bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-pyrolysis Characteristics of Torrefied Coconut Shell and Coal
Authors: Zheng Zhilei , Zhou Xin , Wang Siqiong , Li Qingchun , Wang Yunfei
Published: July 2020

The co-pyrolysis of torrefied coconut shell (TCS) and Shenhua coal (SHC) was performed using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The pyrolysis and interaction characteristics of the raw feed materials (TCS and SHC) along with selected mass blend ratios were investigated. Compared to pyrolysis alone, the blend ( Blend1-2 and Blend2-1) have one more maximum weight loss rate peaks. Initial decomposition temperature and maximum weight loss rate temperature gradually increase with increasing heating rate. There are two kinds of interaction was observed: physical and chemical interactions. Both the heating rate and the blending ratio have influence on the interaction. There is no chemical interaction at 3°C/min heating rate, and the physical dominates the interaction progress. At a heating rate of 3oC/min, both interactions exist, and the physical process dominates the progress of the interaction. The higher the mass ratio of TCS in the blend, the more significant the physical interaction.
Effect of particle size, transparency and light intensity on the color of powder
Authors: Li Zheng , Gan Weirong , He Xinhai , Lu Huiping , Zhang Yaofang
Published: July 2020

In daily life, the color of matter will change in some cases. This paper mainly studies the factors that affect the color of powder. The effects of grinding particle size, transparency of grinding material and solvent medium on the colour of powder were investigated. The innovation of this paper lies in the quantitative measurement and analysis of the color of grinding powder by the method of measuring the wavelength and the light intensity with spectrometer.
An Analysis of the Impact on the Electricity Market of Fully Liberalizing the Power Generation and Utilization Plans for Operating Power Users
Authors: Yang Jianhua , Liu Dunnan , Bai Shunming , Li Pengfei , Dong Zhixin
Published: July 2020

In June 2019, the National Development and Reform Commission announced the “Notice on the Requirements for fully liberalizing the power generation and utilization plans for operating power users”, which means that the electricity generation plan for operational electricity users will be fully liberalized, except for residents and public utilities, other power users can participate in market-oriented power transactions. Therefore, it is urgent to study the impact of the introduction of policies on electricity market operations and electricity market transactions. First of all, this paper studies the process of opening up the electricity generation and utilization plans of foreign power users. Then, the impact of the policy on the electricity market is analyzed from the dimensions of market transaction size, market transaction entities, and market operation supervision. Finally, we analyzed the impact of the policy on the electricity market trading system from trading and management perspective.
Study on surface modification of attapulgite
Authors: XiangLi  , RuiYang  , Wang Detang , GanLi
Published: July 2020

In this study, the surface modification of attapulgite was studied. Firstly, the experiment of acid roasting was carried out. The morphology and composition of attapulgite before and after modification were systematically studied by means of SEM, TEM and FTIR. The results showed that the optimal experimental conditions for modification were hydrochloric acid acidification, the concentration was 1 M, the acidification time was 4 h, and the temperature was 75 °C.The thermal activation conditions were determined to be 420 °C roast for 2 h. Attapulgite was successfully modified, and its specific surface area ratio increased greatly, from 144.29 m2g−1 to 187.87 m2g−1. In this study, the attapulgite with high specific surface area prepared is of great significance for the further use of attapulgite with high added value.
Synthesis and performance of soybean oil derived amide inhibitor
Authors: Zeng Weiguo , Jia Haomin , Xu Dongxiao , Wang Hongmei , Wang Hao , Li Xiaorong
Published: July 2020

In this paper, vegetable oil-derived amide corrosion inhibitor (SDLTF) was synthesized using soybean oil, diethylenetriamine and formaldehyde as raw materials. The effect of temperature and the amount of corrosion inhibitor on the corrosion inhibition effect was investigated by weightlessness test, and the inhibition performance, adsorption behavior and mechanism of SDLTF on A13 steel in 5% hydrochloric acid were studied by adsorption model and thermodynamic parameters. The results show that when the amount of corrosion inhibitor is 50mg / L, the corrosion inhibition efficiency is the highest, which can reach 91.20%. By simulating the isothermal curve, it was found that SDLTF conforms to the law of Langmuir isotherm adsorption.
Promoting effects of corn straw and exceed sludge as carbon sources on denitrification of constructed wetlands
Authors: Chunjian LYU , Song Yonghui , Gao Hongjie , Yao Chuanying , Lu Jinxia , Li Xiaojie
Published: July 2020

As the low C/N ratio of effluent from wastewater treatment plant, the advanced treatment of constructed wetlands (CWs) on the effluent is often unsatisfactory, especially for the removal of N. In order to increase the N removal efficiency, this paper tested three kinds of carbon sources acid and alkali treated straw, alkali treated straw and exceed sludge for promoting the denitrification of CWs. The results showed that alkali treated straw performed the strongest carbon release ability (0.43mg?g-1?h-1) and the maximum C/N ratio (27.3). While acid and alkali treated straw’s carbon release ability and C/N ratio were 0.37 mg?g-1?h-1 and 12.8, exceed sludge’s carbon release ability and C/N ratio were 0.37 mg?g-1?h-1 and 8.4. In order to improve the C/N ratio in CWs to 5/1, 450g alkali treated straw and exceed sludge were added into tide flow wetlands (TFCWs) and subsurface flow wetlands (SSFWs) respectively to test the improvement of denitrification. Compared with the control groups, the N removal of CWs with carbon sources were significantly improved. CWs with alkali treated straw showed better removal effects of N than CWs exceed sludge. The analysis results of the first-order kinetic process suggested that the denitrification rate constants of TFCW control group, TFCW with exceed sludge and TFCW with alkali treated straw were 0.126, 0.262 and 0.345, respectively. The denitrification rate of TFCW with alkali treated straw was 2.74 times of TFCW control group, and 1.32 times of TFCW with excess sludge. This study has contributed to understand the possibility of straw and exceed sludge as the carbon sources to strengthen the denitrification in CWs.
Six-Degree of Freedom Mathematical Dynamic Model of a Light-Sport Aircraft
Authors: Chinvorarat Sinchai , Watjatrakul Boonchai , Nimdum Pongsak , Sangpet Teerawat , Soontornpasatch Tosaporn , Vallikul Pumyos
Published: July 2020

The paper considers the applications of six-degree of freedom mathematical model of a light-sport aircraft and analytically reveals aircraft dynamic response both longitudinal and lateral-directional stability. The model composes of both the kinematics equations of motion and the kinetics equations of aerodynamic forces and moments, and it is known as the aerodynamic model equations. Simulation results show responses of the perturbed dynamic system at the trim condition, and indicate the dynamic stability of both short-period pitching oscillation and phugoid in longitudinal axes. The spiral, roll subsidence, and dutch roll modes in lateral-directional axes are dynamical stable as well. These are essential to understand and evaluate the dynamic behavior, stability, safety and other aspects of the designed aircraft through mathematical model before conducting operational flight test.
Simulation of Light-Weight Truck LF3070G1’s Tire Dynamics
Authors: Quang Nguyen Thanh , Nguyen Xa Hoi , Quan Le Hong , Anh Le Van , Hoa Tran Phuc , Tan Nguyen Tien
Published: July 2020

Being accurately analyses of the dynamics of automotive tires is essential for a wide range of technologies. There are two primary aims of this study: 1. To investigate the use of a Finite Elements Method (henceforth, FEM) in the light-weight truck’ tire (LF3070G1) 2. To implement in Ansys Workbench software in the simulation. Two analyses of the tire dynamics were used. The first analysis was used when the tire is statically balanced between supporting the vehicle weight and the internal air pressure. The second analysis includes the dynamical balance while the vehicle is operating at different weight loads. Each analysis includes two parts. The first part was the mode shapes and the natural frequencies of the tire since it has an influence on the tire’s stiffness and damping constant. The second analysis employed numerical simulations and it was carried out to determine the tire’s time-dependent maximum deformation.
Numerical Simulation of Skin Formation: Modeling of Scale Peeling
Authors: Oba Shu , Nagayama Katsuya
Published: July 2020

Skin is formed by cell division, and the cells eventually mature into corneums and drop off. This process is known as turnover. With normal turnover, skin disease rarely occurs. However, the disturbance of turnover leads to skin inflammation and associated effects such as scale formation. The mechanisms that underpin scale formation are not fully understood. This study analyses the impact of scale formation in atopic dermatitis using a numerical simulation. The numerical simulation model of the skin was constructed by theoretically setting the main parameters i.e. transepidermal water loss (henceforth TEWL) of atopic dermatitis, thereby allowing the elucidation of the mechanism of scale formation. As a result, thick corneum and scale of atopic dermatitis were successfully modeled. In addition, the variation of desmosome distribution in stratum corneum was shown to be associated with scale formation.
Influence of the Wavelength of Cut-In Sinusoidal Trailing Edge Shape to the Aerodynamics Characteristic of the Airfoil
Authors: Rattanasiri P , Perrin R
Published: July 2020

The influence of the cut-in sinusoidal trailing edge shape with different wavelengths on the aerodynamics characteristic has been parametrically investigated by numerical unsteady RANS simulation, open-source code; Code_Saturne. The results were compared with the benchmark baseline and blunt profile trailing edge shape. The geometry of NACA0012, NACA4412 and NACA4415 airfoil with a small modification to obtain a zero thickness trailing edge are selected as a baseline profile. The blunt trailing edge is a cut-offs at the trailing edge for 10% of the chord. Three wavelengths of sinusoidal trailing edge shape at 0.25c, 0.50c and 0.75c with 0.05c amplitude are selected, where c is the airfoil chord length. The flow is studied at high Reynolds numbers (Re) 106 for the angle of attack 5 degrees. The results show the change in lift and drag characteristics with changing of NACA profiles and the modified trailing edges.
A study of Rate of Temperature Change during Tire Curing Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Thamsamerdee Watthanai , Khaothong Kunthakorn , Priyadumkol Jetsadaporn
Published: July 2020

The most important procedure in tire manufacturing is curing. The purpose of the curing is to apply high pressure and temperature over a period of time to unvulcanised rubber so that the rubber is cured to the point of best material properties. In this research, fluid flow analysis was considered to understand airflow pattern in an autoclave for a better quality of the product. We present preliminary results of the temperature distribution of heat transfer in an autoclave using Computational Fluid Dynamics package, OpenFOAM. The turbulent model was verified by comparison with the experimental results to obtain an accurate heat transfer coefficient. It was found that the error was 12%. The results from the simulation and experiments are in good agreement. Consequently, this turbulent model can be used to determine the heat transfer coefficient to achieve a better and more efficient curing process.
Evaluation of Outer Structure Solar Reflection Characteristics of Highly Reflective Material in Consideration of Human Thermal Sensation
Authors: Yoshida A. , Kinoshita S. , Shimazaki Y.
Published: July 2020

As a solution to the influence of solar radiation on thermal comfort in urban streets, constructing outer surfaces with highly reflective materials is considered to be controlling the directional reflection of the materials, and to reflect most of the radiation in the retroreflective direction—the same direction as that of the incident radiation. This study experimentally and numerically evaluates the directional solar reflectance of the outer cover material having an uneven surface. There is found to be a strong impact of radiation on human thermal comfort, and reduction of this radiation is the key to improving the thermal environment. Accordingly, the use of highly reflective materials is a good strategy for enabling this improvement, and retro reflection is a promising concept to consider in this regard. The simulation results show that human thermal comfort is determined by retro reflection if solar reflectance is the same.
The Prototype of Assistive Cane for Climbing Up the Stair
Authors: Boonthaworn Pipatpong , Aroonjarattham Panya , Somtua Chompunut
Published: July 2020

The elder and patient with osteoarthritis knee had the problem to climb up the stair. The purpose of this research was to design and construct the prototype of assistive cane for climb up the stair. The assistive cane use Arduino to control the motor, send the power to the gear set to lift the user up the stair. The lifting plate help to reduce the burden at the knee joint while climbing up the stair. The foot force sensing device used to measure and collect the force act on the insole while walking on the floor, climbing up the stairs and climbing up the stairs using the assistive cane. The assistive cane could be help to reduce the burden at the knee joint and the force on the insole when climbing up the stair.
An Analysis of Temperature Distribution and Ablated Volume in the 3-D FEM Tissue Model with Blood Vessel during Radio-Frequency Ablation
Authors: Keangin P. , Rattanadecho P.
Published: July 2020

The current treatment for a brain tumor has many methods such as surgery or chemotherapy but often the treatments may affect the patient or treatment is still limited in some aspects. A promising technique for brain tumor treatment is radio-frequency ablation. Radio-frequency ablation utilizes alternating current (AC), typically at about 500 kHz, to destroy unwanted tissues by heating to temperatures exceed 45°C to 50 °C. The objective of this research is to study the treatment of brain tumor during radio-frequency ablation with computer simulation through finite element method (FEM) for solving the problem. A three-dimensional FEM model of brain tissue with a brain tumor and blood vessel is considered. Three types of blood vessels i.e. aorta, main veins and terminal veins are studied. The electric current equation and time-dependent bioheat transfer equation coupled with time-dependent convective blood vessel heat transfer equation are solved to predict temperature distribution and ablated volume within brain tissue model. The simulation results are compared with the simulation results from previous work to verify the accuracy of the presented model. The effects of the blood vessel are included and not included in the brain tissue model, types of blood vessel and treatment time during radio-frequency ablation on the temperature distribution and ablated volume are investigated. The outcomes indicated that size of blood vessel results in heat sink effects which increase with the velocity of blood flow. The aorta causes more heat sink effects than main veins and terminal veins, respectively; thereby the ablated area and ablated volume in case of the aorta is higher than one in case of main veins and terminal veins, respectively. In addition, the temperature value increases with greater treatment time. The results from this study provide the basis for planning the radio-frequency ablation of brain tumor, leading to approaches of medical practice process improvement.
Numerical Validation of Heat Conduction in 2D Binary Granular Mixtures under Mechanical Loading
Authors: Jongchansitto K , Jongchansitto P , Preechawuttipong I
Published: July 2020

This study set out to investigate numerical simulations of heat conduction to validate existing experimental results of two-dimensional binary granular mixtures subjected to mechanical loading. Data for this study were collected using molecular dynamics (henceforth MD) method. Three different configurations of the granular composite samples were systematically prepared under similar experimental conditions. A confined mechanical loading was applied to the granular samples. The fields of normalized temperature change of each particle were plotted for an individual sample. The results were statistically analyzed under a static equilibrium condition. The results indicate that simulation is in good correlation with the experiments in terms of statistical analysis via the probability of the distributions of the normalized temperature change. It also revealed that the normalized temperature changes which are greater than the average temperature distributes as an exponential decreasing for all tested samples. This study is in line with other studies that are related to force distribution of law. Less than 50% of particle numbers that have the normalized temperature changes, which are greater than the average value, is also explored. Besides, localizations of the temperature were found in the individual sample.
Experimental Investigation and Finite Element Modelling of the Influence of Hydrostatic Pressure on Adhesive Joint Failure
Authors: Suwanpakpraek Kerati , Patamaprohm Baramee , Phongphinittana Ekkarin , Chaikittiratana Arisara
Published: July 2020

Structural adhesives have been increasingly used in automotive industries in conjunction with lightweight structural components to maximize weight reduction in modern car design. They are used to bond various kind of lightweight materials such as FRP composites or metallic alloys and provide a good distribution of force across joining area without damaging the substrates. For automotive applications, bonded components have been often used in complex loading environments which brings failure prediction of adhesive joints a key of success for this technology. As polymer-based materials, hydrostatic pressure can have a major impact on adhesive joint failure in addition to temperature and strain rate. Its influence can be investigated using a specific test fixture known as a modified-Arcan fixture. This article presents the characterization of epoxy-based adhesive using a series of modified-Arcan tests to apply different loading taking in account effect of hydrostatic pressure onto adhesive joints. A high-order exponential Drucker-Prager failure criterion is chosen to interpret the yield and failure surface. Finally, the non-linear behaviour of adhesive is identified via 0° and 90° Arcan tests which correspond respectively to tri-axial and shear modes and the validation of this behaviour is carried out by mix-mode 60° and 120° Arcan tests. The simulation shows a good agreement only with the result in direction 60° while in direction 120° the divergence is obvious due to the different in damage mechanism of this mode.
Numerical Investigation of the Effects of Particle Density and Dimensionless Acceleration on Segregation in 2D Vertically Vibrated Binary Granular Mixtures
Authors: Jongchansitto P , Preechawuttipong I
Published: July 2020

The present work aims to investigate the influences of particle density and dimensionless acceleration on segregation phenomena in 2D binary granular mixtures by using contact dynamics method. The granular samples were prepared by randomly depositing two species of regular pentagonal particles inside a rectangular container. These two particle species are the same in size, but differ in terms of particle density. Different levels of vertical vibration were then applied to the mixtures. The simulation results were systematically analyzed by using segregation coefficient (H), segregation pattern, and velocity field related to convection mechanism. It was found that segregation phenomena are not observed in this study. This could be explained by the fact that a value of friction coefficient between interparticle and that value between wall and particle is set to be the same, that is why no segregation was found in the present study. Due to the friction, only convection rolls were observed for all the density ratios when dimensionless acceleration is greater than 2.
Structure-property maps with Kernel principal covariates regression
Authors: Helfrecht Benjamin A , Cersonsky Rose K , Fraux Guillaume , Ceriotti Michele
Published: July 2020

Data analyses based on linear methods constitute the simplest, most robust, and transparent approaches to the automatic processing of large amounts of data for building supervised or unsupervised machine learning models. Principal covariates regression (PCovR) is an underappreciated method that interpolates between principal component analysis and linear regression and can be used conveniently to reveal structure-property relations in terms of simple-to-interpret, low-dimensional maps. Here we provide a pedagogic overview of these data analysis schemes, including the use of the kernel trick to introduce an element of non-linearity while maintaining most of the convenience and the simplicity of linear approaches. We then introduce a kernelized version of PCovR and a sparsified extension, and demonstrate the performance of this approach in revealing and predicting structure-property relations in chemistry and materials science, showing a variety of examples including elemental carbon, porous silicate frameworks, organic molecules, amino acid conformers, and molecular materials.
An association study of polymorphisms in the H19 imprinted gene in an Iranian population with the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Ghasemi Marzieh , Heidari Nia Milad , Hashemi Mohammad , Keikha Narjes , Fazeli Kimia , Taji Omid , Naghavi Anoosh
Published: July 2020

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathies that causes problems in female fertility at the reproductive age. PCOS is a multifactorial disease, with genetic factors playing a crucial role in its development. H19 is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expressed from the maternal chromosome, which is correlated with PCOS. In this study, 115 women suffering from PCOS and 130 healthy women with regular menstrual cycles were recruited as case and control groups, respectively. After the extraction of genomic DNA, the restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction was employed for genotyping of rs2067051G>A and rs3741219T>C. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS package V.22 for Windows. In silico analysis was recruited to determine the effects of SNPs on the secondary structure of gene transcript as well as miRNA binding sites. The obtained data showed that the A allele of rs2067051G>A was associated with the high risk of PCOS (OR = 2.00, 95%CI = 1.38–2.91, P = 0.00). AG and AA genotypes led to a 3.64- and (about) a five-fold increase in the risk of PCOS, respectively (95%CI = 2.02–6.54, P = 0.00, and 95%CI = 1.51–16.52, P = 0.00, respectively). These variants caused a significant increase in the risk of this disorder in all genotype models except in the recessive model. However, no association was found between rs3741219T>C and the increased risk of PCOS, either in the allele or in the genotype models. According to the findings, rs2067051G>A is associated with an increased risk of PCOS in the Iranian population.
Genomic Landscape of Mutational Biases in the Pacific OysterCrassostrea gigas
Authors: Song Kai
Published: July 2020

Mutation is a driving force of evolution that has been shaped by natural selection and is universally biased. Previous studies determined genome-wide mutational patterns for several species and investigated the heterogeneity of mutational patterns at fine-scale levels. However, little evidence of the heterogeneity of mutation rates over large genomic regions was shown. Hence, the mutational patterns of different large-scale genomic regions and their association with selective pressures still need to be explored. As the second most species-rich animal phylum, little is known about the mutational patterns in Mollusca, especially oysters. In this study, the mutational bias patterns are characterized by using whole-genome resequencing data in the Crassostrea gigas genome. I studied the genome-wide relative rates of the pair mutations and found that the predominant mutation is GC -> AT, irrespective of the genomic regions. This analysis reveals that mutational biases were associated with gene expression levels across the C. gigas genome. Genes with higher expression levels and breadth expression patterns, longer coding length, and more exon numbers had relatively higher GC -> AT rates. I also found that genes with larger dN/dS values had relatively higher GC -> AT rates. This work represents the first comprehensive research on the mutational biases in Mollusca species. Here, I comprehensively investigated the relationships between mutational biases with some intrinsic genetic factors and evolutionary indicators and proposed that selective pressures are important forces shaping the mutational biases across the C. gigas genome.
The Thrilling Journey of SARS-CoV-2 into the Intestine: From Pathogenesis to Future Clinical Implications
Authors: Scaldaferri Franco , Ianiro Gianluca , Privitera Giuseppe , Lopetuso Loris Riccardo , Vetrone Lorenzo Maria , Petito Valentina , Pugliese Daniela , Neri Matteo , Cammarota Giovanni , Ringel Yehuda , Costamagna Guido , Gasbarrini Antonio , Boskoski Ivo , Armuzzi Alessandro
Published: July 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has a direct impact on the gastrointestinal system, as up to 50% of fecal samples from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients contain detectable viral RNA despite a negative rhino-pharyngeal swab. This finding, together with an intestinal expression of angiotensin conversion enzyme 2 protein, suggests a possible fecal-oral transmission for SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common in COVID-19 patients including watery diarrhea, vomiting—particularly in children—nausea, and abdominal pain.

Pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection presents significant similarities to those of some immune-mediated diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases or rheumatoid arthritis, leading to the hypothesis that targeted therapies used for the treatment of immune-mediated disease could be effective to treat (and possibly prevent) the main complications of COVID-19.

In this review, we synthesize the present and future impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the gastrointestinal system and on gastroenterology practice, hypothesizing a potential role of the “gut-lung axis” and perhaps of the gut and lung microbiota into the interindividual differential susceptibility to COVID-19 19 disease.

Finally, we speculate on the reorganization of outpatient gastroenterology services, which need to consider, among other factors, the major psychological impact of strict lockdown measures on the whole population.
Detecting fracture zones in granite with seismic and audio-magnetotelluric methods
Authors: Yao Shancong , Wang Wei , Wang Ju , Su Rui , Gao Xing , Zhang Ruliang , Duan Shuxin , Chen Shuang
Published: July 2020

Geological disposal is a feasible and safe method for dealing with the high-level radioactive waste problem at present. The Beishan area is the key area preselected for high-level radioactive waste geological disposal in Gansu Province, China. The Jijicao rock block is currently the most extensively studied area, where there are several fracture zones in borehole BS15. In 2011, a remarkable conductive anomaly near the BS15 was detected using a 4-km-long audio-magnetotelluric (AMT) profile with 50 m station space crossing the borehole. To study the anomaly, a short seismic survey was shot along the part of the AMT profile. This paper presents an example for detection of the fracture zones in granite using AMT and seismic methods at Beishan. The AMT data inversion model agrees with the borehole well-logging data and weak reflections are related to the fractured zones. The seismic detection may help in interpreting the cause of the conductive anomaly, and the conductive anomaly could determine whether there are fracture zones within the weak reflection areas. The simultaneous surveys can complement each other for detecting fracture zones. Besides this, such joint detection may be used to estimate whether there exist aquiferous fracture zones at depth.
Brief Psychotic Disorder During the National Lockdown in Italy: An Emerging Clinical Phenomenon of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: D′Agostino Armando , D’Angelo Simone , Giordano Barbara , Cigognini Anna Chiara , Chirico Margherita Lorenza , Redaelli Cristiana , Gambini Orsola
Published: July 2020

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychosis remains to be established. Here we report 6 cases (3 male and 3 female) of first-episode psychosis (FEP) admitted to our hospital in the second month of national lockdown. All patients underwent routine laboratory tests and a standardized assessment of psychopathology. Hospitalization was required due to the severity of behavioral abnormalities in the context of a full-blown psychosis (the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale [BPRS] = 75.8 ± 14.6). Blood tests, toxicological urine screening, and brain imaging were unremarkable, with the exception of a mild cortical atrophy in the eldest patient (male, 73 years). All patients were negative for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) throughout their stay, but 3 presented the somatic delusion of being infected. Of note, all 6 cases had religious/spiritual delusions and hallucinatory contents. Despite a generally advanced age (53.3 ± 15.6), all patients had a negative psychiatric history. Rapid discharge (length of stay = 13.8 ± 6.9) with remission of symptoms (BPRS = 27.5 ± 3.1) and satisfactory insight were possible after relatively low-dose antipsychotic treatment (Olanzapine-equivalents = 10.1 ± 5.1 mg). Brief psychotic disorder/acute and transient psychotic disorder diagnoses were confirmed during follow-up visits in all 6 cases. The youngest patient (female, 23 years) also satisfied the available criteria for brief limited intermittent psychotic symptoms. Although research on larger populations is necessary, our preliminary observation suggests that intense psychosocial stress associated with a novel, potentially fatal disease and national lockdown restrictions might be a trigger for FEP.
Molecular Diversity and Pathogenicity of Ralstonia solanacearum Species Complex Associated With Bacterial Wilt of Potato in Rwanda
Authors: Sharma Kalpana , Kreuze Jan , Abdurahman Abdulwahab , Parker Monica , Nduwayezu Anastase , Rukundo Placide
Published: July 2020

Bacterial wilt (BW), caused by Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC), leads to substantial potato yield losses in Rwanda. Studies were conducted to (i) determine the molecular diversity of RSSC strains associated with BW of potato, (ii) generate an RSSC distribution map for epidemiological inferences, and (iii) test the pathogenicity of predominant RSSC phylotypes on six commercial potato cultivars. In surveys conducted in 2018 and 2019, tubers from wilting potato plants were collected for pathogen isolation. DNA was extracted from 95 presumptive RSSC strain colonies. The pathogen was phylotyped by multiplex PCR and typed at sequevar level. Phylotype II sequevar 1 strains were then haplotyped using multilocus tandem repeat sequence typing (TRST) schemes. Pathogenicity of one phylotype II strain and two phylotype III strains were tested on cultivars Kinigi, Kirundo, Victoria, Kazeneza, Twihaze, and Cruza. Two RSSC phylotypes were identified, phylotype II (95.79%, n = 91) and phylotype III (4.21%, n = 4). This is the first report of phylotype III strains from Rwanda. Phylotype II strains were identified as sequevar 1 and distributed across potato growing regions in the country. The TRST scheme identified 14 TRST haplotypes within the phylotype II sequevar 1 strains with moderate diversity index (HGDI = 0.55). Mapping of TRST haplotypes revealed that a single TRST ‘8-5-12-7-5’ haplotype plays an important epidemiological role in BW of potato in Rwanda. None of the cultivars had complete resistance to the tested phylotypes; the level of susceptibility varied among cultivars. Cultivar Cruza, which is less susceptible to phylotype II and III strains, is recommended when planting potatoes in the fields with history of BW.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
The use of a transolecranon pin joystick technique in the treatment of multidirectionally unstable supracondylar humeral fractures in children
Authors: Wei Yi-shan , Liu Wan-lin , Bai Rui , Li Dai-he , Zhao Zhen-qun , Wang Yong , Sun Liang , Sun Chao , Na Mu-han
Published: July 2020

Multidirectionally unstable supracondylar humeral fractures cause severe instability in both flexion and extension movements. The traditional closed reduction often fails to overcome this lack of stability. The aim of this study is to use a closed reduction technique with a transolecranon pin to achieve temporary stability. From 35 pediatric multidirectionally unstable supracondylar humeral fractures hospitalized between March 2012 and March 2018 at our hospital, 23 fractures (65.7%) were treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) (group 1) and the remaining twelve fractures (34.3%) were treated utilizing a transolecranon pin joystick technique of CRPP (group 2). Both groups were followed over 16 weeks. The outcomes of our analysis included surgical time, times of fluoroscopy, Baumann angle, postoperative range of motion and complications. The surgical time and times of fluoroscopy were significantly shorter for patients in group 2 when compared with group 1 (P < 0.05). All cases showed restoration of the normal anterior humeral line-capitellar relationship. However, the quality of reduction on the anteroposterior radiographic view was significantly better for patients in group 2 than that of group 1 (P < 0.05). No immediate postoperative complications were observed. The range of motion was similar in both groups during the last follow-up appointment. A transolecranon pin is a safe and effective method for closed reduction of multidirectionally unstable supracondylar humeral fractures in children. The joystick technique can shorten surgical time and improve quality of reduction with no increasing risk of complications. Level of evidence: level III.
Adoption of Innovation in Herpes Simplex Virus Keratitis
Authors: Chodosh James , Ung Lawson
Published: July 2020

Herpes simplex keratitis, caused primarily by human herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), remains the most common infectious cause of unilateral blindness and vision impairment in the industrialized world. Major advances in the care of HSV keratitis have been driven in large part by the landmark Herpetic Eye Disease Study randomized clinical trials, which were among the first in ophthalmology to reflect emerging trial conventions, including multicenter subject enrollment, double-masking, placebo controls, and a priori sample size determinations. The results of these trials now form much of the evidence basis for the management of this disease. However, management patterns in clinical practice often deviate from evidence-based care. These perceived quality gaps have given rise to the evolving field of implementation science, which is concerned with the methods of promoting the application of evidence-based medicine within routine care. To overcome variations in the quality and consistency of care for HSV keratitis, a range of clinical- and technology-based innovations are proposed. The most pressing needs include the following: a rational and tractable disease classification scheme that provides an immediate link between the anatomical localization of disease (corneal epithelial, stromal, or endothelial) and the appropriate treatment, and the actualization of an electronic medical record system capable of providing evidence-based treatment algorithms at relevant points of care. The latter would also input data to population-wide disease registries to identify implementation-rich targets for quality improvement, education, and research. These innovations may allow us to reduce the human and economic burdens of this highly morbid, and often blinding, disease.
Scheimpflug Corneal Densitometry Changes After Trabeculectomy
Authors: Pillunat Karin R. , Orphal Johanna , Haase Maike , Pillunat Lutz E. , Herber Robert
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

To study the possible changes in Scheimpflug corneal densitometry 6 months after mitomycin C–augmented trabeculectomy and to compare these measurements with healthy controls.

Methods:

Corneal densitometry was monitored with the Pentacam HR3 before and 6 months after first-time uncomplicated mitomycin C–augmented trabeculectomy in 42 eyes of 42 white patients with open-angle glaucoma and in 22 healthy age-matched controls. Preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness, known duration of the disease, gender, the type and number of substances, applications and amount of benzalkonium chloride per day, and postoperative topical cortisone use were tested for possible correlations in the trabeculectomy group.

Results:

There was a statistically significant reduction of mean diurnal IOP from 19.0 ± 7.7 to 11.1 ± 7.7 mm Hg (P = 0.003) and the amount of pressure-lowering substances from 3.7 ± 1.0 to 0.1 ± 0.5 (P < 0.001). Densitometry measurements decreased in the entire cornea from 25.5 ± 5.7 to 23.1 ± 5.8 grayscale units (P = 0.001) with emphasis in the anterior layer. They returned close to normal 6 months after trabeculectomy and were not statistically significantly different compared with a healthy control group (22.8 ± 3.4 grayscale unit; P = 0.824). No correlations could be found with these observations and possible causing factors studied.

Conclusions:

Corneal densitometry, an objective and sensitive measure of corneal transparency, returned close to normal 6 months after trabeculectomy. Although the observations cannot be associated with any causing factor in this study, the significant IOP reduction and the nearly complete cessation of topical antiglaucomatous substances including benzalkonium chloride seem to be the most plausible reasons for this finding.
Connecting Classrooms, Clinicians, and Community Clinics Through Technology (C4Tech) for Active and Collaborative Learning
Authors: McDonald Paige L. , Straker Howard O. , Weaver Gregory C.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This pilot study investigated the level of cognition that physician assistant (PA) students achieved through adoption of an innovative blended learning model that connects the classroom, clinicians, and community clinics through electronic-learning (e-learning) technologies (C4Tech) used in a PA course. This education intervention aimed to facilitate authentic learning collaborations between PA students and practicing clinicians that would result in higher-order cognition related to the manifestations of social determinants of health and health disparities.

Methods

A case study approach was adopted to assess levels of cognition and changes in those levels resulting from application of an innovative blended learning model. Content analysis using Bloom's taxonomy of cognitive domains facilitated determination levels of cognition and changes in those levels. The sample of 8 groups comprised 70 PA students and 8 clinical instructors from community clinics with underrepresented patient populations.

Results

Analysis of 2 course assignments revealed that application of the C4Tech model yields high levels of cognition. By the course's end, all 8 groups achieved at least the “evaluate” level of cognition and half of the groups achieved the highest level of cognition, the “create” level. A wide variation in the level of cognition was demonstrated between the first and second assignments in each group and among groups.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that e-learning technologies can be effective in blending classrooms and work environments for authentic and collaborative learning. Adoption of the C4Tech model yielded higher-order cognition related to course content.
Cost-Effectiveness of a Small Intrapericardial Centrifugal Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Silvestry Scott C. , Mahr Claudius , Slaughter Mark S. , Levy Wayne C. , Cheng Richard K. , May Damian M. , Ismyrloglou Eleni , Tsintzos Stelios I. , Tuttle Edward , Cook Keziah , Birk Erica , Gomes Aparna , Graham Sophia , Cotts William G.
Published: July 2020

There is limited data on the cost-effectiveness of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) in the United States particularly for the bridge-to-transplant indication. Our objective is to study the cost-effectiveness of a small intrapericardial centrifugal LVAD compared with medical management (MM) and subsequent heart transplantation using the respective clinical trial data. We developed a Markov economic framework. Clinical inputs for the LVAD arm were based on prospective trials employing the HeartWare centrifugal-flow ventricular assist device system. To better assess survival in the MM arm, and in the absence of contemporary trials randomizing patients to LVAD and MM, estimates from the Seattle Heart Failure Model were used. Costs inputs were calculated based on Medicare claim analyses and when appropriate prior published literature. Time horizon was lifetime. Costs and benefits were appropriately discounted at 3% per year. The deterministic cost-effectiveness analyses resulted in $69,768 per Quality Adjusted Life Year and $56,538 per Life Year for the bridge-to-transplant indication and $102,587 per Quality Adjusted Life Year and $87,327 per Life Year for destination therapy. These outcomes signify a substantial improvement compared with prior studies and re-open the discussion around the cost-effectiveness of LVADs.
Chronic pain in patients with hemophilia: is it preventable?
Authors: Visweshwar Nathan , Zhang Yumeng , Joseph Hazina , Jaglal Michael , Ayala Irmel
Published: July 2020

Current management of chronic pain in patients with hemophilia (PWH) focuses on pain relief with analgesics and symptom control. The clinical practice of managing chronic pain in PWH varies considerably across hemophilia treatment centers. Here, we aim to study the appropriate intervention of hemophilic arthropathy for prevention and treatment of chronic pain in PWH. Medline, Embase, Cochrane databases were searched for randomized controlled trials, and the European Hemophilia Therapy Standardization Board, The World Federation of Hemophilia, Nordic Hemophilia Guidelines, American Society of the International Pain Physicians and the Medical and Scientific Advisory Council guidelines were studied through November 2019 for chronic pain in PWH for a narrative review. We found no standardized approach for the prevention and management of chronic pain in PWH. Evidence suggests that prophylactic factor concentrate therapy, programmed exercise and educational intervention may help PWH manage their chronic pain.
The rebirth of the contact pathway: a new therapeutic target
Authors: Srivastava Priyanka , Gailani David
Published: July 2020

Purpose of review

Anticoagulation with vitamin-K antagonists or direct oral anticoagulants is associated with a significant risk of bleeding. There is a major effort underway to develop antithrombotic drugs that have a smaller impact on hemostasis. The plasma contact proteins factor XI (FXI) and factor XII (FXII) have drawn considerable interest because they contribute to thrombosis but have limited roles in hemostasis. Here, we discuss results of preclinical and clinical trials supporting the hypothesis that the contact system contributes to thromboembolic disease.

Recent findings

Numerous compounds targeting FXI or FXII have shown antithrombotic properties in preclinical studies. In phase 2 studies, drugs-targeting FXI or its protease form FXIa compared favorably with standard care for venous thrombosis prophylaxis in patients undergoing knee replacement. While less work has been done with FXII inhibitors, they may be particularly useful for limiting thrombosis in situations where blood comes into contact with artificial surfaces of medical devices.

Inhibitors of contact activation, and particularly of FXI, are showing promise for prevention of thromboembolic disease. Larger studies are required to establish their efficacy, and to establish that they are safer than current therapy from a bleeding standpoint.
Toward International Harmonization of Breast Implant Registries: International Collaboration of Breast Registry Activities Global Common Data Set
Authors: Spronk Pauline E. R. , Begum Husna , Vishwanath Swarna , Crosbie Andy , Earnest Arul , Elder Elisabeth , Lumenta David B. , Marinac-Dabic Danica , Moore Colin C. M. , Mureau Marc A. M. , Perks Graeme , Pusic Andrea L. , Stark Birgit , von Fritschen Uwe , Klein Howard , Cooter Rodney D. , Rakhorst Hinne A. , Hopper Ingrid
Published: July 2020

Background:

The Poly Implant Prothèse incident and breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma have pointed to the need for uniform registries for breast implants as key features to monitoring the outcomes of breast implant surgeries internationally. The purpose of this study was to identify and harmonize common data elements collected by breast implant registries across the International Collaboration of Breast Registry Activities (ICOBRA) global consortium.

Methods:

The authors convened an international group of surgeons, consumers, nurses, registry experts, and regulators to review the data points. A modified Delphi approach was applied, to rate the importance of each point on a six-point Likert scale.

Results:

Data points from six national breast implant registries were divided into categories: clinical, implant-related, patient-reported findings; operation details and implanting technique details; patient characteristics; unique device identifiers; unique patient identifiers; and clinical demographics. A total of 52 data points collected by over 33 percent of national registries were identified. After five rounds, 34 data points formed the final set with agreed definitions. The group recognized the critical importance of additional elements that are currently not uniformly collected (e.g., patient-reported outcomes and long-term data) and set out the process for the dynamic global set updates driven by evidence gaps.

Conclusions:

The authors defined internationally agreed on common data elements and definitions used in breast implant registries. This collaboration will allow data sets to be combined, enabling an effective global early warning system of implant-related problems and further work on data sets.