bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
USING SOCIAL MEDIA AS A LEARNING MEDIA OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Authors: Rinaldy Malik Agung , Ashar Asnur Muhammad Nur
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACT

 Foreign language is an important component of someone in facing the era of Industry 4.0. The development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) will have an impact on the creation of a learning media innovation that will facilitate users in the learning process in higher education. Likewise in foreign language learning. Online-based learning has been designed in such a way as to increase learning knowledge and motivation. This study uses a qualitative approach with the survey method. Data and Sources of data in this study are students of foreign language study programs at universities in Indonesia. The results of the study show that students generally always use smartphones and use social media in all their activities. Students use a lot of social media in exploring vocabulary and increasing vocabulary mastery, learning as well as building networks for native speakers (Muttersprachler), and making social media a means of learning by accessing foreign-language songs and interesting media in student foreign language learning. Thus social media can be one of the means of education for students which ends in improving foreign language skills.

 Keywords: Social Media, Learning Media, Learning Foreign Languages, Higher Education
CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION: JAVANESE AND SUNDANESE VOCABULARIES THE SAME IN FORM AND DIFFERENT IN MEANING
Authors: Hildayani Dira
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACT

This study discusses the vocabulary of Sundanese which has similar in forms and different in meanings to the Javanese vocabulary. The purpose of this study is to find out (1) words in Sundanese which form is the same as the word in Javanese but different in meanings and (2) words in Sundanese which lexical form and meaning are the same as words in Javanese but they’re in a different variety (familiar variety or respect/high variety). The method used is the matching method (Sudaryanto, 1996). The findings of this study indicate that some words in Sundanese have the same form but different meanings with Javanese, such as the word 'tea' as a personal pronoun or particle in Sundanese but means 'tea' as a drink in Javanese. Some words in Sundanese also indicate that a word that is considered to be a variety of respect, is considered a familiar variety in Javanese, such as the word 'Wengi' in Sundanese and Javanese which means 'night'. In Sundanese, the word ‘wengi’ is a variety of respectful languages, while in Javanese ‘wengi ’it is a familiar variety. This study reveals the linguistic phenomena of most language speakers in heterogeneous societies, namely Sundanese and Javanese and both have many vocabularies with the same form but have different in meaning.  

Keywords: communication, cross-cultural, Sundanese-Javanese vocabularies
GRAMMATICAL MISTAKES IN WRITING NARRATIVE TEXT BY EEC STUDENTS
Authors: Andriani Martina , Saniti Rusmi
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACT

This article explores about grammatical mistakes in writing narrative text in English Extensive course (EEC). EEC is an English program held by Sanata Dharma University. In case, there are five  srtudents as participants that learn writing as subject in EEC. In learning writing, EEC students face some problems especially grammatical errrors. This article raises some problems and difficulties to write a narrative text by EEC students. This research used descriptive qualitative as a methodogy. Data collection are analyzed through the narrative text and the grammatical method. The aim of this research is to find, even in higher education level, there still found mistakes in grammar. Not mentioning vocabulary or certain spelling. Beside that reasearchers wants to find how much mistakes that has been made in grammar and mistakes that often made by students in learning writing. In conclusion, the result showed there was every student made error in each indicator. And the most error that students made was error in tense.

Keywords: Grammatical Mistakes; Narrative Text; English Extension Course
RELATIONSHIP OF WRITING LEARNING PROCESSES WITH LANGUAGE ERRORS OF STUDENT EXPOSITION (Research Language Errors in SMAN 4 Tambun Selatan)
Authors: Ria Anggari Putri
Published: January 2020

Abstract:This study aims to find out and explain the interrelationship of the learning process of writing with errors in the exposition of students. The method used is descriptive qualitative method which aims to describe and explain the relevance of the learning process of writing with the errors of the exposition of students. The object of this research is the exposition of class X high school students assisted by questionnaire. The results of this study indicate that the more maximum the process of learning to write, the better the results obtained, and conversely the instant process and teachers who do not maximize teaching in the methods and media used will be increasingly less quality.

 

Keywords: writing, language errors, exposition
Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy
Authors: Gupta Munish C. , Gupta Sachin , Kelly Michael P. , Bridwell Keith H.
Published: January 2020

Background:

Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) was originally performed in cases of ankylosing spondylitis. This procedure was invented because it was safer than trying to lengthen the anterior column via osteoclasis, which risked vascular injury and death
1–4
. PSO involves the removal of the posterior elements and the use of a vertebral body wedge to shorten the spine posteriorly and achieve sagittal-plane correction
5,6
. PSO has been used to correct sagittal-plane deformities not only in patients with ankylosing spondylitis but also in those with degenerative conditions or those who have previously undergone surgical procedures resulting in a loss of lumbar lordosis
7,8
.

Description:

The fixation points are placed with pedicle screws above and below the planned osteotomy level. The posterior elements are decompressed at the level of the osteotomy and at 1 level proximally. In addition to the use of straight and angled curets, a high-speed burr is used to decancellate the vertebral body. Pedicle osteotomes are used to remove the pedicle. Temporary rods are placed. The posterior wall of the body is then impacted into the vertebral body, and the temporary rods are loosened. To close the osteotomy, the bed is extended or the spine is pushed manually, resulting in correction of the lordosis. The temporary rods are tightened. The main rods, independent of the short rods, are used to connect multiple segments several levels above and below the osteotomy site to provide final stabilization.

Alternatives:

The alternatives to PSO depend on the surgical history of the patients, as well as the flexibility and alignment of the spine. In a spine with mobile disc spaces, Smith-Petersen osteotomies can be performed posteriorly to shorten the posterior column over multiple segments to gain lordosis. A formal anterior or lateral approach can be performed to release the disc spaces and restore the disc height. A posterior release through the facet joints with segmental compression can achieve desired lumbar lordosis. A vertebral column resection can also be performed to achieve lordosis.

Rationale:

PSO is ideal for patients who have undergone multiple spinal fusions and who have a very rigid, flat lumbar spine. A single posterior approach can be used to provide adequate correction of the flat lumbar spine up to 40°. Asymmetric PSO can also be performed to allow for correction in the coronal plane. Recently, PSO has been performed more frequently because of the improved osteotomy instrumentation, exposure to resection techniques, and improved positioning tables that allow correction of the osteotomy.
WITHDRAWN: Transconjunctival Cryo-Assisted Extraction of Intraconal Cavernous Hemangioma
Authors: ghafar ayman el sayed abd el sayed , Saleh Sameh M , Elwehidy Ahmed S , awara amr mahmoud
Published: January 2020

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate safety and efficacy of transconjunctival cryo-assisted orbitotomy for extraction of intraconal cavernous hemangioma.Methods: The study was performed at the Mansoura ophthalmic center, Mansoura University, Egypt from May 2017 to August 2018, It included 18 patients with orbital intraconal cavernous hemangioma. In all cases, preoperative orbital MRI(magnetic resonance imaging) with contrast was performed, transconjunctival approach was used and cryo-assisted extraction of the lesions was performed. Cases were followed for six months after surgery.Results: This study included 18 patients with intraconal cavernous hemangioma, ten females (55.6%) and eight males (44.4%) with a mean age 35.6 years. Eight cases (44.5%) were lateral to the optic nerve, four cases (22.2%) were above the optic nerve, and six cases (33.3%) were below the optic nerve. Postoperative complications included three cases (16.7%) with postoperative diplopia due to lateral rectus paresis that improved in all cases within six months, one case (5.6%) with postoperative retrobulbar hemorrhage and proptosis that resolved within two weeks without sequelae, and four cases (22.2%) showed subconjunctival hemorrhage which resolved within two weeks. Of the two cases with drop of visual acuity preoperative, one case (5.6%) showed improvement of and one case (5.6%) did not improve. Conclusions: Transconjunctival orbitotomy assisted by the use of the cryoprobe for excision of intraconal cavernous hemangioma represents a good approach with minor resolvable complicationsTrial registration: Mansoura institutional review board (IRB)registration number: R/17.05.26 registration date: 10/5/2017 Keywords: transconjunctival orbitotomy, cryo-assisted extraction of hemangioma, intraconal cavernous hemangioma.
Effectiveness of an Educational Intervention to Participation in Physical Activity: A quasi-experimental model-based study
Authors: Shahsavari Saeideh , dadipoor Sakineh , Ghaffari Mohtasham , Safari-Moradabadi Ali
Published: January 2020

Background: The aim of the present study was to assess readiness to become or stay physically active according to the Stages of Change Model.Methods: The present quasi-experimental study was conducted on 100 women working in the healthcare centres of Bandar Abbas, Iran. The sampling method is clustering in type. The subjects were assigned into two groups of intervention and control. The collected data were analysed by SPSS-16 software using descriptive and inferential statistics, including independent-sample t-test, paired-sample t-test and Chi-square test.Results: Before the educational intervention, 19 subjects (0.38%) from the intervention group showed to have regular physical activity (4-5 stages). This number changed to 29 (0.58%) and 25 (0.50%) after three months and six months of intervention. A statistically significant difference was found before the intervention and 3 and 6 months afterwards (P˂.001). In the control group, no statistically significant difference was found between the pre-intervention and post-intervention (three months (P=.351) and six months (P=.687).Conclusion: The educational intervention based on the stages of behaviour change model showed to be effective in promoting the physical activity of employed women. These findings may benefit health education researchers and practitioners who tend to develop innovative theory-based interventions and strategies to increase the level of physical activity in women.
Developing A Validated Instrument To Assess Paediatric Interns In South Africa
Authors: Naidoo Kimesh , Wyk Jacqueline M Van
Published: January 2020

Background: Recently graduated South African medical practitioners (interns) are expected to be efficient and resilient in limited resource contexts that face multiple disease burdens. Work-based assessment in SA internship focuses on clinical skills and neglects the evaluation of non-clinical skills. This sub-optimal assessment process creates a daunting task for clinician supervisors who are expected to certify these interns for independent practice. Methods: Using a mixed methodological approach, the study sampled a cross section of 411 interns in seven hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal and their intern supervisors . Data collection methods included focus groups discussions and surveys. A 4-round modified Delphi-process was followed to reach consensus on the set of core competencies required. The assessment tool that resulted in the process included a variety of competencies and the tool was validated through factor analysis and internal consistency was measured with Cronbach’s alpha. Results : A competency-based assessment tool was developed that allows for the assessment of both clinical and non-clinical skills. This tool was found to be very reliable, with an overall Cronbach alpha of 0.927. Factor analysis for the instrument revealed 61 observable clinical activities aggregated into entrustable professional activities and these measured four major factors. The factors correspond with procedural clinical skills; holistic-care skills; and emotional skills related to social competence and self-management. Conclusion: A locally relevant competency-based assessment tool was developed in SA to assess local paediatric interns. The validated tool’s function as a multidimensional instrument to assess both clinical and non-clinical skills included the assessment of emotional skills which are largely neglected. Validated work-based assessment instruments can be developed that are responsive to local needs and support the development of holistic clinicians in high disease-burdened contexts.
What drives the virulence and antibiotic resistance changes of Vibrio harveyi in South China Sea?
Authors: Deng Yiqin , Xu Liwen , Chen Haoxiang , Liu Songlin , Wang Qian , Guo Zhixun , Feng Juan
Published: January 2020

Background Vibrio harveyi is an important pathogen responsible for severe economic losses in the aquaculture industry worldwide. Bacterial pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance which are of concern for environmental safety and public health exhibit significant spatial distribution patterns. In this study, we determined the prevalence, antibiotic resistance profile, and antibiotic resistance and virulence factor genes of V. harveyi isolated from diseased marine fishes in south coastal China (incl. Hainan, Guangdong and Fujian Province), which can help understand the driving environmental factors of bacterial virulence and antibiotic resistance changes. Results A total of 107 V. harveyi strains were identified by multilocus sequence analysis of 16S rRNA- toxR Vh - rctB (incl. 2 from Fujian, 52 from Hainan, and 53 from Guangdong). Nine typical virulence genes highly presented among isolates with higher average number in Hainan (7.39±0.24) than in Guangdong (6.91±0.28). Five atypical virulence genes were detected in some isolates. Specially, flaC and vvh were detected in more than 60% of the isolates. Its average number was significantly higher in Hainan (2.30±0.20) than in Guangdong (1.70±0.10). V. harveyi isolates were generally resistant (>50%) to vancomycin, amoxicillin, and midecamycin, showed moderate resistant (10%~50%) to tobramycin, gentamicin, furazolidone, rifampicin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, but were nearly susceptible (<10%) to other antibiotics tested. Aac(6′)-Ib , tetW , and sul2 were detected in more than 10% isolates. The mobile genetic elements (MGEs) of int and intI1 were presented in 14.95% and 24.30% isolates, respectively. Both the average number of antibiotic resistance and antibiotic resistance genes were higher in Hainan (5.25±0.27 and 1.11±0.15) than in Guangdong (3.87±0.21 and 0.75±0.10). Conclusion This study demonstrated that multiple antibiotic resistances V. harveyi was highly prevalent with being the potential pathogen of marine fishes in South China Sea which requires particular attention. Moreover, both virulence genes and drug resistance were presence more / stronger in Hainan than in Guangdong which suggests that warming temperature and antibiotics pollutants probably enhance antibiotic resistance and bacterial infection. In the future, laboratory chamber experiment are recommend to study the response mechanisms of bacterial virulence and drug resistance to environmental factors, especially temperature and drug pollutants.
Genome sequence and adaptation of strain of the opportunistic pathogen Burkholderia glumae
Authors: Cui Zhouqi , Wang Sai , Kakar K. U. , Xie Guanlin , Li Bin , Zhu Bo , Guo Longbiao
Published: January 2020

Background: Burkholderia glumae causes rice (Oryza sativa) bacterial panicle blight, which is an increasingly economically important disease worldwide. B. glumae can also be isolated from humans who suffer from chronic granulomatous disease. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying human pathogenesis by B. glumae remains rudimentary. Results: In this study, we report the complete genome sequence of the human-isolated B. glumae strain AU6208 and compare this to the genome of the plant-pathogenic B. glumae type strain LMG 2196T, which was isolated from rice. Analysis of the gene content and average nucleotide identity demonstrated 99.4% similarity between the human- and plant-pathogenic strains. However, the phenotypic results from this study suggest a history of niche adaptation and divergence. For example, AU6208 produces more exopolysaccharides and more readily forms biofilms compared with LMG 2196T. Consistent with this, the AU6208 genome encodes a UDP-galactopyranose mutase (BCAL3235), but LMG 2196T lacks this gene. In total, 44 genes were predicted to be horizontally transferred into AU6208, and most of these genes were upregulated in conditions that mimic clinical conditions. Among the horizontally transferred genes, the gene pair SbnABas encodes key enzymes in antibiotic biosynthesis. These results suggest that horizontal gene transfer in AU6208 may be responsible for selective advantages in its pathogenicity in humans. Conclusions: In summary, our analysis of the AU6208 genome and comparison with that of LMG 2196T reveal the evolutionary signatures of B. glumae in the process of switching niches from plants to humans. Our findings may shed light on strain and niche diversity in bacteria.
Using mobile phones to improve young people sexual and reproductive health in low and middle income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Feroz Anam , Ali Naureen Akber , Khoja Adeel , Hussain Armish , Saleem Sarah
Published: January 2020

Background: Globally, reproductive health programs have used mHealth to provide sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education and services to young people, through diverse communication channels. However, few attempts have been made to systematically review the mHealth programs targeted to improve young people SRH in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). This review aims to identify a range of different mHealth solutions which can be used for improving young people SRH in LMICs and highlight facilitators and barriers for adopting mHealth interventions designed to target SRH of young people. Methods: Databases including PubMed, CINAHL Plus, Science Direct, Cochrane and grey literature were searched between January 01, 2005 and March 31, 2018 to identify various types of mHealth interventions that are used to improve SRH services for young people in LMICs. Of 2,181 titles screened after duplication, 207 potentially relevant abstracts were obtained. Out of 207 abstracts, 70 abstracts were shortlisted. Full text of 70 studies were reviewed using a pre-defined data extraction sheet. A total of 11 full text studies were included in the final analysis. Results: The final 11studies were categorized into three main mHealth applications including; client education and behavior change communication, data collection and reporting and financial transactions and incentives. The most reported use of mHealth was for client education and behavior change communication [n = 10, 91%]. This categorization provided the understanding that the potential of other mHealth applications has yet to be explored. Most studies showed, that mHealth interventions have proven to be effective in improving SRH services and outcomes through addressing barriers of provider prejudice, stigmatization, discrimination, fear of refusal, lack of privacy and confidentiality. Yet, the review also identified barriers to uptake of mHealth interventions for SRH including decreased technological literacy, inferior network coverage, and lower linguistic competency. Conclusion: The review provides detailed information about the implementation of mobile phones at different levels of healthcare system for improving young people SRH outcomes. This systematic review recommends that barriers to uptake mHealth interventions be adequately addressed to increase the potential use of mobile phones for improving access to SRH awareness and services.
The Presence of Intraductal Carcinoma of The Prostate Is Closely Correlated with Poor Prognosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yucong , Sun Guoliang , Ma Delin , Wei Chao , Shang Haojie , Liu Zhuo , Li Rui , Wang Tao , Wang Shaogang , Liu Jihong , Liu Xiaming
Published: January 2020

Background We aimed to confirm the predictive ability of the presence of intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC-P) on prognosis and association between IDC-P and clinicopathological parameters.Methods Literatures were identified in PubMed, Cochrane Library, etc. up to December 1st, 2019. Hazard ratio (HR) for survival data and odds ratio (OR) for clinicopathological data with 95% confidence interval (CI) were extracted. Heterogeneity was evaluated by I 2 value and quality assessment by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) criteria.Result A total of 4179 patients from 13 studies were included. The results showed IDC-P presence was significantly associated with poor progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 2.31; 95% CI 1.96 to 2.73), cancer-specific survival (CSS) (HR=1.89; 95% CI 1.28 to 2.77) and overall survival (OS) (HR=2.14; 95% CI 1.53 to 3.01). In subgroup analysis, IDC-P presence was significantly associated with poor PFS in prostate cancer treated by radical prostatectomy (RP) (HR = 2.48; 95% CI 2.05 to 3.00) and those by radiotherapy (RT) (HR=2.83; 95% CI 1.65 to 4.85). For clinicopathological characteristics, IDC-P present patients showed significantly higher tumor clinical stage, Gleason score and probability of lymph node invasive, positive surgical margin and positive extraprostatic extension.Conclusion Our meta-analysis indicates presence of IDC-P is closely correlated with poor prognosis and adverse clinicopathological characteristics. Our data support the value and clinical utility of routine detection of IDC-P by pathological examination. These conclusions need further validation and prospective studies are needed to find better treatment modalities for patients with IDC-P other than traditional first-line androgen deprivation therapy.
Luteal phase ovarian stimulation versus follicular phase ovarian stimulation results in different human cumulus cells gene expression: a pilot study
Authors: Lin Li-Te , Li Ju-Yueh , Tsui Kuan-Hao , Li Chia-Jung , Wang Peng-Hui , Wen Zhi-Hong
Published: January 2020

OBJECTIVE: Physiologic elevated levels of progesterone in luteal phase can impede early-onset LH surge. However, the impact of high levels of progesterone on the oocyte or cumulus cells (CCs) remains indistinct. Therefore, the aim of study was to investigate the CCs gene expression between luteal phase ovarian stimulation (LPOS) and follicular phase ovarian stimulation (FPOS) in poor ovarian responders (PORs) undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective non-randomized trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03238833). A total of 36 PORs who conformed Bologna criteria and underwent IVF cycles were enrolled. 15 PORs were allocated to the LPOS group and 21 PORs were allocated to the FPOS group. Basic characteristics, cycle characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups. Moreover, CCs genes regarding inflammation (CXCL1, CXCL3, TNF, PTGES), oxidative-phosphorylation (NDUFB7, NDUFA4L2, SLC25A27), apoptosis (DAPK3, BCL6B) and metabolism (PCK1, LDHC) were analyzed using real-time quantitative PCR between the two groups.
RESULTS: Basic characteristics and IVF outcomes were similar between the two groups except significantly high progesterone level in the LPOS group. The mRNA expression of CXCL1 and PTGES were significantly lower in the LPOS group than in the FPOS group ( p < 0.05). The LPOS group had significantly lower mRNA expression of NDUFB7 and NDUFA4L2 than the FPOS group ( p < 0.05). DAPK3 and BCL6B mRNA expression were significantly higher in the LPOS group compared to FPOS group ( p < 0.05). Increased expression of PCK1 and decreased expression of LDHC were observed in the LPOS group compared to the FPOS group. ( p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the FPOS, the LPOS seemed to reduce favorable inflammation and mitochondrial function, and induce apoptosis and abnormal glucose metabolism in CCs.
Safety and Efficacy of Fremanezumab for the Prevention of Migraine: a Meta-analysis from Random Clinical Trails
Authors: Gao Bixi , Sun Nan , Yang Yanbo , Sun Yue , Chen Mingjia , Chen Zhouqing , Wang Zhong
Published: January 2020

Background Fremanezumab (TEV-48125) is a fully humanized immunoglobulin G isotype 2a selective monoclonal antibody that potently binds to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). It is one of novel therapeutic drugs for the prevention of migraine, which is one of the most common neurological diseases worldwide. Several clinical trails have been conducted to investigate the safety and efficacy of fremanezumab, but there is no systematic review of existing literature has been performed. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy and safety of fremanezumab for prevention of migraine. Method Pubmed (MEDLINE), Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched from January 2001 to August 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Five RCTs with 3379 patients were finally included in our study. Result We pooled 3379 patients from 5 RCTs, the primary endpoints were mean monthly migraine and headache days, baseline to week 12. We found that fremanezumab led to a significant reduction in migraine days (P < 0.0001) and headache days (P < 0.0001) during 12 weeks compared with placebo. In addition, after using fremanezumab, the risk of at least one adverse event (P=0.001) or related to the trail regimen (P=0.0005) significantly increase compared with placebo. Conclusions Fremanezumab has good efficacy for the prevention of migraine. The administration of fremanezumab can cause some mild adverse events but not serious adverse events.
Status of AI-enabled Clinical Decision Support Systems Clinical Implementations in China
Authors: Ji Mengting , Chen Xiaoyun , Genchev Georgi Z. , Xu Ting , Wei Mingyue , Yu Guangjun
Published: January 2020

BackgroundAI-enabled Clinical Decision Support Systems (AI+CDSSs) were heralded to contribute greatly to the advancement of healthcare services. At present, there is an increased availability of monetary funds and technical expertise invested in projects and proposals targeting the building and implementation of such systems. Therefore, in this context of large funds and technical devotion, understanding the actual system implementation status in clinical practice is imperative. The objective of this research was to understand: 1) the current clinical implementations of AI+CDSSs in Chinese hospitals and 2) concerns regarding AI+CDSSs current and future implementations.MethodsA survey supported by the China Digital Medicine journal was performed. We employed stratified cluster sampling and investigated tertiary hospitals from 6 provinces and province-level cities. Descriptive analysis, two-sided Fisher exact test, and Mann-Whitney U-test were utilized for analysis. ResultsResponses were collected from 160 respondents. The analyzable response rate was 86.96%. Thirty-eight of the surveyed hospitals (23.75%) had implemented AI+CDSSs. There were statistical differences on grade, scales, and medical volume between the two groups of hospitals (implemented vs. not-implemented AI+CDSSs, p<0.05). On the 5-point Likert scale, 81.58% (31/38) of respondents rated their overall satisfaction with the systems as 3 to 4. The three most-common concerns were system functions improvement and integration into the clinical process, data quality and data sharing mechanism improvement, and methodological bias.ConclusionsWhile AI+CDSSs were not yet wide-spread in Chinese clinical settings, clinical professionals recognize the potential benefits and challenges regarding in-hospital AI+CDSSs.
Biomechanical and morphological changes of rabbit corneas under collagenase type II and negative pressure: three months follow-up observation
Authors: Chen Xinyan , Qin Xiao , Yu Mengyao , Zhang Haixia , Li Lin
Published: January 2020

Background: To investigate biomechanical and morphological changes of rabbit cornea ectasia induced by collagenase type II and negative pressure during 3 months after treatment.Method: Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits were randomly and evenly arranged into three groups. In group NP, the corneas were continuously attracted by negative pressure with 500 mmHg for 30 min, treated by every other day, three times in total. In group CII, the corneal central zone was soaked in the collagenase type II solution (200 μL of 3 mg/ml) for 30 min. In group CP, the corneas were disposed as group CII firstly, then applied negative pressure as group NP for once after 5 days. All right eyes were treated as control eyes. Corneal morphology and biomechanical related parameters were observed in vivo once a week for three weeks after treatment and before execution. Histology and biomechanics were tested in vitro at the third month after treatment.Results: Corneal diopter and corneal central thickness (CCT) changed to some extent after treatment immediately as a result of negative pressure in group NP. Three months after treatment, their elastic modulus increased and the relaxation degree decreased compared with the control one. In Group CII, corneal diopter increased, CCT and CH decreased at the second week after treatment, which showed the characters of ectatic corneas. At the third month after treatment, elastic modulus (E L ) of the experimental eyes decreased slightly compared with the control eyes. Due to the large individual differences, there were no regular changes on experimental corneas in Group CP.Conclusions: Cornea socked with collagenase type II showed the obvious characteristics of ectatic cornea at the second week after treatment, but the characteristics disappeared gradually. Negative pressure can result in the change of corneal thickness and diopter in a short period of time, and the degree of swelling and duration are far less than Group CII, but the changes of biomechanical parameters are more obviously than Group CII.
Validation of Psoas Muscle Index as a predictor of successful extubation in elderly intensive care patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kobori Fumimasa , Azuma Kazunari , Mishima Shiro , Oda Jun
Published: January 2020

Background Extubation failure-associated factors haven't been investigated in elderly patients. We hypothesized that psoas cross-sectional area, an emerging indicator of frailty, can be a predictor of extubation outcomes. Methods This retrospective study analyzed data from patients admitted between January and April 2016 at the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Tokyo Medical University Hospital. Patients were considered eligible if aged ≥65 years, required intubation at the emergency room, and were admitted to ICU for <24 h. Overall, 39 ICU patients were eligible and categorized into two groups: extubation success (n = 24) and extubation failure (n = 15) groups. The psoas cross-sectional area was measured at the third lumbar level on computer tomography images. Regions of interest were drawn freehand to outline the left and right psoas by an emergency physician. The average left and right psoas cross-sectional areas, used as the patient’s psoas cross-sectional area, were calculated. Psoas Muscle Index (PMI) was defined as the psoas cross-sectional area/height 2 . Primary outcome was to evaluate differences between the psoas cross-sectional area and f(PMI) between the groups, if any. Secondary outcome was to derive cut-off values using ROC curves. Results Both groups were comparable in terms of demographic characteristics. Psoas cross-sectional area (success group, 1776.5 ± 498.2 mm 2 , failure group, 1391.2 ± 589.4 mm 2 ; p = 0.022) and PMI (success group, 1089 ± 270.7 mm 2 /m 2 , failure group, 889 ± 338.5 mm 2 /m 2 ; p = 0.032) were significantly greater in the success group than in the failure group. ROC curve of the psoas cross-sectional area and PMI were used to calculate sensitivity and speciﬁcity. ROC AUC was 0.74 for psoas cross-sectional area, and at a cut-off of 1260 points, the sensitivity, speciﬁcity, and positive and negative predictive values were 95.8%, 60.0%, 79.3%, and 90.0%, respectively. ROC AUC for PMI was 0.73, and at a cut-off of 812 points, the sensitivity, speciﬁcity, and positive and negative predictive values were 95.8%, 46.7%, 74.2%, and 87.5%, respectively. Conclusions The psoas cross-sectional area and PMI can predict extubation outcomes in elderly intensive care patients.
Use of minimally invasive surgery and therapies mitigating pulmonary arterial pressure and intraoperative blood loss may offer protection against cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury
Authors: Husain-Syed Faeq , Quattrone Maria Giovanna , Ferrari Fiorenza , Bezerra Pércia , Lopez-Giacoman Salvador , Danesi Tommaso Hinna , Samoni Sara , Cal Massimo de , Yücel Gökhan , Yazdani Babak , Seeger Werner , Walmrath Hans-Dieter , Birk Horst-Walter , Salvador Loris , Ronco Claudio
Published: January 2020

Background: Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We aimed to identify potentially modifiable risk factors for CSA-AKI. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of 495 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery. AKI was diagnosed and staged using full KDIGO criteria incorporating baseline serum creatinine (SC) levels and correction of postoperative SC levels for fluid balance. We examined the association of routinely available clinical and laboratory data with AKI using multivariate logistic regression modeling. Results: A total of 103 (20.8%) patients developed AKI: 16 (15.5%) patients were diagnosed with AKI upon hospital admission, and 87 (84.5%) patients were diagnosed with CSA-AKI. Correction of SC levels for fluid balance increased the number of AKI cases to 104 (21.0%), with six patients categorized to different AKI stages. Univariate logistic regression analysis identified five preoperative (age, sex, diabetes mellitus, preoperative systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (PSPAP), acute decompensated heart failure) and five intraoperative predictors of AKI (age, sex, red blood cell (RBC) volume transfused, use of minimally invasive surgery, duration of cardiopulmonary bypass). When all preoperative and intraoperative variables were incorporated into one model, six predictors remained significant (age, sex, use of minimally invasive surgery, RBC volume transfused, PSPAP, duration of cardiopulmonary bypass). Model-discrimination performance showed an area under the curve of 0.69 for the model including only preoperative variables, 0.76 for the model including only intraoperative variables, and 0.77 for the model including all preoperative and intraoperative variables. Conclusions: Use of minimally invasive surgery and therapies mitigating PSPAP and intraoperative blood loss may offer protection against CSA-AKI. Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03102528)
Identification of zoonotic Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes in pre-weaned Korean native calves
Authors: Hwang Sunwoo , Shin Seung-Uk , Kim SuHee , Ryu Ji-Hyoung , Choi Kyoung-Seong
Published: January 2020

Background: Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common species of microsporidia that can infect humans and various animals worldwide. To date, information on the prevalence and genotypes of E. bieneusi infection in cattle in the Republic of Korea is limited. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence and genotypes of E. bieneusi circulating in pre-weaned Korean native calves and determine the age pattern of E. bieneusi infection and the relationship between E. bieneusi and diarrhea. Results: The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi was 16.9% (53/314) in pre-weaned calves by PCR. The prevalence of E. bieneusi was the highest in September (36.2%), followed by March (28.3%). E. bieneusi infection (c 2 = 5.82, P = 0.016) was associated with diarrhea in calves. The present results indicated that E. bieneusi infection was statistically associated with calf age (c 2 = 11.61, P = 0.003); the prevalence of E. bieneusi was significantly higher in calves aged 21-40 days (odds ratio = 2.90, 95% confidence interval: 1.54-5.45; P = 0.001) than in those aged 1-20 days. Interestingly, E. bieneusi infection showed an association with diarrhea only in calves aged 1-20 days (c 2 = 5.82, P = 0.010). Five genotypes, BEB4 ( n = 12), BEB8 ( n = 23), CHN6 ( n = 1), I ( n = 1), and J ( n = 16), were identified, and all these genotypes belonged to Group 2. The genotype BEB8 was the most prevalent in all age groups regardless of diarrhea. On the other hand, the genotype I was identified only in one calf aged 10 days with diarrhea. Except for CHN6, the four other genotypes were mostly observed in cattle, and all of them have zoonotic potential. Conclusions: This is the first report of the genotypes BEB4 and CHN6 in pre-weaned Korean native calves. The results revealed the presence of zoonotic E. bieneusi in pre-weaned Korean native calves, demonstrating that cattle may play an important role as a reservoir host in E. bieneusi transmission to humans.
Relationship of Height and Weight to Maximum Safe Pedicle Screw Diameter in the Lumbar Spine
Authors: Lentz Jonathon , Albano Joseph , Stockton Robert , Ganz Maximillian , Lutsky Larry , Katsigiorgis Gus , Grewal Kanwarpaul
Published: January 2020

Background Safely performing instrumented spinal fusion requires an intimate knowledge of anatomy and variations. Pedicle screw position and size have implications on intraoperative and post-operative complications. While pre-operative planning with Computed Tomography (CT) scan measurements may be the safest way to judge trajectory and maximal screw size, it is not standard practice for many spine surgeons. We investigated how height and weight correlated with PD. We hypothesized that these routinely obtained, non-invasive measurements would provide an easily referenced data point to aid in perioperative estimation of maximum safe pedicle screw diameter (MSPSD).Methods Coronal cuts of the lumbar spine were assessed to obtain transverse outer cortical PD as measured through the isthmus at lumbar vertebrae one through five. We assessed whether height, weight, and BMI significantly correlated with PD in our diverse population. Results Height and weight were found to significantly correlate with PD. Height explained roughly 10% of the variance in PD, weight explained only 3-4%, and BMI nearly 0%. There were significant differences in this theoretical safety profiles between the “Taller Height” and “Shorter Height” groups for the majority of pedicle screw sizes at L1 through L3. Significant differences between the populations at L4 and L5 were only seen for 8.0 mm screws at the L4 level. At L5, 100% of the “Taller Height” and “Shorter Height” subjects’ pedicles could safely accommodate pedicle screws up to 8.0 mm in diameter.Conclusions We previously reported on the significant difference in PD between different races. The results of this study provide yet another variable to be considered when making radiographic assessments of pedicle diameter.
Evaluating electromyographic activity of vastus medialis obliqus, vastus lateralis, and hamstrings in women with patellofemoral pain syndrome
Authors: Mazaheri Mahsa , Motealleh Alireza , sobhani sobhan , yoosefinejad amin kordi
Published: January 2020

Background: Temporal difference in activation of medial-lateral hamstrings could lead to external tibial rotation. It was assumed that patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) exhibit altered medial-lateral hamstrings muscular pattern during functional tasks.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the electromyography (EMG) activity of quadriceps and hamstrings in patients with PFPS and healthy subjects during stair descending.
Design: cross sectional comparative study
Setting: Motion analysis Lab, Rehabilitation research center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
Participants: 24 women with PFPS and 24 healthy subjects, aged 18-40 years recruited through convenience sampling method participated in this study.
Interventions: The EMG activity of vastus medialis obliqus (VMO), vastus lateralis (VL), medial (MH) and lateral hamstrings (LH) recorded during stair descending.
Main outcome measures: Onset latency and intensity of muscle activity measured relative to the moment of foot contact.
Results: There were statistically significant difference in onset of hamstrings heads (LH-MH) between groups (p=0.014). The BF activated before ST in PFPS group. Normalized muscular activity was significantly reduced for VMO (p=0.002), VL (p=.045), and LH (p=0.019) in PFPS patients.
Conclusions: Difference in temporal activation patterns of BF and ST may result in lack of rotational knee stabilization and lead to increased patellofemoral joint pressure. Earlier activation of LH rotates tibia externally, and hence, produced lateral patellar tracking.
Economic Burden Of Prosthetic Joint Infection Following Primary Total Knee Replacement In Pakistan
Authors: iqbal faizan , shafiq bilal , noor shahid , ahmed Nasir , ali zulfiqar , memon noman , memon naveed
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND: The financial burden of prosthetic joint infection after joint replacement in developed countries is well known. There is a need to evaluate the economic burden in developing countries like Pakistan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cases performed during this study are divided into two groups. 1. Uneventful primary total knee arthroplasty. 2. Prosthetic joint infection treated with two stage revision. Categorical variables were compared through Chi-square and Fisher Exact test. Continuous variables were compared using Mann-Whitney test. Multivariable regression analysis was done to identify the variable that places major financial burden on patient economy. RESULTS: The total cost of revision surgery for prosthetic joint infection considering twice hospitalization is found to be 7, 91, 353 ± 89,136 rupees. The total cost of uneventful arthroplasty is found to be 3, 50, 289± 32,123 rupees. We observed significant difference with respect to economic details between two groups. CONCLUSION: Measures should be undertaken to reduce PJI by encouraging healthcare providers to consider evidence based protocols to prevent PJI and financial constraints associated with these events.
Exploring Health Literacy in Patients with Chronic Diseases in Chongqing, China in 2018: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Liu Hongyan , Wu Chengbin , Zhao Yu , Lai Weiyun , Zhao Yong , Yuan Jun , Liu Yaxin , Zhou Xiangxi , Sharma Manoj , Chen Yao , Zeng Huan
Published: January 2020

Background: Improving health literacy is the key to chronic disease prevention and improved interventions. However, little is known about the status of health literacy and its influencing factors in patients with chronic diseases. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore the different aspects and factors influencing health literacy among patients with chronic diseases in Chongqing, China.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in areas of Chongqing using the 2018 National Questionnaire on Health Literacy of Residents administered to 27,336 patients with chronic diseases. The research investigated the prevalence and factors of health literacy in patients with chronic diseases in Chongqing, China using χ 2 tests and logistic regression analysis.Results: Among the participants (n = 27,336), 51.3% were males and 48.7% were females. Only a small number of patients with chronic diseases were health literate (21.6%). Regression analyses indicated that inadequate health literacy was associated with rural area residents (OR: 0.92), minorities (OR: 1.31), farmers (OR: 1.18), nonlocal registered permanent residents (OR: 1.05), and patients with self-rated unhealthy status (OR: 1.80). Patients with chronic diseases aged 25–34 (OR = 1.18) and 35–44 (OR = 1.18) were more likely to have health literacy than patients with chronic diseases aged 65–69. Illiterate or slightly literate patients (OR = 0.10) were less likely to have health literacy than patients who were in the junior college or had a bachelor’s degree or above. Patients with an average annual household income of less than 3,000 yuan (OR = 0.65) were all less likely to have health literacy than patients with an average annual household income of more than 15,000 yuan.Conclusions: Health literacy of patients with chronic conditions remains at a low level and varies significantly with their demographic and sociological characteristics. Therefore, developing and adopting appropriate health promotion programs would be necessary to improve the health literacy of all patients with different types of chronic diseases.
A Study of Intelligent Reading Model
Authors: Jun Yu , Zhiyi Hu , Qinyu Kang , Zhonghua Li
Published: January 2020

In order to solve the problem of how to find out the required information quickly from a large number of reading texts, this paper constructs an intelligent reading model. The model adopts the principle of "the minority obeys the majority". The results of the classifier trained by the three algorithms, those are decision tree, Bagging and Gauss Bayes algorithm, are filtered to build an intelligent reading model. Based on the experimental results, the objective evaluation results of the new combinatorial algorithm are attained.
Research and Realization on the key technology of Motion Image Matching Based on UAV
Authors: Shebzukhov Yuri , Yubian Wang
Published: January 2020

With the development of communication network and computer software and hardware technology, especially the emergence of high-precision and high-resolution image sensors, the photography and measurement technology of aerial image have played an increasingly important role in today's geological survey. The traditional aeronautical measurement is carried out by a large manned aircraft. The collected measurement information has a large capacity and a wide shooting range, which is suitable for large-area operations. This type of measurement requires high hardware requirements and is expensive, and it is not suitable for small areas. UAV aerial measurement system is used to measure the small areas, UAV is in small size, with great flight fluctuation, but the data image collected is not accurate enough. In this paper, the common algorithms of image fast matching are compared to conduct in-depth research on gray-level matching and feature-based matching, and SIFT feature matching algorithm based on feature matching is proposed to obtain the measurement image as consistent as possible with the actual scene. The main features of the object to be measured can be obtained through the actual surface area image measurement test, which is of practical significance in the practical low-altitude small area surveying and mapping.