Readiness to Transition to Online Learning: A Survey Among Filipino Pre-service Teachers

This study is focused on the perspective of readiness to transition to online learning of the pre-service teachers who are currently enrolled in Western Mindanao State University during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Quantitative research design was employed in this study and adapted a descriptive survey method. 311 pre-service teachers coming from different year level and majors responded to the said survey. Through the use of statistical software SPSS, the collected data was analyzed. The findings of this study unveiled that the perception of pre-service teachers' readiness towards online learning is high. It was revealed that the motivation of the pre-service teachers is high. Amidst the urgent shift of learning to online, it was shown that the level of readiness of pre-service teachers is high as they are confident in operating the basic functions of Microsoft Office programs and managing the internet and software which are essential skills for online learning contexts. Albeit, learners need to acquire a sense of control. Learner control ranked the lowest along with online communication self-efficacy ranking second to the last. The prominent issue of the intermittent connection as well as the electric power interruptions has been a long issue and governments need to take a serious action toward this dilemma. Moreover, teachers should stimulate the learners' online/communication self-efficacy in a way that students will participate in discussions, sharing ideas, and expressing their opinions

Derepression of glomerular filtration, renal blood flow and antioxidant defence in patients with type 2 diabetes at high-risk of cardiorenal disease

Background The role of antioxidant status on microvascular blood flow and glomerular filtration (eGFR) in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension whose risk of progressive renal disease varies by ethnicity is unknown. Methods Adult, non-Caucasian (n=101) and Caucasian (n=69) patients with type 2 diabetes, hypertension and/or microalbuminuria and an eGFR > 45 mL/min/1.73m2 were randomised to 400 IU vitamin E and/or 20 ug selenium daily or matching placebo. eGFR (CKD-EPI) was measured at baseline, 3,6 and 12 months and renal blood flow by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in a sub-group (n=9) at baseline and 3 months by assessing the area under the time intensity curve (TIC). Circulating glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx-3) activity was measured as a biomarker of oxidative defence status. Results The time to change in eGFR was shortest with combined vitamin E and selenium than usual care (5.6 [4.0-7.0] vs 8.9 [6.8-10.9 months]; p=0.006). Area under the TIC was reduced compared to baseline (38.52 [22.41- 90.49] vs 123 [86.98- 367.03]dB.s; P≤0.05 and 347 [175.88- 654.92] vs 928.03 [448.45-1683]dB.s; P≤0.05, respectively] at 3 months suggesting an increase in rate of perfusion. The proportional change in eGFR at 12 months was greater in the group whose GPx-3 activity was above, compared with those below the cohort median (360 U/L) in the non-Caucasian and the Caucasian groups (19.1(12.5 to 25.7] % vs 6.5[-3.5 to 16.5] % and 12.8 [0.7 to 24] % vs 0.2 [-6.1 to 6.5] %). . Conclusion In these patients with type 2 diabetes and early CKD, antioxidant treatment derepresses renal blood flow and a rise in eGFR correlated directly with GPx-3 activity. Significance Diabetes mellitus is the world’s leading cause of end-stage renal disease which has a predilection for black and minor ethnic groups compared with Caucasians. The differences in risk despite the benefits of conventional care may be related to oxidative stress. We found that glomerular filtration and renal blood flow is suppressed when renal function is preserved in high-risk patients with type 2 diabetes. Conventional care supplemented with selenium - the co-factor for glutathione peroxidase-3 (GPx-3) - improves renal blood flow and glomerular filtration in sub-groups with lower host antioxidant defence determined by GPx-3 activity. Circulating GPx-3 activity warrants further investigation as a novel biomarker of reversible haemodynamic changes in early diabetic kidney disease to better enable targeting of renoprotective strategies

A sociodental approach in prosthodontic treatment decision making Uma abordagem social nas tomadas de decisão no tratamento com prótese dentária

A critical problem in the decision making process for dental prosthodontic treatment is the lack of reliable clinical parameters. This review discusses the limits of traditional normative treatment and presents guidelines for clinical decision making. There is a need to incorporate a sociodental approach to help determine patient's needs. Adoption of the evidence-based clinical practice model is also needed to assure safe and effective clinical practice in prosthetic dentistry.<br>Um problema crítico no processo de tomadas de decisão em prótese dentária é a falta de parâmetros clínicos confiáveis nas condutas clínicas de tratamento. A presente revisão descreve e discute alguns aspectos desse problema e apresenta diretrizes para as decisões clínicas a partir do levantamento de limitações inerentes ao tratamento normativo tradicional. Conclui-se que há necessidade de incorporação de uma abordagem sócio-odontológica na determinação de necessidades dos pacientes. A adoção de um modelo de práticas baseadas em evidências é essencial para assegurar práticas clínicas seguras e efetivas em prótese dentária