bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Tox Gene Encodes Two Proteins with Distinct and Shared Roles in Gene Regulation
Authors: Yeckes Alyson R , Victor Aaron R , Zhu Zheng , Narayanan Meena , Srinivasan Bharani , Bruce Bethany , Kaye Jonathan
Published: April 2023

Here we report that the murine Tox gene encodes two proteins from a single mRNA, and we investigate the mechanism of production and function of these proteoforms. The annotated thymocyte selection–associated HMG-box protein (TOX) coding sequence is predicted to produce a 526-aa protein (TOXFL). However, Western blots reveal two bands. We found that the lower band consists of an N-terminally truncated variant of TOX (TOXΔN), whereas the slower-migrating band is TOXFL. The TOXΔN proteoform is alternatively translated via leaky ribosomal scanning from an evolutionarily conserved translation initiation site downstream of the annotated translation initiation site. When expressed exogenously from a cDNA in murine CD8 T cells or HEK cells, or endogenously from the murine Tox locus, both forms are translated, although the ratio of TOXFL/TOXΔN significantly varies with cellular context. This includes regulation of proteoform production during development of murine CD4 T cells in the thymus, where the positive selection of CD4+CD8+ cells and subsequent differentiation to CD4+CD8lo transitional and CD4SP cell subsets is associated with both an increase in total TOX protein and increased TOXΔN production relative to TOXFL. Finally, we found that sole expression of TOXFL had a greater effect on gene regulation during chronic stimulation of murine CD8 T cells in culture mimicking exhaustion than did TOXΔN, including uniquely regulated cell cycle and other genes.
Continuous erector spinae plane block: a simple, safe and effective technique for pain control in patients with rib fractures
Authors: Sica Andrea , Bellantonio Daniele , Santonastaso Domenico Pietro , Scognamiglio Giovanni , Cittadini Alessio
Published: April 2023

Ribs are frequently affected after a blunt or penetrating thoracic trauma. Acute key complications associated with rib fractures include pain, hemo-pneumothorax, extrapleural hematoma, pulmonary contusion and laceration, and vascular injury. In high energy traumas, injuries to abdominal solid organs may also coexist. A later complication that can limit the weaning of patients from sedation and ventilation is neuropathic pain, which is frequently associated with rib fractures and that is often poorly responsive to oral and topical medications. The benefit of interventional nerve block procedures is still controversial. Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a relatively new technique for thoracic analgesia that can be both a simpler and safer alternative to more complex and invasive neural blocking techniques, especially in intensive care unit patients whereas major contraindications (i.e. coagulation alteration, infection etc.) might limit the feasibility of more invasive methods, such as central blocks.
Antibiotic consumption history of patients in a referred laboratory in Yaounde
Authors: Yopa Demen Daniele S. , Nnanga Nga Emmanuel , Ohandza Claude S. , Gonsu Kamga Hortense , Kouamen Njikeu Olive N. , Nguefack-Tsague Georges
Published: April 2023

Background: Regulation of antibiotic prescription and consumption remains a major public health burden in low- and middle-income countries. Objective: This study aimed to describe the antibiotic consumption of patients who had a positive antibiotic culture in a reference laboratory.Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted among 113 participants with positive antibiograms with a documented history of antibiotics intake at the Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital in Cameroon between January 2016 and June 2021. Data were stored and analyzed using the Census and Survey Processing System version 7.3 and Statistical Package for Social Science version 25.0. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate the indicators.Results: Of the 113 patients enrolled, 105 had a history of drug use; 56 participants (53.3%) had taken at least 2 antibiotics prior to sampling. Cephalosporins were the most consumed antibiotics (41%), followed by nitroimidazols (28.6%) and penicillins (28.6%). According to the World Health Organization classification, 55 (52.4%) took major priority antibiotics. Conclusion: We are on the alert and there is an urgent need to raise awareness among clinicians and patients alike by providing them with good clinical practice guidelines.
Effect of a health education program about COVID-19 on the knowledge, attitude, and practices of paramedical students in Egypt: an interventional study
Authors: Wassef Osama , Elgendy Souad , Dawah Abd E. , Elawady Mona , Khedr Enjy
Published: April 2023

Background: In December 2019, an outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has been reported in China. Objective: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of Benha Health Technical Institute (BHTI) students and to evaluate the impact of a health education program about COVID-19 on their KAP. Methods: This is an interventional study that recruited 398 students from BHTI and was conducted in 3 phases. Firstly, an assessment of students’ KAP was done using a structured questionnaire concerning COVID-19. Secondly, an education program about COVID-19 was conducted. Lastly, the reassessment of KAP was carried out using the same questionnaire after one month. Results: The median knowledge, attitude, and practice scores among the studied students in the pre-interventional stage were 12, 15, and 26 which had significantly increased to 15, 16, and 28 respectively after the intervention. The knowledge score of the participants was significantly affected by students’ age and grade of education; the attitude score was affected by age, gender, and grade of education, while the practice score was only affected by participants’ age. Conclusion: The educational program significantly increased the KAP of BHTI students.
A Novel Missense Mutation in the TGF-β-binding Protein-Like Domain 3 of FBN1 Causes Weill–Marchesani Syndrome with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Hassani Mahdieh , Taghizadeh Sara , Farahzad Broujeni Anahita , Habibi Mahvash , Banitalebi Setareh , Kasiri Mahbubeh , Sadeghi Alireza , Nozari Ahoura
Published: April 2023

Background:

Weill–Marchesani syndrome (WMS) is a rare connective tissue disorder characterized by locus heterogeneity and variable expressivity. Patients suffering from WMS are described by short stature, brachydactyly, joint stiffness, congenital heart defects, and eye abnormalities. This disorder is inherited in two different modes; the autosomal dominant form of the disease occurs due to a mutation in FBN1, and the recessive form results from mutations in ADAMTS10, ADAMTS17, or LTP2 genes.

Materials and Methods:

The family recruited in this study was a consanguineous Iranian family with an intellectually disabled girl referred to the Sadra Genetics laboratory, Shahrekord, Iran. The clinical history of family members was investigated. Whole-Exome Sequencing (WES) for the proband was performed. Sanger sequencing was used to assess the segregation of candidate variants in the other family members.

Results:

Whole-exome sequencing analysis revealed a novel heterozygote mutation in the proband located at the third TGF-β-binding protein-like (TB) domain of the FBN1 gene (NM000138: c.2066A>G: (p. Glu689Gly), NP_000129.3, in exon 17 of the gene). Co-segregation analysis with Sanger sequencing confirmed this mutation in the affected members of the pedigree.

Conclusion:

Our findings represent an autosomal dominant form of specific WMS resulting from a substitution mutation in the FBN1 gene. In addition to the typical manifestations of the disorder, mild intellectual disability (ID) was identified in the 8-year-old proband. Given the fact that ID is primarily reported in ADAMTS10 mutated cases, this family was clinically and genetically a novel case.
Feasibility Study and Design of Registration System for Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Patients in Isfahan Province
Authors: Soheilipour Maryam , Kazemi Mehdi , Taheri Behjat , Adibi Peyman , Abdollahpour Ibrahim
Published: April 2023

Background:

Disease registration is an organized system for collecting, storing, retrieving, analyzing a particular disease or exposure to known substances in a specific population. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and design of the registration system for upper gastrointestinal bleeding patients based on patients referring to Al-Zahra and Khorshid hospitals, Isfahan, Iran.

Materials and Methods:

This study is a research action study in which the members of the registration system team are hospital triage physicians, internal residents in the Emergency department of hospital, subspecialty assistants and gastroenterologists, statisticians (epidemiologists and methodologists), and two trained persons were specified to collect medical information and documents. The data collection tool is a researcher-made checklist. Based on the available tools, the most important criteria related to gastrointestinal bleeding were selected. In the next step, the criteria selected in the council, including team members, were reviewed and a preliminary draft was prepared to record the information of patients.

Results:

The results indicated the final version of the checklist in three parts including demographic variables (age, sex, education, et al.), main variables (as the minimum data required by a person to register in the checklist (patient's clinical signs)), extended main variables (its information is designed to be used to diagnose, treat, and follow-up the patient in later stages).

Conclusion:

It seems to be predictable by establishing a system for recording gastrointestinal bleeding diseases, disease prevalence, monitoring services and treatment of patients, survival analysis and evaluation of clinical care outcomes, finding patients at higher risk for emergency treatment, reviewing drug interventions, and interventional activities.
Relevance of skin-prick test and immunoglobulin E estimation in pigeon-exposure asthma patients
Authors: Mavi Anil K. , Spalgais Sonam , Singh Kamal , Kumar Manoj , Kumar Raj
Published: April 2023

Background

Pigeon exposure is common in India due to its cultural and religious practice. Hypersensitivity to pigeon allergen is well known as pigeon breeder disease. Limited data also show that pigeon allergen was associated with increased asthma. The aim of this study is to evaluate skin-prick test (SPT) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in pigeon-exposed asthmatics.

Patients and methods

It is a prospective observational study with 200 asthma patients as per Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines. As per the history of exposure to pigeons, patients were divided into two groups: exposed and nonexposed asthmatics. All patients underwent SPT against CAA with pigeon allergen and measurements of serum IgE. The result was compared between two groups.

Results

Out of 200 patients with mean age of 29.83±9.92 years, 108 had pigeon exposure. The SPT against CAA sensitivity was positive in 74% exposed and 63% nonexposed groups. While SPT against pigeon allergen was positive in 17 (15.7%) in exposed patients. The mean total IgE was higher in exposed asthmatics but not significant (538.75±248.5 and 510.2±220.1 IU/ml, P=0.0078). The mean specific IgE against pigeon dropping and feather was significantly higher in exposed asthmatics (0.4513±1.01 and 0.1957±0.179 KUA/l, P=0.003; 0.3644±0.329 and 0.1176±0.116 KUA/l, P=0.000).

Conclusion

The asthmatic patients with exposure to pigeons had higher SPT against pigeon allergen and higher total and specific IgE against pigeon antigens. This may be one of the reasons for higher asthma in urban cities.
Coronavirus disease 2019 in Egypt
Authors: Hassany Mohamed , Zaid Hala
Published: April 2023

Since the first discovery of clusters of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-infected patients in China, Egypt designed strategies and action plans to face COVID-19 challenges on the health care system, as well as at economic and social levels. The Ministry of Health and Population regulates the health care system capacity with a mounting strategy to avoid the collapse in health care system capacity and to maintain the regular health services; the COVID-19 taskforces include many connecting pillars such as command and control center, triage hospitals, PCR chain, isolation hospitals, contact tracing team, and ambulance fleet. Egypt adheres to competent health and protective measures while reopening the economic activities; on the contrary, an important step was taken in designing many clinical trials and sharing in vaccine trials while raising the capacity for potential vaccine production.
Outcomes of combined proximal fibular osteotomy and arthroscopic intervention for treatment of medial compartment knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Halawa Abdelsamie M , Kandil Mahmoud I
Published: April 2023

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of combined proximal fibular osteotomy (PFO) and arthroscopic intervention for the treatment of medial compartment knee osteoarthritis.

Patients and methods

This prospective study included 49 knees in 44 patients (34 females and 10 males). Their mean age was 48.4 ± 5.4 years, and the mean BMI was 26.23 ± 2.44. There were 11 knees with Kellgren–Lawrence grade II, 33 with grade III, and five with grade IV. There was varus deformity (range, 6.1°–9.5°) in 34 knees. Combined PFO with arthroscopic lavage and debridement were done.

Results

The mean follow-up was 19.48 ± 2.45 months. There was significant improvement in the mean visual analog score (from 7.24 preoperatively to 1.7 at 12-month follow-up) and Knee Society Score (from 44.79 preoperatively to 72.95 at the final follow-up). There was significant increase in the medial knee joint space (from 1.9 preoperatively to 4.82 postoperatively). The varus angle improved significantly (from 7.8 preoperatively to 1.7 postoperatively). Till the final follow-up, there was no conversion to total knee arthroplasty.

Conclusion

In selected patients, PFO in combination with arthroscopic lavage and debridement could be an alternative option for treating medial compartment knee osteoarthritis through decreasing varus deformity and improving symptoms. These combined procedures could be a suitable surgical option in most developing countries that lack financial and medical resources. However, more multicentric comparative studies with long-term follow-up are required to extract more significant conclusions.

Level of evidence

This study was a level IV case series.
Arthroscopic coracohumeral ligament release for patients with frozen shoulder
Authors: Halawa Abdelsamie M , Adawy Adel H , Zaki Mohammed S , Shoulah Saad A
Published: April 2023

Background

Frozen shoulder (FS) is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems and has an incidence of 3–5% in the general population.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the effects and outcomes of arthroscopic coracohumeral ligament (CHL) release and L-shaped incision of the rotator interval (RI) for patients with FS.

Patients and methods

Arthroscopic CHL release and L-shaped incision of RI and subacromial decompression (SAD) were done. Assessment of pain, shoulder function, and range of motion scores were measured according to the The University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score.

Results

Arthroscopic CHL release and L-shaped incision of RI and SAD showed a significant improvement in pain, shoulder function, motion, and UCLA score.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic CHL release and L-shaped incision of RI and SAD is a good choice for FS treatment.
A case report of an unconventional minimally invasive technique for excision of a proximal humerus enchondroma
Authors: Aouad Dany K , Dib Nabil G , Daher Mohammad , El Rassi George
Published: April 2023

Enchondromas are cartilaginous neoplasms most commonly isolated in the medullary bone, and most of which are asymptomatic in nature not requiring any treatment. In rare cases, these tumors become symptomatic, with no universal consensus on treatment, other than the conventional pathway of conservative management followed by surgical resection, if necessary. A case of a middle-aged woman with shoulder pain is presented. She was found to have an enchondroma as the sole cause of her pain after treating and ruling out all other etiologies. This mass was excised using a minimally invasive new technique, reducing both postoperative morbidities and recovery duration.
A comparison of the quality of images of chest X-ray between handheld portable digital X-ray & routinely used digital X-ray machine
Authors: Kamal Raj , Singh Manjula , Roy Sudipto , Adhikari Tulsi , Gupta Anil Kumar , Singh Hari , Rao Vishnu Vardhan , Panda Samiran , Khan A. M. , Bhargava Balram
Published: April 2023

Background & objectives:

Chest X-ray (CXR) is an important screening tool for pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Accessibility to CXR facilities in difficult-to-reach and underserved populations is a challenge. This can potentially be overcome by deploying digital X-ray machines that are portable. However, these portable X-ray machines need to be validated before their deployment in the field. Here, we compare the image quality of CXR taken by a newly developed handheld X-ray machine with routinely used reference digital X-ray machine through the conduct of a feasibility study.

Methods:

A total of 100 participants with suspected pulmonary TB were recruited from the outpatient departments of a medical college and a community health centre in Agra. Each participant underwent CXR twice, once with each machine. Both sets of de-identified images were independently read by two radiologists, who were blinded to the type of X-ray machine used. The primary outcome was agreement between image qualities produced by these two machines.

Results:

The intra-observer (radiologist) agreements regarding the status of the 15 CXR parameters ranged between 74 per cent and 100 per cent, with an unweighted mean of 87.2 per cent (95% confidence interval: 71.5-100). The median Cohen’s kappa values for intra-observer agreement were 0.62 and 0.67 for radiologists 1 and 2, respectively. In addition, on comparison of the overall median score of quality of the image, the handheld machine images had a higher score for image quality.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The current study shows that a handheld X-ray machine, which is easy to use and can potentially be carried to any area, produces X-ray images with quality that is comparable to digital X-ray machines routinely used in health facilities.
Barriers and facilitating factors of postnatal blood glucose monitoring after structured intervention among mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus receiving care from a tertiary health centre, Puducherry - A qualitative study
Authors: Manoharan Nandhini , Jayaseelan Venkatachalam , Kar Sitanshu Sekhar , Jha Nivedita
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND:

In India, women with GDM are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Despite this, the rate of postnatal blood glucose monitoring is low, and the reasons are not well known. Hence, our study explored the barriers and facilitating factors associated with T2DM postnatal screening six weeks after delivery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We conducted a qualitative study among 21 mothers with GDM in obstetrics and gynecology department, women and child hospital (WCH), JIPMER, from December 2021 to January 2022. Mothers with GDM were selected purposively between 8 and 12 weeks after delivery to explore the barriers and facilitating factors associated with postnatal screening six weeks after getting mobile call reminders and health information booklet interventions. In-depth interviews were transcribed; manual content analysis with deductive and inductive coding was done.

RESULTS:

We identified two themes; three categories and subcategories that illustrated barriers and five categories that illustrated facilitators to postnatal blood glucose monitoring. Lack of awareness and misconceptions about GDM, knowledge practice gap, lack of family support, and perception of health system failure by mothers with GDM were barriers to postnatal blood glucose monitoring. Concerns about health, standard advice on postnatal screening, information in health education booklet, mobile reminders, and family support were found to be facilitators.

CONCLUSION:

We found several barriers and facilitating factors that showed mobile call reminders and booklet interventions had improved postnatal blood glucose monitoring. Our qualitative study has strengthened the findings of the previous RCT, and it would provide more insights to develop further interventions which we must focus on improving postnatal blood glucose monitoring.
Musculoskeletal pain among medical students and its association with perceived stress level: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Thejaswi SG , Mukerji Akhilesh , Baliga Sunil , Dewan Sundar Kishore , Verma Anubhav
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND:

Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is common among medical students across the world. The present study was done to estimate the prevalence of MSP among medical students in the state of Sikkim, India, and to assess perceived stress levels among medical students and its association with MSP.

MATERIALS AND METHOD:

A cross-sectional study was carried out at a private medical college in the state of Sikkim, India. Fifty students each from the third, fifth, seventh, and ninth semesters were included in the study. Students were asked to complete a questionnaire that included data regarding lifestyle habits and activities, the modified Nordic scale for MSP, perceived stress score (PSS-10), and Oswestry disability index (ODI) questionnaire.

RESULTS:

The majority (73%) of the participants reported one or more episodes of MSP in the past 12 months and 50% of them had pain in the past 7 days. No significant association was found between MSP and lifestyle habits, mean time spent on physical activities and sedentary behavior. The perceived stress level was significantly higher among those with MSP in the past 12 months (19.7 ± 5.6) (P-0.021), as well as in those who had MSP in the past 7 days (20.8 ± 5.5) (P-0.001). Severe pain was significantly associated with a higher perceived stress score (23 ± 5) (P-0.003). Students who had MSP in the past 12 months as well as in past 7 days had a higher quality of life score (9.8 ± 10.6, P-0.039 and 13 ± 10.9, P-0.000, respectively).

CONCLUSION:

The majority of our medical students have experienced musculoskeletal pain in the past 12 months, which is significantly associated with perceived stress and quality of life.
Evaluation of efficacy and safety of clobazam as an add-on drug in the treatment of generalized tonic-clonic seizure not controlled with valproic acid monotherapy
Authors: Das Somenath , Mandal Sonai , Maiti Tamoghna , Mukhopadhyay Olivia
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND:

Epilepsy is one of the major neuron-damaging neurological disorders. Generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS) is the commonest one. Refractory patterns cannot be controlled by simple monotherapy with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Valproic acid (VPA) is one of the widely prescribed AEDs but it may not control many cases up to its maximum tolerable doses. In this study, we have seen the safety and efficacy of clobazam to control seizure in the adult population as an add-on drug over valproate, in cases of valproate uncontrolled seizures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Patients on VPA monotherapy but not responding to it were recruited after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria and clobazam was added. There were two follow-ups at the interval of 6 months each. Seizure frequency and quality of life inventory in epilepsy-31 items (QOLIE-31) score were recorded to denote efficacy, and the occurrence of any adverse effect was also noted to elicit safety.

RESULTS:

Out of 101 patients, 78 were male and 23 were female. The most common age group was 18–30 y. Seizure frequency from 2.99 ± 0.95 decreased significantly on the third visit to 0.25 ± 0.43. QOLIE-31 scores of seizure worry, overall quality, emotional well-being, and cognition improved in the second follow-up. Fatigue, somnolence, and weight gain were the major side effects.

CONCLUSION:

Clobazam could be a good choice as an add-on in GTCS not controlled with VPA monotherapy. Clobazam definitely reduces seizure frequency and seizure worry and improves cognitive function and overall quality of life.
Knowledge and practice of high school students regarding HIV/AIDS prevention and transmission: Results from a cross-sectional study in an Iranian less-developed, high-risk region
Authors: Mohamadian Alireza , Sharifi Hamid , Hassanzadeh Jafar , Mohebbi-Nodezh Mohsen , Mohebbi-Nodezh Mohammad , Vardanjani Hossein M.
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND:

Some residents of the Persian Gulf Coastline (PGC) areas are circular migrants due to geo-commercial issues. They have a higher risk of HIV infection and non-disclosure of their HIV/AIDS status. These people who live with HIV (PLHIV) are considered as the bridge population for HIV transmission to general population, especially adolescents. This study sought to investigate the knowledge and behavior of adolescents regarding HIV/AIDS prevention and transmission in a less-developed, high-risk area located along the PGC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this cross-sectional study, using multistage cluster random sampling, 1450 students were invited to complete a standardized questionnaire previously used in a 2013 Iranian national high-risk behaviors survey. The prevalence of adequate knowledge, condom use, and stigmatization of HIV/AIDS and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using ordinal logistic regression.

RESULTS:

Totally, 17.09% (CI: 15.0–19.3) of the students had adequate knowledge. Social networks and the internet were the most important sources of information (20.9%, CI: 18.6–23.3). Socioeconomic status (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.7–2.3), gender (0.6, CI: 0.5–0.8), residential area (0.08, CI: 0.05–0.1), and using social networks and the internet as the main sources of information (1.5, CI: 1.1–1.9) were correlated to the level of knowledge. Furthermore, 29.8% (CI: 27.2–32.5) of the students respected the social rights of PLHIV, and 12.6% (CI: 10.7–14.6) reported condom use.

CONCLUSION:

HIV/AIDS-related education is needed in the PGC. Such education should be focused on males, students from marginalized areas, and people with lower socioeconomic status. Social networks and the internet may be the most effective way to improve people's knowledge about HIV/AIDS.
Gummy Smile to Esthetic Smile – Crown Lengthening Procedure
Authors: Inasu Shiny , Talwar Avaneendra , Thomas Biju
Published: April 2023

Gummy smile or excessive gingival exposure is an esthetically concern factor for women compared to men. Common causes for gummy smile are hypermobility of the upper lip, short upper lip, incompetent lip, altered passive eruption, bimaxillary protrusion, vertical maxillary excess, hyperfunction of labial elevator muscles, dental plaque

,

hereditary, and medications can cause abnormal gingival display. A 27-year-old male patient reported to the department of periodontology, with the chief complaint of overexposure of gums and dark color of upper and lower gums. The purpose of this case report is to present how to correct a gummy smile into an esthetic smile, using surgical scalpel method, considering two aspects of gingival health and appearance, which are: the gingival zenith and contour of gingival margins, avoiding violation of the biologic width.
Braided open book decompositions in $S^3$
Authors: Bode Benjamin
Published: April 2023

We study four (a priori) different ways in which an open book decomposition of the 3-sphere can be defined to be braided. These include generalised exchangeability defined by Morton and Rampichini and mutual braiding defined by Rudolph, which were shown to be equivalent by Rampichini, as well as P-fiberedness and a property related to simple branched covers of

S^3

inspired by work of Montesinos and Morton. We prove that these four notions of a braided open book are actually all equivalent to each other. We show that all open books in the 3-sphere whose binding has a braid index of at most 3 can be braided in this sense. We relate our findings to a conjecture on real algebraic links by Benedetti and Shiota and to a stronger version of Harer’s conjecture due to Montesinos and Morton.
О проблеме Бирмана в теории неотрицательных симметрических операторов с компактным обратным
Authors: Malamud Mark Mikhailovich
Published: April 2023

Указаны широкие классы неотрицательных операторов Шредингера в $\mathbb{R}^2$ и $\mathbb{R}^3$, обладающих следующими
свойствами:
1. Подходящее множество нулевой меры в $\mathbb{R}^2(\mathbb{R}^3)$ определяет сужение каждого из таких операторов, являющееся неотрицательным симметрическим оператором (задачи Дирихле) с компактной пререзольвентой.
2. При некоторых дополнительных условиях на потенциал расширение Фридрихса такого сужения имеет непрерывный (иногда абсолютно непрерывный) спектр, заполняющий положительную полуось.
Приведенные результаты дают решение проблемы М. С. Бирмана.
Полугруппа путей на семействе равномерно эллиптических комплексов
Authors: Ivanov-Pogodaev Ilya Anatolevich
Published: April 2023

Работа посвящена решению проблемы Л. Н. Шеврина и М. В. Сапира (вопрос 3.81b Свердловской тетради), а именно, конструкции конечно определенной бесконечной нильполугруппы, удовлетворяющей тождеству $x^9 = 0$. Эта проблема сводится к геометрическим вопросам, относящимся к теории замощений и апериодическим мозаикам. Полугруппа путей на мозаике в определенных условиях наследует некоторые свойства самой мозаики. При этом задание определяющих соотношений в полугруппе соответствует набору эквивалентных путей на мозаике.
Обсуждается взаимосвязь геометрического и ранее используемого в конструкциях конечно определенных объектов автоматного подходов. Как было отмечено С. П. Новиковым, свойство детерминированности при раскраске узлов разбиения и ее продолжении внутрь очень похоже на свойства решения дифференциального уравнения в частных производных с заданным граничным условием. Автору представляется весьма перспективным осознание этой взаимосвязи между теориями апериодических мозаик и их аранжировок и теорией численных методов и сеток.
Простые комплексные торы алгебраической размерности 0
Authors: Bandman Tatiana , Zarhin Yuri Gennad'evich
Published: April 2023

C помощью теории Галуа явно строится (в любой комплексной размерности $g\ge 2$) бесконечное семейство простых $g$-мерных комплексных торов $T$, удовлетворяющих следующим условиям:
$\bullet $ число Пикара тора $T$ равно $0$; в частности, алгебраическая размерность тора $T$ равна $0$;
$\bullet $ если $T^\vee $ - комплексный тор, двойственный к $T$, то $\mathrm {Hom}(T,T^\vee )=\{0\}$;
$\bullet $ группа $\mathrm {Aut}(T)$ автоморфизмов тора $T$ изоморфна произведению $\{\pm 1\} \times \mathbb {Z}^{g-1}$;
$\bullet $ алгебра эндоморфизмов $\mathrm {End}^0(T)$ тора $T$ - чисто мнимое числовое поле степени $2g$.
Новые результаты о проблеме периодичности непрерывных дробей элементов гиперэллиптических полей
Authors: Platonov Vladimir Petrovich , Petrunin Maksim Maksimovich
Published: April 2023

Исследуется проблема описания свободных от квадратов многочленов $f(x)$ нечетной степени с периодическим разложением $\sqrt {f(x)}$ в функциональную непрерывную дробь в $k((x))$, где $k\subseteq \overline {\mathbb Q}$. Получено полное описание таких многочленов $f(x)$, не зависящее от поля $k$ и степени многочлена, при условии, что степень $U$ фундаментальной $S$-единицы соответствующего гиперэллиптического поля $k(x)(\sqrt {f(x)})$ не превосходит $12$, а в случае четной $U$ не превосходит $20$.
Минимизация числа гетероклинических кривых 3-диффеоморфизма с неподвижными точками, имеющими попарно различные индексы Морса
Authors: Pochinka Olga Vital'evna , Talanova Elena Anatol'evna
Published: April 2023

Рассмотрены 3-диффеоморфизмы Морса-Смейла, неблуждающее множество которых состоит в точности из четырех неподвижных точек с попарно различными индексами Морса. На сегодняшний день открытым является вопрос о том, какие замкнутые 3-многообразия допускают такие диффеоморфизмы. Известно, что множество этих многообразий содержит все линзовые пространства. Более того, на всех многообразиях, кроме $\mathbb{S}^2\times\mathbb{S}^1$, рассматриваемые диффеоморфизмы имеют гетероклинические кривые. Установлено, что число гетероклинических кривых диффеоморфизма на заданном многообразии можно минимизировать, сведя его к конечному числу некомпактных гетероклинических кривых, являющихся ориентируемым пересечением инвариантных седловых многообразий. Полученный результат позволит в дальнейшем дать исчерпывающее описание замкнутых 3-многообразий, допускающих рассматриваемые диффеоморфизмы.
Urinary abnormalities in asymptomatic secondary school children in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Uzomba C.I. , Nsa E.I. , Eyong M.E. , Ezeh N.I. , Uzomba A.E. , Etuk I.S.
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Many patients with kidney disease are asymptomatic but may have abnormalities in urine. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of urinary abnormalities (UA) in asymptomatic secondary school children in Calabar, Nigeria and its relationship with age, sex, social class,  body mass index and blood pressure.
Methodology: It was a descriptive cross sectional study of 407 apparently healthy secondary school children aged  10-18 years recruited by multistage sampling techniques in June-July, 2022. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to obtain their bio-data and clinical  history. Subject’s height and weight were measured using a stadiometer and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Blood pressure of each subject  was measured using auscultatory method. Early morning urine was obtained from each subject and urinalysis done using dipstick- combi 10. The result  of urinalysis was recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 and p- value ≤ 0.05 was significant.
Results: Out of 407 participants,  162 (39.8%)  were males and 245 (60.2%) females giving a M:F ratio 1:1.5. The mean age was 13.5 ± 1.9 years. The prevalence of urinary abnormalities was 115 (28.3%)  with many having more than one abnormality. Age group 13-15years were more commonly affected. Nitrituria 75(18.4) was the most frequent urinary  abnormality followed by proteinuria 38 (9.3%), leucocytes14 (3.4%) andhaematuria 5(1.2%). There was no glucosuria. Nitrituria was statistically significant  among females (p=0.040). Blood pressure, overweight and obesity were not statistically significant in relation to urinary abnormalities.
Conclusion: The  prevalence of urinary abnormalities was high among secondary school children but commoner in females and mainly nitrituria, proteinuria, leucocytes  and haematuria. We therefore recommend regular screening for urinary abnormalities among secondary school children in our environment for early  detection and prevention of renal diseases
Morphological characteristics of the placenta of Balami and Yankasa ewes at different stages of gestation in Maiduguri, Nigeria
Authors: Gazali YA , Gambo BG , Zakariah M , Sonfada ML
Published: April 2023

The morphological characteristics of the placenta of Yankasa and Balami ewes were evaluated. Uteri of 20 pregnant Yankasa and Balami ewes were collected as abattoir waste from Maiduguri Municipal abattoir and were placed in containers containing 10% neutral buffered formalin. Using the crown-rump length (CRL) method of estimating the ages of the foetuses, they were grouped into three gestational stages. In both breeds, 50% of pregnancy occurred in the left uterine horn; in the Yankasa, 20% and 30% occur in the right uterine horn, and both (twining), respectively. While in the Balami, 40% and 10% occurred in the right and both (twinning) uterine horns, respectively. The results showed that the placenta-maternal contact in both breeds was fragile in the first stage, firm in the second stage, and loose in the third stage. The results showed that there were significant changes (P<0.001) in the mean weight, length, and width of the placentomes in all three stages. Three types of placenta appearances were identified in the Yankasa ewe: concave, convex, and flat, while two types of appearances in the Balami ewe were concave and convex. In the light microscopy evaluation, the trophoblastic epithelia of both ewes were composed of mononucleated, binucleated cells and syncytia. Endometrial glands were also observed in the inter-placental space. In conclusion, this study has shown that in both breeds, the cotyledonary surfaces of the placentae were mostly concave, followed by convex, and a mixture of the two (concave/convex). The trophoblast epithelia are positioned to control the movement of substances across foetal and maternal tissues. Even though little is still known about the regulation of these cells in the trophoblast epithelia, they are believed to be responsible for the synthesis of hormones such as lactogen for the maintenance of the pregnancy before parturition.
A Multiregional Survey of Serum Vitamin D Levels among apparently healthy Nigerians – Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hypovitaminosis D
Authors: Abubakar M.Y , Idris S.O , Quadri O.R , Yusuff J.O , Biliaminu S.A , Mohammad S. , Afolabi O.A , Omokanye H.K , Bemu N.A , Wuraola O. , Oladosu W.O , Adamu S. , Iyanda N.O , Shofoluwe N.A. , Lawal J , Omotosho W.
Published: April 2023

Globally, Hypovitaminosis D has been reported across age groups, with predisposing factors such as black race, older age, inactivity, diet, lack of vitamin D supplementation, indoor-outdoor lifestyle, winter/ wet season and sociocultural/socioeconomic factors. Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin with a significant contribution to human health. The optimal level of serum vitamin D for adults' general health may be between 75 and 100 nmol/L, while there are sparse outcome data to help define a healthy or optimal level in children. In spite of the consideration for a serum vitamin D level below 25nmol/l as the lowest cutoff for vitamin D status, there are pieces of evidence that rickets can occur in infants and young children with a serum vitamin D concentration that is higher than 25nmol/l. 

The study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of hypovitaminosis D among apparently healthy Nigerian hospital workers and patients' caregivers and possibly provide a rationale for clinical supplementation.

It was a descriptive, cross-sectional multicentre study conducted in 198 participants from the three geopolitical zones of the country between January 2019 and March 2019. A multistage sampling method was used to select the geopolitical zones and tertiary hospitals in the country while a simple random sampling method was used to select the participants from each zones. Serum vitamin D level was determined by Calbiotech Inc, kit.

Over 68% of the participants had sufficient serum vitamin D levels while 30.8% had low levels, with the latter constituting the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in this study. Only one participant had a toxic serum level of vitamin D.

This study shows that about a third of the sample population had Hypovitaminosis D. This suggests a need for routine vitamin D estimation and supplementation accordingly among blacks.
A Study on the Investigation of Air Pollutant Emissions (2015~2019) in Gunsan
Authors: Park Sang-Hun , Kim Deug-Soo , Kim Seong-Cheon
Published: April 2023

Objectives : In this study, the emission status by year was analyzed using the air pollutant emission data of Gunsan for 5 years from 2015 to 2019. In addition, it is intended to identify the emission characteristics of (Jeonju and Iksan).Methods : Using the air pollutant emission data of the Clean Air Policy Support System(CAPSS) provided by the Ministry of Environment's National Fine Dust Information Center, the status of air pollutant emissions(CO, NOx, SOx, PM10, VOCs, NH3) in Gunsan was analyzed.Results and Discussion : In Gunsan, CO(car registration number), PM10(cargo transport volume) NH3(farmland using fertilizer, manure management) emissions increased. NOx(production of glass products) SOx{glass (carbon removal process)} and VOCs(whiskey, etc) emissions were reduced. In the emission characteristics, CO and NOx are mainly road transport and non-road transport pollutants(leisure, cargo) and SOx is production process{glass(carbon removal process)} and energy industry combustion(private power plant). PM10 is a non-road moving pollutant(ship, cargo), scattering dust(road scattering dust, construction work, agriculture), and VOCs are food and beverage processing(whiskey, etc) and organic solvent in the production process painting facility (ship manufacturing). NH3 is agricultural(fertilized cropland, manure management) and production processes(ammonia consumption). In the comparison of emission characteristics, Gunsan(CO, NOx, SOx, VOCs), Jeonju(PM10), Iksan(NH3) were high.Conclusion : The emission rate of air pollutants in Gunsan was in the order of VOCs > NOx > CO > SOx > NH3 > PM10. In the comparison of emissions characteristics, Gunsan, Jeonju and Iksan showed the same in NOx and NH3, but different in CO, SOx, PM10 and VOCs characteristics. This case is considered to be influenced by the size of the industrial complex, geographical characteristics of the region, economic structure, and population.
A Study on the Proper Mixing amount Derivation of Soil Ameliorants Utilizing the Industrial by-products Characteristics, and Crop Growth
Authors: Bong Jae Eun , Jo Young-Tae , Lee Bo Bae , Park Jeong-Hun
Published: April 2023

Objectives : This study was conducted to derive an proper mixing amount for the utilize of soil ameliorants manufactured using some industrial by-products, and to examine the effectiveness of soil ameliorants and their applicability in the agricultural field.Methods : The soil ameliorants were prepared using red mud, petroleum refining desulfurized gypsum, and regenerated sulfuric acid. In consideration of the soil environment, after mixing with field soil and then crop growth was carried out. After that, the growth rate was calculated through the survey of growth indicators (number of leaves, leaves lengths, and leaves widths) before and after the growth experiment, and compared by experimental districts.Results and Discussion : Soil ameliorants mixing amounts for crop growth were selected as 0, 0.2, 0.5 and 1.0%, respectively. When amount of 1.0% of the soil ameliorants was performed the growth rates of the growth index were higher than amount of 0% (control) mixed with the soil ameliorants. This is attributed to the improvement effectiveness of elements necessary for crop growth in the soil environment through the mixing of soil ameliorants.Conclusion : The soil environment (pH) containing 1.0% soil ameliorant is considered to have a positive effect on the effectiveness of factors necessary for crop growth as it falls within the appropriate range of growth. Therefore, after mixing the red mud and desulfurized gypsum in a weight ratio of 100:50, the soil ameliorant neutralized with regenerated sulfuric acid is considered proper for lettuce growth when 1.0% is mixed with soil.
Global Radioactive Waste Disposal Trends and Prospects
Authors: Kim Jihye , Lee Seongmuk , Choi Heejeong , Park Hyunyoung , Jung Sokhee P.
Published: April 2023

Nuclear power generation, which began in the Soviet Union in June 1954, has now become a main source of electrical energy in 33 countries around the world. However, radioactive waste and its safety have always been at the center of controversy, and even after 70 years, there is no official regulation on the disposal of radioactive waste under international law. In this review, the policies and current status of radioactive waste disposal in major countries around the world, including Korea, are investigated. Based on this, the direction for radioactive waste management in Korea was presented. Currently, radioactive waste is disposed of in two ways. Finland, Sweden, and France are conducting deep permanent disposal according to the recommendation of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and Japan, the United Kingdom, and India are promoting reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel to reduce waste and the volume of the repository. Korea has been temporarily storing radioactive waste at the site of the power plant since the completion of Kori Unit 1 in 1978, but it is expected that the capacity of the temporary storage facility will reach its limit in 2031. Accordingly, the securing of a permanent disposal site and the development of reprocessing technology are being studied together, but no tangible results have been achieved so far. Korea's radioactive waste disposal has problems such as a small land area, institutional difficulties in developing reprocessing technology, frequent policy changes, ignorance and indifference, and lack of smooth communication. Although public concern about nuclear power generation has increased due to the Fukushima disaster, not many people are interested in spent nuclear fuel. Within the framework of reprocessing and permanent disposal, Korea should refrain from frequent policy changes that can confuse public opinion and research and development, and come up with a long-term realistic policy.
Bobot karkas dan persentase potongan karkas itik petelur mojosari yang diberi pakan dengan suplementasi kalsium fitobiotik
Authors: Damayanti Cindy A. , Harahap Muhammad Andika Yudha , Saputra Adam E. , Wibowo Syahputra , Djunaidi Irfan H. , Sjofjan Osfar
Published: April 2023

Feed additives is important to improve the appearance of duck production. The purpose of this study was to determine the weight and proportion of Mojosari Laying Duck carcass parts that contained calcium phytobiotics. Twenty-four flocks of 120 mojosari laying ducks (24-week-old) were used. Variation Analysis was used to statistically examine the data (ANOVA). Duncan's Multiple Distance Test is used if the study's data show a substantial difference between treatments. A Complete Randomized Design is employed using 6 treatments and 4 tests, each containing 5 mojosari laying ducks. Treatment (P0) is the control feed, (P1) is the control feed plus zinc bacitracin, (P2) is the control feed plus phytobiotics 0.25%, (P3) is the control feed plus phytobiotics 0.50%, (P4) is the control feed plus phytobiotics 0.75%, and (P5) is the control feed plus 1% phytobiotics. The findings demonstrated that the addition of phytobiotic calcium did not significantly affect carcass weight or the percentage of carcass parts (P>0.05). However, (P2) increased the carcass weight compared to the control meal. Weight of the carcass produced is 792.50±91.06 – 972.50±86.84. The percentage of carcasses is 50±0.05 - 57±0.07. The percentage of back pieces was 32.19±1.54 – 36.32±2.94. The percentage of chest pieces was 7.26±0.84 – 8.63±0.97. The percentage of wing pieces was 14.46±0.48 – 13.63±1.93. The percentage of upper thigh pieces produced was 9.50±0.82 – 10.35±2.31, and the percentage of lower thigh pieces was 11.48±0.91 – 13.34±1.97. Results showed that the addition of phytobiotic calcium did not significantly affect the proportion of parts and carcass weight (P>0.05).