bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Twin of Artifact Systems: Models Assimilated with Monitoring Data from Material Microstructures to Social Systems
Authors: Okita Taira , Kawabata Tomoya , Murayama Hideaki , Nishino Nariaki , Aichi Masaatsu ,   School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan,   Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
Published: September 2020

In contemporary society, where changes in the environment surrounding artifacts as well as changes in the purpose and operating conditions of artifacts occur frequently, it is necessary to equip artifacts with resilience and plasticity, and to incorporate this knowledge in the succeeding generation of artifacts. For this purpose, we propose digital twin of artifact systems (DTAS) that focuses on structural materials, from their microstructure to the environment and social systems in which the artifacts are used. The realization of DTAS requires the development of modelling and monitoring technologies from the atomic scale to the social system, the development of technologies to operate these technologies in multiscale in an integrated way, and the development of technologies for model uncertainty assessment. In the future, the information on models and monitoring of artifact systems stored in DTAS is expected to be shared and utilized not only by designers but also among various stakeholders, contributing to the realization of a framework for co-creative development and consensus building through interaction between designers and users.
Computational Study on Strategyproofness of Resource Matching in Crowdsourced Manufacturing
Authors: Chida Takafumi , Kaihara Toshiya , Fujii Nobutada , Kokuryo Daisuke , Shiho Yuma ,   Research & Development Group, Hitachi, Ltd. 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-0817, Japan,   Graduate School of System Informatics, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
Published: September 2020

The need for a sustainable society has grown rapidly. This trend requires new production system concepts following an era of mass customization. As one of these new concepts, “crowdsourced manufacturing” has attracted noticeable attention. In such systems, each participant shares their manufacturing resources for ecosystem co-prosperity, providing new value for the next society. To realize such a concept, it is important to (1) match resource requests and resource offers so as to achieve high efficiency, and (2) induce participants to act in a fair way. Previously, some studies showed production efficiency improvements. Nevertheless, relatively few studies have been conducted on induction mechanisms. The purpose of this study is to develop induction mechanisms for participants. Concerning induction mechanisms, we focus on two viewpoints: (a) matching stability, and (b) “strategyproofness.” These viewpoints are well-known concepts in the market design research field. We previously proposed a resource matching stability analysis method and mechanism for inducing participants to accept matching plans. Formally, a matching method is “strategyproof” when it is a dominant strategy for all participants to submit their true information. However, it is hard to satisfy this condition. Practically, it would be useful to evaluate the strength of an induction, even if the matching method is not strategyproof. In this study, we propose indices for showing the strength of induction (“strength of strategyproofness”). Subsequently, we evaluate matching methods, and show that participants will state false information to maximize their profit in a system with resource matching methods for the profit maximization of the entire system. As the resource providers, they can obtain greater profit by submitting false information regarding resource usage fees. Then, the profits of the resource requesters are unfairly impaired. Furthermore, we propose a new resource matching method, inspired from the “nucleolus” concept in cooperative game theory. The proposed method reduces the maximum dissatisfaction (i.e., profit loss) of resource requesters and resource providers, based on profit sharing. The computational results show that the proposed method induces participants to submit true information, while maintaining high production efficiency.
Improved Algorithm to Trace Boundary Curves on Two-Dimensional Square Meshes
Authors: Inui Masatomo ,   Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Ibaraki University 4-12-1 Nakanarusawa, Hitachi, Ibaraki 316-8511, Japan, Kawano Munekazu , Watanabe Issei , Umezu Nobuyuki
Published: September 2020

In the contoured cutter path computation of a mold part, the Minkowski sum shape of the mold part CAD model and an inverted cutter model is sliced by a horizontal plane at a specific height. The cutter path can be obtained by tracing the boundary curve of the cross-sectional figure in the two-dimensional (2D) square mesh model. In the boundary curve tracing of the square mesh, the 2D marching cubes method based on the classification of the cell pattern of the mesh is typically used. We extended the classification pattern so that the existence of very small shapes in the cell, which is ignored by the conventional 2D marching cubes method, is evaluated in tracing the boundary curve. By using this technology, a robust and accurate contoured cutter path can be obtained without any increase in the computation time.
Inhibitors in the Management of Patients with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases: Guidelines and Reimbursement Issues
Authors: Zhuravleva M. V. , Prokofiev A. B. , Shikh E. V. , Serebrova S. Yu. , Gorodetskaya G. I. , Demchenkova E. Yu.
Published: September 2020

Current guidelines for the management of patients with dyslipidemia define low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as the primary target in addressing lipid-lowering therapy. The target level of LDL-C in real clinical practice is achieved in no more than a third of patients who have undergone a coronary event and receive high-intensity lipid-lowering therapy. Achieving the goals of lipid-lowering therapy in a significant proportion of patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ACVD) is impossible with the use of even high doses of statins, which requires its enhancement by other drugs. The article considers the place of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in patients with ACVD in accordance with the latest Russian and international guidelines. A modern decision-making algorithm for the initiation of PCSK9 inhibitors therapy in patients with ACVD is presented. The authors provide a clear understanding about the patient populations that will benefit most from the taking of PCSK9 inhibitors. Particular attention is paid to Guidelines for the management of dyslipidemias developed by European Society of Cardiology and European Atherosclerosis Society in 2019. The issues of patients provision with PCSK9 inhibitors with reference to Russian conditions are described in details in accordance with the requirements for territorial programs of state guarantees. Further improvement in the provision of PCSK9 inhibitors to patients with indications for this therapy is necessary, considering the potential of these drugs in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with ACVD.
Features of Structural and Functional Changes in the Heart in Elderly Patients with Coronary Heart Disease and Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Folomeeva L. I. , Filippov E. V.
Published: September 2020

Supraventricular arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (AF), are a current problem for patients in the older age group due to the possibility of lifethreatening complications. Elderly patients have pre-conditions for the development of supraventricular rhythm disturbances (age-related structural and functional changes in the myocardium, concomitant diseases).

Aim. To study the features of structural and functional changes in the myocardium of the left heart in elderly patients, depending on the presence of supraventricular arrhythmias.

Material and methods. The cross-sectional study included 200 individuals aged 60 to 89 years. All participants underwent echocardiographic examination and 24-hour electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring. The patients of the study cohort were divided into 3 groups: group 1 consisted of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) without heart rhythm disturbances (n=80); group 2 consisted of patients with CHD and paroxysmal AF (n=40); group 3 consisted of patients with CHD and supraventricular extrasystoles (n=40). The control group consisted of patients of the older age group without CHD and rhythm disturbances (n=40).

Results. In patients with paroxysmal AF and frequent supraventricular extrasystoles, large sizes of the left atrium were revealed (anteroposterior dimension: 4.30±0.07 and 4.12±0.12 cm; upper-lower: 6.15±0.03 and 5.96±0.10 cm; medial-lateral: 4.15±0.11 and 3.87±0.09 cm, respectively). In patients with CHD and rhythm disturbances, the presence of a combined increase in the size of the left atrium and a decrease in myocardial contractility was revealed (ejection fraction of the left atrium in groups 2 and 3 – 27.2±0.1% and 27.9±0.1%, respectively, vs 36.3±0.1% and 38.20±0.02%, respectively in group 1 and control). The duration of ischemic changes during 24-hour ECG monitoring was also greater in group 3 compared with groups 1 and 2 (249.6 vs 27.1 and 66.4 min, respectively). In groups 2 and 3, a discordant effect of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems on heart rate variability was revealed.

Conclusion. For elderly patients, morphological and functional changes are characteristic, which consist in the restructuring of the myocardium and changes in heart rate variability with a prevalence of the sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system.
A high-resolution, spatially explicit estimate of fossil-fuel CO2 emissions from the Tokyo Metropolis, Japan
Authors: Cong Richao , Saito Makoto , Fukui Tetsuo , Hirata Ryuichi , Ito Akihiko
Published: September 2020

Background: The quantification of urban greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is an important task in combating climate change. Emission inventories that include spatially explicit emission estimates facilitate the accurate tracking of emission changes, identification of emission sources, and formulation of policies for climate-change mitigation. Many currently available gridded emission estimates are based on the disaggregation of country- or state-wide emission estimates, which may be useful in describing city-wide emissions but are of limited value in tracking changes at subnational levels. Urban GHG emissions should therefore be quantified with a true bottom-up approach. Results: Multi-resolution, spatially explicit estimates of fossil-fuel carbon dioxide (FFCO2) emissions from the Tokyo Metropolis, Japan, were derived. Spatially explicit emission data were collected for point (e.g., power plants and waste incinerators), line (mostly traffic), and area (e.g., residential and commercial areas) sources. Emissions were mapped on the basis of emission rates calculated for source locations. Activity, emissions, and spatial data were integrated, and the results were visualized using a geographic information system approach.Conclusions: The annual total FFCO2 emissions from the Tokyo Metropolis in 2014 were 43,916 Gg CO2, with the road-transportation sector (16,323 Gg CO2) accounting for 37.2% of the total. Spatial emission patterns were verified via a comparison with the East Asian Air Pollutant Emission Grid Database for Japan (EAGrid-Japan) and the Open‐source Data Inventory for Anthropogenic CO2 (ODIAC), which demonstrated the applicability of this methodology to other prefectures and therefore the entire country.
Beyond knowledge acquisition: factors influencing family planning utilization among women in conservative communities in Rural Burundi.
Authors: HAKIZIMANA SONIA , Odjidja Emmanuel Nene
Published: September 2020

Background With a fertility rate of 5.4 children per woman, Burundi has been ranked as seventh highest country with the highest fertility rate in the world. Family planning is known to allow couples to achieve the desired family size, appropriate space birth and the limitation of pregnancies. Also, family planning can contribute to mitigating some health issues such as unintended pregnancies and abortions all of which, are often associated with multi-parity. In conservative community in rural Burundi, knowledge on family planning is high and such services are free yet utilisation is low. Employing a mixed methods, this study first quantifies contraceptive prevalence and second, explore the contextual multilevel factors associated with low family planning utilisation among married women.Methods An explanatory sequential mixed study was conducted. Five hundred and thirty women in union were interviewed using structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Next, 11 focus group discussions were held with community members composed of married men and women, administrative and religious leaders (n=132). The study was conducted in eighteen collines of two health districts of Vyanda and Rumonge in provinces of Bururi and Rumonge respectively. Quantitative data was analysed with SPSS and qualitative data was coded and deductive thematic methods were applied to find themes and codes.Results The overall contraceptive prevalence was 22.6%. Injectables (40%), Implants (24.6%), Male condom (10.8%) and pills (6.2%) were the major contraceptive methods utilized by study participants. Factors inhibiting family planning use emanated from a range of issues which were identified during the qualitative phase. Notable among those was experiencing side effects and costs associated with its management in the health system. Religious conceptualisation and ancestral negative beliefs of family planning had also shaped how people perceived it. Furthermore, at the household level, gender imbalances between spouses had resulted in break in communication, also serving as a factor for non-use of family planning. Conclusion The study suggests that low uptake of family planning can be attributed to perceived or experienced side effects as well as deeply rooted negative beliefs which are reinforced by religious beliefs. Men and religious leaders’ involvement in family planning initiatives can positively impact behaviour change and increase family planning acceptance.
Genome-wide Identification of Powdery Mildew Resistance in Common Bean
Authors: Binagwa Papias Hongera , Traore Sy M. , Egnin Marceline , Bernard Gregory C. , Ritte Inocent , Mortley Desmond , Kamfwa Kelvin , He Guohao , Bonsi Conrad C.
Published: September 2020

Background: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) was utilized to detect genetic variations related to the powdery mildew (PM) resistance and several agronomic traits in common bean. However, its application in common bean and the PM interactions to identify genes and their location in the common bean genome has not been fully addressed. Results: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) through marker-trait association are useful molecular tools for the identification of disease resistance and other agronomic traits. SNP genotyping with a BeadChip containing 5398 SNPs was used to detect genetic variations related to resistance to PM disease in a panel of 206 genotypes grown under field conditions for two consecutive years. Significant SNPs identified on chromosomes 4 and 10 (Pv04 and Pv10) were repeatable, confirming the reliability of the phenotypic data scored from the genotypes grown in two locations within two years. A cluster of resistance genes was revealed on the chromosome 4 of common bean genome among which CNL and TNL like resistance genes were identified. Furthermore, two resistance genes Phavu_010G1320001g and Phavu_010G136800g were also identified on Pv10; further sequence analysis showed that these genes were homologs to the Arabidopsis disease resistance protein (RLM1A-like) and the putative disease resistance protein (At4g11170.1), respectively. Two LRR receptor-like kinases (RLK) were also identified on Pv11 in samples collected in 2018 only. Many genes encoding auxin-responsive protein, TIFY10A protein, growth-regulating factor 5-like, ubiquitin-like protein, cell wall protein RBR3-like protein related to PM resistance were identified nearby significant SNPs. These results suggested that the resistance to PM pathogen involves a network of many genes constitutively co-expressed and may generate several layers of defense barriers or inducible reactions.Conclusion: Our results provide new insights into common bean and PM interactions, and revealed putative resistance genes as well as their location on common bean genome that could be used for marker-assisted selection, functional genomic study approaches to confirm the role of these putative genes; hence, developing common bean resistance lines to the PM disease.
Effect of Sterilized Rumen Fluid Supplementation Ways in Lactation Period on Rumen Microflora of Calves after Weaning
Authors: Lin Xueyan , Zhang Tian , Jiang Yue , Hou Qiuling , Wang Yun , Hu zhiyong , Wang zhonghua
Published: September 2020

Background: The presence of the rumen makes the ruminant special, and the ruminal microbes has an important influence on the ruminant. The rumen have an important developed in young ruminants. This study want to investigate the ecological function of rumen fluid environmen from high-yielding dairy cows and effect of feeding of rumen fluid to suckling calves. For the experiment, 12 newborn Holstein male calves with the same feeding environment and similar ages were selected. They were randomly divided into 3 groups, with 4 in each group. The three treatments were: addition of sterilized rumen fluid to milk (Group M), addition of sterilized rumen fluid to starter feed (Group S), and control group fed milk and starter feed(Group C). The growth performance indices and blood indices were measured, and rumen fluid samples were collected after weaning,which used for 16S rDNA sequencing and LC-MS metabolome detection were performed. Results: Compared with the control group, the growth performance of group S was significantly increased. For the rumen fluid microbiome and metabolome detection, both groups M and S showed significant differences from group C.Conclusions: The microbes and metabolites were different due to different supplementary feeding methods. Metabolites with differential levels were mainly involved in metabolic pathways such as amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism. These numerical differences indicate that there are specific ruminal microbes structures in the rumen fluid of high-yielding cows, which promoting better development of animals.
Social Media Perceptions of Clubfoot Treatment: A Global Observational Study
Authors: Keil Evan J , Shaikh Hashim , Navarro Sergio M , Dube Andile , Yao Lilian E , Sheik-Ali Sharaf , Ncube Thando , Lavy Chris
Published: September 2020

Background: Clubfoot is a debilitating congenital anomaly that is often under treated in lower- and middle-income countries. There exists an active social media community with regards to clubfoot on both Instagram and Twitter. The purpose of this observational study was to investigate shared content related to clubfoot on social media. Methods: A search for public posts on social media regarding clubfoot was performed from October 31st, 2018 to October 31st, 2019. Three hashtags on Instagram and Twitter were analyzed: #clubfootsurgery, #clubfoot, and #clubfootmommas. Data was analyzed using Chi-squared tests with significance set to p<0.05.Results: Overall, 2050 posts with clubfoot-related hashtags were identified as publicly shared on these social media platforms over the 12-month period. 1992 met the inclusion criteria. Pictures consisted of 93.9% of posts which overwhelmingly had a positive tone, while only 16 posts were explicitly negative. On Instagram, personal accounts authored 95.5% of posts and on Twitter, organizations shared 99.4% of posts. Content related to active treatment was shared 32.7% of the time - of these posts, 94.8% showed Ponseti casting or Ponseti bracing. Chi-squared analysis was performed comparing Instagram with Twitter for media format, timing, tone, author, content, visibility, and topic reference. Statistically significant differences between the two (p<0.001) groups were found in each of these categories.Conclusions: Clubfoot treatment has a large social media presence with contributions from patients, treatment organizations, and physicians. Personal accounts on Instagram emphasize the patient experience, whereas organizations on Twitter focus primarily on education and increasing overall awareness.
Viral shedding and immunological features of children COVID-19 patients
Authors: Yang Yang , Zheng Haixia , Peng Ling , Wei Jinli , Wang Yanrong , Li Hexiao , Peng Bo , Fang Shisong , Zhang Mingxia , Li Yanjie , Liu Hui , Feng Kai , Xing Li , Wang Jun , Cao Mengli , Wang Fuxiang , Liu Lei , Liu Yingxia , Yuan Jing
Published: September 2020

Background SARS-CoV-2 could infect people at all ages, and the viral shedding and immunological features of children COVID-19 patients were analyzed.Methods Epidemiological information and clinical data were collected from 35 children patients. Viral RNAs in respiratory and fecal samples were detected. Plasma of 11 patients were collected and measured for 48 cytokines.Results 40% (14/35) of the children COVID-19 patients showed asymptomatic infections, while pneumonia shown by CT scan occurred in most of the cases (32/35, 91.43%). Elevated LDH, AST, CRP, neutropenia, leukopenia, lymphopenia and thrombocytopenia occurred in some cases, and CD4 and CD8 counts were normal. A total of 22 cytokines were significantly higher than the healthy control, and IP-10, IFN-α2 of them in children were significantly lower than the adult patients. Meanwhile, MCP-3, HGF, MIP-1α, and IL-1ra were similar or lower than healthy control, while significantly lower than adult patients. Viral RNAs were detected as early as the first day after illness onset (d.a.o) in both the respiratory and fecal samples. Viral RNAs decreased as the disease progression and mostly became negative in respiratory samples within 18 d.a.o, while maintained relatively stable during the disease progression and still detectable in some cases during 36~42 d.a.o. Conclusion COVID-19 in children was mild, and asymptomatic infection was common. Immune responses were relatively normal in children COVID-19 patients. Cytokine storm also occurred in children patients, while much weaker than adult patients. Positive rate of viral RNAs in fecal samples was high, and profile of viral shedding were different between respiratory and gastrointestinal tract.
Stigmasterol Biosynthesis Pathway is Associated With the Dehiscence Process in Panax Ginseng Seeds
Authors: Min Jung Eun , Long Nguyen Phuoc , Hong Ji Yeon , Kim Sun Jo , Anh Nguyen Hoang , Lee Seul Ji , Kwon Sung Won , Park Jeong Hill
Published: September 2020

Background: Ginseng, officially known as Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, has been traditionally used as a medicinal herb, especially in Asia. Ginseng is propagated from seeds, and seed germination difficulty makes it challenging to grow the species naturally in farms. P. ginseng seeds typically exhibit morphophysiological dormancy. Therefore, they require both morphological and physiological dormancy releases before germination. Although some studies have proposed methods of increasing seed germination rates, the underlying mechanisms of the seed dormancy release process remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated metabolic alterations during dehiscence in P. ginseng with the aim of unraveling their potential roles in dormancy release. We compared ginseng seed metabolome before and after dehiscing, in addition to the compositions of ginsenosides and phytosterols in the two periods and the presence of associated enzymes.Results: Sugar, amino acid, and squalene concentrations were altered significantly after dehiscing. Phytosterols associated with the stigmasterol biosynthesis pathway increased after seed dehiscence, while ginsenosides and brassinosteroids were not altered significantly. In addition, squalene epoxidase, cycloartenol synthase, and 24-methylenesterol C-methyltransferase were activated after seed dehiscence.Conclusions: After seed dehiscence, the stigmasterol biosynthesis pathway was activated. Overall, our findings suggest that morphological activities that facilitate ginseng seed growth are the primary phenomena occurring during the dehiscence process. The findings of the present study enhance our understanding of P. ginseng germination processes and could promote further research on its germination and cultivation in farms.
Case report: A Novel Intergenic KIF5B-MET Fusion Variant in a Patient with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wu Zhiwei , Sha Yu , Chen Qing , Hou Juan , Sun Yan , Lu Wangkun , Chen Jing , Yu Lijiang
Published: September 2020

BackgroundMET fusion is a key driver mutation, but it is rare in gastric cancer (GC). Several MET inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of MET-positive patients, but the tumor response is heterogeneous. With the development of next-generation sequencing (NGS), diverse MET fusion partner genes have been identified. We reported a case of a fusion variant involving KIF5B-MET in GC.Case presentationAfter thoracoscopic inferior lobectomy plus lymph node dissection under general anesthesia, a “tumor within a tumor” was found in the lung tumor tissue of a 64-year-old nonsmoker male patient. Combining the medical history and the results of enzyme labeling, the focal area was considered to be GC. To seek potential therapeutic regimens, an intergenic region between KIF5B and MET fusion was identified. This fusion contains a MET kinase domain and coil-coiled domains encoded by KIF5B exons 1-25, which might drive oncogenesis. ConclusionOur founding could extend the spectrum and genomic landscape of MET fusions in GC and favor the development of personalized therapy.
Development of KASP Markers for Germplasm Characterization and Fingerprinting Identification of Broccoli in China
Authors: Shen Yusen , Wang Jiansheng , Yu Huifang , Sheng Xiaoguang , Zhao Zhenqing , Gu Hong-Hui
Published: September 2020

Background: Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is a vegetable widely cultivated in China. Many new-type broccoli cultivars were bred and developed by Chinese breeders during the recent three decades. However, the broccoli cultivar nomenclature and detailed information of genetic relationships among broccoli germplasms are unclear. Results: The present study identified millions of SNPs by next-generation sequencing of 23 representative broccoli lines. Through several steps of selection, 100 SNPs were successfully converted into KASP markers, and used to evaluate the genetic diversity, genetic relationship, and population structure of 392 broccoli accessions, which represent the mainly broccoli breeding materials in China. The initial, introduced and improved accessions were well clustered, though some accessions were overlapped between groups, probably reflecting the fact that breeding activities led to genetic similarities. To make the KASP genotyping more efficient and cost-effective, 25 of the 100 KASPs were selected for fingerprinting of all accessions, and the 2D barcode contained fingerprinting information were generated for elite varieties. Conclusion: The KASP markers developed in this study provided an efficient way for germplasm characterization, DNA fingerprinting, seed purity identification, and marker-assisted selection of broccoli in China.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the characteristics of paediatric emergency room visits in a tertiary centre in Northern Italy
Authors: Silvagni Davide , Baggio Laura , Meragliotta Patrizia Lo Tartaro , Soloni Pietro , Fauci Giovanna La , Bovo Chiara , Ielo Stefania , Biban Paolo
Published: September 2020

IntroductionThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is heavily affecting healthcare services worldwide. We investigated the impact of a lockdown policy on the characteristics of patients attending a Paediatric Emergency Department (PED), in one of the first areas of COVID-19 outbreak in Europe.MethodsWe retrieved data of all PED visits in March-April 2020 (COVID-19) and March-April 2019 (non-COVID-19), comparing volume and characteristics of PED accesses in the two periods.ResultsIn COVID-19 period, total visits reduced by 67% if compared to 2019. White codes decreased from 45.8–35%. Green codes raised from 45.9–52.2%, while yellow and red codes were comparable. As a percentage, accidents increased during COVID-19, being the first cause of PED access (29.7%) (p < 0.0001), while infections and fever category dropped from 49.1–27.7%. (p < 0.001). Within the neonatal population, minor conditions raised from 56.4% to 81.3. (p < 0.001). Hospitalisation rate slightly increased, while Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) admission rate was comparable in the two periods.ConclusionsThe lockdown due to COVID-19 had a substantial impact on volume and features of patients accessing our PED in Verona. PED visits abruptly decreased, mainly for a reduction of white codes. As a percentage, despite the stay-at-home order, accidents such as injuries, burns and wounds significantly increased, suggesting that home safety measures should be reinforced by parents during any lockdown. Finally, the increased accesses for minor neonatal conditions should prompt primary care services to be more efficient and easily available, in case of lockdown, to reduce unnecessary PED visits and risk of contagion for these infants and their families.
Transcriptome Analysis Based on Lr19-Virulent Mutants Strain Provides Clues for the Pathogenicity-Related Genes and Effectors of Puccinia Triticina
Authors: Wu Wenyue , Fan Fan , Wang Fei , Cui Zhongchi , Sun Xinkang , Qin Zhen , Peng Binbin , Liu Daqun , Di Dianping , Wang Haiyan
Published: September 2020

Background: Wheat leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina (Pt) remains one of the most destructive diseases of common wheat worldwide. Cultivating resistant cultivars is an effective way to control this disease, but race-specific resistance can be overcome quickly due to the rapid evolution of Pt populations. The critical to control wheat leaf rust is to understand the pathogenicity mechanisms of Pt. Results: In this study, the spores of the Pt race PHNT (wheat leaf rust resistance gene Lr19-avirulent isolate) were mutagenized with ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) and two Pt Lr19-virulent mutants named M1 and M2 were isolated, suggesting that they carry mutations affecting the Lr19-specific avirulent factor. RNA sequencing was performed on samples collected from the wheat cultivars Chinese Spring and TcLr19 that were infected by wild-type (WT) PHNT and the two Lr19-virulent mutant isolates at 14 days post-inoculation (dpi). The assembled transcriptome data were compared to the reference genome “Pt 1-1 BBBD Race 1.” A total of 216 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found from three different sample comparisons including M1-vs-WT, M2-vs-WT, and M1-vs-M2. Of these DEGs, 29 common DEGs were shared between M1-vs-WT and M2-vs-WT comparisons. Among the 216 DEGs encoding proteins, 30 were predicted to be effector candidates. Then 6 effector candidates (PTTG_27844, PTTG_05290, PTTG_27401, PTTG_27224, PTTG_26282, PTTG_25521) were verified that these genes were differentially expressed during Pt infection by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and were validated on tobacco, and the results showed that PTTG_27401 could inhibit progress of cell death (PCD) induced by BAX.Conclusions: Our results showed that a large number of genes participate in the interaction between Pt and TcLr19, which will provide valuable resources for the identification and targeting of AvrLr19 effector candidates and pathogenesis-related genes. Furthermore, our analyses are of great significance to reveal the pathogenesis of Pt.
Sonographic Findings of Arthralgia in Children with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura
Authors: Seo Ji Hyun , Kim Min-Ji , Cho Jae-Min , Na Jae Boem , Kim Jae Young , Youn Hee-Shang
Published: September 2020

Background

Arthralgia is a common manifestation in children with Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP). No ultrasonographic (US) findings of arthralgia in patients with HSP have been reported. We therefore investigated these findings in affected joints of children with HSP.
Methods

The medical records of patients with HSP and arthralgia at Gyeongsang National University Hospital from 2014 to 2018 were reviewed for clinical data about arthralgia, anatomic location, US findings, treatment, and duration of improvement.
Results

Thirty-one patients underwent joint US imaging. Sixteen patients (51.6%) were aged 2–5 y, 10 (32.3%) were aged 6–10 y, and 5 (16.1%) were aged 11–17 y. Nineteen (61.3%) were boys and 12 (38.7%) were girls. The joint most commonly affected was the ankle (n = 25), followed by the knee (n = 6) and the foot or elbow. Four patients complained of knee and ankle pain simultaneously. Swelling, limited range of motion, tenderness, erythema, and febrile sensation in affected joints were observed in 22 patients (71.0%), 9 (29.0%), 21 (67.7%), 25 (80.6%), and 6 (19.4%), respectively. US images showed no visible joint effusion and no evidence of arthritis or synovitis, but it did show subcutaneous swelling with increased echo around affected joints. Arthralgia improved spontaneously in 6 patients and with corticosteroids in 25. Improvement in arthralgia lasted a mean of 1.9 ± 1.8 days.
Conclusion

US images showed subcutaneous edema around joints with neither joint effusion nor synovial inflammation.
The Mwendwa Protocol: A modification of the Bouyoucos method of soil texture analysis
Authors: Mwendwa Samuel
Published: September 2020

Background

This study aimed to modify the Bouyoucos method of soil texture analysis by proposing the best sample treatment and analysis protocol that would give the most accurate results. The Bouyoucos method lacks sample pre-treatment whereby samples are dispersed for only 2 minutes after being soaked in 5% sodium hexametaphosphate (calgon) for 15 to 20 hours. In this study, the Pipette method was used as the standard method due to its increased precision and reproducibility. Different treatments modified from the Bouyoucos procedure were compared with the Pipette method aiming to identify the treatment whose soil texture proportions were closest to those obtained through the Pipette method. The treatments involved variation in the concentration of the digesting material during sample pre-treatment, concentration of the dispersing material, time of hydrometer readings, method of agitation before taking the first hydrometer reading and method of dispersing. Obtained data was analyzed statistically using Genstat and SPSS.
Results

Percent sand obtained through the Pipette method significantly correlated with that obtained through Shaking at the 0.01 level (r = 0.862; P-value = 0.001) and that obtained through Shaking + Stirring at the 0.05 level (r = 0.737; P-value = 0.015). The sand measurements made using the hydrometer variations overestimated the sand fraction in the soil samples. None of the Bouyoucos treatments estimated the percentage silt with sufficient accuracy. There was a positive correlation in the clay proportion between the Pipette method and Shaking + Stirring treatment (r = 0.644, P-value = 0.044) at the 0.01 level. There was a negative correlation between the clay proportion obtained using the Pipette method and no-digestion treatment (r = -0.234). The 4%Calgon treatment was negatively correlated with the Pipette method (r = -0.712; P-value = 0.021) at the 0.05 level. Treatments involving shaking and increased concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and calgon estimated the clay proportion with sufficient accuracy.
Conclusions

These observations are indicative of the need for soil pretreatment with hydrogen peroxide and also the use 10% calgon as the dispersing agent during soil texture analysis. A modification to the Bouyoucos method was proposed and dubbed The Mwendwa Protocol.
WITHDRAWN: Determinants of Adverse Birth Outcome in West Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia Hospital Based Unmatched Case-control Study
Authors: Fekene Daniel Belema , BULTO GIZACHEW ABDISSA , WOLDEYES BINIYAM SEIFU , DINA GURMESA DABA , NEGASH KASSA MAMO
Published: September 2020

Back ground The adverse birth outcomes can lead to higher rates of illness and infection for newborns, as well as long-term neurological and health problems. Hence, this study aims to identify determinants of adverse birth outcomes among mothers who gave birth in hospitals in the west shewa zone, Ethiopia. Methods Unmatched case-control study was conducted among 591 mothers (146 cases and 445 controls) who gave birth at hospitals found in the west Shewa zone from March 2020 and July 2020. All cases during the data collection period and every 3rd control after cases were selected as a study population. The data were collected from the mothers, measurements from neonates. The questionnaire template was coded by using open source software for Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing using census and survey processing system (CS-Pro) version 7.1. The collected data were exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Finally, presented and interpreted at P-value < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant in multivariable logistic regression.Result: on multivariable analysis; urban residence (AOR=0.56, 95%, CI=0.36-0.88), lack of family support during child bearing (AOR=5.07, 95% ,CI: 3.01-8.54), pregnancy type(3.994 (AOR=3.4, 95% ,CI: 2.04-7.83,), short inter pregnancy interval (AOR=1.6, 95% CI: 1.99-2.48), not provided all initial newborn care (AOR=2.19, 95% CI: 1.39-3.41), less than four antenatal care visits (AOR=1.6, 95% CI: 1.02-2.61) and having current obstetric complication (AOR=2.7, 95% CI: 1.55-4.84) were significantly associated with adverse birth outcomes. Conclusions: Residence, lack of family support during child bearing, Pregnancy type, short inter pregnancy interval, not provided first initial newborn care, having current obstetric complications, and Number of ANC visits were identified as determinants of adverse birth outcome. Therefore, improving family support, inter-pregnancy interval through family planning counselling and provision, providing all initial newborn cares, and having the recommended ANC follow-up was recommended.
Care for Neonates in Haiti’s Health System – Outcomes and Lessons
Authors: Dev Alka , Casseus Michelucia , Baptiste Wilhermine Jean , Winter Emma Le , Simpher Katie , Werbel Alice , Joseph Patrice , Wright Peter
Published: September 2020

BackgroundThe rate of facility births in Haiti has doubled in the past two decades but this has not resulted in comparable reductions in maternal or neonatal mortality. To care for newborns requiring hospitalization in Haiti, we worked with the public health leadership in the Haitian department of the South (Sud) to establish a ward for compromised neonates in a large public hospital with over 3000 annual deliveries but no neonatal care capacity. MethodsSignificant investments were made in establishing basic neonatal services, train nurses, install and manage a supply chain, and strengthen infrastructure. We present outcomes for 1399 neonates admitted to the ward during the first two years of operation. ResultsTwo-thirds of admissions were made from the hospital’s maternity ward at birth while the remaining babies were born at home or referring facilities. Inborn neonates had better rates of hospital survival than those born elsewhere. They were also more likely to be born via cesarean section and to be admitted right at birth. Babies born elsewhere were more likely to die during their hospital stay. There were no differences between the proportion of premature or low Conclusionsbirth weight babies born at the hospital or elsewhere. Nursing care proved to be a critical part of the care delivery system. We conclude that integrated, high frequency nursing training is necessary for both maternity and neonatal nurses to support maternal and newborn care. Resources are needed to address prematurity as an important outcome, especially as it is indicative of poor prenatal care, regardless of place of birth.
Clinical Implications of Oral Assessment in Elderly Patients with Acute Heart Failure: A Single-center, Retrospective Study
Authors: Uemura Yusuke , Shibata Rei , Ishikawa Haruna , Nagahori Ayumi , Katsumi Yuta , Takemoto Kenji , Ishikawa Shinji , Murohara Toyoaki , Watarai Masato
Published: September 2020

Background: Oral health problems are common and are associated with various geriatric conditions in older adults. The importance of oral health has not been fully highlighted in the assessment and management of patients with heart failure. Here, we investigated the clinical implications of oral assessment in elderly patients with acute heart failure.Methods: We evaluated oral health using the revised oral assessment guide in 77 patients aged 65 years or older who were admitted to hospital for acute heart failure. Poor oral health was defined as a revised oral assessment guide score ≥ 9.Results: Poor oral health was identified in 66.2% of the patients. Patients with poor oral health had high prevalence of decreased physical function, undernutrition, and cognitive impairment. A reduction in the Barthel Index, as an indicator of activities of daily living during hospitalization, was significant in the enrolled patients. The Barthel Index decreased more in patients with poor oral health than those with normal oral health. Furthermore, the revised oral assessment guide score on admission was found to be the only independent predictor of changes in the Barthel Index during hospitalization in the multivariate regression analyses. Conclusions: Oral assessment using the revised oral assessment guide during hospitalization could provide useful information for the management of elderly heart failure patients. Trail registration: Patients were retrospectively registered.
Influence of Medial Longitudinal Arch Deformation on Body Characteristics, Muscle Strength, Locomotive Function in the Community-Dwelling Elderly: A cross-section study
Authors: Nakao Hidetoshi , Imaoka Masakazu , Hida Mitsumasa , Imai Ryota , Tazaki Fumie , Morifuji Takeshi , Hashimoto Masashi , Nakamura Misa
Published: September 2020

Background:

Foot deformity can cause walking difficulty and posture problems in all age groups and lead to even more serious health problems in the elderly. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the effects of foot arch deformation on physical characteristics, muscular strength, and motor function in the community-dwelling elderly. We also assessed the reliability of the foot measurement method used in this study.
Methods:

Overall, 204 community-dwelling elderly participants, of whom 159 were women, aged 65 to 90 years old, were included in this study. This study measured and analyzed the feet arch height ratio (AHR, dorsal height/truncated foot length). Participants were classified based on the AHR values above, below, or within 1.5 SD into the High-Arched Group (HAG), Low-Arched Group (LAG), or Normal-Arched Group (NAG), respectively. Furthermore, the reliability of the foot arch measurement method was examined in 17 university students. The survey items compared body characteristics (age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and skeletal mass index), muscle strength (handgrip strength and foot intrinsic strength), and locomotive function (two-step value and gait speed) among the three groups based on AHR. The foot measurements and sex differences were measured using the Mann-Whitney test. The associations among the three groups were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test.
Results:

There were significant differences in BMI and walking speed among the three groups categorized according to AHR. The HAG had the highest BMI and the lowest walking speed among all groups. The foot measurements demonstrated high or moderate reliability.
Conclusions:

The decreased walking speed of elderly people was found to be associated with high-arched feet. Additionally, the BMI could be associated with high-arched feet. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm whether obesity increases the incidence of high-arched feet.
Low-Cost Remote Sensing IoT based Smartphone Controlled Robot for Virus Affected People
Authors: Ak Tajim Md. Niamat Ullah , Newaz Nishat Tasnim , Hossain Md. Rakib
Published: September 2020

This modern era is the era of IoT and Robotics. In current times the whole world is suffering from the Covid-19 pandemic. This paper represents an IoT based Robot that will help the virus affected people. This robot will be able to collect data from virus affected people and send those data to a cloud database. The collected data can be analyzed from the cloud platform. The robot is designed as a low-cost device and can be controlled via smartphones. Bluetooth sensors, temperature sensors, and other sensors are used to collect data from the patient and to control the robot. Wi-fi communication is used to send the collected sensor data to cloud database. The prototype is successfully worked and showed good results.
Volatile Organic Compounds Exposure During Breast Surgery in Operating Rooms of A Hospital
Authors: Cheng Ming-Huei , Chiu Chun-Hui , Chen Chi-Tsung , Chou Hsu-Huan , Pao Li-Heng , Wan Gwo-Hwa
Published: September 2020

Background: The composition and concentration distribution of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in surgical smoke had seldom reported. This study aimed to investigate the profile of VOCs and their concentration in surgical smoke from breast surgery during electrocautery in different tissues, electrosurgical units, and electrocautery powers.Methods: Thirty-eight surgical smoke samples from 23 patients performed breast surgery were collected using evacuated stainless steel canisters. The concentrations of 87 VOCs in surgical smoke samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The human tissues, electrosurgical units, and electrocautery power were recorded.Results: The median level of total VOCs concentrations in surgical smoke samples from mammary glands (total VOCs: 9,953.5 ppb; benzene: 222.7 ppb; 1,3-butadiene: 856.2 ppb; vinyl chloride: 3.1 ppb) using conventional electrosurgical knives were significantly higher than that from other tissues (total VOCs: 365.7–4,266.8 ppb, P < 0.05; benzene: 26.4–112 ppb, P < 0.05; 1,3-butadiene: 15.6–384 ppb, P < 0.05; vinyl chloride: 0.6–1.9 ppb, P < 0.05). A high methanol concentration was found in surgical smoke generated during breast surgery (736.7–4,304.6 ppb) using different electrosurgical units. An electrocautery power of ≥27.5 watts used for skin tissues produced a higher VOCs concentration (2,905.8 ppb).Conclusions: The surgical smoke samples collected from mammary glands using conventional electrosurgical knives had high VOCs concentrations. The carcinogens (including benzene, 1,3-butadiene, and vinyl chloride) and methanol were found in the surgical smoke samples from different electrosurgical units. The type of electrosurgical unit and electrocautery power used affected VOCs concentrations in surgical smoke.