scholarly journals Anthropogenic and Natural Factors Affecting Trends in Atmospheric Methane in Barrow, Alaska

Atmosphere ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 187
Author(s):  
Christopher Lawrence ◽  
Huiting Mao
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
Growth Period ◽  
Complex Problem ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Oil Field ◽  
Atmospheric Methane ◽  
Long Term Trends

This study examined the long-term trends in Arctic ambient methane (CH4) mixing ratios over 1986–2014 and investigated their potential causes. Significant correlations between carbon monoxide (CO) and CH4 in Barrow, Alaska (r = −0.59, p = 0.007) and Alert, Canada (r = −0.62, p =0.004) with the strongest correlations occurring in April (r = −0.81, p = 0.000, and r = −0.80, p = 0.000) suggest local to global anthropogenic contributions to ambient CH4 during the cold months. Backward trajectories indicate a significant influence (27% of total trajectories) of local emissions from the Prudhoe Bay Oil Field on ambient CH4 in Barrow in winter, and this influence was dominated by other factors in summer. The mean CH4 wetland emission flux in Barrow over 1986–2014 was estimated to be 0.008 ± 0.002 µg m−2 s−1 while in Tiksi, Russia it was 0.010 µg m−2 s−1 over 2012–2016, which is comparable to the lower end of measurements in the literature. Note that in Barrow, there was a decrease in wetland flux from 0.0083 ± 0.002 µg m−2 s−1 over 1986–1998 to 0.0077 ± 0.002 µg m−2 s−1 from 1999–2006 followed by an increase to 0.0081 ± 0.002 µg m−2 s−1 over 2007–2014. Although the difference between the three values is not statistically significant due to small sample size, it is indicative of possible warm season wetland emissions contributing to the zero-growth period. Strong support for this hypothesis is that these changes are consistent with a concurrent drop in summertime temperature possibly causing a decrease in wetland emissions over 1998–2006 based on the statistically significant correlations between temperature and CH4 during August through November (r~0.36–0.56, p= ≤ 0.05). In a warming climate, permafrost thawing can increase CH4 wetland emissions and also decrease wetlands making it a complex problem, and, hence, further study is needed to better understand the mechanisms driving long-term trends in Arctic CH4.

scholarly journals The Impact of Improved Thermistor Calibration on the Expendable Bathythermograph Profile Data

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (9) ◽  
pp. 1947-1961 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlos Goes ◽  
Elizabeth Babcock ◽  
Francis Bringas ◽  
Peter Ortner ◽  
Gustavo Goni
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Heat Content ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Profile Data ◽  
Expendable Bathythermograph ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Long Term Trends ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Impact

AbstractExpendable bathythermograph (XBT) data provide one of the longest available records of upper-ocean temperature. However, temperature and depth biases in XBT data adversely affect estimates of long-term trends of ocean heat content and, to a lesser extent, estimates of volume and heat transport in the ocean. Several corrections have been proposed to overcome historical biases in XBT data, which rely on constantly monitoring these biases. This paper provides an analysis of data collected during three recent hydrographic cruises that utilized different types of probes, and examines methods to reduce temperature and depth biases by improving the thermistor calibration and reducing the mass variability of the XBT probes.The results obtained show that the use of individual thermistor calibration in XBT probes is the most effective calibration to decrease the thermal bias, improving the mean thermal bias to less than 0.02°C and its tolerance from 0.1° to 0.03°C. The temperature variance of probes with screened thermistors is significantly reduced by approximately 60% in comparison to standard probes. On the other hand, probes with a tighter weight tolerance did not show statistically significant reductions in the spread of depth biases, possibly because of the small sample size or the sensitivity of the depth accuracy to other causes affecting the analysis.

scholarly journals Congenital Micropenis: Aetiology And Management

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianna Rita Stancampiano ◽  
Kentaro Suzuki ◽  
Stuart O’Toole ◽  
Gianni Russo ◽  
Gen Yamada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Racial Differences ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Penile Length ◽  
Appearance Quality ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact

Abstract In the newborn, penile length is determined by a number of androgen dependent and independent factors. The current literature suggests that there are inter-racial differences in stretched penile length in the newborn and although congenital micropenis should be defined as a stretched penile length of less than 2.5SDS of the mean for the corresponding population and gestation, a pragmatic approach would be to evaluate all boys with a stretched penile length below 2 cm, as congenital micropenis can be a marker for a wide range of endocrine conditions. However, it remains unclear as to whether the state of micropenis, itself, is associated with any long-term consequences. There is a lack of systematic studies comparing the impact of different therapeutic options on long-term outcomes, in terms of genital appearance, quality of life and sexual satisfaction. To date, research has been hampered by a small sample size and inclusion of a wide range of heterogeneous diagnoses; for these reasons, condition specific outcomes have been difficult to compare between studies. Lastly, there is a need for a greater collaborative effort in collecting standardized data so that all real-world or experimental interventions performed at an early age can be studied systematically into adulthood.

scholarly journals Adherence Over Time: The Course of Adherence to Customized Diabetic Insoles as Objectively Assessed by a Temperature Sensor

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 695-700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic Ehrmann ◽  
Monika Spengler ◽  
Michael Jahn ◽  
Dea Niebuhr ◽  
Thomas Haak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Foot ◽  
Temperature Sensor ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Temperature Sensors ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Gender Effects ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Foot Problems ◽  
Mean Time

Background: Temperature sensors are an objective way to assess adherence to diabetic footwear. Good adherence is essential for the prevention of diabetic foot problems. Little is known about the long-term course of adherence in patients at risk for diabetic foot problems. Method: A temperature sensor was incorporated into the specialized footwear of patients with type 2 diabetes after their first plantar ulceration. Kaplan-Meier curve was used to analyze when patients started to become nonadherent (not wearing the footwear for two straight weeks). Gender effects on adherence were also analyzed. Results: 26 patients with a mean observation time of 133.5 days could be analyzed. Mean wearing time of diabetic footwear was 4.2 ± 3.6 h/day (Mdn = 3.4 h/day; interquartile range = 0.5-7.0 h/day) and on 51% of the days patients did not wear their footwear at all. Kaplan-Meier curve revealed that the mean time of adherence was 27.5 weeks. Men achieved a mean time of adherence of 30.5 weeks, while women only achieved 14 weeks. However, due to the small sample size, this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Temperature sensors revealed a low long-term adherence to diabetic footwear. Women seemed to be at a higher risk for earlier nonadherent behavior. Adherence to diabetic footwear should be closely monitored and tailored intervention strategies should be developed.

Group-Based Interventions and Test-Taking Anxiety in Male College Students of Varied Ethnicities

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-27
Author(s):  
Sylvia Lindinger-Sternar ◽  
◽  
Chelsie Dollar ◽  
Sachin Jain ◽  
Jared Roberts
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Panic Disorder ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Panic Attacks ◽  
Caffeine Intake ◽  
Test Taking ◽  
Male College ◽  
Preliminary Study

You are here: Home › Abstracts › Abstracts – Volume 12, Number 1, May 2020 › Group-Based Interventions and Test-Taking Anxiety in Male College Students of Varied Ethnicities doi 10.9769/EPJ.2020.12.1.SLS Sylvia Lindinger-Sternart, University of Providence, Great Falls,Montana, USA Chelsie Dollar, Great Falls, Montana, USA Sachin Jain, University of Providence, Montana, USA Jared Roberts, University of Providence, Montana, USA Abstract Purpose: Panic disorder is a disabling condition associated with reduced quality of life and impaired functioning. It is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States and several European countries, and causes a significant burden of disease on impacted families. Typically, women have double the prevalence rate of anxiety-related disorders as compared to men. This preliminary study aimed to explore whether Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) offers potential as a treatment to reduce fear of future panic attacks in women who suffer from panic attacks. Eight women participated in the study. Outcomes were measured using the Subjective Units of Distress(SUD) scale and the Panic and Agoraphobia Scale(PAS). Results indicated reductions in both SUD and PAS scores at pre- and post-intervention, though not statistically significant, likely due to the small sample size. Nonetheless, the findings of this study support preliminary evidence that EFT may offer potential as a treatment for women with panic disorder. Further research to confirm statistical significance and long-term impacts of EFT needs to be conducted. Method: The current preliminary study adopted a one-group pre test, post test quasi-experimental A-B-A design, using the subjects themselves as their own control group. Results: The participants ranged from 35 to 53 years of age with a mean age of 43.75 years (SD 5.82) and median of 44 years, which is consistent with the literature that anxiety and panic encompasses all age brackets (Flint & Gagnon, 2003; Smoller et al., 2003; Yonkers, Bruce, Dyck, & Keller, 2003; Yonkers et al., 1998). Eight participants completed the demographic questionnaire, which included medications taken daily. Although all the participants were on medications, only five participants took medication for anxiety. Several different types of medicines or supplements were used by participants such as SSRIs, benzodiazepines, and magnesium, which is consistent with standards and guidelines for treating anxiety and panic disorders (Faria et al., 2012; Flint & Gagnon, 2003; Van Apeldoorn et al., 2014). Among the treatments besides medications, the most popular intervention was yoga and deep breathing. Participants reported an average caffeine intake of 1.125 cups per day (SD 1.13) with a range of 0 to 3 cups per day and median of 1 cup per day. Participants’ caffeine intake was similar to consumption patterns of the general population and can be eliminated as a variable that may influence this study’s results. This approach is consistent with the literature from the American Psychiatric Association (2013). Conclusion: To date, this is the first research study completed to determine whether EFT can assist with the reduction of fear of future panic attacks in women. The results showed a decrease in the PAS scores from the first day to the last day after four 60-minute sessions of group EFT. In addition, the SUD scores also showed a decrease not only from start of each session to end of each session but also from the first EFT session to the end of the last session, indicating the participants’ fear of having a future panic attack decreased from the first session to the last session. Statistically significant results were not obtained, however, likely due to the small sample size and high participant attrition rate. Nonetheless, this study offers preliminary support for the conducting of larger clinical trials to confirm the efficacy of EFT for treating fear of future panic attacks in women, as well as long-term impacts of EFT treatment on panic.

scholarly journals Uterus transplantation: joys and frustrations of becoming a ‘complete’ woman—a qualitative study regarding self-image in the 5-year period after transplantation

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 1855-1863 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stina Järvholm ◽  
Anders Enskog ◽  
Catrina Hammarling ◽  
Pernilla Dahm-Kähler ◽  
Mats Brännström
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Post Transplantation ◽  
Uterus Transplantation ◽  
Self Image ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
The Government

Abstract STUDY QUESTION How is a women’s self-image affected by uterus transplantation (UTx)? SUMMARY ANSWER Women experienced receiving a uterus in both positive and negative ways, but in general, their self-image was positively affected; regardless of whether they have given birth to a child or not, recipients describe themselves as being ‘back to normal’ after the hysterectomy to remove the transplanted uterus. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY UTx has repeatedly proved to be a successful treatment for absolute uterine factor infertility. However, there has been no previous qualitative long-term research into the self-image of women undergoing UTx. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This complete, prospective cohort study included the nine recipients of the first UTxs performed in Sweden mostly in 2013. Interviews took place in the 5 years following surgery. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Eight out of the nine recipients had congenital absence of the uterus, a characteristic of Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome, and one recipient lacked a uterus after a radical hysterectomy due to cervical cancer. The mean age of participants was 31.5 years at inclusion and at this time they all lived in stable marital relationships. Post-transplantation, interviews were performed annually for 5 years, comprising a total of 43 interviews. The interview followed a semi-structured guide. All interviews (median duration of around 25 minutes) were recorded, transcribed verbatim and then analysed by thematic approach. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The joys and frustrations of becoming a ‘complete’ woman are seen as a master theme, which influences the three underlying subthemes, a changed self-perception, a changed body and a changed sexuality. Each of these subthemes have three underlying categories. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The small sample size is a limitation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The results provide information that will be helpful in pre-operative screening procedures and in the psychological support offered both to women who experienced successful and unsuccessful outcomes following UTx. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Funding was received from the Jane and Dan Olsson Foundation for Science; the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation; an ALF grant from the Swedish state under an agreement between the government and the county councils; the Swedish Research Council; a Ferring Pharmaceuticals scholarship in memory of Robert Edwards; and the Iris Jonzén-Sandblom and Greta Jonzén Foundation. The authors have no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01844362.

scholarly journals Deficiencies in Scientific Evidence for Medical Management of Gender Dysphoria

2019 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul W. Hruz
Keyword(s):  
Gender Identity ◽  
Gender Dysphoria ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Prospective Trial ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Sex Characteristics ◽  
Biological Sex

Individuals who experience a gender identity that is discordant with biological sex are increasingly presenting to physicians for assistance in alleviating associated psychological distress. In contrast to prior efforts to identify and primarily address underlying psychiatric contributors to gender dysphoria, interventions that include uncritical social affirmation, use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists to suppress normally timed puberty, and administration of cross-sex steroid hormones to induce desired secondary sex characteristics are now advocated by an emerging cohort of transgender medicine specialists. For patients with persistent gender dysphoria, surgery is offered to alter the appearance of breasts and genital organs. Efforts to address ethical concerns regarding this contentious treatment paradigm are dependent upon reliable evidence on immediate and long-term risks and benefits. Although strong recommendations have been made for invasive and potentially irreversible interventions, high-quality scientific data on the effects of this approach are generally lacking. Limitations of the existing transgender literature include general lack of randomized prospective trial design, small sample size, recruitment bias, short study duration, high subject dropout rates, and reliance on “expert” opinion. Existing data reveal significant intervention-associated morbidity and raise serious concern that the primary goal of suicide prevention is not achieved. In addition to substantial moral questions, adherence to established principles of evidence-based medicine necessitates a high degree of caution in accepting gender-affirming medical interventions as a preferred treatment approach. Continued consideration and rigorous investigation of alternate approaches to alleviating suffering in people with gender dysphoria are warranted. Summary: This paper provides an overview of what is currently known about people who experience a gender identity that differs from their biological sex and the associated desire to engage the medical profession in alleviating associated discomfort and distress. The scientific evidence used to support current recommendations for affirming one’s preferred gender, halting normally timed puberty, administering cross-sex hormones, and surgically altering primary and secondary sexual traits are summarized and critically evaluated. Serious deficits in understanding the cause of this condition, the reasons for the marked increase in people presenting for medical care, together with immediate and long-term risks relative to benefit of medical intervention are exposed.

Aortic Valve Intervention During Aortic Root Surgery in Children: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 611-618
Author(s):  
Maria Rodriguez ◽  
Anahita Malvea ◽  
Dayre McNally ◽  
Vid Bijelic ◽  
Ming Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Aortic Root ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Aortic Root Surgery ◽  
Valve Sparing ◽  
One Year

Background: Pediatric aortic root dilatation is a life-threatening condition that lacks guidelines for surgical management. We aimed to analyze the data on aortic valve interventions during root surgery to guide decision-making. Methods: A search was performed of MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov , and WHO ICTRP. Citations were screened in duplicate and independently to identify randomized controlled trials, cohorts, and case series involving populations aged 0 to 18 years, who received valve-sparing and valve-replacing aortic root surgeries between 1999 and 2019. Outcomes considered included mortality (perioperative, one year, five year), reintervention rates. Results: After duplicate removal, 689 citations were screened through abstract and full text review, identifying five eligible studies. All five were observational studies evaluating valve-sparing procedures. There were 81 patients with a mean study age range of 9.9 to 13.9 years. Both reimplantation (74%) and remodeling (26%) subtypes were done. Range of mean duration of follow-up was 1.2 to 4.4 years. There was no mortality reported until the one-year follow-up period. The long-term mortality rate was calculated as 0.02 per patient-year (95% CI: 0.01-0.05). The long-term reintervention rate was 0.08 per patient-year (95% CI: 0.05-0.13). Conclusions: There is limited experience on aortic valve intervention during aortic root surgery in children. Single-arm studies on valve-sparing surgeries show excellent survival up to one year. Mortality and reintervention rates increase in the longer term. The small sample size and lack of controlled studies do not allow for direct comparisons between procedure types.

scholarly journals Histologic and Tomographic Findings of Bone Block Allografts in a 4 Years Follow-up: A Case Series

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 775-780 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Deluiz ◽  
Luciano Santos Oliveira ◽  
Paul Fletcher ◽  
Fábio Ramôa Pires ◽  
Justine Monnerat Tinoco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Histological Evaluation ◽  
Bone Block ◽  
Mucogingival Surgery ◽  
Native Bone ◽  
Implant Placement

Abstract The aim of this paper is to report histologic and tomographic findings of fresh frozen bone block allografts bearing dental implants in functional occlusion in a long-term follow-up. Four patients with implants functionally loaded for 4 years on augmented ridges requiring additional mucogingival surgery or implant placement were included in this case series. Cone-beam tomography scans were compared volumetrically between the baseline (first implant placement) and current images. Biopsies of the grafts were retrieved and sent to histological analysis. Volumetric reduction of the grafts varied from 2.1 to 7.7%. Histological evaluation demonstrated well-incorporated grafts with different degrees of remodeling. While data presented in this report are from a small sample size and do not allow definitive conclusions, the biopsies of the grafted sites were very similar to the host's native bone. Remodeling of the cortical portion of the allografts seems to take longer than the cancellous portion. The presence of unincorporated graft remains did not impair the implant success or the health of the surrounding tissues. This is the first time histologic and tomographic long term data of bone allograft have been made available in dentistry.

scholarly journals COVID-19 potentially causes long-term deterioration of lung function: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 279-89
Author(s):  
Yudha Nur Patria ◽  
Rahmaningsih Mara Sabirin
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Pulmonary Function ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Lung Function Measurement ◽  
Meta Analyses

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 is an emerging disease that commonly involves respiratory complaints, including acute respiratory distress syndrome. The effect of COVID-19 on pulmonary function is still unclear and only based on sporadic reports with a small sample size. This study aimed to compile evidence on the pulmonary function of patients who have recovered from COVID-19. METHODS Literature searching was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and CINAHL. Any types of studies published before June 26, 2020 and reported lung function tests of post-COVID-19 patients were included. Articles reporting data from early hospitalization were excluded. The risk of bias was measured using tools developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Meta-analysis was done using a meta statistical package in R and presented in the random effects model. RESULTS 378 recovered COVID-19 patients in 7 studies were included. The lung function measurement periods were varied, ranging from 14 days after hospitalization to 10 weeks after receiving rehabilitation. Meta-analyses found that the pooled mean of diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide in recovered COVID-19 patients was lower than 80% predicted, whereas the other parameters were normal. The forced vital capacity and total lung capacity showing restrictive lung disorders were significantly lower in the severe COVID-19 survivors. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 has a negative impact on lung function for at least several weeks in the recovery period. Diffusion and restrictive problems could be the main long-term consequences of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Long COVID symptoms and duration in SARS-CoV-2 positive children — a nationwide cohort study

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luise Borch ◽  
Mette Holm ◽  
Maria Knudsen ◽  
Svend Ellermann-Eriksen ◽  
Soeren Hagstroem
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Chest Pain ◽  
Muscle Weakness ◽  
Joint Pain ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Respiratory Problems

AbstractMost children have a mild course of acute COVID-19. Only few mainly non-controlled studies with small sample size have evaluated long-term recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate symptoms and duration of ‘long COVID’ in children. A nationwide cohort study of 37,522 children aged 0–17 years with RT-PCR verified SARS-CoV-2 infection (response rate 44.9%) and a control group of 78,037 children (response rate 21.3%). An electronic questionnaire was sent to all children from March 24th until May 9th, 2021. Symptoms lasting > 4 weeks were common among both SARS-CoV-2 children and controls. However, SARS-CoV-2 children aged 6–17 years reported symptoms more frequently than the control group (percent difference 0.8%). The most reported symptoms among pre-school children were fatigue Risk Difference (RD) 0.05 (CI 0.04–0.06), loss of smell RD 0.01 (CI 0.01–0.01), loss of taste RD 0.01 (CI 0.01–0.02) and muscle weakness RD 0.01 (CI 0.00–0.01). Among school children the most significant symptoms were loss of smell RD 0.12 (CI 0.12–0.13), loss of taste RD 0.10 (CI 0.09–0.10), fatigue RD 0.05 (CI 0.05–0.06), respiratory problems RD 0.03 (CI 0.03–0.04), dizziness RD 0.02 (CI 0.02–0.03), muscle weakness RD 0.02 (CI 0.01–0.02) and chest pain RD 0.01 (CI 0.01–0.01). Children in the control group experienced significantly more concentration difficulties, headache, muscle and joint pain, cough, nausea, diarrhea and fever than SARS-CoV-2 infected. In most children ‘long COVID’ symptoms resolved within 1–5 months.Conclusions: Long COVID in children is rare and mainly of short duration. What is Known:• There are increasing reports on ‘long COVID’ in adults.• Only few studies have evaluated the long-term recovery from COVID-19 in children, and common for all studies is a small sample size (median number of children included 330), and most lack a control group. What is New:• 0.8% of SARS-CoV-2 positive children reported symptoms lasting >4 weeks (‘long COVID’), when compared to a control group.• The most common ‘long COVID’ symptoms were fatigue, loss of smell and loss of taste, dizziness, muscle weakness, chest pain and respiratory problems.• These ‘long COVID’ symptoms cannot be assigned to psychological sequelae of social restrictions.• Symptoms such as concentration difficulties, headache, muscle- and joint pain as well as nausea are not ‘long COVID’ symptoms.• In most cases ‘long COVID’ symptoms resolve within 1-5 months.

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