bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of caesareansection and neonatal outcome using the Robson classification in a rural district hospital in Tanzania: an observational retrospective study
Authors: Tognon Francesca , Borghero Angela , Putoto Giovanni , Maziku Donald , Torelli Giovanni Fernando , Azzimonti Gaetano , Betran Ana Pilar
Published: December 2019

Objective

Caesarean section (CS) rates have increased worldwide in recent decades. In 2015, the WHO proposed the use of the 10-group Robson classification as a global standard for assessing, monitoring and comparing CS rates both within healthcare facilities over time and between them. The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of CS rates according to the Robson classification and describe maternal and perinatal outcomes by group at the Tosamaganga Hospital in rural Tanzania.

Design

Observational retrospective study.

Setting

St. John of the Cross Tosamaganga Hospital, a referral centre in rural Tanzania.

Participants

3012 women who gave birth in Tosamaganga Hospital from 1 January to 30 June 2014 and from 1 March to 30 November 2015.

Results

The overall CS rate was 35.2%, and about 90% of women admitted for labour were in Robson groups 1 through 5. More than 40% of the CS carried out in the hospital were performed on nulliparous women at term with a single fetus in cephalic presentation (groups 1 and 3), and the most frequent indication for the procedure was previous uterine scar (39.2%). The majority of severe neonatal outcomes were observed in groups 1 (27.7%), 10 (24.5%) and 3 (19.1%).

Conclusion

We recorded a high CS rate in Tosamaganga Hospital, particularly in low-risk patients groups (Robson groups 1 and 3). Our analysis of Robson classification and neonatal outcomes suggests the need to improve labour management at the hospital and to provide timely referrals in order to prevent women from arriving there in critical conditions.
What predicts regression from pre-diabetes to normal glucose regulation following a primary care nurse-delivered dietary intervention? A study protocol for a prospective cohort study
Authors: Coppell Kirsten , Freer Trish , Abel Sally , Whitehead Lisa , Tipene-Leach David , Gray Andrew R , Merriman Tony , Sullivan Trudy , Krebs Jeremy , Perreault Leigh
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Pre-diabetes is a high-risk state for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease. Regression to normoglycaemia, even if transient, significantly reduces the risk of developing T2DM. The primary aim of this mixed-methods study is to determine if there are clinically relevant differences among those with pre-diabetes and excess weight who regress to normoglycaemia, those who have persistent pre-diabetes and those who progress to T2DM following participation in a 6-month primary care nurse-delivered pre-diabetes dietary intervention. Incidence of T2DM at 2 years will be examined.

Methods and analysis

Four hundred participants with pre-diabetes (New Zealand definition glycated haemoglobin 41–49 mmol/mol) and a body mass index >25 kg/m2 will be recruited through eight primary care practices in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. Trained primary care nurses will deliver a 6-month structured dietary intervention, followed by quarterly reviews for 18 months post-intervention. Clinical data, data on lifestyle factors and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and blood samples will be collected at baseline, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months. Sixty participants purposefully selected will complete a semi-structured interview following the 6-month intervention. Poisson regression with robust standard errors and clustered by practice will be used to identify predictors of regression or progression at 6 months, and risk factors for developing T2DM at 2 years. Qualitative data will be analysed thematically. Changes in HR-QoL will be described and potential cost savings will be estimated from a funder’s perspective at 2 years.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Northern A Health and Disability Ethics Committee, New Zealand (Ethics Reference: 17/NTA/24). Study results will be presented to participants, published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant conferences.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12617000591358; Pre-results.
Precision of exogenous post-stratification in small-area estimation based on a continuous national forest inventory
Authors: Haakana Helena , Heikkinen Juha , Katila Matti , Kangas Annika
Published: December 2019

National forest inventories (NFIs) are designed to provide accurate information on forest resources at the national and regional levels, but there is also a demand for such information at smaller spatial scales. Auxiliary data such as satellite imagery have been used to facilitate small-area estimation. The commonly used method, k-nearest neighbour (k-NN), provides a model-based estimator for small areas, but a design-unbiased estimator for the mean square error is not available. Post-stratification (PS) is an alternative approach to using auxiliary information that allows for design-based variance estimation. In a case study using real inventory data of the Finnish NFI, we applied this method to the municipality level to explore the lower limit to the area for which the key forest parameters, forest area and growing stock volumes, can be estimated with sufficient precision. For PS, we employed exogenous forest resources maps based on the previous NFI round. In the municipalities of the two study provinces, the relative standard errors of total volume estimates ranged from 2.3% to 26.9%. They were smaller than 10% for municipalities with an area of 390 km2 or larger, corresponding to approximately 100 or more sample plots on forestland. We also demonstrated the usefulness of design-unbiased variance estimation in showing discrepancies between design-based PS and model-based k-NN estimates.
Atlas motion platform split-axle mecanum wheel design
Authors: Schwering Jane M. , Kanevsky Mila J.E. , Hayes M. John D. , Langlois Robert G.
Published: December 2019

The Atlas motion platform was conceptually introduced in 2005 as a 2.90 m diameter thin-walled composite sphere housing a cockpit. Three active mecanum wheels provide three linearly independent torque inputs enabling the sphere to enjoy a 100% dexterous reachable workspace with unbounded rotations about any axis. Three linearly independent translations of the sphere centre, decoupled from the orientation workspace, are provided by a translational three degree-of-freedom platform. Small-scale and half-scale demonstrators introduced in 2005 and 2009, respectively, gave us the confidence needed to begin the full-scale design. Actuation and control of the Atlas full-scale design is nearing completion; however, resolution of several details have proven extremely elusive. The focus of this paper is on the design path of the 24 passive mecanum wheels. The 12 passive wheels below the equator of the sphere help distribute the static and dynamic loads, while 12 passive wheels above the equator, attached to a pneumatically actuated halo, provide sufficient downward force so that the normal force between the three active wheel contact patches and sphere surface enable effective torque transfer. This paper details the issues associated with the original twin-hub passive wheels and the resolution of those issues with the current split-axle design. Results of static and dynamic load tests are discussed.
Bifurcation Modes of Periodic Solution in a Duffing System Under Constant Force as Well as Harmonic Excitation
Authors: Hou Lei , Su Xiaochao , Chen Yushu
Published: December 2019

This paper focuses on the classification of the bifurcation modes of a Duffing system under the combined excitations of constant force and harmonic excitation. The Harmonic Balance method combined with the arc-length continuation is used to obtain the periodic solutions of the system, and the Floquet theory is employed to analyze the stability of the corresponding solutions. Accordingly, the frequency-response curves affected respectively by the constant force and the magnitude of the harmonic excitation are analyzed to show the basic dynamical properties of the system. Afterwards, the bifurcation investigations are carried out with the aid of the two-state variable singularity method. It is derived that there are a total of six different types of bifurcation modes due to the effects of the constant force and the magnitude of the harmonic excitation. At last, the effects of the nonlinearity parameter and the damping ratio on the bifurcation modes of the system are also discussed. The results obtained in this paper extend the findings in reference that the system can have markedly three types of frequency-response curves: with only one solution, or with maximum three or five solutions for a certain excitation frequency, and contribute to a better understanding of the significant influence of the constant force.
A Novel Method for Chaos Detection in Heavy Noisy Environments Based on Distribution of Energy
Authors: Setoudeh Farbod , Sedigh Ali Khaki , Najafi Mohsen
Published: December 2019

Detecting chaos in heavy-noise environments is an important issue in many fields of science and engineering. In this paper, first, a new criterion is proposed to recognize chaos from noise based on the distribution of energy. Then, a new method based on stationary wavelet transform (SWT) is presented for chaos detection that is recommended for data that contain more than 60% noise. This method is dependent on the distribution of signal’s energy in different frequency bands based on SWT for chaos detection which is robust to noisy environments. In this method, the effect of white noise and colored noise on the chaotic system is considered. As a case study, the proposed method is applied to detect chaos in two different oscillators based on memristor and memcapacitor. The simulation results are used to display the main points of the paper.
Bifurcation, Chaos and Turing Instability Analysis for a Space-Time Discrete Toxic Phytoplankton-Zooplankton Model with Self-Diffusion
Authors: Zhong Shihong , Wang Jinliang , Li You , Jiang Nan
Published: December 2019

The spatiotemporal dynamics of a space-time discrete toxic phytoplankton-zooplankton model is studied in this paper. The stable conditions for steady states are obtained through the linear stability analysis. According to the center manifold theorem and bifurcation theory, the critical parameter values for flip bifurcation, Neimark–Sacker bifurcation and Turing bifurcation are determined, respectively. Besides, the numerical simulations are provided to illustrate theoretical results. In order to distinguish chaos from regular behaviors, the maximum Lyapunov exponents are shown. The simulations show new and complex dynamics behaviors, such as period-doubling cascade, invariant circles, periodic windows, chaotic region and pattern formations. Numerical simulations of Turing patterns induced by flip-Turing instability, Neimark–Sacker Turing instability and chaos reveal a variety of spatiotemporal patterns, including plaque, curl, spiral, circle, and many other regular and irregular patterns. In comparison with former results in literature, the space-time discrete version considered in this paper captures more complicated and richer nonlinear dynamics behaviors and contributes a new comprehension on the complex pattern formation of spatially extended discrete phytoplankton-zooplankton system.
A complete invariant for connected surfaces in the 3-sphere
Authors: Bellettini Giovanni , Paolini Maurizio , Wang Yi-Sheng
Published: December 2019

We construct a complete invariant of oriented connected closed surfaces in [Formula: see text], which generalizes the notion of peripheral system of a knot group. As an application, we define two computable invariants to investigate handlebody knots and bi-knotted surfaces with homeomorphic complements. In particular, we obtain an alternative proof of inequivalence of Ishii, Kishimoto, Moriuchi and Suzuki’s handlebody knots [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Khovanov homology and diagonalizable Frobenius algebras
Authors: Turner Paul
Published: December 2019

We give a short elementary proof that a Khovanov-type link homology constructed from a diagonalizable Frobenius algebra is degenerate.
Heuristic derivation of Casimir effect in minimal length theories
Authors: Blasone Massimo , Lambiase Gaetano , Luciano Giuseppe Gaetano , Petruzziello Luciano , Scardigli Fabio
Published: December 2019

We propose a heuristic derivation of Casimir effect in the context of minimal length theories based on a Generalized Uncertainty Principle (GUP). By considering a GUP with only a quadratic term in the momentum, we compute corrections to the standard formula of Casimir energy for the parallel-plate geometry, the sphere and the cylindrical shell. For the first configuration, we show that our result is consistent with the one obtained via more rigorous calculations in Quantum Field Theory (QFT). Experimental developments are finally discussed.
Implication of Microsatellite Instability Pathway in Outcome of Colon Cancer in Moroccan Population
Authors: El Agy Fatima , Otmani Ihssane El , Mazti Asmae , Lahmidani Nada , Oussaden Abdelmalek , El Abkari Mohamed , Benjelloun El Bachir , Moukit Wadih , El Bouhaddouti Hicham , Toughrai Imane , Hassani Karim Ibn Majdoub , Maazaz Khalid , Benbrahim Zineb , Mellas Nawfal , El Rhazi Karima , Ouldim Karim , El Bardai Sanae , Adil Ibrahimi Sidhi , Ait Taleb Khalid , Bennis Sanae , Laila Chbani
Published: December 2019

Background. Tumors with microsatellite instability (MSI tumors) have distinct clinicopathological features. However, the relation between these tumor subtypes and survival in colon cancer remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the overall survival (OS) in patients with MSI phenotype, in FES population. Methods. The expression of MMR proteins was evaluated by immunohistochemistry for 330 patients. BRAF, KRAS, and NRAS mutations were examined by Sanger sequencing and pyrosequencing methods. The association of MSI status with a patient’s survival was assessed by the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test. Results. The mean age was 54.6 years (range of 19-90 years). The MSI status was found in 11.2% of our population. MSI tumors were significantly associated with male gender, younger patients, stage I-II, right localization, and a lower rate of lymph node and distant metastasis. The OS tends to be longer in MSI tumors than MSS tumors (109.71 versus 74.08), with a difference close to significance (P=0.05). Conclusion. Our study demonstrates that MSI tumors have a particular clinicopathological features. The results of survival analysis indicate that the MSI status was not predictive of improved overall survival in our context with a lower statistical significance (P=0.05) after multivariate analysis.
Comparison of the Performance of Photovoltaic Power Generation-Consumption System with Push-Pull Converter under the Effect of Five Different Types of Controllers
Authors: Zenk Hilmi
Published: December 2019

In this study, a dynamic system has been modeled to efficiently use a photovoltaic generation and control system (PVGCS) for driving of a medium power off-grid electric machine. The measures have been taken to respond to three different disturbing factors in this system. First, the photovoltaic panels selected for energy generation have a variable solar radiation effect. Second, the DC motor load at the system output is assumed to have a variable torque. Third, a variable reference voltage, which is determined even in the case of time-varying energy generation and consumption of the system, is followed with minimum error. For this purpose, a push-pull converter has been chosen as a highly flexible structure since it is predicted that it can provide stable and effective variable DC voltage at increasing and decreasing level required for DC motor. The control of the DC voltage at different levels to be provided by the push-pull converter is performed by PI, fuzzy logic, fuzzy-tuned PI, 2-DOF PI, and fractional PID logic whose coefficients are selected by appropriate methods, respectively. The system efficiency and stability under the influence of these five different advanced controllers are compared. In the case of two disturbing factors affecting the system, the difference values (errors) of the voltage generated by each selected controller with the reference voltage are determined comparatively. The studies were carried out by using dynamic system modeling in MATLAB-SIMULINK software. In addition, the results of this study proved which type of controllers is more successful in controlling systems with the second order and more instability factors and which of them responds to sudden changes in errors more quickly.
Taohong Siwu Decoction Exerts a Beneficial Effect on Cardiac Function by Possibly Improving the Microenvironment and Decreasing Mitochondrial Fission after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Luo Zhi-rong , Li Han , Xiao Zhong-xin , Shao Shui-jin , Zhao Tian-tian , Zhao Yue , Mou Fang-fang , Yu Bo , Guo Hai-dong
Published: December 2019

Cardiovascular disease has been established as a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, resulting in a huge burden to patients, families, and society. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) presents several advantages for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases including multitargets, multi-ingredients, fewer side effects, and low cost. In this study, a rat model of myocardial infarction (MI) was established by ligating the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery, and the effect of the Taohong Siwu decoction (THSWD) on cardiac function was evaluated in MI rats. Following the intragastric administration of THSWD, the cardiac function was examined using echocardiography. The infarct size and collagen deposition in the infarct area were measured using Masson’s trichrome staining, and the number of CD31- and α-SMA-positive blood vessels in the peri-infarct and infarct area was evaluated by immunofluorescent staining. The mRNA expression of bFGF, IGF-1, and HGF was detected using RT-PCR assay. Cell apoptosis in the infarcted area was assessed by TUNEL staining, and the p-Akt level was detected using the western blot assay. The mitochondrial ROS production was measured using MitoSOX staining, and mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy were evaluated with western blotting 7 days after THSWD treatment. THSWD increased the ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) values in the rat hearts; however, no statistical difference was found between the THSWD and MI groups 4 weeks after treatment. Furthermore, THSWD significantly decreased the value of the left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV). Compared with the model group, THSWD significantly increased the expression of IGF-1 and bFGF, reduced collagen deposition, promoted angiogenesis, reduced cell apoptosis, and activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Notably, THSWD significantly decreased mitochondrial ROS production and Fis1 expression. No statistical differences were observed in the expression of mitochondrial LC3B and Mfn1 between the THSWD and control groups. In summary, THSWD may possess a beneficial effect on cardiac function by improving the local ischemic microenvironment and by decreasing mitochondrial fission after MI. Hence, this may present a promising auxiliary strategy in the treatment of ischemic cardiomyopathy such as MI.
Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties of Porous Thermoplastic Polyurethane Obtained by 3D Printing for Protective Gear
Authors: Lee Hyojeong , Eom Ran-i , Lee Yejin
Published: December 2019

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an efficient and sustainable technology useful in various manufacturing fields. The aim of this study was to investigate the applicability of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as a 3D printing material and the conditions related to the use of TPU as personal protective equipment. The tensile strength, shock absorption, and compressibility were evaluated for different infill and thickness conditions. An increase in the infill rate led to an increase in the tensile strength, regardless of the sample thickness. Similarly, the compression energy increased as the infill increased. Both the shock absorption and compression properties increased as the thickness decreased under identical infill conditions. The actual shock absorption test data were compared to the results of structural analyses, which confirmed the potential for predicting impact deformation through the analysis of the tensile characteristics and the basic properties of a 3D printed material.
A Delayed Diagnosis of Hemorrhagic Shock in a Patient with Alcoholic Cirrhosis and Ascites on Bedside Ultrasound
Authors: Bach Madeline , Choi Julian , Smith Rory A. , Arabian Sarkis
Published: December 2019

Undifferentiated shock is a common and challenging problem in critical care. We present a case of hemorrhagic shock due to splenic and hepatic lacerations diagnosed by bedside paracentesis, initially misclassified as septic shock due to suspected spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Case. A 47-year old man with a history of reported alcoholic cirrhosis and ongoing heavy alcohol use was brought to the emergency room after a syncopal event. He was found to be anemic (hemoglobin 9.9 g/dl) and hypotensive with a blood pressure of 64/34. Despite crystalloid infusion he remained hypotensive and required vasopressor support with norepinephrine. Bedside ultrasound revealed moderate ascites and as there was no evidence of active bleeding, his shock was attributed to sepsis due to SBP. A bedside paracentesis was performed which revealed gross blood. A repeat hemoglobin returned at 4.4 g/dl. Massive transfusion protocol was initiated and interventional radiology was emergently consulted due to concerns for intraabdominal hemorrhage; general surgery deemed the patient too unstable for surgical intervention. Angiogram revealed a splenic laceration and possible hepatic laceration, both embolized successfully. Internal medicine practitioners should keep the differential of hemorrhagic shock due to intraabdominal organ injury in mind for patients with undifferentiated shock.
Simultaneous Total Knee Arthroplasty and Ankle Arthrodesis for Charcot Neuroarthropathy
Authors: Nozaka Koji , Miyakoshi Naohisa , Yuasa Yusuke , Mita Motoki , Shimada Yoichi
Published: December 2019

Introduction. Charcot neuroarthropathy is a progressive, deforming pathology of the bone and joints, especially affecting the knees and ankles. Although it is rare, it leads to considerable morbidity. The treatment of Charcot arthropathy of the knee and ankle remains controversial. Many authors suggest that knee involvement is an absolute contraindication to total knee arthroplasty. In recent years, however, several studies have shown satisfactory results for total knee arthroplasty. In the ankle, external fixators have recently been advocated by many authors. Their main advantages are that they permit monitoring of soft tissue healing and avoidance of more invasive surgery. Simultaneous Charcot knee and ankle joint surgery involving total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and ankle arthrodesis is rare and challenging and can lead to major complications if not addressed appropriately. Case Presentation. The case of a 71-year-old woman who underwent simultaneous total knee arthroplasty and ankle arthrodesis for severe neurosyphilitic Charcot arthropathy (Eichenholtz classification stage III) and was evaluated three years after surgery is reported. Deformities of the left knee joint and ankle developed. The left leg was shorter by 20 mm, with a functional leg length discrepancy. The patient was limping, and marked varus instability of the left ankle was observed during the stance phase of walking. Postoperatively, the patient was able to walk without assistance, confirming improvement of mobility. Conclusion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of combined, simultaneous neurosyphilitic Charcot knee and ankle joint surgery involving TKA and ankle arthrodesis. It was an effective surgical method that maintained leg length and achieved satisfactory alignment without an autologous iliac bone graft.
Chronic Inflammatory Arthropathy Preceding Acute Systemic Manifestations of Sarcoidosis: A Possible Overlap of Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis and Sarcoidosis
Authors: Vieira Matheus Campello , Tosta Priscilla Gomes , Nicole Fernanda Morello , Roberto Lucas Enock V. , Vianna Júlia Guasti P. , Castro Paulo de Coelho , Lourenço Rafael Burgomeister , Serrano Erica Vieira , Valim Valéria , Luchi Weverton Machado
Published: December 2019

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease with unknown etiology, marked by T lymphocytes and macrophages agglomeration, which leads to the formation of noncaseating granulomas in the affected tissues. We describe a case of a 40-year-old black patient referred to our service for evaluation of nephrolithiasis and persistent elevation of plasma creatinine. He reported important weight loss, fever episodes, and abdominal and low back intermittent pain in the past 6 months. The investigation revealed elevated serum calcium level, hepatosplenomegaly, retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and nephrolithiasis. The initial diagnostic hypothesis was lymphoproliferative disease, but the laparoscopic propaedeutic showed multiple white lesions on the liver surface, which biopsy identified as noncaseating granulomas with asteroid corpuscles, suggestive of sarcoidosis. He was treated with corticosteroids with significant improvement in symptoms and in calcium and creatinine levels. Besides, the patient presented a long-term large joints arthropathy, especially on the knees (with bilateral prosthesis), wrists, and ankles, of unknown etiology. We discuss the systemic manifestations of sarcoidosis related to the reported case, as well as the possible overlapping of idiopathic juvenile arthritis with sarcoidosis.
A Five-Year Data Report of Long-Term Central Venous Catheters Focusing on Early Complications
Authors: Lenz Harald , Myre Kirsti , Draegni Tomas , Dorph Elizabeth
Published: December 2019

Background. Long-term venous access has become the standard practice for the administration of chemotherapy, fluid therapy, antibiotics, and parenteral nutrition. The most commonly used methods are percutaneous puncture of the subclavian and internal jugular veins using the Seldinger technique or surgical cutdown of the cephalic vein. Methods. This study is based on a quality registry including all long-term central venous catheter insertion procedures performed in patients >18 years at our department during a five-year period. The following data were registered: demographic data, main diagnosis and indications for the procedure, preoperative blood samples, type of catheter, the venous access used, and the procedure time. In addition, procedural and early postoperative complications were registered: unsuccessful procedures, malpositioned catheters, pneumothorax, hematoma complications, infections, nerve injuries, and wound ruptures. The Seldinger technique using anatomical landmarks at the left subclavian vein was the preferred access. Fluoroscopy was not used. Results. One thousand one hundred and one procedures were performed. In eight (0.7%) cases, the insertion of a catheter was not possible, 23 (2.1%) catheters were incorrectly positioned, twelve (1.1%) patients developed pneumothorax, nine (0.8%) developed hematoma, and three (0.27%) developed infection postoperatively. One (0.1%) patient suffered nerve injury, which totally recovered. No wound ruptures were observed. Conclusions. We have a high success rate of first-attempt insertions compared with other published data, as well as an acceptable and low rate of pneumothorax, hematoma, and infections. However, the number of malpositioned catheters was relatively high. This could probably have been avoided with routine use of fluoroscopy during the procedure.
Helicobacter pyloriInfection, Virulence Genes’ Distribution and Accompanying Clinical Outcomes: The West Africa Situation
Authors: Ofori Eric Gyamerah , Adinortey Cynthia Ayefoumi , Bockarie Ansumana Sandy , Kyei Foster , Tagoe Emmanuel Ayitey , Adinortey Michael Buenor
Published: December 2019

Data onHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection and virulence factors in countries across West Africa are scattered. This systematic review seeks to present an update on the status ofH. pyloriinfection focusing on prevalence rate, distribution of virulent genes, and their link to clinical outcomes across countries in the western part of Africa. This information is expected to broaden the knowledge base of clinicians and researchers regardingH. pyloriinfection and associated virulence factors in West African countries.Search Method.A comprehensive search of the scientific literature in PubMed and ScienceDirect was conducted using the search terms including “Helicobacter pyloriinfection in West Africa”. Databases were sourced from January 1988 to December 2018.Results.Data on the incidence ofH. pyloriinfection and related pathological factors were found for some countries, whereas others had no information on it. Smoking, alcohol, exposure to high levels of carcinogens and diet were reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of gastroduodenal diseases and gastric cancer. Besides the environmental factors and genetic characteristics, there are important characteristics ofH. pylorisuch as the ability to infect, replicate, and persist in a host that have been associated with the pathogenesis of various gastroduodenal diseases.Concluding Remarks.This systematic search has provided information so far available onH. pylorivirulence factors and clinical outcomes in West Africa. Accordingly, this piece has identified gaps in the body of knowledge highlighting the need for more studies to clarify the role ofH. pylorivirulence factors and associated clinical outcomes in the burden of this bacterial infection in West Africa, as data from these countries do not give the needed direct relation.
An Empirical Model for Describing the Small Field Penumbra in Radiation Therapy
Authors: Tang Shi-Qiang , Jen Yee-Min , Wu Jia-Ming
Published: December 2019

Purpose. We developed a mathematic empirical model for describing the small field penumbra in order to analyze the potential dose perturbation caused by overlapping field to avoid the dose calculation errors in linear accelerator-based radiosurgery. Materials and methods. A ball phantom was fabricated for measuring penumbra at 4 different gantry angles in the coplanar plane. A least square root estimation (LSRE) Model was created to fit the measured penumbra dose profile and to predict the penumbra dose profile at any gantry angles. The Sum of Squared Errors (SSE) was used for finding the parameters n and t for the best fitting of the LSRE model. Geometric and mathematical methods were used to derive the model parameters. Results. The results showed that the larger the gantry angle of the field, the more the expansion of the penumbra dose profile. The least square root estimation model for describing small field penumbra is as follows: PenumbraDš=T⋅1/2⋅1−š/n+š2+t where PenumbraDš denotes the dose profile D(š) at the penumbra region, T is the penumbra height (usually in scalar 100), n is the parameter for curvature, š = x − Wd/2 (x and š are the values in cm on x-axis), and t is the radiation transmission of the collimator. Geometric analysis establishes the correlation between the penetration depth of the exposure and its effect on the penumbra region in ball phantom. The penumbra caused by an exposure at any arbitrary angles can be geometrically derived by using a one-variable quadratic equation. Conclusion. The dose distribution in penumbra region of small field can be created by the LSRE model and the potential overdosage or underdosage owing to overlapping field perturbation can be estimated.
Identification of Potential Biomarkers and Biological Pathways in Juvenile Dermatomyositis Based on miRNA-mRNA Network
Authors: Qiu Cheng-Cheng , Su Qi-Sheng , Zhu Shang-Yong , Liu Ruo-Chuan
Published: December 2019

Objective. The aim of this study is to explore the potential pathogenesis of juvenile dermatomyositis by bioinformatics analysis of gene chips, which would screen the hub genes, identify potential biomarkers, and reveal the development mechanism of juvenile dermatomyositis. Material and Methods. We retrieved juvenile dermatomyositis’s original expression microarray data of message RNAs (mRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) from NCBI’s Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/); through the R package of limma in Bioconductor, we can screen the differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs, and then we further analyzed the predicted target genes by the methods such as Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and miRNA-mRNA regulatory network construction and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network using Cytoscape 3.6.1. Results. Compared with normal juvenile skin tissues, 6 upregulated microRNAs and 5 downregulated microRNAs were identified from 166 downregulated microRNAs and 58 upregulated microRNAs in juvenile dermatomyositis tissues. The enrichment pathways of differentially expressed microRNAs include cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), autoimmune thyroid disease, Type I diabetes mellitus, antigen and presentation, viral myocardium, graft-versus-host disease, and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus infection. By screening of microRNA-messenger RNA regulatory network and construction of PPI network map, three target miRNAs were identified, namely, miR-193b, miR-199b-5p, and miR-665. Conclusion. We identified mir-193b, mir-199b-5p, and mir-6653 target miRNAs by exploring the miRNA-mRNA regulation network mechanism related to the pathogenesis of juvenile dermatomyositis, which will be of great significance for further study on the pathogenesis and targeted therapy of juvenile dermatomyositis.
Development of UV Spectrophotometric Procedures for Determination of Amlodipine and Celecoxib in Formulation: Use of Scaling Factor to Improve the Sensitivity
Authors: Attimarad Mahesh , Venugopala Katharigatta Narayanaswamy , Aldhubiab Bandar E. , Nair Anroop Balachandran , SreeHarsha Nagaraja , Pottathil Shinu , Akrawi Sabah H.
Published: December 2019

FDA has recently approved a new fixed-dose combination of amlodipine besylate (AMD) and celecoxib (COX) for the treatment of hypertension and osteoarthritis. No analytical method has been reported for analysis of these two analytes so far. Hence, to monitor the quality and quantity in the formulation of AMD and COX a simple, accurate, precise, economical, and eco-friendly spectroscopic analytical method has been established. The first method involves the determination of AMD and COX by the first derivative UV spectroscopic method with scaling factor 10. However, the second method was based on the direct measurement of UV absorbance of AMD at 364.3 nm and ratio first derivative UV spectroscopic method for COX. Both methods showed good linearity in the range of 5 to 40 μg/ml for COX, whereas AMD showed linearity in the range of 0.5 to 10 μg/ml in first derivative method with scaling factor 10 and 1 to 10 μg/ml in the second method with good correlation coefficient (R2 > 0.998). Both the methods were validated for LOD, LOQ, accuracy, precision, recovery studies, and stability as per the ICH guidelines, and the validated results were well within the acceptable range. Both the methods were successfully utilized for the determination of AMD and COX in the presence of each other in the formulation, and statistically compared between the proposed methods. Therefore, the proposed procedures can be utilized for regular quality control studies.
PS Selection Method for and Application to GB‐SAR Monitoring of Dam Deformation
Authors: Xiang Xia , Chen Jiankang , Wang Hui , Pei Liang , Wu Zhenyu
Published: December 2019

Ground‐based synthetic aperture radar (GB‐SAR) is a relatively new technique that can be used to monitor the deformation of large‐volume targets, such as dams, slopes, and bridges. In this study, the permanent scatterer (PS) technique is used to address the issues encountered in the continuous monitoring of the external deformation of an arch‐gravity dam in a hydraulic and hydropower engineering structure in Hubei, China; the technique includes large image data sizes, high accuracy requirements, a susceptibility of the monitoring data to atmospheric disturbances, complex phase unwrapping, and pronounced decoherence. Through an in‐depth investigation of PS extraction methods, a combined PS selection (CPSS) method is proposed by fully taking advantage of the signal amplitude and phase information in the monitored scene. The principle and implementation of CPSS are primarily studied. In addition, preliminarily selected PS candidates are directly used to construct and update a triangular irregular network (TIN) to maintain the stability of the subsequent Delaunay TIN. To implement this method, a differential‐phase standard‐deviation threshold method is proposed to extract PSs that are highly spatially coherent and consistent. Finally, the proposed CPSS was applied to the safety monitoring of the dam. The monitoring results are compared with conventional inverted plumb line monitoring results, and the proposed CPSS is found to be effective and reliable.
Therapeutic Effects of Chinese Herbal Formula (PTQX) on NC/Nga Mice with Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions
Authors: Yan Fenggen , Zhang Jing , Li Xiong , Mo Xiumei , Liu Junfeng , Ye Siqi , Lin Ying , Qiu Xiaohui , Lee Simon Mingyuen , Chen Dacan
Published: December 2019

Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as atopic eczema, is a chronic pruritic inflammatory skin disease. The available systemic therapies for atopic dermatitis are inadequate. Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the Chinese herbal formula Pei Tu Qing Xin (PTQX) on dermatitis severity and ear swelling, immunomodulation, and the infiltration of mast cells in a mouse model of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene- (DNCB-) induced AD. Methods. AD-like symptoms were induced by DNCB in NC/Nga mice. Skin lesions, dermatitis, ear swelling, and scratching behaviour were evaluated. Changes in the T-helper type 1 (Th1), Th2, Th17, and regulatory T (Treg) subtypes and immunoregulation in the spleen and lymph nodes were detected by flow cytometry. Results. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that PTQX decreased the DNCB-mediated induction of mast cells and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the ear and dorsal skin. PTQX also reduced the DNCB-induced increase in the serum immunoglobulin E level, pruritus, and dermatitis (red, flaky areas) on the dorsal skin. Furthermore, PTQX regulated the balance between the populations of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells (particularly the latter two) in the lymph nodes. Conclusions. Our results suggest that the Chinese herbal formula PTQX can alleviate symptoms of AD, such as epithelial damage, redness, swelling, and pruritus, and potentially be used to treat this condition.
Unpaired Low-Dose CT Denoising Network Based on Cycle-Consistent Generative Adversarial Network with Prior Image Information
Authors: Tang Chao , Li Jie , Wang Linyuan , Li Ziheng , Jiang Lingyun , Cai Ailong , Zhang Wenkun , Liang Ningning , Li Lei , Yan Bin
Published: December 2019

The widespread application of X-ray computed tomography (CT) in clinical diagnosis has led to increasing public concern regarding excessive radiation dose administered to patients. However, reducing the radiation dose will inevitably cause server noise and affect radiologists’ judgment and confidence. Hence, progressive low-dose CT (LDCT) image reconstruction methods must be developed to improve image quality. Over the past two years, deep learning-based approaches have shown impressive performance in noise reduction for LDCT images. Most existing deep learning-based approaches usually require the paired training dataset which the LDCT images correspond to the normal-dose CT (NDCT) images one-to-one, but the acquisition of well-paired datasets requires multiple scans, resulting the increase of radiation dose. Therefore, well-paired datasets are not readily available. To resolve this problem, this paper proposes an unpaired LDCT image denoising network based on cycle generative adversarial networks (CycleGAN) with prior image information which does not require a one-to-one training dataset. In this method, cyclic loss, an important trick in unpaired image-to-image translation, promises to map the distribution from LDCT to NDCT by using unpaired training data. Furthermore, to guarantee the accurate correspondence of the image content between the output and NDCT, the prior information obtained from the result preprocessed using the LDCT image is integrated into the network to supervise the generation of content. Given the map of distribution through the cyclic loss and the supervision of content through the prior image loss, our proposed method can not only reduce the image noise but also retain critical information. Real-data experiments were carried out to test the performance of the proposed method. The peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) improves by more than 3 dB, and the structural similarity (SSIM) increases when compared with the original CycleGAN without prior information. The real LDCT data experiment demonstrates the superiority of the proposed method according to both visual inspection and quantitative evaluation.
Pose Estimation of a Noncooperative Target Based on Monocular Visual SLAM
Authors: Lei Ting , Liu Xiao-Feng , Cai Guo-Ping , Liu Yun-Meng , Liu Pan
Published: December 2019

This paper estimates the pose of a noncooperative space target utilizing a direct method of monocular visual simultaneous location and mapping (SLAM). A Large Scale Direct SLAM (LSD-SLAM) algorithm for pose estimation based on photometric residual of pixel intensities is provided to overcome the limitation of existing feature-based on-orbit pose estimation methods. Firstly, new sequence images of the on-orbit target are continuously inputted, and the pose of each current frame is calculated according to minimizing the photometric residual of pixel intensities. Secondly, frames are distinguished as keyframes or normal frames according to the pose relationship, and these frames are used to optimize the local map points. After that, the optimized local map points are added to the back-end map. Finally, the poses of keyframes are further enumerated and optimized in the back-end thread based on the map points and the photometric residual between the keyframes. Numerical simulations and experiments are carried out to prove the validity of the proposed algorithm, and the results elucidate the effectiveness of the algorithm in estimating the pose of the noncooperative target.
Analysis of Damage Evolution of Sandstone under Uniaxial Loading and Unloading Conditions Based on Resistivity Characteristics
Authors: Wu Guoyin , Wang Kui , Zhao Mingjie , Nie Zhichao , Huang Zhen
Published: December 2019

In complex rock engineering, understanding the stress state and determining stability and damage evolution are necessary. To more accurately provide a theoretical basis for judging the stress state of bedrock in engineering, this study experimentally addressed the damage evolution of sandstone under loading and unloading conditions. A theoretical relationship between rock resistivity and porosity was obtained according to the Archie formula, which allowed the derivation of the sandstone damage variable expression. Then, sandstone rock samples were used for experimental evaluation, and the feasibility of the theoretically determined damage variable was verified. Finally, through theoretical and experimental comparison analysis, we developed a correlative damage model for sandstone under uniaxial loading and unloading. The results show that the damage variable varies linearly with strain. The proposed correlative equation describes this behavior accurately for loading and unloading conditions. Based on the results of this study, the correlative damage model of sandstone under cyclic loading and unloading conditions can be further improved to be a complete constitutive damage model.
The Dependence of Northwest Pacific Tropical Cyclone Intensification Rates on Environmental Factors
Authors: Lyu Xinyan , Wang Xuguang , Leslie Lance M.
Published: December 2019

The Northwest Pacific tropical cyclone (TC) intensification is classified into rapid intensification (RI), normal intensification (NI), and slow intensification (SI) categories. The initial location and intensity, the preceding intensity change, the motion direction, the occurrence month, and the intensification duration time are all found to differ for RI cases compared with NI and SI cases. The dependence of RI, NI, and SI on environmental conditions is further examined statistically by using the intensification rates of named TCs, for the 21-year period 1995–2015, obtained from JTWC best track data, and the environmental conditions derived from the ERA-Interim reanalysis data and GODAS high-resolution global ocean analysis data. It was found that deep-layer and upper-mid vertical wind shear (VWS), upper-level outflow, sea surface temperature (SST), and ocean heat content (OHC) are statistically different among RI, NI, and SI both before and during intensification. RI is enhanced by weaker and decreasing VWS, warmer oceans, and stronger and increasing outflow. In contrast, SI typically occurs with larger and increasing VWS, cooler oceans, and weaker, static outflow. The impacts of low-level VWS and net moisture inflow are only significantly different between RI and SI and between NI and SI, but not between RI and NI. Another key finding is that increased upper-level outflow and decreased VWS are important precursors and hence are possible predictors, of RI onset. The direction of upper-level outflow affects TC intensification, with NW and NE outflow being more favorable for TC RI than SE and SW outflow.
Exact Receptance Function of Cracked Beams and Its Application for Crack Detection
Authors: Nguyen Khoa Viet , Cao Mai Van
Published: December 2019

The receptance function is very important which interrelates the harmonic excitation and the response of a structure in the frequency domain. This paper presents the exact receptance function of cracked beams. In this work, the “receptance curvature” is defined as the second derivative of the receptance. The influence of the crack on the receptance curvature is investigated. The results show that when there are cracks, the receptance curvature is influenced significantly at crack positions. This might be useful for the detection of cracks. In this paper, the derivation of exact receptance of the beam with general boundary conditions is presented, and the numerical simulations are provided.
Ocular Surface Changes in Prostaglandin Analogue-Treated Patients
Authors: Shen Wencui , Huang Bingqing , Yang Jin
Published: December 2019

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness globally. Reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) has been acknowledged to be the main therapy for glaucoma. Prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) have become the first-line therapy for patients with glaucoma due to their powerful efficacy for lowering (IOP). However, usage of PGAs can also cause several notable side effects, including the changes in ocular surface. The relationship between PGAs and ocular surface changes is complicated and still remains unclear. In the present review, we summarize the recent studies of the effects of PGAs on ocular changes as well as the possible mechanisms that might provide new considerations during clinical medication.