bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribuição de BIM para a segurança laboral na construção civil
Authors: Taype Lisseth Espinoza , Dezen-Kempter Eloisa
Published: April 2020

Entre os anos de 2012 e 2017 foram registrados no Brasil quase 97 mil acidentes laborais na indústria da construção civil. Esse é um índice significativo, se comparado com outras indústrias. Tais dados revelam que a segurança desses trabalhadores requer uma mudança de abordagem, desde a fase de planejamento até a de execução, incluindo o uso de novas tecnologias, processos e metodologias. Nesse sentido, a adoção de Building Information Modeling (BIM) mostra-se como uma possível e efetiva resposta a tal conjuntura. Esse trabalho tem por objetivo apresentar os resultados de uma Revisão Sistemática de Literatura (RSL) acerca do entendimento de BIM no tocante à segurança laboral na indústria da construção civil, assim como sua aplicação. Para tanto, foi levantado estado da arte de abordagens e tecnologias empregadas na área de segurança laboral, bem como lacunas que abrem espaço para futuras pesquisas nesta área. O trabalho considerou o período de 2007 a 2019 e foi conduzido a partir da metodologia PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). A sistematização dos dados ficou a cargo do software StArt. Chegou-se então ao número de 97 estudos que cumpriram os critérios estabelecidos para seleção. Os resultados foram categorizados de forma a identificar-se o emprego de tecnologias e processos associados ao BIM. Por fim, 28 dentre os 97 artigos confirmaram que uma tendência atual é identificar precocemente os riscos, principalmente no processo de projeto colaborativo. Portanto, a relevância deste trabalho consiste em apresentar um panorama mundial, mostrando possibilidades de desenvolvimento de pesquisas futuras.
Algorithm for the Choice of Anticoagulant for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Skirdenko Yu. P. , Nikolaev N. A.
Published: April 2020

Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of the anticoagulant choice algorithm in the prevention of complications of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Material and methods. Patients with AF (n=98) were included into observational prospective study. The level of adherence to treatment, risk of food interactions and presence of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genes mutations were determined at the initial examination. These indicators were necessary to specify an eligible anticoagulant according to the evaluated algorithm. Therapy was prescribed by the attending physician. Hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications were assessed at the next examination after 24 weeks.

Results. Hemorrhagic complications were observed in 31.6% of patients during the follow-up. Their number was comparable in individuals taking antiplatelet agents and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) (χ2=1.44; p<0.49, Pearson) and significantly more in individuals taking warfarin (as compared to DOACs: χ2=25.08; p<0.000, Pearson; and antiplatelet agents: χ2=34.32; p<0.000, Pearson). Thromboembolic complications were reported in 8.16% of patients. Their number was more in patients taking DOACs than warfarin (χ2=7.03; p<0.03, Pearson). Patients who had to take DOACs according to the algorithm, but in the study took warfarin, demonstrated significantly greater number of thromboembolic complications, with a comparable number of hemorrhagic complications. Patients who could take warfarin according to the algorithm, but in the study took DOACs, had significantly greater number of thromboembolic complications, with a comparable number of hemorrhagic complications.

Conclusion. The results of the study demonstrated the potential for reduction in complications, especially thromboembolic, in the choice of anticoagulant using the algorithm; and reduction in complications of therapy, primarily with warfarin, due to the initial prescription of DOACs. The proposed approach, which consists in using the quantitative assessment of adherence to treatment, and only if necessary supplemented by the assessment of food preferences and/or pharmacogenetic studies, contributes to the treatment optimization.
Fast Permeability Estimation of an Unconventional Formation Core by Transient-Pressure History Matching
Authors: Chen Zeliang , Wang Xinglin , Jian Guoqing , Zhang Leilei , Dong Pengfei , Singer Philip M. , Hirasaki George J.
Published: April 2020

Unconventional resources are of great importance in the global energy supply. However, the ultralow permeability, which is an indicator of the producibility, makes the unconventional production challenging. Therefore, the permeability is one of the critical petrophysical properties for formation evaluation.

There are many existing approaches to determine permeability in the laboratory using core analysis. The methods can be divided into two categories: steady-state and unsteady-state approaches. The steady-state approach is a direct measurement using Darcy's law. This approach has disadvantages because of the accuracy in the measurement of low flow rate and the long run time. The unsteady-state approach includes pulse decay, oscillating pressure, and Gas Research Institute methods. These approaches are complicated in terms of setups and interpretations. Both steady-state and unsteady-state approaches typically have a constraint on the maximum differential pressure.

We propose a novel unsteady-state method to determine the permeability by transient-pressure history matching. This approach involves simulation and experiments. On the experiment side, the ultralow-permeability core undergoes 1D CO2-flooding experiments, during which the transient pressure is monitored for history matching. On the simulation side, the transient-pressure history is simulated using the finite-volume method incorporating real-gas pseudopressure and table lookup to deal with the nonlinearity in fluid properties and singularity during phase transition. The free parameter permeability in the simulation is adjusted for history matching to determine the rock permeability.

Our new unsteady-state approach is developed for fast and convenient permeability estimation for unconventional formation cores. This approach is a valuable addition to existing permeability measurement methods.
Prevalence and associations of active trachoma among rural preschool children in Wadla district, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Kassaw Mesfin Wudu , Abebe Ayele Mamo , Tegegne Kirubel Dagnaw , Getu Mikiyas Amare , Bihonegn Woldemichael Tadesse
Published: April 2020

Background፡Trachoma is a neglected eye infection and important cause of preventable corneal blindness. In endemic areas, initial infection can occur in early childhood and following recurrent episodes, it progresses to scarring and visual impairment. In the past decades, trachoma disappeared from developed countries through enhancements of hygiene and sanitation but the disease is still a challenge in developing countries. In Ethiopia, data indicate that Amhara is the region with the highest prevalence of active trachoma. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associations of active trachoma among rural preschool children in Wadla district, north Wollo zone, Amhara.Methods: In this study, 596 children were screened for signs of active trachoma by using cluster-sampling technique. Following pre-testing of the survey instrument in a different district, questions about socio-demographic status were delivered for heads of households. Integrated eye care workers, previously trained to undertake trachoma screening over one month, performed eye examination. The logistic regression model was used to look for associations of active trachoma.Results: The prevalence of active trachoma among rural preschool children in Wadla district was 22%. Low economic status (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.8 (95% CI 1.3–11.4), being 37– 48 months old (4.2; 1.5–12.0), living in a house with thatched roof (4.4;1.4–13.6), presence of flies in the home (4.6;2.1–9.9), once-weekly face-washing frequency (8.6;2.5–29.3), having a face that had not been washed for longer than a week (10.6;2.9–37.7), and not using soap (4.5;1.8–11.3) were had association to active trachomaConclusion: The prevalence of active trachoma among rural pre-school children was high. Trachoma is still a major public health problem in Wadla. Further interventions are needed to prevent future trachomatous blindness.
Urinary angiotensinogen as a surrogate marker predicting the antiproteinuric effects of angiotensin receptor blockers in patients with overt proteinuria: a multicenter prospective study
Authors: Jeon Junseok , Kim Do Hee , Jang Hye Ryoun , Lee Jung Eun , Huh Wooseong , Kim Hye-Young , Kim Dae Joong , Kim Yoon-Goo
Published: April 2020

Background: Although urinary angiotensinogen (AGT) and renin reflect intrarenal renin-angiotensin system activity and are enhanced in proteinuric chronic kidney disease, the clinical value of urinary AGT and renin levels during antiproteinuric treatment has yet to be determined. We investigated the clinical usefulness of initial urinary AGT or renin to determine the antiproteinuric effects of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Methods: This multicenter, prospective, single-arm study included 205 patients with overt proteinuria (urinary protein/creatinine ratio [uPCR] ≥ 1 mg/mg) enrolled between April 2009 and December 2011. All patients were treated with valsartan. The urinary AGT/creatinine ratio (uAGT/Cr) was measured at the baseline and 24 weeks, and the renin/creatinine ratio (uR/Cr) was measured at the baseline. Fifty-six patients were followed-up for 5 years. Results: The mean age was 47.6 years and 51.2% were male. The mean uPCR was 2.32 mg/mg and the mean eGFR was 63.2 mL/min/1.73m2. Natural logarithms (ln) (uAGT/Cr), ln(uR/Cr), and diabetes mellitus were associated with proteinuria decrement (decrease in uPCR ≥ 1 mg/mg). Ln(uAGT/Cr) was an independent predictor for proteinuria decrement (OR 1.372, 95% CI, 1.068–1.762, P = 0.013). Among the 56 patients followed-up for 5 years, Δln(uAGT/Cr) at 24 weeks was an independent predictor for uPCR < 1 mg/mg at 5 years (OR 0.379, 95% CI, 0.20–0.715, P = 0.003). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the potential role of both baseline urinary AGT and changes in urinary AGT during the initial 24 weeks as surrogate markers predicting the antiproteinuric effects of ARBs in patients with overt proteinuria.
Components of metabolic syndrome in patients with multiple myeloma and smoldering multiple myeloma
Authors: Markus Efrat , Trestman Svetlana , Cohen Yael , Angel Yoel , Sofer Yael , Mittelman Moshe , Avivi Irit , Stern Naftali , Izkhakov Elena
Published: April 2020

Background: The prevalences of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, both of which are components of metabolic syndrome, are known to be increased among patients with multiple myeloma (MM), but remain undetermined among patients with smoldering MM (SMM). Methods: Changes in various components of metabolic syndrome were investigated during the follow-up of patients with either MM or SMM compared to healthy controls. The data of 153 patients (105 with MM and 48 with SMM) and 138 controls were accessed from our medical center’s records between 2008-2015. We analyzed the patients’ data at diagnosis (baseline) and after 1, 3, and 5 years of follow-up. Results: Patients with SMM had a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia at baseline compared to controls. A multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed a higher risk to develop dyslipidemia after 1, 3, and 5 years of follow-up among the SMM patients. The MM patients had a higher risk to develop diabetes after 1 year, hypertension after 5 years, and dyslipidemia after 1, 3, and 5 years of follow-up. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that patients with SMM and those with MM are more prone to develop various components of metabolic syndrome, and they stress the importance of following-up metabolic syndrome components in both groups of patients.
Distribution of 31 endocrine disrupting compounds in the Taihu Lake and application of the fish plasma model
Authors: Bao Yifan , Huang Wenping , Xialin Hu , Yin Daqiang
Published: April 2020

Background: The successful application of Fish plasma model (FPM) will greatly simplify the risk assessment of drugs. At present, the FPM has been applied to the risk assessment of several human drugs with high hydrophobicity. However, its applicability to a wide variety of compounds needs to be tested. Filed work about distribution characteristics of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in water and in fish plasma plays a key role in promoting the successful application of FPM. However, there are few reports on the distribution of EDCs in fish, especially in wild fish plasma. Results: The distribution of 31 EDCs, including seven estrogens, eight androgens, six progesterones, five glucocorticoids, and five industrial compounds, in water and plasma of five categories of wild fishes in Taihu Lake was studied and the typical FPM was tested by the field data. The detected concentration of most compounds is relatively low (< 10 ng/L), and the industrial compounds are the predominant pollutants with the highest concentration up to 291.7 ng/L (Bisphenol A) in water. In general, glucocorticoids were detected at the highest concentrations in plasma of all kinds of fishes, followed by industrial compounds and estrogens. Except for glucocorticoids (up to 43.61 for Cortisone), the average concentrations of the other four categories of EDCs in fish plasma were generally low (< 10 μg/L). The available measured bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) of 20 kinds of EDCs were in the range of 0 to 5626. The bioaccumulation of EDCs in fish plasma is not only hydrophobicity dependent, and it is both fish species-specific and compound-dependent. The classical FPM was tested and the results indicated that the good coincides of measured log BAFs and the theoretical log BCFs was only observed for limited EDCs (7 out of 20). The present available FPM generally underestimated the Log BAFs of most hydrophilic EDCs (log Kow <3.87, 11 out of 20) whereas overestimated the Log BAFs of several high hydrophobic EDCs (Log Kow >3.87) in fish plasma. Conclusion：Although the present FPM is barely satisfactory, it is still promising for predicting the accumulation of EDCs in fish plasma and for further environmental risk assessment.
Distribution and phylogenetic diversity of Anopheles species in malaria endemic areas of Honduras in an elimination setting
Authors: Escobar Denis , Ascencio Krisnaya , Ortiz Andrés , Palma Adalid , Fontecha Gustavo
Published: April 2020

Background: Anopheles mosquitoes are the vectors of malaria, one of the most important infectious diseases in the tropics. More than 500 Anopheles species have been described worldwide, and more than 30 are considered a public health problem. In Honduras, information on the distribution of Anopheles spp. and its genetic diversity is scarce. This study aimed to describe the distribution and genetic diversity of Anopheles mosquitoes in Honduras. Methods: Mosquitoes were captured in 8 locations in 5 malaria endemic departments during 2019. Two collection methods were used. Adult anophelines were captured outdoors using CDC light traps and by aspiration of mosquitoes at rest. The morphological identification was performed using taxonomic keys. Genetic analyses included the sequencing of a partial region of the cytochrome oxidase I gene (COI) and the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2). Results: A total of 1320 anophelines were collected and identified through morphological keys. Seven Anopheles species were identified. Anopheles albimanus was the most widespread and abundant species (74.02%). To confirm the morphological identification of the specimens, 175 and 122 sequences were obtained for COI and ITS2 respectively. Both markers confirmed the morphological identification. COI showed a greater nucleotide diversity than ITS2 in all species. High genetic diversity was observed within the populations of An. albimanus while An. darlingi proved to be a highly homogeneous population. Phylogenetic analyses revealed clustering patterns in An. darlingi and An. neivai in relation to specimens from South America. New sequences for An. crucians, An. vestitipennis, and An. neivai are reported in this study.Conclusions: Here we report the distribution and genetic diversity of Anopheles species in endemic areas of malaria transmission in Honduras. According to our results, both taxonomic and molecular approaches are useful tools in the identification of anopheline mosquitoes. However, both molecular markers differ in their ability to detect intraspecific genetic diversity. These results provide supporting data for a better understanding of the distribution of malaria vectors in Honduras.
Clinicopathological study of mixed cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis secondary to Hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: LI CHAO , LI HANG , SU WEI , WEN YU-BING , YE WEI , YE WEN-LING , CAI JIAN-FANG , QIN XU-ZHEN , LI XUE-MEI , LI XUE-WANG
Published: April 2020

BackgroundCryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis (CryoGn) caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was rarely reported. Our study aimed to investigate the clinical features, renal pathology findings, and prognosis in patients with HBV related CryoGn. Methods This was a retrospective study including seven Chinese patients with HBV related CryoGn in a tertiary referral hospital from April 2016 to March 2019. The clinical and pathological data were collected and analyzed.Results Age at renal biopsy was 47±12 years, with female/male ration 3/4. Urine protein was 5.6(3.0, 6.6) g/d and five cases presented with nephrotic syndrome. The baseline eGFR was 23.5 (20.2, 46.3) ml/min per 1.73m2. The extrarenal manifestations included purpura (n=6), arthralgia (n=1), peripheral neuropathy (n=1), and cardiomyopathy (n=1). Six cases had type II cryoglobulinemia with IgMκ, the other one had type III. The median cryocrit was 4.0 (1.0, 15.0) %. Renal pathologic findings on light microscopy: endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis (Gn) (n=3), membranoproliferative Gn (n=3), and mesangial proliferative Gn (n=1). On immunofluorescence microscopy, the predominant type of immunoglobulin deposits was IgM(n=5). HBsAg and HBcAg deposits were found in one case. Ultrastructural studies showed granular subendothelial and mesangial electron-dense deposits in all patients and microtubules in one case. All patients received antiviral medications. They were given corticosteroid alone (n=2) or combined with cyclophosphamide (n=4) or mycophenolate mofetil (n=1). Two patients received plasmapheresis. The median follow-up time was 18 (6, 37) months. Four patients got remission, two patients died from pneumonia, and one progressed to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). At endpoint of follow-up, 24hUP was 2.1 (0.8-5.2) g/d, and eGFR was 55.3 (20.7, 111.8) ml/min per 1.73m2.Conclusions The etiology of mixed CryoGn should be screened for HBV infection. Endocapillary proliferative Gn and membranoproliferative Gn were the common pathologic patterns. Diagnosis and treatment in early-stage benefit patients’ renal outcomes. Immunosuppressive therapy should be considered for severe renal disease, based on efficient antiviral therapy.
Abdominal Aortic Calcification Score as a Predictor of Clinical Outcome in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: ma dahua , Yan Hao , Yang Xiaoxiao , Yu Zanzhe , Ni Zhaohui , Fang Wei
Published: April 2020

Background Abdominal aortic calcification assessed by X-ray is recommended to evaluate vascular calcification in dialysis patients. It has been shown that abdominal aortic calcification score (AACS) is a predictor of adverse outcomes in hemodialysis patients, but evidence regarding its prognostic value in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is still insufficient. We aimed to examine the predictive role of AACS for major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and mortality in PD patients.Methods Eligible patients undergoing PD between July 2011 and July 2014 were recruited. AACS was quantified using lateral lumbar radiography at recruitment. Patients were prospectively followed up until death, PD cessation, or to the end of the study (August 31, 2018). Both subdistribution hazards and cause-specific hazards models were used to evaluate the association between AACS and MACCE as well as mortality.Results 292 patients were enrolled, including 160 males (54.8%) with mean age 57.1±15.2 years and median PD duration 28.4 (IQR 12.0, 57.8) months. Among them, 75 (25.7%) patients were comorbid with diabetes, and 94 (32.2%) patients had cardiovascular disease (CVD). The average AACS was 2.0 (0.0, 6.0). Patients were categorized on the tertiles of AACS (Low AACS group, AACS=0, n=125; Medium AACS group, AACS 1-4, n=72; and High AACS group, AACS>4, n=95). AACS was associated with age (OR=1.081, P < 0.001), PD duration (OR=1.012, P=0.003), CVD (OR =1.919, P=0.020) and diabetes (OR=2.554, P=0.002). During the follow-up period of 43.6 (24.6, 50.7) months, there were 65 MACCEs and 84 deaths. Significantly higher cumulative incidences of all-cause mortality (Log-rank = 35.992, P＜0.001; Gray=38.662, P < 0.001) and MACCE (Log-rank=26.146, P＜0.001; Gray=27.810, P < 0.001) were observed in the upper AACS tertile. AACS was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (HR=2.438, 95% CI 1.246-4.772, P = 0.009; SHR=2.323, 95%CI 1.229-4.389, P=0.009) and MACCE (HR = 3.455, 95% CI 1.734-6.884, P <0.001; SHR=3.063, 95%CI 1.460-6.430, P=0.003) in this study.Conclusions AACS was associated with age, PD duration, CVD and diabetes in PD patients. AACS could predict MACCE and all-cause mortality in this population. It thus might be a safe and feasible method to identify PD patients with adverse outcomes.
Exogenous melatonin Action on hormonal levels, implantation sites and Mel1a receptor expression and PRL-II in ovaries of pinealectomized rats induced hyperprolactinemia
Authors: Tenório Fernanda das Chagas Angelo Mendes , Costa Marcos Aurélio Santos , Britto Diana Babini Lapa de Albuquerque , Oliveira Maria Luísa Figueira , Guedes Geovanna Hachyra Facundo , Gomes José Anderson da Silva , Carvalho Jennyfer Martins de , Arruda Otaciana Otacilia , Novis Pedro Vinícius Silva , Silva Maria Eduarda , Gonzaga Bárbara Silva , Filho Manoel Adrião Gomes , Silva Diogo Manoel Farias da , D'assunção Carolline Guimarães , Silva Edson João da , Teixeira Álvaro Aguiar Coelho , Teixeira Valéria Wanderley
Published: April 2020

The study evaluated the effect of exogenous melatonin and the induction of hyperprolactinemia on estrogen, prolactin and progesterone levels, implantation sites and expression of Mel1a and PRL-II receptors in pinealectomized rats ovaries, during the third Initial pregnancy. We Used 35 rats divided into groups: I-rats Sham-pinealectomized (Sham); II – pinealectomized rats (P); III-pinealectomized rats treated with melatonin (P + Honey); IV-pinealectomized rats treated with domperidone (P + Domp); Pinealectomized V-rats treated with melatonin and domperidone (P + Honey/Domp); VI-rats treated with saline + ethanol (placebo honey) and VII-rats treated with saline solution (placebo domp). Melatonin (200μg/100g) and/or Domperidone (4mg/kg) was applied until the 7th day of gestation. The expression of the MEL1A receptor was low in the ovaries of rats P and P + Mel. The PRL-II receptor did not present differences between the groups as well as in the estrogen levels. Prolactin levels were elevated in rats treated with domperidone, while progesterone showed low levels in rats P and P + Domp. The weight and number of implantation sites were reduced in rats P and P + Mel, with no alteration in the weight of the ovaries. Thus, it is concluded that Hyperprolactinemia promotes an increase in the expression of the Mel1a receptor in the ovaries, at the beginning of pregnancy in pinealectomized rats, however without altering the expression of the PRLII receptor. In These animals, prolactin levels were kept elevated regardless of the presence or absence of melatonin, but there seems to be a synergistic effect when melatonin is associated with hyperprolactinemia and that melatonin is a preponderant factor for Maintenance of progesterone levels. Prolactin seems to play an important role during the implantation process.
Differential susceptibility of Onchocerca volvulus microfilaria to ivermectin in two areas of contrasting history of mass drug administration in Cameroon: Relevance of microscopy and molecular techniques for the monitoring of skin microfilarial repopulation within six months of direct observed treatment
Authors: Abong Raphael Awah , Amambo Glory N. , Ndongmo Patrick W. Chounna , Njouendou Abdel Jelil , Manuel Ritter , Beng Amuam Andrew , Esum Mathias Eyong , Deribe Kebede , Cho Jerome Fru , Fombad Fanny Fri , Nji Theobald Mue , Enyong Peter Ivo , Poole Catherine B. , Pfarr Kenneth , Hoerauf Achim , Carlow Clotilde K.S. , Wanji Samuel
Published: April 2020

Background

Ivermectin is an excellent microfilaricide against Onchocerca volvulus. However, in some regions, long term use of ivermectin has resulted in sub-optimal responses to the treatment. More data to properly document the phenomenon in various contexts of ivermectin mass drug administration (IVM-MDA) is needed. Also, there is a need to accurately monitor a possible repopulation of skin by microfilariae following treatment. Microscopy is known to have low sensitivity to detect skin microfilariae, when their density is low following treatment. This study was designed with two complementary objectives: (i) to assess the susceptibility of O. volvulus microfilariae to ivermectin in situations of contrasting history of treatments, and (ii) to document the repopulation of skin by the O. volvulus microfilariae following treatment, comparing the performances of 3 independent diagnostic techniques.

Method

Identified microfilaridermic individuals were treated with ivermectin and re-examined after 1, 3, and 6 months using microscopy, real-time PCR and LAMP assays. Susceptibility to ivermectin and trends in detecting reappearance of skin microfilariae were reported for the three techniques. Microscopy was used as an imperfect gold standard to determine the performance characteristics of real-time PCR and LAMP assay.

Results

In Bafia with over 20 years of IVM-MDA, 11/51 (21.6%) treated microfilaridemic participants where still positive for skin microfilariae after 1 month. In Melong, with 10 years of IVM-MDA, 2/29 (6.9%) treated participants were still positive. The microfilarial density reduction per skin biopsy within one month following treatment was significantly lower in participants from Bafia, but the pattern in the two sites was similar.

In both study sites, the molecular techniques detected higher proportions of infected individuals than microscopy at all monitoring time points. LAMP assay showed lower specificity compared to real-time PCR and microscopy, but had comparable sensitivity to real-time PCR and significantly higher sensitivity than microscopy.

Conclusion

Patterns in skin mirofilarial clearance and repopulation were established. O . volvulus worms from Bafia with higher number of annual MDA were less susceptible to ivermectin. Molecular assays displayed higher sensitivity in monitoring O. volvulus microfilaridemia within six months following treatment.
Bone scan index on bone scintigraphy and radiation therapy for bone metastases from cancers other than prostate and breast cancers: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Ishibashi Naoya , Maebayashi Toshiya , Kimura Yuki , Okada Masahiro
Published: April 2020

Background

A low bone scan index that is associated with a better prognosis in patients with bone metastases from prostate or breast cancer, the former often being osteolytic, has been established. In this study we aimed to use new automatic analysis software (VSBONE BSI; Nihon Medi-Physics, Tokyo, Japan) to investigate whether the pre-radiation therapy bone scan index, derived from bone scintigraphy images, is a prognostic indicator in patients undergoing radiation therapy for bone metastases from cancers other than breast or prostate cancer.
Methods

In this retrospective single institution study, we analyzed data of 51 patients who had undergone whole-body scintigraphy before receiving radiation therapy for bone metastases from cancers other than breast and prostate cancer between 2013 and 2019. Their bone metastases were classified as osteoblastic, osteolytic, or mixed and their pre-radiation bone scan indexes were automatically calculated using newly developed software (VSBONE BSI; Nihon Medi-Physics, Tokyo, Japan). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify associations between selected clinical variables and overall survival.
Results

We did not find a significant association between BSI and overall survival, possibly because osteolytic lesions may be underestimated by bone scan indexes. However, we did find that younger patients (aged less than the median of 66 years at the time of bone scintigraphy or of diagnosis of bone metastases) had significantly better overall survivals than older patients (P = 0.016 and P = 0.036, respectively). Additionally, bone scan indexes were significantly lower in patient with solitary or osteolytic bone metastases than in those with osteoblastic or mixed bone metastases (P = 0.035 and P = <0.001, respectively), and significantly higher in those with lung cancer than in those with other types of cancer (mean BSI 3.26% vs. 1.97%; P = 0.009).
Conclusions

The only significant association with survival identified in this study was for age at the time of bone scintigraphy and at time of diagnosis of bone metastases. In particular, we found no association between bone scan index and survival in the whole study cohort.
The impact of immunotherapy on the survival of pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients who received definitive surgery of the pancreatic tumor: A retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Database
Authors: Amin Saber , Baine Michael , Meza Jane , Alam Morshed , Lin Chi
Published: April 2020

Background: Immunotherapy has paved the way for new therapeutic opportunities in cancer but has failed to show any efficacy in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and its therapeutic role remains unclear. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy, RT, and chemoradiation on the overall survival (OS) of PDAC patients who received definitive surgery of the tumor using the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Methods: Patients with PDAC who received definitive surgery of the pancreatic tumor and were diagnosed between 2004 and 2016 from the NCDB were identified. Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to assess the survival difference between patients who received chemotherapy plus immunotherapy and chemoradiation therapy plus immunotherapy and their counterparts who only receive these treatments without immunotherapy. The multivariable analysis was adjusted for age of diagnosis, race, sex, place of living, income, education, treatment facility type, insurance status, year of diagnosis, and treatment types such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Results: In total, 63,154 PDAC patients who received definitive surgery of the tumor were included in the analysis. Among the 63,154 patients, 636 (1.01%) received immunotherapy. Among patients who received chemotherapy (21,355), and chemoradiation (21,875), 157/21,355 (0.74%) received chemotherapy plus immunotherapy, and 451/21,875 (2.06%) received chemoradiation plus immunotherapy. Patients who received chemoradiation plus immunotherapy had significantly improved median OS compared to patients who only received chemoradiation with an absolute median OS benefit of 5.7 [29.31 vs. 23.66; p <0.0001] months. In the multivariable analysis, patients who received immunotherapy had significantly improved OS compared to patients who did not receive immunotherapy (HR: 0.90; CI: 0.81-0.99; P <0.039). Patients who received chemoradiation plus immunotherapy had significantly improved OS compared to their counterparts who only received chemoradiation without immunotherapy (HR: 0.85 CI: 0.75-0.95; P <0.008). Conclusions: In this study, the addition of immunotherapy to chemoradiation therapy was associated with significantly improved OS in PDAC patients who received definitive surgery. The study warrants further future clinical trials of immunotherapy in PDAC.
Analyzing and Evaluating Industrial Ecology Development Model in Iran
Authors: Padash Amin , Vahidi Hossein , Nematollahi Hossein , Fattahi Reza
Published: April 2020

Background:Industrial estates are one of the major centers of producing energy and industrial waste in the country.One of the important points of establishing industrial units in industrial towns and areas is to pay attention to industrial ecology; rotating economic policies with industrial ecological approach should be formed in industrial towns and the limitation of vital resources should never be neglected. The industry should be used as another industry input. Given that this trend and approach does not exist in Iran, this study seeks to investigate and analyze the factors influencing the launch of the industrial ecology perspective in Iran. Developing Industrial Ecology (IE) faces significant obstacles. However, the aim of this study is to evaluate the barriers due to a combination model, including DPSIR and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP). To prioritize the responses (alternatives) regards to the driving forces, pressures, states, and impacts (criteria), the hierarchy of the model are established. In this research, for the purpose of identifying and prioritizing effective factors and analyzing research results, the opinions of 44 experts in the field of waste and environment, industrial engineering and industrial process were used.Result:In the first step of the results, based on the experts' point of view and study background and the experience of the last ten years of the world's leading countries, the general framework proposed by DPSIR for IE was presented. For the comparison of two fuzzy numbers, a novel division methods using concept was used. Due to the field studies, 18 criteria and four responses are suggested. Each of the main axes of the DPSIR model was carefully analyzed and in 4 radar diagrams, the analysis of each factor was presented. The first factor (R2) Improve IE law, with Final Weight (FW) 0.251, was selected as the first priority in the IE development model in Iran. Subsequent factors, in order of final weight, included (R3) Establish IE national database (0.246), (R4) Modify industries clustering (0.249) and (R1) Industries training (0.225).Conclusion:Industrial ecology in Iran has been failed to notices so far. The results males it crystal clear that the concepts of industrial ecology have not been implemented in Iran’s industrial estates. Based on the results of the analysis and the explanations provided, the proposed action plans for developing the industrial ecology model of Iran. This action provides a legal guarantee for the development of industrial ecology. Therefore, it can be said that the proposed route is the most reliable way to succeed based on current local and regional conditions in Iran.
Understanding staff views and experiences of a clinical practice change to reduce stillbirth in South Asian born women: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Davies-Tuck Miranda , Ruzic Mikayla , Davey Mary-Ann , Hodges Ryan , Nowotny Benjamin , Flenady Vicki , Andrews Christine , Wallace Euan M
Published: April 2020

Background: To capture the views and experiences of clinical staff following the implementation of a new clinical guideline aimed at reducing stillbirth at term in South Asian women, to identify barriers to implementation. Methods: Cross sectional survey of clinical staff providing maternity care, including midwives, obstetricians and shared-care general practitioner at a Victorian metropolitan university-affiliated teaching hospital caring for about 10,000 women per year at three separate hospital sites. Staff were asked to provide their agreement with ten statements assessing: perceived need for the guideline, implementation processes, guideline clarity, and clinical application. Two open-ended questions provided opportunities to express concerns and offer suggestions for improvement. Results: 120 staff completed the survey, the majority (n=89, 74%) of which were midwives. The majority of staff thought the guideline was clear with respect to the rationale (n=95, 79%,), the criteria for whom they applied (83%, n=99), and the procedures and instructions within the guideline were clear (74%, n=89). However, staff reported an increase in workload following the implementation of the guideline (72%, n=86) and expressed concerns related to rationale and evaluation of the guidelines, lack of education for staff and women, increased workload and insufficient resources, and patient safety and access to care. Challenges relating to shared decision making and communicating with women whose first language is not English were also identified. Conclusion: This assessment of staff views and experiences of a new clinical practice guideline has identified key barriers to and opportunities for improving implementation. It has also highlighted additional challenges relating to new clinical guidelines which focus on culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women.
A randomised controlled trial of the influence of Non-native English accents on Examiners’ scores in OSCEs
Authors: Kozato An , Patel Nimesh , Shikino Kiyoshi
Published: April 2020

BackgroundObjective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) are important aspects of assessment in medical education. There are anecdotes that students with non-native English accents (NNEA) may be marked negatively due to unconscious bias. It is imperative to minimise the examiners’ bias so that the difference in the scores reflects students’ clinical competence. Research in shows NNEAs can cause stereotyping, often leading to the speaker being negatively judged. However, no medical education study has looked at the influence of NNEAs in assessment.MethodsThis is a randomised, single - blinded controlled trial. Four videos of one mock OSCE station were produced. A professional actor played a medical student. Two near identical scripts were prepared. Two videos showed the actor speaking with an Indian accent and two videos showed the actor speaking without the accent in either script. Forty-two UK OSCE examiners were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups. They watched two videos online, each with either script, with and without the NNEA. Checklist item scores were analysed with descriptive statistics and simple linear regression model. Global scores were analysed with descriptive statistics and logistic ordinal regression model.ResultsThirty-two examiners completed the study. The average scores for the checklist items (41.6 points) did not change when the accent variable was changed. Simple linear regression model showed no statistically significant relationship between the accent and the scores (Regression coefficient = 0.032, p = 0.982). For the global scores received by the videos with the NNEA, there were one less ‘Good’ grade and one more ‘Fail’ grade compared to the ones without the NNEA. Logistical ordinal regression model on global scores showed, examiners were more likely to mark the student more negatively (p < 0.0001) but also more positively (p < 0.0001) when the NNEA was present.ConclusionsExaminers could be biased either positively or negatively towards NNEAs when giving global scores. Further research is required to consider the nature of this bias. More discussion is warranted to consider how the accent should be considered in current medical education assessment.
Molecular studies of breast cancer in Iran: A Systematic Review
Authors: Esmaeili Rezvan , Eslami-S Zahra , Drayani Shiva , Bakhshayesh Tayebeh Oghabi , Zare Aliakbar , Haghighat Shahpar , Majidzadeh-A Keivan
Published: April 2020

Background: The present study aimed to review the existing cellular and molecular research systematically carried out in the field of breast cancer in Iran. This study was part of a big project, which evaluated a variety of studies conducted on breast cancer in Iran.Methods: All molecular articles about breast cancer in Iran which were published from January 2005 to October 21, 2015 were included. English and Persian databases consisted of Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Scientific Information Database (SID) and IranMedex. Finally of 3331 abstracts, a total of 379 articles, including 219 English and 160 Persian papers related to molecular studies were included in this study.Results: After initial evaluations, 240 studies were included. Molecular studies conducted in Iran were divided into four main groups based on their focus. They evaluated breast cancer susceptibility genes, Prognosis and clinicopathologic features of the patients, compounds with therapeutic properties, and diagnosis. Moreover, ethical statements in manuscripts were investigated.Conclusions: Result of this review showed that most of the researches in Iran categorize to 4 main subjects. The majority of the studies in Iran were conducted sporadically and with small sample sizes. Stronger studies would require the development of more biological banks and execution of multicenter comprehensive projects defined with orientation to main problems of Breast Cancer patients in the country.
Bone Density is an Important Influence Factor: An Analysis of Perioperative Hidden Blood Loss in Femoral Intertrochanteric Fractures
Authors: Cui Haidong , Lv Shujun , Yuan Chaoqun , Chen Kai
Published: April 2020

[Background] The hemoglobin level of patients after operation has a great relationship with the hidden blood loss. We undertake this study to explore the influencing factors of perioperative hidden blood loss of intertrochanteric fractures.[Methods] Retrospective analysis of our hospital from January 2016 to October 2019, Clinical data of 118 patients with intertrochanteric fractures meeting the inclusion criteria. Hidden blood loss is calculated from the hematocrit changes before and after surgery, using the Gross equation, based on height, weight, and hematocrit (HCT) changes before and after surgery. Patients’ gender, age, presence of underlying diseases (hypertension and diabetes), fracture types, internal fixation methods, anesthesia methods, time from injury to surgery, whether to take antiplatelet drugs within 6 months before surgery, use of anticoagulant drugs after surgery, bone density were statistically analyzed. The factors with statistical significance were screened out, and then the hidden blood loss was used as the dependent variable and each influencing factor was the independent variable. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to analyze the related risk factors that affect the hidden blood loss during the perioperative period of intertrochanteric fractures.[Results] The apparent blood loss during operation was (203.81 ± 105. 51) ml, and the hidden blood loss was (517.55 ± 191.47) ml. There are significant differences in the hidden blood loss of patients with different internal fixation methods, fracture types, anesthesia methods, antiplatelet or postoperative anticoagulant drugs, and different bone density(P༜0. 05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that internal fixation, age, fracture type, anesthesia method, anticoagulant application, and bone density were related risk factors that affected hidden blood loss during surgical treatment of intertrochanteric fracture.[Conclusions] Hidden blood loss is the main cause of perioperative blood loss in intertrochanteric fractures, and the risk factors for hidden blood loss include internal fixation, fracture type, anesthesia, use of anticoagulant drugs, and bone density in special. It is not reliable to use the apparent blood loss as the basis for fluid replacement and transfusion. We must fully consider the existence of hidden blood loss and intervene as soon as possible to prevent complications.Fund support: Scientific research project of nantong municipal science and technology bureau (MSZ19024).Scientific research project of nantong health bureau (QB2019013).Support for literature search.
Research on Position Optimization of Badminton Doubles Based on Wireless Network Sensor and Human-computer Interactive Training
Authors: Yao Bo , Liang Na
Published: April 2020

In the continuous development process, robot technology based on multimedia interactions has been widely used in aerospace, medical, education and service industries, and the relationship between robots and humans is getting closer. The improvement of robot intelligence is a process of continuously learning the outside world. Since the introduction of multimedia human-computer interaction technology in 1959, it has provided more and more technical support for human research robots. This paper studies the characteristics of badminton competition, the characteristics of technical and tactics and the collection requirements of on-site training, and completes the technical description of the badminton doubles station. Through the digitalization of the gait-based sensation, the automated acquisition of the gait technology, the simultaneously with the video, the high-speed imaging system, the system implement information integration. Subsequently, the statistical analysis of badminton multimedia techniques and tactics was designed. The skills and tactics of athletes were expressed in the form of video, graphics and text. The operators can carry out the technical and tactical analysis implementation process through good human-computer interaction, and increase the end user's game information. Attention and understanding strengthen the strength and depth of technical and tactical ability analysis. Finally, the station optimization plan for badminton doubles is proposed.
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and progression of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes: a Korean cohort study
Authors: Lee Hyeok-Hee , Cho Yongin , Choi Young Ju , Huh Byung Wook , Lee Byung-Wan , Kang Eun Seok , Park Seok Won , Cha Bong-Soo , Lee Eun Jig , Lee Yong-ho , Huh Kap Bum
Published: April 2020

Background
There is increasing concern regarding cardiovascular risk in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This study was conducted to evaluate whether hepatic steatosis with or without fibrosis is associated with progression of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Methods
From a longitudinal cohort, we enrolled 1,120 type 2 diabetes patients who underwent repeated carotid artery ultrasonography every 1–2 years. Ultrasonographic findings at baseline and after 6–8 years were compared. Presence of hepatic steatosis was mainly assessed by abdominal ultrasonography; patients with hepatic steatosis were further evaluated for hepatic fibrosis according to fibrosis-4 index. We investigated the association between liver status and atherosclerosis progression.
Results
Of 1,120 patients, 636 (56.8%) were classified as having hepatic steatosis at baseline. After 6–8 years, 431 (38.5%) showed atherosclerosis progression. Hepatic steatosis was significantly associated with atherosclerosis progression (adjusted odds ratio[AOR]: 1.370, 95% CI: 1.025–1.832; p < 0.05). Among patients with hepatic steatosis, only individuals with fibrosis showed significant association with atherosclerosis progression (AOR: 1.636, 95% CI: 1.024–2.612; p < 0.05). Furthermore, subjects with hepatic steatosis & fibrosis and ≥ 4 components of metabolic syndrome criteria showed markedly increased risk of atherosclerosis progression (AOR: 2.776, 95% CI: 1.276–6.039; p < 0.05). The association between hepatic fibrosis and atherosclerosis progression was significant in all metabolic subgroups, regardless of age, body mass index, presence of metabolic syndrome, or insulin sensitivity (all p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Hepatic steatosis with fibrosis is independently associated with progression of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes.