late pregnancy on the regulatory factors involved in growth and development in ovine fetal perirenal brown adipose tissue

Yang Huan,Ma Chi,Zi Yang,Zhang Min,Liu Yingchun,Wu Kaifeng,Gao Feng 아세아·태평양축산학회 2022 Animal Bioscience Vol.35 No.7

Objective: The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of maternal undernutrition during late pregnancy on the expressions of genes involved in growth and development in ovine fetal perirenal brown adipose tissue (BAT). Methods: Eighteen ewes with singleton fetuses were allocated to three groups at day 90 of pregnancy: restricted group 1 (RG1, 0.33 MJ metabolisable energy [ME]/kg body weight [BW]0.75/d, n = 6), restricted group 2 (RG2, 0.18 MJ ME/kg BW0.75/d, n = 6), and a control group (CG, ad libitum, 0.67 MJ ME/kg BW0.75/d, n = 6). The fetuses were removed at day 140 of pregnancy. All data were analyzed by using the analysis of variance procedure. Results: The perirenal fat weight (p = 0.0077) and perirenal fat growth rate (p = 0.0074) were reduced in RG2 compared to CG. In fetal perirenal BAT, the protein level of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) (p = 0.0001) was lower in RG1 and RG2 compared with CG and UCP1 mRNA expression (p = 0.0265) was decreased in RG2. The protein level of myogenic factor 5 (Myf5) was also decreased in RG2 (p = 0.0001). In addition, mRNA expressions of CyclinA (p = 0.0109), CyclinB (p = 0.0019), CyclinD (p = 0.0015), cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) (p = 0.0001), E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) (p = 0.0323), E2F4 (p = 0.0101), and E2F5 (p = 0.0018) were lower in RG1 and RG2. There were decreased protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) (p = 0.0043) and mRNA expression of CCAAT/ enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBPα) (p = 0.0307) in RG2 and decreased PPARγ mRNA expression (p = 0.0008) and C/EBPα protein expression (p = 0.0015) in both RG2 and RG1. Furthermore, mRNA expression of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) (p = 0.0083) and BMP7 (p = 0.0330) decreased in RG2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor co-activator-1α (PGC-1α) reduced in RG2 and RG1. Conclusion: Our observations support that repression of regulatory factors promoting differentiation and development results in the inhibition of BAT maturation in fetal perirenal fat during late pregnancy with maternal undernutrition. Objective: The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of maternal undernutrition during late pregnancy on the expressions of genes involved in growth and development in ovine fetal perirenal brown adipose tissue (BAT).Methods: Eighteen ewes with singleton fetuses were allocated to three groups at day 90 of pregnancy: restricted group 1 (RG1, 0.33 MJ metabolisable energy [ME]/kg body weight [BW]^0.75/d, n = 6), restricted group 2 (RG2, 0.18 MJ ME/kg BW^0.75/d, n = 6), and a control group (CG, <i>ad libitum</i>, 0.67 MJ ME/kg BW^0.75/d, n = 6). The fetuses were removed at day 140 of pregnancy. All data were analyzed by using the analysis of variance procedure.Results: The perirenal fat weight (p = 0.0077) and perirenal fat growth rate (p = 0.0074) were reduced in RG2 compared to CG. In fetal perirenal BAT, the protein level of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) (p = 0.0001) was lower in RG1 and RG2 compared with CG and UCP1 mRNA expression (p = 0.0265) was decreased in RG2. The protein level of myogenic factor 5 (Myf5) was also decreased in RG2 (p = 0.0001). In addition, mRNA expressions of <i>CyclinA</i> (p = 0.0109), <i>CyclinB</i> (p = 0.0019), <i>CyclinD</i> (p = 0.0015), cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (<i>CDK1</i>) (p = 0.0001), E2F transcription factor 1 (<i>E2F1</i>) (p = 0.0323), <i>E2F4</i> (p = 0.0101), and <i>E2F5</i> (p = 0.0018) were lower in RG1 and RG2. There were decreased protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) (p = 0.0043) and mRNA expression of CCAAT/ enhancer-binding protein-α (<i>C/EBPα</i>) (p = 0.0307) in RG2 and decreased <i>PPARγ</i> mRNA expression (p = 0.0008) and C/EBPα protein expression (p = 0.0015) in both RG2 and RG1. Furthermore, mRNA expression of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (<i>BMP4</i>) (p = 0.0083) and <i>BMP7</i> (p = 0.0330) decreased in RG2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor co-activator-1α (<i>PGC-1α</i>) reduced in RG2 and RG1.Conclusion: Our observations support that repression of regulatory factors promoting differentiation and development results in the inhibition of BAT maturation in fetal perirenal fat during late pregnancy with maternal undernutrition.

Effect of L-carnitine on sperm quality during liquid storage of boar semen

Yang Kang,Wang Na,Guo Hai-Tao,Wang Jing-Ran,Sun Huan-Huan,Sun Liang-Zhen,Yue Shun-Li,Zhou Jia-Bo 아세아·태평양축산학회 2020 Animal Bioscience Vol.33 No.11

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of L-carnitine on the pig semen characteristics during storage. Methods: Spermatozoa samples were examined for spermatozoa quality and then randomly divided into 5 groups: 0 (control), 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mM L-carnitine. Sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity and antioxidant parameters (total reactive oxygen species, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde) were evaluated after 0, 3, 5, and 10 day cooled-storage at 17°C. Moreover, ATP content, mitochondria activity as well as sperm-binding and in vitro fertilizing ability of preserved boar sperm were also investigated. Results: Supplementation with 50 mM L-carnitine could effectively maintain boar sperm quality parameters such as sperm motility and membrane integrity. Besides, we found that L-carnitine had positive effects on boar sperm quality mainly through improving antioxidant capacities and enhancing ATP content and mitochondria activity. Interestingly, by assessing the effect of L-carnitine on sperm fertility and developmental potential, we discovered that the extender containing L-carnitine could improve sperm quality and increase the number of sperms bounding to zona pellucida, without improving in vitro fertility and development potential. Conclusion: These findings suggested that the proper addition of L-carnitine to the semen extender improved boar sperm quality during liquid storage at 17°C.

Effects of feed intake restriction during late pregnancy on the function, anti-oxidation capability and acute phase protein synthesis of ovine liver

Huan Yang,Ying Wang,Chi Ma,Chuan Sun,Yingchun Liu,Kaifeng Wu,Ming Li,Gerelt Borjigin,Feng Gao 아세아·태평양축산학회 2019 Animal Bioscience Vol.32 No.2

Objective: An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of feed intake restriction during late pregnancy on the function, anti-oxidation capability and acute phase protein synthesis of ovine liver. Methods: Eighteen time-mated ewes with singleton fetuses were allocated to three groups: restricted group 1 (RG1, 0.18 MJ ME/kg W0.75 d, n = 6), restricted group 2 (RG2, 0.33 MJ ME/kg W0.75 d), n = 6) and a control group (CG, ad libitum, 0.67 MJ ME/kg W0.75 d, n = 6). The feed restriction period was from 90 days to 140 days of pregnancy. Results: The ewe’s body weight, liver weights, water, and protein content of liver in the restricted groups were reduced compared with the CG group (p<0.05), but the liver fat contents in the RG1 group were higher than those of the CG group (p<0.05). The increased hepatic collagen fibers and reticular fibers were observed in the restricted groups with the reduction of energy intake. The concentrations of nonesterified free fatty acids in the RG1 and RG2 groups were higher than those of the CG group with the reduction of energy intake (p<0.05), but there were decreased concentrations of lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase in both restricted groups compared with the CG group (p<0.05). In addition, the increased concentrations of β-hydroxybutyric acid, triglycerides, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity and activities of superoxide dismutase activity and catalase were found in the RG1 group, and the concentrations of cholinesterase in the RG1 group were reduced compared with the CG group (p<0.05). For the concentrations of acute phase proteins, the C-reactive protein (CRP) in the RG1 group were reduced compared with the CG group, but there were no differences in haptoglobin relative to the controls (p>0.05). Conclusion: The fat accumulation, increased hepatic fibrosis, antioxidant imbalance and modified synthesis of acute phase proteins were induced in ewe’s liver by maternal malnutrition during late pregnancy, which were detrimental for liver function to accommodate pregnancy.

Simultaneous regulation of photoabsorption and ferromagnetism of NaTaO3 by Fe doping

Huan Yang,Liguo Zhang,Lifang Yu,Fang Wang,Zhenzhen Ma,Jie Zhou,Xiaohong Xu 한국물리학회 2018 Current Applied Physics Vol.18 No.11

NaTa1-xFexO3 (0≤x≤0.40) nanocubes were synthesized by a relatively low temperature hydrothermal method, using Ta2O5, FeCl3 and NaOH as the precursors. The UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra showed that NaTa1-xFexO3 had significant visible-light-absorbing capability, and the absorption edge of NaTaO3 shifted to longer wavelength with the increase of Fe dopants. Moreover, NaTa1-xFexO3 exhibited room-temperature ferromagnetism when Fe3+ occupied Ta5+ sites in NaTaO3 crystal lattice. The ferromagnetism is mainly attributed to the superexchange interactions between doped Fe3+, rather than the contribution of oxygen vacancies caused by Fe doping. Therefore, Fe doping can simultaneously regulate the optical and magnetic properties of NaTaO3 semiconductor, which will enable its potential applications in multifunctional optical-electronics and opticalspintronics devices.