bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19: Changing Trends and Its Impact on Future of Dentistry
Authors: Bhanushali Parin , Katge Farhin , Deshpande Shantanu , Chimata Vamsi Krishna , Shetty Shilpa , Pradhan Debapriya
Published: May 2020

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rapidly escalated into a worldwide pandemic, creating a global health and economic crisis. It is a novel virus which is distinct from SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, with Chinese horseshoe bats being the most probable origin. Transmission occurs primarily through droplet spread or contact routes. Due to the characteristics of dental settings, the risk of cross infection between dental health care personnel (DHCP) and patients can be very high. This article provides a brief overview of the structure of the virus, modes of transmission, and clinical features of COVID-19 disease. The aim of this article is to recommend infection control strategies and patient management protocols to provide optimum dental care and simultaneously prevent nosocomial infection in dental settings.
A Study on Stable Regularized Moving Least-Squares Interpolation and Coupled with SPH Method
Authors: Jiang Hua , Chen Yunsai , Zheng Xing , Jin Shanqin , Ma Qingwei
Published: May 2020

The smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method has been popularly applied in various fields, including astrodynamics, thermodynamics, aerodynamics, and hydrodynamics. Generally, a high-precision interpolation is required to calculate the particle physical attributes and their derivatives for the boundary treatment and postproceeding in the SPH simulation. However, as a result of the truncation of kernel function support domain and irregular particle distribution, the interpolation using conventional SPH interpolation experiences low accuracy for the particles near the boundary and free surface. To overcome this drawback, stable regularized moving least-squares (SRMLS) method was introduced for interpolation in SPH. The surface fitting studies were performed with a variety of polyline bases, spatial resolutions, particle distributions, kernel functions, and support domain sizes. Numerical solutions were compared with the results using moving least-squares (MLS) and three SPH methods, including CSPH, K2SPH, and KGFSPH, and it was found that SRMLS not only has nonsingular moment matrix, but also obtains high-accuracy result. Finally, the capability of the algorithm coupled with SRMLS and SPH was illustrated and assessed through several numerical tests.
Experimental Study on Stability Analysis of a Structure during Excavation beneath This Structure
Authors: Miao Yichen , Liu Baoxian , Liu Changwu , Shu Zhile , Wu Haikuan
Published: May 2020

In order to create more underground space, it was important to investigate the impact of excavation on the preexisting building. In this paper, a scale model test was conducted to analyze the stability of the structure during excavation. The model consisted of underpinning piles preinstalled in clay, with a reinforced concrete building placed on underpinning piles. The strain and settlement of the structure were observed to reveal the time settlement of columns and the time strain of beams, columns, and piles during excavation. The results showed that the strain change of beams was small, and strain values of columns were getting higher. And underpinning piles had great strain variations. They were of great significance to underpinning design and engineering practice.
Risk of General Anesthesia in Pediatric Skin Procedures with Projection on Tumescent Anesthesia
Authors: Alajlan Abdulmajeed , Alhabeeb Bader M. , Alhazmi Ali M. , Alobaid Osama A. , Alharthi Ahmed A. , Al-Habib Nada I. , El-Malky Ahmed M.
Published: May 2020

Background. Uses of general anaesthesia in outpatient invasive procedures have increased, especially in dermatology. Being uncooperative, children often require general anaesthesia, since surgical skin operations are mostly painful. Aim. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety, significant adverse events, and the complication rates related to general anaesthesia, when used among pediatric population undergoing skin procedures. Methods. We conducted a first retrospective cohort study of patient chart review during the period from September 1, 2017 through September 2019. All patients admitted for pediatric skin procedures during this period have participated in our study. We reviewed selected charts to document any unexpected admissions, adverse events, or complications. Surgical outcomes and anaesthesia complications were reviewed by three anesthesiologists. We assessed inter-rater reliability. Results. A total of 211 procedures were reported for 211 patients with 19 diagnoses. No adverse events related to anaesthesia were recognized, apart from minor complications noticed in twelve patients. The kappa value range is between 0.78 and 1.00 (95% C.I., 0.46809 to 1.00). Conclusion. Dermatologist and pediatricians can safely do necessary procedures under general anaesthesia with the supervision of pediatric-trained anesthesiologists while considering other safety and risk precautions and the pediatric age group.
An Approach for Estimating Underground‐Goaf Boundaries Based on Combining DInSAR with a Graphical Method
Authors: Bu Pu , Li Chaokui , Liao Mengguang , Yang Wentao , Zhu Chuanguang , Fang Jun
Published: May 2020

The goaf left behind after mining has the potential to induce serious geological disasters due to the damaged internal structure of the rock. Estimating the boundary of the underground goaf can effectively control the occurrence of such disasters. However, traditional geophysical methods are inefficient and expensive and are particularly difficult to apply for a wide detection range. This paper proposes a new method for estimating the boundary of underground goaf using the differential interference synthetic aperture radar technique (DInSAR). More specifically, DInSAR is used to obtain the isoline of the subsidence basin above the goaf, and the direction of the two main sections of the goaf is then determined according to the basic law of mining subsidence. Following this, the basic principles of the probability integral and the graphical methods are combined to determine the mining boundary of the strike section and the incline section of the goaf. Finally, six geometric parameters reflecting the boundary of the goaf are obtained. Experiments on simulated and measured data indicate that the proposed method is feasible, with the average relative errors of the simulated and measured data reaching and maintained at 2.2% and 3.7%, respectively.
Adlay Seed (Coix lacryma-jobi L.) Extracts Exhibit a Prophylactic Effect on Diet‐Induced Metabolic Dysfunction and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice
Authors: Chiang Hao , Lu Hsu-Feng , Chen Jui-Chieh , Chen Yu-Hsin , Sun Hsi-Tai , Huang Hsiu-Chen , Tien Hsiao-Hsuan , Huang Cheng
Published: May 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common worldwide and closely associated with metabolic dysfunction. NAFLD leads to a higher risk of development of severe liver diseases, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To date, no pharmacotherapy targeting NAFLD has received general approval. Adlay is a plant that has been used as traditional herbal medicine in Asia and is a promising candidate to solve this global issue. We have established a mouse model of NAFLD by feeding a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks. Here, ethanolic or water extracts of adlay seed (ASE and ASW, respectively), mixed with HFD, were fed to the mice for 10 weeks. The ASE and ASW treatment ameliorated hyperglycemia and improved the glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in the HFD mice. Hyperlipidemia in HFD mice was prevented by the ASE and ASW diet. In addition, the ASE and ASW supplementation attenuated hepatic steatosis and inflammation, improved liver function, and caused no harm to the kidneys. Moreover, the mechanism of the effect of ASE and ASW on inhibiting hepatic lipogenesis and inducing fatty acid β‐oxidation was certified by the simulated human fatty liver cell model. Our study showed the regulatory potential of the extracts of adlay seeds for alleviating NAFLD, as well as related liver and metabolic diseases.
Research on the Complexity of Game Model about Recovery Pricing in Reverse Supply Chain considering Fairness Concerns
Authors: Li Ting , Yan Dongyun , Sui Shuxia
Published: May 2020

A reverse recycling supply chain consisting of two recyclers is established in this paper, which takes into account the fact that the recyclers will consider the issue of fair concern in pricing. The paper discusses the local stability of the Nash equilibrium point in this price game model showing that the fair concern factors will reduce the stable area of the system. The paper also discusses the impacts of the sensitivity of the recovery price and the price cross coefficient on the stable area of the system. Through the method of system simulation and use of some indicators, such as the singular attractor, bifurcation diagram, attraction domain, power spectrum, and maximum Lyapunov exponent, the characteristics of the system at different times will be illustrated.
Probability of Roadside Accidents for Curved Sections on Highways
Authors: Cheng Guozhu , Cheng Rui , Pei Yulong , Xu Liang
Published: May 2020

To predict the probability of roadside accidents for curved sections on highways, we chose eight risk factors that may contribute to the probability of roadside accidents to conduct simulation tests and collected a total of 12,800 data obtained from the PC-crash software. The chi-squared automatic interaction detection (CHAID) decision tree technique was employed to identify significant risk factors and explore the influence of different combinations of significant risk factors on roadside accidents according to the generated decision rules, so as to propose specific improved countermeasures as the reference for the revision of the Design Specification for Highway Alignment (JTG D20-2017) of China. Considering the effects of related interactions among different risk factors on roadside accidents, path analysis was applied to investigate the importance of the significant risk factors. The results showed that the significant risk factors were in decreasing order of importance, vehicle speed, horizontal curve radius, vehicle type, adhesion coefficient, hard shoulder width, and longitudinal slope. The first five important factors were chosen as predictors of the probability of roadside accidents in the Bayesian network analysis to establish the probability prediction model of roadside accidents. Eventually, the thresholds of the various factors for roadside accident blackspot identification were given according to probabilistic prediction results.
Pressure Overload Greatly Promotes Neonatal Right Ventricular Cardiomyocyte Proliferation: A New Model for the Study of Heart Regeneration
Authors: Ye Lincai , Wang Shoubao , Xiao Yingying , Jiang Chuan , Huang Yanhui , Chen Huiwen , Zhang Haibo , Zhang Hao , Liu Jinfen , Xu Zhuoming , Hong Haifa
Published: May 2020

Background

Current mammalian models for heart regeneration research are limited to neonatal apex amputation and myocardial infarction, both of which are controversial.
RNA
seq has demonstrated a very limited set of differentially expressed genes between sham and operated hearts in myocardial infarction models. Here, we investigated in rats whether pressure overload in the right ventricle, a common phenomenon in children with congenital heart disease, could be used as a better animal model for heart regeneration studies when considering cardiomyocyte proliferation as the most important index.

Methods and Results

In the rat model, pressure overload was induced by pulmonary artery banding on postnatal day 1 and confirmed by echocardiography and hemodynamic measurements at postnatal day 7.
RNA
sequencing analyses of purified right ventricular cardiomyocytes at postnatal day 7 from pulmonary artery banding and sham‐operated rats revealed that there were 5469 differentially expressed genes between these 2 groups. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that these genes mainly mediated mitosis and cell division. Cell proliferation assays indicated a continuous overproliferation of cardiomyocytes in the right ventricle after pulmonary artery banding, in particular for the first 3 postnatal days. We also validated the model using samples from overloaded right ventricles of human patients. There was an approximately 2‐fold increase of Ki67/
pHH
3/aurora B‐positive cardiomyocytes in human‐overloaded right ventricles compared with nonoverloaded right ventricles. Other features of this animal model included cardiomyocyte hypotrophy with no fibrosis.

Conclusions

Pressure overload profoundly promotes cardiomyocyte proliferation in the neonatal stage in both rats and human beings. This activates a regeneration‐specific gene program and may offer an alternative animal model for heart regeneration research.
Why Did Marx Declare the Revolution Permanent?
Authors: Lih Lars T.
Published: May 2020

Why did Marx declare the revolution permanent? A careful examination of the celebrated passages from March 1850 in their immediate rhetorical context shows that he intended to affirm the tactical principles laid down earlier in the Communist Manifesto – as opposed to standard ‘anti-stagist’ interpretations that present the Permanenz locution of 1850 as a break with these principles. Among such principles: keeping eyes firmly fixed on the prize – the permanent final goal of a complete overhaul of society – is essential to maintaining a proper perspective on history’s way-stations, that is, the necessary but subordinate revolutionary tasks and allies; and public declaration of the permanent goal is essential for preserving the independence of the workers’ movement and thus for carrying out the proletariat’s world-historical mission of creating a classless society.
“A Rare Pearl Passed from Hand to Hand”
Authors: Leezenberg Michiel
Published: May 2020

Pascale Casanova’s notion of the “world republic of letters” systematically transcends national boundaries, as well as the opposition between internalist structural analyses and externalist political reductions, arguing that individual works of literature acquire their meaning only against the background of this transnational literary field with its own, irreducibly literary forms of domination. Yet, I will argue, Casanova’s work is not yet sufficiently transnational and not sufficiently historicizing; specifically, it overlooks non-Western cosmopolitan traditions and premodern vernacularization processes. As a case study, I will discuss the vernacularization of Georgian, Kurdish, and Armenian within the Persianate cosmopolitan, and on the consecration of national epics in these three languages. These examples suggest an approach to the literary field that allows for greater geographical width and historical depth; it also invites us to look for more radical historical variability in the concept of literature itself.
Community integration and related factors among people with mental illness in Japan: Multiple regression analysis stratified by social isolation level
Authors: Shioda Ai , Yamauchi Keita
Published: May 2020

Backgroud and Aim:

Community integration is an essential for people with mental illness that affects their health and quality of life. The objective of this study is to find the factors useful in improving community integration of people with mental illness.

Methods:

The study method was self-reporting questionnaires for people with mental illness living in the community. The decision tree analysis revealed that people with mental illness into high or low social isolation level strata. Multiple regression analyses stratified by using two social isolation levels were conducted.

Results:

Common factors among the strata were living environment of formal care accessibility and daily life activity. Specific factors for social isolation low-level stratum were self-efficacy for coping with symptoms, self-efficacy for social relationships, healthy lifestyle habits, treatment, exchange daily life information with friends and family members. Specific factors for social isolation high-level stratum were self-efficacy for daily living, self-efficacy for treatment-related behavior and satisfaction with formal care. All specific factors were positively associated with community integration.

Conclusions:

The findings suggest the devising interventions to enhance community integration by social isolation level among people with mental illness.
‘We Teach Who We Are’: Contemplation, Reflective Practice and Spirituality in TESOL
Authors: Farrell Thomas S.C. , Baurain Bradley , Lewis Marilyn
Published: May 2020

For most of its history, the field of teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) has focussed much of its attention on teaching methods and curricula to the exclusion of the person who must deliver them. In this article we propose that TESOL recognize the inner lives of teachers through understanding their spirituality from the perspective of the teacher’s personal and professional being and becoming. We encourage teachers to reflect on the spiritual dimensions of practice and propose how these might interface with standard disciplinary knowledge to produce more integrated language teachers.
Memory improvement in multiple sclerosis after an extensive cognitive rehabilitation program in groups with a multicenter double-blind randomized trial
Authors: Brissart Helene , Omorou Abdou Y , Forthoffer Natacha , Berger Eric , Moreau Thibault , De Seze Jerome , Morele Elodie , Debouverie Marc
Published: May 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of an extended cognitive rehabilitation program in group’s sessions in multiple sclerosis.

Design:

Double-blind multicenter randomized trial.

Participants:

People with multiple sclerosis of 18 to 60 years, Expanded Disability Status Scale ⩽6.0, mild to moderate cognitive impairment.

Interventions:

They were randomized into cognitive rehabilitation program (ProCog-SEP) or in a placebo program. ProCog-SEP comprises 13 group’s sessions over 6 months and includes psychoeducational advices and cognitive exercises. Placebo program included non-cognitive exercises. No strategy and no cognitive advice were provided.

Main measures:

The primary endpoint was the percentage of verbal memory learning measured by the Selective Reminding Test. A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment is carried out before and after interventions by a neuropsychologist blinded to intervention. Effectiveness of the ProCog-SEP versus Placebo has been verified using linear regression models.

Results:

In total, 128 participants were randomized and 110 were included in the study after planning session in groups; 101 completed this trial (77.2% females); mean age: 46.1 years (±9.6); disease duration: 11.8 years (±7.5). ProCog-SEP was more effective in increasing in learning index (9.21 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.43, 16.99); p = 0.02) and in working memory on manipulation (0.63 (95% CI: 0.17, 1.09); p = 0.01), and updating capacities (–1.1 (95% CI: –2.13, –0.06); p = 0.04). No difference was observed for other neuropsychological outcomes. Regarding quality of life outcomes, no change was observed between the two groups.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that ProCog-SEP could improve verbal learning abilities and working memory in people with multiple sclerosis. These improvements were observed with 13 group sessions over 6 months.
Factor Structure of the Differential Ability Scales–Second Edition Core Subtests: Standardization Sample Confirmatory Factor Analyses
Authors: Canivez Gary L. , McGill Ryan J. , Dombrowski Stefan C.
Published: May 2020

The present study examined the factor structure of the Differential Ability Scales–Second Edition (DAS-II) core subtests from the standardization sample via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using methods (bifactor modeling and variance partitioning) and procedures (robust model estimation due to nonnormal subtest score distributions) recommended but not included in the DAS-II Introductory and Technical Handbook. CFAs were conducted with the three DAS-II standardization sample age groups (lower early years [age = 2:6–3:5 years], upper early years [age = 3:6–6:11 years], school age [7:0–17:11 years]) using standardization sample raw data provided by NCS Pearson, Inc. Although most DAS-II core subtests were properly associated with the theoretically proposed group factors, both the higher order and bifactor models indicated that the g factor accounted for large portions of total and common variance, whereas the group factors (Verbal, Nonverbal, Spatial) accounted for small portions of total and common variance. The DAS-II core battery provides strong measurement of general intelligence, and clinical interpretation should be primarily, if not exclusively, at that level.
Linguistic Predictors of Single-Word Spelling in First-Grade Students With Speech and/or Language Impairments
Authors: Werfel Krystal L. , Al Otaiba Stephanie , Kim Young-Suk , Wanzek Jeanne
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study was (a) to compare the single-word spelling performance of first graders across four groups that varied by speech and language status; and (b) to determine the linguistic predictors of first-grade spelling for children with speech and/or language impairment compared to children with typical development. First-grade children ( N = 529) completed measures of spelling, early word reading, expressive vocabulary, phonological awareness, and morphosyntactic knowledge. Children with language impairment, with or without speech impairments, demonstrated lower spelling performance than children with typical development; children with speech impairment only did not differ from children with typical development. In addition, early word reading and phonological awareness predicted spelling performance, regardless of group. Study findings indicate that language status, but not speech status, is a risk factor for low spelling performance in first grade, and that first-grade spelling instruction should focus on developing early word reading and phonological awareness.
A Systematic Review of the Ethics of Punishment-Based Procedures for Young Children With Disabilities
Authors: Pokorski Elizabeth A. , Barton Erin E.
Published: May 2020

Punishment-based procedures are used to reduce challenging behavior in both special education and applied behavior analytic practices. Although commonly effective, these interventions are associated with an increased level of risk, making their use controversial. However, no research has specifically analyzed the extent to which researchers comply with the ethical standards of the professional organizations for special educators and behavior analysts (i.e., Council for Exceptional Children [CEC] and the Behavior Analyst Certification Board [BACB], respectively) when implementing punishment-based procedures. This might be especially important for young children with disabilities, who are a highly vulnerable population. We systematically analyzed the use of punishment-based procedures with this population to determine (a) characteristics of included children and treatments and (b) the degree to which researchers adhered to ethical standards during implementation. Results indicated a variety of punishment-based procedures have been used with this population and have generally resulted in decreased challenging behavior; these results were demonstrated across age, diagnosis, target behavior, and treatment type. However, researchers demonstrated minimal adherence to ethical standards, with no improvements over time. This indicates a need for improved ethical rigor of researchers implementing punishment-based interventions. Recommendations include (a) the creation and validation of an ethics code to assess the degree to which researchers demonstrate ethical practices, and (b) the development of tools to help practitioners recognize the ethical implications of punishment-based interventions and choose/implement appropriate interventions for behavioral interventions.
The Influence of Behavior on Performance Within a Word-Problem Intervention for Students With Mathematics Difficulty
Authors: Benz Sarah A. , Powell Sarah R.
Published: May 2020

Some elementary students may exhibit challenging externalizing or internalizing behaviors in addition to difficulty with mathematics. In this study, we explored the behavioral patterns of 441 third-grade students with and without mathematics difficulty (MD). Compared with students without MD, students with MD demonstrated higher rates of externalizing and internalizing behaviors. We then randomly assigned 162 third-grade students with MD to receive a 10-week word-problem intervention or to be in a business-as-usual comparison group. Within the word-problem intervention, students with MD who exhibited higher occurrences of externalizing behaviors performed significantly lower on a word-problem measure than students without as many occurrences of externalizing behaviors. Response to the word-problem intervention did not differ based on internalizing behavior patterns.
Synthesis, characterization, and their some chemical and biological properties of PVA/PAA/nPS hydrogel nanocomposites: Hydrogel and wound dressing
Authors: Diken Mehmet Emin , Kizilduman Berna Koçer , Yilmaz Kardaş Begümhan , Doğan Enes Emre , Doğan Mehmet , Turhan Yasemin , Doğan Serap
Published: May 2020

The nanocomposite hydrogels were prepared by dispersing of the nanopomegranate seed particles into poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid) blend matrix in an aqueous medium by the solvent casting method. These hydrogels were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, differential scanning calorimetry, and optical contact angle instruments. The nanopomegranate seed, blend, and hydrogel nanocomposites were tested for microbial activity. In addition, cytocompatibilities of these blend and hydrogel nanocomposites/composites were tested on human lymphocyte with in vitro MTS cell viability assays. Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed that esterification reaction took place among functional groups in the structure of poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(acrylic acid). The hydrophilic properties of all hydrogels decreased with increasing nanopomegranate seed content. The mean diameters of the nanopomegranate seed particles were about 88 nm. Nanopomegranate seed particles demonstrated antibacterial properties against gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, and gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli. The lymphocyte viabilities increased after addition of nanopomegranate seeds into the polymer blend. The swelling behavior of blend and hydrogels was dependent on the cross-linking density created by the reaction between poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid) blend and nanopomegranate seed. Scanning electron microscopy images were highly consistent with Fourier transform infrared spectra, differential scanning calorimetry, and antibacterial activity results.
Influence of the scale reduction in designing sockets for trans-tibial amputees
Authors: Dakhil Nawfal , Tarrade Tristan , Behr Michel , Mo Fuhao , Evin Morgane , Thefenne Laurent , Liu Tang , Llari Maxime
Published: May 2020

The development of artificial prosthetic lower limbs aims to improve patient’s mobility while avoiding secondary problems resulting from the use of the prostheses themselves. The residual limb is a pressure-sensitive area where skin injuries and pain are more likely to develop. Requirements for adequate prosthetic limbs have now become urgent to improve amputee’s quality of life. This study aims to understand how socket design parameters related to geometry can influence pressure distribution in the residual limb. A finite element model was developed to simulate the mechanical loading applied on the residual limb of a below-knee amputee while walking. A sensitivity analysis to socket initial geometry, scaling the socket downward in the horizontal plane, was performed. Recordings include stress levels on the skin and in the residual limb deep soft tissues. Peak stress was reduced by up to 51% with a limited reduction of the socket size. More important scale reduction of the residual limb would lead to possible negative effects, such as stress concentrations in sensitive areas. This result confirms the interest of the prosthetist to develop a well-fitting socket, possibly a little smaller than the residual limb itself, in order to avoid residual limb mobility in the socket that could cause friction and stress concentrations. Non-homogeneous geometrical reductions of the socket should be further investigated.
Investigation of wind and sound field characteristics of multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Cao Huiru , Cheng Haixiu , Zhu Wenjian
Published: May 2020

Wind field and sound field characteristics are the key indexes for unmanned aerial vehicle. Therefore, in this study, the wind field and sound field characteristics of a quad-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle are investigated. First, the experimental platform was set up based on quad-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle. Second, the experiments were performed on the wind field and the sound field characteristics of the unmanned aerial vehicle at different working currents. Then, the experiment results were analysed. Meanwhile, the experimental results showed that the working current has a large impact on the wind field and the wind intensity increases as working current increases; as the working current increases, the sound field is enhanced and a linear relationship exists; within a certain distance range of the unmanned aerial vehicle, as distance increases, sound intensity dramatically decreases. The presented methods and results can not only be used to evaluate the performance of the electric multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle but also provide references for the further improvement of the performance of the unmanned aerial vehicle.
Guidelines for Complementary Feeding of Infants in the Asia Pacific Region: APACPH Public Health Nutrition Group
Authors: Binns Colin , Lee Mi Kyung , Yun Low Wah , Baker Philip , Bulgiba Awang , Dahlui Maznah , Thuy Duong Doan Thi , Guldan Georgia , Hairi Noran , Hokama Tomiko , Kagawa Masaharu , Karunathilake Indika , Abdul Majid Hazreen , Maycock Bruce , Nanishi Keiko , Qiu Liqian , Raheem Raheema Abdul , Scott Jane , Tang Li
Published: May 2020

Good nutrition in the first “1000 days,” including breastfeeding and appropriate complementary foods, prepares for a healthy childhood and adult life, also contributes to the prevention of the double burden of malnutrition. Exclusive breastfeeding provides all required nutrients until an infant is around 6 months of age when complementary foods are needed. A literature review was undertaken of complementary foods in the Asia Pacific region. The foods being used at present are often of low nutrient density may provide insufficient amounts of some critical nutrients, and generally the variety is limited. Guidelines for complementary feeding are provided to assist in education and in public health planning.
Influence of a delamination on Lamb wave excitation by a nearby piezoelectric transducer
Authors: Shpak Alisa N , Golub Mikhail V , Mueller Inka , Eremin Artem , Kathol Jens , Fritzen Claus-Peter
Published: May 2020

This article presents the results of theoretical and experimental investigations of characteristic changes of Lamb wave excitation and scattering by a strip-like horizontal delamination in a layered elastic waveguide for Lamb waves induced by a piezoelectric wafer active sensor. The boundary integral equation method is used to describe wave propagation in an infinite layered waveguide with a delamination, while the frequency domain spectral element method is employed to model the dynamic behaviour of the piezoelectric wafer active sensor, which allows to simulate debonding between the piezoelectric wafer active sensor and the waveguide. Experimental investigations of the dynamic interaction of the piezoelectric wafer active sensor with a layered plate containing a horizontal delamination is conducted for several damage scenarios, showing a good agreement with the results obtained using the developed mathematical model. The obtained mathematical model is employed to analyse alteration of the piezo-induced Lamb waves including modes’ decomposition due to delamination. The conversion and/or conservation of the Lamb waves on account of a delamination is investigated. The electro-mechanical impedance of the piezoelectric transducer and the stress intensity factors of a delamination are analysed in dependence on the delamination location.
A non-contacting system for rail neutral temperature and stress measurements: Concept development
Authors: Knopf Katelyn , Rizos Dimitris C , Qian Yu , Sutton Michael
Published: May 2020

Continuous welded rail has become the standard in modern railway track construction around the world because it alleviates well-documented disadvantages of rail joints in a track. Continuous welded rail practice results in long segments of continuous rail in track that will develop significant thermal longitudinal stresses due to the absence of expansion joints. Before a continuous welded rail is laid, the rail is free of thermal stresses; the temperature at that time is known as the rail neutral temperature. The design rail neutral temperature is calculated based on local climate projections. As a continuous welded rail is laid, it may be stretched or compressed if the current temperature is not within the calculated design rail neutral temperature range, prior to anchoring the rail down. Upon anchoring, as temperatures deviate from the rail neutral temperature, significant tensile or compressive longitudinal stresses develop, leading to a track buckling or rail pull-apart that compromise the integrity of the track and the safety of train operation. Existing methods to estimate the rail neutral temperature and determine the state of stress in the rail have significant shortcomings related to the ease of implementation, system complexity, practicality, reliability, simplicity, cost, and instrumentation demands. We propose a novel concept for measuring stress in rail segments and determining the rail neutral temperature. The proposed method is based on measurements of nonuniform deformations of the rail under thermal loading, as observed in computer simulations and laboratory investigations. The implementation uses thermal imaging and three-dimensional stereo-digital image correlation technology to acquire full-field deformations. The acquired data are processed to estimate rail neutral temperature and quantify the longitudinal stress in the rail. This article presents the analytical and experimental work that led to the conception of the method and introduces the systematic approach to develop the method along with verification and validation studies.
The history of proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin-9 inhibitors and their role in the treatment of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Kim Eun Ji , Wierzbicki Anthony S.
Published: May 2020

A consensus has formed based on epidemiological studies and clinical trials that intervention to reduce low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) will reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. This has progressively reduced the thresholds for intervention and targets for treatment. Whist statins are sufficient for many people in primary prevention, they only partially achieve the newer targets of secondary prevention for established CVD. Increasing use of statins has highlighted that 1–2% cannot tolerate these drugs. Other cholesterol-lowering drugs such as ezetimibe add to the benefits of statins but have limited efficacy. The discovery of activating mutations in proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin-9 (PCSK9) as a cause of familial hypercholesterolaemia while inactivating mutations lower LDL-C led to the idea to develop PCSK9 inhibitors as drugs. This article reviews the history of lipid-lowering therapies, the discovery of PCSK9 and the development of PCSK9 inhibitors. It reviews the key trials of the current antibody-based drugs and how these have influenced new guidelines. It also reviews the controversy caused by their cost and the increasing application of health economics to determine the optimum strategy for implementation of novel therapeutic pathways and surveys other options for targeting PCSK9 as well as other LDL-C lowering compounds in late development.
SCREW FIXATION OF MEDIAL EPICONDYLE OF HUMERUS USING THE WIDE-AWAKE TECHNIQUE
Authors: Amiruddin AS , Ahmad AA , Ahmad AR
Published: May 2020

Avulsion fracture of medial epicondyle fractures accounted for 30.77% of elbow fractures. Fixation is needed when the fragment displaced significantly. These cases were usually done under general anaesthesia / regional anaesthesia. We describe a novel technique of using WALANT to proceed with this surgery.

Methods:

A combination of lignocaine, 1:100000 epinephrine and 10:1 sodium bicarbonate with a safe limit of 7mg/kg for lignocaine and epinephrine is used. The operation was done with continuous visual analog score and vital signs monitoring until postoperatively. Range of motion and blood loss was monitored post fixation intraoperatively. In every patients who undergo an operation under WALANT technique, we will provide , IV Dynastat 40mg BD x 1/7, T Celebrex 200mg BD and T PCM 1g PRN x 1/52.

Discussion:

The limitation faced during the procedure is that, the local anaesthesia cannot reach the second cortex of the humerus. The problem arises when the drill bit touches the second cortex of the bone which will cause pain to the patient. To remedy this, we injected 5ml of the solution to the expected trajectory of the screw at the far cortex. However, the procedure does not need to go through second cortex of the bone, so this limitation is manageable.

Results:

Patient’s pain score remain 0-2 after administration of solution, throughout the surgery and postoperatively. Estimated blood loss was 80cc and range of motion was full post fixation intraoperatively.

Conclusion:

Screw fix medial epicondyle under WALANT is a good alternative for patients with multiple comorbids and high risk for surgery to be done under general anaesthesia. Patient remain comfortable throughout the procedure and post operatively. Range of motion can be assessed post fixation intaraoperatively thus allow light exercise post operatively which is good to prevent elbow stiffness.

References:

Ahmad AA., Yi LM., Ahmad AR Plating of Distal Radius Fracture Using the Wide-Awake Anesthesia Technique. Journal of Hand Surgery. (2018) 43 (11) , pp 1045. el- 1045.e5 -1045.e5
Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Injuries at the Yongmoodo National Championship Kasad Cup at Kodam IX/Udayana Bali in 2018
Authors: Caitanya Ida Bagus Anom Krishna
Published: May 2020

Background:

Yongmoodo is one of a branch martial arts originating from South Korea by combining several types of martial arts. Technique in Yongmoodo are combination of punches, kicks and slamming. Yongmoodo has been applied in Indonesia since 2008. Yongmoodo was originally applied as a mandatory martial arts for the military.

Objectives:

To determine the epidemiology of musculoskeletal injury in Yongmoodo athletes in the Kasad Cup at Kodam IX/Udayana Bali in 2018.

Methods:

This research was a descriptive study with a cross sectional approach. Data collection was done by observation and medical record of inpatients in 2018. Sampling was done by incidental sampling. The inclusion criteria used were the Yongmoodo athlete who had a musculoskeletal injury and was hospitalized. This study measurement uses proportion.

Results:

From inpatient medical record and observations, there were 13 data records that fulfilled the inclusion criteria while the other 2 data were not included in the inclusion criteria because they did not had musculoskeletal injuries. Data are categorized by sex, military rank, type of injury, region and treatment. Based on gender, the proportion of men was 85.7%. Based on military rank, the proportion of each is 50% for enlisted and non-commissioned officers. Based on the type of injury, the proportion of athletes who have a fracture is 85.7%. Based on the region, the proportion of injuries to the upper limb is 71.4%. Based on the treatment, the proportion of treatment conservatively is 57.1%

Discussion:

Epidemiology of fractures in Yongmoodo were 2.3%. Karate 7%, Taekwondo 9.9% and Kung Fu 0.9%. The fracture rate on Yongmoodo is quite high and more common in the upper extremities. Yongmoodo is prone to fractures because the techniques used are punches, kicks, slamming. Future advice is to conduct research with an analytical method to find the cause of fracture susceptibility in Yongmoodo.
Open Reduction with Internal Fixation (ORIF) versus Hybrid Circular External Fixator (HCEF) as the Treatment of Choice for Bicondylar Tibial Plateau Fractures : A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Susila I Made Arya , Savio Sherly Desnita , Dharmayuda Cokorda Gde Oka
Published: May 2020

Bicondylar Tibial Plateu Fractures (BTPF) present a challenge in management due to the involvement of articular surface, resulting in high complication rate. This study aims to compare two treatments, Open Reduction with Internal Fixation (ORIF) and Hybrid Circular External Fixation (HCEF) as the choice of surgical procedure for BTPF that still controversial until now.

Discussion:

BTPF is a complex and challenging injury associated with severe bone and soft tissue damage which may result in severe morbidity and chronic complications. The minimally invasive procedure offered by HCEF preserves soft tissue and offers lower rate of deep infection. Furthermore, HCEF should be more considered as the treatment of choice for BTPF due to its shorter hospital LoS which may minimalize nosocomial infection risks and costs.

Materials and Methods:

A systematic review using Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Google Scholar was conducted based on PRISMA guideline. Inclusion criteria were studies comparing HCEF and ORIF of BTPF. Studies of only one surgical technique modality, Schatzker types I-IV Tibial Plateu Fractures, and case reports were excluded, resulting in six included studies. For the meta-analysis of hospital length of stay (LoS), random effect model was used for continuous outcomes using Review Manager 5.3.

Results:

Most common complications are nerve injuries, infection, and non/delayed union. Blood loss was higher in ORIF group, while both procedures have similar operation time and functional outcome. The mean hospital LoS for ORIF (n = 60) was 18.45, as for HCEF (n =63) was 8.325. There was significant difference in terms of hospital LoS between ORIF and HCEF (P =0.003).

Conclusion:

ORIF and HCEF carry similar operation time, functional outcome, union rate, and complication, though HCEF is more beneficial in terms of blood loss and hospital LoS.
Plate on Plate Osteosynthesis : A Novel Method For Periplate Fracture Fixation
Authors: Singh Jagjoth , Razak Kamarul Arifin Abdul , Dass Terence Michal , Liang Tan Weng , Nadeson Yogeshwarran , Kaur Karenjit
Published: May 2020

Periplate fractures may occur after plate fixation, especially in osteoporotic and non-united bones. We present a case of locking plate fixation over an existing plate for such fractures.

Case Presentation:

58 years old man slipped and fell in sitting position 8 months post left distal femur LCP. He sustained pain and swelling of the left hip. The left thigh was externally rotated and shorter than the normal side. X-rays revealed a periplate fracture extending to the subtrochanteric region. A reverse right distal femur LCP was planned. A minimally invasive approach was used. Proximal screws were removed from the original plate and new screws were inserted through both plates which were of similar material, Titanium.

Discussion:

Elderly population makes a large subgroup of the cases due to osteoporosis and rigidity of the LCP construct2. This fixation provides a simple method to reduce surgical time, bleeding, and preserving more blood supply to enhance fracture healing, as opposed to using nails supplemented with cerclage/cable wires. Care should be taken to use the pre-existing screw holes in the overlapping segment of the two plates, as well as similar plate materials to avoid stress risers and reduce corrosion1.

Conclusion:

Plate on plate osteosynthesis is a novel method that may prove valuable due to the increasing population age and unique types of fractures. Further research is needed to determine any complications related to this type of fixation.

References:

Georgios Arealis et. al Plate On Plate Osteosynthesis For The Treatment Of Non Healed Periplate Fractures, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, Volume 2014, Article 367490 S. Ruchholtz, et al., “Less invasive polyaxial locking plate fixation in periprosthetic and peri-implant fractures of the femur—a prospective study of 41 patients,” Injury, vol. 44, no. 2, pp. 239–248, 2013
Primary Repair for Injury of Medial Collateral Ligament During Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Jin Cheng , Zhao Jia-yi , Seon Jong-Keun , Santoso Asep
Published: May 2020

This study, we aim to determine whether intraoperative over-release of MCL that is treated with primary repair can achieve satisfactory clinical results when compared to those who did not have over-release of MCL. At the same time, we seek to look into the difference between two methods of primary repair (anchor suture and staple) in terms of clinical outcomes.

Purposes:

We determined whether, after TKA, patients with CIA versus patients with CACB demonstrated (1) decreased pain scores (2) greater ambulatory ability postoperatively (3) decreased daily opioid consumption and hospital length of stay

Methods:

3897 TKAs were performed from year 2003-2014. Sixty-five patients with MCL injury due to over-release during TKA who were repaired with suture anchor or staple (suture anchor: 36 vs. staple: 29) were studied whereas matched group of 65 patients without MCL injury were selected and served as the control group. Subjective feeling of instability and functional score were assessed using Knee Society Score (KSS) and Western Ontario & McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Objective stability was evaluated through measurement of opening angles in extension and 30° of knee flexion on valgus stress radiographs. The clinical and stability results of repair between the suture anchor and staple were compared.

Results:

The KSS and WOMAC scores in patients with primary repair of MCL during TKA from 50.6±14.8 to 87.3±8.3 and 65.9±16.3 to 17.7±8.3, respectively. However, there were neither statistical nor clinical significant difference when comparing between the group with primary repair and the control group. Radiographic stability also showed no differences between repair and control groups in extension and 30° of flexion (p= .63 and p= .37). Regarding the subgroups, There were no significant differences between the suture anchor and staple in terms of the stability and clinical outcomes

Conclusion:

Primary repair either with suture anchor or with staple for injury of the MCL in varus gonarthrosis during TKA provides a good stability and clinical outcomes as those of result with no MCL injury.