bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra-short-term prediction method of photovoltaic electric field power based on ground-based cloud image segmentation
Authors: Shen Runjie , Xing Ruimin , Wang Yiying , Hua Danqiong , Ma Ming
Published: September 2020

As a large number of photovoltaic power stations are built and put into operation, the total amount of photovoltaic power generation accounts for an increasing proportion of the total electricity. The inability to accurately predict solar energy output has brought great uncertainty to the grid. Therefore, predicting the future power of photovoltaic fields is of great significance. According to different time scales, predictions are divided into long-term, medium-term and ultra-short-term predictions. The main difficulty of ultra-short-term forecasting lies in the power fluctuations caused by sudden and drastic changes in environmental factors. The shading of clouds is directly related to the irradiance received on the surface of the photovoltaic panel, which has become the main factor affecting the fluctuation of photovoltaic power generation. Therefore, sky images captured by conventional cameras installed near solar panels can be used to analyze cloud characteristics and improve the accuracy of ultra-short-term predictions. This paper uses historical power information of photovoltaic power plants and cloud image data, combined with machine learning methods, to provide ultra-short-term predictions of the power generation of photovoltaic power plants. First, the random forest method is used to use historical power generation data to establish a single time series prediction model to predict ultra-short-term power generation. Compared with the continuous model, the root mean square (RMSE) error of prediction is reduced by 28.38%. Secondly, the Unet network is used to segment the cloud image, and the cloud amount information is analyzed and input into the random forest prediction model to obtain the bivariate prediction model. The experimental results prove that, based on the cloud amount information contained in the cloud chart, the bivariate prediction model has an 11.56% increase in prediction accuracy compared with the single time series prediction model, and an increase of 36.66% compared with the continuous model.
Techno economic simulation model of power grid investment considering demand side resources and transmission and distribution price
Authors: Wang Liang , Yin Siyuan , Qian Yongjuan
Published: September 2020

With the deepening of market-oriented reform of power system, the investment planning of power grid is affected by many factors. According to the actual business process of power grid investment planning, on the basis of traditional power grid planning ideas, the introduction of system dynamics analysis tools will establish a feedback relationship model for many factors related to power grid investment planning, such as economy, security, demand side resource (DR), transmission and distribution price, and carry out simulation calculation, which can provide a reference for making reasonable policy recommendations for power grid investment. The results show that grid companies can adjust their investment plans by themselves in order to meet the grid reliability and under the incentive of the government's transmission and distribution price policy. the adjustment of transmission and distribution price has the inherent characteristics of decreasing volatility, which can be more obvious when reducing the reliability requirements.
Research on Bus Voltage Control Strategy of Off-grid DC Microgrid
Authors: Kanɡ Yilonɡ , Zheng Ningkang , Yan Xiangyang , Qi Huanruo , Li Kai
Published: September 2020

It is important to achieve stability of bus voltage in control of DC microgrids. In the DC microgrid, the traditional droop control method is usually adopted to stabilize the bus voltage for its high reliability and cost-effectiveness. However, line resistance will reduce the voltage quality of the DC bus in actual situations. In order to improve the voltage quality of the DC bus, a novel bus voltage control strategy based on modified droop characteristic is proposed. Finally, the simulation model of the off-grid DC microgrid with improved droop control strategy is built on PSCAD/EMTDC platform, and the results verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed control strategy.
Mechanical Performance Test and Analysis of DC Charging Cable for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Li Lin , Xiao Zhiyong , Lu Guiping
Published: September 2020

The mechanical performance of the cable is directly related to the electrical performance of the cable, and even affects the safety, reliability and durability of the whole charging process. Electric vehicle charging cable is different from the traditional wire and cable, which has higher requirements for the mechanical properties of the cable. In this paper, the tension test is carried out on the insulation or sheath of the cable. By observing the phenomenon of "slipping" and "end breaking" in the process of the test, the structure of the flat push collet is optimized. It can be seen from the comparative test analysis that the improved chuck mechanism has a great effect on improving the test accuracy and reliability
Mathematical Simulation and program of gas-liquid two-phase well flow pattern
Authors: Huang Quanhua , Lin Xingyu , He Yunjun , Wang Chengyin , Hu Yi , Ding Hongjun , Jiang Jian , Li Jian
Published: September 2020

The judgment of flow pattern in the wellbore of a liquid-producing gas well is very important to the judgment of its liquid-carrying capacity in the production process. Through mathematical fitting of duns- ROS flow pattern of vertical well, Gould flow pattern of inclined well and Goiver flow pattern of horizontal well, the different flow pattern is fitted into 3, 4 and 4 curves respectively, and divided into 9, 10 and 20 regions respectively. The division standard among different regions is given, optimized parameters are selected, and a VB software is edited. The results show that the software fitting effect is accurate, and can be well applied to the actual flow pattern judgment.
Analysis on Energy Saving of Intermittent Operation Control of University Building Heating System
Authors: Pei Xiang
Published: September 2020

With the continuous expansion of college campuses, the heating area is increasing, and the demand for heating is also increasing. The heating system needs to face multiple pressures on the environment, resources, safety, and economy. Operation and regulation are the key points of energy saving and emission reduction in college heating in the future. This article analyzes the intermittent operation of the university building system, mainly from the analysis of the heating pipe network zoning setting, the establishment of the heating intermittent operation control mechanism, and the optimization of the intermittent operation adjustment scheme. From the analysis of simulation results of intermittent operation adjustment and optimization schemes, comparison with actual heating energy consumption analysis and energy saving analysis of optimization schemes, it is proposed that intermittent operation control of heating systems has great potential for energy saving.
Environmental Information Disclosure and Auditing of Listed Companies in Heavy Pollution Industries
Authors: Xiao Shi
Published: September 2020

Concentrating on environmental issues in financial statement auditing is the main way for
auditors to fulfill their environmental protection responsibilities. By studying the impact of environmental
information disclosure on audit fees and audit opinions, we can infer how closely the auditors focus on
environmental matters to some extent. In this paper, listed companies with serious pollution in A-share
market in China from 2014 to 2019 are selected as research samples to explore the correlation among
environmental-related information disclosure, audit fees and audit opinions. Through empirical analysis, it
is found that the level of environmental information disclosure of listed companies in heavily polluted
industries is positively correlated with the audit fees, and negatively correlated with the publication of
non-standard audit opinions.
Improvement of Bayesian Dynamic Linear Model for Predicting Missing Data of Bridges
Authors: Chenghan Ge , Tao Wang
Published: September 2020

The missing data in bridge operation will lead to the decline of the reliability of data analysis results. In this paper, the Bayesian dynamic linear model is improved by changing the parameter matrix of hidden state variables, and the model is optimized under the condition that the predefined variables are unchanged. The frequency of a strain measuring point of the bridge is taken as the observed value, and the collected frequency value of one month is used as the training set (the collection time interval is 30 minutes) to predict the data of the next week. By comparing the predicted result with the observed value, it is found that the absolute error is less than 14.05Hz and the relative error is less than 1.82% when the training frequency value varies from 756 Hz to 773.4 Hz.
Study on Ultra-short-time Power Forecast of Photovoltaic System based on Ground-based Cloud Image Recognition and Key Impact Factors
Authors: Shen Runjie , Wang Yiying , Xing Ruimin , Hua Danqiong , Ma Ming
Published: September 2020

In recent years, under the dual pressure of resource shortage and environmental pollution, the photovoltaic (PV) power generation industry has flourished. The irradiance forecasting technology of PV power plants is of great significance for output prediction, grid dispatching and safe operation. Cloud cover is always the key factor making the irradiance fluctuate. In this article, colorful ground-based cloud images are collected by the all-sky imager every minute as the research object. Based on the traditional threshold method, a hybrid entropy threshold method is proposed to identify cloud clusters. Using the correlation analysis, among many impact factors with high correlation, five are extracted as input parameters of a BP network optimized by genetic algorithm (GA-BP). Through verification and comparison analysis, it is concluded that the recognition accuracy of the hybrid entropy threshold method is higher, and the average relative error can be controlled at about 5%. Based on this, the irradiance prediction of GA-BP also achieved better results than other models. It can meet the application requirements of PV power plants.
Analysis of skin prick test results for 224 patients with eczema
Authors: Hongzhi Gu , Xiangfen Deng , Jing Zhang , Xiaoyan
Published: September 2020

Objective: To understand the common inhalant allergens and food allergens and their characteristics on patients with eczema in Chongqing area. Method: Skin prick tests of common inhalant allergens and food allergens were performed on 224 patients with eczema and the test results were analyzed. Results: Among the 224 patients with eczema, 137 reacted positively to one or more allergens, with a positive rate reaching 61.2%; the inhalant allergens that ranked top 3 in the positive rate were dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (41.1%), dermatophagoides farina (37.5%), cockroach (35.3%). The top three food allergens were shrimp (7.1%), milk (4.5%), egg (4%). Conclusions: Patients with eczema were allergic to one or more allergens, and the major inhalant allergens were dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, dermatophagoides farinae and cockroaches. The positive rate of food allergens was lower that the inhalant counterparts, and the difference between male and female was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Allergen prick tests could facilitate identifying the inhalant allergens and food allergens of patients with eczema, improve treatment and health education of patients with eczema, and provide a reliable basis for effective prevention and normalized treatment.
The effect of Sep15 gene silencing on the expression of crystall oid protein in human lens epithelial cells
Authors: Wang Meng
Published: September 2020

Objective: To investigate the effect of Sep15 gene silencing on lens protein expression in human lens epithelial cells. Method: Human lens epithelial cell (HLEC) SRA01/04 was used as the study object, Using MTT method, RT-PCRs, Small molecule RNA interference technology and protein immunoblotting method, The survival rate of hLE cells stimulated by different concentrations of bFGF and Tm (tunicamycin, an endoplasmic reticulum stress inducing reagent), the changes of the mRNA and protein expression levels of intracellular beta-crystallin and GRP78 proteins, and the changes of Sep15 protein expression levels in hLE cells were determined, respectively, to evaluate the effect of Sep15 gene silencing on the expression of lens protein in human lens epithelial cells. Result: First, The survival rate of hLE cells induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress inducing reagents tunicamycin (Tm) and bFGF was investigated by MTT method. The results showed that a certain concentration of Tm and bFGF could inhibit or lead to the death of hLE cells; Secondly, The effects of Tm on the levels of mRNA and protein expression of the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker protein GRP78 and the effects of bFGF on the levels of alpha-, were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and protein immunoblotting, respectively, Effects of beta-crystallin mRNA and protein expression levels, To determine the optimal concentration and time of Tm and bFGF on hLE cells, The results showed that 40 ng/mL of bFGF-treated cells for 48 h was the optimal reaction condition for bFGF to stimulate the differentiation of lens epithelial cells. Third, The co-action of Tm and bFGF on hLE cells was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and protein immunoblotting. For Intracellular GRP78, α-, β- crystallin, Effects of mRNA and protein expression levels, The results showed that the occurrence of ER stress could upregulate its expression. Fourth, The changes of Sep15 protein expression level in hLE cells after Sep15 gene silencing and the effects of Tm and bFGF on Sep15 gene silencing in cells were detected by Western blotting. The results showed that the addition of Tm and bFGF basically did not affect the silencing effect of Sep15 gene. Fifth, The expression of GRP78 and β- crystallin in hLE cells after silencing of Sep15 gene was detected by Western blot. The results showed that Sep15 may be involved in the process of protecting the differentiation of lens epithelial cells. Conclusion: Sep15 gene silencing has an inhibitory effect on lens protein expression in human lens epithelial cells, and strengthening its clinical research is of positive significance for improving the clinical treatment and prevention of cataract diseases.
Levels and Significance of Serum Adiponectin in Patients with Chronic HBV Infection at Different Clinical Stages
Authors: Liu Bei
Published: September 2020

To analyze the serum APN levels of patients with chronic HBV infection in different clinical stages and their correlation with clinical laboratory examination indicators. A total of 120 HBV-infected patients are included in this study, including chronic HBV carriers, chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and compensated cirrhosis patients, 40 cases in each group, and 40 medical examinees as healthy controls. Compared with the healthy control group, the APN level in the chronic HBV infection group is significantly increased (p<0.05), and the APN level in the cirrhosis group is significantly increased compared with the other two groups (p<0.05). There is no significant difference between the chronic HBV carrier group and the CHB group. The ratio of people with high APN in the high DNA viral load group is higher (p = 0.002, χ2 = 9.143); the APN level of the liver cirrhosis group is significantly different from the non-cirrhosis group (P = 0.004, χ2 = 8.123). There is no significant correlation between APN level and ALT, AST and other indicators (P>, 0.05). High serum APN may be used as a marker for the diagnosis of HBV-infected liver cirrhosis.
Clinical Study on Treatment of Patients with Acute Cerebral Infarction by Huayu Tongluo Decoction Combined with Edaravone Injection
Authors: Zhang Wentao , Zuo Ping , Wang Feng , Liu Zhihua , Cui Yinglin
Published: September 2020

To study the clinical effect of Huayu Tongluo Decoction combined with edaravone injection in the treatment of patients with acute cerebral infarction.86 patients with acute cerebral infarction received from our hospital from October 2016 to May 2018 were randomly divided into study group (n=43) and control group (n=43). Routine treatment was performed in both groups. On the basis of this, the control group was treated with edaravone injection, and the research group was treated with Huayu Tongluo Decoction combined with edaravone injection. The effects of treatment, the degree of neurological deficit (NIHSS score), TCM syndrome scores and quality of life (QLI score) before and after treatment were compared. The total effective rate of the study group [95.35% (41/43)] was higher than that of the control group [79.07% (34/43)] (P<0.05). After treatment, the main symptoms, secondary diseases and tongue and pulse of the two groups were treated. The scores were lower than before treatment, and the study group was lower than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the NIHSS and QLI scores of the two groups were better than before treatment, and the NIHSS score of the study group was lower than that of the control group, and the QLI score was higher than the control. Group (P<0.05). The clinical effect of Huayu Tongluo Decoction combined with edaravone injection in the treatment of patients with acute cerebral infarction is significant, which can further improve the clinical symptoms, improve neurological function and improve the quality of life.
Shanxian granule ameliorates diethylnitrosamine-induced precancerous lesions in liver by regulating inflammatory mediators
Authors: Pan Yan-fang , Jia Xiao-tao , Ying Xiao-ping , Fang Yan , Meng Bo-bo , Qian Yang
Published: September 2020

To explore the effects of Shanxian Granules (SXG) on diethylnitrosamine (DEN) -induced precancerous lesions in rats and its possible molecular mechanism. A total of 50 male SD rats (190±10 g) were randomly divided into five groups. control group, DEN group, SXG low dose group, SXG medium dose group and SXG high dose group. The control group received saline injection. The precancerous liver cirrhosis group received 50mg/kg DEN via intraperitoneal injection twice a week for 16 weeks. The indexes of liver function (ALT, AST and GGT) were measured by blood sampling. HE staining was used to observe pathological changes of liver tissues. The levels of IL-6 and TNFα were measured by ELISA kits. Compared with the model group, the high (P<0.01) and middle dose (P<0.05) of SXG significantly reduced the damage of liver function and ameliorated the degree of liver disease, such as hepatic fibrosis. In addition, SXG significantly decreased the levels of IL-10 and TNFα in the liver of DEN-induced precancerous lesions. In conclusion, SXG can effectively and dose-dependently alleviate the morphological changes of rat liver precancerous lesions. and the underlying protective mechanism of SXG may be by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators, such as IL-6 and TNF-α.
Exploration Practice of Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of Bovine Brucella
Authors: Meng Yang , Zhuqing He
Published: September 2020

Bovine brucellosis is bovine brucellosis, a zoonotic infectious disease. It has the characteristics of wide distribution and great harm, which seriously hinders the improvement of economic benefits of the cattle industry. With the rapid development of economic exchanges, livestock breeding and trading activities between regions have become more frequent, and the epidemic of bovine brucellosis has gradually spread. China's "Animal Epidemic Prevention Law" stipulates brucellosis as a second-class infectious disease, which is caused by Brucella. Cattle infections can cause abortion, stillbirth, infertility, lameness and orchitis, which pose a huge threat to the development of the breeding industry. With the continuous expansion of the number and scale of domestic cattle raising, the epidemic situation of brucellosis has rebounded. This article is mainly aimed at the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of bovine brucellosis, and puts forward opinions and suggestions based on the actual situation.
Microencapsulation and Its Characteristics and Applications and Manufacturing of Clarithromycin Microcapsules with Mixed Membrane
Authors: Cao Hua , Chen Huifang , Yi Jianhua , Xia Hong , Nie Yang
Published: September 2020

In this paper, the definition, characteristics, applications, wall materials and main preparation methods of microcapsules were described in details. At the same time, the mixed membrane microcapsules were prepared by solvent evaporation method with clarithromycin as model drug, ethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose as membrane materials. The optimal preparation conditions were explored, and the slow and controlled release properties of the mixed membrane microcapsules were investigated. The optimal preparation conditions of clarithromycin microcapsules were as following: the concentration of membrane material was 3%, the concentration of ethyl cellulose / hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose was 6:1-7:1, the dosage was 2:1-3:1, the concentration of SDS was 0.1%, the concentration of PVA was 1.0%, and the oil-water ratio was 1:8．
Application of Octenyl Succinate Starch Ester (SSOS) in Peanut Beverage
Authors: Yang Zhao , Penghua Zhang
Published: September 2020

In this paper, the effects of octenyl succinate starch ester, carrageenan, monoglyceride and sucr ose fatty acid ester compound emulsifier on the sensory evaluation of floating layer thickness, sedimentati on rate and precipitation were analyzed. the optimal scheme for making peanut protein beverage with octe nyl succinate starch ester was 0.09% xanthan gum,0.06% carrageenan,0.15% sucrose fatty acid ester and 0.15%monoglyceride. It is proved that the application of octenyl amber acid starch ester as stabilizer in peanut protein beverage is feasible.
Adsorption and Photo-catalytic Properties of Congo Red by Cobalt Doped Porous ZnO Prepared Through Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Bao Wenya , Fu Xiaofen , Hu Kaiqi , Zhao Yecong
Published: September 2020

ZnO and cobalt doped ZnO were prepared by hydrothermal method with zinc acetate dihydrate, cobalt acetate tetrahydrate and urea as raw materials and sodium citrate as surface modifier. Congo red (CR) was used as the pollutant model for adsorption and photo-catalytic experiments. Under the same conditions, the adsorption effect of cobalt doped ZnO with different urea content on CR was investigated, and the optimum urea content was determined. Under the same conditions, the adsorption and photocatalytic properties of cobalt doped ZnO prepared with the best urea content at different annealing temperatures were studied. According to the analysis of experimental data, the adsorption effect of Co doped ZnO with urea content of 8mmol and annealing temperature of 300℃ is the best, and the photocatalytic effect is also the best under the same conditions.
Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of Ba2Y3(SiO4)3F:Tm3+ blue-emitting fluorosilicate phosphors
Authors: Yang Junhui , Wang Huanyou , Liu Jinhua , Chen Jun , Zeng Fanhua , Deng Bin
Published: September 2020

Various novel Ba2Y3(SiO4)3F:Tm3+ blue-emitting fluorosilicate materials were achieved via solid-state synthesis. The structure and phase purity of prepared Ba2Y3(SiO4)3F:xTm3+ (x = 0.001-0.10 mol) were examined by X-ray powder diffraction. The surface morphology of Ba2Y3(SiO4)3F:0.01Tm3+ was studied by scanning electron microscopy. Photoluminescence properties were systematically explored under the monitoring emission (λem = 468 nm) and excitation (λex = 302 nm) spectra. The optimum mole ratio of as-synthesized phosphors was 0.01 mol. The concentration quenching mechanism in the Ba2Y3(SiO4)3F host was due to electric multipole interaction. Particularly, the chromaticity coordinates (0.1334, 0.0474) of Ba2Y3(SiO4)3F:0.01Tm3+ are near to those of the commercial BaMgAl10O17:Eu2+. These results validated the Ba2Y3(SiO4)3F:Tm3+ fluorosilicate phosphor can be used as a good blue-emitting candidate for W-LEDs.
Research on Comprehensive Processing Technology of Gannan Navel Orange
Authors: Ou Liming , Lin Feipeng
Published: September 2020

Gannan navel orange has been well known since the 1970s. With the development of the country and society, navel orange has formed an overall system, including planting, production, storage, preservation, processing and other work processes. The technology of food processing with raw materials is becoming more and more extensive.
Characterisation of volatile compounds of pineapple peel wine
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhou Chuang , Yuan Yuan , Gong Xiao , Hu Yuhao , Li Jihua
Published: September 2020

An analytical program based on the headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) method combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was developed to extract and analysis profiling of volatiles from pineapple peel wine. In total, 57 volatile compounds were detected on the basis of the MS information and RI, including 25 esters, 9 alcohols, 8 acids, 7 phenolic compounds, 6 aldehydes and ketones,1 terpene and 1 lactone, respectively. The types of esters are the most in various aroma substances, and the content of alcohols is the largest. Phenethyl alcohol, 3-methyl-1-butano, 2-methyl-1- butano, 2,3-Butanediol and 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol were the major constituents.
Ultrasound Curricula of Student Education in Europe: Summary of the
Experience
Authors: Prosch Helmut , Radzina Maija , Dietrich Christoph F. , Nielsen Michael Bachmann , Baumann Sven , Ewertsen Caroline , Jenssen Christian , Kabaalioğlu Adnan , Kosiak Wojciech , Kratzer Wolfgang , Lim Adrian , Popescu Alina , Mitkov Vladimir , Schiavone Cosima , Wohlin Martin , Wüstner Matthias , Cantisani Vito
Published: September 2020

Background Despite the increasing role of ultrasound, structured
ultrasound teaching is only slowly being integrated into the curricula of
medical schools and universities all over Europe.

Aim To survey the current situation at European universities regarding
the integration of ultrasound in student medical education and to report on
models of student ultrasound training from selected European universities.

Methods A questionnaire survey focusing on the implementation of
curricular ultrasound education was sent out to the 28 presidents of the
national ultrasound societies of the European Federation of Societies for
Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB), who were asked to distribute the
questionnaires to the medical universities of their countries.

Results Overall, 53 questionnaires were returned from 46 universities in
17 European countries. In most of the universities (40/46 universities,
87%), the theoretical background of ultrasound is taught. However, in
only a minority of universities is ultrasound integrated in anatomy courses
(8/46 universities, 17%) or basic science courses (16/46
universities, 35%). Practical skills in ultrasound are taught in
56% of the universities (26/46 universities) and tested in a
practical exam in seven of the responding universities (15%). The number
of hours in which ultrasound was taught ranged from one to 58 (mean, seven). The
respondents reported that lack of time and limited faculty funding were major
hurdles.

Conclusion According to our survey, only a minority of European
universities has integrated ultrasound into the preclinical curriculum thus far.
Future EFSUMB initiatives will continue to promote the introduction of
ultrasound as an integrative part of the core curriculum of student medical
education, and the preparation of proper teaching material.
A Case Report of Bulky Venous Malformation in the Parapharyngeal Space
Authors: Sato Yuki , Hamamoto Takao , Ishino Takashi , Ueda Tsutomu , Takumida Masay , Takeno Sachio
Published: September 2020

Venous malformations commonly occur in the head and neck regions, in the mucous membrane of the nasal and oral cavities. Venous malformations are found in the extremities in 40% of cases, in the trunk in 20% of cases, and in the cervicofacial area in 40% of cases. However, they are rarely encountered in the parapharyngeal space. We report our experience of surgical treatment of a patient with this rare tumor. The patient was a 21-year-old man who presented with a left mandibular swelling and was admitted to a nearby hospital. He was referred to our hospital for examination and treatment. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a bulky tumor with some calcification in the parapharyngeal space; on contrast-enhanced CT, the tumor showed some enhanced effects in the arterial and venous phases. Additional enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed the lesion as low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and as high signal intensity on T2-weighted images, and contrast-enhanced MRI showed some enhanced effects of the lesion. Based on these findings, we suspected venous malformation and performed surgical excision. Histopathology confirmed the venous malformation, and the lesion was diagnosed as a cavernous angioma. Vascular malformations in the head and neck regions should be precisely diagnosed so that appropriate multimodality treatment can be undertaken.
Utility of KRAS Gene and Clinicopathological Features in the Assessment of the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in the Etiology of Colon Cancer
Authors: Al-Qahtani Wedad Saeed , Al-Olayan Ebtesam , Albani Fatimah Gh. , Suliman Rania Saad , Aljarba Nada Hamad , Al-Humaidhi E.M. , Almurshedi Alanood S. , Domiaty Dalia Mostafa , Alduwish Manal Abdullah , Al-Otaibi Aljohara M. , Elasbali Abdelbaset Mohamed , Ahmed Hussain Gadelkarim , Almutlaq Bassam Ahmed
Published: September 2020

Background Cancer and diabetes have a tremendous impact on health globally. This study aimed to evaluate the KRAS gene in colon cancer tissues obtained from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and Methods Data from 315 cases (156 colon diabetics and 159 patients were nondiabetics) were retrospectively retrieved. mRNA from surgically resected colon cancer tumors were also retrieved.

Results The expression of KRAS mRNA was significantly higher in patients afflicted with T2DM than nondiabetic patients. The KRAS mRNA levels were significantly amplified from primary to metastatic lesions (p < 0.001).

Conclusion The association between T2DM and colon cancer was well-established in the present study.
A Rare Complication during Salmonella sp. Infection in a 4-Year-Old Child: Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Kılıç Ahmet O. , Akın Fatih , Yazar Abdullah , Çokbiçer Abdülkerim , Doğan Metin , Energin Vesile M.
Published: September 2020

Objective We aimed to report a rare complication of acute pancreatitis which developed during Salmonella infection.

Methods We report a 4-year-old girl with pancreatitis that occurred after salmonella gastroenteritis.

Discussion Salmonella sp. infections cause serious mortality and morbidity worldwide. Salmonella transmission is mostly fecal oral from contaminated water and foods. Acute pancreatitis expresses the acute inflammatory process of the pancreas. Inflammation of the pancreas associated with bacterial, viral, and fungal agents can lead to acute pancreatitis. There are limited data regarding the frequency of infections leading to pancreatitis. Here, a pediatric case with pancreatitis that occurred after salmonella gastroenteritis is reported.

Conclusion Acute pancreatitis due to S. sp. infection is very rare in children. Pancreatitis should be considered in patients with gastroenteritis with typical abdominal pain.
Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism following Knee Arthroscopy: Effectiveness of a Risk-Based Stratified Chemoprophylaxis Protocol
Authors: Reynolds Alan W. , Garay Mariano , Lynch Scott , Black Kevin P. , Gallo Robert A.
Published: September 2020

The incidence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been reported in up to 10.9% of patients undergoing knee arthroscopy without chemoprohylaxis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a chemoprophylaxis protocol in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy. A retrospective review of prospectively enrolled patients in a new institutional VTE prophylaxis protocol identified all patients undergoing knee arthroscopy during a 5-year period. This risk-based chemoprophylaxis protocol was instituted based on the Caprini model: patients at more than minimal risk were prescribed enoxaparin 40 mg daily for 3 weeks, while all others were instructed to take aspirin 325 mg twice daily. The primary outcome measure was incidence of VTE within 60 days postoperatively. Demographic characteristics and other risk factors for VTE were also recorded, as well as any postoperative complications. Among the 1,276 knee arthroscopies, there were 26 VTE events (2.0%), including 23 with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), two pulmonary emboli (PE), and one patient with both DVT and PE. There were no deaths or complications requiring hospitalization or reoperation. The VTE diagnosis occurred at, on average, 9 days postoperatively. Patients in the high-risk group treated with enoxaparin had a lower VTE incidence (1.49%) than those instructed to take aspirin (2.0%); p = 0.75. Those undergoing an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction had the highest VTE incidence (2.87%). This study found that a chemoprophylaxis protocol with preferential use of aspirin or low–molecular weight heparin based on risk factors reduced the VTE incidence below to 2.0%, which is lower than most historical controls.
In-hospital Mortality after Septic Revision TKA: Analysis of the New York and Florida State Inpatient Databases
Authors: Samuel Linsen T. , Sultan Assem A. , Zhou Guangjin , Navale Suparna , Kamath Atul F. , Klika Alison , Piuzzi Nicolas S. , Koroukian Siran M. , Higuera-Rueda Carlos A.
Published: September 2020

The aims of this study were to investigate (1) in-hospital mortality rates following septic revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA); (2) compare septic rTKA mortality rates between differing knee revision volume (KRV) hospitals; and (3) identify independent risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality after septic rTKA (up to 2-year follow-up). The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Databases of New York and Florida were used to identify septic rTKA, and control groups of aseptic rTKA and primary TKA between 2007 and 2012 via International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. Mortality was compared between septic rTKA and aseptic rTKA/primary TKA control groups. Hospital KRV was stratified, and independent risk factors of in-hospital mortality were identified and analyzed using unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses. In this study, 3,531 septic rTKA patients were identified; 105 (3%) patients suffered in-hospital mortality, compared with the control aseptic rTKA (n = 178; 1.7%; p < 0.0001) and primary TKA groups (n = 930; 0.6%; p < 0.0001). Being an octogenarian (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.361; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.514–3.683; p < 0.0002) and having a medium- or high-Elixhauser comorbidity score was associated with in-hospital mortality (AOR: 2.073; 95% CI: 1.334–3.223; p = 0.0012, and AOR: 4.127; 95% CI: 2.268–7.512, p < 0.0001). There were no significant in-hospital mortality rate differences in high- versus medium- versus low-KRV hospitals (1.9 vs. 3.6 vs. 2.9%, respectively, p = 0.0558). Age >81 years and higher comorbidity burden were found to contribute to increased risk of 2-year postoperative mortality after septic rTKA. This association could not be established for hospital KRV.
The Role of PON1 Variants in Disease Susceptibility in a Turkish Population
Authors: Abudayyak Mahmoud , Boran Tuğçe , Tukel Rumeysa , Oztas Ezgi , Özhan Gül
Published: September 2020

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) enzyme plays a major role in antioxidant defense and protects the cells against reactive species. The most common PON1 Q192R and L55M polymorphisms are responsible for a wide variation of PON1 activity, which showed an up to 13-fold interindividual variation among the same genotype. PON1 genotypes were evaluated with the development of pancreatitis, colorectal cancer, and hypothyroidism in a hospital-based, case-control study. Individuals with rs662 G allele had a two-fold risk of developing hypothyroidism. A weak association was found between rs854560 T allele and pancreatitis. The results were preliminary. Further studies with a larger number and detailed biochemical parameters are needed.
Improved Component Placement Accuracy with Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Mahoney Ormonde , Kinsey Tracey , Sodhi Nipun , Mont Michael A. , Chen Antonia F. , Orozco Fabio , Hozack William
Published: September 2020

Component position of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been shown to influence prosthetic survivorships and clinical outcomes. Our objective was to compare the three-dimensional accuracy to plan of robotic-arm assisted TKA (RATKA) with conventional TKA for component position. We conducted a nonrandomized, prospective study comparing 143 RATKA with 86 conventional TKA operated at four U.S. centers between July 2016 and October 2018. Computed tomography (CT) scans obtained approximately 6 weeks postoperatively were analyzed using anatomical landmarks. Absolute deviation from surgical plans were defined as the absolute value of the difference between the CT measurements and surgeons' femoral and tibial component mechanical varus/valgus alignment, tibial component posterior slope, and femoral component internal/external rotation. Differences of absolute deviations were tested using stratified Wilcoxon's tests that controlled for study center. Patient-reported outcome measures collected through 1 postoperative year were modeled using multiple regression controlling for age, sex, body mass index, study center, and the preoperative score. RATKA demonstrated greater accuracy for tibial component alignment (median [25th, 75th percentiles] absolute deviation from plan of all centers combined for conventional vs. RA, 1.7 [0.9, 2.9] vs. 0.9 [0.4, 1.9] degrees, p < 0.001), femoral component rotation (1.5 [0.9, 2.5] vs. 1.3 [0.6, 2.5] degrees, p = 0.015), and tibial slope (2.9 [1.5, 5.0] vs. 1.1 [0.6, 2.0] degrees, p < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, RATKA showed significantly greater Veterans RAND 12-item health survey (VR-12) physical component scores (adjusted mean difference [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 2.4 [0.2, 4.5] points, p = 0.034) and qualitatively greater Knee Society (KS) composite functional scores (3.5 [−1.3, 8.2] points, p = 0.159), though not statistically significant. Compared with conventional instrumentation, RATKA demonstrated greater three-dimensional accuracy to plan for various component positioning parameters and clinical improvements in physical status and function with no major safety concerns during the first postoperative year. These results may be attributed to the preoperative CT scan planning, real-time intraoperative feedback, and stereotactic-guided cutting that takes into consideration patient-specific bony anatomy. These findings support the use of RATKA for enhanced arthroplasty outcomes.
From Anti-EBV Immune Responses to the EBV Diseasome via Cross-reactivity
Authors: Kanduc Darja , Shoenfeld Yehuda
Published: September 2020

Sequence analyses highlight a massive peptide sharing between immunoreactive Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) epitopes and human proteins that—when mutated, deficient or improperly functioning—associate with tumorigenesis, diabetes, lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and immunodeficiencies, among others. Peptide commonality appears to be the molecular platform capable of linking EBV infection to the vast EBV-associated diseasome via cross-reactivity and questions the hypothesis of the “negative selection” of self-reactive lymphocytes. Of utmost importance, this study warns that using entire antigens in anti-EBV immunotherapies can associate with autoimmune manifestations and further supports the concept of peptide uniqueness for designing safe and effective anti-EBV immunotherapies.
Intraductal Papillary Neoplasm of the Bile Ducts: Case Reports with Review of the Literature
Authors: Lingegowda Dayananda , Gehani Anisha , Mukhopadhyay Sumit , Midha Divya , Banerjee Sudeep , Gupta Bharat
Published: September 2020

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) is a rare variant of bile duct tumors, which is a counterpart of pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). These tumors need to be differentiated from other common bile duct tumors such as cholangiocarcinoma, as IPNB carries a better prognosis. A combination of enhancing intraluminal papillary filling defect, demonstrating washout and associated upstream and downstream biliary dilation, should raise the suspicion of IPNB.
Comparison of Canal Transportation and Centering Ability of ProGlider and WaveOne Gold Glider in Curved Canals
Authors: Miró Gabriela Behne , Tomazinho Flávia Sens Fagundes , Pelisser Edson , Borges Mariana Maciel Batista , Duarte Marco Antônio Hungaro , Vivan Rodrigo Ricci , Baratto-Filho Flares
Published: September 2020

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the volume variation and maintenance of the root canal position when using the ProGlider 16.02 (PG) and the WaveOne Gold Glider 15.02 (WOGG) file systems for glide path preparation.

Materials and Methods Twenty-four moderately curved mesiobuccal canals of maxil-lary first molars were selected and randomly divided into two groups: PG and WOGG. The selected teeth were scanned using microtomography before and after root canal preparation to assess centralization and linear transport at 1, 3, 5, and 7 mm from the apical foramen.

Statistical Analysis The data were analyzed with the Mann–Whitney U test. The level of significance was 5%.

Results There were no significant differences in volume variation or root canal transport (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference in the centralization of the root canal at 3 mm from the foramen (p < 0.05).

Conclusions WOGG and PG instruments presented similar results regarding the root canal volume increase and transport. WOGG caused higher decentralization at 3 mm from the apical foramen.
Giant Right Atrial Myxoma with Fulminant Progression in an Infant
Authors: Azapagasi Ebru , Uysal Yazici Mutlu , Ari Mehmet Emre , Karakaya Rabia Sedef , Cınar Hasibe Gökçe , Tasar Mehmet , Gucer Safak
Published: September 2020

Cardiac myxoma is rare in children. Myxomas are exceedingly rare in infancy. Right atrial myxomas were recorded in a small number of case reports involving infants worldwide. We report the case of a 2-month-old infant with giant right atrial myxoma. The case presented to our hospital with respiratory distress, and had pericardial and pleural effusion. Diagnosis of cardiac tumor was made with the aid of computerized tomography scan and echocardiogram. The tumor size was 3.1 × 3.4 × 3.9 cm. The patient worsened rapidly and had sudden cardiac arrest which did not respond to interventions. Postmortem cardiac autopsy confirmed the diagnosis of myxoma on gross examination and histology. This article aims to focus attention to the atypical size and location of this atrial myxoma, causing diagnostic difficulty in this infant.
Respiratory Carriage of Haemophilus influenzae Associated with Hib Vaccine in Jordanian Children
Authors: Abu Sailik Fadia M. , Badran Eman F. , Marrar Basma , Shehabi Asem A.
Published: September 2020

Objective Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is the most virulent serotype that colonizes the upper respiratory tract of children. After introducing Hib conjugate vaccine, Hib has become almost entirely replaced by nontypeable H. influenzae (NTHi) strains. This study investigated the incidence of NTHi, which may cause serious sporadic body infections.

Methods A total of 300 nasal and throat swab samples were obtained from children aged 6 to 60 months, who visited outpatient pediatric clinics of Jordan University Hospital and Al-Bashir Hospital, Amman, Jordan. Colonies resembling H. influenzae were tested by conventional laboratory tests including Gram staining and antibiotic susceptibility. The 16S rRNA and bexA (capsulation gene) were amplified from the extracted DNA. Swabs (n = 100) were delivered to the laboratory in transport media. After initial culture, DNA was extracted directly and tested by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) employing actin beta primers for assessing the housekeeping gene, followed by quantitative PCR (qPCR) against Hib-specific primers.

Results A total of 31/300 (10.33%) of H. influenzae isolates were recovered by culture and confirmed by PCR for 16S rRNA; 96.77% (30/31) were NTHi, and only one isolate was Hib. This isolate was confirmed by detection region II of the cap locus of Hib gene by qualitative TaqMan real-time qPCR. Antibiotic resistance among NTHi to ampicillin and erythromycin was 50.0 and 20.0%, respectively.

Conclusion The conjugated Hib vaccine almost eliminated the occurrence of Hib in the upper respiratory tract of the Jordanian children, while NTHi colonization was found in 10% of them.
The Role of Cadaver-Based Flap Course in Microsurgical Education and Practice Patterns of Attendees: A Survey Study
Authors: Azoury Saïd C. , Othman Sammy , Colen David L. , Broach Robyn B. , Lin Ines , Zenn Michael R. , Kovach Stephen J. , Levin L. Scott
Published: September 2020

Background In 2017, our institution initiated a cadaver laboratory-based course dedicated to teaching reconstructive microsurgery indications, preoperative planning, and flap dissection. The goals of this study are to describe the demographics and experience of participants/instructors and to evaluate the learning objectives and effectiveness of the course.

Methods Penn Flap Course (PFC) participants were sent an anonymous survey at the inaugural PFC 2017. Then, in 2019, both instructors and participants were sent a more comprehensive survey. Surveys included questions regarding demographics, training background, experiences in practice and/or training, and course evaluation.

Results At PFC 2017, participant response rate was 25% (12/44), and the primary reason for attending the course was to observe and learn from instructor dissections (66.7%). At PFC 2019, the response rate was 77.3% (17/22) for faculty and 73.0% (35/48) for participants. Both in 2017 and 2019, the vast majority of participants reported perceived improvement in understanding of flap dissection principles across all anatomic domains (94.3%–100%). In 2019, when asked about their background experience, the majority of participants reported comfort performing arterial and venous anastomosis without supervision (71%–77%) and being least comfortable with head and neck (H&N) microsurgery (mean comfort level: 5.2/10). Half of the participants (e.g., residents) find the presence of a microsurgery fellow at their institution useful to their educational experience. Instructors with additional fellowship training in microsurgery reported performing a higher volume of free flaps per week (7 vs. 2.3) and per year (94.2 vs. 27.8; p < 0.05 for both) and trend toward performing more H&N reconstruction (p = 0.057).

Conclusion Participants feel least comfortable with H&N microsurgical reconstruction. Surgical faculty with microsurgical fellowship training performs greater volume of microsurgical cases with a trend toward more H&N reconstruction. A cadaver/lecture-based flap course is an effective way to improve participants' perceived confidence and understanding of complex flap and microsurgical reconstructive procedures.