PeerJ
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To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the weekend effect on the mortality of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding(UGIB). ⋯ The weekend effect is associated with increased mortality of UGIB patients, particularly in non-variceal bleeding. The timing of endoscopic intervention might be a factor that influences mortality of UGIB patients.
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Fossil polypterids are mainly represented by disarticulated material, most of them pinnules. However, there is no study that proves the taxonomical validity of these structures. ⋯ Nevertheless, when comparing two different specimens of one species there is little or no interindividual variation, suggesting that pinnule morphology may have taxonomical validity. As the fossil polypterid record is based mainly on the articular head of the pinnules, we suggest caution when describing new taxa, especially if different fragments corresponding to specific positions in the dorsal fin occur in the same locality.
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Several water-based sports (swimming, surfing and stand up paddle boarding) require adequate thoracic mobility (specifically rotation) in order to perform the appropriate activity requirements. The measurement of thoracic spine rotation is problematic for clinicians due to a lack of convenient and reliable measurement techniques. More recently, smartphones have been used to quantify movement in various joints in the body; however, there appears to be a paucity of research using smartphones to assess thoracic spine movement. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the reliability (intra and inter rater) and validity of the iPhone® app (Compass) when assessing thoracic spine rotation ROM in healthy individuals. ⋯ This study reveals that the iPhone® app (Compass) is a reliable tool for measuring thoracic spine rotation which produces greater reproducibility of measurements both within and between raters than a UG. As a significant positive correlation exists between the Compass app and UG, this supports the use of either device in clinical practice as a reliable and valid tool to measure thoracic rotation. Considering the levels of agreement are clinically unacceptable, the devices should not be used interchangeably for initial and follow up measurements.
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To translate the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) into Chinese, validate its reliability and validity in nursing students and investigate the perceived stress level of nursing students. ⋯ The C-PSQ has an appropriate reliability and validity, which means that the scale can be used as a universal tool for psychosomatic studies. The perceived stress of nursing students was relatively high. Further studies are needed.
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This study assessed whether serum lipid levels are associated with the risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) and functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke after receiving intravenous thrombolysis. ⋯ Serum lipid levels on admission, including total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglyceride levels, were not associated with sICH or 3-month functional outcomes after intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke.