bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mtDNA Mutation Spectrum in the Polg Mutator Mouse Reveals Germline and Somatic Selection
Authors: Maclaine Kendra D , Stebbings Kevin A , Havird Justin C
Published: June 2021

Background:Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) codes for products necessary for electron transport and mitochondrial gene translation. mtDNA mutations can lead to human disease and influence organismal fitness. The PolG mutator mouse lacks mtDNA proofreading function and rapidly accumulates mtDNA mutations, making it a model for examining the causes and consequences of mitochondrial mutations. Premature aging in PolG mice and their physiology have been examined in depth, but the location, frequency, and diversity of their mtDNA mutations remain understudied. Identifying the locations and spectra of mtDNA mutations in PolG mice can shed light on how selection shapes mtDNA, both within and across organisms.Results:Here, we characterized somatic and germline mtDNA mutations in brain and liver tissue of PolG mice to quantify mutation count (number of unique mutations) and frequency (mutation prevalence). Overall, mtDNA mutation count and frequency were the lowest in the D-loop, where an mtDNA origin of replication is located, but otherwise uniform across the mitochondrial genome. Somatic mtDNA mutations have a higher mutation count than germline mutations. However, germline mutations maintain a higher frequency and were also more likely to be silent. Cytosine to thymine mutations characteristic of replication errors were the plurality of basepair changes, and missense C to T mutations primarily resulted in increased protein hydrophobicity. Indel mutations had a lower count and frequency than point mutations and tended to be short, frameshift deletions.Conclusions:Our results provide strong evidence that purifying selection plays a major role in the mtDNA of PolG mice. Missense mutations were less likely to be passed down in the germline, and they were less likely to spread to high frequencies. The D-loop appears to have resistance to mutations, either through selection or as a by-product of replication processes. Missense mutations that decrease hydrophobicity also tend to be selected against, reflecting the membrane-bound nature of mtDNA-encoded proteins. The abundance of mutations from polymerase errors compared with reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage supports previous studies suggesting ROS plays a minimal role in exacerbating the PolG phenotype. Our results provide further insight on how selection shapes mtDNA mutations and on the aging mechanisms in PolG mice.
Appropriate Number of Observations For Determining Hand Hygiene Compliance Among Healthcare Workers
Authors: Park Se Yoon , Park Suyeon , Lee Eunjung , Kim Tae Hyong , Won Sungho
Published: June 2021

We sought to determine the minimum number of observations needed to determine hand hygiene (HH) compliance among healthcare workers. The study was conducted at a referral hospital in South Korea. We retrospectively analyzed the result of HH monitoring from January to December 2018. HH compliance was calculated by dividing the number of observed HH actions by the total number of opportunities. Optimal HH compliance rates were calculated based on adherence to the six-step technique recommended by the World Health Organization. The minimum number of required observations (n) was calculated by the following equation using overall mean value (r), absolute precision (d), and confidence interval (CI) (1-α) [The equation: n ≥ Z2 α/2 * p * (1-p)/d2 ]. We considered ds of 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30%, with CIs of 99%, 95%, and 90%. During the study period, 8,791 HH opportunities among 1,168 healthcare workers were monitored. Mean HH compliance and optimal HH compliance rates were 80.3% and 59.7%, respectively. The minimum number of observations required to determine HH compliance rates ranged from 2 (d: 30%, CI: 90%) to 624 (d: 5%, CI: 99%), and that for optimal HH compliance ranged from 5 (d: 30%, CI: 90%) to 642 (d: 5%, CI: 99%). We found that at least five observations were needed to determine optimal HH compliance with 30% absolute precision and a 90% CI.
Strongly Correlated Electronic States in Aqueous Micellar Surfactant
Authors: Mirgorod Yuri
Published: June 2021

Strongly correlated electronic states (SCES), that determine the anomalies of physicochemical properties, are well-known for solid materials at low temperatures. According to the mechanism of manifestation their existence can be assumed in biological cells with white spots, which makes us look into this challenging problem in detail. The paper presents its solution through a study of simple models of micellar solutions of ionic surfactants. The process of micelle formation with accompanying liquid-liquid phase transition makes us pay attention to possible anomalies of properties. Therefore the SCES of water micellar solution has been tested by compenstion and cooperative effects; and by small-angle, wide-angle X-ray, dynamic and chiral scattering of electromagnetic radiation. The solution water is represented by ensembles of small nano systems. Therefore, thermal (cavities for micelles 2-6 nm) and quantum (0.2-0.3 nm) fluctuations of water appear in the zone of concentration of micelle formation. Their energy is approximately equal to the H-bond. Contraction (expansion) of water H-bonds network of due to quantum fluctuations on a small scale correlates with the expansion (contraction) of the in the cavities in the micelles H-bonds network due to thermal fluctuations on a large scale. This phenomenon is caused by SСES.
Chronic, But Not Acute, Oral L-Arginine Supplementation Attenuates Exercise-Induced Ammonia Accumulation in Healthy Young Men: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Cross-Over, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Hiratsu Ayano , Tataka Yusei , Namura Saki , Nagayama Chihiro , Hamada Yuka , Miyashita Masashi
Published: June 2021

Background

This study examined the effects of a single and continuous oral intake of L-arginine supplementation on blood metabolites and exercise performance.
Methods

Sixteen healthy young men (mean ± standard deviation, 23 ± 3 years) participated in a randomised, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled study. For the acute trials, the participants consumed 200 mL of water containing either L-arginine (5 g) or placebo (L-arginine was replaced with dextrin) and performed cycling exercise at 75 % of heart rate reserve for 60 min, followed by a 15-min cycling performance test. The participants continued to consume each designated supplement twice a day for 13 days. For the chronic trials, the participants repeated the same protocol as the acute trials at day 15. After a 14-day washout period, the participants changed the supplement and repeated the same protocol as above. The linear mixed model was used to examine between-trial differences over the 1-day or 2-week intervention for outcome variables.
Results

Plasma ammonia concentrations were lower in the chronic arginine (43.5 ± 27.6 µmol/L) trial than in both acute arginine (52.1 ± 36.3 µmol/L, 95% confidence interval − 15.907 to − 1.318 µmol/L, Effect size = 0.262) and placebo (51.1 ± 32.7 µmol/L, 95% confidence interval − 14.932 to − 0.343 µmol/L, Effect size = 0.249) trials (p < 0.05). No differences were found in mean power output during the performance test between the chronic arginine (169.3 ± 8.6 W) and placebo (168.8 ± 2.3 W) trials (p > 0.05).
Conclusions

These results indicate that a continuous oral intake of L-arginine supplementation attenuated ammonia accumulation, but this did not influence cycling performance.
Seven-month Wintertime Supplementation of 1200 IU Vitamin D Has No Effect on Hand Grip Strength in Young, Physically Active Males: A Randomized, Controlled Study.
Authors: Rips Leho , Toom Alar , Kuik Rein , Varblane Ahti , Mölder Hanno , Gapejeva Helena , Tammaru Marika , Kull Mart , Ööpik Vahur , Kartus Jüri-Toomas , Rahu Madis
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThere has been a growing interest in the role of vitamin D for the well-being and physical performance of humans; however, there is a lack of long-term supplementation studies performed on members of the young, physically active, male population.The hypothesis of the study was that vitamin D supplementation during wintertime will decrease the prevalence of critically low vitamin D blood serum levels and increase hand grip strength during the winter season among young male conscripts. Study DesignLongitudinal, triple-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. MethodsFifty-three male conscripts from the Estonian Army were randomized into two groups: 27 to an intervention group and 26 to a placebo group. The groups were comparable in terms of their demographics. The intervention group received 1200 IU (30 µg) capsules of vitamin D3 and the control group received placebo oil capsules once per day. The length of the follow-up was seven months, from October 2016 until April 2017. Blood serum vitamin D (25(OH)D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium (Ca), ionized calcium (Ca-i), testosterone and cortisol values and hand grip strength were measured four times during the study period. ResultsThe mean 25(OH)D level decreased significantly in the control group to a critically low level during the study, with the lowest mean value of 22 nmol/l found in March 2017. At that time point, 65% in the control group vs 15% in the intervention group had 25(OH)D values of less than 25 nmol/l (p < 0.001). In the intervention group the levels of 25(OH)D did not change significantly during the study period. All other blood tests revealed no significant differences at any time point. The corresponding result was found for hand grip strength at all time points. ConclusionLong-term vitamin D supplementation during wintertime results in fewer conscripts in the Estonian Army with critically low serum vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels during the winter season. However, this did not influence their physical performance in the form of the hand grip strength test. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04359524. Registered 20 April 2020 - Retrospectively registered. https://register.clinicaltrials.gov
Statistical Optimization of Co-stabilized Growth of Ag NPs by Liquid Plasma Interaction Method for Study of Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Huda Noorul , Naz M. Y. , Ayyaz M. , Shukrullah S.
Published: June 2021

In this study, a plasma jet of argon gas was impinged with a solution of metal salt and stabilizers for production of silver NPs. To optimize the absorbance parameter, a simplex centroid design (SCD) was used to optimize the experiments. The combined and individual effect of stabilizers on the synthesis of Ag NPs was significant when P-value < 0.05. SCD optimization of UV results showed a sharp SPR band at 302 nm. In FTIR analysis, bond absorption at 1633 cm−1 attributed to C=O was shifted to higher wavelength due to saccharides addition. XRD analysis confirmed the FCC structure of Ag NPs having average size of 15 nm. SEM- EDX revealed the formation of spherical shaped Ag NPs with strong absorption at 3 keV confirming the presence of the Ag content. Antibacterial activity of Ag NPs was significant against both bacteria, with slightly stronger activity against Staph. aureus than Escherichia coli.
Feasibility and Acceptability of Somatocognitive Therapy in the Management of Women with Provoked Localized Vestibulodynia - ProLoVe Feasibility Study
Authors: Kaarbø Mette Bøymo , Danielsen Kristine Grimen , Haugstad Gro Killi , Helgesen Anne Lise Ording , Wojniusz Slawomir
Published: June 2021

Background: Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is a prevalent chronic pain condition especially among young women. Pain is localized to the vulvar vestibule and is provoked by touch or pressure, such as penetrative intercourse. PVD can have profound consequences, adversely affecting a woman’s sexual life, relation to her partner and her psychological health. There is an urgent need for well-designed randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to identify the most effective interventions for this neglected women’s health condition. Aims: The primary aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of undertaking a full-scale RCT of somatocognitive therapy (SCT), a multimodal physiotherapy intervention, for women with PVD. The secondary aim is to evaluate implementation and acceptability of SCT and its potential treatment effectiveness in PVD. In the full-scale RCT SCT will be compared to standard PVD treatment.Methods: This multi-method feasibility study utilized a single subject study design with nested qualitative data. Ten women with PVD, aged 18-35, were recruited from the Vulva Clinic at Oslo University Hospital. The intervention took place at Oslo Metropolitan University. Participants were assessed at baseline, post-treatment and at the eight month’s follow-up with the tampon test and self-report questionnaires. The main feasibility outcomes were evaluation of recruitment rate, adherence to assessment tools and follow-up rate. The participants’ experiences with the primary outcome and the intervention were explored with semi-structured interviews. Results: Ten out of 18 eligible patients were recruited over 11 weeks. None were lost to follow-up. Adherence to self-report questionnaires was excellent. Adherence to tampon tests and to the reporting of treatments was good, whereas adherence to the 14-day diary was poor. No adverse events were reported. The tampon test was suboptimal as a primary outcome. SCT was found to be an acceptable treatment based on Global Perceived Effect scores and the participants’ experiences.Conclusion: The findings suggest that it is feasible to deliver a full-scale RCT of the SCT intervention for women with PVD. Some changes are suggested to optimize the protocol, such as increasing recruitment sites, change of primary outcome measure and adding a booster session. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04208204, Registered December 23, 2019 – Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04208204
Monitoring of Dioxins/Furans (PCDD/Fs) in Smoke of Charcoal Grilled Meat-Restaurants in Amman-Jordan
Authors: Ikbarieh Sarya , Arar Sharif , Alawi Mahmoud
Published: June 2021

PCDDs /Fs were investigated in outdoor air of charcoal grilled meat-restaurants in Jordan. Restaurants were given the codes (S, Z, G, B, and J). Levels of PCDDs/Fs depend on the quantity of used charcoal, amount of grilled meat, and sampling season. Results in (ng TEQ/m3) found in the order: S restaurant (12.4) > J (3.4) > B (1.8) > G (1.6) > Z (0.2). Total emissions in (g TEQ / year) were in the order: S restaurant (1.295) > J (0.132) > B (0.092) > G (0.025) > Z (0.003). This study is the first of its kind in MENA region. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) concentrations were studied in outdoor air of charcoal grilled meat-restaurants in Amman/Jordan. The studied restaurants were given the codes (S, Z, G, B, and J). The PCDD/Fs compounds were extracted from the filter using the green extraction method called QuEChERS and detected in extracts using GC/MS. The concentrations of PCDD/Fs in the chimneys were found to depend on many factors that were measured such as type and quantity of grilling fuels, amount quantities of grilled food after marinating and sampling season. The results showed that PCDD/Fs concentrations in toxic equivalents (TEQs) in (ng TEQ/m3) were found in the following order: S restaurant (12.4) > J (3.4) > B (1.8) > G (1.6) > Z (0.2) where some samples contained 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD in considerable amounts. The total emissions of PCDD/Fs in (g TEQ / year) for all restaurants samples were in the following order: S restaurant (1.295) > J (0.132) > B (0.092) > G (0.025) > Z (0.003). This study is featured as the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa that reveals the dangers of using charcoal for grilling because it causes contamination of food and air. It also calls for advising people to minimize the consumption of grilled food since food will contain a portion of the carcinogenic B (a) P and 2,3,7,8-TCDD and also advising for using filters for restaurant chimneys.
Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Novel, Selective γ-butyrolactones Sigma-2 Ligands
Authors: Blass Benjamin E , Gao Rong , Blattner Kevin M. , Gordon John C. , Pippin Douglas A. , Canney Daniel J.
Published: June 2021

Nearly 40 years after the first disclosure of sigma receptors, the sigma-2 (σ2) receptor was recently identified as the Transmembrane Protein 97 (TMEM97, also known as MAC30 (Meningioma-associated protein). This macromolecule has been associated with a number of disease states such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, neuropathic pain, traumatic brain injury, and cancer. We have recently identified a series of novel, functionalized γ-butyrolactones that are potent σ2 receptor ligands that are drug-like and identified a potential candidate (9z) for future in vivo study.
An Effectual Role of Molybdenum Ions on the Semiconducting Temperament of Na2O-PbO-Bi2O3-SiO2 Glasses
Authors: Tirupataiah Ch. , Rao M.V.Sambasiva , Rao L.Nageswara , Lakshmi M.Naga
Published: June 2021

Melt quenching method is adopted to synthesize multi-component glasses 10Na2O –30PbO –10Bi2O3 – (50-x)SiO2 – xMoO3 (where x = 0 to 5 mol%). These samples are characterized by XRD as well as analysed by optical absorption, EPR, and FTIR spectroscopic techniques in order to discuss the structure of the glass network. The proportionate change of Mo6+ ions into Mo5+ local states, which depolymerize the glass network, is publicized by optical absorption studies. EPR spectral analysis of the samples revealed C4v symmetry in a square pyramidal with a Mo=O bond. FTIR spectra of doped glasses report the presence of MoO4 and MoO6 structural units. All spectroscopic studies propped up the semi-conducting nature of sodium lead bismuth silicate glasses doped with the higher content of MoO3.
The Association Between Triglyceride-Glucose Index, Cardio-Cerebrovascular Diseases, and Death in Korean Adults: A Longitudinal Study Based on the NHIS-HEALS Cohort
Authors: Kim Joungyoun , Shin Sang-jun , Kang Hee-Taik
Published: June 2021

Background: The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a reliable indicator of insulin resistance. We aimed to investigate the TyG index in relation to cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs) and mortality.Methods: This retrospective study included 114,603 subjects. The TyG index was categorized into four quartile groups by sex: Q1, <8.249 and <8.063; Q2, 8.249 ‒ <8.614 and 8.063 ‒ <8.403; Q3, 8.614 ‒ < 8.998 and 8.403 ‒ <8.752; and Q4, ≥8.998 and ≥8.752, in men and women, respectively. To calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the primary outcomes (CCVDs and all-cause mortality), Cox proportional hazards regression models were adopted.Results: Compared to Q1, fully adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for the primary outcomes of Q2, Q3, and Q4 were 1.063 (0.982‒1.152), 1.112 (1.026‒1.206), and 1.153 (1.060‒1.254) in men and 1.099 (0.986‒1.226), 1.049 (0.941‒1.169), and 1.069 (0.960‒1.190) in women, respectively. HRs (95% CIs) for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) of Q2, Q3, and Q4 were 1.117 (0.971‒1.285), 1.191 (1.036‒1.369), and 1.237 (1.071‒1.427) in men and 1.239 (1.018‒1.509), 1.188 (0.976‒1.446), and 1.248 (1.027‒1.517) in women, respectively. Conclusions: The elevated TyG index were was positively associated with CCVDs and all-cause mortality in men and predicted the higher risk of CVDs in both sexes.
Cloning, expression and characterization of arcelin and its impact on digestive enzymes of the stored product insect pest, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.)
Authors: Hilda Karuppiah , Bhuvaragavan Sreeramulu , Kamatchi Ramakrishnan , Meenakumari Mani , Janarthanan Sundaram
Published: June 2021

Key message The defensive role of arcelin from Phaseolus lunatus for its protection against insect pest Callosobruchus maculatus was elucidated. The potent insecticidal property of arcelin and its impact on pest molecular physiology has identified the adaptive strategies. Abstract The pulse beetle Callosobruchus maculatus causes potential damage to legume crops by infesting the seeds and causes a reduction in the content of total protein. Arcelin found in the wild accessions of the common bean, is an insecticidal protein that has the potency to hamper the metabolism of the bruchid beetle. The arcelin gene from the wild accession of Phaseolus lunatus was isolated and the ORF encoding 158 amino acids was cloned in pET-45b (+) vector. The recombinant was transformed into BL21 STAR (DE3) pLysS cells, and the expressed arcelin was purified using Ni-NTA column. The recombinant protein was used in preparing artificial diet and the insecticidal activity was elucidated against the bruchid pest C. maculatus. Adult emergence and seed damage were drastically reduced in the treated groups. The response towards ingested diet by digested enzymes was elucidated through quantitative gene expression. Maximum expression was observed in the aminopeptidase, followed by upregulation of alpha-amylase, glycoside hydrolase family 31 and cathepsin D-like aspartic protease, and downregulation of cathepsin L-like cysteine protease. These results showed the anti-metabolic nature of the recombinant arcelin. The changes in digestive enzymes to counteract the anti-nutritional nature of the protein were the strategies of the insect defense mechanism.
A Retrospective Comparison of American Women’s Spontaneous Conceptions and Gestational Surrogate Pregnancies
Authors: Lahl Jennifer , Fell Kallie , Bassett Kate , Broghammer Frances , Eastman Maggie , Briggs William
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the retrospective pregnancy experiences of American women by comparing spontaneous pregnancies with gestational surrogate pregnancies. Methods: Data were collected via structured interviews following an approved survey tool utilizing an online video platform. In total, 97 interviews were conducted. Results: Demographic data was collected on age, ethnicity, primary language, country of birth, education, and income level. Data revealed that a woman was more likely to have a pregnancy that was high-risk during a surrogate pregnancy than a non-surrogate pregnancy, independent of maternal age or gravidity (OR 7.22, p<0.001). A surrogate pregnancy had 4 times higher odds of resulting in a c-section (p<0.001) as well as delivering at an earlier gestational age (p<0.001). Further, women were more likely to experience adverse effects, including postpartum depression, following delivery of a surrogate child than their own biological child (p<0.001). Finally, the rate of new post-surrogacy chronic health issues for non-Caucasian women was significantly higher than for Caucasians (p<0.001). Women reported using the payment they received for their surrogacy for basic needs. Almost half of the women reported using the money to pay bills or get out of debt.Conclusions: These results are among the first of their kind. This study reveals that surrogate health disparities exist and that there may be long-term complications after a surrogate pregnancy. This raises important social, economic, and ethical issues related to surrogacy which must be further explored. Future work will build on this study and help elucidate the circumstances and consequences surrounding this complex issue.
Modifiable Factors Affecting Renal Preservation in Type I Glycogen Storage Disease After Liver Transplantation: A Single-center Propensity-match Cohort Study
Authors: Chan Yi-Chia , Liu Kai-Min , Chen Chao-Long , Ong Aldwin D. , Lin Chih-Che , Yong Chee-Chien , Tsai Pei-Chun , Lu Liang-Suei , Wu Jer-Yuarn
Published: June 2021

Background and aimsGlycogen storage disease type I (GSD-I) is an autosomal recessive disorder of carbohydrate metabolism, resulting in limited production of glucose and excessive glycogen storage in the liver and kidneys. These patients are characterized by life-threatening hypoglycemia, metabolic derangements, hepatomegaly, chronic kidney disease, and failure to thrive. Liver transplantation (LT) has been performed for poor metabolic control, delayed growth, and complications including liver cirrhosis or failure. However, renal outcome was diverse in pediatric GSD patients after LT. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term outcome of renal function in pediatric GSD-I patients after living donor LT (LDLT), and to identify modifiable variables that potentially permits LT to confer native renal preservation.Methods The study included eight GSD-Ia and one GSD-Ib children with a median age of 9.0 (range 4.2-15.7) years at the time of LT. Using propensity score matching, 20 children with biliary atresia (BA) receiving LT were selected as the control group by matching for age, sex, pre-operative creatinine (Cr) and pediatric end-stage liver disease (PELD) score. Renal function was evaluated based on the serum Cr, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), microalbuminuria, and morphological changes in the kidneys. Comparability in long-term renal outcome in terms of anatomic and functional parameters will help to identify pre-LT factors of GSD-I that affect renal prognosis.Results The clinical and biochemical characteristics of the GSD and BA groups were similar, including immunosuppressive regimens and duration of follow-up (median 15 years) after LT. Overall, renal function, including eGFR and microalbuminuria was comparable in the GSD-I and BA groups (median eGFR: 111 vs. 123 ml/min/1.73m2, P=0.268; median urine microalbuminuria to creatinine ratio: 16.0 vs 7.2 mg/g, P=0.099, respectively) after LT. However, in the subgroups of the GSD cohort, patients starting cornstarch therapy at an older age (≥ 6-year-old) before transplantation demonstrated a worse renal outcome in terms of eGFR change over years (P<0.001). In addition, the enlarged kidney in GSD-I returned to within normal range after LT.Conclusions Post-LT renal function was well-preserved in most GSD-I patients. Early initiation of cornstarch therapy before preschool age, followed by LT, achieved a good renal prognosis.
Descriptions of Attack Angle and Ideal Lift Coefficient for Various Airfoil Profiles in Wind Turbine Blade
Authors: Go Jaegwi
Published: June 2021

The angle of attack is highly sensitive to pitch point in the airfoil shape and the decline of pitch point value induces smaller angle of attack, which implies that airfoil profile possessing closer pitch point to the airfoil tip reacts more sensitively to upcoming wind. The method of conformal transformation functions is employed for airfoil profiles and airfoil surfaces are expressed with a trigonometric series form. Attack angle and ideal lift coefficient distributions are investigated for various airfoil profiles in wind turbine blade regarding conformal transformation and pitch point. The conformed angle function representing the surface angle of airfoil shape generate various attack angle distributions depending on the choice of surface angle function. Moreover, ideal attack angle and ideal lift coefficient are susceptible to the choice of airfoil profiles and uniform loading area. High ideal attack angle signifies high pliability to upcoming wind, and high ideal lift coefficient involves high possibility to generate larger electric energy. According to results obtained pitch point, airfoil shape, uniform loading area, and the conformed airfoil surface angle function are crucial factors in the determination of angle of attack.
Development of a List of Competencies and Entrustable Professional Activities for Resident Physicians During Death Pronouncement: A Modified Delphi Study
Authors: Kessoku Takaomi , Uneno Yu , Urushibara-Miyach Yuka , Oya Kiyofumi , Kusakabe Akihiko , Nakajima Atsushi , Kobayashi Noritoshi , Ichikawa Yasushi , Miyashita Mitsunori , Muto Manabu , Mori Masanori , Morita Tatsuya
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Appropriate delivery of death pronouncements potentially affects bereaved families’ wellbeing positively. Younger physicians need to learn death pronouncement skills; currently, the competencies and entrustable professional activities (EPAs) in death pronouncement practice have not been clarified.Therefore, this study aimed to develop a list of competencies and EPAs necessary for death pronouncement practice, which resident physicians need to acquire by the end of their residency training (postgraduate year 2).Methods: An anonymous modified Delphi study was conducted with a panel of 31 experts. The experts were invited online from general wards in hospitals with resident physicians across Japan to participate in the study using the purposive and snowball sampling method. A non-anonymous web conference was held with three additional external evaluators to finalize the item list. The consensus criterion was defined as a mean response of at least 4 points on a 5-point Likert scale for each competency and EPA item and a rating of 4 or 5 points by at least 80% of the participants.Results: Consensus was achieved, with consistently high levels of agreement across panel members, on 11 competencies and 9 EPA items. Additionally, a correspondence matrix table between competencies and EPAs was developed.Conclusions: This study clarified the standardized educational outcomes for knowledge, skills, and attitudes in death pronouncement practice and the level of physicians who can perform this practice independently, serving as a blueprint to aid the development of an educational model and evaluation method for clinical educational institutions and developers of medical school curriculums.
“I’d Like to Let People Know What We Did:” Values of Fukushima Medical Students Following the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Stacy Anna , Lange Marcia , Katz Craig L. , Waguri Satoshi , Yanagisawa Robert
Published: June 2021

Background: The Great East Japan Earthquake and the resulting tsunami and nuclear disaster on March 11, 2011 have had a profound and lasting effect on residents of Japan’s Fukushima Prefecture, particularly among evacuees. While there continues to be extensive news coverage and academic study of Fukushima Prefecture’s recovery, there has been little exploration of individual narratives. This study aims to illuminate some individual stories of medical students at Fukushima Medical University (FMU) who lived in the Prefecture at the time of the Earthquake.Methods: 10 open-ended ethnographic interviews were conducted with medical students at FMU in years 1-5 who lived in Fukushima Prefecture at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake. All interviews were recorded and transcribed; the transcriptions served as the basis for thematic analysis under the lens of ethnographic anthropology.Results: Three major topics emerged from these interviews: first, that the events following the Earthquake influenced not only these students’ decisions to become doctors, but the ways in which they hope to practice medicine in the future. Second, that these students were motivated to share their experiences by a want to change Fukushima Prefecture’s public image. And lastly, that the students viewed the opportunity to discuss their experiences through these interviews as healing, both for themselves and for the future.Conclusions: While multiple factors undoubtably contributed these students’ medical education, they cite the Earthquake as essential to their approach to their medical careers. Additionally, opportunities for the participants to discuss their experiences following the Earthquake appear to be rare but valued, as the students view their stories as their “legacies.” The enduring, burdening effects of the Earthquake appear to have galvanized the participating students to act on behalf of their communities and their Prefecture.
TRACKING EXCESS OF MATERNAL DEATHS DIRECTLY AND INDIRECTLY ASSOCIATED WITH COVID-19 IN BRAZIL: A NATIONWIDE DATABASE ANALYSIS
Authors: Guimarães Raphael , Reis Lenice , Gomes Maria Auxiliadora , Magluta Cynthia , de Freitas Carlos , Portela Margareth
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a new challenge to maternal mortality in Brazil. Throughout 2020, Brazil registered 549 maternal deaths, mainly concentrated in second and third-trimester pregnant women. We estimate the excess of maternal mortality for Brazil in 2020. Assuming the average number of previous years as expected, or even correcting the expectation for excess female mortality due to COVID-19, we found that maternal mortality was more penalized. We also observed that the difference between the odds of occurrence of symptoms and comorbidities among COVID-19 maternal and female deaths was marginal. Differences between the two groups of deaths are significantly associated with social determination and (in)adequate obstetric care. 2021 has been more severe for maternal mortality. We need to increase immunization and monitoring among pregnant women immediately.
Sensitivity of pregnancy field on the COVID-19 case report form among pregnancies completed through December 31, 2020 — Illinois and Tennessee
Authors: Manning Susan E. , Bennett Amanda , Ellington Sascha , Goyal Sonal , Harvey Elizabeth , Sizemore Lindsey , Wingate Heather
Published: June 2021

Introduction: The considerable volume of infections from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has made it challenging for health departments to collect complete data for national disease reporting. We sought to examine sensitivity of the COVID-19 case report form (CRF) pregnancy field by comparing CRF data to the gold standard of CRF data linked to birth and fetal death certificates. Methods: CRFs for women aged 15–44 years with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were linked to birth and fetal death certificates for pregnancies completed during January 1–December 31, 2020 in Illinois and Tennessee. Among linked records, pregnancy was considered confirmed for women with a SARS-CoV-2 specimen collection date on or prior to the delivery date. Sensitivity of the COVID-19 CRF pregnancy field was calculated by dividing the number of confirmed pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection with pregnancy indicated on the CRF by the number of confirmed pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results: Among 4,276 (Illinois) and 2,070 (Tennessee) CRFs that linked with a birth or fetal death certificate, CRF pregnancy field sensitivity was 45.3% and 42.1%, respectively. In both states, sensitivity varied significantly by maternal race/ethnicity, insurance, trimester of prenatal care entry, month of specimen collection, and trimester of specimen collection. Sensitivity also varied by maternal education in Illinois but not in Tennessee. Discussion: Sensitivity of the COVID-19 CRF pregnancy field varied by state and demographic factors. To more accurately assess outcomes for pregnant women, jurisdictions might consider utilizing additional data sources and linkages to obtain pregnancy status.
Postoperative Outcome in Children aged between 6 and 10 years in Major Abdominal Surgery, Neurosurgery and Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Kumba Claudine
Published: June 2021

BackgroundAnticipating postoperative evolution in surgical patients is an important issue in our daily practice.We have demonstrated in a previous study that predictors of postoperative outcome are multiple including American Society of Anesthesiologists status (ASA), transfusion, emergency, surgery and age. A detailed description of postoperative outcome was undertaken in children aged between 6 and 10 years included in the initial study.ObjectiveTo describe postoperative outcome in children aged between 6 and 10 years included in the initial cohort in abdominal surgery, neurosurgery and orthopedics.MethodsSecondary analysis of postoperative outcome in children aged between 6 and 10 years included retrospectively in the initial study of 594 patients. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee.ResultsThere were 88 patients with a mean age of 98.7±13.8 months.The most common surgical interventions were scoliosis in 23 patients (26.1%), femoral osteotomy 7 patients (7.9%), limb tumor resection 7 patients (7.9%), intracerebral tumor resection 6 patients (6.8%), intestinal resection 5 patients (5.6%), Chiari’s malformation 4 patients (4.5%), pelvic osteotomy 4 patients (4.5%) and renal transplantation 4 patients (4.5%). Most patients (45%) were American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 3 (ASA 3) and 13 (14.8%) were ASA grade 4. 22(25%) patients had intra-operative and or postoperative complications (organ dysfunction or sepsis). 2 patients (2.3%) had intra-operative hemorrhagic, 1 patient (1.1%) had an intra-operative difficult intubation and 1 patient experienced intra-operative anaphylaxis. 9 patients (10.2%) had postoperative neurologic failure and 2 (2.3%) postoperative cardio-circulatory failure. 3 patients (3.4%) had postoperative septicemia, 2 patients (2.3%) had postoperative pulmonary and urinary sepsis and 1 patient (1.1%) had postoperative abdominal sepsis. 3 patients (3.4%) had re-operations. 42(47.7%) patients had intra-operative transfusion. There was 1 in-hospital death (1.1%). Median total length of hospital stay was 9 days [5-16].Conclusion25% of the patients had intra-operative and or postoperative complications and most of them were ASA grade ³3. Integrating goal directed therapies to optimize intra-operative management in these patients is a necessary implementation to improve postoperative outcome in surgical pediatric patients.
Concerned or not? Investigating determinants of climate change concerns among Saudi Arabian farmers and their adaptation behavior
Authors: Alotaibi Bader Alhafi , Abbas Azhar , Ullah Raza , Kassem Hazem S. , Azeem Muhammad Imran , Bagadeem Salim
Published: June 2021

Concern for a particular stimulus constitutes a major driver to mitigate its negative effects. This study was undertaken to know the level of concern for climate change among Saudi farmers in Jazan province and to evaluate the role of various socioeconomic indicators in relation to their concern level. Moreover, an account of farmers’ beliefs about climate change and capacity building initiatives needed to address this issue at the community level is also presented. Field level data collected through a face-to-face survey using a structured questionnaire were utilized to draw insights. The ordered logit model was used to find out the determinants for the level of concern for climate change among respondent farmers regarding three top concern categories. Farmers ranked insect infestation, higher incidence of crop diseases, and drought as the first, second and third, respectively, as top climate change concerns in the study area. Results of the ordered logit model showed that higher farmer income significantly reduces their level of concern for the first two categories of concern while it has a positive influence on concern for drought. Access to credit and information has a mixed impact on the farmers’ concern level. Farmer’s age, education, perceived source of climate change, and perceived changes in temperature and rainfall have a mixed impact on the top three climate change-related concerns. The findings support the provision of timely warning, capacity building of the farmers and personnel, credit provision, improvement of rural infrastructure, and creating awareness among farmers to address particular climate change-related concerns.
Comparison of A Tube Core And Magill Forceps For Nasotracheal Intubation: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Hu Rui , Niu Jing-Yi , Wu Li-Ning , Sun Hao , Sun Peng , Huang Jia-Ying , Yu Jun-Ma
Published: June 2021

Background: Magill forceps are frequently used to complete nasotracheal intubation (NTI). We aimed to identify a tube core that could conveniently facilitate the NTI process without using Magill forceps. Methods: Sixty patients scheduled for oral and maxillofacial surgeries were enrolled in our study and divided into two groups (30 per group) with no differences with regard to demographic data. In the Magill forceps group (Group M), a wire-reinforced endotracheal catheter was inserted into the trachea using Magill forceps. However, in the tube core group (Group T), a tube core bent to the physiological curve of the nasal cavity and lubricated with aseptic paraffin oil was inserted into the endotracheal catheter and was then withdrawn after the endotracheal catheter was advanced through the glottis under direct vision. Results: All NTIs were completed successfully, and Magill forceps were not used on any patient in Group T. There was a significant difference in total NTI time between the two groups (Group M, 59.7 (5.1) sec vs Group T, 52.4 (3.1) sec). Mild epistaxis was observed in 6 patients in Group M and 5 patients in Group T (6/30 vs 5/30, respectively). No damage to oral tissue or teeth was observed in either group. Conclusions: We conclude that using a tube core, consisting of a disposable sterilised stylet, is a convenient choice for NTI. Trial registration: Patient enrolment was conducted after registration in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( www.Chictr.org.cn , ChiCTR190002 7387). This trial was prospectively registered on 11 November 2019.
Extended duality methods for nonlinear Helmholtz equations
Authors:   , Yesil Tolga
Published: June 2021

We provide extensions of the dual variational method for the nonlinear Helmholtz equation from Evéquoz and Weth. In particular we prove the existence of dual ground state solutions in the Sobolev critical case, extend the dual method beyond the standard Stein Tomas and Kenig Ruiz Sogge range and generalize the method for sign changing nonlinearities.
ELECTROCHEMICAL LYSIS IN ONCOLOGY: LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Anikanova E. V. , Guens G. P. , Kolontarev K. B. , Muslov S. A.
Published: June 2021

Recently, minimally invasive treatment modalities based on the application of various physical factors have been widely used in anticancer therapy. Electrochemical lysis is a method in which tumor cells are destroyed by local exposure to a constant low voltage electric current.

Purpose:to present the current results of using electrochemical lysis in the treatment of various tumors, to describe the mechanism of tumor destruction and methods of delivering electric current to the tumor, as well as to evaluate the electrical parameters and positioning of the electrodes.

Material and Methods.aliterature search included the Medical literatureanalysis and Retrieval system Online (Medline), the excerpta Medica data Base (embase), Web of science, scopus, Russian citation index. All articles were published before december 2019. The review included studies on the investigation electrochemical lysisin vitro, in vivo, as well as clinical observations and clinical studies in which electrochemical lysis has been used as an independent treatment, or in combination with other methods of anticancer treatment since 1984.

Results.This review provides information regarding the electrochemical mechanisms of tumor destruction, anti-tumoral effects of electrochemical therapy, methodology for planning and distributing the dose of electrical lysis and positioning of electrodes. We have evaluated complications and oncological results. Electrochemical lysis is a safe, simple, effective, and relatively non-invasive method of antitumor treatment.

Conclusion. The electrochemical lysis is a promising minimally invasive method which can be used for the treatment of tumors. However, long-term data are needed to validate this treatment before it can be included into clinical recommendation for the treatment of cancer patients.
DIFFICULTIES IN MORPHOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF MELANOCYTIC LESIONS: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Artemyeva A. S. , Semiletova Yu. V.
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Skin cancer is one of the most common malignancies, however melanoma accounts for only 1.8 % of all skin cancers. Melanoma is rare but aggressive tumor. Early detection and appropriate treatment of the tumor are critical and result in improved overall and recurrence-free survival rates. Histopathological reporting plays a critical role in guiding the surgical oncologist’s treatment plan for melanocytic lesions. The experience and knowledge of the pathomorphologist are decisive in the future fate of the patient.

Case description. We report a case of a 36-year-old female patient who presented with a pigmented lesion on the skin of the trunk. In the regional cancer center at her place of residence, she underwent surgical removal of this lesion with a surgical margin of about 1 cm. The histological diagnosis was reported as melanoma. Diagnosis of melanoma was also confirmed in another medical center that did not specialize in the treatment of patients with skin tumors, but the tumor thickness was changed to a smaller one. However, in the federal cancer center that specialized in the treatment of patients with skin melanoma, the diagnosis of melanoma was not confirmed. The patient was diagnosed with nevus. The paper discusses in detail the reasons for the erroneous diagnosis of a malignant neoplasm, indicating the stages of differential diagnosis.

Conclusion. This clinical case demonstrates that a reference analysis of borderline melanocytic lesions under conditions of specialized cancer centers with experienced pathologists is required. We have described objective difficulties in pathomorphological diagnosis, which can additionally be aggravated by the absence of important clinical and instrumental information, artifacts during excision biopsy, macroscopic examination, and orientation of tissue fragments in the embedding paraffin block.
MODERN APPROACHES TO THE ORBITAL WALL RECONSTRUCTION WITH TITANIUM NICKELIDE IMPLANTS IN PATIENTS WITH NASAL CAVITY AND PARANASAL SINUS CANCER
Authors: Shtin V. I. , Novikov V. A. , Choynzonov E. L. , Shilova O. G. , Nikitchuk A. V. , Frolova I. G. , Surkova P. V. , Kulbakin D. E.
Published: June 2021

Background. The majority of tumors of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus are diagnosed at an advanced stage, requiring invasive and mutilating surgery, and therefore, the reconstruction of post-surgical craniofacial bone defects using various implants is necessary.

Purpose of the study: to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of the thin-profile implants made of titanium nickelide in the surgical treatment of nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancers.

Material and Methods. From 2002 to 2020, a total of 60 patients with stage Т3–4n0–1M0 nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer were treated at the Cancer Research institute (tomsk). All patients received radiation therapy followed by surgery with reconstruction of bone structures of the subcranial region and orbital walls. In the study group (n=30), the orbital walls were restored with individual thin-profile shape memory titanium nickelide implants. In the control group (n=30), typical porous and tissue titanium nickelide implants were used. They required adjustment during surgery and complicated reparative processes in the postoperative period due to their thickness. Tissue implants did not allow accurate restoration of the orbital walls due to their structure.

Results. Surgical rehabilitation with orbital wall reconstruction using thin-profile titanium nickelide implants makes it possible to shorten the duration of surgery and improve the precision of surgical repair. Features of the architectonics of implants do not interfere with the growth of tissues of the recipient zone, thus preventing the development of inflammation in the implantation site. The technique allows adequate restoration of the natural position and function of the eye.