bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Electro-Erosive Modification Modes for Worn Working Surface of Dental Cutters on Restoration of its Cutting Ability
Authors: Kiselev M. G. , Monich S. G. , Bogdan P. S. , Korchigin D. L. , Efimenko V. V.
Published: August 2020

An experimental assessment has been made of the influence of electro-erosive modification modes for worn working surface of an cutter on the restoration of its cutting ability. The paper provides basic information on dental cutters. The provisions of  the experimental  research  methodology are described, including a description  of  a  device  for  modifying the worn surface of a dental cutter and a device for determining its cutting ability. Experimental data are presented and analyzed that reflect an effect on  restoration of a cutting ability of a worn surface of a dental cutter, voltage of a storage capacitor and  number of holes applied to it during its modification. Rational modes of modifying a worn-out surface of a dental mill that provide the greatest recovery of its cutting ability have been determined in the paper. It has been shown that with increasing voltage, the energy of the electric discharge acting on the treated surface increases, which leads to the formation of a single hole of a larger size on it, including metal flows along its edge that extend beyond the initial contour of the worn cutter teeth. These metal flows on the modified surface of the cutter play the role of peculiar cutting and deforming elements. It has been revealed that in the process of modifying the worn surface of the cutter, it is necessary to ensure that there is no overlap of the holes formed on it, i.e. the distance between the centers of adjacent holes should be greater than or equal to the size of metal deposits at their edges. In this case, the metal flows retain their original shape and have the highest height at these pulse parameters, which ensures a higher cutting ability of the modified cutter surface than when the holes are overlapped.
Study of Reliability for Main Components and Devices of Die-Cutting Presses for Packaging
Authors: Kohnenko N. S. , Karpunin I. I. , Kuz'mich V. V.
Published: August 2020

A large variety of machine operating conditions leads to a difference in the wear rate even for their units being of the same type. Operational time terms of single-type units and machines are not the same, and therefore, numerical expressions of operational reliability will be probabilistic values. Incomplete restoration of original properties of a unit, a negligent repair, a poor maintenance usually lead to the fact that any of several parts independently one from another can determine reliability  of  a  machine  (a unit).  This is especially important  to  consider  when  manufacturing packaging in order to avoid rejects. The operational reliability of modern machines consisting of hundreds, and sometimes thousands of parts, wear processes of which are in a complex relationship,  depends on a number of factors. A study on reliability of main components and equipment devices is an urgent task. Successful operation of printing equipment is possible only if there is a clear organization of preventive work, ensuring preparation of printing machines for printing and post-printing processing. High-performance equipment, such as die-cutting presses, should be regularly inspected, adjusted and maintained in such a way as to obtain standard results at the output. The paper has studied reliability of main components and devices of die-cutting presses based on calculation of failure probability. Calculations have been carried out by analogy with the calculation of the probability of events in the fault tree. Failure diagrams of devices and units of die-cutting presses have been built in the paper. Based on the analysis of the failure probability for main components and devices, graphs of residual life for equipment operation on its life cycle have been constructed in the paper.
Technology Focus: Wellbore Tubulars (July 2020)
Authors: Samuel Robello
Published: August 2020

Why steel casing or tubing? What does that choice have to do with sustainability? Is it time to change? These are a few of the questions we need to think about to move from the status quo, and we need to use technology, engineering, and innovation to reduce not only the surface footprint but also the downhole footprint.

Composites are making inroads and continue to replace steel in other industries such as aerospace, automotive, and the renewable-energy segment. The follow-up question is, “Is it sustainable and relevant to our industry under harsher and deeper environments?” Different types of components exist, including reinforcement and the matrix, that can be adjusted and modified to be used for downhole conditions without compromising well integrity.

There are compelling answers to those questions. Composites have high strength-to-weight ratios that result in low weight and high energy absorption. They have high stiffness and high durability, including corrosion resistance, less fracture toughness, and dimensional stability. Added distinctive advantages of composites are that they are excellent electric and thermal insulators.

On the other hand, there are challenges very specific and unique to our industry such as anisotropic properties, modulus matrices, ability to with-stand thermomechanical loading, unknown stress/strain under tension/compression, unknown failure envelopes under internal pressure, bending loads, external pressures, tensile loads, and torsional load conditions. Addition-al challenges include material-properties degradation under wear conditions and composite-to-metal joining if necessary. For this, a phased approach may be necessary. Development of new products will require conservative design consisting of modeling with improved physics and improved models with experimental results involving compression state, buckling, and collapse for various slenderness ratios. Nonetheless, we are making inroads with composites.

Looking to the future and considering sustainability, switching to composite casings in the coming years is necessary. I have selected papers that are structured toward using composites and, to some extent, answering the questions I have raised.
SPE Strong: Strengthening Our Core: SPE Strong: Getting Stronger
Authors: Noonan Shauna
Published: August 2020

I am both sad and joyous that this will be my last JPT column as your SPE President. I am sad because this signals that my journey as president is concluding, and I am joyous because the time it took to write these columns can be put toward other ambitions such as improving my golf game or my skeet skills. Trust me, those items are in dire need of improvement!

Members often ask me if I am disappointed with how the latter portion of my presidency was affected by the pandemic and the crash of oil prices. To be honest, I am not disappointed. I was able to visit many sections as President-Elect and speak at many events; however, the role of SPE President is much greater than that. This time was critical to serve as chair of the SPE Board and guide our society through an inflection point, requiring us to anticipate how to deliver on our mission to our members in a post-pandemic world. Compounding the complexity is SPE’s worst financial crisis in its history due to mass event cancellations, postponements, and loss of sponsorships. If ever there was a time to lead the society through an unprecedented challenge, it is now. I am grateful to be at the helm during these times. With a resilient board of directors and dedicated SPE staff by my side, I am eager to help steer SPE out of these very rough waters. Ironically, many board and staff members became closer while working remotely. We were able to “visit” one another’s homes during our calls, see each other’s casual attire, and even “meet” a few wandering pets who occasionally appeared onscreen.

When I accepted the presidential gavel at the conclusion of the 2019 ATCE, I challenged the board committees, SPE staff, and our members to strengthen five core areas of our society as part of a campaign I called “SPE Strong.” The phrase and its adaptation “SPE Stay Strong” have been used in messaging hope and guidance to our members.

As I am writing this, I still have approximately 4 months left in my presidency and nearly 1.5 years on the board to accomplish all my goals. However, I will use this opportunity to share the status of each goal and the pandemic’s impact on it.

Strengthen the Quality of our Technical Content

While I raised the issue of technical quality in our offerings, there were some initiatives already underway. More program committee members are taking responsibility for working with authors to improve the quality of papers and presentations prior to publication. We are now able to track the number of papers flagged for recommended revision, which will serve as a benchmark for monitoring progress on quality improvement.
Ratings of Performance in Multisource Feedback: Comparing Performance Theories of Residents and Nurses
Authors: Tariq Muhammad , Govaerts Marjan , Afzal Azam , Ali Syed Ahsan , Zehra Tabassum
Published: August 2020

Background Multisource feedback (MSF) is increasingly being used to assess trainee performance, with different assessor groups fulfilling a crucial role in utility of assessment data.. However, in health professions education, research on assessor behaviors in MSF is limited. When assessing trainee performance in work settings, assessors use multidimensional conceptualizations of what constitutes effective performance, also called personal performance theories, to distinguish between various behaviors and sub competencies., This may not only explain assessor variability in Multi Source Feedback, but also result in differing acceptance (and use) of assessment data for developmental purposes. The purpose of this study was to explore performance theories of various assessor groups (residents and nurses) when assessing performance of residents. Methods A constructivist, inductive qualitative research approach and semi-structured interviews following MSF were used to explore performance theories of 14 nurses and 15 residents in the department of Internal Medicine at Aga Khan University (AKU). Inductive thematic content analysis of interview transcripts was used to identify and compare key dimensions in residents’ and nurses’ performance theories used in evaluation of resident performance. Results Seven major themes, reflecting key dimensions of assessors’ performance theories, emerged from the qualitative data, namely; communication skills, patient care, accessibility, teamwork skills, responsibility, medical knowledge and professional attitude. There were considerable overlaps, but also meaningful differences in the performance theories of residents and the nurses, especially with respect to accessibility, teamwork and medical knowledge. Conclusion Residents’ and nurses’ performance theories for assessing resident performance overlap to some extent, yet also show meaningful differences with respect to the performance dimensions they pay attention to or consider most important. In MSF, different assessor groups may therefore hold different performance theories, depending on their role. Our results further our understanding of assessor source effects in MSF. Implications of our findings are related to implementation of MSF, design of rating scales as well as interpretation and use of MSF data for selection and performance improvement.
Recovery and resiliency of skin microbial communities on the southern leopard frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus) following two biotic disturbances
Authors: Weeks Denita Mychele , Parris Matthew James , Brown Shawn Paul
Published: August 2020

Background: Microorganisms have intimate functional relationships with invertebrate and vertebrate taxa, with the potential to drastically impact health outcomes. Perturbations that affect microbial communities residing on animals can lead to dysbiosis, a change in the functional relationship, often associated with disease. Batrachocytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), a fungal pathogen of amphibians, has been responsible for catastrophic amphibian population declines around the globe. Amphibians harbor a diverse cutaneous microbiome, including some members which are known to be antagonistic to Bd (anti-Bd). Anti-Bd microorganisms facilitate the ability of some frog populations to persist in the presence of Bd, where other populations that lack anti-Bd microorganisms have declined. Research suggests disease-antagonistic properties of the microbiome may be a function of microbial community interactions, rather than individual bacterial species. Conservation efforts have identified amphibian-associated bacteria that exhibit anti-fungal properties for use as ‘probiotics’ on susceptible amphibian populations. Probiotic application, usually with a single bacterial species, may benefit from a greater understanding of amphibian species-specific microbiome responses to disturbances (e.g. dysbiosis vs. recovery). We assessed microbiome responses to two microbial disturbance events over multiple time points. Results: Exposing Lithobates sphenocephalus (southern leopard frog) adults to the biopesticidal bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis, followed by exposure to the fungal pathogen Bd, did not have long term impacts on the microbiome. After initial shifts, microbial communities recovered and returned to a state that resembled pre-disturbance. Conclusions: Our results indicate microbial communities on L. sphenocephalus are robust and resistant to permanent shifts from some disturbances. This resiliency of microbial communities may explain why L. sphenocephalus is not experiencing the population declines from Bd that impacts many other species. Conservation efforts may benefit from studies outlining amphibian species-specific microbiome responses to disturbances (e.g. dysbiosis vs. recovery). If microbial communities on a threatened amphibian species are unlikely to recover following a disturbance, additional measures may be implemented to ameliorate the impacts of physical and chemical stressors on host-associated microbial communities.
Substance P Induces Sympathetic Immune Response in the Contralateral Eye after the First Eye Cataract Surgery in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Gong Xianhui , Ren Yueping , Fang Xiuxiu , Cai Junyong , Song E
Published: August 2020

Background: Substance P (SP) is a nociceptive tachykinin which regulates the immune inflammatory reactions including monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) production. Sequential second-eye cataract surgery patients often suffer more pain than the first one partly because of the MCP-1 increase in aqueous humor (AH). This study aims to illustrate whether SP is involved in sympathetic inflammatory responses in the contralateral eye in patients with or without type 2 diabetes.Methods: This prospective randomized clinical study included 51 cataract patients (22 with diabetes and 29 without). Bilateral sequential cataract surgeries were conducted with 1-day or 1-week interval randomly. More than 100 µl of AH were obtained before surgery and stored for later analysis using magnetic Luminex assays to detect interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-1ra,IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, MCP-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, spinal macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP-1a), interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), regulated on activation, normal T expressed and secreted (RANTES), as well as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for SP.Results: Among the 4 groups, no significant differences were found in age, sex distribution, the R/L ration of the first surgery eye, or the lens nucleus hardness (P ≥ 0.802). Over 100 µl of AH samples were collected safely in all cases without intraoperative complications. SP and MCP-1 levels were both increased significantly in the second eye of the diabetic patients with 1-day and 1-week interval ( P ≤ 0.040). The SP increase in the second eye of the diabetic patients were significantly higher than that of the patients without diabetes ( P ≤ 0.030) both in the groups with 1-day and 1-week interval. Similarly, the MCP-1 increase was significantly higher in the diabetic patients in the group with 1-week interval (P = 0.042).Conclusions: Substance P and MCP-1 productions elevated in the AH of the contralateral eye after the first-eye cataract surgery in diabetic patients, indicating that SP and MCP-1 were involved in the sympathetic inflammatory responses. Diabetic patients are susceptible to noninfectious inflammation after cataract surgery, and perceive more pain in the second-eye phacoemulsification.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900028374, retrospectively registered on 20th December, 2019.
The role of mass media exposure on Tuberculosis knowledge and attitude among migrant and seasonal farmworkers in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Gelaye Kassahun Alemu , Debalkie Getu , Ayele Tadesse Awoke , Wami Sintayehu Daba , sisay Malede mequanent , Fetene Destaw , Wolde Haileab Fekadu , Akalu Temesgen Yihunie
Published: August 2020

Background: Globally, tuberculosis (TB) is the 10 th leading cause of death. Despite no country achieved its target, the world health organization (WHO) proposed a 90-90-90 approach to fastening the end TB strategy. Improvement and progression of TB control need good knowledge and a favorable attitude towards the disease. However, interventions designed don’t take migrants and seasonal farmworkers into account. Therefore, this study aimed at estimating the level of knowledge and attitude on Tuberculosis among migrant and seasonal farmworkers in northwest Ethiopia. Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the West Gondar zone from October to November 2018. A two-stage cluster sampling was used to select 949 migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. A p-value of <0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. The goodness of fit was checked using Hosmer and Lemeshow test. Results: In this study, (41.8%), (95% CI: 38.73, 45.01) and (50.5%), (95% CI: 47.29, 53.65) of migrants and seasonal farmworkers had good knowledge and a favorable attitude, respectively. The odds of good knowledge among mass media exposed migrants were AOR=1.42, 95% CI: (1.02, 2.01). Moreover, urban residence and having good knowledge increase the odds of favorable attitude by 1.66, (AOR=1.7; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.62) and 4.3 (AOR=4.3, 95%CI: 3.26, 5.75), respectively. Conclusion: In this study, the overall knowledge and attitude of migrant and seasonal farmworkers on TB were low. Family size and mass media exposure significantly affect knowledge of the migrants on TB. On the other hand, the attitude was affected by urban residence, health information, and having good knowledge. Health promotion interventions, focused on TB cause, mode of transmission, prevention, and treatment are important to migrant and seasonal farmworkers to improve the knowledge and attitude of migrants and seasonal farmworkers.
Influence of social determinants, diabetes knowledge, health behaviors, and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes: An analysis from real-world evidence
Authors: Silva-Tinoco Rubén , Cuatecontzi-Xochitiotzi Teresa , Torre-Saldaña Viridiana De la , León-García Enrique , Serna-Alvarado Javier , Orea-Tejeda Arturo , Castillo-Martínez Lilia , Gay Juan G. , de-León David Cantú , Prada Diddier
Published: August 2020

Background Although important achievements have been done in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) treatment and glycemic control, new strategies may take advantage of non-pharmacological approaches and of other potential determinants of health (e.g., socioeconomic status, education, diabetes knowledge, physical activity, and self-care behavior). However, the relationships between these factors are not totally clear and have not been studied in the context of large urban settings. This study aimed to explore the relationship between these determinants of glycemic control (GC) in a low-income urban population from Mexico City, focused in exploring potential the mediation of self-care behaviors in the association between diabetes knowledge and GC.Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) from 28 primary care outpatient centers located in Mexico City. Using multivariable-adjusted models, we determined the associations between diabetes knowledge, self-care behaviors, and GC. The mediation analyses to determine the pathways on glycemic control were done using linear regression models, where the significance of indirect effects was calculated with bootstrapping.Results The population (N=513) had a mean age of 53.8 years (standard deviation: 11.3 yrs.), and 65.9% were women. Both socioeconomic status and level of education were directly associated with diabetes knowledge. Using multivariable-adjusted linear models, we found that diabetes knowledge was associated with GC (β: -0.102, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] -0.189, -0.014). Diabetes knowledge was also independently associated with self-care behavior (for physical activity: β: 0.181, 95% CI 0.088, 0.273), and self-care behavior was associated with GC (for physical activity: β: -0.112, 95% CI -0.194, -0.029). The association between diabetes knowledge and GC was not observed after adjustment for self-care behaviors, especially physical activity (β: -0.084, 95% CI -0.182, 0.014, p-value: 0.062). Finally, the mediation models showed that the effect of diabetes knowledge on GC was 17% independently mediated by physical activity (p-value: 0.049). Conclusions Socioeconomic and educational gradients influence diabetes knowledge among primary care patients with type 2 diabetes. Self-care activities, particularly physical activity, mediated the effect of diabetes knowledge on GC. Our results indicate that diabetes knowledge should be reinforced in low-income T2D patients, with an emphasis on the benefits physical activity has on improving GC.
Prognostic factors of metastatic myxoid liposarcoma.
Authors: Shinoda Yusuke , Kobayashi Eisuke , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Mori Tomoaki , Asano Naofumi , Nakayama Robert , Morioka Hideo , Iwata Shintaro , Yonemoto Tsukasa , Ishii Takeshi , Hiruma Tohru , Kawai Akira , Kawano Hirotaka
Published: August 2020

Background

Myxoid liposarcoma (MLS) has the tendency to metastasize extrapulmonary. Although prognostic factors at the initial diagnosis of MLS have been reported, those at diagnosis of metastasis remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic factors for disease-specific survival at the initial diagnosis of metastasis.

Methods

This retrospective observational study was conducted at three cancer centers and two university hospitals in Japan. Of 274 MLS patients pathologically diagnosed between 2001 and 2015, 48 metastatic patients were examined.

Results

Lung metastases were detected in nine patients (18.8%) and extrapulmonary metastases in 45 (93.8%). Interval from primary diagnosis to the first metastasis was significantly shorter in patients with lung metastases than without ( p = 0.007). Median disease-specific survival after diagnosis of metastases was 52.5 months in all patients. In multivariable analysis, liver metastasis (hazard ratio (HR), 2.71 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.00–7.09]) and no evidence of disease (NED) achieved by radical treatment (resection with or without radiation therapy, or radiation therapy ≥60 Gy) or semi-radical (radiation therapy ≥40 Gy) treatment were significantly related to survival (HR, 0.36; 95%CI [0.13–0.95]). The number of metastases (odds ratio (OR), 0.44; 95%CI [0.25–0.78]) and abdominal/retroperitoneal metastases (OR, 0.09; 95%CI [0.008–0.95]) were the significant inhibitory factors of achieving NED.

Conclusions

This is the first study to statistically demonstrate the importance of achieving NED with surgical resection or radiation therapy for longer survival in metastatic MLS patients. As number of metastases was a significant factor for achieving NED, early detection of metastases might be important.
Heritability and correlation analysis of morphological and yield traits in genetically modified cotton
Authors: Rehman Abdul , Mustafa Nida , Xiongming Du , Azhar Muhammad Tehseen
Published: August 2020

Background: Cotton is known for fiber extraction and it is grown in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world due to having hot weather. Cotton crop has a significant role in GDP of Pakistan. Therefore, the two-years research was conducted to estimate heritability and association among various yield contributing parameters of cotton, i.e., plant height, number of bolls per plant, number of sympodial branches per plant, seed cotton yield, boll weight, seed index, ginning outturn (GOT), fiber length, fiber strength, and fiber fineness. Results: Association analysis revealed that seed cotton yield had significant positive correlation with plant height, number of bolls per plant, number of sympodial branches per plant, ginning outturn (GOT), staple length and fiber strength. Staple length and fiber strength were negatively linked with each other. Estimates of heritability were high for all of the traits except number of sympodial branches per plant and boll weight.Conclusion: The parent IUB-222 was found to be the best for plant height, number of bolls per plant, boll weight, ginning outturn (GOT), seed cotton yield and seed index. The genotypes namely NIAB-414 and VH-367 were identified as the best parents for fiber length, strength and fineness. Among the crosses NIAB-414 × IUB-222 was the best for number of bolls per plant, seed index, seed cotton yield and fiber fineness, whereas, cross of NIAB-414 × CIM-632 was good for plant height. The combination of A555 × CIM-632 was the best for number of sympodial branches per plant, boll weight, fiber length and strength, and VH-367 × CIM-632 proved the best for ginning outturn (GOT).
Comprehensive research of the painted statues of Tutang Buddha and two attendants Buddha in Jingyin Temple, Taiyuan, China
Authors: Bai Xiaojian , Jia Chen , Chen Zhigen , Gong Yuxuan , Cheng Huwei , Wang Jiayue
Published: August 2020

The painted statues of Tutang Buddha and two attendants Buddha in Jingyin Temple, with exquisite design and unique style, are precious cultural heritages of China. The statue of Tutang Buddha which was carved from a mound and painted by ancient craftsmen, is rarely found in ancient China. However, on account of the influence of natural factors and artificial harms, the statues were severly damaged. Obviously, it requires urgently carrying out appropriate protection and restoration of the statues. In this study, the samples taken from the statues were analysed by multiple analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), biological microscopy and particle size analysis. The analysis enabled us to infer the techniques used by the creators in making the statues. This research provides reliable evidence for the conservation and future protection of these and similar statues.
Proficiency testing for identifying underperforming students before postgraduate education: a longitudinal study
Authors: Andreou Vasiliki , Eggermont Jan , Gielis Guy , Schoenmakers Birgitte
Published: August 2020

Background: Efficient selection of medical students in GP training plays an important role in improving healthcare quality. The aim of this study was to collect quantitative and qualitative validity evidence of a multicomponent proficiency-test for identifying underperforming students in cognitive and non-cognitive competencies, prior to entering postgraduate GP Training. From 2016 to 2018, 894 medical GP students in four Flemish universities in Belgium registered to take a multicomponent proficiency-test before admission to postgraduate GP Training. Data on students were obtained from the proficiency-test as a test-score and from traineeship mentors’ narrative reports.Results: In total, 849 students took the multicomponent proficiency-test during 2016-2018. Test scores were normally distributed. Five different descriptive labels were extracted from mentors’ narrative reports based on thematic analysis, considering both cognitive and non-cognitive competences. Chi-square tests and odds ratio showed a significant association between students scoring low on the proficiency test and having gaps in cognitive and non-cognitive competences during GP traineeship.Conclusion: A multicomponent proficiency-test could detect underperforming students prior to postgraduate GP Training. Students that ranked in the lowest score quartile had a higher likelihood of being labelled as underperforming than students in the highest score quartile. Therefore, a low score in the multicomponent proficiency-test could indicate the need for closer guidance early remediating actions focusing on both cognitive and non-cognitive competences.
Laparoscopic orchiopexy versus traditional inguinal incision orchidopexy for palpable undescended testes in cryptorchidism
Authors: Gu Shaodong , wang Yingxun , Luo Hong
Published: August 2020

Background ： Laparoscopic orchidopexy (LO) has become a standard procedure for the treatment of nonpalpable undescended testes. Nevertheless, the use of LO for palpable undescended testes still remains controversial. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of laparoscopic orchiopexy procedure on palpable undescended testes in children suffering from cryptorchidism. Methods: A retrospective study was performed for LO and traditional inguinal incision orchidopexy (TIO) carried out to treat palpable undescended testes. In total, 291 children aged 9 months to 96 months with either left or right side palpable inguinal canalicular testes were included. 170 patients received LO and 121 patients received TIO. Age, operative time and clinical outcomes of the patients were reviewed. Independent t test and Fisher’s exact test were performed by using the SPSS 25.0 software. Results: In the younger groups, the mean operative time (younger than 1 year old, 30.50±5.88 vs. 39.86±6.11 min; 1-2 years old, 34.43±6.65 vs. 40.23±8.74) and postoperative normal activity time (younger than 1 year old, 1.20±0.40 vs. 2.12±0.48 days; 1-2 years old, 1.58±0.50 vs. 2.02±0.43 days) of LO were significantly shorter than those in the TIO group ( P <0.05). The operative time of LO was significantly longer than that in the TIO group in older groups (aged>3 years old). 47 of 49 cases (95.9%) of patients aged less than 1 year old were treated by LO successfully. Among the patients aged 1-2 years, 80 of 86 cases (93.0%) successfully completed LO. Totally, 43 cases were transferred to inguinal incisions. Conclusion: LO is an appropriate choice for palpable undescended testes, especially in children younger than 2 years old. The percentage of successful LO decreased with the increasing age.
Identification of Loci Controlling Mineral Element Concentration in Soybean Seeds
Authors: MALLE SIDIKI , Morrison Malcolm , Belzile Francois
Published: August 2020

Background: Mineral nutrients play a crucial role in the biochemical and physiological functions of biological systems. The enhancement of seed mineral content via genetic improvement is considered as the most promising and cost-effective approach compared alternative means for meeting the dietary needs. The overall objective of this study was to perform a GWAS of mineral content (Ca, K, P and S) in seeds of a core set of 137 soybean lines that are representative of the diversity of early maturing soybeans cultivated in Canada (maturity groups 000-II).Results: This panel of 137 soybean lines was grown in five environments (in total) and the seed mineral content was measured using a portable x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer. The association analyses were carried out using three statistical models and a set of 2.2 million SNPs obtained from a combined dataset of genotyping-by-sequencing and whole-genome sequencing. Eight QTLs significantly associated with the Ca, K, P and S content were identified by at least two of the three statistical models used (in two environments) contributing each from 17 to 31% of the phenotypic variation. A strong reproducibility of the effect of seven out these eight QTLs was observed in three other environments. In total, three candidate genes were identified involved in transport and assimilation of these mineral elements.Conclusions: There have been very few GWAS studies to identify QTLs associated with the mineral element content of soybean seeds. In addition to being new, the QTLs identified in this study and candidate genes will be useful for the genetic improvement of soybean nutritional quality through marker-assisted selection. Moreover, this study also provides details on the range of phenotypic variation encountered within the Canadian soybean germplasm.
Assessment of Regional Left Ventricular Myocardial Strain in Patients with Left Anterior Descending Coronary Stenosis Using Computed Tomography Feature Tracking
Authors: Han Xiaoyu , Cao Yukun , Ju Zhiguo , Liu Jia , Li Na , Li Yumin , Liu Tong , Shi Heshui , Gu Jin
Published: August 2020

Background: Computed tomography feature tracking (CT-FT) has emerged as a valuable method for the assessment of cardiac function. However, no studies have investigated the usefulness of CT-derived assessments of left ventricular (LV) strain in coronary artery disease (CAD). Our aim was to evaluate regional LV systolic deformation in patients with left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) stenosis using CT-FT.Methods: Seventy-six patients with LAD stenosis were enrolled. The patients were divided into four groups according to the percentage of LAD stenosis: ≤25% was defined as group I (24 patients), 26% to 49% as group II (17 patients), 50% to 74% as group III (21 patients), and ≥75% as group IV (14 patients). Thirty-two sex- and age-matched healthy subjects were included as controls.Results: No intergroup differences were found between groups I-IV and the controls in terms of the left ventricular ejection fraction, end-diastolic volume and end-systolic volume. However, the longitudinal strain (LS) of the LAD territory was significantly reduced in groups I-IV compared with the controls (-20.8%, -18.6%, -18.6%, and -17.0% vs -23.7%, respectively). The circumferential strain (CS) of the LAD territory was significantly reduced in groups III and IV compared with the controls and groups I and II (-22.4% and -22.1% vs -25.4%, -24.1%, and -25.3%, respectively). Compared with the non-LAD territory, the LAD territory in groups II-IV showed significantly increased LS (-18.6% vs -21.9%, p=0.07; -18.6% vs -21.9%, p=0.024; -17.5% vs -20%, p=0.032, respectively). The severity of LAD stenosis was positively correlated with the LS of the LAD territory (r = 0.438, p=0.002).Conclusion: CT‑FT can detect decreasing LV systolic function in patients with LAD stenosis. LV regional systolic deformation of the LAD territory was reduced with increasing LAD stenosis severity.
Deep Learning-Based Question Answering System for Intelligent Humanoid Robot
Authors: Budiharto Widodo , Andreas Vincent , Gunawan Alexander Agung Santoso
Published: August 2020

Background- The development of Intelligent Humanoid Robot focuses on question answering systems that can interact with people is very limited. In this research, we would like to propose an Intelligent Humanoid Robot with the self-learning capability for accepting and giving responses from people based on Deep Learning and Big Data knowledge base. This kind of robot can be used widely in hotels, universities, and public services. The Humanoid Robot should consider the style of questions and conclude the answer through conversation between robot and user. In our scenario, the robot will detect the user’s face and accept commands from the user to do an action. Findings- The question from the user will be processed using deep learning, and the result will be compared to the knowledge base on the system. We proposed our Deep Learning approach, based on Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) encoder, Convolution Neural Network (CNN) encoder, with Bidirectional Attention Flow (BiDAF). Conclusions- Our evaluation indicates that using RNN based encoder with BiDAF gives a higher score, than CNN encoder with the BiDAF. Based on our experiment, our model get 82.43% F1 score and the RNN based encoder will give a higher EM / F1 score than using the CNN encoder.
Biased Technical Change in Hospital Care and the Demand for Physicians
Authors: Blank Jos L.T. , Niaounakis Thomas K. , Valdmanis Vivian G.
Published: August 2020

Background The development of labour productivity is relevant for accurately planning future staffing requirements, especially in sectors where technological developments may drive labour substitution. The present study investigates how labour productivity has developed across Dutch medical specialists (2007-2017) and discusses its implications for workforce planning, also in relation to the existing literature.Methods A regression model is developed in which the number of full-time equivalents is related to production (admissions), hospital characteristics and a trend parameter. The trend parameter captures the average annual change in the number of full-time equivalents per production output and is a measure for labour productivity. The model is applied to a micro-data set of Dutch hospitals in the period 2007-2017 across 24 different specialties using regression methods. Results The results indicate an increase in the number of full-time equivalents per admission has increased for most specialisms and that labour productivity has thus decreased. However, there is considerable heterogeneity and uncertainty across different specialisms.Conclusions The results amplify the issue of medical personnel shortages driven by the growing demand for health care. The research outcomes are linked to the existing literature regarding physicians’ productivity. Changes in accountability such as using relative value units, incentive payments, use of staff and mid-level providers, and technology have been discussed and some consensus has been reached.
Effect of food matrix type on growth characteristics and hemolysin production of Vibrio alginolyticus
Authors: Wang Rundong , Hu Xiaojun , Deng Yijia , Deng Qi , Fang Zhijia , Sun Lijun , Wang Yaling , Gooneratne Ravi
Published: August 2020

Background: Vibrio alginolyticus is an important seafood-borne pathogen. There is increasing evidence that V.alginolyticus can also contaminate non-seafood by cross contamination and thereby cause food poisoning in humans. The growth and hemolysin production of V. alginolyticus at 30 °C in briny tilapia, shrimp, scallop, oyster, pork, chicken, freshwater fish and egg fried rice were investigated. Bacterial counts were enumerated by plate counting. Hemolysin production was evaluated by blood agar and hemolytic titer tests.Results: Based on the goodness of fit primary model statistics (R 2 , MSE, BF, AF), the modified Gompertz model was a better fit to V. alginolyticus growth in foods than the logistic model. Growth kinetic parameters of V. alginolyticus displayed a higher μ max and shorter λ in briny tilapia > shrimp > freshwater fish > egg fried rice > scallop > oyster > chicken > pork. It was notable that the V. alginolyticus counts were similar at the stationary phase, with no significant growth behavior difference between raw and cooked foods. However, higher thermostable direct hemolysin activity and hemolytic titer were observed in briny tilapia > egg fried rice > shrimp > freshwater fish > chicken > scallop > oyster > pork.Conclusion: V. alginolyticus growth was good in all food matrix types tested. Contrary to current belief, V. alginolyticus displayed a higher hemolytic activity in some non-seafoods (freshwater fish, egg fried rice and chicken) than in scallop or oyster. This is the first report of growth and toxicity of V. alginolyticus in different food matrices and confirmation that some non-seafood contaminated with V. alginolyticus can be even more pathogenic. This study will enhance the awareness of non-seafood safety and improve the V. alginolyticus risk assessment accuracy.
The Impact of a Hospitalist Model in Perioperative Care of Elective Joint Replacement Patients: a 17 years-experience Report
Authors: Ferrari Matteo Carlo , Azzolini Elena , Strangio Giuseppe , Badalamenti Salvatore , Lagioia Michele
Published: August 2020

Background: Hospitalists are physicians whose primary professional focus is the general medical care of hospitalized patients. The aim of this report is to describe a 17-year experience of a hospitalist model in peri-operative co-management in more than 25000 elective joint replacement patients.Methods: A retrospective observational study about surgical co-management with hospitalists in a tertiary teaching referral hospital in Milan in relation to hospital lengths of stay (LOS), 30-days readmission rate, incidence of prosthetic joint infections (PJI) and patient related co-morbidities, number of medico-legal disputes and related costs, and medical customer satisfaction. Results: Over a 17-year period LOS has been reduced from 10 to 5 days; readmission rates at 30 days for total hip arthroplasty are 1.7% vs 3.7% (Italy), whereas for total knee arthroplasty are 0.8% vs 1.4% (Italy); total infection rates (PJI) are recorded at 0.7% vs 1.4% (Italy); obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and/or smoking result as the main co-morbidity in PJI; there have been only 113 medico-legal disputes out of approximately 19000 surgeries and we report 95% overall medical customer satisfaction.Conclusions: This is the first paper outside the US to highlight the impact of the hospitalists on patient satisfaction and the translation of the obtained benefits into savings. The evolution of the hospitalist model in surgical settings shows promising results in terms of patients’ safety and cut of health-related direct and indirect costs.
FGL1 Regulates Acquired Resistance to Gefitinib by Inhibiting Apoptosis in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Sun Cuilan , Gao Weiwei , Liu Jiatao , Cheng Hao , Hao Jiqing
Published: August 2020

Background: This study investigated the role of fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) in regulating gefitinib resistance of PC9/GR non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: The effect of different concentrations of gefitinib on cell proliferation were evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. FGL1 expression in the normal human bronchial epithelial cell line Beas-2B, as well as four lung tumor cell lines, H1975, A549, PC9, and PC9/GR, was investigated by using western blotting and qRT-PCR. FGL1 was knocked down using small interfering RNA to evaluate the effects of FGL1 on PC9 and PC9/GR. The correlation between FGL1 expression and gefitinib resistance was determined in vitro via CCK-8 and colony formation assays, and flow cytometry and in vivo via flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Results: FGL1 expression was significantly upregulated in non-small cell lung cancer cells with EGFR mutation and higher in the gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cell line PC9/GR than in the gefitinib-sensitive NSCLC cell line PC9. Further, FGL1 expression in PC9 and PC9/GR cells increased in response to gefitinib treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Knockdown of FGL1 suppressed cell viability, reduced the gefitinib IC50 value, and enhanced apoptosis in PC9 and PC9/GR cells upon gefitinib treatment. Mouse xenograft experiments showed that FGL1 knockdown in PC9/GR tumor cells enhanced the inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing actions of gefitinib. The potential mechanism of gefitinib in inducing apoptosis of PC9/GR cells involves inhibition of PARP1 and caspase 3 expression via suppression of FGL1.Conclusions: FGL1 confers gefitinib resistance in the NSCLC cell line PC9/GR by regulating the PARP1/caspase 3 pathway. Hence, FGL1 is a potential therapeutic target to improve the treatment response of NSCLC patients with acquired resistance to gefitinib.
TUG1 enhances high gluose impaired endothelial progenitor cell function via miR-29c-3p/PDGF-BB/Wnt signaling
Authors: Li Yang , Zhi Kangkang , Han Shilong , Li Xue , Li Maoquan , Lian Weishuai , Zhang Haijun , Zhang Xiaoping
Published: August 2020

Background: Diabetes is associated with the dysfunction of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), characterized as impaired angiogenesis, a phenomenon thought to be involved in the development of diabetic foot. LncRNA plays an essential role in microvascular dysfunction and signaling pathways in patients with diabetes. LncRNA taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) participates in angiogenesis in various cells. However, the mechanisms of TUG1 activity in EPCs have not been elucidated. Methods: We isolated and then characterized EPCs from the peripheral blood of mice using immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Western blot detected the wnt/β-catenin pathway in high glucose treated EPCs. Bioinformatics analysis predicted a putative binding site for TUG1 on miR-29c-3p. The interactions among TUG1, platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and miR-29c-3p were analyzed by luciferase assays. In vivo, diabetic mouse ischemic limb were treated with normal saline or TUG1 overexpression lentiviruses. Results: We found that EPC migration, invasion and tube-formation declined after treatment with high-glucose, but improved with TUG1 overexpression. Mechanically, wnt/β-catenin pathway and autophagy were involved in the function of TUG1 overexpression in high glucose treated EPCs. Moreover, TUG1 regulates the PDGF-BB/wnt pathway and function of high glucose treated EPCs via miR-29c-3p. In vivo, injection of TUG1 lentivirus in a diabetic mouse ischemic limb model stimulated angiogenesis. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that TUG1 restores high glucose treated EPC function by regulating miR-29c-3p/PDGF-BB/Wnt signaling.
Praziquantel treatment coverage among school age children against Schistosomiasis and associated factors in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional survey, 2019
Authors: Chisha Yilma , Zerdo Zerihun , Asnakew Mekuria , Churko Chuchu , Yihune Manaye , Teshome Abinet , Nigussu Nebiyu , Seife Fikire , Getachew Birhanu , Sileshi Markos
Published: August 2020

Background: World Health Organization estimated that 779 million people are at risk of getting schistosomiasis (SCH) and 240 million people were infected worldwide. SCH due to schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) is a wide public health problem in Ethiopia. The aim of the survey was to quantify national and district disaggregated treatment coverage status for SCH and compare validated coverage with the one reported. Methods: Community based cross-sectional survey was conducted in April 2019 among households with school age children (SAC) 5-14 years in seven purposively selected districts of the country. Segments to be surveyed were randomly selected and households to be interviewed from each segment were determined using systematic sampling technique. A total of 3,378 households visited and 5,679 SAC (5-14 years) were interviewed.Results: Overall reported treatment coverage of PZQ against SCH was 4286 (75.5%). Males were 27% more likely to swallow the drug (AOR= 1.27; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.47) than females. SAC with age 10-14 years were 45% more likely to swallow the drug compared with their counter parts (5-9 years), (AOR =1.45; 95% CI: 1.25, 1.69). Statistically significant association was observed between PZQ swallowing with school enrollment and heard about mass drug administration. Swallowing status of PZQ against SCH significantly higher for SAC treated in districts applied integrated treatment approach (87.5%) compared with SAC treated in vertical treatment approach (72.5%). SACs were asked for reasons for not taking the drug and the main reported reason for not swallowing PZQ in the present study was none attending of the school.Conclusion and recommendation : Over all treatment coverage of PZQ against SCH in the present study was 75.5%. Although it is in accordance with WHO recommendation for Ethiopia, national programmatic improvements are necessary to achieve higher coverage in the future. To increase treatment coverage for PZQ against SCH in Ethiopia, school based training should target all schools. Moreover, mobilization, sensitization and implementation of the community wide treatment need to be improved.