bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Orthodontic Treatment with Premolar Extraction on the Spatial Position of Maxillary Third Molars in Adult Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Cone-bean Computed Tomography Study
Authors: Pan Fangwei , Yang Zhentao , Wang Jian , Cai Ruilie , Liu Jialing , Zhang Chenghao , Liao Wen
Published: August 2020

Background: Based on low-dose radiation Cone-bean computed tomography (CBCT) images, ThisThe study aims of this study was to establish a space coordinate system, which offers more precise and comparable evaluation on changes of maxillary third molars influenced by orthodontic treatment with premolar extraction in adults. The system suggests promising application prospect in future studies related to CBCT superimposition and evaluation for its feasibility and efficiency.evaluate the changes in position, angulation, and rotation of maxillary third molars in adults after orthodontic treatment with premolar extraction using a space coordinate system based on Cone-bean computed tomography (CBCT) images. Methods: Forty-nine maxillary third molars from 27 patients (mean age, 20.78 years) were included in the study. CBCT images were obtained before and after orthodontic treatment with premolars extracted (mean treatment duration, 31.47 months). The changes in the position, angulation, and rotation of the third molars were evaluated with a space coordinates system using four landmarks: anterior nasal spine (ANS), posterior nasal spine (PNS), left and right orbitales. Results: After orthodontic treatment, the third molars moved forward (adjusted mean, 1.44 mm) (p < 0.001) and downward (adjusted mean, 2.87 mm) (p < 0.001) accompanied by outward rotation (mean, 5.38°) of the crowns (adjusted mean, 5.38°) (p = 0.001), whilebut the changes in angulation were insignificant.Conclusions: This was the first study to systematically investigate the spatial position change of maxillary third molars in adult patients who received orthodontic treatment with premolar extraction. During the process, maxillary third molars moved downward and forward accompanied by outward rotation of the crowns. Orthodontists should take tooth movement potential into consideration when making extraction plans.
Estimating cases of severe malaria: Analysis of household surveys in 19 malaria endemic countries in Africa
Authors: Taylor Cameron , NAMASTE Sorrel ML , LOWELL Joanna , USEEM Johanna , YÉ Yazoumé
Published: August 2020

Background

The burden of severe malaria is uncertain at the population level because existing estimates rely heavily on data from the formal healthcare system. Using data from population-based surveys, this analysis examines severe malaria cases at the population level, which captures malaria positive children whose caregivers 1) have taken the child to a healthcare facility but the child’s illness did not resolve, or 2) have not sought care for the child’s illness. Direct inclusion of these children in severe malaria estimates has been an underlying data gap.

Methods

This analysis examined data from 37 Demographic and Health Surveys and Malaria Indicator Surveys across 19 countries in sub-Saharan Africa collected between 2011 and 2018. The outcome of interest is a proxy indicator for severe malaria, defined as children age 6-59 months who were positive for malaria with at least one self-reported symptom of severe illness including loss of consciousness, rapid breathing, seizures, or severe anemia (hemoglobin <5 g/dl). The study includes a weighted descriptive, country-level analysis and a multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model to assess the determinants of severe malaria.

Results

Among children positive for malaria across all surveys, 4.5% (95% CI 4.1–4.8) had at least one sign or symptom of severe malaria, which was significantly associated with age, residence, wealth, and fieldwork year at a p-value less than 0.05. Malaria positive children in the higher malaria transmission zone were more likely to have signs or symptoms of severe malaria compared to those in the lowest transmission zone; however, these results were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Having an accurate estimate of severe malaria cases among malaria positive children is essential to assessing the impact of malaria interventions and to guiding future malaria investments. This analysis presents a novel approach of estimating severe malaria cases among malaria positive children under age five in malaria endemic countries. Estimating severe malaria cases through household-based surveys allows countries to estimate severe malaria across time and to compare with other countries. Having a population level estimate of severe malaria cases helps further our understanding of the burden and epidemiology of severe malaria.
Effects of land conversion on soil microbial community structure and diversity
Authors: Zhang Tong , Liu Yufei , Sui xin , Song fuqiang
Published: August 2020

Background : To study the impact of land-use change on soil microbial community structure and diversity in Northeast China, three typical land-use types (plough, grassland, and forest), grassland change to forest land and grassland change to plough, in the Qiqihar region of Heilongjiang Province were taken as research objects.
Methods : MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology based on bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal ITS rRNA was used to study the above community structure of soil bacteria and fungi and to explore the relationship between soil bacteria and soil environmental factors.
Results : The results showed that the dominant bacterial phyla changed from Actinobacteria to Acidobacteria , the dominant fungal phyla changed from Ascomycetes to Basidiomycetes , and the ECM functional group increased significantly after the grassland was completely changed to forest land. After the grassland was changed to plough, the dominant phyla changed from Actinomycetes to Proteobacteria . The functional groups of pathogens and parasites increased significantly. There was no significant difference in the diversity of soil bacterial communities, and the diversity of fungal communities increased significantly. CCA showed that pH, MC, NO 3 - -N, TP and AP of soil were important factors affecting the composition of soil microbial communities, and changes in land-use patterns changed the physical and chemical properties of soils, thereby affecting the structure and diversity of microbial communities.
Conclusions : Our research results clarify the impact of changes in land use on the characteristics of soil microbial communities and provide basic data on the healthy use of land.
Clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis in elderly patients
Authors: Li hua , Ou Yufu , Xie Furong , Liang Weiguo , Tian Gang , Li Hongyu
Published: August 2020

Background: Although: percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is increasingly being used to treat lumbar degenerative disease, the treatment of elderly patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) involves considerable uncertainty. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of PELD for the treatment of LSS in elderly patients aged 65 years or older. Methods: In this retrospective review, 136 patients aged 65 years or older who underwent PELD to treat LSS were evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups, group A (age 65-74) and group B (age ≥ 75), and perioperative data were analyzed. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and MacNab classification were used to evaluate postoperative clinical efficacy. Results: All patients successfully underwent the operation with satisfactory treatment outcomes. Compared to preoperative scores, the self-reported scores or pain while performing daily activities were significantly improved in both treatment groups (P<0.05). No statistically significant between-group differences were observed in operation time.
Impact of sugarcane irrigation on malaria vector Anopheles mosquito fauna, abundance and seasonality in Arjo-Didessa, Ethiopia
Authors: Shifera Assalif Demissew , Hawaria Dawit , Kibret Solomon , Animut Abebe , Tsegaye Arega , Lee Ming-Cheih , Yan Guiyun , Yewhalaw Delenasaw
Published: August 2020

Background: Although irrigation activities are increasing in Ethiopia, limited studies evaluated their impact on malaria vector mosquito composition, abundance and seasonality. This study aimed at evaluating the impact of sugarcane irrigation on species composition, abundance and seasonality of malaria vectors.

Methods : Adult Anopheles mosquitoes were collected using CDC light traps from three irrigated and three non-irrigated clusters in and around Arjo-Didessa sugarcane irrigation scheme in southwestern Ethiopia. Mosquito collections were conducted in four seasons: two wet and two dry, in 2018 and 2019. Mosquito species composition, abundance and seasonality were compared between irrigated and non-irrigated clusters. Anopheles mosquitoes were identified to species using morphological keys and An. gambiae s.l to sibling species using PCR. Chi-square was used to analyze the association between Anopheles species occurrence and environmental and seasonal parameters.

Results: Overall, 2,108 female Anopheles mosquitoes comprising of six species were collected. Of these, 92.7% (n=1954) were from irrigated clusters and 7.3% (n=154) from the non-irrigated. An. gambiae s.l was the most abundant (67.3%) followed by An. coustani complex (25.3 %) and An. pharoensis (5.7%). PCR based identification revealed that 74.7% (n=168) of the An. gambiae s.l were An. arabiensis and 22.7% (n=51) An. amharicus . Density of An. gambiae s.l. (both indoor and outdoor) was higher in irrigated than non-irrigated clusters. The overall anopheline mosquito abundance during the wet seasons (87.2%; n=1837) was higher than the dry seasons (12.8%; n=271).

Conclusion : The ongoing sugarcane irrigation activities in Arjo-Didessa created conditions suitable for increased malaria transmitting Anopheles species diversity and abundance. This in turn could drive malaria transmission in Arjo-Didessa and its environs in both dry and wet seasons. Thus, currently practiced malaria vector interventions need to be strengthened and consider larval source management to reduce vector abundance in the irrigated areas.

Key Words: Malaria, Irrigation, Anopheles mosquitoes, vector density, An. amharicus , Ethiopia
Shortened red blood cell age in patients with end-stage renal disease receiving haemodialysis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Matsumura Koichiro , Okumiya Toshika , Sugiura Tetsuro , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Yamamoto Yoshihiro , Kikuchi Sanae , Fujii Kenichi , Otagaki Munemitsu , Shiojima Ichiro
Published: August 2020

Background: Cause of anaemia in end-stage renal disease is not only due to relative deficiency in erythropoietin production, but also to the complex clinical conditions. We sought to investigate the underlying mechanisms of anaemia in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing maintenance dialysis by measuring erythrocyte creatine.Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we evaluated 69 patients with end-stage renal disease receiving haemodialysis (n = 55) or peritoneal dialysis (n = 14). Erythrocyte creatine, a quantitative marker of mean red blood cell (RBC) age, was measured.Results: Mean RBC age was significantly shorter in haemodialysis patients than in those with peritoneal dialysis (47.7 days vs. 59.8 days, p<0.0001), although haemoglobin levels were comparable between the groups. Spearman correlation coefficient analysis revealed that transferrin saturation (r = 0.54), ferritin (r= 0.47), and haptoglobin (r = 0.39) were positively, whereas reticulocyte (r = -0.36), weekly dose of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (r = -0.62), erythropoietin resistance index (r = -0.64), and intradialytic ultrafiltration rate (r = -0.32) were inversely related to shortened RBC age.Conclusions: Shortened RBC age was observed in patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis. Shortened RBC age was associated with iron deficiency, greater haptoglobin consumption, higher ESA requirements, and poor erythropoietin responsiveness as well as greater intradialytic fluid extraction.
I don’t want to think about it: a qualitative study of children (6 -18 years) with rheumatic diseases and parents' experiences with regular needle injections at home
Authors: Sørensen Kari , Skirbekk Helge , Kvarstein Gunnvald , Wøien Hilde
Published: August 2020

Background Overall outcomes of pediatric rheumatic diseases (RD) have improved due to treatment with biologic agents and methotrexate. For many children, this treatment often entails regular needle injections. Pain and fear of needle injections are common in childhood, but how children and parents handle long-term needle injections at home has not been fully explored. This study aimed to explore how regular needle injections affect children with RD and their parents in their daily living.Methods This explorative qualitative study used individual interviews and focus groups to ensure a comprehensive investigation of the topic. Children aged 6 to 16 years (n = 7) and their parents (n = 8) were interviewed individually 4 to 6 months after the onset of needle injection treatment. The focus groups included children aged 11 to 17 years (n = 9) and parents (n = 8) with a minimum of 6 months of experience with injection treatment. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results The main themes; “challenges,” “motivational factors,” and “routines” captured experiences and strategies that influenced the continuation of needle injections at home. Many children feared the moment immediately before the needle stick, although they had become accustomed to the pain. Most parents felt insecure about handling needle injections and lacked follow-up from healthcare providers. The children’s experience of treatment effects and self-confidence were essential to maintain motivation for further injections. A number of coping strategies helped children focus away from injection related discomfort, often discovered by chance. Facilitating firm routines and shared responsibility within families helped children develop self-confidence during the procedure. Children and parents struggled to find suitable information on the Internet. Conclusions Children and parents experienced long-term needle injections challenging. They used their own limited resources and cooperated within the families to create routines and to introduce coping strategies necessary to manage and keep up with the procedure. Although the injection itself was not experienced very painful, the discomfort, worries and impact on daily life represented far more than a little needle stick, and thus needs more attention from healthcare providers.
Therapeutic approach to Sars-COV-2 in early treatment of patient not-hospitalized: a case report.
Authors: Marasco Daniela , Prete Salvatore Del , Sabetta Rosalaura , Caruso Arturo Armone , Consolmagno Guido , Prete Antonio Del
Published: August 2020

Background: Sars-CoV-2 induces a massive inflammatory response mediated by macrophages, activated thanks to IFNγ secreted by T lymphocytes. Viral Spanish influenza has been reported that h could have the similar inflammatory mechanism that we can observe in COVID-19 patients 16). We tested this theory on a 55-year-old male patient, Sars-COV-2 positive. Case presentation: We treated our patient using clinical data and therapeutic approaches from a team of Chinese researchers, established during the beginning of the epidemic in December 2019. The new member of the human coronavirus, officially called SARS - CoV - 2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) is a new RNA virus strain that has not been previously identified in humans (1). This patient showed a Sars Cov-2 infection and was treated early with glucocorticoids. The patient immediately showed a regression of fever and an improvement of symptoms. Conclusions: We hypothesize that the initial stages of the infection can be treated with glucocorticoid therapy.
rSodC is a potential antigen to diagnose Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis by enzyme-linked immunoassay
Authors: de Farias Antonio Pedro Fróes , Filho José Tadeu Raynal Rocha , Marchioro Silvana Beutinger , Moreira Luan Santana , Marques Andressa Souza , de Sá Maria da Conceição Aquino , Oliveira Antonio Anderson dos Santos , Alcântara Maria Emília , Mariutti Ricardos Barros , Arni Raghuvir Krishnaswamy , Trindade Soraya Castro , Meyer Roberto
Published: August 2020

Caseous lymphadenitis (CL) is a chronic infectious disease that affects sheep and goats. Many serological tests have been developed to detect the disease; one of the most widely used is the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), due to its advantages. ELISA formulations using recombinant proteins can exhibit significant sensitivity and specificity when using a single purified antigen. DTxR, Trx, TrxR, LexA, SodC, SpaC, NanH, and PknG recombinant proteins can be considered target proteins for ELISA development. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the antigenic reactivity of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis recombinant proteins in goat and sheep serum. Of eight proteins evaluated, rSodC was selected for validation assays with small ruminant serum samples from the semiarid region of the state of Bahia, Brazil. Validation assays with goat serum samples showed that rSodC presented sensitivity and specificity of 96% and 94%, respectively. Validation assays with sheep serum showed that recombinant SodC exhibited sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 98%, respectively. Analysis of 756 field serum samples showed that rSodC identified 95 positive samples (23%) in goats and 75 positive samples (21%) in sheep. The ELISA with recombinant SodC protein developed in this study discriminated positive and negative serum samples with high levels of sensitivity and specificity. This formulation is promising for epidemiological surveys and CL control programs.
Controlling Molecular Nanomagnet Properties by the Host Lattice
Authors: Nehrkorn Joscha , Valuev Igor , Bogomyakov Artem , Suturina Elizaveta , Sheveleva Alena , Ovcharenko Victor , Holldack Karsten , Herrmann Carmen , Fedin Matvey , Schnegg Alexander , Veber Sergey
Published: August 2020

Structural control over the magnetic properties of molecular nanomagnets (MNM) is key to bottom up design strategies for novel molecule-based magnetic materials, for e.g. data storage, magnetic cooling or spintronics. Herein, we switch the magnetism of materials made of the single-molecule magnet [CoxZn(1 x)(piv)2(2 NH2 Py)2], by structural changes induced by gradual replacement of complexes containing paramagnetic Co(II) with analogues containing diamagnetic Zn(II). Combining advanced structural and magnetic characterization techniques, we show that a change of the ratio of the two ions induces a change of the Co(II) coordination structure, changed magnetic relaxation times and a switch from easy-plane to easy-axis type magnetic anisotropy. Complementary quantum chemical calculations reveal magneto structural correlations, rationalizing the structural origin of the changed magnetic properties upon magnetic dilution. This approach provides an important new lever to understand, predict and tune the magnetic properties of a large range of MNM based magnetic materials.
Effects of Co-Culture of Graphene Oxide Scaffolds with Different Concentrations and Umbilical Mesenchymal Stem Cells on the Proliferation and Differentiation of Stem Cells
Authors: Liu Aifeng , Gong Shuwei , Wei Qiang , Wang Yao , Yuan Ye
Published: August 2020

Background

The main role of the scaffold materials is to enable cells to survive in the scaffold binding as while as to further promote their proliferation and differentiation ability. For mesenchymal stem cell, the scaffold could provide an environment for them to maintain their phenotype, and synthesize all necessary molecules and proteins. Generally, scaffold materials for stem cell need to possess basic characteristics such as high porosity, large surface area, surface rigidity and biodegradability. Thus, the two-dimensional graphene oxide (GO) with oxygen-containing functional groups may be suitable scaffold materials for mesenchymal stem cell culture.
Methods

In this study, the effect of GO on the value-added differentiation activity of mesenchymal stem cell was systematically investigated.
Results

It was found that low concentration of GO and sufficient concentration of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells are suitable for the second Co-culture. Furthermore, the addition of hyaluronic acid will make this culture more evenly distributed.
Conclusions

The adsorption of GO on umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells can also make the two closely linked, which avoids the impact of animal joint activities on cells.
Effects of medical insurance system and nursing care on the hospitalization cost effectiveness of acute myocardial infarction patients
Authors: Chu Ying-hong , Jiang Gui-hua , Zhang Hong , Luan Xiao-rong
Published: August 2020

Background Acute myocardial infarction is still a burden on Chinese patients. Whether different medical insurance system have any influence on the hospitalization cost and therapeutic effect of acute myocardial infarction patient needs further investigation. Methods In this study, 600 patients were stratified by health insurance status to investigate the cost effectiveness. Results Compared with free medical care, patients with other health insurance status have a significantly lower age (P ˂ 0.05~0.001), the youngest of which is new rural cooperative medical system. The hospital expense, nursing fee, length of stay, daily hospitalization cost, daily drug cost, daily nursing cost and percent of nursing cost of different health insurance status were statistically significant. ANCOVA analyses controlling for age showed that the differences of hospital expenses, nursing fee, length of stay and daily hospitalization cost were still statistically significant. Further studies found that health insurance status was the leading factors influencing length of stay (β =-0.305, P=0.0000001), nursing costs (β =-0.319, P=0.004), daily hospitalization costs (β =0.296, P=0.0001) and occurrence of clinical events (β =-0.186, OR=0.830, 95%CI 0.694-0.993, P=0.041). Conclusions The hospitalization cost, length of stay, nursing work and therapeutic effect of acute myocardial infarction patients are affected by different health insurance status and age.
Mapping Spatial Variation of The Stomach, Esophageal and Lung Cancers and Their Shared Risk Factors in Iran at a County Level
Authors: Ghasemi Shadi , Dreassi Emanuela , Aghamohammadi Saeedeh , Mahaki Behzad
Published: August 2020

Background: Disease mapping has a long history in epidemiology. Evaluating the spatial pattern of several diseases, as well as shared and specific risk factors in mortality, is considered as one of the applications of disease mapping. Stomach, esophageal, and lung cancers are among the five most common cancers among both genders in Iran, but no study is available on the spatial distribution of their mortality rate in Iran. The present study aimed to investigate the geographical distribution of the relative risk of mortality and to define the spatial pattern of shared and specific risk factors for the above-mentioned three cancers by sharing their mortality data at the county level in Iran.Method: This study analyzed the mortality data of stomach, esophageal, and lung cancers in Iran from March 2013 - March 2015. The Besag, York, and Mollie’s (BYM) model and Shared Component (SC) models were used for investigating the spatial changes of cancer mortality and determining the spatial pattern of their shared and specific risk factors. Data analysis was conducted using R and OpenBUGS software.Results: The number of deaths for the esophageal, stomach, and lung cancers in Iran from March 2013 -March 2014, was 11,720 of which stomach and lung cancers were 50% and 30%, respectively. The spatial pattern of the stomach and esophageal cancer mortality was more similar to that of lung cancer due to the risk factors shared only between esophageal and stomach cancers.Conclusion: The effects of smoking on lung cancer mortality were higher than the other two cancers. The available data indicated that esophageal cancer mortality was more affected by nutritional factors than stomach cancer mortality in Iran. The effect of nutritional factors on stomach and esophageal cancer mortality in the northern half of Iran was higher than the southern half. As a result, the relative risk of these cancers mortality in the southern half was more affected by smoking than nutritional factors.
An Efficient Authentication and Key Agreement Protocol for IoT-Enabled Devices in Distributed Cloud Computing Architecture
Authors: Huang Huihui , Lu Siqi , Wu Zehui , Wei Qiang
Published: August 2020

With the widespread use of Internet of Things and cloud computing in smart cities, various security and privacy challenges may be encountered. The most basic problem is authentication between each application. Recently, in order to prevent counterfeiting attacks in the protocol of Amin et al.(2018), Kang et al. improved an authentication protocol for IoT-Enabled devices in a distributed cloud computing environment (2020). However, We found that the Kang et al.'s protocol still has a fatal vulnerability, that is, it is attacked by offline password guessing, and malicious users can easily obtain the master key of the control server. In this article, we extend their work to design a lightweight pseudonym identity based authentication and key agreement protocol using smart card. For illustrating the security of our protocol, we used the security protocol analysis tools of AVISPA and Scyther to prove that the protocol can defend against various existing attacks. We will further analyze the interaction between participants authentication path to ensure security protection from simulated attacks detailedly. In addition, based on the comparison of security functions and computing performance, our protocol is superior to the other two related protocols. As a result, the enhanced protocol will be efficient and secure in distributed cloud computing architecture for smart city.
Predicting future regional tau accumulation in asymptomatic and early Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Giorgio Joseph , Jagust William , Baker Suzanne , Landau Susan , Tino Peter , Kourtzi Zoe
Published: August 2020

The earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) involve interactions between multiple pathophysiological processes. Although these processes are well studied, we still lack robust tools to predict individualised trajectories of disease progression. Here, we employ a robust and interpretable machine learning approach to combine multimodal biological data and predict future tau accumulation, translating predictive information from deep phenotyping cohorts at early stages of AD to cognitively normal individuals. In particular, we use machine learning to quantify interactions between key pathological markers (β-amyloid, medial temporal atrophy, tau and APOE 4) at early and asymptomatic stages of AD. We next derive a predictive index that stratifies individuals based on future pathological tau accumulation, highlighting two critical features for optimal clinical trial design. First, future tau accumulation provides a better outcome measure compared to changes in cognition. Second, stratification based on multimodal data compared to β-amyloid alone reduces the sample size required to detect a clinically meaningful change in tau accumulation. Further, we extend our machine learning approach to derive individualised trajectories of future pathological tau accumulation in early AD patients and accurately predict regional future rate of tau accumulation in an independent sample of cognitively unimpaired individuals. Our results propose a robust approach for fine scale stratification and prognostication with translation impact for clinical trial design at asymptomatic and early stages of AD.
Association of Whole Blood Copper and Preeclampsia: A Cohort Study in China
Authors: Xu Huan Ying , Chen Ying , Wu Su Zhen , Zhu Qiao Ling , Chen Yu , Tan Min Hua , Zhang Miao Miao , Ou Qi Xin
Published: August 2020

Background Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The associations between whole blood copper and pre-eclampsia were controversial. Our study was aimed to investigate the association between whole blood copper concentration and preeclampsia in pregnant woman in China.Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted between August 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 in a comprehensive tertiary hospital in Foshan city Guangdong Province, China. We measured copper concentration in maternal whole blood in 12-27 (+6) week of pregnancy, using flame atomic absorption spectrometer. We ascertained preeclampsia diagnosis from electronic medical records system. Covariates included demographic, offspring characteristics, serum biomarkers. Logistic regression was applied to explore the association between the concentration of trace element and preeclampsia.Results A total of 2134 participants were included, 57 (2.67%) women developed preeclampsia. In the multivariate regression models, per1 SD increment in copper was associated with 28% lower risk of preeclampsia (OR=0.72, 95% CI: 0.54-0.95). After Propensity-Score Matching with similar age at delivery and prepregnancy BMI,per1 SD increment in copper was associated with 28% lower risk of preeclampsia (OR=0.70,95% CI:0.51-0.97). We observed some extent evidence of a dose–response trend for Cu (P for trend=0.0321) quintiles. And the result was sustained in mild and severe preeclampsia. Conclusions women with higher blood concentration of copper may associated with lower preeclampsia. More well designed studies are needed for the interpretation of these findings.
Hydro Chemical Analysis and Suitability Determination for Irrigation for Ground Water near Solid Waste Dump Site at Pune
Authors: Nihalani S. A. , Behede S. N. , Meeruty A. R.
Published: August 2020

Over exploitation and pollution of groundwater resources is considered to one of the major pollution problems these days. Even pollution of air, surface water or land may have a significant effect on pollution and contamination of ground water. Industries, human activities, agriculture, etc generate waste in various forms like solid, liquid and gas. If all this waste is not treated properly, it shall result polluting the environment and further affecting the quality of ground water due to its hydraulic connectivity with the hydrological cycle. In addition, leachate resulting from municipal or industrial solid waste dump site as well agricultural run-off also leads to ground water pollution. It has been estimated that around 45 million people globally are affected by water pollution resulting from excess iron, fluoride, arsenic, or sea water intrusion. The current study deals with physico-chemical analysis of ground water samples and suitability determination of water by using water quality index and Piper diagram for solid waste dump site near Pune. Water samples were collected from open wells as well as bore wells for pre-monsoon and post monsoon season and results were evaluated using residual sodium carbonate, sodium hazard, sodium adsorption ratio, and piper diagram. It can be inferred that, Ca-Cl type of water predominates the study area for both pre-monsoon as well as post-monsoon season.
Bronchopulmonary and Cardiovascular Pathology in Asthmatic Patient with Paecilomycosis
Authors: Sizova Zhana M. , Akhunov Vasili M. , Azimzadeh Amir A. , Lavrentieva Tatyana P.
Published: August 2020

Background: This research aims to investigate the role of Paecilomyces fungus infection in pathologies of bronchopulmonary and cardiovascular systems in patients having bronchial asthma. Methods: Histopathological study of lungs and cardiac tissues, in patients having bronchial asthma and Paecilomyces infection, were studied based on 15 autopsies: 5 women and 10 men, aged between 18 and 77 years, who died of intractable asthma attack and acute cardiovascular insufficiency. All the histological, histochemical, morphological, bacteriological and mycological examinations were performed. Paraffin sections from different tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and differential methods were used to detect fungi in the tissue.Results: Microscopic examination in the lungs revealed the following observations: vascular congestion, extension of venules and capillaries, spasm of arterioles, swelling of endothelial cells with a tendency to desquamation and increased permeability of the vascular wall with fungal cells in the perivascular space. Changes in vascular walls were characterized by a pattern of destructive and productive vasculitis at different stages of development from endovasculitis to panvasculitis resulting in sclerosis. The same type of changes was found in vascular walls of heart tissues and tissues of other organs, distinguished only at different times. Sclerosis of the vascular wall and perivascular tissue are manifestations of the inflammatory protective response of the host organism, limiting the further spread of the pathogen in the organ tissues. Conclusions: The development of combined vascular pathology of the bronchopulmonary and cardiovascular systems in bronchial asthma is triggered by hematogenic infection caused by dimorphic Paecilomyces fungi.
General practitioner experiences using a low back pain management booklet aiming to decrease non-indicated imaging for low back pain
Authors: Jenkins Hazel J , Moloney Niamh A , French Simon D , Maher Chris G , Dear Blake F , Magnussen John S , Hancock Mark J
Published: August 2020

Background Imaging is overused in the management of low back pain and effective interventions to decrease use have not been developed. An intervention, incorporating a low back pain management booklet and practitioner training session, to reduce non-indicated imaging for low back pain has been developed based on theories of behaviour change. This study aimed to explore general medical practitioner experiences using the low back pain management booklet in clinical practice to 1) determine the adoption, feasibility of use, and appropriateness of the booklet; and 2) identify implementation strategies to address barriers to use.Methods Fourteen general medical practitioners were recruited and trained to use the booklet with low back pain patients over a minimum five-month period. Quantitative data on use of the booklet were collected and analysed descriptively. Qualitative data were collected in general medical practitioner interviews and thematically analysed. Barriers to use were identified and mapped to suitable implementation strategies using the Behaviour Change Wheel. Results The 14 general medical practitioners used the booklet with 73 patients. General medical practitioners thought using the booklet helped improve patient management and helped reduce pressure to refer for non-indicated imaging. Facilitators for using the booklet included patient’s requesting imaging and lower practitioner confidence in managing low back pain. Barriers included accessible storage and remembering to use the booklet. Implementation strategies were identified to increase adoption and feasibility of use, including development of a digital version of the booklet.Conclusions General medical practitioners reported that the low back pain management booklet was useful for clinical practice, particularly with patients requesting imaging. Barriers to use were identified and implementation strategies to address these barriers will be incorporated into future effectiveness studies. This study forms one of a series of studies to develop and test an intervention to reduce non-indicated imaging for low back pain; a successful intervention would decrease healthcare costs and improve patient management.
Permeability Damage and Supercritical Fluid Storage in the Cauvery Basin Neyveli Lignite Bed Containing Kaolinite Deposits during Alternative Injection of Brine and CO2
Authors: Rajkumar Perumal , Antony Justine K. , Mahalingam Selvaraj , Shankar Rakesh Ravi , Kesavakumar Ramadoss , R Venkat Pranesh.
Published: August 2020

A laboratory based investigation has been conducted on permeability damage and CO2 storage or retention in the lignite core during alternative injection of brine and supercritical carbon dioxide. Moreover, anthracite and bituminous coal beds were focused by the scientific community for effective production and reservoir formation damage study. But, now-a-days, lignite based coal bed methane reservoirs have attracted attention for productive exploitation and formation collapse investigation. Hence, for this purpose, a single component injection two phase (Brine + Supercritical CO2) coreflood test analysis under alternative injections were performed to investigate the occurrence of lignite structural collapse, permeability damage, injectivity decline and CO2 retention as well. The experimental study reveals that, due to gravity segregation there is a high rate of fluid saturation in lignite core and also, moderate level of heat transfer coefficient was also noted. Also, lignite core structural collapse under the brine and supercritical CO2 injection at different velocities resulted in huge volume of coal and kaolinite fines concentration. Kaolinite and coal fines migration resulted in pressure change and permeability decline in lignite core. The suspensions produced were passed to microstructural analysis and it revealed that kaolinite fine particle tends to possess a leaflet geometrical structure, which obstructed the cleats and restricted the fluid flow. Subsequently, hysteresis modelling (Pranesh 2018) was applied to this problem to quantify the amount of CO2 retention in lignite core. Additionally, statistical model, multiple linear regression was applied to this problem to validate the experimental model, which showed good agreement.
Differential response of digesta- and mucosa-associated intestinal microbiota to dietary black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal in seawater phase Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Li Yanxian , Bruni Leonardo , Jaramillo-Torres Alexander , Gajardo Karina , Kortner Trond M. , Krogdahl Åshild
Published: August 2020

Background: Intestinal digesta is commonly used for studying responses of microbiota to dietary shifts, yet evidence is accumulating that it represents an incomplete view of the intestinal microbiota. The present work aims to investigate the differences between digesta- and mucosa-associated intestinal microbiota in Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ) and how they may respond differently to dietary perturbations. In a 16-week seawater feeding trial, Atlantic salmon were fed either a commercially-relevant reference diet or an insect meal diet containing ~15% black soldier fly ( Hermetia illucens ) larvae meal. The digesta- and mucosa-associated distal intestinal microbiota were profiled by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: Regardless of diet, we observed substantial differences between digesta- and mucosa-associated intestinal microbiota. Microbial richness and diversity were much higher in the digesta than the mucosa. The insect meal diet altered the distal intestinal microbiota resulting in higher microbial richness and diversity. The diet effect, however, depended on the sample origin. Digesta-associated intestinal microbiota showed more pronounced changes than the mucosa-associated microbiota. Multivariate association analyses identified two mucosa-enriched taxa, Brevinema andersonii and unclassified Spirochaetaceae , associated with the expression of genes related to immune responses and barrier function in the distal intestine, respectively. Conclusions: Our data show that salmon intestinal digesta and mucosa harbor microbial communities with clear differences. Mucosa-associated intestinal microbiota seems more resilient to variations in the diet composition than digesta-associated intestinal microbiota. To fully unveil the response of intestinal microbiota to dietary changes, concurrent profiling of digesta- and mucosa-associated intestinal microbiota is recommended whenever feasible.
Case Control Association Study of WNT Signaling Pathway-related Genes and Osteoporosis Risk Among Chinese Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Yang Zhe , Liu Jie , Fu Jinjin , Chai Zijia , Li Shuwen , Sun Yie
Published: August 2020

Background: The WNT signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of bone homeostasis, and the effects of WNT signaling pathway related genes (WLS, WNT16 and LRP5) on osteoporosis risk among Chinese postmenopausal women is still unknown. Hence, we performed a case-control study to assess the association of WNT signaling pathway related genes and osteoporosis risk.Methods: This study involved 1026 women (515 osteoporosis patients and 511 controls) of postmenopausal age who were randomly sampled from Xi'an 630 Hospital, Shaanxi Province, China. Eleven genetic polymorphisms in WLS (rs2566755, rs12407028, rs2566752 and rs7554551), WNT16 (rs3779381, rs3801387, rs917727 and rs7776725) and LRP5 (rs2291467, rs11228240 and rs12272917) were selected and genotyped using the Agena MassARRAY iPLEX system. The association of the genetic polymorphisms and osteoporosis risk was assessed by odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. The Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction (MDR) method was conducted to analyze SNP-SNP interaction.Results: We found that LRP5 polymorphisms (rs2291467, rs11228240 and rs12272917) were significantly associated with a decreased risk of osteoporosis in homozygotes, both in recessive and additive models (P < 0.05). Stratification analysis showed that LRP5 polymorphisms (rs2291467, rs11228240 and rs12272917) significantly decreased the osteoporosis risk in the subgroup of BMI ≤ 24 (P < 0.05) and that individuals carrying a heterozygote genotype of WNT16 polymorphisms (rs3779381, rs3801387, rs917727 and rs7776725) had a higher osteoporosis risk in the subgroup of BMI > 24 (P < 0.05). We observed that three blocks (block 1: rs2566755 and rs12407028, block 2: rs3779381, rs3801387, rs917727 and rs7776725, block 3: rs2291467 and rs11228240), Trs2291467Trs11228240 and Crs2291467Crs11228240 had a strong association with a lower risk of osteoporosis. Additionally, MDR analysis revealed that a four-locus model (rs2566752 and rs2566755 in WLS, rs7776725 in WNT16, rs12272917 in LRP5) was significantly associated with osteoporosis risk. Conclusions: Our findings suggested that WLS, WNT16 and LRP5 genetic polymorphisms were associated with osteoporosis risk among Chinese postmenopausal women.
Laparoscopic Surgery and Robot-Assisted Surgery for Colorectal Cancer With Persistent Descending Mesocolon
Authors: Kojima Yutaka , Sakamoto Kazuhiro , Kawai Masaya , Okazawa Yu , Kure Kazumasa , Kobari Aya
Published: August 2020

Background: Persistent descending mesocolon (PDM) is a case of colonic replacement and adhesion as a result of abnormal fixation of the gastrointestinal tract. In laparoscopic surgery, it is performed when the patient is in an unconscious state. However, laparoscopic surgery, especially robot-assisted surgery, may necessarily need to devise surgical procedures such as anatomical recognition and adhesion detachment. We herein report three patients with PDM that were treated with arthroscopic surgery at our hospital. Case presentation: Patient 1: a 73-year-old man with sigmoid colon cancer. Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy was performed, and there were no problems encountered (such as difficulty in recognizing the anatomical location) other than adhesion detachment. Robot-assisted surgery was performed to the other two patients. Patient 2: a 62-year-old man with lower rectal cancer and underwent an intersphincteric resection. Patient 3: a 76-year-old man with lower rectal cancer and underwent Hartmann's operation. The surgery duration of these patients took longer, the same with robot-assisted surgeries without PDM. Conclusions: Robot-assisted surgeries have a large magnifying effect on delicately removing adhesions, which is a characteristic of PDM. Also, some parts are difficult to grasp as a whole, and it takes time to recognize adhesions anatomically and to grasp the whole image. Here, we report our experience with laparoscopic surgery and robot-assisted surgery for left-sided colorectal cancer with PDM.
Use of Oral Citrulline Administration as a Mitigation Strategy for Fescue Toxicosis in Sheep
Authors: Greene Maslyn A , Klotz James L , Goodman Jack P , May John B , Harlow Brittany M , Baldwin William S , Strickland James R , Britt Jessica L , Schrick F. N. , Duckett Susan K
Published: August 2020

Background: Gestating ewes consuming ergot alkaloids, from endophyte-infected (E+) tall fescue seed, produce smaller lambs suffering from intrauterine growth restriction. Arginine (Arg) supplementation has been shown to increase birth weight and oral citrulline (Cit) administration is reported to increase arginine concentrations. Two experiments were conducted to: 1) evaluate if oral supplementation with Cit or water, to ewes consuming E+ fescue seed, increases lamb birth weight and 2) determine the effectiveness of Cit and citrulline:malate as an oral drench in elevating circulating levels of Cit to determine dosing levels and frequency of dose. In Experiment 1, gestating Suffolk ewes (n = 10) were assigned to one of two treatments [oral drench of citrulline-malate 2:1 (CITM; 81 mg/kg/d of citrulline) or water (TOX)] to start on d 86 of gestation. In Experiment 2, non-pregnant Suffolk ewes (n = 3) were assigned to either oral citrulline (CIT; 81 mg/kg/d), citrulline-malate 2:1 (CITM; 81 mg/kg/d of citrulline), or water (CON) drench in a Latin Square design for a treatment period of 4 d with a washout period of 3 d. On d 4, blood samples were collected at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 18 h post drench.Results:Expt 1: Ewes on CITM treatment had decreased (P < 0.05) plasma Arg and Cit concentrations during gestation. At birth, lambs from CITM ewes had reduced (P < 0.05) crude fat and total fat but did not differ (P > 0.05) in birth weight from lambs born to TOX ewes. Expt 2: Oral drenching of CIT and CITM increased (P < 0.0001) Cit concentrations within 2 h and levels remained elevated for 8 h. Apparent half-life of elimination for CIT and CITM were 8.484 h and 10.392 h respectively.Conclusions: Our results show that lamb birth weight was not altered with a single oral drench of citrulline-malate; however, lamb body composition was altered. The level and frequency of citrulline dosing may need to be greater in order to observe consistent elevation of Cit/Arg concentrations to determine its effectiveness in mitigating fescue toxicosis.
AUTONOMOUS LANDING OF UAV: A COMPARISON BETWEEN TYPE-1 AND TYPE-2 FUZZY LOGIC SYSTEMS
Authors: Ravaglia Campos Queiroz Eduardo , Costa Rodrigo Perobeli Silva , Oliveira Fernando Luiz Cyrino , Marcato André Luís Marques , Aguiar Eduardo Pestana de
Published: August 2020

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are an important technology with multiple applications. It is an object of study for researchers aiming to improve the performance of these vehicles, especially in flight stages as the landing. Therefore, this paper presents a method for the landing of a UAV based on Type-2 Fuzzy Logic System considering static targets. The advantage of this process is more precision and accuracy compared with Type-1 Fuzzy Logic System.
Impact of temperature variation on spatial population dynamics of Aedes aegypti
Authors: Da Silva Monalisa Reis , Lugão Pedro Henrique Gasparetto , Chapiro Grigori
Published: August 2020

This work aims to study a model of partial differential equations (PDE) for the population dynamics of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. We propose a numerical resolution using finite volumes. We evaluated the influence of temperature in modeling the parameters and the results for simulations at three different temperatures. The obtained results encourage a discussion about the importance of prevention during the rainy season and compare the cases of dengue during the first thirty epidemiological weeks of two thousand and nineteen.