bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aqueous Extracts Prepared with Young E. globulus Leaves as a Biocide - A Novel Post-Fire Management Strategy of Eucalyptus Stands
Authors: Pinto Mafalda
Published: March 2021

Along with climate change, the native forest replacement by exotic species, such as Eucalyptus globulus, is contributing to a highly fire-prone environment. Since E. globulus detains several post-fire regeneration strategies, sustainable practices are needed to manage eucalyptus stands. Thus, eucalyptus allelopathic potential can be used for weed control. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the herbicidal potential of post-fire regenerated E. globulus leaves in Portulaca oleracea, and unraveling the main physiological processes disturbed by biocide application. For this, an aqueous extract prepared with fresh leaves (FLE; 617 gfresh weightL-1) and other with oven-dried leaves (DLE; 250 gdry weightL-1) were prepared and foliar-sprayed twice-a-week at different dilutions in 7-days-old purslane plants. As positive control, glyphosate was used. After five weeks, results revealed that DLE at the highest dose detained the greatest herbicidal activity against P. oleracea. To understand how DLE impacted weed physiology, several biochemical and redox-related parameters were evaluated in purslane plants treated with DLE highest dose. Results suggested an overproduction of hydrogen peroxide, causing severe oxidative damage in roots. Overall, this study showed that young E. globulus dried leaves had powerful herbicidal properties against P. oleracea and can represent a feasible approach for weed management, while reducing fire hazard.
Silencing Antibiotic Resistance with Antisense Oligonucleotides
Authors: Jani Saumya , Ramirez Maria Soledad , Tolmasky Marcelo
Published: March 2021

Antisense technologies consist of the utilization of oligonucleotides or oligonucleotide analogs to interfere with undesirable biological processes, commonly through inhibition of expression of selected genes. This field holds a lot of promise for the treatment of a very diverse group of diseases including viral and bacterial infections, genetic disorders, and cancer. To date, drugs approved for utilization in clinics or in clinical trials target diseases other than bacterial infections. Although several groups and companies are working on different strategies, the application of antisense technologies to prokaryotes still lags with respect to those that target other human diseases. In those cases where the focus is on bacterial pathogens, a subset of the research is dedicated to produce antisense compounds that silence or reduce expression of antibiotic resistance genes. Therefore, these compounds will be adjuvants administered with the antibiotic to which they reduce resistance levels. A varied group of oligonucleotide analogs like phosphorothioate or phosphorodiamidate morpholino residues, as well as peptide nucleic acids, locked nucleic acids and bridge nucleic acids, the latter two in gapmer configuration, have been utilized to reduce resistance levels. The major mechanisms of inhibition include eliciting cleavage of the target mRNA by the host’s RNase H or RNase P, and steric hindrance. The different approaches targeted resistance to β-lactams including carbapenems, aminoglycosides, chloramphenicol, macrolides, and fluoroquinolones.
Lightinduced Effects in Amorphous Chalcogenide Glasses: Femtoseconds to Seconds
Authors: Khan Pritam , Adarsh K. V.
Published: March 2021

Amorphous chalcogenide (ChGs) glasses are intrinsically metastable, highly photosensitive, and therefore exhibit numerous lightinduced effects upon bandgap and sub-bandgap illumination. Depending on the pulse duration of the excitation laser, ChGs exhibit a series of lightinduced effects spanning over femtosecond to seconds time domain. For continuous wave illumination, the effects are dominantly metastable in terms of photodarkening (PD) and photobleaching (PB) that takes place via homopolar to heteropolar bond conversion. On the other hand, under nanosecond and ultrafast pulsed illumination, ChGs exhibit transient absorption (TA) that is instigated from the transient bonding rearrangements through self-trapped exciton recombination. In the first part of the review, we pay special attention to continuous wave lightinduced PD and PB, while in the second part we will focus on the TA and controlling such effects via internal and external parameters e.g., chemical composition, temperature, sample history etc.
The Enigmatic Metallothioneins: A Case of Upward-Looking Research
Authors: Abdin Ahmad Yaman , Jacob Claus , Kästner Lena
Published: March 2021

In the mid-1950s, Bert L. Vallee and his colleague Marvin Margoshes discovered a molecule known today as metallothionein (MT). Meanwhile MTs have been shown to be common in many biological organisms. Despite their prevalence, however, it remains unclear to date what exactly MTs do and how they contribute to the biological function of an organism or organ. Honoring Dr. Vallee’s sometimes innovative approach to research, this contribution sets out to show how philosophy of science can help us gain a clearer picture of biochemical research. We shall look into both the discovery of as well as recent research on Dr. Vallee’s beloved family of MT proteins to illustrate (i) how exploratory and upward-looking research play important roles in biochemical discoveries although they do not fit the paradigmatic approach of decomposition and struc-ture-function mapping. Besides, we shall suggest (ii) that while other biochemical molecules ex-hibit a clearly identifiable function, other research hypotheses might be worthy of pursuit in the case of MTs.
Mitigation of Airborne PRRSV Transmission with UV Light Treatment: Proof-of-concept
Authors: Li Peiyang , Koziel Jacek A. , Zimmerman Jeffrey J. , Zhang Jianqiang , Cheng Ting-Yu , Yim-Im Wannarat , Jenks William S. , Lee Myeongseong , Chen Baitong , Hoff Steven J.
Published: March 2021

Proper treatment of infectious air could potentially mitigate the spread of airborne viruses such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). The objective of this research is to test the effectiveness of ultraviolet (UV) in inactivating aerosolized PRRSV, specifically, four UV lamps, UV-A (365 nm, both fluorescent and LED-based), "excimer" UV-C (222 nm), and germicidal UV-C (254 nm), were tested. The two UV-C lamps effectively irradiated fast-moving PRRSV aerosols with short treatment times (<2 s). One-stage and two-stage UV inactivation models estimated the UV doses needed for target percentage (%) reductions on PRRSV titer. UV-C (254 nm) dose needed for 3-log (99.9%) reduction was 0.521 and 0.0943 mJ/cm2, respectively, based on one-stage and two-stage models. An order of magnitude lower UV-C (222 nm) doses were needed for a 3-log reduction, i.e., 0.0882 and 0.048 mJ/cm2, based on one-stage and two-stage models, respectively. However, the cost of 222-nm excimer lamps is still economically prohibitive for scaling-up trials. The UV-A (365 nm) lamps could not reduce PRRSV titers for tested doses up to 4.11 mJ/cm2. Pilot-scale or farm-scale testing of UV-C on PRRSV aerosols simulating barn ventilation rates are recommended based on its effectiveness and reasonable costs comparable to HEPA filtration.
Eﬀects of Probiotic Bacillus on Growth Performance, Immune Response and Disease Resistance in Aquaculture
Authors: Rahman Ashikur , Shefat Shoaibe Hossain Talukder , Chowdhury Mohammed Anas
Published: March 2021

Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing animal food-producing agricultural industries in the world and proper performance of fish in morphological, physiological and immunological aspects is important for fish production and sustainable expansion of aquaculture. But several inhibitors like disease, pathogen, and adverse environment can overpower these performances. At present, antibiotics in preventing these inhibitors have been seen as becoming favorable to those inhibitors. So, Bacillus, an important group of probiotic bacteria can be an alternative to these antibiotics in aquaculture. Bacillus has been seen used in different experiments, mainly as a supplement in feed at various concentrations. Bacillus showed effective results like improved growth with minimum cost, improvement in reproduction, hematology, improved immune response and disease, and stress resistance as well as better proximate composition in different fish species. Application of Bacillus strains has proven efficient in improving water quality by reducing ammonia and nitrite toxicity, harmful algal blooms and utilization of H+ ion. Larger application of probiotic Bacillus instead of the hazardous synthetic chemicals would promote eco-friendly low-input sustainable aquaculture for food and nutritional security of the increasing world population. So many more experiments should be conducted in commercially important fishes for better growth and health of fishes which will certainly increase fish
On the Wireless Microwave Sensing of Bacterial Membrane Potential in Microfluidic-Actuated Platforms
Authors: Jofre Marc , Jofre Lluís , Jofre-Roca Luis
Published: March 2021

The investigation of the electromagnetic properties of biological particles in microfluidic platforms may enable wireless monitoring and interaction with functional activity of microorganisms. Of high relevance is the membrane potential as it is one of the most important parameters of living cells. In particular, the complex mechanisms of the cell’s membrane potential are comparable to the dynamics of bacteria membranes, providing a simplified platform for advancing the current techniques and knowledge of general bio-particle dynamics. In this work, we provide a theoretical analysis and experimental results on the microwave detection of bacteria on a microfluidic-based framework for sensing the membrane potential of bacteria. The results enable to further advance the state-of-the-art of electromagnetic bacteria sensing and microfluidic control, and their implication for measuring and interacting with the cell and its membrane potentials, which is of great importance for developing new biotechnological engineered systems and solutions.
Modelling Sorption Thermodynamics and Mass Transport of n-Hexane in a Propylene-Ethylene Elastomer
Authors: Tammaro Daniele , Lombardi Lorenzo , Scherillo Giuseppe , Di Maio Ernesto , Ahuja Navanshu , 1 Giuseppe Mensitieri
Published: March 2021

Optimization of post polymerization devolatilization process of polyolefin elastomers (POE) is of considerable industrial interest. To this aim, experimental determination and theoretical interpretation of the thermodynamics and mass transport properties of POE-solvent mixtures is relevant. Sorption behaviour of n-hexane vapour in a commercial propylene-ethylene elastomer (V8880 VistamaxxTM from ExxonMobil) is addressed here, determining experimentally the sorption isotherms at temperatures ranging from 115 to 140 °C and pressure values of n-hexane vapour up to 1 atm. Sorption isotherms have been interpreted with the Non-Random-Hydrogen-Bonding Equation of State model retrieving, from data fitting, the value of the binary interaction parameter for the n-hexane/V8880 system. Both the case of temperature-independent and of temperature-dependent binary interaction parameter have been considered. Sorption kinetics was also investigated at different pressures and has been interpreted using a Fick’s model determining values of the mutual diffusivity as a function of temperature and of n-hexane/V8880 mixture composition. From these values, n-hexane intra-diffusion coefficient has been calculated interpreting its dependence on mixture concentration and temperature by a semi-empiric model based on free volume arguments.
Inhibition of Cyclooxygenase-2 Alters Cranial Neural Crest Cell Migration in the Developing chick
Authors: Parmar Bhaval , Verma Urja , Khaire Kashmira , Danes Dhanush , Balakrishnan Suresh
Published: March 2021

A recent study from our lab revealed that inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 exclusively reduces the level of PGE2 amongst the prostanoids and hamper the normal development of several structures, strikingly the cranial vault, in chick embryos. In order to unearth the mechanism behind the deviant development of cranial features, the expression pattern of various factors that are known to influence the cranial neural crest cell (CNCC) migration were checked in chick embryo after inhibiting the COX-2 activity using etoricoxib. The compromised level of cell adhesion molecules and their upstream regulators, namely CDH1, CDH2, MSX1, and TGF-β, observed in the etoricoxib treated embryos indicate that COX-2, through its downstream effector PGE2, regulates the expression of these factors perhaps to aid the migration of CNCC. The histological features and levels of FoxD3 as well as PCNA further consolidates the role of COX-2 in migration and survival of CNCC in developing embryo. The results of the current study indicate that the COX-2 plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the proliferation and migration of CNCC during embryonic development of chick.
Presence of the Past: Digital Narrative of the Dennys Lascelles Concrete Wool Store; Geelong, Australia
Authors: Rashid Md Mizanur , Khoo Chin Koi , Kaljevic Sofija , Pancholi Surabhi
Published: March 2021

Re-creation of the past of historical buildings sits at the intersection of the spatio-temporal manifestation of cultural memories, socio-cultural meanings, values and identity re-moulds and refines the existing understanding and sense of place. Digital technologies have become a popular tool in re-creation of the past by creating a new body of knowledge and historical discourse based on identifying the gaps within our written histories. Designers and policymakers around the world have been exploring various tools and technologies such as diachronic modelling yet there is a gap in evidence-based understanding regarding the actual functioning and success of application for place making. This paper, therefore, sets out to scrutinise the role of digital technologies in facilitating digital place making. To do so, it investigates the potential of a new “digital heritage” narrative in the revival of the lost architectural narrative of the Dennys Lascelles Wool Store, Geelong. The proposed paper aims to investigate the potential of a new “digital heritage” narrative and story-telling as a means towards digital place making framework. While exploring the new and unique capabilities provided by the digital narrative in capturing, simulating and disseminating ‘lost’ heritage it will further imbue a sense of place by connecting the everyday city dweller.
Prevention of neonatal infection caused by group B streptococci
Authors:   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Nikonov A.P. , Naumenko N.S. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Astsaturova O.R. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Belova A.V. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Aleksandrov L.S. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: March 2021

Objective. To evaluate the prevalence of vaginal carriage of Streptococcus agalactiae among pregnant women at 35–37 weeks of gestation and assess the efficacy of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) for group B streptococcus (GBS) infection in newborns. Patients and methods. We examined 800 pregnant women at 35–37 weeks of gestation (bacteriological examination of vaginal microbiota with biomaterial collected from the posterior vaginal fornix). Identified carriers of S. agalactiae who had vaginal delivery (n = 50) received antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent infection in newborns. We also evaluated the frequency of vertical transmission of streptococci in all infants during the first hour of life (bacteriological examination of pharyngeal swabs and meconium). Identification of microorganisms was performed by direct protein profiling using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (FLEX series, Bruker Daltonic GmbH, Germany). Results. Maternal vaginal colonization with S. agalactiae in the third trimester was observed in 13.5% of patients tested (n = 108). Fifty women had vaginal delivery and received antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent infection in newborns. Postpartum samples of only 1 newborn gave scanty growth of S. agalactiae at bacteriological examination (1 × 101 CFU/mL in meconium and 1 × 103 CFU/mL in the pharyngeal sample), while the remaining 49 newborns had sterile samples. Thus, the frequency of S. agalactiae vertical transmission with intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis was 2% (n = 1). Of note, infection in the newborn caused no inflammation. Conclusion. Relatively low prevalence of vaginal carriage of S. agalactiae among pregnant women gives no sufficient grounds for the inclusion of such bacteriological examination into compulsory screening for infections in pregnant women in the Russian Federation. However, intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis is an effective method to prevent streptococcal infection in newborns; it should be used in women at risk of GBS infections. Kew words: vaginal carriage of bacteria, intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, neonatal sepsis, Streptococcus agalactiae, intrauterine infection, screening for infections
Artificial intelligence: predictive analytics of perinatal risks
Authors:   Petrozavodsk State University, Petrozavodsk, Russian Federation, Ivshin A.A. , Gusev A.V. ,   K-SkAI LLC, Petrozavodsk, Russian Federation, Novitskiy R.E. ,   K-SkAI LLC, Petrozavodsk, Russian Federation
Published: March 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI) has recently become an object of interest for specialists from various fields of science and technology, including healthcare professionals. Significantly increased funding for the development of AI models confirms this fact. Advances in machine learning (ML), availability of large data sets, and increasing processing power of computers promote the implementation of AI in many areas of human activity. Being a type of AI, machine learning allows automatic development of mathematical models using large data sets. These models can be used to address multiple problems, such as prediction of various events in obstetrics and neonatology. Further integration of artificial intelligence in perinatology will facilitate the development of this important area in the future. This review covers the main aspects of artificial intelligence and machine learning, their possible application in healthcare, potential limitations and problems, as well as outlooks in the context of AI integration into perinatal medicine. Key words: artificial intelligence, cardiotocography, neonatal asphyxia, fetal congenital abnormalities, fetal hypoxia, machine learning, neural networks, prediction, prognosis, perinatal risk, prenatal diagnosis
ARVI and pregnancy: prevention options
Authors:   Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Posiseeva L.V. ,   Medical Center «Ivastramed», Ivanovo, Russian Federation, Kuksa D.S. ,   National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: March 2021

This paper addresses the main issues related to the incidence of Acute Respiratory Viral Infections (ARVI), including influenza and COVID-19, in pregnant women, the impact of these infections on the pregnancy course, fetal and newborn health. Risk factors for ARVI complications have been determined, taking into account the pregnancy term, the woman’s age and concomitant somatic diseases. A special attention was given to the specific (vaccination) and nonspecific ARVI prevention (the use of recombinant interferon alpha-2b, the medicine Grippferon) during the pregnancy preparation stage not only for the expectant mother, but also for all her family members. The results of the effective use of the interferon-based medicine Grippferon for the prevention and treatment of ARVI during pregnancy are provided. This medicine helps to reduce the frequency of ARVI-related pregnancy complications and perinatal pathology. Keywords: acute respiratory viral infections, pathogens, pregnancy, risk factors, prevention, interferon-based medicines, Grippferon
The role of antioxidants in the complex therapy of patients with endometriosis-associated infertility
Authors:   Center for Family Planning and Reproduction, Moscow, Russian Federation, Khatlamadzhiyan M.G. , Kharitonova E.V. ,   Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F.Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Shcherbakova L.N. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Kalenikova E.I. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Medvedev O.S. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Alekseenkova M.V. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Panina O.B. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: March 2021

Objective. To study the role of antioxidants in the complex therapy of patients with endometriosis-associated infertility on the example of evaluating the effectiveness of ubidecarenone. Patients and methods. Forty-three patients with endometriosis-associated infertility and nineteen fertile women with complete reproductive function were examined. In order to improve the receptivity of endometrium and correct the antioxidant status in infertile patients with endometriosis after laparoscopy, therapy with Synergin® was administered at a dosage of 2 capsules per day for 3 months. After therapy, an assessment of endometrium and intrauterine perfusion was made. Results. There was a significant decrease in intrauterine perfusion in patients with endometriosis-associated infertility compared to the control group. However, after therapy with Synergin® within 3 months and correction of endothelial dysfunction in infertile patients with endometriosis, an improvement in intrauterine perfusion was revealed. Thus, prior to therapy, subendometrial blood flow was assessed in 13% of patients as satisfactory, in 77% – it was reduced, in 10% – it was absent; after therapy, 86% of patients showed satisfactory blood flow and 14% had decreased blood flow. Endometrial blood flow was reduced in 32% of patients and in 68% were absent prior to treatment, and after treatment, it was assessed as satisfactory in 45% and was reduced in 55%. Conclusion. Pathogenetic antioxidant therapy is necessary in the complex therapy of infertility in patients with external genital endometriosis after surgical treatment. Key words: α-Tocopherol, infertility, coenzyme Q10, endometrium receptivity, endometriosis
Prenatal screening as a predictor of gestational complications
Authors:   V.V.Veresaev City Clinical Hospital, Moscow, Russian Federation, Samchuk P.M. , Azoeva E.L. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Ishchenko A.I. ,   V.V.Veresaev City Clinical Hospital, Moscow, Russian Federation, Rozalieva Yu.Yu. ,   V.V.Veresaev City Clinical Hospital, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: March 2021

Objective.To analyze the course and outcomes of pregnancies in women at high risk of fetal chro-mosomal abnormalities, preeclampsia, fetal growth retardation, and preterm birth according to the results of prenatal screening. Patients and methods. This prospective study included 443 women with singleton pregnancies. Study participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 included women at high risk of complica-tions (n = 235), while Group 2 (control) comprised women at low risk of gestational complications (n = 208). Patients in Group 1 were further subdivided into 4 subgroups: subgroup 1A included women at risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities (CA) (n = 69); subgroup 1B included women at risk of preeclampsia (PE) (n = 66); subgroup 1C included women at risk of fetal growth retardation (FGR) (n = 48); and subgroup 1D included women at risk of preterm birth (PB) (n = 52). Confirmed chromosomal abnormalities were considered as an exclusion criterion. Results. Threatened miscarriage (TM) and bleeding in the first trimester were significantly more common in patients from Group 1. In the second trimester, the risk of TM was increased among women from subgroups 1A, 1B, 1C, and particularly 1D. In the third trimester, we observed sig-nificant differences in the frequency of FGR between group 1 (subgroups 1A, 1С, 1D) and controls. In subgroups 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, the incidence of PE and FGR was higher in patients who did not receive aspirin. The frequency of threatened PB was higher in subgroups 1B, 1C, and 1D compared to Group 2 (p < 0.05). Conclusion. High prenatal risk of fetal CA should be considered as a risk factor for PB, TM, FGR, and PE. Key words: prenatal screening, chromosomal abnormalities, preeclampsia, fetal growth retarda-tion, preterm birth, pregnancy, perinatal risk
Endometriosis of the lower genital tract. Treatment tactics
Authors:   Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Ledina A.V. , Bebneva T.N. ,   Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Rogovskaya S.I. ,   Russian Association of Genital Infections and Neoplasia, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: March 2021

The issues of endometriosis of the lower genital tract, its most frequent symptoms, diagnosis and main treatment methods were considered. Special attention was paid to cervical endometriosis. Surgical intervention allows obtaining histological confirmation and removal of visible foci of endometriosis, which is a priority regarding endometriosis of the lower genital tract. The aspects of hormone therapy in patients with endometriosis of the lower genital tract were also covered, the advantages of dienogest were shown. Key words: dienogest, treatment, endometriosis, cervical endometriosis
Twenty Years of MPPA: A Look Back and Ahead
Authors: Brandfonbrener Alice G
Published: March 2021

2005 marks the 20th year of publication of Medical Problems of Performing Artists. As I sat down to review the journal over these years, I naturally turned back to where we started by looking at Volume 1, Number 1, the very first issue from March 1986. The editorial from this issue
is printed below. Without any intention of being either personally or institutionally self-congratulatory, I think what was said there was as "right on" for then as it is for today.
Intrinsic Muscle Strain in the Instrumentalist
Authors: Dawson William J
Published: March 2021

The playing of many musical instruments is performed principally by the small intrinsic muscles of the hands. Practice records were reviewed to investigate the epidemiology, etiology, and risk factors for intrinsic muscle strain. Fifty-one instrumentalists were found, out of 129 having
strains of all hand and forearm muscles. These 51 comprised 15.5% of all 329 musicians seen for overuse-related conditions. The patient ages ranged from 10 to 72 years; 20 were male. Forty-one of the 51 played keyboard or stringed instruments; 11 of the 19 stringed instruments were bowed.
Twenty-one patients were professionals or university/conservatory music students. Sixty percent of strains were caused by playing music, with slightly more than half being in the professional/collegiate cohort. Pianists were more likely to experience right hand involvement. Seven patients
had bilateral intrinsic strains. Thirteen experienced concomitant strains of the extrinsic forearm muscles, either on the same side or bilaterally with bilateral intrinsic strains. Treatment followed standard principles, with hand rest prescribed in 12, musical practice changes in 19, activity
modification in 30, and formal exercises/hand therapy in 23. Nonsteroidal medication was prescribed in 17 cases. The data suggest that intrinsic muscle strains related to overuse follow the same etiologic and anatomic patterns as other upper extremity muscle strain and pain syndromes and have
the same risk factors. Health care providers should be aware of the role of the hand intrinsic muscles in playing musical instruments and their propensity for overuse-related strain syndromes from both musical and nonmusical activities.
Fathers and Daughters in Verdi’s Operas
Authors: Plaut Eric A
Published: March 2021

Psychobiography is a treacherous business. It usually tells us more about the biographer than the subject. It is akin to doing dream analysis without having the patient's associations. It is a doubly treacherous undertaking with a man like Verdi. He was a very proud and private person
who was immensely secretive about his relationships with his intimates. Additionally, his parents were both illiterate, so there is no record of his childhood. In this paper I shall consider the meaning of the father-child relationships in Verdi’s operas, relate them to events in his
life, and use this data to cast some light on his psychological makeup. Originally in MPPA March 1986 [MPPA 1(1):30-34, 1986].
Toward Better Prevention of Injuries Among Performing Artists
Authors: Manchester Ralph A
Published: March 2021

To paraphrase the old saying, a sixteenth note of prevention is worth a whole note of cure. Unfortunately, in 2006 we have very few sixteenth notes of proven prevention to offer performing artists. Therefore, practitioners of performing arts medicine are mostly limited to offering injured
artists whole notes of treatment, assuming that the artist is in an area where she or he can find some treatment and can afford to pay for it. Should we be concerned that we have so little to offer in the way of injury prevention in the third decade of the existence of the field? What follows
are my thoughts on the subject, sparsely annotated, focusing mainly on the instrumental musician.
Sight-Reading Versus Repertoire Performance on the Piano: A Case Study Using High-Speed Motion Analysis
Authors: Wristen Brenda , Evans Sharon , Stergiou Nicholas
Published: March 2021

This study was intended to examine whether differences exist in the motions employed by pianists when they are sight-reading versus performing repertoire and to determine whether these differences can be quantified using high-speed motion capture technology. A secondary question of
interest was whether or not an improvement in the efficiency of motion could be observed between two sight-reading trials of the same musical excerpt. This case study employed one subject and a six-camera digital infrared camera system to capture the motion of the pianist playing two trials
of a repertoire piece and two trials of a sight-reading excerpt. Angular displacements and velocities were calculated for bilateral shoulder, elbow, wrist, and index finger joints. The findings demonstrate the usefulness of high-speed motion capture technology for analyzing motions of pianists
during performance, showing that the subject's motions were less efficient in sight-reading tasks than is repertoire tasks.
Promoting Health in Post-Secondary Music Schools
Authors: Manchester Ralph A
Published: March 2021

The Special Article in this issue of Medical Problems of Performing Artists has the potential to usher in a new era in improving the lives of musicians (and potentially other performing artists) around the world. The Health Promotion in Schools of Music conference that was held in Texas
in the fall of 2004 brought together a rich mixture of music and performing arts medicine professionals. Stimulated by the new National Association of Schools of Music accreditation standard that requires undergraduate music students to receive instruction in injury prevention and occupational
health promotion, participants in the conference worked diligently for 3 days to discuss what we know, what we don't know, and how to approach the vital yet immensely complex issue of health promotion and injury prevention for college-level music students. While the recommendations in the
Special Article are intentionally broad and allow each school to develop its own program, they are based on a true state of the art analysis of the field.
Musculoskeletal and General Health Problems of Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, and Banjo Players
Authors: Fjellman-Wiklund Anncristine , Chesky Kris
Published: March 2021

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to describe self-reported problems among guitarists and to examine differences associated with type of guitar played. Data for the study were extracted from the University of North Texas Musician Health Survey (UNT-MHS) data set. Subjects for
the present study (n = 520) were included if they identified acoustic guitar, electric guitar, electric bass or banjo as their primary instrument. Prevalences for musculoskeletal problems were determined for the total group, by guitar-specific groups, and by gender. Prevalences for nonmusculoskeletal,
overall health problems were established for the whole guitar group and by instrument. Of the total subjects, 81% reported one or more musculoskeletal problems. The acoustic guitar group reported the highest prevalence (83%), followed by the banjo (78%), electric bass (77%), and electric guitar
groups (74%). The highest site-specific prevalences for the whole group were the left fingers (32.9%), left wrist (29.8%), and left hand (24.7%). Regarding nonmusculoskeletal problems, 66% of the total group perceived stress due to work environment as a moderate to high problem. The total
group reported mostly problems with fatigue, depression, headache, and eye strain. The overall findings of the study show that musculoskeletal problems as well as stress-related health problems are a major concern for the guitar community.
Three-Dimensional Analysis of Hand and Finger Movements during Piano Playing
Authors: Ferrario Virgilio F , Macrì Chiara , Biffi Emilia , Pollice Paolo , Sforza Chiarella
Published: March 2021

The movements required for piano playing usually involve low impact loads that do not exceed physiologic limits of human body, but their repetition may provoke microtrauma leading to overuse injuries. Experience may allow a pianist to modify the motor patterns used for a performance,
allowing the highest accuracy with minimum effort. In the present study, hand and finger movement patterns were analyzed in 19 pianists (8 concert players, 11 students and teachers) while they played 16 measures of a minuet. The threedimensional coordinates of their right hand and fingers
were obtained by a motion analyzer. Three-dimensional finger velocity was determined, unitary kinetic energy was computed, and movements were divided into useful (for sound production) and erratic (extraneous movements not used for sound production). The number of key presses for each pianist
was counted, and singlefinger unitary kinetic energy computed. On average, the concert players used more total unitary kinetic energy than the students and teachers (p < 0.05, Wilcoxon test), while the useful unitary kinetic energy was similar. The number of key presses for each
finger did not differ (p > 0.05, chi-squared test). The useful unitary kinetic energy per single key press differed between groups (p = 0.035, with concert players greater than students and teachers, analysis of variance) and among the five fingers (p = 0.008, with
second and first fingers larger). In conclusion, the same piano exercise was performed with different movement patterns depending on the pianist’s experience. The patterns of extraneous hand and finger movements during playing could be investigated to assess their relationship to overuse
injuries.
Occupational Performance Issues and Predictors of Dysfunction in College Instrumentalists
Authors: Barton Rebecca , Killian Clyde , Bushee Morgan , Callen Julia , Cupp Teresa , Ochs Brandy , Sharp Michelle , Tetrault Katie
Published: March 2021

Music-related injuries among musicians, including younger musicians, have been well documented; however, minimal research has been completed with college-aged instrumentalists. The purpose of this research study was to describe the presence of physical symptoms in college-age musicians
and the impact of these symptoms on music-playing and other daily occupations. Data collection was completed on college instrumental music majors using two survey questionnaires, which documented the presence of physical symptoms in the upper limb and the impact of these symptoms on function.
The results indicate that a significant number of students reported pain or discomfort that occurred during music-playing, at rest, and during other daily occupations. Results were consistent with the literature in regards to the prevalence of symptoms in female instrumentalists as compared
to males and the occurrence of more symptoms in those individuals playing string instruments and piano as compared to other instrument groups. Also, as self-reported pain increased, a greater level of dysfunction in occupational performance was found. Results also indicated that when participants
were already implementing intervention strategies, this was perhaps a predictor of the presence of pain and dysfunction. Health professionals should be encouraged to provide preventive education for student musicians and to use outcome measures, such as the Disabilities of the Hand, Arm, and
Shoulder (DASH) outcome measure, to identify the potential for functional impairments.
Dance-specific, Graded Rehabilitation: Advice, Principles, and Schedule for the General Practitioner
Authors: Air Mamie , Rietveld A B M (Boni)
Published: March 2021

Dancers frequently experience lower-extremity injuries which require dance activity restriction, if not full “time off” and/or surgery. Recovering dancers are frequently over-eager to return to dance, but engaging in too high an activity level too soon can be detrimental.
Currently, there are no formal guidelines for general physicians about advising injured or postoperative dancer-patients about when or how to return to dance activity. Socioeconomic hurdles further prohibit many dancers from seeking rehabilitative services from a dance physical therapist.
Therefore, there is a need for physician education about general dance-rehabilitation principles, as well as access to a dance-specific structured rehabilitation program. We present here rehabilitation advice from an expert in dance orthopedic surgery and an example of a “preventive
rehabilitation program” for injured or postoperative dancer-patients with lower-extremity injury.
Genees & Kunst 7: Seventh Biannual Symposium on Medical Problems of Dancers & Musicians, Amsterdam, October 11, 2008
Authors: Rietveld A.B.M. (Boni) , Winterkorn-Pierrot C.I.C.A. (Camilla)
Published: March 2021

On Saturday, October 11, 2008, the Dutch Performing Arts Medicine Association (NVDMG) organized a scientific and artistic symposium, Genees & Kunst 7, for its seventh member assembly, at the Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre in Amsterdam. Scientific presentations, interspersed with
dance and music performances, were given by NVDMG members and by two invited international speakers: P. Lewton-Brain, Dancing uphill, insights into dancing on raked (inclined) stages, and Dr. J. Schloemicher-Thier, Occupational medicine in the Salzburger Festspiele. Other presenters included:
Dr. A. de Gast, Functional impingement of the shoulder due to poor posture in musicians; Dr. C.C. de Cock, Beta-blockers and stage fright; Ms. A.E. Felter, Report of a study on the relation between dance floors and dance injuries; Dr. D.E. Meuffels, ACL injury in professional dancers; and
Mr. G.J.F. de Haas, AD(H)D in musicians and dancers.
Protecting Musicians from Hearing Damage: A Review of Evidence-based Research
Authors: Santucci Michael
Published: March 2021

The great irony of being a musician is that the sound produced—the very essence of the musical experience—represents a long-term health risk to the artist. This overview examines the lack of sufficient evidence-based studies on this at-risk population, which is particularly
important in light of the low level of compliance to hearing-loss prevention programs among musicians. The review explores the number of musicians at risk, the five most common types of hearing loss affecting them, and the necessary components of a hearing-loss prevention program, including
measurement, education, and acoustic modifications to the work environment. Hearing protection devices designed specifically for performing musicians are explored in depth, including the proper use of spectrum-neutral high-fidelity earplugs with in-ear monitoring systems as tools to control
sound levels without detracting from the quality of musical performance.
Musculoskeletal Disorders and Asymmetric Playing Postures of the Upper Extremity and Back in Music Teachers: A Pilot Study
Authors: Edling Cecilia Wahlström , Fjellman-Wiklund Anncristine
Published: March 2021

To play a musical instrument, such as the violin or flute, requires controlled, adequate movements performed by the arm, hand, and fingers in an asymmetric playing posture. The movements are monotonous and often of long duration, involving static and repetitive muscle work of the upper
extremity and neck-shoulder muscles. This situation may lead to an increased risk of contracting musculoskeletal problems. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between physical workload, defined as playing posture and playing time per week, and musculoskeletal
disorders in music teachers. A questionnaire was distributed, with items based on work-related musculoskeletal disorders and physical working conditions. The study population consisted of music teachers employed at a Swedish municipal music school. Out of 61 music teachers, 47 (77%) agreed
to participate, including 28 women and 19 men. The study group was divided into two groups depending on if they had an asymmetric or symmetric upper extremity/back playing position. Of the total participants, 77% reported musculoskeletal disorders during the preceding 12 months. Female teachers
reported significantly more symptoms in the neck, shoulders, and upper back than male teachers. Music teachers with an asymmetric playing posture had significantly more musculoskeletal disorders than music teachers with a symmetric playing posture. This study demonstrates that an asymmetric
playing position may affect the amount of musculoskeletal disorders in the upper extremity and back.
MOLLUSCAN LIVE-DEAD FIDELITY OF A STORM-DOMINATED SHALLOW-MARINE SETTING AND ITS IMPLICATIONS
Authors: BHATTACHERJEE MADHURA , CHATTOPADHYAY DEVAPRIYA , SOM BIDISHA , SANKAR AMMU S. , MAZUMDER SATYAKI
Published: March 2021

Actualistic studies are important for evaluating the fidelity of fossil assemblages in representing the living community. Poor live-dead (LD) fidelity in molluscan assemblages may result from transport-induced mixing. Large-scale mixing is more common in siliciclastic settings with a narrow shelf, high sedimentation rate, and those that are frequented by episodically high-energy events. Chandipur-on-sea, on the east coast of India has an optimal setting to promote such conditions. By studying the LD fidelity and modeling size-frequency distribution (SFD) of the fauna, we attempted to evaluate the contribution of “out-of-habitat” versus “within-habitat” mixing in developing the molluscan death assemblage. The correlation between the composition of live (LA) and death assemblages (DA) was insufficient; unlike LAs, the DAs do not show environmental partitioning in ordination space. A numerical simulation of the shell size frequency distribution (SFD) for DAs from LAs was compared with the observed SFD of the DAs. The results of this simulation indicate that DAs are not likely to be a product of within-habitat mixing. DAs probably received considerable input via regional transport, facilitated by frequent tropical cyclones affecting the coast of Odisha. Chandipur receives a large proportion of cyclones originating above 15°N, which causes a high degree of lateral transport and shell mixing between 15° to 21°N, explained by the high compositional similarity of species within this latitudinal extent. Our study highlights the significance of out-of-habitat transport in shaping the regional distribution of marine fossil assemblages, especially in storm dominated siliciclastic shallow-marine settings.
Do we need a confederate in full-scale medical simulation? A randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Traoré Jeremie , Balen Frédéric , Geeraerts Thomas , Charpentier Sandrine , Dubucs Xavier , Houzé-Cerfon Charles-Henri
Published: March 2021

Background: During simulation training, the confederate is a member of the pedagogical team. Its role is to facilitate the interaction between participants and the environment, and is thought to increase realism and immersion. Its influence on participants' performance in full-scale simulation remains however unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of the presence of a confederate on the participants’ performance during full-scale simulation of crisis medical situations. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized study comparing 2 parallel groups. Participants were emergency medicine residents engaging in a simulation session, with or without confederates. Participants were then evaluated on their Crisis Resource Management performance (CRM). The overall performance score on the Ottawa Global Rating Scale was assessed as primary outcome and the 5 non-technical CRM skills as secondary outcomes.Results: A total of 63 simulation sessions, including 63 residents, were included for statistical analysis (n= 32 for Control group and 31 for Confederate group). The mean Overall Performance score was 3.9± 0.8 in the Control group and 4.0± 1.1 in the Confederate group, 95% confidence interval of the difference [-0.6; 0.4], p=0.60. No significant differences between the two groups were observed on each CRM items (leadership, situational awareness, communication, problem solving, resource utilization)Conclusion: In this randomized and controlled study, the presence of confederates during full-scale simulated practice of crisis medical situations does not seem to improve the CRM skills performance of Emergency medicine residents. Trial registration: this study does not need to be registered on Clintrial as it doesn’t report a health care intervention on human participants.
The Overexpression of Four MiTFL1 Genes from Mango Delays the Flowering Time in Transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Yi-Han , He Xin-Hua , Yu Hai-Xia , Mo Xiao , Fan Yan , Fan Zhi-Yi , Xie Xiao-Jie , Liu Yuan , Luo Cong
Published: March 2021

Background: TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (TFL1) belongs to the phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP) family, which is involved in inflorescence meristem development and represses flowering in several plant species. In the present study, four TFL1 genes were cloned from the mango (Mangifera indica L.) variety ‘SiJiMi’ and named MiTFL1-1, MiTFL1-2, MiTFL1-3 and MiTFL1-4.Results: A sequence analysis showed that the encoded MiTFL1 proteins contained a conserved PEBP domain and belonged to the TFL1 group. The expression of the MiTFL1 genes was examined in several tissues, including juvenile leaves, mature leaves, mature stems, and flowers. The highest MiTFL1 expression level was detected in mature stems followed by juvenile leaves but was lower in mature leaves and flowers during the flowering period. Further expression studies showed that MiTFL1s were highly expressed in leaves during the floral induction and differentiation periods. Overexpression of the four MiTFL1 genes delayed the flowering time in transgenic Arabidopsis. The results also showed that MiTFL1-1 and MiTFL1-3 could change the flower morphology in some transgenic plants. Yeast two-hybrid analysis showed that several stress-related proteins can interact with MiTFL1s.Conclusions: Four MiTFL1 genes exhibit a similar expression pattern, and overexpressed in Arabidopsis resulted in delayed flowering. In addition, MiTFL1-1 and MiTFL1-3 overexpression affected floral organ development. MiTFL1s can interact with bHLH and 14-3-3 proteins. These results indicate that MiTFL1s might play an important role in the flowering process in mango.