bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Web-space Reconstruction Using the Second Dorsal Metacarpal Artery Cutaneous Flap: A Reliable Choice for Large Defects
Authors: Tian Heng , Guo Wenlai , Han Qinghe , Liu Quanzhe , Zhang Lei , Qu Wenrui , Li Rui
Published: July 2020

Background

First web-space defect reconstruction is challenging for reconstructive surgeons. The second dorsal metacarpal artery (SDMA) flap is useful in treating hand and finger defects. However, limited studies have used it for the first web-space defects. This study reports a modified SDMA flap to treat first web-space soft-tissue defects.
Methods

From April 2012 to October 2018, 8 patients underwent a modified SDMA flap transfer (mean flap size, 2 × 3 cm to 4 × 6 cm). The average length of the pedicle was 2.9 cm. On average, the flap was rotated 84°. In 6 patients, full-thickness skin was grafted at the donor sites. The donor site was primarily closed in two cases.
Results

All wounds were healed without complications of flap failure or donor area-related morbidity. The average follow-up period was 7.9 months, and these patients were satisfied with the functional recovery and cosmetic appearance of the scar area. At the end of follow-up, the average movement range of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb, index finger, and long finger were 84°, 88°, and 87°, respectively, while those of the contralateral thumb, index finger, and long finger were 87°, 88°, and 85°, respectively. The first web of the injured side spanned an average of 73°; the measurement on the contralateral side was 91°.
Conclusions

The SDMA flap reconstruction is a simple and fast procedure with a wide resurfacing range for large first web-space defects, low donor-site morbidity, and good functional and esthetic appearance.
Contribution of community health workers in the prevention of disease caused by malnutrition in Rwanda
Authors: Muremyi Roger
Published: July 2020

Background Malnutrition affects physical growth, morbidity, mortality, cognitive development, reproduction, and physical work capacity, and it consequently impacts on human performance, health and survival. It is underlying factor in many diseases for both children and adults, and is particularly prevalent in developing countries, where it affects one out of every 3 preschool-age children. A well-nourished child is one whose weight and height measurements compare very well with standard normal distribution of heights and weights of healthy children of the same age and sex. Factors that contribute to malnutrition are many and varied.Objective The objective of the present study is to evaluate the contribution of community health workers in the prevention of diseases caused by malnutrition in Rwanda. Factors included: community health workers, place of residence (urban, rural), sex of child, marital status, antenatal care, breastfeeding, wealth index and education level.Methodology: We used data from NISR(DHS2014.2015) collected on child that covered 1137 Households. The results show that the level of wasting, stunting, and underweight in children under five years of age was 51.89%, 58.4% and 36.24% respectively.Findings: Malnutrition was significantly (p < 0.01) higher among boys than among girls. The prevalence of wasting and stunting decreased significantly by community health workers and antenatal care. The higher the level of parent’s education, the lower the level of child underweight observed. Breastfeeding was found to reduce the occurrence of underweight among children.Conclusion The study findings imply that efforts for redressing child under nutrition in Rwanda should focus on factors associated with development outcomes such as, community health worker’s improvements, parent’s education, and the creation of employment or economic engagements that do not comprise important child care practices such as breastfeeding and antenatal care.
Unusual Presentation of Kawasaki Disease with Multisystem Inflammation and Antibodies Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2: A Case Report
Authors: Kim Haena , Shim Jung Yeon , Ko Jae-Hoon , Yang Aram , Shim Jae Won , Kim Deok Soo , Jung Hye Lim , Kwak Ji Hee , Sol In Suk
Published: July 2020

Background: Since mid-April 2020, cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that mimic Kawasaki disease (KD) have been reported in Europe and North America. However, no cases have been in East Asia, where KD is more prevalent.Case presentation: A previously healthy 11-year-old boy was admitted with a 4-day history of fever and abdominal pain. He had no contact history to any patient with COVID-19. Blood acute inflammatory markers were highly elevated. He was treated with antibiotics for suspected bacterial enteritis, but he suddenly developed hypotension. Inotropics and intravenous immunoglobulin were administered to manage septic shock. On hospitalization day 6, he developed signs and symptoms of KD (conjunctival injection, strawberry tongue, cracked lip, and coronary artery dilatation) in addition to pleural/pericardial effusion and mesenteric lymphadenitis. The results of microbiologic tests, including reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), were negative. Fluorescent immunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed abundant IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in his serum, but no IgM antibodies. He was discharged successfully on day 13.Conclusion: MIS-C may occur in children with a previously asymptomatic COVID-19 infection. A high index of suspicion is required for this novel syndrome in unusual cases of KD or KD shock syndrome with multisystem inflammation, even when there is no clear history of contact or symptoms of COVID-19.
Fish species transshipped at sea (Saiko fish) in Ghana with a note on implications for marine conservation
Authors: Aheto Denis Worlanyo , Okyere Isaac , Asare Noble Kwame , Eshilley Jennifer , Odoi Justice Odoiquaye
Published: July 2020

Increasing global seafood demand over the last couple of decades has resulted in overexploitation of certain fish species by both industrial and small-scale artisanal fishers. This phenomenon has threatened the livelihoods and food security of small-scale fishing communities especially in the West African sub-region. In Ghana, fish transshipment (locally referred to as saiko) has been catalogued as one more negative practice that is exacerbating an already dire situation. The goal of this study was to characterise transshipped fish species landed in Ghana on the basis of composition, habitat of origin, maturity and conservation status on the IUCN list of threatened species to enhance understanding of the ecological implications of the practice and inform regulatory enforcement and policy formulation. Using identification manuals, morphometric and gravimetric analyses among others, data on saiko fish samples landed at Elmina in the Central Region of Ghana were collected at bi-weekly intervals between November 2016 and June 2017. A total of sixty-eight (68) fish species from 44 families comprising finfish and shellfish of pelagic, demersal, benthopelagic, and reef-associated fishes were identified. The round scad (Decapterus punctatus), the mackerel scad (Caranx rhonchus), the round sardine (Sardinella aurita) and the red pandora (Pagellus bellottii) were the numerically dominant species recorded. By habitat classification, 44 species (65%) were demersals while 6 species (9%) were pelagic and 6 species (9%) were reef-associated. Majority of the demersal species were juveniles while composition of juveniles among the pelagic species ranged between 67% - 84%. In addition, 6 (10%) of the recorded species were either vulnerable or near threatened on the IUCN red list of threatened species. It could be deduced from these observations that the recruitment of juveniles into the small pelagic fish stocks may be compromised and possibly lead to the future collapse of such fishery. The practice is also inadvertently a clear threat to the marine ecosystem, and sustainable fish production in Ghana.
High-resolution ultrasound evaluation in the follow-up of treat to target urate-lowering therapy in gout: an observational study
Authors: Zhang Weijing , Zhao Di , Wu Min , Jin Zhibin , Zhang Huayong
Published: July 2020

Background: The monitoring of treat-to-target (T2T) urate-lowering therapy (ULT) for gout is crucial for the assessing treatment response. However, evidence is lacking about clinical remission on ultrasound (US). The aim of this study was to observe the changes in three outcome domains (urate deposition, joint inflammation and bone erosion) in patients with ULT within 1 year, evaluate the effect of target treatment and analyse the relationships between clinical factors and US features. Methods: The elementary lesions of the bilateral knee, ankle and first metatarsophalangeal joints were evaluated by US before and after 3,6 and 12months of treatment. Urate deposition was assessed by the maximum long and short axis diameters of the tophi and dichotomous data of the double-contour (DC) sign and aggregates. After each follow-up, the most obvious lesions were selected for repeated observation. The effective clearance rates of these three signs in different time groups were compared. A Global OMERACT–EULAR Synovitis Score (GLOESS) was calculated for these three paired joints to observe the remission and recurrence of inflammation. Bone destruction was scored at each time point. The correlation between serum uric acid (sUA) levels and tophi size changes was analysed. Results: This cohort contained 79 patients. The long and short axis diameters of tophi showed a different descending tendency. The decrease of sUA levels correlated with the decrease of long axis values, but not with the short. For tophi, there was no significant difference in the clearance rate between different time groups, while for DC sign and aggregates, significant differences were found by paired comparison. The GLOESS was significantly lower after 6 months of therapy. Bone erosion had not been improved after 1 year of ULT.Conclusion: The decrease in sUA levels was not completely parallel to the decrease in tophi size. ULT with different intensities should be formulated according to different crystal deposition conditions under US assessment. Subclinical inflammation was gradually controlled after 6 months of therapy and can be sensitively observed by US. Joint damage was relatively stable within 12 months of ULT.
Development of a Fuzzy Model for Differentiating Peanut Plant from Broadleaf Weeds Using Image Features
Authors: Bakhshipour Adel , Zareiforoush Hemad
Published: July 2020

A combination of decision tree (DT) and fuzzy logic techniques was used to develop a fuzzy model for differentiating peanut plant from weeds. Color features and wavelet-based texture features were extracted from images of peanut plant and its three common weeds. Two feature selection techniques namely Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Correlation-based Feature Selection (CFS) were applied on input dataset and three Decision Trees (DTs) including J48, Random Tree (RT), and Reduced Error Pruning (REP) were used to distinguish between different plants. In all cases, the best overall classification accuracies were achieved when CFS-selected features were used as input data. The obtained accuracies of J48-CFS, REP-CFS, and RT-CFS trees for classification of the four plant categories namely peanut plant, Velvetleaf, False daisy, and Nicandra, were 80.83%, 80.00% and 79.17% respectively. Along with these almost low accuracies, the structures of the decision trees were complex making them unsuitable for developing a fuzzy inference system. The classifiers were also used for differentiating peanut plant from the group of weeds. The overall accuracies were 95.56% for J48-CFS, 92.78% for REP-CFS, and 93.33% for RT-CFS DTs. The results showed that the J48-CFS and REP-CFS were the most appropriate models to set the membership functions and rules of the fuzzy classifier system. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the developed DT-based fuzzy logic model can be used effectively to discriminate weeds from peanut plant in the form of machine vision-based cultivating systems.
The effects of gold nanoparticles on Leydig cells and male reproductive function in mice
Authors: Liu Ying , Li Xiaojie , Xiao Shuwen , Liu Xinyi , Chen Xuanming , Xia Qiyue , Lei Song , Li Hongxia , Zhong Zhihui , Xiao Kai
Published: July 2020

Background: Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have shown great promise in various biomedical applications, but their effects on male reproductive function remain to be ascertained. The aim of this study was to investigate the uptake, cytotoxicity and testosterone production inhibition of AuNPs in mouse Leydig cells, as well as their accumulation in the testes of male mice and their effects on male reproductive function.Results: AuNPs (5 nm) were able to be internalized into the endosomes/lysosomes of TM3 Leydig cells, induce the formation of autophagosomes, increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and arrest the cell cycle in S phase, resulting in concentration-dependent cytotoxicity and DNA damage. Interestingly, AuNPs significantly reduced testosterone production in TM3 cells by inhibiting the expression of 17α-hydroxylase, an important enzyme in androgen synthesis. After repeated intravenous injection, AuNPs gradually accumulated and retained in the testes of male BALB/c mice in a dose-dependent manner. One week after withdrawal, the level of plasma testosterone in the 0.5 mg/kg AuNPs group was significantly reduced compared to that in the PBS control group, accompanied by the decreased expression of 17α-hydroxylase in the testes. In addition, AuNPs treatment significantly increased the rate of epididymal sperm malformation, but without affecting fertility.Conclusion: Our results suggest that AuNPs can accumulate in the testes and reduce testosterone production in Leydig cells by down-regulating the expression of 17α-hydroxylase, thus affecting the quality of epididymal sperm.
Identification of a Five-Immune Gene Model as an Independent Prognostic Factor in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Haitao , Guo Jianchun
Published: July 2020

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer with a poor prognosis. We purposed to identify a prognostic risk model of HCC according to the differentially expressed (DE) immune genes.Methods: The DE immune genes were identified based on 374 HCC and 50 adjacent normal samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas database. Univariate Cox analysis, Lasso regression, and multivariate Cox analysis were used to determine the immune genes used to construct the model based on the training group. The testing group and the entire group were applied for the validation of the model.Results: A five-immune gene model comprising HSPA4, ISG20L2, NDRG1, EGF, and IL17D was identified. Based on the model, overall survival was significantly different between the high-risk and low-risk groups (P = 7.953e-06). The AUC for the model at 1- and 3-year was 0.849 and 0.74, respectively. The validating groups confirmed the reliability of the model. The risk score was identified as an independent prognostic factor and was closely related to the content of immune cells from HCC samples.Conclusion: We identified a five-immune gene model, which could be treated as an independent prognostic factor of HCC.
Lifecycle management of insecticides used for disease vector control: a global survey
Authors: Berg Henk van den , Bezerra Haroldo Sergio da Silva , Chanda Emmanuel , Al-Eryani Samira , Nagpal Bhupender Nath , Gasimov Elkhan , Velayudhan Raman , Yadav Rajpal Singh
Published: July 2020

Background: Vector control plays a critical role in the prevention, control and elimination of vector-borne diseases, and interventions of vector control continue to depend largely on the action of chemical insecticides. A global survey was conducted on the lifecycle management practices of vector control insecticides at country level to identify gaps to inform future strategies to improve efficacy of interventions and reduce the side effects of chemicals used on health and the environment.Methods: A survey by questionnaire was disseminated among all WHO Member States on the lifecycle management practices of vector control insecticides at country level. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.Results: Responses were received from 94 countries, indicating a response rate of 48%. Capacity for insecticide resistance monitoring has been established in part of the countries, often with external support; however, this capacity was lacking from other countries. Procurement of vector control insecticides was often taking place at decentralized levels, over which the central authorities lacked control, for example, to select the product or assure quality of the product. Moreover, some countries experienced problems with estimating the correct amounts for procurement, especially for emergency purposes. Countries across regions showed shortcomings in worker safety, pesticide storage practices, and pesticide waste disposal. Shortcomings were most pronounced in countries of the European & Others Group, most of which have long been relatively free from mosquito-borne diseases but have recently faced challenges of re-emerging vector-borne diseases.Conclusions: Critical shortcomings in the management of vector control insecticides are common in countries across regions, with risks of adverse pesticide effects on health and the environment. Advocacy and resource mobilization are needed at regional and country level to address these challenges.
Association Between LncRNA MALAT1 Polymorphisms and Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis Based on7007 Cases and 8791 Controls
Authors: Zheng Lei , Rong Lijuan , Cheng Zhenyun
Published: July 2020

Background: LncRNA metastasis associated with lung adenocarcinoma transcript-1 (MALAT1) was involved in pathogenesis and progress of diverse cancers. To investigate the association of MALAT1 and cancer susceptibility, this meta-analysis was appraised.Methods: 12 studies including 7007 cancer patients and 8791 controls were selected for this meta-analysis. Ratio radiation (ORS) and 95% confidence interval (CIS) were used to assess cancer susceptibility.Results: There was no significant association between rs3200401 polymorphism and the risk of cancer. However, rs3200401 was correlated with an increased risk of digestive cancer in allelic model (OR=1.15, 95%CI=1.04-1.28, P=0.009) and dominant model (OR=1.16, 95%CI=1.02-1.31, P=0.02). There was a borderline association between rs664589 and cancer susceptibility under the dominant model (OR=1.17, 95%CI=1.00-1.38, P=0.05). Rs619586 was associated with decreased cancer risk in all populations under four models (G vs A: OR=0.86, 95%CI=0.78-0.94, P=0.001; GG vs AA: OR=0.60, 95%CI=0.42-0.84, P=0.003; GG+AG vs AA: OR=0.87, 95%CI=0.78-0.97, P=0.009; GG vs AG+AA: OR=0.61, 95%CI=0.44-0.84, P=0.003). Moreover, rs1194338 was decreased associated with cancer susceptibility (A vs C: OR=0.89, 95%CI=0.80-0.98, P=0.01; AA vs CC: OR=0.77, 95%CI=0.62-0.96, P=0.02; AA+AC vs CC: OR=0.87, 95%CI=0.77-1.00, P=0.04; AA vs AC+CC: OR=0.82, 95%CI=0.67-1.00, P=0.05).Conclusion: Our results suggest that rs619586 and rs1194338 are associated with decreased cancer risk, while rs3200401 and rs664589 correlated with increased digestive cancer risk.
DNA Barcoding Reveals Cryptic Diversity in the Genus Triplophysa (Cypriniformes: Cobitidae, Nemacheilinae) from the Northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: wang tai , Zhang Yanping , Yang Zhuoyu , Liu Zhe , Du Yanyan
Published: July 2020

Background: The northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) is one of the areas where the number of species of plateau loach is the largest. As one of the three major groups of fishes distributed on the QTP, plateau loach have very important ecological value. However, their taxonomy and systematics are still controversial, and a large number of new species have been reported. The reason for this phenomenon is that the degree of morphological variation is low, the phylogenetic information provided by morphological and anatomical features used for species identification is relatively poor, and there are many cryptic species. Based on the high-density sampling points from the biodiversity hotspots surveyed, this study aims to evaluate the taxonomic characteristics of the plateau loach by means of morphology, DNA barcoding and multiple species demarcation methods to accurately describe species and allocate taxonomic units to unknown specimens. Results: After careful identification and comparison of the morphology and DNA barcoding of 1,630 specimens, 22 species were identified, 20 of which were considered valid local species and two of which were new species that had not been described. Based on the combination of morphological and molecular methods, a total of 24 native species have been found, two of which are cryptic species: Triplophysa robusta sp1 and Triplophysa minxianensis sp1. Fourteen of the 24 species form clusters of barcodes, which allow them to be reliably identified. The remaining cases involved 10 closely related species, some of which were rapidly differentiated, had a disputed taxonomic status, or showed introgressions.Conclusions: The results highlight the need to combine traditional taxonomies with molecular methods to correctly identify species, especially in closely related species such as the plateau loach. This study provides a basis for protecting the biodiversity of plateau loach.
Development of optimum preparation conditions of Fe-deficient M-type Ca-Sr System hexagonal ferrites
Authors: Huang Ching-Chien , Chin-Chieh Mo , Tsung-Han Hsiao , Sheng-Han Lu , Yen-Hua Tai , Hsiao-Hsuan Hsu , Chun-Hu Cheng
Published: July 2020

In this work, an experiment was carried out to investigate the preparation condition of anosotropic Fe-deficient M-type Ca-Sr system ferrite with optimum magnetic and physical properties using the raw material Fe2O3 from steel industrial iron oxide waste. The compositions of the calcined ferrites were chosen according to the stoichiometry Ca1 − x−yLaxSryFe10.9CozO19, where x was varied between 0.05 and 0.85, y between 0 and 0.18, and z = 0. The effect of CaO, SiO2 and Co3O4 inter-additives on the Ca-Sr system ferrite was also discussed in order to obtain low-temperature sintered magnets. The optimum condition of making magnets and some properties of a typical specimen are as follows. The preparation condition: condition: composition Ca0.37La0.45Sr0.18Fe10.9Co0O19, calcination condition 1240 °C × 1hr in atmosphere, low-temperature sintering condition 1210 °C × 1hr in atmosphere, inter-additives Co3O4 = 1.85 wt%, CaCO3 = 1.7 wt%, SiO2 = 0.6 wt%, CaO/SiO2 = 1.59. The magnetic properties of Br=5425 Gauss, bHc=4320 Oe, iHc=4602 Oe and (BH)max=5.26 MGOe were obtained for Ca-Sr system hard magnets with relatively low cobalt content. The unremarkable steel industrial iron oxide waste is recycled produce high-end permanent magnets under output power < 1 kW, which will eventually be used in high-efficiency motors. This is a specific manifestation of "garbage turning into gold" and is one of the best models of circular economy.
Effectiveness of pelvic packing in hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fracture: a meta-analysis
Authors: Li Pengyu , Liu Fanxiao , Li Lin , Li Qinghu , Zhou Dongsheng , Dong Jinlei , Wang Dawei
Published: July 2020

Background

Pelvic packing (PP) has been increasingly used for bleeding control in severe pelvic trauma. However, its effectiveness remains controversial. This meta-analysis was performed systematically to determine the efficiency of PP in pelvic fracture patients with hemodynamic instability.
Methods

Three databases, PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library were systematically searched to identify studies presenting comparisons between protocol including PP and protocol without PP. Mortality, transfusion requirement and length of hospitalization were extracted and pooled for meta-analysis. Relative risk (RR) or standard mean difference (SMD) with their confidence interval (CI) was used for the pooled statistical indexes included mortality, transfusion requirement and length of hospitalization.
Results

Ten studies involving 560 patients were identified eligible for meta-analysis. A significantly reduced overall mortality (RR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.50 to 0.79, p < 0.01) as well as reduced mortality within 24 h after admission (RR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.27 to 0.63, p < 0.01) and due to hemorrhage (RR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.15 to 0.49, p < 0.01) was shown by PP. The usage of PP also decreased the need for pre-operative transfusion (SMD = -0.44, 95% CI= -0.69 to -0.18, p = 0.001) but had no influence on transfusion during the first 24 h after admission (SMD = 0.04, 95% CI = -0.24 to 0.31, p = 0.215) and length of hospitalization (ICU and total stays).
Conclusions

This meta-analysis indicates that a treatment protocol including PP significantly reduce mortality and transfusion requirement before intervention in pelvic fracture patients with hemodynamic instability. An algorithm in which pelvic packing is performed as first-line treatment was recommended and complemented with angiography and embolization for patients with traumatic pelvic hemorrhage.
Interaction analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis between host environment and highly mutated genes from population genetic structure comparison
Authors: Cui Zhezhe , Lin Dingwen , Chang Yue , Ou Jing , Huang Liwen
Published: July 2020

ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the genetic and demographic differences and interactions between areas where observed genomic variations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. Tb) are distributed uniformly in cold and hot spots. MethodsThe cold and hot spot areas were identified using the reported incidence of TB over the previous 5 years. Whole genome sequencing was performed on 291 M. tb isolates between January and June 2018. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and a multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) model was applied to test gene-gene-environment interactions. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed to test the extent to which genetic mutation affects the TB epidemic using a multivariate logistic regression model. ResultsThe percentage of the Beijing family strain in hot spots was significantly higher than that in cold spots (64.63% vs 50.69%, p = 0.022), among elderly, people from an ethnic minority group, those with a low income, low BMI and those having a history of contact with a TB patient (all p < 0.05).. Individuals from cold spot areas had a higher frequency of out-of-town travelling (p < 0.05). The mutation of Rv1186c, Rv3900c, Rv1508c, Rv0210 and a Intergenic Region (SNP site: 3847237) showed a significant difference between cold and hot spots. (p < 0.001). The best MDR model displayed a clear negative interaction effect of ethnicity with income (interaction entropy: -7.08%), mutation of Rv1186c (interaction entropy: -5.62%) and mutation of SNP position Rv0210 (interaction entropy: -4.26%). Through income, mutation of Rv1186c and mutation of Rv0210 had a low independent effect.ConclusionOur data suggests a statistically significant role of ethnicity, income and the polymorphisms of Rv1186c and Rv0210 genes in the transmission and development of M. tb. The results provide clues for the study of susceptibility genes of M. tb in different ethnic groups.
The Effect of the Difference in the C2-7 Angle on the Occurrence of Dysphagia after Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion with the Zero-P Implant System
Authors: Huang Cheng-Yi , Meng Yang , Wang Bei-Yu , Yu Jie , Ding Chen , Yang Yi , Wu Ting-Kui , Liu Hao
Published: July 2020

Background: To investigate the effect of the difference in the C2-7 angle (C2-7A) on dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with the Zero-P Implant System.Methods: A retrospective analysis of 181 patients who underwent ACDF with the Zero-P Implant System and had at least one year of follow-up was performed from January 2011 to November 2018. All patients were divided into a non-dysphagia group and a dysphagia group to explore the effect of the difference between postoperative and preoperative C2-7As (dC2-7A) on postoperative dysphagia. Furthermore, other possible related factors including the difference between postoperative and preoperative O-C2 angles (dO-C2A), sex, age, body mass index (BMI), intraoperative time, estimated blood loss, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, alcohol consumption, prevertebral soft-tissue swelling (PSTS), the highest segment involved in the surgery and the levels of surgical segments were analyzed.Results: One hundred thirty-nine patients were included in the non-dysphagia group, and 42 patients were included in the dysphagia group. Single-factor analysis showed that smoking, PSTS and the dC2-7A were significantly different between the two groups (P<0.05). Spearman’s correlation coefficient showed no significant correlation between the degree of dysphagia and he dC2-7A (P>0.05). The results of multiple-factor analysis with an ordinal logistic regression model showed that smoking, PSTS and the dC2-7A were significantly associated with the incidence of dysphagia (P<0.05).Conclusions: The postoperative C2-7A has an important effect on the occurrence of dysphagia in patients undergoing interbody fusion surgery with the Zero-P Implant System.
Distribution and Prognostic Value of Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain in Elderly Patients with Symptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Povlsen Jonas Agerlund , Rasmussen Vibeke Guldbrand , Vase Henrik , Jensen Kaare Troels , Terkelsen Christian Juhl , Christiansen Evald Høj , Tang Mariann , Pedersen Anders Lehmann Dahl , Poulsen Steen Hvitfeldt
Published: July 2020

Aims The aim of present study was to examine the preoperative prevalence and distribution of impaired left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) in elderly patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcutaneous aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and to determine the predictive value of LVGLS on survival.Methods We included 411 patients with symptomatic severe AS treated with TAVR during a 5-year period, where a baseline echocardiography including LVGLS assessment was available. Results Mean age was 80.1±7.1 years and aortic valve area (AVA) index 0.4±0.1 cm2. 78 patients died during a median follow-up of 762 days. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 50±13% and mean LVGLS was -14.0%. LVEF was preserved in 60% of patients, while impaired LVGLS >-18% was seen in 75% of the patients. Previous myocardial infarction, LVEF < 50%, LVGLS >-14%, low gradient AS (< 4.0 m/s), tricuspid regurgitant gradient >30 mmHg were identified as significant univariate predictors of all-cause mortality. On multivariate analysis LVGLS >-14% (HR 1.79 [1.02-3.14], p=0.04) was identified as the only independent variable associated with all-cause mortality. Reduced survival was observed with an impaired LVGLS >-14% in the total population (p<0.002) but also in patients with high AS gradient with preserved LVEF. LVGLS provided incremental prognostic value with respect to clinical characteristics, AVA and LVEF (χ2 19.9, p=0.006).Conclusions In patients with symptomatic AS undergoing TAVR, impaired LVGLS was highly prevalent despite preserved LVEF. LVGLS >-14% was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality, and survival was reduced if LVGLS >-14 %.
Developing a specialist children’s nursing workforce in sub-Saharan Africa: a descriptive programme evaluation.
Authors: Ruthe Jennifer , North Natasha Lee
Published: July 2020

Background: Achieving Universal Health Coverage in low and lower-middle income countries requires an estimated additional five and a quarter million nurses. Despite an increasing focus on specialist nursing workforce development, specialist children’s workforce in most African countries falls well below recommended densities. The Child Nursing Practice Development Initiative was established with the aim of building the children’s nursing workforce in Southern and Eastern Africa, and Ghana. The purpose of this evaluation was to enable scrutiny of programme activities conducted between 2008 and 2018 to inform programme review and where possible to identify wider lessons of potential interest in relation to specialist nursing workforce strengthening initiatives.

Methods: The study took the form of a descriptive programme evaluation. Data analysed included quantitative programme data and contextual information from documentary sources. Anonymised programme data covering student enrolments between January 2008 and December 2018 were analysed. Findings were member-checked for accuracy.

Results: The programme recorded 348 enrolments in 11 years, with 75% of students coming from South Africa and 25% from other sub-Saharan African countries. With a course completion rate of 94%, 99% of known alumni were still working in Africa at the end of 2018. Most graduates were located at top-tier (specialist) public hospital facilities. Nine percent of known alumni were found to be working in education, with 54% of graduates at centres that offer or plan to offer children’s nursing education.

Conclusion: The Child Nurse Practice Development Initiative has made a quantifiable, positive and sustained contribution to the capacity of the specialist clinical and educational children’s nursing workforce in nine African countries. Data suggest there may be promising approaches within programme design and delivery in relation to very high course completion rates and the retention of graduates in service which merit further consideration. Outputs from this single programme are however modest when compared to the scale of need. Greater clarity around the vision and role of specialist children’s nurses and costed plans for workforce development are needed for investment in specialist children’s nursing education to realise its potential in relation to achievement of Universal Health Coverage.
Zweite experimentelle Praxis und Ergebnisdiskussion
Authors: Rau Franco
Published: July 2020

Der sechste Teil der Arbeit umfasst die systematische Dokumentation der zweiten Erprobung, die Ergebnisse der wissenschaftlichen Analyse (Kap. 10) sowie die Diskussion und Interpretation der Erkenntnisse (Kap. 11). Zu Beginn wird auf Basis konkreter Arbeitsprodukte, protokollierter Prozessabläufe und Sprachmemos ein systematischer Einblick in die Realisierung des Entwurfs gegeben (Kap. 10.2). Daran anschliessend werden die erhobenen Daten skizziert und die Forschungsmethoden konkretisiert (Kap. 10.3). Die im Folgenden präsentierten Ergebnisse der wissenschaftlichen Analysen basieren auf Interviews, Lehrveranstaltungsevaluationen, studentischen Seminarprodukten und Prozessdaten des Wikibooks. Mit dem elften Kapitel wird das Ziel verfolgt, die verschiedenen Ergebnisse zur Entwicklung und Analyse von Veränderungs- und Entwicklungspotenzialen einer integrativen Medienbildung in der Lehrerinnen- und Lehrerbildung zusammenzufassen, zu diskutieren und neue Perspektiven zu entwickeln. Dafür erfolgt eine Beantwortung der zentralen Fragestellung in Form von drei Schwerpunkten: «Metaphern als Artikulations- und Reflexionsanlässe eigener Vorstellungen» (Kap. 11.2), «Lerngelegenheiten zur Teilhabe an öffentlichen Wikis» (Kap. 11.3) sowie «Neue Möglichkeiten zum Lernen mit (sozialen) Medien» (Kap. 11.4). Mit diesen drei Schwerpunkten wird gezeigt, dass die entwickelten Lernsituationen zum Ausgangspunkt individueller Entwicklungsprozesse geworden sind. Zudem werden sichtbar gewordene Bewältigungsstrategien und defensive Lernhandlungen im Umgang mit den entwickelten Lernsituationen markiert (Kap. 11.5). Zum Abschluss des Kapitels erfolgt eine methodische Reflexion der gewonnenen Erkenntnisse (Kap. 11.6).
FREE FAT IN MILK AND CHEESE PRODUCTS: INFLUENCE ON QUALITY
Authors: Lepilkina O. V. , Loginova I. V.  , Kashnikova O. G.
Published: July 2020

The theoretical and practical aspects of the formation of free fat in milk, cheese and cheese products with vegetable fats are considered. The amount of free fat in milk depends on the integrity of the fat globules membranes, which are affected by: ineffective emulsification of fat during the synthesis of milk in the cow’s udder (authentic fat) and physic-mechanical factors in the milk processing after milking (destabilized fat). Free fat, primarily subjected to oxidative processes and lipolysis, reduces the quality and ability to store milk. For cheese products, the presence of free fat, available for lipolysis and oxidation, is a prerequisite for obtaining high-quality products. Characteristics of the production of cheese products with vegetable fats, providing for the preliminary emulsification of vegetable fat in skim milk, contribute to the formation of denser membranes on the surface of fat globules, consisting mainly of casein micelles and whey proteins. This is the reason for the formation of a more closed structure of the fat phase with low availability of fat for enzymes and oxidizing agents. The low availability of fat in the structure of cheese products with vegetable fats is one of the factors that worsen their organoleptic characteristics. In order to increase the amount of available fat in the production of cheese products with vegetable fats, it is advisable to use additional enzyme preparations or cultures of microorganisms that activate proteolysis and lipolysis.
Prediction of groundwater flow in shallow aquifers using artificial neural networks in the northern basins of Algeria
Authors: Guezgouz N. , Boutoutaou D. , Hani A.
Published: July 2020

Prediction of groundwater flow fluctuations is considered an important step in understanding groundwater systems at this scale and facilitating sustainable groundwater management. The objective of this study is to determine the factors that influence and control groundwater flow fluctuations in a specific geomorphologic situation, by developing a forecasting model and examining its potential for predicting groundwater flow using limited data. Models for prediction of groundwater flow are developed based on artificial neural networks (ANNs). Neural networks with different numbers of hidden layer neurons were developed using climatic and geomorphological characteristics as input variables, giving predicted groundwater flow as the output. To evaluate enhanced performance models, several regression statistical parameters are compared. As an example, relative mean square error in groundwater flow prediction by ANN and correlation coefficient are 0.015 and 97%, respectively. The results of the study clearly show that ANNs can be used to predict groundwater flow in shallow aquifers of northern Algeria with reasonable accuracy even in the case of limited data.
Performance evaluation of novel attached-growth high rate algal pond system with additional artificial illumination for wastewater treatment and nutrient recovery
Authors: Jinda Kesirine , Koottatep Thammarat , Chaiwong Chawalit , Polprasert Chongrak
Published: July 2020

Domestic wastewater containing a high proportion of organic matter and nutrients is a serious pollution problem in developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a novel attached-growth high rate algal pond (AG-HRAP) employing attached-growth media and artificial light sources for treating domestic wastewater and enhancing nutrient recovery. Light intensities in the range of 40–180 μmol/m2/s were used in the AG-HRAPs. The experimental results showed that the highest chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) removal efficiencies of 88, 62 and 69%, respectively, were found at the hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 15 days and the average light intensity of 180 μmol/m2/s. Moreover, the effluent COD concentrations could meet Thailand's national discharge standard. The highest biomass and protein productivities of 54 ± 4 and 37 ± 8 g/m2/d, respectively, were found in the AG-HRAPs, which were higher than in previous studies of HRAPs. The Stover-Kincannon kinetic values for COD, TN and TP removals of the AG-HRAPs (R2 = 0.9) were higher than those of the conventional systems. Additionally, the novel AG-HRAP system could provide a highly cost-effective operation when compared to other microalgal systems.
Prioritizing potential use of urban treated wastewater using expert-oriented and multi-criteria decision-making approaches: a case study in Iran
Authors: Vaseghi Elahe , Zare Mehrjerdi Mohammad Reza , Nikouei Alireza , Mehrabi Boshrabadi Hossein
Published: July 2020

Allocating effluent of wastewater treatment plants to users of economic sectors and satisfying their requirements has created a challenging debate and a need for prioritization. This study assesses the importance of sectors that utilize treated wastewater (TWW) using risk and social acceptability indexes based on expert-oriented approaches. Considered sectors are agriculture, industry, urban green space and natural resources and the study area is located in Iran, around the Isfahan North Wastewater Treatment Plant. The risk index is calculated using Frank and Morgan model and consequently TWW use in the industrial sector is less dangerous than other sectors. Moreover, the social acceptability index, which was determined using Mamdani fuzzy inference set, indicates higher acceptability of TWW use in natural resources sector compared with other sectors. By constructing the conceptual model, generating the decision matrix and using the results of gray relational analysis decision-making model for the four sectors, the allocation priorities of TWW became industry, natural resource, green space, and agriculture respectively. It is suggested that Water and Wastewater Company grant permission for TWW use to water-consuming industries and man-made forests development, which result in increasing employment, reduction of harmful effects of dust, and water consumption decrease.
Особенности двумерных бифуркаций при диссипативном туннелировании электронов в массивах Au наночастиц
Authors: Семенов M.Б. , Кревчик В.Д. , Филатов Д.O. , Шорохов A.В. , Шкуринов A.П. , Кревчик П.В. , Wang Y.H. , Li T.R. , Malik A.K. , Антонов Д.А. , Семенов И.M.
Published: July 2020

Abstract. In framework of the 2D - dissipative tunneling theory in approximation of a rarefied gas of the «instanton - antiinstanton pairs» at a finite temperature under the conditions of an external electric field, the features of tunneling transport for planar structures with quantum dots (QDs) from colloidal gold, that have metamaterial properties, have been studied. It was experimentally shown that, depending on the positioning of the cantilever needle of a combined atomic force and scanning tunneling microscope (AFM / STM), either above a single quantum dot or between two neighboring quantum dots, either a single or double effect of 2D tunneling bifurcations have been observed, respectively. It is such a double bifurcation regime, as our theoretical model has shown, that is associated with the manifestation of the metamaterial properties by the structure under study. A convincing qualitative agreement between the experimental I – V characteristics and the field dependence of the 2D - dissipative tunneling probability in the two studied modes, taking into account the observed quantum beats in the vicinity of the 2D bifurcation points, has been obtained.
Зондовая микроскопия и электронно-транспортные свойства тонких эпитаксиальных пленок Mo на сапфире
Authors: Фомин Л.А. , Маликов И.В. , Березин В.А. , Черных А.В. , Логинов А.Б. , Логинов Б.А.
Published: July 2020

The surface and electronic transport properties of epitaxial thin molybdenum films were studied. The experimental results were compared with the known quantum models of the effect of the surface relief of the films on their resistance.
Подготовка поверхности материалов для создания композитных оптических элементов
Authors: Зорина М.В. , Кузнецов И.И. , Михайленко М.С. , Палашов О.В. , Пестов А.Е. , Чхало Н.И.
Published: July 2020

The quality of surface preparation of various laser materials for the purpose of creating composite elements is studied. It is shown that the flatness of the samples should be no worse than λ/10, and the roughness - no more than 1.0 nm. Parameters of ion etching that do not lead to roughness degradation are found: Ar ions, Eion=800 eV and grazing angle θ=5º. Composite elements were created from yttrium aluminium garnet doped with ytterbium ions (Yb:YAG), as well as a magnetoactive TGG crystal with single crystals of sapphire.
Ионно-пучковые методики прецизионной обработки оптических поверхностей
Authors: Забродин И.Г. , Зорина М.В. , Каськов И.А. , Малышев И.В. , Михайленко М.С. , Пестов А.Е. , Салащенко Н.Н. , Чернышев А.К. , Чхало Н.И.
Published: July 2020

Описаны методики прецизионной обработки поверхности оптических элементов пучками ускоренных ионов. Приведены характеристики и возможности оборудования, а также решаемые с помощью него задачи. Подробно описаны возможности финишной коррекции локальных ошибок формы малоразмерным ионным пучком, осесимметричной коррекции/асферизации широкоапертурным сильноточным ионным пучком и ионной полировки. Представлены значения эффективной шероховатости поверхности плавленого кварца, ситалла, Zerodur'а, ULE в диапазоне пространственных частот q[2.5·10-2-6.0·101 μm-1], а также примеры формирования сферической поверхности и профиля асферизации. Ключевые слова: ионно-пучковая методика, пучок ускорения, кварц, ситалл.
Измерения контактной жесткости в атомно-силовом микроскопе
Authors: Анкудинов А.В. , Халисов М.М.
Published: July 2020

A method is proposed for increasing the accuracy of nanomechanical measurements in an atomic force microscope. To describe the contact interaction of the cantilever with the sample, an analytical model was used that takes into account the following factors: the cantilever probe sticks to the sample surface or slides along it, the geometric and mechanical characteristics of the sample and cantilever, and their relative position. Under the assumption of sliding, a filter was developed to correct the signals of contact stiffness and deformation measured on a sample with a developed relief. The use of the filter is illustrated in images obtained in an atomic force microscope with an imaging mode based on point-by-point registration of the force quasistatic interaction of the cantilever probe with the sample.
Получение гладких высокоточных поверхностей методом механического притира
Authors: Торопов М.Н. , Ахсахалян А.А. , Зорина М.В. , Салащенко Н.Н. , Чхало Н.И. , Токунов Ю.М.
Published: July 2020

Подробно описана методика получения высокоточных гладких сферических подложек с использованием механического притира и применяемая для этих целей метрология. Приведена модифицированная схема двухзондового интерферометра с дифракционной волной сравнения, обеспечивающая выравнивание интенсивности в плечах интерферометра и перестройку рабочей апертуры без перенастройки прибора. Представлены экспериментальные результаты, полученные при доводке с использованием этой методики вогнутой сферической подложки из плавленого кварца с числовой апертурой NA = 0.30, изготовленной традиционным методом глубокой шлифовки--полировки. Исходные характеристики подложки: точность формы по параметру СКО = 36 nm (~λ/20), эффективной шероховатостью в диапазоне пространственных частот 0.025-65 μm-1 sigmaeff=1.1 nm. После доводки подложки параметры поверхности улучшились до значений: СКО = 3.3 nm (~λ/200) и sigmaeff=0.26 nm. Исследовано влияние размера зерна в суспензии на шероховатость и форму подложки. Ключевые слова: притир, шлифовка--полировка, шероховатость, сферическая подложка.
Люминесцентные плазмонные структуры из наночастиц золота и углеродных наноточек в мезопористых частицах кремнезема
Authors: Курдюков Д.А. , Еуров Д.А. , Медведев А.В. , Голубев В.Г.
Published: July 2020

The composite plasmonic structures consisting of gold nanoparticles and carbon nanodots within monodisperse spherical mesoporous silica particles were synthesized. A threefold increase of visible photoluminescence intensity of carbon nanodots in these structures was demonstrated compared to structures without gold nanoparticles