bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Propofol and Sevoflurane on Cellular Immune Function and Postoperative Complications in Patients with NSCLC Undergoing Surgery
Authors: Zhu Haijing , Pei Shenglin , Ge Menghua , Lan Hongmeng , Fu Manyu , Pan Linghui
Published: December 2021

Objective

We explore the effects of propofol and sevoflurane on the immunity and postoperative complications of patients undergoing thoracoscopic NSCLC radical surgery.
Methods

61 patients were selected. They were divided into two groups. Patients take the same drugs for induction of anesthesia. Propofol was used for maintenance of anesthesia in Group P. Sevoflurane was used for another group. Hemodynamics and related anesthesia doses and laboratory data were recorded during the perioperative period. Immune Functio,, postoperative complication rate were evaluated in two groups.
Results

Comparisons of MAP and HR under anesthesia in patients, Group P were more smoothly than Group S at OLV 1h and TLV 30min. The recovery time and extubation time were significantly longer in the Group S than Group P. NEU: Group P were significantly lower at T3. LYM : Group P were significantly higher at T1 and T2. CD8+ : Group P were significantly higher at T1, T2 and T3. NK cells were significantly higher in Group P at T3. CD4+/CD8+: Group P were significantly lower at T2 and T3. The incidence of pleural effusion: Group P were significantly higher at T3. The postoperative hospital stays were significantly shorter in the Group S.
Conclusions

Propofol anesthesia has more stable hemodynamics and better resuscitation effect. The immune system of patients in the perioperative period was suppressed to varying degrees after surgery, and the propofol group was less severe than the sevoflurane group. Houever, the postoperative hospital stay depends more on whether postoperative complications occur.
Knowledge and Attitude of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and associated Factors Among Adolescent School Girls in Ambo Town, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, 2021
Authors: Beyen Mulugeta W/mariam , Bulto Gizachew Abdisa , Chaka Eshetu Ejeta , Roga Ephrem Yohannes , Debelo Bikila Terefa , Erena Maru Mosisa , Tefu Tefera Likasa
Published: December 2021

Background
Large-scale HPV vaccination offers a revolutionary new tool, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where 86% of cervical cancer cases and 88% of related deaths occur. There is little research done on knowledge and attitudes towards HPV vaccine in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study attempts to assess knowledge and attitudes regarding HPV vaccination and related factors among adolescent girls in Ambo town, Oromia, Ethiopia, in 2021.
Methods
A cross sectional study was conducted from May 01 to 30, 2021, at selected schools of Ambo town among 422 adolescent Girls. The collected data were coded, entered, and cleaned by using Epi-Info 7.2.3 and exported to Statistical package for social science version 25 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to compute summary statistics and proportion. Variables at a cut off value (0.25) on bivariate and (0.05) on multivariate logistic-regression were used to identify predictors that were associated to knowledge and attitude of HPV vaccine among Adolescent Girls
Result
Current study revealed that 24.9% (103) and 55.6% (230) of respondents had good knowledge and favorable attitude respectively. The factors like educational level (AOR=2.011 95% CI; (1.239, 3.265)), having health workers as a source of information (AOR=2.132, 95%CI; (1.304, 3.486)), and respondents who have heard about HPV vaccine at school (AOR=1.66, 95% CI (1.02, 2.71)) were significantly associated with respondent’s knowledge of HPV vaccine. Moreover, perceived severity of the diseases (AOR=2.894, 95%CI; (1.607, 5.21)), and perceived benefit of the vaccine (AOR=4.263 95% CI; (2.431, 7.475)) were the two factors significantly associated with attitude of the respondents about HPV vaccine.
Conclusion
There was poor knowledge and unfavorable attitude of HPV vaccination among the school Adolescents of the study area. Several seemingly major deterrents of knowledge and attitude of the HPV vaccination were identified. Therefore, awareness creation and behavioral change education is mandatory.
Monitoring of Radioactive Cesium in Wild Boars Captured Inside the Difficult-To-Return Zone in Fukushima Prefecture Over a Five-Year Period
Authors: SAITO Rie , KUMADA Reiko , INAMI Kenji , KANDA Kousuke , KABEYA Masahiko , NEMOTO Yui
Published: December 2021

Following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in 2011, tissue samples from wild boar (Sus scrofa) outside the evacuation zone (difficult-to-return zone, DRZ) tended to show high concentrations of cesium-137 (137Cs). Understanding the 137Cs dynamics of wild boar populations inside the DRZ is necessary because they affect 137Cs dynamics and wild boar management in areas outside the DRZ. Since few detailed, long-term studies have been conducted inside the DRZ, we measured 137Cs concentrations in 221 wild boar muscle samples obtained from wild boar caught inside the DRZ and surrounding areas over a five-year period. Our results showed that the 137Cs concentration in wild boar from inside the DRZ were higher than those in wild boar outside this zone. No significant difference was observed between muscle and soil 137Cs levels, but significant correlations were observed between muscle 137Cs concentrations and body length and body weight in the low-concentration season, but not between all seasons and the high-concentration seasons. It is considered that the size effects observed during the low-concentration season may be due to factors related to metabolism and changes in food habit. This is the first long-term survey of 137Cs in wild boar inside the DRZ.
First Detection of Lake Sinai Virus in the Czech Republic: Possibility of Novel LSV Species
Authors: Čukanová Eliška , Moutelíková Romana , Prodělalová Jana
Published: December 2021

Lake Sinai virus (LSV) is one of more than twenty honeybee viruses. There are officially two species: LSV 1 and LSV 2. However, there is currently a limited number of whole-genome sequences and the genetic variability of the virus indicates more than two species exist. Extracted nucleic acid of honeybee samples were screened by PCR for presence of the selected honeybee viruses. LSV was the third most abundant virus (36.9% of positive samples) after Apis mellifera filamentous virus (72.2%) and Deformed wing virus (52.5%). LSV-positive samples underwent additional PCR reaction with primers targeting region coding RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of the virus. The PCR products were sequenced and the acquired sequences used for first phylogenetic analysis. Based on the results, several of the isolates were selected to undergo whole-genome sequencing and the sequences obtained were used for additional phylogenetic analyses and construction of dendrograms. The results indicate presence of at least three genetically distinct groups of LSV in the Czech Republic, the major one being related to LSV 2, but too distinct to be considered LSV 2 species. Two sequences of major Czech LSV cluster of strains were successfully acquired, thus being the first Czech LSV strains published to date.
Arginine Regulates Zygotic Genome Activation in Porcine Embryos through Promoting Polyamine Synthesis☆
Authors: Zhang Tianrui , Zheng Yingying , Kuang Tianya , Yang Lianyu , Jiang Hailong , Wang Heming , Zhao Yicheng , Han Rui , Che Dongsheng
Published: December 2021

Background:Arginine has a positive effect on preimplantation development in pigs. However, the exact mechanism by which arginine promotes embryonic development to the blastocyst stage is not undefined. Here, single-cell RNA-sequencing technology was applied to porcine in vivo pre-implantation embryos from zygote to morula to determine transcription patterns of arginine metabolism-related genes during preimplantation embryonic development.Results:Transcriptome sequencing showed that arginine metabolism-related genes clearly changed from the 2-cell stage to the 4-cell stage, where zygotic genome activation (ZGA) occurred in porcine embryos. Further analysis of the correlation between arginine metabolism and ZGA shows that arginine metabolism-related genes are significantly correlated with key ZGA genes such as ZSCAN4, DPPA2 and EIF1A, indicating that arginine metabolism may be an indicator of porcine ZGA. To explore the correlation between arginine metabolism and ZGA, embryos cultured in the medium that removes all the amino acids, proteins and pyruvate in the PZM3 medium were employed to generate the ZGA blocked embryo model. The 4-cell arrest rate significantly increased at 72 h after activation, indicating impeded embryonic development. Meanwhile, results of immunofluorescent staining showed that the expression of SIRT1 protein during ZGA was significantly inhibited. Results of quantitative PCR showed that the expression of zygotic genes (ZSCAN4, DPPA2 and EIF1A) was significantly decreased. The above results indicate that the ZGA blocked embryo model was successfully established. Adding of arginine recovered embryonic development, SIRT1 and zygotic genes expression levels and initiated the ZGA. In addition, ROS content significantly increased when ZGA was blocked, and the GSH, ATP and lipid droplet content significantly decreased. After the addition of arginine in the block group, the ROS content significantly decreased, and the GSH, ATP and lipid droplet content significantly increased. Moreover, the ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) inhibitor difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) and arginine were added to the block group at the same time, and the effect of arginine was found to be inhibited. Conclusions: Arginine is essential for ZGA in porcine embryos. Arginine contributes to porcine ZGA by promoting polyamine synthesis in porcine embryos.
Rutin Protects from Destruction by Interrupting the Pathways Playing a Role in the Possible Damage Mechanism of Sodium Valproate in the Liver and Kidney Tissues of Rats
Authors: Kandemir Fatih Mehmet , Ileriturk Mustafa , Gur Cihan
Published: December 2021

Background: The present study investigated the effects of rutin (RUT), which has various biological and pharmacological properties, on liver and kidney damage caused by histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid (VLP), which is used in the treatment of many psychiatric disorders.Methods and Results: In the study, 50 or 100 mg/kg RUT treatment was administered 30 minutes after 500 mg/kg VLP was given to rats for 14 days. Then, some pathways that may be involved in the damage mechanism of VLP in liver and kidney tissues were investigated using biochemical, RT-PCR and Western blotting techniques. The results show that the levels of MDA induced by VLP in liver and kidney tissues decreased after RUT treatment, and the levels of SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH suppressed by VLP increased after RUT administration. It was observed that ER stress induced by oxidative stress was alleviated by suppressing the expressions of ATF-6, PERK, IRE1 and GRP78 after RUT treatment. It was observed that the expressions of NF-kB, TNF-a, IL-6, JAK2 and STAT3 in the inflammatory pathway increased after VLP administration, while RUT treatment decreased the levels of these markers. It is also among the data obtained that the levels of markers that play a role in the regulation of apoptosis (Bax, Bcl-2, kaspaz-3, pERK, pJNK) or autophagy (Beclin-1, LC3A, LC3B) approach the control group after RUT treatment.Conclusions: Taken together, it was determined that RUT treatment protected against liver and kidney damage by attenuating VLP-induced oxidative stress, ER stress, inflammation, apoptosis and autophagy.
A Global Debris Flow Susceptibility Map Based on a Comparative Analysis of a Single Global Model Versus a Continent-by-continent Approach
Authors: Kurilla Laurie Jayne , Fubelli Giandomenico
Published: December 2021

Debris flows, and landslides in general, are worldwide catastrophic phenomena. As world population and urbanization grow in magnitude and geographic coverage, the need exists to extend focus, research, and modeling to a continental and global scale.Although debris flow behavior and parameters are local phenomena, sound generalizations can be applied to debris flow susceptibility analyses at larger geographic extents based on these criteria. The focus of this research is to develop a global debris flow susceptibility map by modeling at both a continental scale for all continents and by a single global model and determine whether a global model adequately represents each continent. Probability Density, Conditional Probability, Certainty Factor, Frequency Ratio, and Maximum Entropy statistical models were developed and evaluated for best model performance using fourteen environmental factors generally accepted as the most appropriate debris flow predisposing factors. Global models and models for each continent were then developed and evaluated against verification data. The comparative analysis demonstrates that a single global model performs comparably or better than individual continental models for a majority of the continents, resulting in a debris flow susceptibility map of the world useful in international planning, and future debris flow susceptibility modeling for determining societal impacts.
Estimation of Chlorophyll-a, SPM and Salinity in Mangrove Dominated Tropical Estuarine Areas of Hooghly River, North East Coast of Bay of Bengal, India Using Sentinel-3 Data
Authors: De Aakash , Mondal Ismail , Nandi Subhanil , Thakur Sandeep , Raman Mini , De Tarun Kumar
Published: December 2021

This study aims to explore the variations in spatial/Spatio-temporal characteristics of water quality parameters of three estuaries in the western part of the Indian Sundarbans. Reliable retrieval of near surface concentrations of parameters such as Chlorophyll-a, SST & TSM in various aquatic ecosystems with broad ranges of trophic needs has long been a complex issue. In this study the C2RCC processor has been applied that has been tested for its accuracy across different bio optical regimes in inland & coastal waters. Satellite images for the same period were also collected and analysed using the C2RCC processing sequence to retrieve values of parameters such as the depth of water, surface reflectance, water temperature, inherent optical properties (IOPs), salinity, chlorophyll-a and total suspended matter (TSM) using the SNAP software. During the 2017-2020 season, in situ sampling from specific locations and laboratory water quality analysis were carried out. The OLCI retrieved results were then trained and validated using the in situ datasets. It was observed that the highest amount of TSM was recorded in Diamond Harbour during the pre-monsoon, in the year 2018 (301.40 mgL-1 in-situ value, and 308.54 mg L-1 estimated value). Similarly, chlorophyll-a had higher concentrations during the monsoon season (3.03 mg m-3, in-situ, and 2.96 mg m-3, estimated) in Fraserganj and Sagar south points. Very good fitted correlation results for all seasons between Chl-a, r = 0.829 and TSM, r = 0.924 were found during the comparisons of OLCI and in situ results. The high level of correlation highlights the importance of both primary and secondary data in understanding any dynamic system properly. Finally, the result shows that the water quality model outperforms conventional techniques and OLCI chl-a and TSM products. This paper empirically investigates a reliable remote sensing method for estimating coastal TSM and chl-a concentrations and supports the use of OLCI data in ocean colour remote sensing.
The Significance of Serum Tumor Markers CEA, CA19-9, CA125, CA15-3 And AFP in Patients Scheduled for Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: Do Elevated Levels Really Mean Malignancy?
Authors: Baskiran Deniz Yavuz , Sarigoz Talha , Baskiran Adil , Yilmaz Sezai
Published: December 2021

AIM AND BACKGROUND: Preparation of the patients for liver transplantation is a meticulous process and includes evaluation of tumor markers to rule out occult malignancy. Present study evaluated the significance of serum tumor markers in patients bound for liver transplantation due to viral and other etiologies of liver failure.PATIENTS AND METHODS: 381 patientswho underwent liver transplantation were included in the study. Demographic data, Model for End stage.Liver Disease (MELD) scores and serum tumor marker levels were prospectively collected.RESULTS: AFP levels were significantly higher in viral etiologies when compared to other etiologies (p<0.05).Ca 19-9 was significantly higher in viral etiologies (p<0.05). Among the viral etiologies HCV related liver failure had higher carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (Ca 19-9) levels (p<0.05). A correlation was found between increasing MELD scores and serum levels of tumor markers (p<0.05)CONCLUSIONS: Tumor markers such as AFP, CEA, Ca 125 and Ca 19-9 can be elevated in end stage liver disease. Their levels vary according to etiology and severity of disease. The diagnostic capabilities of these markers are reduced in end stage liver disease setting but they contribute to the evaluation of the pathophysiology of chronic liver disease. Transplantation can be performed safely in cases with high tumor marker levels provided that any occult malignancy is ruled out by means of imaging and endoscopic techniques. Tumor markers can guide the physician in determining the severity of liver cirrhosis and further studies are needed to validate such a relationship.
Miniaturized Optimal Incident Light Angle-fitted Dark Field System for Contrast-enhanced Real-time Monitoring of 2D/3D-projected Cell Motions
Authors: Jang Yeongseok , Han Seungbeom , Song Chulgyu , Jung Jinmu , Oh Jonghyun
Published: December 2021

In the field of biology, dark field microscopy provides superior insight into cells and subcellular structures. However, most dark field microscopes are equipped with a dark field filter and a light source on a 2D-based specimen, so only a flat sample can be observed in a limited space. We propose a compact cell monitoring system with built-in dark field filter with an optimized incident angle of the light source to provide real-time cell imaging and spatial cell monitoring. 2D/3D projected darkfield images are optimized for 2D/3D samples as they rely on darkfield filters, and incident light. 2D projection imaging was implemented using a modular condenser lens to acquire high-contrast images. This enabled the long-term monitoring of cells, and the real-time monitoring of cell division and death. This system was able to image, by 2D projection, cells on the surface thinly coated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes, as well as living cells that migrated along the surface of glass beads and hydrogel droplets with a diameter of about 160 μm. The Optimal incident light angle-fitted dark field system combines high-contrast imaging sensitivity and high spatial resolution to even image cells on three-dimensional surfaces.
Efficacy and Safety of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) Through Mini-Incision and Posterior Laminoplasty (LAMP) For Treatment of Long-Level Cervical Spondylosis
Authors: Zhang Yingkai , Yang Guangling , Zhou Tianyao , Chen Yanchao , Gao Zhenchao , Zhou Weili , Gu Yutong
Published: December 2021

Background: The efficacy and safety of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) through mini-incision and posterior laminoplasty for long-level cervical spondylosis were investigated. Method: From January 2018 to September 2019, clinical patients data with 3-4 segments (C3-7) cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, cervical spondylotic myelopathy, or mixed cervical spondylosis who received ACDF (42 cases) throughwith mini-incision or LAMP (36 cases) treatment were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The operative time, bleeding volume, incisive length, and hospital stay were recorded. Moreover, the intervertebral height, functional segment height, cervical lordosis, cervical hyperextension and hyperflexion range-of-motion (ROM) and ROM in all directions of the cervical spine before and after the operation were measured. Additionally, all relevant postoperative complications were also recorded. Then, the therapeutic effects of both surgical methods were investigated.Results: Patients in the ACDF group had less bleeding, shorter incision, and fewer hospitalization days than the LAMP group. Postoperative intervertebral height and functional segment height in the ACDF group were significantly higher than those before the operation, and postoperative functional segment height of the ACDF group was significantly higher than that of the LAMP group. Moreover, the postoperative cervical lordosis angle in the ACDF group was significantly larger than the LAMP group. There was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative ROM in all directions of the cervical spine for the two groups.Conclusions: Both ACDF through mini-incision and LAMP are effective treatments for long-level cervical spondylosis. However, ACDF through mini-incision shows minor trauma, less bleeding, fast recovery, and it is beneficial for cervical lordosis reconstruction.
Parachute structure trisiloxane surfactant: synthesis and its use in reverse flotation of iron ore
Authors: Huang Zhiqiang , Zhang Shiyong , Burov Vladimir E. , Wang Hongling , Liu Rukuan , Cheng Chen , Shuai Shuyi , Li Wenyuan , Yu Xinyang , He Guichun , Fu Weng , Poilov Vladimir Z.
Published: December 2021

No single element has exerted such a deep influence on social organization of mankind as iron. Magnetite is concentrated by froth flotation and used as a raw material to produce iron. However, the conventional surfactants used in the flotation process often lead to the weak collecting performance due to their analogous alkyl hydrophobic group. Here, we report a new trisiloxane surfactant N-(β-aminoethyl)-γ-aminopropyltrisiloxane (AAT) in magnetite flotation, which was compared with the traditional collector dodecylamine (DA). The flotation test results showed that AAT had excellent collecting ability and selectivity for quartz against magnetite. Magnetite concentrate with TFe recovery of 84.79%, TFe grade of 68.84% and SiO2 grade of 6.15% was obtained by using 150 g/t AAT. Density functional theory calculations suggested reactive site of AAT was cationic –CH2N+H3 group, and AAT showed a higher positive grouping Mulliken charge and chemical reactivity that may promote its flotation performance.
Characteristics and Nomogram for Primary Lung Lepidic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Tang Hui , Wang Yingyi , Bai Chunmei
Published: December 2021

Background: Lepidic adenocarcinoma (LPA) is an infrequent subtype of invasive pulmonary adenocarcinoma (ADC). However, the clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of LPA have not been elucidated.Methods: Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database of 4087 LPA patients were retrospectively analyzed and compared with non-LPA pulmonary ADC to explore the clinicopathological and prognosis features of LPA. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were performed to identify independent survival predictors for further nomogram development. The nomograms were validated by using the concordance index, receiver operating characteristic curves, and calibration plots, as well as decision curve analysis, in both the training and validation cohorts.Results: Compared with non-LPA pulmonary ADC patients, those with LPA exhibited unique clinicopathological features, including more elderly and female patients, smaller tumor size, less pleural invasion, and lower histological grade and stage. Multivariate analyses showed that age, sex, marital status, primary tumor size, pleural invasion, histological grade, stage, primary tumor surgery, and chemotherapy were independently associated with overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with LPA, while race was the only independent prognostic factor for OS, not for CSS. The nomograms showed good accuracy compared with the actual observed results and demonstrated improved prognostic capacity compared with TNM stage.Conclusions: Patients with LPA are more likely to be older and female. Smaller tumor size, lower histological grade and stage are the clinicopathological features of LPA, which may indicate a good prognosis. The constructed nomograms accurately predict the long-term survival of LPA patients.
Biochemical and biophysical changes in plasma and erythrocyte membranes of alcohol consuming type 2 diabetics: A clinical study
Authors: Naresh Ellutla , Hebbani Ananda Vardhan , Reddy Vaddi Damodara , NCh Varadacharyulu
Published: December 2021

Background and aims:

Effects of alcohol consumption on blood glucose levels is unpredictable and more so with a known type 2 diabetic. Since type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition with impairment of glucose metabolism, influence of excess alcohol consumption in such a derailed metabolism is ought to be investigated. Our aim was to understand the interpolating relationship between the metabolisms of glucose and alcohol, by investigating the biochemical and biophysical changes in plasma and erythrocytes respectively.
Methods

We performed a clinical study with 20 human subjects wherein non-alcoholics, non-diabetics were considered as controls and the test subjects were categorized as alcoholics, diabetics and alcoholic diabetics. Findings were analysed against the control group.
Results

Increased plasma AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH enzyme activity; higher levels of nitric oxide, thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) both in plasma and erythrocyte lysate; higher fasting and postprandial glucose, glycated haemoglobin levels (Hb1Ac) levels; elevated levels of erythrocyte membrane total cholesterol / phospholipids (C/P) ratio and altered erythrocyte membrane fluidity in the alcoholic diabetics was noted.
Conclusion

Alcohol induced oxidative and nitrosative stress during its metabolism and its worsening effects in type II diabetics leading to a failure in the overall metabolic homeostasis is evident from the study.
Synergetic Potential of Green Synthesized Nano-Antibiotic Combinational Therapy For Wound Healing
Authors: Kalyani R.L. , Kumar K.T. Sunil , Swamy P.V. , Sekhar K. Chandra , Manish S. , Murthy K.V. Ramana , S.V.N.Pammi
Published: December 2021

The increasing evidences of chronic surgical wounds and its associated complications in association with bacterial resistance to conventional antibiotics. Therefore, current antibiotic resistance crisis ultimately calls for the need of alternative antibacterial options and nanotechnology could be a solution. Furthermore, nano-antibiotics combinations will provide synergy with reducing the dosage of both agents, which can enhance biocompatibility and may aid in limiting the global crisis of emerging multidrug resistance. Specifically, in the context of cytotoxicity of nanoparticles, in the present study, green synthesized nanoparticles (Ag NPs, ZnO NPs) are used for the combination with antibiotic neomycin to investigate in-vivo wound healing activity to facilitate the tissue repair with minimized toxicity. Our results showed that, in-vivo potent synergetic wound healing effectiveness and faster wound contraction of prepared gel formulations from the green synthesized nanoparticles combinations with neomycin compared with neomycin or nanoparticles alone. These results point to the opportunity provided by this approach to realize the unmet needs and future directions with lustrous prospects in combinational herbal nanomedicine to combat the multi drug resistant bacteria.
Dopamine Use and Its Consequences in The Intensive Care Unit: a Cohort Study Utilizing the Japanese Intensive care Patient Database
Authors: Suzuki Reina , Uchino Shigehiko , Sasabuchi Yusuke , Lefor Alan Kawarai , Sanui Masamitsu
Published: December 2021

Background: Dopamine is used to treat patients with shock in intensive care units (ICU) throughout the world, despite recent evidence against its use. Current practice patterns for the use of dopamine have not been reported.Methods: The Japanese Intensive Care PAtient Database (JIPAD), the largest intensive care database in Japan, was utilized. Inclusion criteria included: 1) age 18 years or older, 2) admitted to the ICU for reasons other than procedures, 3) ICU length of stay of 24 hours or more, and 4) treatment with either dopamine or noradrenaline within 24 hours of admission. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Multivariable regression analysis was performed, followed by a pre-planned propensity score-matched analysis.Results: Of the 132,354 case records, 14594 records from 56 facilities were included in this analysis. Dopamine was administered to 4653 patients and noradrenaline to 11844. There was no statistically significant difference in facility characteristics between frequent dopamine users (N = 28) and infrequent users (N = 28). Patients receiving dopamine had more cardiovascular diagnosis codes (70% vs. 42%; p<0.01), more post-elective surgery status (60% vs. 31%), and lower APACHE III scores compared to patients given noradrenaline alone (70.7 vs. 83.0; p<0.01). Multivariable analysis showed an odds ratio for in-hospital mortality of 0.86 [95% CI: 0.71-1.04] in the dopamine <=5 μg/kg/min group, 1.50 [95% CI: 1.18-1.82] in the 5-15 μg/kg/min group, and 3.30 [95% CI: 1.19-9.20] in the >15 μg/kg/min group. In 1:1 propensity score matching for dopamine use (3322 pairs), there was no statistically significant difference for in-hospital mortality between the dopamine group and no dopamine group (13.0% vs. 12.0%, p=0.21), but ICU length of stay was significantly longer in the dopamine group (mean 7.4 days vs. 6.6 days, p<0.01).Conclusion: Dopamine is still widely used in Japan. The results of this study suggest detrimental effects of dopamine use specifically at a high dose, although there is no significant association with increased in-hospital mortality.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered upon approval of the Institutional Review Board and the administration office of JIPAD.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Detecting of Achondroplasia In Earlier Stage of Pregnancy By Droplet-Digital PCR
Authors: Wang Yipeng , Wang Wei , Wang Chengrong , Li Shanshan , Zhang Meng , Yin Chenghong
Published: December 2021

Background: Achondroplasia (ACH) is generally detected by abnormal prenatal ultrasound findings in the late stage of pregnancy and then confirmed by molecular genetic testing of fetal genomic DNA obtained invasively. Most ACH cases appear to be de novo mutations with FGFR3 gene, so it is a challenge to screen ACH fetus out in the early stage of pregnancy.Objective: The aim of this study was to validate the possibility of detect fetus ACH along with non-invasive prenatal screening(NIPS) routinely in the early stage of pregnancy.Methods: 5927 cases of pregnant women undergoing NIPS were enrolled in this study. An additional 5ml of blood was collected together with NIPS blood sampling. Cell free DNA was extracted for the detecting of fetus ACH. Droplet-digital PCR(ddPCR) method based on the amplification of the two possible mutant alleles (c. 1138G>A and c. 1138G>C) of FGFR3 gene was performed to screen fetus ACH. Prenatal ultrasound and amniocentesis were then performed to confirm the positive screening result of ACH cases. The mutation sites of fetus were identified via Sanger sequencing by using amniotic fluid cells. For the screen negative cases of pregnant women, we followed up the results of prenatal diagnosis or the general conditions of the newborns.Results: One pregnant woman with fetus ACH were screened out at 22 weeks by Non-invasive prenatal detecting. Later prenatal ultrasound confirmed fetal skeletal dysplasia. Sanger sequencing confirmed de novo FGFR3 1138G>A mutant of the fetus. No ACH fetus or newborns were found in the rest detected negative cases of enrolled pregnant women.Conclusion: ddPCR technology could effectively identify de novo mutation like ACH of fetus noninvasively. We prospect the clinical application of ddPCR can expand the range of prenatal screen in the future.
Association Between Blood Pressure And Lung Function In Chinese Children: The Seven Northeastern Cities Study
Authors: Huo Da , Yang Mo , Wu Qi-Zhen , Lodge Caroline J , Perret Jennifer L , Bui Dinh S , Dharmage Shyamali C , Jalava Pasi , Hu Qiang , Dong Guang-Hui
Published: December 2021

Background: A global increase in asthma and COPD incidence has occurred, the cause is unknown. One potential relationship that has yet to be explored is the interaction between blood pressure (BP) and lung function in children 5-17 years old. Our purpose is to assess the relationship between hypotension, hypertension, and lung function in children 5 to 17 years old. Methods: Participants were recruited from elementary and middle schools from 7 cities in northeastern China (N=6,797). BP was categorized into 3 groups: hypotensive (<5th percentile or <90mmHg if children >10 years), normotensive and hypertensive (>95th percentile) based on American Academy of Pediatrics standards. Spirometry measured lung function in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and maximum mid expiratory flow (MMEF). Associations were assessed using logistic regression analysis. Results: Decreases in FVC , FEV1, PEF, and MMEF were noted in hypotensive children. Higher FVC, FEV1, PEF, and MMEF were noted among children ³ 10 with hypertension, while children <10 years, only had increased FVC compared to normotensive children. Statistically significant interactions between hypotension and PEF < 75% (OR:2.31; 95% CI: 1.17-4.23), were seen for children < 10 years. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that, in this study population, hypotension may be associated with decreased lung function, and the increased lung function may be associated with hypertension in children. Future studies are needed to confirm temporality as this is the first study to explore these relationships in children which requires in depth investigation.
Dynamical systems implementation of intrinsic sentence meaning
Authors: Moisl Hermann
Published: December 2021

This paper proposes a model for implementation of intrinsic natural language sentence meaning in a physical language understanding system, where 'intrinsic' is understood as 'independent of meaning ascription by system-external observers'. The proposal is that intrinsic meaning can be implemented as a point attractor in the state space of a nonlinear dynamical system with feedback which is generated by temporally sequenced inputs. It is motivated by John Searle's well known (1980) critique of the then-standard and currently still influential Computational Theory of Mind (CTM), the essence of which was that CTM representations lack intrinsic meaning because that meaning is dependent on ascription by an observer. The proposed dynamical model comprises a collection of interacting artificial neural networks, and constitutes a radical simplification of the principle of compositional phrase structure which is at the heart of the current standard view of sentence semantics because it is computationally interpretable as a finite state machine.
Exact solutions of sixth and fifth degree equations
Authors: MONIR Mohammed El Amine
Published: December 2021

The real problematic with algebraic polynomial equations is how to exactly solve any sixth and fifth degree polynomial equations. In this study, we give a new absolute method that presents a new decomposition to exactly solve a sixth degree polynomial equation, while the corresponding fifth degree equation can be easily transformed into a sixth degree equation of this kind (sixth degree equation solvable by this method), then the sextic equation (sixth degree equation) obtained will be solved by applying the principles of this method; moreover, the solutions of the quintic equation (fifth degree equation) will be easily deduced.
A model for determining the time of pointing a grip-cutting device of feller buncher machines on a growing tree
Authors: Андронов А.В. , Зверев И.А. , Михайлов О.А. , Тарадин Г.С.
Published: December 2021

Исследование посвящено нахождению аналитической математической модели по определению времени наведения захватно-срезающего устройства на растущее дерево. В качестве известных параметров используются конструктивные размеры технологического оборудования, снятые с компоновочно-кинематических схем валочно-пакетирующих машин, требуемая высота пня и среднее расстояние между деревьями пасики. Поиск требуемой модели кратко можно разделить на несколько последовательных этапов: нахождение пути, который пройдет шток гидроцилиндра привода стрелы, и по известной формуле скорости перемещения поршня гидроцилиндра находится время на подвод стрелы к дереву; нахождение пути, который пройдет шток гидроцилиндра привода рукояти; нахождение пути, который пройдет шток гидроцилиндра привода наклона захватно-срезающего устройства; нахождение пути, который пройдет шток гидроцилиндра привода рычагов захвата в процессе раскрытия. Сумма времени на подвод каждого из элементов технологического оборудования и есть время на наведение, присущее неопытному оператору, в случае опытного оператора время на наведение захватно-срезающего устройства к дереву определяется максимальным временем одного из компонентов.

The research is devoted to finding an analytical mathematical model for determining the aiming time of a feller head on a growing tree. As the known parameters are used. The design dimensions of the technological equipment, taken from layout and kinematic diagrams of feller-buncher machines, the required stump height and the average distance between the trees of the windrow. The search for the required model can be briefly divided into several successive steps: finding the path that the hydraulic cylinder rod of the boom drive will take and by the known formula of speed of movement of the hydraulic cylinder piston is time to bring the boom to the tree; finding the way which the rod of the hydraulic cylinder of the arm drive; to find the path which the hydraulic cylinder rod of the tilt of the feller head; finding the path which the hydraulic cylinder rod for the arm actuator will take during the opening. The sum of the time for supplying each of the elements of technological equipment is the time required for the orientation, which is characteristic for a nonexperienced operator. In case of an experienced operator the time for setting the feller head to the tree is determined by the maximum time of one of the components.
Pour point depressants for fuels based on tall oil fatty acid esters
Authors: Курзин А.В. , Евдокимов А.Н.
Published: December 2021

С целью расширения области применения жирных кислот таллового масла – побочного продукта сульфатной варки целлюлозы (которые преимущественно состоят из непредельных С18-кислот), в том числе за счет получения различных синтетических продуктов на их основе, синтезированы соответствующие этиленгликолевый и додециловый эфиры. Изучена возможность применения указанных сложных эфиров в качестве депрессорных присадок для марок универсального топливного мазута и судового экологического топлива. Жирные кислоты этерифицированы 1-додеканолом и этиленгликолем в присутствии катализатора п-толуолсульфокислоты. Температуру текучести топлив определяли ручным методом по стандарту ASTM D97. Температура текучести топлива судового экологического снизилась с +21 до 0 °С при использовании 2% додецилового эфира жирных кислот в качестве присадки. Установлено, что синтезированные эфиры жирных кислот таллового масла снижают температуру текучести остаточных топлив на уровне, сравнимом с применением промышленно производимой депрессорной присадки, что позволяет расширить сырьевую базу присадок этого типа и сократить закупки по импорту, а также более глубоко использовать жирные кислоты таллового масла в органическом синтезе.

In order to expand the field of application of tall oil fatty acids, a by-product of sulfate pulping (which mainly consist of unsaturated C18 acids), including the production of various synthetic products based on them, the corresponding ethylene glycol and dodecyl esters have been synthesized. The possibility of application the esters as pour point depressants for grades of universal fuel oil and marine ecological fuel has been studied. Fatty acids were esterified with 1-dodecanol and ethylene glycol in the presence of a p-toluenesulfonic acid as catalyst. The pour point of the fuels was determined manually according to the ASTM D97 standard. The pour point of ecological marine fuel decreased from +21 to 0 °C when using 2% dodecyl ester of fatty acids as an additive. It was found that the synthesized esters of tall oil fatty acids reduce the pour point of residual fuels at a level comparable to the use of a commercially produced depressant additive, which makes it possible to expand the feedstock base of this type of additives and reduce import purchases, as well as to use more extensively tall oil fatty acids in organic synthesis.
Audit on Clinical Competency of Fresh Medical Graduates in a Malaysian Private University Using Kirkpatrick Level-1 Evaluation Model
Authors:   Medical Education Unit and Community Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Widad University College, Pahang, Malaysia, Salam Abdus , Allaw Belqees Ahmed Qaid ,   Anatomy Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Widad University College, Pahang, Malaysia, Begum Hamida ,   Obstetrics & Gynaecology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Widad University College, Pahang, Malaysia, Abdelhalim Abdelbaset Taher ,   Pharmacology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Widad University College, Pahang, Malaysia, Alsharkawy Alsayed ,   Paediatrics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Widad University College, Pahang, Malaysia, Hassan Khaled Mat ,   Obstetrics & Gynaecology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Widad University College, Pahang, Malaysia, Satwi Sapari ,   Internal Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Widad University College, Pahang, Malaysia, Zainol Jamaludin ,   Surgery Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Widad University College, Pahang, Malaysia
Published: December 2021

Clinical competency is the core of the medical curriculum. Careful ongoing evaluation of clinical competency is required to ensure continuous reviewing for curriculum development. The objective of this study was to investigate self-perceptions of clinical competency of fresh medical graduates using the Kirkpatrick framework – the most convenient and widely used model for measuring clinical competency. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 fresh medical graduates of Widad University College, Malaysia in 2019 using a standardised questionnaire containing 43-items of competency. Respondents were asked to rate self-perceptions of his/her competency in these attributes using a five-point Likert scale against each attribute, where 5 = always competent and 1 = never competent. The response rate was 92%. Out of 43 items, graduates were always competent in taking clinical history and examining a patient thoroughly; frequently competent in eight attributes; sometimes competent in 29; and occasionally competent in four. The graduates have not yet started their houseman-training; and thus, got fewer chances to practice all the procedures. It is expected that graduates’ competency will improve during their houseman training. There is scope for improvement, as faculty need to pay more attention to improving student competency by arranging additional training. The teaching of clinical competency also needs integration with the pre-clinical phase for early exposure. The findings have direct implications for faculty development towards competency-based education that would bridge the gap between education and practice. This study offers other medical schools a window towards comprehensive use of competency tools to assess the competency of their graduates.
The Frequency Spectrum and Time Frequency Analysis of Different Violins Classification as Tools for Selecting a Good-Sounding Violin
Authors:   Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, MALAYSIA, Hamdan Sinin , Musib Ahmad Faudzi ,   Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, MALAYSIA, Sawawi Marini ,   Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, MALAYSIA, Othman Saiful Hairi ,   Institute of Creative Arts and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, MALAYSIA
Published: December 2021

This work evaluates four violins from three distinct manufacturers, notably Eurostring, Stentor, and Suzuki, using a scientific approach. Eurostring1 and Eurostring2 were the names given to the two Eurostring units. The purpose of this study is to identify elements in various violins that could be used as tools for selecting a pleasantsounding violin by having them classified by a professional violinist. The signal’s time varying frequency was evaluated using a frequency spectrum and a time frequency plane, and the combination of frequency spectrum and time frequency domain is utilised. PicoScope oscilloscopes and Adobe Audition version 3 were used to record the acoustic spectra in terms of time and frequency. The time frequency plane is identified, and time frequency analysis (TFA) is produced by Adobe Audition spectrograms. The sound was processed in order to generate Fast Fourier Transform analysis: Fourier spectra (using PicoScope) and spectrograms (using Adobe Audition). Fourier spectra identify the intensity of the fundamental frequency and the harmonic spectra of the overtone frequencies. The highest frequencies that can be read are up to and including the 9th overtone. All violins have a constant harmonic overtone pattern with an uneven acoustic spectrum pattern. Eurostring1 showed inconsistent signal in the string G with 6th and 7th overtone missing, whereas Eurostring2 lack of the 6th overtone. Among the string D, only Eurostring1 display an exponential decay for the overtone. All the string A except for Suzuki showed nice and significant peak of fundamental and overtone. Stentor displays up to the 5th overtone. Among the string E, Suzuki showed inconsistent harmonic peak intensity. TFA revealed that the fundamental frequency of string E for Eurostring1 was lower than the first overtone. Only Eurostring1 has an uneven decay for the overtone frequency, whereas Eurostring2 exhibits a large exponential decay for the overtone frequency.
INDONESIAN ELECTIONS IN THE SHADOW OF MONEY POLITICS: STRENGTHENING STAKEHOLDERS’ COMMITMENT AND CREATING ANTI-MONEY POLITICS VILLAGES
Authors:   Department of Government Studies, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Riau, Jl. Bina Widya KM 12.5 Panam Pekanbaru, Indonesia, Adlin Adlin , Harahap Husnul Isa ,   Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Jl. Prof. A. Sofyan No. 1, Medan, Indonesia, Yusri Ali ,   Department of Government Studies, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Riau, Jl. Bina Widya KM 12.5 Panam Pekanbaru, Indonesia
Published: December 2021

This article examines the traditional populist issue of money politics within Indonesian general elections, using Meranti Islands Regency, Riau Province, as its concrete case. Several previous studies indicate that money politics have been integral in the general elections at both local and national levels. This study thus discusses the practice of money politics in the case of Meranti Islands Regency general elections. This study was conducted from July to August 2017 using qualitative methods. The data collection was carried out by interviewing 22 informants who were selected purposively. They were matched with observations and document data followed by qualitative analysis. This research found that the region has complicated problems such as: (1) a high poverty rate, (2) a lack of public understanding of money politics and its effects, (3) a lack of a monitoring system, and (4) a weak justice system. To address these issues, formal and non-formal institutions should be systematically enhanced and empowered. This should begin with election committees, which must be held accountable from the state to the village levels. It is also recommended to establish anti-money politics villages as a means of stimulating political education and ensuring the rule of law.