Tag: statistics

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2021 Jul 13. doi: 10.1039/d1cp02233d. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Changes in the structural dynamics of double stranded (ds)DNA upon ligand binding have been linked to the mechanism of allostery without conformational change, but direct experimental evidence remains elusive. To address this, a combination of steady state infrared (IR) absorption spectroscopy and ultrafast temperature jump IR absorption measurements has been used to quantify the extent of fast (∼100 ns) fluctuations in (ds)DNA·Hoechst 33258 complexes at a range of temperatures. Exploiting the direct link between vibrational band intensities and base stacking shows that the absolute magnitude of the change in absorbance caused by fast structural fluctuations following the temperature jump is only weakly dependent on the starting temperature of the sample. The observed fast dynamics are some two orders of magnitude faster than strand separation and associated with all points along the 10-base pair duplex d(GCATATATCC). Binding the Hoechst 33258 ligand causes a small but consistent reduction in the extent of these fast fluctuations of base pairs located outside of the ligand binding region. These observations point to a ligand-induced reduction in the flexibility of the dsDNA near the binding site, consistent with an estimated allosteric propagation length of 15 Å, about 5 base pairs, which agrees well with both molecular simulation and coarse-grained statistical mechanics models of allostery leading to cooperative ligand binding.

PMID:34254612 | DOI:10.1039/d1cp02233d

Agri. 2021 Jan;33(1):15-22. doi: 10.14744/agri.2020.54289.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to investigate the efficiency of local heat and cold application to decrease vaccine-associated pain among infants 2-6 months of age.

METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial. The study universe comprised infants aged 2-6 months who were brought to 4 family health centers in the Safranbolu district of Karabuk Province, Turkey, for a pneumococcal vaccination June 1-November 30, 2016. A total of 96 infants (heat application: 31, cold application: 32, and control group: 33) were enrolled in the the study. The data were collected using an infant ınformation form and the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) pain scale.

RESULTS: The mean FLACC score of the infants was 5.531±1.934 in the cold application group, 8.710±1.346 in the heat application group, and 9.152±1.661 in the control group. The difference between the mean scores of the groups was statistically significant (KW=49.043; p=0.000).

CONCLUSION: Local cold and heat application methods applied to the vaccination area before a pneumoccal vaccine reduced vaccine-associated pain in the infants, and the application of cold was more effective than heat.

PMID:34254654 | DOI:10.14744/agri.2020.54289

Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2021 Jul 13:1-37. doi: 10.1080/10803548.2021.1953787. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Purpose: This scientometric study was aimed to investigate research and hot topics on unsafe behavior.Methods and Materials: This study was performed using Scientometric analysis mapping tools, such as CiteSpace, Gephi, MINITAB, and VOSviewer for statistical analysis. Studies published in Web of Sciences were included in our study.Results: The first study was published in 1987. The results of the study showed that the Safety Science journal with 111 studies (10.45%), presented most of published studies in this field. United States and China were the two producing countries, with 289 and 229 published studies, respectively. The results of keywords and hot topics showed that between 1991-2000, Safety climate, Safety performance and Modelling were ranked first to third most frequent words, and during 2001-2010, Safety performance was removed from the list of top ten keywords, while Safety climate and Modelling were ranked respectively ninth and sixth most frequent words. Finally, between 2011-2020, keyword Organizational factors has risen to the first rank, indicating the significance of this keyword in the futures.Conclusions: According to the results of the present study, it can be concluded that future studies on unsafe behavior can be conducted in the field of organizational factors.

PMID:34254568 | DOI:10.1080/10803548.2021.1953787

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol. 2021 Jul 13:1-9. doi: 10.1080/17483107.2021.1937342. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF THE ARTICLE: This study explored the impact of assistive technology on the well-being of legally blind adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this mixed-method study, a convenience sample of 86 legally blind adults took an electronic survey. The questionnaire was comprised of demographics, use patterns, and an instrument called TENS-Interface that measured the impact of technology on well-being categories of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Descriptive statistics, reliability, power analysis and bivariate correlations were calculated using SPSS statistical software. Three participants completed follow up semi-structured interviews, which were analysed for themes of technological mediation using NVivo 12 software.

RESULTS: The TENS-Interface was validated for use with a legally blind population. Descriptive statistics showed a higher mean for autonomy than competence or relatedness. Braille was positively correlated to both autonomy and competence, while screen reader proficiency was related to competence. Daily use of social media, email, instant messaging, and video calls were correlated to relatedness. The technological devices used by interview participants were analysed for technological mediation. Training was identified as an additional theme.

CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations for practice include providing training to legally blind adults in screen reader use and braille use to support well-being via competence and autonomy. Training is also recommended for this population in the use of social media, email, and video calls to promote well-being through opportunities for relatedness. Further research is recommended to explore instructional methods that are not only efficient, but also meaningful for older adults in the position of losing their vision.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONProviding access to braille instruction and braille assistive technology equipment can promote legally blind adults’ well-being by supporting their basic needs for both competence and autonomy.Providing training in screen reader use can promote legally blind adults’ well-being by supporting their basic need for competence.Providing training in use of email, social media, video calls, and instant messaging can promote legally blind adults’ well-being by supporting their basic need for relatedness.A consideration of technological mediation can allow practitioners to make recommendations that take into account not only efficient task completion, but issues related to meaning and social context.Instruction for adults losing their vision adventitiously needs to address not only efficient task performance, but also meaning and social context.

PMID:34254571 | DOI:10.1080/17483107.2021.1937342

Womens Health (Lond). 2021 Jan-Dec;17:17455065211009751. doi: 10.1177/17455065211009751.

ABSTRACT

Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Black women have high rates of hypertension compared to women of other racial or ethnic groups and are disproportionately affected by psychosocial stressors such as racial discrimination, gender discrimination, and caregiving stress. Evidence suggests that stress is associated with incident hypertension and hypertension risk. Stress management is associated with improvements improved blood pressure outcomes. The purpose of this review is to synthesize evidence on effects of stress management interventions on blood pressure in Black women. A comprehensive search of scientific databases was conducted. Inclusion criteria included studies that were: (1) primary research that tested an intervention; (2) in the English language; (3) included African-American women; (4) incorporated stress in the intervention; (5) included blood pressure as an outcome; and (6) were US based. Eighteen studies met inclusion criteria. Ten (56%) studies tested meditation-based interventions, two (11%) tested coping and affirmation interventions, and six (33%) tested lifestyle modification interventions that included stress management content. Thirteen of the studies were randomized controlled trials. Reductions in blood pressure were observed in all of the meditation-based interventions, although the magnitude and statistical significance varied. Comprehensive lifestyle interventions were also efficacious for reducing blood pressure, although the relative contribution of stress management versus behavior modification could not be evaluated. Coping and affirmation interventions did not affect blood pressure. Most of the reviewed studies included small numbers of Black women and did not stratify results by race and gender, so effects remain unclear. This review highlights the urgent need for studies specifically focusing on Black women. Given the extensive disparities in cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality, whether stress management can lower blood pressure and improve primary and secondary cardiovascular disease prevention among Black women is an important question for future research.

PMID:34254559 | DOI:10.1177/17455065211009751

J Vasc Access. 2021 Jul 13:11297298211031339. doi: 10.1177/11297298211031339. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

To determine the effect of Trendelenburg position on the diameter or cross-section area of the internal jugular vein (IJV) a systematic review and metanalysis was performed. Studies that evaluated the cross-sectional area (CSA) and anteroposterior (AP) diameter of the right internal jugular vein (RIJV) with ultrasonography in supine and any degree of head-down tilt (Trendelenburg position) were analyzed. A total of 22 articles (613 study subjects) were included. A >5° Trendelenburg position statistically increases RIJV CSA and AP diameter. Further inclination from 10° does not statistically benefit IJV size. This position should be recommended for CVC placement, when patient conditions allow it, and US-guided cannulation is not available.

PMID:34254560 | DOI:10.1177/11297298211031339

Turk J Pediatr. 2021;63(3):490-494. doi: 10.24953/turkjped.2021.03.016.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mutations in the KCNJ11 gene, which encodes the Kir6.2 subunit of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel, often result in neonatal diabetes.

CASE: In this report, we describe a 10-year-old girl who is heterozygous for a new missense mutation in the KCNJ11 gene and whose treatment was successfully switched from insulin to sulfonylurea (glibenclamide) therapy when she was one month old. 10-year data on a low-dose of glibenclamide monotherapy showed excellent glycaemic control with no reports of severe hypoglycaemia and microvascular complications.

CONCLUSION: An early genetic diagnosis of neonatal diabetes mellitus is highly beneficial because early switch from insulin to sulfonylurea is safe, avoids unnecessary insulin therapy and promotes sustained improvement of glycaemic control on long-term follow-up.

PMID:34254494 | DOI:10.24953/turkjped.2021.03.016

Nurs Ethics. 2021 Jul 13:969733021999751. doi: 10.1177/0969733021999751. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Euthanasia is a controversial issue in many countries. However, there is little evidence about attitudes of nurses and nursing students toward euthanasia.

RESEARCH AIMS: The present study aimed to compare nurses and nursing students’ attitudes toward euthanasia.

RESEARCH DESIGN: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH CONTEXT: Using census sampling, 390 nurses and 125 nursing students were enrolled in this study.

METHODS: Data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire and Euthanasia Attitude Scale that included 20 items that sought to record participants’ level of agreement with euthanasia based on a Likert-type scale.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Objectives of the study were stated for all samples, and emphasized the confidentiality of their specifics and responses, and informed written consent was obtained from all participants.

FINDINGS: The mean score of nurses and nursing students’ attitudes about euthanasia was 3.14 ± 0.26 and 3.22 ± 0.24 out of 5, respectively. The majority of nurses (n = 250, 65.78%) and nursing students (n = 97, 80.83%) had a positive attitude toward euthanasia. There was a significant statistical difference between the attitudes of nurses and nursing students to euthanasia (p = .005).

DISCUSSION: The results indicated that the majority of students and nurses had a positive attitude regarding euthanasia.

CONCLUSION: It was recommended to conduct more studies on euthanasia in Iran.

PMID:34254542 | DOI:10.1177/0969733021999751

Gynecol Endocrinol. 2021 Jul 13:1-5. doi: 10.1080/09513590.2021.1948527. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM OF THE STUDY: To compare a multicentric surgical experience on ovarian teratomas in childhood with the current management trends.

DESIGN: A retrospective multicentric pediatric ovarian teratomas surgically treated between January 2000 and August 2020 at four Italian institutions. PubMed database was used to search for Reviews and Systematic Reviews published between January 2010 and August 2020: 15 manuscripts reported 3633 ovarian neoplasms in pediatric age, 1219 (33,5%) of which were ovarian teratomas.

RESULTS: A hundred-ten patients with a mean age at diagnosis of 11.8 years were enrolled. Mature cystic teratomas accounted for the 90% of the masses. At surgery, 78 were oophorectomies and 32 were ovary sparing surgeries. Laparoscopy occurred in 16.3% of the surgeries.As regarding the current management trends, the mean age at diagnosis was 11.9 years and 80.5% of the cases were represented by mature teratomas. Of 430 procedures, 331 were oophorectomies while 99 were ovary sparing surgeries and laparoscopy was performed in 23.8% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS: Ovary-sparing surgery with laparoscopic approach is increasingly offered as standard treatment for benign masses that fit the criteria for mature teratomas, in the attempt to achieve the best compromise between the preservation of fertility and the prevention of recurrences. Awareness should be raised among pediatric surgeons to reduce unnecessary radical surgery.

PMID:34254550 | DOI:10.1080/09513590.2021.1948527

Turk J Pediatr. 2021;63(3):482-489. doi: 10.24953/turkjped.2021.03.015.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to examine the effect of early hyperglycemia on the morbidity/mortality of very low birth weight premature infants.

METHODS: This retrospective study included all premature infants with gestational age ≤32 gestational weeks, hospitalized at the Department of Intensive Neonatal Care, Clinical Center Kragujevac, during the period 2017-2019. Hyperglycemia was defined as glycemia of ≥12 mmol/l in one measurement, or > 10 mmol/l in two measurements, at repeated intervals of 2-4 hours. Glycemia was determined from capillary blood, using a gas analyzer of Gem Premier 3000, during the first 7 days of life. Continuous intravenous insulin infusion was administered after ineffective glucose restriction at glycemic values of > 14 mmol/l.

RESULTS: Patients with normoglycemia (41/72 (56.94%)) and hyperglycemia (31/72 (43.06%)) did not differ in gender, gestational age, mode of delivery and antenatal administration of steroids, while birth weight had a tendency to be lower in the hyperglycemic group (p=0.052). Hyperglycemia was significantly associated with a low APGAR score at the fifth minute (p=0.048), necrotizing enterocolitis (p=0.011), and shorter duration of mechanical ventilation (p=0.006). Hyperglycemia was associated with significantly more frequent fatal outcomes (35.5%) when compared with the normoglycemic group (4.9%). Accordingly, these patients required inotropic (r=0.036) and insulin therapy (r < 0.001) more often. Retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and sepsis did not correlate with hyperglycemia in our study. Intraventricular hemorrhage of the first degree was more often associated with normoglycemia in premature infants on prolonged mechanical ventilation while more severe intracranial hemorrhage was more common in the hyperglycemic group but did not result in statistical significance due to the small number of patients.

CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring glucose levels in the blood of very low birth weight premature infants is clinically important because abnormalities in glucose homeostasis can have serious short-term and long-term consequences.

PMID:34254493 | DOI:10.24953/turkjped.2021.03.015