bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Appropriate Number of Observations For Determining Hand Hygiene Compliance Among Healthcare Workers
Authors: Park Se Yoon , Park Suyeon , Lee Eunjung , Kim Tae Hyong , Won Sungho 
Published: June 2021

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

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

Abstract
Background

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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