bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fermented Astragalus in diet improved laying performance, egg quality, antioxidant and immunological status and intestinal microbiota in laying hens
Authors: Shi Hong-Tao , Wang Bai-Yu , Bian Chuan-Zhou , Han Ying-Qian , Qiao Hong-Xing
Published: August 2020

In the era of increased antibiotic resistance and ever-stricter control on antibiotic use, it is urgent to develop green, safe, and non-residue alternatives to antibiotics applied to the poultry industry. To this end, we supplied the potential Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) fermented Astragalus in the diet of laying hens, with a final addition of 3‰. Its effects have been assessed on laying performance, egg quality, antioxidant and immunological status, and intestinal microbiota, and are compared to the control group, to the Astragalus group containing 3‰ unfermented Astragalus, and to the L. plantarum group containing 2% L. plantarum [5 × 108 colony-forming unit (CFU) per milliliter (mL)]. During the second half of the experimental period (15 to 28 days), the egg production rate was considerably higher in the fermented Astragalus group than that in the other groups, with the fermented Astragalus group having the lowest feed conversion ratio. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was noted among treatments on egg quality. Fermented Astragalus-treated hens exhibited significantly increased catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in serum, and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum. Furthermore, fermented Astragalus supplementation resulted in a significant increase in ileal microbiota abundance relative to control. In conclusion, feeding laying hens with L. plantarum fermented Astragalus has beneficial effects on production, antioxidant potential, immunity, and ileal microbiota. L. plantarum fermented Astragalus is expected to be a novel feed additive used in poultry production.
Application of seismic multi-attribute inversion based on wireless network sensor in Dongying delta foreset
Authors: YuanyuanWang  , CuiWang
Published: August 2020

Seismic attributes, which are extracted from seismic information, are physical indexes used specifically for the measurement of geometric, dynamic, or statistical characteristics of seismic data. Current methods for seismic multi-attribute inversion include linear and nonlinear methods. By adopting the wireless module of NFC24l01, combined with the seismic data acquisition sensor, constitutes an intelligent network sensor, and then it sends the collected data to the topmost machine for analysis. Methods for the nonlinear inversion of seismic multi-attributes usually employ tools such as neural networks and support vector machines (SVMs) for mapping. Hence, inversion results obtained via nonlinear methods are more accurate than those obtained via linear methods. In this work, with spontaneous-potential (SP) curves as the objective of nonlinear inversion, an optimized seismic attribute combination for the inversion of SP curves was identified, and the nonlinear inversion of seismic multi-attributes was achieved via the use of a deep neural network (DNN) to obtain 3D SP data. Finally, the foresetting process of a sand body of the intermediate section in Member 3 of the Shahejie Formation in the Dongying Delta was illustrated via the horizon slice of the SP data.
Market development and consequences on end-of-life management of photovoltaic implementation in Europe
Authors: Franz Manuela , Piringer Gerhard
Published: August 2020

Background

The 2018 European Renewables Directive sets a binding target of 32% of renewable energy generation by 2030. Free-field photovoltaic plants are characterised by significant land use and material flows. Although country-level data on installed power is available, information about the spatial distribution of PV plants is rare. When the first photovoltaic systems will reach their end-of-life on a large scale in 2035, economic, technological and ecological challenges will arise.

Methods

The study explores the market development of photovoltaic power in the EU countries from 2008 to 2017 by preparing statistical data and Google mapping of free-field PV plants. Different approaches to assessing the land use of free-field PV systems compared to other energy systems are investigated. A comprehensive literature review addresses key issues of PV module waste treatment, hazardous constituents and their leakage in case of module breakage as well as financial issues of decommissioning and recycling and re-use of used modules.

Results

Most of the European PV electrical energy is generated by approximately 17,000 widely distributed free-field plants predominantly installed in lowlands. A local in-depth study shows that roof-top plants contribute less than 5% to the total PV energy generation in an area without extensive expansion to industrial buildings. Small amounts of hazardous substances that are typically present in PV modules are unlikely to affect the environment during normal operation of the system, but the question of leakage from broken end-of-life modules is not sufficiently clarified. While in the EU, the recycling and disposal costs are covered by producer fees and expected raw material profits; the financing of the decommissioning of thousands of PV free-field plants is still an open issue.

Conclusions

The land use of free-field PV systems should be analysed in more detail. Concerning hazardous substances, there seems to be an emerging consensus in literature that the leaching behaviour of metals from broken PV module pieces is inadequately simulated by current waste characterisation protocols. It is recommended to pay greater attention to financing the decommissioning of free-field commercial and industrial scale PV systems.
Coupled Effect of Temperature and Strain Rate on Mechanical Properties of Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Huang Ruiyuan , Li Shichao , Meng Long , Jiang Dong , Li Ping
Published: August 2020

The dynamic mechanical properties of steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) under high temperature and high strain rate were studied using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) of 74 mm in diameter. As it is difficult to achieve constant strain rate loading in SHPB experiments with high temperature and high strain rate, this paper first presents a method for determining the strain rate under non-constant strain rate loading conditions. This method is proposed to deal with experimental data under non-constant strain rate loading conditions. Then, the influences of temperature on the ultimate compressive strength, peak strain, and failure modes of SFRC under different strain rates were analyzed and the results show that SFRC has a strain rate hardening effect. This paper also points out that there is a strain rate threshold for SFRC. If the strain rate is less than the strain rate threshold, there is a temperature softening effect. Conversely, if the strain rate is greater than the strain rate threshold, there is a temperature hardening effect. Finally, the relationship between the ultimate compressive strength and fiber volume fraction, strain rate, and temperature is presented and the prediction results are consistent with the experimental data.
“I am getting something out of this, so I am going to stick with it”: supporting participants’ home practice in Mindfulness-Based Programmes
Authors: Masheder Jiva , Fjorback Lone , Parsons Christine E.
Published: August 2020

Background

The practice of mindfulness at home is a core component of standard eight-week mindfulness-based programmes (MBP). Teachers of mindfulness courses require an understanding of the factors that need to be addressed to support participants in establishing and maintaining a mindfulness practice.

Method

Here, we present a review of seven factors that we argue are important for participants’ practice of mindfulness. We use the well-established model of Behaviour Change, the COM-B model (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour) to organise and consider these factors. For each factor, we first present a definition and then a discussion in relation to psychological, health and Buddhist literature. We illustrate the importance of each factor with quotes from MBP participant interviews.

Results

We discuss participants’ Capability (planning/commitment, physical space), Opportunity (social support, the relationship with the teacher) and Motivation (readiness for self-care, beliefs about practice, self-efficacy, experiencing the rewards of practice), and how these lead to the target Behaviour (mindfulness practice).

Conclusions

Our understanding, as teachers and researchers, of how best to support and guide participants during MBPs is at an early stage. We draw out practical lessons around each of the seven factors for mindfulness teachers in supporting participants’ home practice.
Engagement complications of adolescents with borderline personality disorder: navigating through a zone of turbulence
Authors: Desrosiers Lyne , Saint-Jean Micheline , Laporte Lise , Lord Marie-Michèle
Published: August 2020

Objective

Premature treatment discontinuation is a widespread phenomenon in child and adolescent mental health services that impacts treatment benefits and costs of care. Adolescents with borderline personality disorder (BPD) are heavy users of health care services and notoriously difficult to engage in treatment. However, there is hardly any data regarding this phenomenon with these youths. Considering that BPD treatment is associated with intense and chaotic therapeutic processes, exploring barriers emerging in the course of treatment could be relevant. Thus, conceptualizing treatment dropout as a process evolving from engagement to progressive disengagement, and ultimately to dropout, could highlight the mechanisms involved. The aim of this study was to describe the process of treatment disengagement and identify warning signs that foreshadow dropouts of adolescents with BPD.

Method

A constructivist grounded theory method was used. This method has been favoured based on the assumption that the behaviours and decisions leading to disengagement may be better informed by the subjective experience of treatment. Thirty-three interviews were conducted to document 11 treatment trajectories with 3 groups of informants (9 adolescents with BPD 13–17 of age, 11 parents, and 13 clinicians).

Results

Well before dropout occurs, different phenomena identified as “engagement complications” characterize the disengagement process. These unfold according to a three-step sequence starting with negative emotions associated with the appropriateness of treatment, the therapeutic relationship or the vicissitudes of treatment. These emotions will then generate treatment interfering attitudes that eventually evolve into openly disengaged behaviours. These complications, which may sometimes go unnoticed, punctuate the progression from treatment engagement to disengagement leading the way towards the development of a “zone of turbulence” which creates a vulnerable and unstable therapeutic process presenting risk for late dropout.

Conclusion

Engagement of adolescents with BPD is neither static nor certain, but on the contrary, subject to their fluctuating perceptions. Therefore, it can never be taken for granted. Clinicians must constantly pay attention to emergent signs of engagement complications. Maintaining the engagement of adolescents with BPD should be a therapeutic objective akin to reducing symptomatology or improving psychosocial functioning, and should therefore be given the same attention.
Anomaly detection optimization using big data and deep learning to reduce false-positive
Authors: Al Jallad Khloud , Aljnidi Mohamad , Desouki Mohammad Said
Published: August 2020

Anomaly-based Intrusion Detection System (IDS) has been a hot research topic because of its ability to detect new threats rather than only memorized signatures threats of signature-based IDS. Especially after the availability of advanced technologies that increase the number of hacking tools and increase the risk impact of an attack. The problem of any anomaly-based model is its high false-positive rate. The high false-positive rate is the reason why anomaly IDS is not commonly applied in practice. Because anomaly-based models classify an unseen pattern as a threat where it may be normal but not included in the training dataset. This type of problem is called overfitting where the model is not able to generalize. Optimizing Anomaly-based models by having a big training dataset that includes all possible normal cases may be an optimal solution but could not be applied in practice. Although we can increase the number of training samples to include much more normal cases, still we need a model that has more ability to generalize. In this research paper, we propose applying deep model instead of traditional models because it has more ability to generalize. Thus, we will obtain less false-positive by using big data and deep model. We made a comparison between machine learning and deep learning algorithms in the optimization of anomaly-based IDS by decreasing the false-positive rate. We did an experiment on the NSL-KDD benchmark and compared our results with one of the best used classifiers in traditional learning in IDS optimization. The experiment shows 10% lower false-positive by using deep learning instead of traditional learning.
Characteristics of traumatic brain injury patients with abnormal neuroimaging in Southeast Norway
Authors: Tverdal Cathrine , Aarhus Mads , Andelic Nada , Skaansar Ola , Skogen Karoline , Helseth Eirik
Published: August 2020

Background

The vast majority of hospital admitted patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) will have intracranial injury identified by neuroimaging, requiring qualified staff and hospital beds. Moreover, increased pressure in health care services is expected because of an aging population. Thus, a regular evaluation of characteristics of hospital admitted patients with TBI is needed. Oslo TBI Registry – Neurosurgery prospectively register all patients with TBI identified by neuroimaging admitted to a trauma center for southeast part of Norway. The purpose of this study is to describe this patient population with respect to case load, time of admission, age, comorbidity, injury mechanism, injury characteristics, length of stay, and 30-days survival.

Methods

Data for 5 years was extracted from Oslo TBI Registry – Neurosurgery. Case load, time of admission, age, sex, comorbidity, injury mechanism, injury characteristics, length of stay, and 30-days survival was compiled and compared.

Results

From January 1st, 2015 to December 31st, 2019, 2153 consecutive patients with TBI identified by neuroimaging were registered. The admission rate of TBI of all severities has been stable year-round since 2015. Mean age was 52 years (standard deviation 25, range 0–99), and 68% were males. Comorbidities were common; 28% with pre-injury ASA score of ≥3 and 25% used antithrombotic medication. The dominating cause of injury in all ages was falls (55%) but increased with age. Upon admission, the head injury was classified as mild TBI in 46%, moderate in 28%, and severe (Glasgow coma score ≤ 8) in 26%. Case load was stable without seasonal variation. Majority of patients (68%) were admitted during evening, night or weekend. 68% was admitted to intensive care unit. Length of hospital stay was 4 days (median, interquartile range 3–9). 30-day survival for mild, moderate and severe TBI was 98, 94 and 69%, respectively.

Conclusions

The typical TBI patients admitted to hospital with abnormal neuroimaging were aged 50–79 years, often with significant comorbidity, and admitted outside ordinary working hours. This suggests the necessity for all-hour presence of competent health care professionals.
Analysis of the passive earth pressure on a gravity-type anchorage for a suspension bridge
Authors: Lim Hyunsung , Seo Seunghwan , Lee Sungjune , Chung Moonkyung
Published: August 2020

In this study, numerical analyses have been performed for a reasonable gravity-type anchorage design. The emphasis is on evaluating the effect of the passive earth pressure for gravity-type anchorages under pullout loading. Three-dimensional FE analyses were performed for different types of bedrock and embedded depths. Based on this study, it is found that the displacement of the gravity-type anchorage decreased with increasing embedded depth due to the increase in the passive resistance in front of the anchorage. It is also found that the resistance due to passive earth pressure in front of the anchorage accounts for approximately 10–30% of the total resistance and thus represents a significant improvement in the prediction of the realistic resistance for gravity-type anchorages subjected to pullout loads.
Buccally displaced flap versus sub-epithelial connective tissue graft for peri-implant soft tissue augmentation: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Padhye Ninad Milind , Mehta Lopa Kishor , Yadav Naveeta
Published: August 2020

Background

This article describes a novel surgical technique, the buccally displaced flap, for keratinized mucosa (KM) augmentation during implant uncovering. Furthermore, it clinically compares this technique with sub-epithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) for peri-implant KM augmentation. Twelve weeks following implant placement, subjects were randomly divided for KM augmentation into group A (buccally displaced flap) and group B (SCTG). The width (WKM) and thickness (TKM) of the KM were assessed prior to the implant uncovering, 4 weeks and 1 year after implant loading. Post-operative pain assessment was performed using the Numeric Rating Scale.

Results

The study comprised of 20 implants that were uncovered in 20 subjects. For group A, the mean WKM increased from 0.98 (± 0.23 mm) to 3.01 mm (± 0.18 mm), and the mean TKM increased from 1.45 (± 0.13 mm) to 2.21 mm (± 0.16 mm) at 1 year. For group B, the mean WKM increased from 0.93 (± 0.18 mm) to 3.28 mm (± 0.13 mm), and the mean TKM increased from 1.41 (± 0.15 mm) to 2.25 mm (± 0.11 mm) at 1 year. Post-operative pain was significantly higher for group B 4.15 (± 1.35) as compared to group A 2.6 (± 1.22) (p< 0.001).

Conclusion

The buccally displaced flap increased the WKM and TKM during implant uncovering, with results comparable to SCTG. The main advantages of the technique were lack of sutures, maintenance of blood supply, reducing number of surgical sites, and it was relatively atraumatic with lesser post-operative pain.

Trial registration

Clinical trials registry—IndiaCTRI/2019/09/021059. Date of registration—September 4, 2019, retrospectively registered.
Oral prednisolone for acute otitis media in children: a pilot, pragmatic, randomised, open-label, controlled study (OPAL study)
Authors: Ranakusuma Respati W. , McCullough Amanda R. , Safitri Eka D. , Pitoyo Yupitri , Widyaningsih Widyaningsih , Del Mar Christopher B. , Beller Elaine M.
Published: August 2020

Background

Acute otitis media (AOM) is associated with high antibiotic prescribing rates. Antibiotics are somewhat effective in improving pain and middle ear effusion (MEE); however, they have unfavourable effects. Alternative treatments, such as corticosteroids as anti-inflammatory agents, are needed. Evidence for the efficacy of these remains inconclusive. We conducted a pilot study to test feasibility of a proposed large-scale randomised controlled trial (RCT) to assess the efficacy of corticosteroids for AOM.

Methods

We conducted a pilot, pragmatic, parallel, open-label RCT of oral corticosteroids for paediatric AOM in primary and secondary/tertiary care centres in Indonesia. Children aged 6 months–12 years with AOM were randomised to either prednisolone or control (1:1). Physicians were blinded to allocation. Our objectives were to test the feasibility of our full RCT procedures and design, and assess the mechanistic effect of corticosteroids, using tympanometry, in suppressing middle ear inflammation by reducing MEE.

Results

We screened 512 children; 62 (38%) of 161 eligible children were randomised and 60 were analysed for the primary clinical outcome. All study procedures were completed successfully by healthcare personnel and parents/caregivers, despite time constraints and high workload. All eligible, consenting children were appropriately randomised. One child did not take the medication and four received additional oral corticosteroids. Our revised sample size calculation verified 444 children are needed for the full RCT. Oral corticosteroids did not have any discernible effects on MEE resolution and duration. There was no correlation between pain or other symptoms and MEE change. However, prednisolone may reduce pain intensity at day 3 (Visual Analogue Scale mean difference − 7.4 mm, 95% confidence interval (CI) − 13.4 to − 1.3, p = 0.018), but cause drowsiness (relative risk (RR) 1.8, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.8, p = 0.016). Tympanometry curves at day 7 may be improved (RR 1.8, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.9). We cannot yet confirm these as effects of corticosteroids due to insufficient sample size in this pilot study.

Conclusions

It is feasible to conduct a large, pragmatic RCT of corticosteroids for paediatric AOM in Indonesia. Although oral corticosteroids may reduce pain and improve tympanometry curves, it requires an adequately powered clinical trial to confirm this.

Trial registration

Study registry number: ACTRN12618000049279. Name of registry: the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). Date of registration: 16 January 2018.
Financial sector development and Investment in selected countries of the Economic Community of West African States: empirical evidence using heterogeneous panel data method
Authors: Iheonu Chimere O. , Asongu Simplice A. , Odo Kingsley O. , Ojiem Patrick K.
Published: August 2020

This study investigated the impact of financial sector development on domestic investment in selected countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for the years 1985–2017. The study employed the augmented mean group procedure, which accounts for country-specific heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence, and the Granger non-causality test to test for causality in the presence of cross-sectional dependence. The results show that (1) The impact of financial sector development on domestic investment depends on the measure of financial sector development utilised; (2) Domestic credit to the private sector has a positive but insignificant impact on domestic investment in ECOWAS, whereas banking intermediation efficiency (i.e., ability of the banks to transform deposits into credit) and broad money supply negatively and significant influence domestic investment; (3) Cross-country differences exist in the impact of financial sector development on domestic investment in the selected ECOWAS countries; and (4) Domestic credit to the private sector Granger causes domestic investment in ECOWAS. The study recommends careful consideration in the measure of financial development that is utilised as a policy instrument to foster domestic investment. We also highlight the importance of employing country-specific domestic investment policies to avoid blanket policy measures. Domestic credit to the private sector should be given priority when forecasting domestic investment into the future.
Further records of Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1896) (Decapoda, Brachyura, Portunidae) in the Strait of Sicily
Authors: Falsone Fabio , Scannella Danilo , Geraci Michele Luca , Vitale Sergio , Sardo Giacomo , Fiorentino Fabio
Published: August 2020

Five specimens of the invasive American blue crab Callinectes sapidus were caught from October 2018 to December 2019 off the Mazara del Vallo harbour, Strait of Sicily. This note documents further records of the species in the Strait of Sicily and its settlement in the area. In addition, an update of the spatial distribution of C. sapidus in the Mediterranean Sea was provided.
Causal illusions in the classroom: how the distribution of student outcomes can promote false instructional beliefs
Authors: Double Kit S. , Chow Julie Y. L. , Livesey Evan J. , Hopfenbeck Therese N.
Published: August 2020

Teachers sometimes believe in the efficacy of instructional practices that have little empirical support. These beliefs have proven difficult to efface despite strong challenges to their evidentiary basis. Teachers typically develop causal beliefs about the efficacy of instructional practices by inferring their effect on students’ academic performance. Here, we evaluate whether causal inferences about instructional practices are susceptible to an outcome density effect using a contingency learning task. In a series of six experiments, participants were ostensibly presented with students’ assessment outcomes, some of whom had supposedly received teaching via a novel technique and some of whom supposedly received ordinary instruction. The distributions of the assessment outcomes was manipulated to either have frequent positive outcomes (high outcome density condition) or infrequent positive outcomes (low outcome density condition). For both continuous and categorical assessment outcomes, participants in the high outcome density condition rated the novel instructional technique as effective, despite the fact that it either had no effect or had a negative effect on outcomes, while the participants in the low outcome density condition did not. These results suggest that when base rates of performance are high, participants may be particularly susceptible to drawing inaccurate inferences about the efficacy of instructional practices.
Establishment of a model of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infection using Bama miniature pigs
Authors: Gan Yuan , Xie Xing , Zhang Lei , Xiong Qiyan , Shao Guoqing , Feng Zhixin
Published: August 2020

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyopneumoniae), is the primary aetiological agent of enzootic pneumonia leading to chronic respiratory disease prevalent worldwide. Conventional pigs are the only animals used for pathogenicity studies and vaccine evaluations of M. hyopneumoniae. Considering that the challenge animals have better genetic stability and a smaller body size to operate with, an alternative experimental animal model of M. hyopneumoniae infection with Bama miniature pigs was established. Nine seven-week-old snatch-farrowed, porcine colostrum-deprived (SF-pCD) Bama miniature pigs and nine conventional pigs were randomly divided into two infected groups (Bama miniature-infected (BI) and conventional-infected groups (CI), BI and CI, n = 6) and two control groups (Bama miniature control (BC) and conventional control (CC) groups, BC and CC, n = 3). Every piglet was tracheally inoculated with 5 × 108 CCU/mL containing 10% suspension of a stock of frozen lung homogenate from SF-pCD pigs infected with virulent strain JS or sterilized KM2 medium. Typical lung lesions appeared in all infected pigs after necropsy, and the mean gross lung lesions was 17.3 and 13.7 in groups of BI and CI. Serum IgG and nasal sIgA antibody titres were increased significantly. Cilia shedding and mucus staining increased greatly in JS-infected bronchi. Obvious reddish gross lesions and M. hyopneumoniae antigen were detected, especially apparently observed in group of BI. Moreover, DNA copies of M. hyopneumoniae from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of each JS-infected piglet reached more than 108, and M. hyopneumoniae could be re-isolated from each infected BALF. These results indicate that Bama miniature pigs could be used as an alternative and more maneuverable experimental infection model for M. hyopneumoniae and display typical clinical and pathological features consistent with those in conventional pigs.
Evaluation of glutathione S-transferase polymorphism in Iranian patients with type 2 diabetic microangiopathy
Authors: Hashemi-Soteh Mohammad Bagher , Ahmadzadeh Amiri Amir , Sheikh Rezaee Majid Reza , Ahmadzadeh Amiri Ali , Ahrari Rohodin , Ahmadzadeh Amiri Ahmad , Daneshvar Fatemeh
Published: August 2020

Background

Overproduction of reactive oxygen species as a result of hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus leads to microvascular complications. Glutathione S-transferases play important detoxifying roles with antioxidant potentials. This study aimed to assess whether the glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 genotypes were associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus microangiopathic complications in the Iranian population.

Results

In this case-control study, the frequencies of null GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes were 4/72 (5.56%) and 12/72 (16.67%) respectively, in uncomplicated DM group. The frequencies of null GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotype in complicated DM group were 16/134 (11.94%) and 37/134 (27.61%), respectively. The proportion of GSTM1 null genotypes was higher in diabetic nephropathy compared to non-nephropathy (19.3% vs. 6.04 %, P = 0.006). At GSTT1 locus, patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy had a higher frequency of deletion compared to those of without neuropathy (30.39% vs. 23.49%) (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Selective polymorphisms encoding GSTM1 and GSTT1genes may prove useful as genetic markers to recognize individuals with an increased trend in developing diabetic nephropathy and neuropathy, respectively. This will help better identify individuals at higher risk toward microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes due to genetic susceptibility.
The risk of low birth weight and associated factors in West Bengal, India: a community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Pal Amitava , Manna Sourav , Das Balaram , Dhara Prakash C.
Published: August 2020

Background

Low birth weight (LBW) is a challenging multifaceted public health problem as it associated with infant mortality. Present study was undertaken to assess magnitude and risk factors associated with LBW in West Bengal, India. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 2611 birth episodes in different districts of West Bengal using multi-stage stratified cluster sampling, followed by systematic random sampling methodology. Participants were interviewed by semi-structured questionnaires containing socio-demographic, pregnancy, and mothers’ health-related variables.

Results

This study revealed that 21.49% infants were born LBW. The risk of LBW was higher among women those age < 20 years and BMI < 18.5 kg/m2. The odd of giving LBW baby were higher among women having weight < 45 kg and height < 150 cm. Anemic (AOR 3.33) and hypertensive (AOR 1.69) women were more likely to give LBW baby. Preterm delivery (AOR 1.93) and history of chronic illness (AOR 2.09) were the determinants of LBW. The odd of LBW was higher among women who never followed ANC visit (AOR 1.35). The likelihood of giving LBW baby was higher among women who did not consume iron folic acid tablet and additional diet during pregnancy. More LBWs were observed among women who were from low socioeconomic family, rural residence, and illiterate.

Conclusions

This study provided scientific recommendations during preconception period which will help to target women who may potentially benefit from lifestyle and dietary interventions. To reduce LBW community specific strategies such as improving awareness of the community and utilization of existing maternal health services is essential.
Significance of serum albumin and derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio score in assessment of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Ganeb Sahar , Egaila Sami , Hamed Asmaa , Hassan Waleed
Published: August 2020

Background

Albumin and derived neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (dNLR) are known biomarkers that can reflect systemic inflammation and it has been hypothesized that combination of both markers in one score (albumin-dNLR score) can be useful in monitoring rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The current study intended to measure albumin -dNLR score in patients with RA in the order to find whether these new biomarkers could reflect the activity of the disease and the articular activity detected by ultrasonography. We measured serum albumin and dNLR in blood samples obtained from 100 RA patients and from 100 apparently healthy controls (HC). Albumin -dNLR score was calculated according to the presence of hypoalbuminemia (≤ 3.76 gm/dl) and/or raised dNLR (>1.37).

Results

RA patients had a significantly elevated dNLR (p< 0.001) and albumin-dNLR score (p< 0.001) compared to their levels in HC, while serum albumin was significantly decreased (p< 0.001) in RA patients than its level in HC. In RA patients, albumin-dNLR score correlated significantly with DAS28 (p< 0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (p< 0.001), C-reactive protein (p< 0.001), grey scale (p< 0.001), power Doppler (p< 0.001) and total ultrasound score (p< 0.001). Also, tender joint count, ESR and albumin-dNLR score were significant predictors of DAS28 in multivariate regression analysis.

Conclusions

Our study settled that albumin - dNLR score is increased in RA patients than in healthy subjects. The score correlated well with DAS28, acute phase reactants, and ultrasonographic synovitis scores implying that it could be an easy valuable biomarker to monitor RA disease activity.
Digital Commemorations of Slave Revolt
Authors: Lauro Sarah Juliet
Published: August 2020

This article presents, troubles, and ultimately seeks to answer two simple questions: What does the digitization of slave resistance look like, and can it serve as a virtual memorial commemorating historic events where markers are lacking in geographic places, such as locations where slave revolts occurred? In four main parts, this article presents an example of digital commemoration of slave resistance in a now defunct online list of shipboard rebellions; it then contrasts this digital resource to material monuments to slave revolt leaders and to diverse types of museum displays (as at the International Museum of Slavery at Liverpool); the next section profiles online resources about slave revolt, including Vincent Brown’s animated map of slave insurrections in Jamaica and repositories, archives, and databases of newspaper advertisements for runaways, arguing that these resources can sometimes be understood not merely as educational tools but also as digital commemorations of slave revolt. Finally, engaging with theory on monuments, memory, and history, this piece explains why digital commemorations existing in virtual space might productively acknowledge our discomfort with the existent archive and the insurmountable gaps in our knowledge of history.
Achieving Sustainability through Zero Waste Fashion-A Review
Authors: Gupta Lotika , Kaur Saini Harminder
Published: August 2020

Fashion industry encompasses every stage of production, starting from production of fibres, fabric, designing, production and sale of garments. Fashion industry holds second place among the pollution causing industries. This industry has an enormous impact on the environment as well as on the millions of people working in it. During the course of production of garments, a substantial amount of waste is generated. Solid waste, thus produced is sent to landfills, where it decomposes and leads to production of methane gas. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that traps atmospheric heat more effectively than the most common greenhouse gas—carbon dioxide. The solid waste contributes significantly to the existing problem of global warming. The increase in population and increased consumption of products in the developed world has started the global waste problem. Fast fashion provides the marketplace with affordable apparel. Fashion magazines create the desire for new “must-haves” for each season. But fast fashion has its side effects in the form of pollution footprint. The rate at which the clothing waste is generated is far more than its rate of decomposition. Millions of tons of clothing waste is dumped in landfills, which may take between one to five months to fully biodegrade, with the condition that the waste comprises only of organic cotton fabrics. The waste generated is a mixture of natural as well as synthetic fibre, with 20 to 200 years of decomposition time. Each chemical treatment elongates its biodegradation time. A viable solution to this problem may be the adoption of every technique resulting in lower waste generation. Zero waste Fashion may be a step towards achievement of sustainability. A Zero waste policy must be adopted to identify inefficiencies in the use of inputs like raw materials, power and workforce. Zero waste policy supports every phase of the sustainability movement. This paper is centered on the main causes of waste generation in garment industry and the Zero waste generation techniques of garment production and other means of waste reduction which can be adopted to make the fashion industry sustainable.
Valve Position Control under pH Influence for PM Evapotranspiration Model
Authors: Poyen Faruk Bin , Ghosh Apurba , Kundu Palash
Published: August 2020

The productivity of soil largely depends on the optimum conditions of farmingincluding the water quality. With the proper pH values of the water-soil moisture maintained during the time of farming leads to absorption of right amount of minerals to the plant body which increases the productivity of the crop. Under normal practice, it is often found that the pH value of the irrigational water overlooked and hence the optimum conditions are maintained. In this article, a noble approach is taken to regulate the valve response so that this pH mismatch between the supplied water and soil can be rectified and the most suitable value can be preserved. While with the use of Penman-Monteith (PM) method, the water loss due to evapotranspiration is determined and water valves are operated to supply the necessary volume to eliminate the crop-water stress, an exhaustive fuzzy rule-base model is developed to control the opening and closing of the valves based of the pH value of the supplied water to maintain the optimal values. On evaluation of the designed model, it is seen that the PM model is successful is determining the water loss and the on encountering a surge in the acidic levels of the supplied water, the valve constricts to slow down the water flow and it inflates while the water is alkaline is nature. Thus the objective of the model is properly served and significant results are obtained.
Regeneration Problem of Wild Edible Fruits and Impact on Himalayan Langur (Presbytis entellus)
Authors: Verma Arti
Published: August 2020

This paper concept was to observe the knowledge about some wild edible fruit species which are consumed by Himalayan langur (Presbytis entellus) and its regeneration in the Nainital district of Kumaun Himalaya. The wild edible fruit species are not only as a source of supplemental food, had nutrionally balanced diet, medicines, fodder for cattle and fuel, but also for income generating potential of rural people in this region.. The diet of the Himalayan langur (Presbytis entellus) was studied for duration of one year. Wild edible fruits were harvested from their natural habitats by local people and sold into the local market for livelihood generation. The regeneration of maximum wild edible tree species is affected and the fruits become insufficient for the langurs diet. Due to this reason, the troupes of Himalayan langurs move towards villages of forest margins and destroy agricultural crops. A total 15 wild edible fruit species were recorded, out of which Quercus spp. Aesculus indica, Careya arborea, Myrica esculenta, Rubus ellipticus etc. were consumed by Himalayan langurs are under threats to regenerate.
Assessment of Seasonal Variation in Physicochemical Characteristics of the Soil at Gautala Reserve Forest (M.S), India
Authors: Mirza Amrin Naimoddin , Patil Satish S
Published: August 2020

The aim of study was to investigate the seasonal changes of physicochemical parameters in the soil of selected 15 spots of the Gautala reserve forest. The soil is consist of the most significant natural factors, which is created by weathering of the rocks existing in the environment. The present survey was made to study consists the physicochemical parameters in the soil of the Gautala Reserve Forest during the year 2017-18 at three seasonal intervals i.e. rainy, winter and summer seasons. The soil parameters examined were soil pH, soil texture, moisture content, bulk density, electrical conductivity (EC),organic carbon (OC), available Nitrogen (N), available Phosphorus (P), and available Potassium (K). The Gautala forest soil physical property was analyzed as sandy loam and silty loam. The pH and Organic carbon levels were low during summer and high in monsoon. The total amount of available N, P, K, electrical conductivity, water holding capacity and moisture content were maximum in monsoon and minimum in summer season. The physicochemical properties are dependent variables that play an important role in order to understand plant diversity.
Intravenous tranexamic acid reduces blood loss and transfusion requirements after periacetabular osteotomy
Authors: Levack Ashley E. , McLawhorn Alexander S. , Dodwell Emily , DelPizzo Kathryn , Nguyen Joseph , Sink Ernest
Published: August 2020

Aims

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery. There remains a lack of prospective evidence for the use of TXA in patients undergoing periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). The purpose of this study was to determine if intravenous (IV) TXA is effective in reducing calculated blood loss and transfusions after PAO.

Methods

This was a single-centre prospective double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial of 81 patients aged 12 to 45 years undergoing elective PAO by a single surgeon. The intervention group (n = 40) received two doses of IV TXA of a maximum 1 g in each dose; the control group (n = 41) received two doses of 50 ml 0.9% saline IV. The primary outcome was perioperative calculated blood loss. Secondary outcomes included allogenic transfusions and six-week postoperative complications.

Results

There were no differences in demographics or intraoperative variables between study groups. The TXA group demonstrated lower mean calculated blood loss (1,265 ml, (SD 321) vs 1,515 ml, (SD 394); p = 0.002) and lower frequency of allogenic transfusion (10%/n = 4 vs 37%/n = 15; p = 0.008). Regression analyses associated TXA use with significant reductions in calculated blood loss (p < 0.001) and transfusion (p = 0.007) after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, preoperative haemoglobin, cell-saver volume, intraoperative mean arterial blood pressure, and operating time. No patients suffered venous thromboembolic complications.

Conclusion

In this trial, IV TXA decreased postoperative calculated blood loss by 293 ml and reduced the frequency of allogenic transfusions by 73% (37% vs 10%) following PAO. TXA may be safe and effective for reducing blood loss in patients undergoing PAO. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(9):1151–1157.
Bone density measurements from CT scans may predict the healing capacity of scaphoid waist fractures
Authors: Miyamura Satoshi , Lans Jonathan , He Janice J. , Murase Tsuyoshi , Jupiter Jesse B. , Chen Neal C.
Published: August 2020

Aims

We quantitatively compared the 3D bone density distributions on CT scans performed on scaphoid waist fractures subacutely that went on to union or nonunion, and assessed whether 2D CT evaluations correlate with 3D bone density evaluations.

Methods

We constructed 3D models from 17 scaphoid waist fracture CTs performed between four to 18 weeks after fracture that did not unite (nonunion group), 17 age-matched scaphoid waist fracture CTs that healed (union group), and 17 age-matched control CTs without injury (control group). We measured the 3D bone density for the distal and proximal fragments relative to the triquetrum bone density and compared findings among the three groups. We then performed bone density measurements using 2D CT and evaluated the correlation with 3D bone densities. We identified the optimal cutoff with diagnostic values of the 2D method to predict nonunion with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

In the nonunion group, both the distal (100.2%) and proximal (126.6%) fragments had a significantly higher bone density compared to the union (distal: 85.7%; proximal: 108.3%) or control groups (distal: 91.6%; proximal: 109.1%) using the 3D bone density measurement, which were statistically significant for all comparisons. 2D measurements were highly correlated to 3D bone density measurements (Spearman’s correlation coefficient (R) = 0.85 to 0.95). Using 2D measurements, ROC curve analysis revealed the optimal cutoffs of 90.8% and 116.3% for distal and proximal fragments. This led to a sensitivity of 1.00 if either cutoff is met and a specificity of 0.82 when both cutoffs are met.

Conclusion

Using 3D modelling software, nonunions were found to exhibit bone density increases in both the distal and proximal fragments in CTs performed between four to 18 weeks after fracture during the course of treatment. 2D bone density measurements using standard CT scans correlate well with 3D models. In patients with scaphoid fractures, CT bone density measurements may be useful in predicting the likelihood of nonunion. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(9):1200–1209.
Top ten research priorities for problematic knee arthroplasty
Authors: Mathews John A. , Kalson Nicholas S. , Tarrant Polly M. , Toms Andrew D. ,   Revision Knee Replacement Priority Setting Partnership steering group
Published: August 2020

Aims

The James Lind Alliance aims to bring patients, carers, and clinicians together to identify uncertainties regarding care. A Priority Setting Partnership was established by the British Association for Surgery of the Knee in conjunction with the James Lind Alliance to identify research priorities related to the assessment, management, and rehabilitation of patients with persistent symptoms after knee arthroplasty.

Methods

The project was conducted using the James Lind Alliance protocol. A steering group was convened including patients, surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, physiotherapists, and researchers. Partner organizations were recruited. A survey was conducted on a national scale through which patients, carers, and healthcare professionals submitted key unanswered questions relating to problematic knee arthroplasties. These were analyzed, aggregated, and synthesized into summary questions and the relevant evidence was checked. After confirming that these were not answered in the current literature, 32 questions were taken forward to an interim prioritization survey. Data from this survey informed a shortlist taken to a final consensus meeting.

Results

A total of 769 questions were received during the initial survey with national reach across the UK. These were refined into 32 unique questions by an independent information specialist. The interim prioritization survey was completed by 201 respondents and 25 questions were taken to a final consensus group meeting between patients, carers, and healthcare professionals. Consensus was reached for ranking the top ten questions for publication and dissemination.

Conclusions

The top ten research priorities focused on pain, infection, stiffness, health service configuration, surgical and non-surgical management strategies, and outcome measures. This list will guide funders and help focus research efforts within the knee arthroplasty community. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(9):1176–1182.
La COVID-19 y los desafíos de la vigilancia digital para los derechos humanos: a propósito de la app DataCOVID prevista en la Orden Ministerial SND/29/2020, de 27 de marzo
Authors: Márquez Carrasco Carmen , Ortega Ramírez Juan Antonio
Published: August 2020

La pandemia de la COVID-19 ha demostrado la fragilidad del mundo globalizado y se está combatiendo mediante una combinación de técnicas y herramientas de ámbitos muy diferentes, desde clínico hasta tecnológico. La aplicación de las nuevas tecnologías ha suscitado el actual gran debate europeo sobre la privacidad. Una de sus manifestaciones es la Orden SND/29/2020, de 27 de marzo, del Ministerio de Sanidad, en la que se prevé el desarrollo de la app DataCOVID de seguimiento digital. Este trabajo tiene por objeto examinar la legalidad y alcance de estas medidas desde la perspectiva del respeto al derecho a la privacidad en el marco de las garantías para los derechos humanos y la protección de datos.