bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Channel Noise Optimization of Polar Codes Decoding Based on a Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Yan Ming , Lou Xingrui , Wang Yan
Published: November 2021

Polar code has the characteristics of simple coding and high reliability, and it has been used as the control channel coding scheme of 5G wireless communication. However, its decoding algorithm always encounters problems of large decoding delay and high iteration complexity when dealing with channel noise. To address the above challenges, this paper proposes a channel noise optimized decoding scheme based on a convolutional neural network (CNN). Firstly, a CNN is adopted to extract and train the colored channel noise to get more accurate estimation noise, and then, the belief propagation (BP) decoding algorithm is used to decode the polar codes based on the output of the CNN. To analyze and verify the performance of the proposed channel noise optimized decoding scheme, we simulate the decoding of polar codes with different correlation coefficients, different loss function parameters, and different code lengths. The experimental results show that the CNN‐BP concatenated decoding can better suppress the colored channel noise and significantly improve the decoding gain compared with the traditional BP decoding algorithm.
A Fractional Epidemiological Model for Bone Remodeling Process
Authors: Awadalla Muath , Yameni Noupoue Yves Yannick , Abuasbeh Kinda
Published: November 2021

This article focuses on modeling bone formation process using a fractional differential approach, named bones remodeling process. The first goal of the work is to investigate existence and uniqueness of the proposed fractional differential model. The next goal is to investigate how similar is the proposed approach to the method based on system classical differential equations. The dynamical system of equations used is built upon three main parameters. These are chemical substances, namely, calcitonin secretion, osteoclastic and osteoblastic, which are involved in the bone’s formation process. We implement some numerical simulations to graphically show the impact of an arbitrary fractional order of derivative. We finally obtained that modeling bone formation process using fractional differential equations yielded comparable results with those obtained through a system of classical differential equations. Flexibility in the choice of the fractional order of derivative is an advantage as it helps in selecting the best fractional order of derivative.
Curcumin and Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate Ankle, Testis, and Ovary Deleterious Histological Changes in Arthritic Rats via Suppression of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Ahmed Rania H. , Galaly Sanaa R. , Moustafa Nadia , Ahmed Rasha Rashad , Ali Tarek M. , Elesawy Basem H. , Ahmed Osama M. , Abdul-Hamid Manal
Published: November 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition, an autoimmune disease that affects the joints, and a multifactorial disease that results from interactions between environmental, genetic, and personal and lifestyle factors. This study was designed to assess the effects of curcumin, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), and their coadministration on complete Freund’s adjuvant- (CFA-) induced arthritis in male and female albino rats. Parameters including swelling of the joint, blood indices of pro-/antioxidant status, cytokines and histopathological examination of joints, and testis and ovary were investigated. RA was induced by a single dose of subcutaneous injection of 0.1 mL CFA into a footpad of the right hind leg of rats. Arthritic rats were treated with curcumin (100 mg/kg b.wt./day) by oral gavage for 21 days and/or treated with three weekly intravenous injections of BM-MSCs (1×106cells/rat/week) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The treatment with curcumin and BM-MSCs singly or together significantly (P<0.05) improved the bioindicators of oxidative stress and nonenzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants in sera of female rats more than in those of males. Curcumin and BM-MSCs significantly (P<0.05) improved the elevated TNF-α level and the lowered IL-10 level in the arthritic rats. Furthermore, joint, testis, and ovary histological changes were remarkably amended as a result of treatment with curcumin and BM-MSCs. Thus, it can be concluded that both curcumin and BM-MSCs could have antiarthritic efficacies as well as protective effects to the testes and ovaries which may be mediated via their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory potentials as well as oxidative stress modulatory effects.
Effects of a Cloth Panel Containing a Specific Ore Powder on Patients with Chamaecyparis obtusa (Cypress) Pollen Allergy
Authors: Lee Suni , Hyo Yukiyoshi , Yamamoto Shoko , Okamoto Hiroshi , Fujii Yoshio , Hara Hirotaka , Otsuki Takemi
Published: November 2021

Pollen allergy to Japanese cedar and cypress is a serious illness that impairs daily life and sleep, especially during pollen season. We have reported that placing a cloth panel containing a specific natural ore powder (CCSNOP) in a room may alleviate the symptoms of hay fever and may also benefit the immune system. This ore is from the Aso mountain range, a volcano on Kyushu Island in the southwestern part of Japan. The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of CCSNOP on cypress pollen. Thirty-one double-blind tests, which investigated cedar pollen allergies, were conducted from February to March 2018 and have already been reported. After this, in early April, 10 of these cases were recruited and all had CCSNOP installed in their bedrooms. Before that, various symptoms and changes in medication were recorded in a “Symptom Diary” and included a mood survey by a questionnaire, stress test using saliva amylase, changes in cypress-specific immunoglobulins IgE and IgG4 by blood sampling, and eosinophil changes. In addition, changes in 29 types of cytokines were investigated. Exposure to CCSNOP relieved symptoms and subjects decreased their intake of medication. There was no change in mood or stress, but eosinophil levels tended to decrease. Although there were no statistical changes in cypress-specific IgE or IgG4, an increase in the former and a decrease in the latter were observed in some individuals during the period of pollen dispersal. Furthermore, levels of GM-CSF and IL8 decreased significantly after use of CCSNOP. The CCSNOP was shown to be effective against cypress pollen allergy, and future investigations will be necessary to observe the long-term effects of CCSNOP.
Optimization of Port Emergency Materials Dispatch with Time Windows Constraints under Uncertainties
Authors: Xu Bowei , Wang Yuqing , Li Junjun
Published: November 2021

Uncertainties exist and affect the actual port production. For example, at the beginning of 2020, the sudden outbreak of COVID-19 seriously affected terminal production and increased the short-term pressure of handling at container terminals. Consequently, a large number of containers were stacked at terminals, and the problem of terminal congestion became more serious. To solve the congestion problem of container terminals and ensure the priority dispatch of emergency materials, this study uses the optimized arrival patterns of external trucks and a priority dispatch strategy for emergency materials to establish a bilevel optimization model for container terminals and proposes a chaotic genetic algorithm based on logistic mapping as a solution. Through numerical experiments, the algorithm proposed in this study was compared with the genetic algorithm and adaptive genetic algorithm. The experimental results show that the model and algorithm proposed in this study can effectively reduce the total cost of containers in a terminal while ensuring the priority dispatch of emergency materials, reducing the overlapping part of the time window, optimizing the arrival mode of external trucks, and reducing the waiting time of external trucks, effectively alleviating the terminal congestion problem.
Mechanism of Hydraulic Fracturing Cutting Hard Basic Roof to Prevent Rockburst
Authors: Luo Jianqiao , Yan Shaohong , Yang Tuo , Mu Haoqi , Wei Wensheng , Shen Yupeng , Mu Hongtao
Published: November 2021

Rockburst is globally regarded as one of the most severe and complicated mining dynamic disasters to predict or control. Generally, the occurrence mechanism of rockbursts can be considered as a process of the elastic strain energy accumulation, emancipation, transmission, and occurrence. Tracing to the source, the reasons for large accumulation of elastic strain energy in coal and rock mass are the high stress of the roof layer that loads on the coal and rock masses around the mining space coupling effect with the natural horizontal tectonic stress. In this study, using the minimum energy theory and elasticity theory, the analytical formula for calculating elastic strain energy of the roof cantilever beam structure acting on the coal body load in front of the working face is deduced. Accordingly, we achieved a method of using hydraulic fracturing to improve the roof structure. In detail, we use a high‐pressure jet to cut the cantilever roof structure, which can make a prelocated fracture surface, and then utilize the packers to make sure that the injected high‐pressure fracturing fluid is propagating along the prelocated fracture surface and can cut off the cantilever roof structure eventually to prevent rockbursts in advance. Due to the rockburst occurrence mechanism and the quantitatively elastic strain energy analytical formula, a preconditioning water jet cutting induced fracture surface to create orientation‐controllable hydraulic fracture strategy is proposed to guard against the high hazard caused by the massive elastic strain energy, which accumulated in the coal body in front of the working face and coal pillar.
Volumetric Properties for the Aqueous Solution of Yttrium Trichloride at Temperatures from 283.15 to 363.15 K and Ambient Pressure
Authors: Jiang Zhenzhen , Ma Chi , Liu Gaoling , Sun Kangrui , Li Mingli , Guo Yafei , Meng Lingzong , Deng Tianlong
Published: November 2021

To effectively develop the rare earth elements resources from the geothermal waters, it is essential to understand the volumetric properties of the aqueous solution system to establish the relative thermodynamic model. In this study, densities of YCl3 (aq) at the molalities of 0.08837–1.60639 mol·kg−1 from 283.15 K to 363.15 K at 5 K intervals and ambient pressure were measured experimentally by an Anton Paar digital vibrating-tube densimeter. Based on experimental data, the volumetric properties including apparent molar volume (Vϕ) and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the solution (α) of the binary systems (YCl3 + H2O) were derived. The 3D diagram (mi, T, Vϕ) of apparent molar volumes against temperature and molality was plotted. On the basis of the Pitzer ion-interaction model of electrolyte, the Pitzer single-salt parameters (

β

MX

0

v

,

β

MX

1

v

, and

C

MX

v

) for YCl3 and temperature-dependence equation F(i, p, T) = a1 + a2ln(T/298.15) + a3(T-298.15) + a4/(620-T) + a5(T-227) as well as their coefficients ai (i = 1–5) in the binary system were obtained for the first time. The values of Pitzer single-salt parameters of YCl3 agree well with the calculated values corresponding to the temperature-dependence equations, indicating that single-salt parameters and temperature-dependent formula obtained in this work are reliable.
Semianalytical Solutions of Some Nonlinear-Time Fractional Models Using Variational Iteration Laplace Transform Method
Authors: Iqbal Javed , Shabbir Khurram , Guran Liliana
Published: November 2021

In this work, we combined two techniques, the variational iteration technique and the Laplace transform method, in order to solve some nonlinear-time fractional partial differential equations. Although the exact solutions may exist, we introduced the technique VITM that approximates the solutions that are difficult to find. Even a single iteration best approximates the exact solutions. The fractional derivatives being used are in the Caputo-Fabrizio sense. The reliability and efficiency of this newly introduced method is discussed in details from its numerical results and their graphical approximations. Moreover, possible consequences of these results as an application of fixed-point theorem are placed before the experts as an open problem.
Circulating Sex Hormones and Risk of Colorectal Adenomas and Serrated Lesions in Men
Authors: Figueiredo Jane C. , Gresham Gillian , Barry Elizabeth L. , Mott Leila A. , Passarelli Michael N. , Bradshaw Patrick T. , Anderson Carlton W. , Baron John A.
Published: November 2021

Background:

Sex hormones have been implicated in the etiology of colorectal neoplasia in women for over 40 years, but there has been very little investigation of the role of these hormones in men.

Methods:

Using data from an adenoma chemoprevention trial, we conducted a secondary analysis to examine serum hormone levels [testosterone, androstenedione, DHEA sulfate (DHEAS), and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)] and risk of colorectal precursors in 925 men. Multivariable logistic regression models were fit to evaluate adjusted associations between hormone levels and risk of “low-risk” (single tubular adenoma < 1 cm) and “high-risk” lesions (advanced adenoma or sessile serrated adenoma or right-sided serrated polyp or >2 adenomas of any size).

Results:

Overall, levels of free testosterone, total testosterone, androstenedione, DHEAS, or SHBG were not associated with either “low-risk” or “high-risk” early precursor lesions in the colorectum.

Conclusions:

These findings do not support the role of sex hormones in early colorectal neoplasia among men.

Impact:

This large prospective study address a missing gap in knowledge by providing information on the role of sex hormones in colorectal neoplasia in males.
Early Nutrition and Later Excess Adiposity during Childhood: A Narrative Review
Authors: Iglesia Altaba Iris , Larqué Elvira , Mesa María Dolores , Blanco-Carnero José Eliseo , Gomez-Llorente Carolina , Rodríguez-Martínez Gerardo , Moreno Luis A.
Published: November 2021

Background: Studies on childhood obesity mainly focus on the genetic component and on the lifestyle that may be associated with the development of obesity. However, the study of perinatal factors in their programming effect toward future obesity in children or adults is somewhat more recent, and there are still mechanisms to be disentangled. Summary: In this narrative review, a comprehensive route based on the influence of some early factors in life in the contribution to later obesity development is presented. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain have been pointed out as independent determinants of infant later adiposity. Lifestyle interventions could have an impact on pregnant mothers through epigenetic mechanisms capable of redirecting the genetic expression of their children toward a future healthy weight and body composition and dietary-related microbiome modifications in mothers and newborns might also be related. After birth, infant feeding during the first months of life is directly associated with its body composition and nutritional status. From this point of view, all the expert committees in the world are committed to promote exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age and to continue at least until the first year of life together with complementary feeding based on healthy dietary patterns such as Mediterranean Diet. Key Messages: To develop future effective programs to tackle early obesity, it is necessary not only by controlling lifestyle behaviors like infant feeding but also understanding the role of other mechanisms like the effect of perinatal factors such as maternal diet during pregnancy, epigenetics, or microbiome.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Risk of Heart Failure Among Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Fudim Marat , Zhong Lin , Patel Kershaw V. , Khera Rohan , Abdelmalek Manal F. , Diehl Anna Mae , McGarrah Robert W. , Molinger Jeroen , Moylan Cynthia A. , Rao Vishal N. , Wegermann Kara , Neeland Ian J. , Halm Ethan A. , Das Sandeep R. , Pandey Ambarish
Published: November 2021

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and heart failure (HF) are increasing in prevalence. The independent association between NAFLD and downstream risk of HF and HF subtypes (HF with preserved ejection fraction and HF with reduced ejection fraction) is not well established.

Methods and Results

This was a retrospective, cohort study among Medicare beneficiaries. We selected Medicare beneficiaries without known prior diagnosis of HF. NAFLD was defined using presence of 1 inpatient or 2 outpatient claims using
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification
(
ICD‐9‐CM
), claims codes. Incident HF was defined using at least 1 inpatient or at least 2 outpatient HF claims during the follow‐up period (October 2015–December 2016). Among 870 535 Medicare patients, 3.2% (N=27 919) had a clinical diagnosis of NAFLD. Patients with NAFLD were more commonly women, were less commonly Black patients, and had a higher burden of comorbidities, such as diabetes, obesity, and kidney disease. Over a mean 14.3 months of follow‐up, patients with (versus without) baseline NAFLD had a significantly higher risk of new‐onset HF in unadjusted (6.4% versus 5.0%;
P
<0.001) and adjusted (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] [95% CI], 1.23 [1.18–1.29]) analyses. Among HF subtypes, the association of NAFLD with downstream risk of HF was stronger for HF with preserved ejection fraction (adjusted HR [95% CI], 1.24 [1.14–1.34]) compared with HF with reduced ejection fraction (adjusted HR [95% CI], 1.09 [0.98–1.2]).

Conclusions

Patients with NAFLD are at an increased risk of incident HF, with a higher risk of developing HF with preserved ejection fraction versus HF with reduced ejection fraction. The persistence of an increased risk after adjustment for clinical and demographic factors suggests an epidemiological link between NAFLD and HF beyond the basis of shared risk factors that requires further investigation.
One-Year Outcome After Endovascular Treatment for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion
Authors: Li Fengli , Sang Hongfei , Song Jiaxing , Guo Zhangbao , Liu Shuai , Luo Weidong , Yuan Junjie , Qiu Zhongming , Huang Jiacheng , Chen Luming , Li Linyu , Wu Deping , Zi Wenjie , Nogueira Raul Gomes , Shuai Jie , Yang Qingwu ,   for the BASILAR Investigators
Published: November 2021

Background and Purpose:

The BASILAR registry, a nationwide prospective nonrandomized study conducted in China, enrolled consecutive patients with acute basilar artery occlusion receiving endovascular treatment or conventional-treatment from January 2014 to May 2019. This article aimed to report the results of clinical follow-up at one year among these patients.

Methods:

The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale at one year, assessed as a common odds ratio using ordinal logistic regression analysis adjusted for prespecified prognostic factors. Secondary outcomes included the modified Rankin Scale-based outcome group at one year (0–1, 0–2, or 0–3) and all-cause death.

Results:

Of the 829 patients enrolled in the original BASILAR registry, one-year data were available for 785 patients (94.7%). The distribution of outcomes on the modified Rankin Scale favored endovascular treatment over conventional-treatment (adjusted common odds ratio, 4.50 [95% CI, 2.81–7.29];
P
<0.001). The cumulative one-year mortality rate was 54.6% in the endovascular treatment group versus 83.5% in the conventional-treatment group (adjusted odds ratio, 4.36 [95% CI, 2.69–7.29];
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

The beneficial effect of endovascular treatment on functional outcome at one year in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion is similar to that reported at 90 days in the original study.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
http://www.chictr.org.cn
; Unique identifier: ChiCTR1800014759.
Rabbit microbiota across the whole body revealed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing
Authors: Hu Xiaofen , Wang Fei , Yang Shanshan , Yuan Xu , Yang Tingyu , Zhou Yunxiao , Li Yong
Published: November 2021

Background

Rabbit can produce meat, fur and leather, and serves as an important biomedical animal model. Understanding the microbial community of rabbits helps to raise rabbits healthily and better support their application as animal models.

Results

In this study, we selected 4 healthy Belgium gray rabbits to collect the microbial samples from 12 body sites, including skin, lung, uterus, mouth, stomach, duodenum, ileum, jejunum, colon, cecum, cecal appendix and rectum. The microbiota across rabbit whole body was investigated via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. After quality control, 46 samples were retained, and 3,148 qualified ASVs were obtained, representing 23 phyla and 264 genera. Based on the weighted UniFrac distances, these samples were divided into the large intestine (Lin), stomach and small intestine (SSin), uterus (Uter), and skin, mouth and lung (SML) groups. The diversity of Lin microbiota was the highest, followed by those of the SSin, Uter and SML groups. In the whole body, Firmicutes (62.37%), Proteobacteria (13.44%) and Bacteroidota (11.84%) were the most predominant phyla. The relative abundance of Firmicutes in the intestinal tract was significantly higher than that in the non-intestinal site, while Proteobacteria was significantly higher in the non-intestinal site. Among the 264 genera, 35 were the core microbiota distributed in all body sites. Sixty-one genera were specific in the SML group, while 13, 8 and 1 were specifically found in the Lin, SSin and Uter groups, respectively. The Lin group had the most difference with other groups, there were average 72 differential genera between the Lin and other groups. The functional prediction analysis showed that microbial function within each group was similar, but there was a big difference between the intestinal tracts and the non-intestinal group. Notably, the function of microorganism in uterus and mouth were the most different from those in the gastrointestinal sites; rabbit’s coprophagy of consuming soft feces possibly resulted in little differences of microbial function between stomach and large intestinal sites.

Conclusion

Our findings improve the knowledge about rabbit microbial communities throughout whole body and give insights into the relationship of microbial communities among different body sites in health rabbits.
Characterization of wall-associated kinase/wall-associated kinase-like (WAK/WAKL) family in rose (Rosa chinensis) reveals the role of RcWAK4 in Botrytis resistance
Authors: Liu Xintong , Wang Zicheng , Tian Yu , Zhang Shiya , Li Dandan , Dong Wenqi , Zhang Changqing , Zhang Zhao
Published: November 2021

Background

Wall-associated kinase (WAK)/WAK-like (WAKL) is one of the subfamily of receptor like kinases (RLK). Although previous studies reported that WAK/WAKL played an important role in plant cell elongation, response to biotic and abiotic stresses, there are no systematic studies on RcWAK/RcWAKL in rose.

Results

In this study, we identified a total of 68 RcWAK/RcWAKL gene family members within rose (Rosa chinensis) genome. The RcWAKs contained the extracellular galacturonan-binding domain and calcium-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domain, as well as an intracellular kinase domains. The RcWAKLs are missing either calcium-binding EGF-like domain or the galacturonan-binding domain in their extracellular region. The phylogenetic analysis showed the RcWAK/RcWAKL gene family has been divided into five groups, and these RcWAK/RcWAKL genes were unevenly distributed on the 7 chromosomes of rose. 12 of RcWAK/RcWAKL genes were significantly up-regulated by Botrytis cinerea-inoculated rose petals, where RcWAK4 was the most strongly expressed. Virus induced gene silencing of RcWAK4 increased the rose petal sensitivity to B. cinerea. The results indicated RcWAK4 is involved in the resistance of rose petal against B. cinerea.

Conclusion

Our study provides useful information to further investigate the function of the RcWAK/RcWAKL gene family and breeding research for resistance to B. cinerea in rose.
Determinants of migraine headache among regular undergraduate students, of Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia: cross–sectional study
Authors: Birkie Mengesha , Endris Mohammed , Asnakew Sintayehu
Published: November 2021

Background

The prevalence of migraine headaches varied from 2.4 to 48.5% worldwide among university students. As per the knowledge of the investigators, the study of migraine headaches is not done in this study area. Hence, this study aimed to assess determinates of migraine headaches among regular undergraduate students, of Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia, 2020.

Method

Institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from November 15–30 /2020 by using a self-administered questionnaire among 371 regular undergraduate students at Wollo University. A multistage sampling technique was employed to represent our study population. Identity migraine test, Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire, perceived stress scale, and Oslo social support scale was used. Descriptive statistics, binary and multiple logistic regression were employed. The adjusted odds ratio at a 95% confidence interval and level of significance (p-value < 0.05) was used to interpret the findings.

Results

From 371 participants, the prevalence of migraine headache in this study was 34% (95% CI: 29.2, 38.5). Variables statistically associated with migraine headache, were a family history of headache (AOR = 3.83, CI: 2.313, 6.366), suicidal thoughts in the past 3 months (AOR = 10.76, CI: 2.117, 54.74), and had low perceived stress 62.6% (AOR = 0.374, CI: 0.205, 0.683).

Conclusion

In this study, the prevalence of migraine headaches was very high. Family history of headache, suicidal thoughts, and low perceived stress were determinates for migraine headache. So special emphasis shall be given to those participants who had high perceived stress, a family history of migraine headache, and suicidal thoughts.
A cross-sectional study of mental health and suicidality among trans women in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Reis Arianne , Sperandei Sandro , de Carvalho Paula Galdino Cardin , Pinheiro Thiago Félix , de Moura Ferdinando Diniz , Gomez José Luis , Porchat Patrícia , Bastos Francisco Inácio , McFarland Willi , Wilson Erin C. , Veras Maria Amélia
Published: November 2021

Background

Trans women have been shown to experience disproportionately poor outcomes in physical and mental health. Although it is common to talk about the violence against trans people, little is still known about mental health outcomes and experiences of suicidality among trans women, particularly in developing countries. This study aims to investigate risk factors and associations with mental health, suicide ideation and suicide attempts among trans women in the largest metropolitan area in Brazil.

Methods

Trans women living in São Paulo were recruited between May 2017 and July 2019 using the long-chain peer referral method Respondent-Driven Sampling. Multivariate regression models were used to investigate the associations with K10 score classification (logistic) and suicidal ideation/suicide attempt (ordinal logistic).

Results

A total of 763 trans women were included in the study. Over one quarter (26.5%) of trans women had been diagnosed with anxiety in the past, and close to one in five (19.1%) trans women had received a diagnosis of depression. More than two in five (41.9%) trans women had moderate to severe psychological distress. More than half of all participating trans women reported having previously either experienced suicidal ideation or attempted to take their own lives (25.0 and 31.2% respectively). In multivariate regression, moderate to severe psychological distress was associated with homelessness, income, current sex work, use of stimulant drugs, history of physical abuse, depression diagnosis and access to mental health treatment. Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts were associated with race/skin color, living arrangements, marital status, current sex work, history of sexual violence, depression and PTSD diagnoses, access to mental health treatment and psychological distress.

Conclusions

This study showed that there is a significant association between mental health conditions, lack of treatment for these conditions and suicidality among trans gender women. Findings point to the need for a structural transformation in Brazil that enables a reduction in the social inequality and violence that impact the mental health of trans women. A number of recommendations to achieve this are provided.
First steps towards international competency goals for residency training: a qualitative comparison of 3 regional standards in anesthesiology
Authors: Buléon Clément , Eng Reuben , Rudolph Jenny W. , Minehart Rebecca D.
Published: November 2021

Background

Competency-based medical education (CBME) has revolutionized approaches to training by making expectations more concrete, visible, and relevant for trainees. Designing, applying, and updating CBME requirements challenges residency programs, which must address many aspects of training simultaneously. This challenge also exists for educational regulatory bodies in creating and adjusting national competencies to standardize training expectations. We propose that an international approach for mapping residency training requirements may provide a baseline for assessing commonalities and differences. This approach allows us to take our first steps towards creating international competency goals to enhance sharing of best practices in education and clinical work.

Methods

We chose anesthesiology residency training as our example discipline. Using two rounds of content analysis, we qualitatively compared published anesthesiology residency competencies for the European Union (The European Training Requirement), United States (ACGME Milestones), and Canada (CanMEDS Competence By Design), focusing on similarities and differences in representation (round one) and emphasis (round two) to generate hypotheses on practical solutions regarding international educational standards.

Results

We mapped the similarities and discrepancies between the three repositories. Round one revealed that 93% of competencies were common between the three repositories. Major differences between European Training Requirement, US Milestones, and Competence by Design competencies involved critical emergency medicine. Round two showed that over 30% of competencies were emphasized equally, with notable exceptions that European Training Requirement emphasized Anaesthesia Non-Technical Skills, Competence by Design highlighted more granular competencies within specific anesthesiology situations, and US Milestones emphasized professionalism and behavioral practices.

Conclusions

This qualitative comparison has identified commonalities and differences in anesthesiology training which may facilitate sharing broader perspectives on diverse high-quality educational, clinical, and research practices to enhance innovative approaches. Determining these overlaps in residency training can prompt international educational societies responsible for creating competencies to collaborate to design future training programs. This approach may be considered as a feasible method to build an international core of residency competency requirements for other disciplines.
Barriers and facilitators of using mobile devices as an educational tool by nursing students: a qualitative research
Authors: Nikpeyma Nasrin , Zolfaghari Mitra , Mohammadi Aeen
Published: November 2021

Background

Although the use of mobile devices can facilitate the learning process, there may be barriers to using them for learning purposes. This study aimed to identify and investigate the barriers and facilitators of using mobile devices as an educational device from the perspective of nursing students.

Methods

This qualitative descriptive study was conducted in 2020 on undergraduate nursing students of the Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. A total of 22 undergraduate nursing students were selected by purposive sampling with maximum variability. Inclusion criteria were Undergraduate nursing education, having mobile devices, and willingness to participate in research. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews for 45–75 min in the proposed environment of students until the data were saturated. Data analysis was performed manually using the framework analysis method with the steps: familiarization, identifying a thematic framework, indexing, Charting and Synthesis, Mapping, and Interpretation. Trustworthiness was determined by methods of Credibility, Dependability, Conformability, and Transferability.

Results

The majority of participants (45.45%) were 21 years old, 63.63% were women, and 36.36% studied in the 8th semester. Findings from the analysis of interviews showed that barriers to the use of mobile devices were classified into 4 main categories (barriers related to mobile devices, barriers related to Internet access, barriers related to information literacy, cultural-environmental barriers) and 15 subcategories, and facilitating the use of mobile devices was divided into 2 main categories (easy to use mobile devices and easy access to information) and 6 subcategories.

Conclusion

The results of this study help educational managers and curriculum planners to adapt to technological change, to focus on the many benefits of mobile devices as an educational tool, and to plan to overcome barriers to mobile device use, and use mobile devices to teach theoretical topics and clinical nursing skills effectively.
Development of a model of medication review for use in clinical practice: Bristol medication review model
Authors: McCahon D. , Denholm R. E. , Huntley A. L. , Dawson S. , Duncan P. , Payne R. A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Medication review is a core aspect of medicine optimisation, yet existing models of review vary substantially in structure and content and are not necessarily easy to implement in clinical practice. This study aimed to use evidence from the existing literature to identify key medication review components and use this to inform the design of an improved review model.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted (PROSPERO: CRD42018109788) to identify randomised control trials of stand-alone medication review in adults (18+ years). The review updated that by Huiskes et al. (BMC Fam Pract. 18:5, 2017), using the same search strategy implemented in MEDLINE and Embase. Studies were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Key review components were identified, alongside relevant clinical and health service outcomes. A working group (patients, doctors and pharmacists) developed the model through an iterative consensus process (appraisal of documents plus group discussions), working from the systematic review findings, brief evidence summaries for core review components and examples of previous models, to agree on the main purpose of the review model, overarching model structure, review components and supporting material.

Results

We identified 28 unique studies, with moderate bias overall. Consistent medication review components included reconciliation (26 studies), safety assessment (22), suboptimal treatment (19), patient knowledge/preferences (18), adherence (14), over-the-counter therapy (13) and drug monitoring (10). There was limited evidence from studies for improvement in key clinical outcomes. The review structure was underpinned by patient values and preferences, with parallel information gathering and evaluation stages, feeding into the final decision-making and implementation. Most key components identified in the literature were included. The final model was considered to benefit from a patient-centred, holistic approach, which captured both patient-orientated and medication-focused problems, and aligned with traditional consultation methods thus facilitating implementation in practice.

Conclusions

The Bristol Medication Review Model provides a framework for standardised delivery of structured reviews. The model has the potential for use by all healthcare professionals with relevant clinical experience and is designed to offer flexibility of implementation not limited to a particular healthcare setting.
Diagnostic value of routine chest tube tip culture in surgery for noninfectious lung disease
Authors: van Schelt Martijn , Jenniskens Kevin , Rentenaar Rob J. , Bronsveld Inez
Published: November 2021

Background

Evaluation of the diagnostic value of routine chest tube tip culture for detection of postoperative infection after surgery for noninfectious lung disease.

Methods

Included subjects were patients who underwent lung surgery between January 1st 2013 and January 1st 2018 in University Medical Centre Utrecht and of whom a chest tube tip was cultured. Postoperative outcomes included pneumonia, surgical site infection, and empyema within 30 days after surgery. Univariable analysis for diagnostic accuracy of chest tube tip culture results predicting these postoperative outcomes was performed, as well as multivariable analysis using penalized firth logistic regression.

Results

Patients developed one or more postoperative infections in 42 out of 210 (20%) lung surgeries. Pneumonia, surgical site infection, and empyema were found in 36 (17%), 8 (4%), and 2 (1%) cases respectively. Chest tube tip culture had a sensitivity of 31%, a specificity of 83%, a positive predictive value of 32%, and a negative predictive value of 83% for postoperative infections. In the subgroup of patients who did not have evidence of postoperative infection at the time of chest tube removal, the drain tip culture’s positive and negative predictive value changed to 18% and 92% respectively. Adding additional variables to chest tube tip culture in a prediction model resulting in only limited improvement in diagnostic performance.

Conclusions

We found insufficient diagnostic performance to support the practice of routine chest tube tip culture after surgery for noninfectious lung disease. Therefore, routine chest tube tip culture is not advisable and should be omitted to unburden the healthcare process and prevent low value care together with extra costs.
Pleurotus tuber-regium inclusion in diet ameliorates dyslipidaemia in obese-type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Adeyi Akindele Oluwatosin , Adams Folasade Ajoke , Adenipekun Clementina Oyinkansola
Published: November 2021

Background

Pleurotus tuber-regium (P.T) is an edible mushroom with abundant polysaccharides that has been used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes mellitus. This study investigated the hypoglycaemic potential and ameliorative activity of Pleurotus tuber-regium incorporated diet on diabetes induced dyslipidaemia.

Materials and methods

Thirty five (35) adult male wistar rats were randomly assigned to seven groups; Normal control, diabetic control, obese control, obese diabetic control, 10% PT, 20% PT, and Drug control. Type II DM was induced by placing the animals on high fat diet for a period of 10 weeks and a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg/BW). P. T was incorporated into the feed and given to the animals for two weeks daily after the confirmation of diabetes.

Results

Treatment of the obese diabetic rats with P. T supplemented diet caused a decrease in the blood glucose level compared to the control groups. Increased organo-somatic ratio of the kidney and heart were markedly (p < 0.05) reduced following treatment (20% P.T). Furthermore, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C and VLDL-C levels were reduced due to treatment accompanied by increased HDL-C in the liver. Histological evaluation of the liver, kidney, heart, and pancreas of the P. T treated groups were comparable to normal.

Conclusion

Incorporation of P. tuber-regium in diets could be effective in reversing dyslipidaemia in obese diabetic patients.
De los niños en peligro a los niños peligrosos
Authors: Σιταρά Μαρκέλλα
Published: November 2021

Αντικείμενο της διδακτορικής διατριβής αποτελεί η θεσμική μεταχείριση των ανηλίκων και το ιδεώδες της κοινωνικο-εκπαιδευτικής παρέμβασης μέσα στα ιδρύματα προστασίας και στα κέντρα του συστήματος ποινικής δικαιοσύνης ανηλίκων στην Καταλωνία της Ισπανίας. Η έρευνα βασίζεται στην ιδέα της άμεσης σύνδεσης του θεσμικού χειρισμού των ανηλίκων με την πραγματικότητα της κοινωνικής σύγκρουσης και τον μηχανισμό του κοινωνικού ελέγχου. Τα υπό μελέτη ιδρύματα προβάλλουν στον επίσημο λόγο ότι ο σκοπός της λειτουργίας τους είναι, κυρίως, εκπαιδευτικός. Η έρευνα διερευνά αυτή την αναφορά στο εκπαιδευτικό στοιχείο λαμβάνοντας υπόψη ότι, ιστορικά, αρκετοί τιμωρητικοί και παραβιαστικοί των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων θεσμοί και πρακτικές έχουν παρουσιαστεί ως φορείς και μέσα εκπαίδευσης, επανεκπαίδευσης, θεραπείας.Μέσα σε αυτό το πλαίσιο η διατριβή θέτει ως κεντρικά ζητήματα: α) Την κατάδειξη της παρουσίας κοινών στοιχείων μεταξύ των υπό μελέτη προνοιακών ιδρυμάτων και κέντρων της ποινικής δικαιοσύνης ανηλίκων, μέσω της οποίας αποδεικνύεται η ύπαρξη ενός κοινού πλαισίου παρέμβασης που μπορεί να ονομαστεί ' Εγκαθειρκτική Παιδαγωγική', β) Τον εντοπισμό μορφών, στρατηγικών και εργαλείων του σύγχρονου κοινωνικού ελέγχου που αναπτύσσονται και εφαρμόζονται στα υπό μελέτη ιδρύματα.
РЕПРЕЗЕНТАЦИЯ КОНЦЕПТА «СОЛНЦЕ» В ЭВЕНСКОЙ ЯЗЫКОВОЙ КАРТИНЕ МИРА
Authors: Kuzmina Raisa P.
Published: November 2021

Статья посвящена описанию ключевого концепта «солнце» в эвенской языковой картине мира.
Целью исследования является определение понятийных, когнитивных и символических признаков концепта «солнце» в языковой картине мира эвенов.
Материалы и методы. В статье использованы метод лингвокультурологического анализа, описательный метод, интервьюирование и метод сплошной выборки.
Результаты исследования. В результате исследования структурных признаков концепта выявлено, что основной репрезентант концепта лексема нӫлтэн `солнце` является производной от глагольной основы нӫ-, использующейся с дефиницией `взойти, выйти`. В языковой картине мира эвенов зафиксировано значительное количество метафорических выражений, определяющих основные когнитивные признаки концепта. Символические признаки концепта представлены в обрядах и ритуальных действиях, совершаемых во время праздников, посвященных встрече солнца.
Область применения результатов. Результаты работы могут быть полезны в лекционных занятиях по эвенской лингвокультурогии, когнитивной лингвистике, этнолингвистике, также применены в сравнительных исследованиях национальной языковой картины мира миноритарных этносов.
СТАТУС КОММУНИКАТИВНОЙ КАТЕГОРИИ ЭГОЦЕНТРИЗМА В АМЕРИКАНСКОЙ ЛИНГВОКУЛЬТУРЕ
Authors: Vilchik Mayya K.
Published: November 2021

Цель. Представленное исследование нацелено на уточнение в соответствии с задачами исследования определения понятия «коммуникативная категория», описание коммуникативной категории эгоцентризма в контексте существующих типологий и структурной модели, предложенной Е.П. Захаровой. Актуальность данной статьи определяется вхождением ее в круг интересов изучения коммуникативной категории.
Метод или методология проведения работы. Методика данного исследования предполагает использование анализа, обобщения, описания в качестве общенаучных методов, лингвистического дефиниционного, компонентного анализа. Материалом исследования послужили лексикографические источники американского варианта английского языка. Единица эмпирического исследования – лексико-семантические варианты слов, связанные между собой синонимическими отношениями, обозначающие явление эгоцентризма, соответствующий признак и субъекта-носителя данного признака.
Результаты. Определяются статус и структура коммуникативной категории эгоцентризма. Посредством изучения ее лексико-семантической репрезентации в американском варианте языка описываются этнокультурно специфичные признаки, конституирующие данную категорию в американской лингвокультуре. По результатам анализа делается вывод о зафиксированных в системе языка общих представлениях американцев об эгоцентризме, определяются признаки, характеризующие содержательную (понятийный компонент) структуру коммуникативной категории «эгоцентризм» – релевантные установки и прескрипции.
Область применения результатов. Полученные результаты вносят вклад в дальнейшее развитие исследований коммуникативного поведения, осмысление национально специфичных коммуникативных категорий; могут использованы в практической лексикографии.
СПЕЦИФИКА УПОТРЕБЛЕНИЯ МЕСТОИМЕНИЙ ГОВОРЯЩИМИ С АНТИСОЦИАЛЬНЫМ РАССТРОЙСТВОМ ЛИЧНОСТИ (НА МАТЕРИАЛЕ АНГЛИЙСКОГО ЯЗЫКА)
Authors: Tislenkov Georgiy M.
Published: November 2021

Статья посвящена анализу особенностей функционирования местоимений в устной спонтанной речи людей, страдающих антисоциальным расстройством личности.
Цель исследования состоит в социолингвистическом анализе местоимений из высказываний больных, участвующих во врачебном психиатрическом интервью.
Методы исследования включают компонентный, семиотический и социолингвистический анализ элементов речи.
Результаты. Анализ ситуаций употребления местоимений позволил сформулировать вывод о том, что особенности использования местоимений соотносятся с характерными психологическими признаками антисоциального расстройства личности. Подлежащее, выраженное местоимением I в абсолютном большинстве предложений, и местоимение «you» в значении «я» соответствуют диагностическому критерию нарциссизма. Местоимения «he» she, полностью замещающие слова «отец», «мать», «муж», «жена» отражают неспособность формировать привязанности и поддерживать отношения, отрицание авторитетов, безэмоциональность. Местоимение they соотносится с антисоциальностью и агрессией, в то время как неопределенные местоимения или отсутствие местоимений-подлежащих, используемых для оправдания конфликта с обществом, говорит о безответственности и неспособности извлекать уроки из отрицательного опыта.
Область применения результатов. Полученные в процессе исследования данные могут быть использованы в качестве дополнительного объективного диагностического критерия антисоциального расстройства личности при проведении судебно-психиатрической экспертизы и психиатрического освидетельствования посредством телемедицинских технологий.
Professional Personnel Adaptation: Essence and Features
Authors: Skripnichenko L.
Published: November 2021

The article analyzes the issues related to the identification of the essence and peculiarities of professional adaptation of personnel, problems of attitude to unification into groups, the degree of satisfaction: labor activity, working conditions, position in the team, the nature of interactions and relationships in the organization, in the team, themselves and the results of their work, assessment of collectivism. The study used the questionnaire "Assessment of socio-psychological professional adaptation" by M.A. Dmitrireva and "Methodology for determining integral satisfaction with labor" by A.V. Batarshev, the sample was 208 people.

As a result of the study, factors were identified that negatively affect the system of adaptation of recruiting agency specialists: a low level of collectivism, as a result of low team cohesion; low level of self-satisfaction of specialists at work; low level of satisfaction of specialists with achievements in the work.

Among the main directions of improving the personnel adaptation system, the following areas are proposed: increasing the level of collectivism by introducing communication games on team cohesion, as well as organizing intellectual timbuilding for specialists; formation of Total Rewards intangible motivation. This motivation system will allow employees to maintain a balance between work and life and feel their own value; Development of a quarterly performance compensation system. This method will allow for regular assessment of staff achievements.