bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic Pesticide Spray Based on Digital Image Processing in Chili Plants by Classification Backpropagation Neural Network Method
Authors: Faizal Idenugraha Ian , Rahmawati Diana , Aji Wibisono Kunto , Ulum Miftachul
Published: August 2020

In Indonesia demand for chili still quite high and as if it has become a basic necessity for the community. Along with the world in the food processing industry, there has been an increase in the need for chillies, in addition to the high demand and the selling price of chilli peppers, it has encouraged the interest of the community to cultivate chili plants. However, biotic disorders that cause obstacles in efforts to increase chili production. On the leaves and fruit of the chili plant is a part of body the plant that allows the identification process of disease in the chili plant, because there will be changes in color and texture. The process of disease detection in chili plants through digital image processing using the feature extraction method, which has previously been done pre-processing. Then at the segmen-tation stage a thresholding operation is carried out to separate the healthy / diseased leaves / chili. For the classifi-cation of diseases using BPNN (Backpropagation Neural Network) method. The identification process will results five types of diseases, namely fusarium wilt, bacterial wilt, leaf foliage, curly leaves, and anthracnose. From this data will be sent by smartphone via IoT to the automatic sprayer to spray the type of pesticide in accordance with the dose and type of disease identified. Based on the results of testing using 150 samples of leaf and fruit images on chili plants obtained a success percentage of 43% in the leaves and 83.33% in the chilli fruit.
Modeling of Sugarcane Felling Information System Using the Use Case Driven Object Method
Authors: Uce Indahyanti  , Rizka Hadiwiyanti
Published: August 2020

Use case driven object is a method for controlling object-oriented modeling based on functions or operations in the system (use case). Sistem Informasi Tebang Angkut Tebu (SITAT) is an operational information system for cutting and transporting sugarcane in a sugar factory. The system was made to improve the method of managing sugarcane plantations, analysis of sugarcane ripening, the process of cutting sugarcane, and the weighing process. Referring to the use case driven object method, this object-based system modeling discussion on SITAT will focus on the stages of designing use case diagrams, use case descriptions, robustness diagrams, and sequence diagrams. The implementation of use case driven method is expected to reduce bad factors, optimize existing resources, improve services to farmers, sugarcane owners or other stakeholders, which will lead to increase efficiency and effectiveness in all processes related to sugarcane transport management.
Discrimination of Nitrogen Sources in Karst Spring Contributing Areas Using a Bayesian Isotope Mixing Model and Wastewater Tracers (Florida, USA)
Authors: Canion Andy , Ransom Katherine M. , Katz Brian G.
Published: August 2020

Many springs in Florida have experienced a proliferation of nuisance algae and alteration of trophic structure in response to increases in nitrate concentration concurrent with rapid population growth and land use intensification beginning in the mid-20th century. While loading targets and remediation plans have been developed by state agencies to address excess nitrogen inputs, further confirmation of the relative contribution of nitrogen sources to groundwater is necessary to optimize the use of resources when implementing projects to reduce nitrogen loads. In the present study, stable isotopes of nitrate and wastewater indicators were used to discriminate sources of nitrogen in wells and springs in central Florida. Sampling was performed in 50 wells at 38 sites and at 10 springs with varying levels of agriculture and urban development. Nitrate isotope values were used to develop Bayesian mixing models to estimate the probability distribution of the contributions of nitrate sources in wells. Prior probabilities for the fractional contribution of each source were adjusted based on land use and density of septic tanks. Sucralose and the Cl:Br mass ratio were used as confirmatory indicators of wastewater sources. In residential areas, mixing model results indicated that fertilizer or mixed fertilizer and wastewater (septic tank effluent and reuse water) were the primary sources, with sucralose detections corresponding to wells with elevated contributions from wastewater. Sources of nitrogen in pasture and field crop areas were primarily fertilizer and manure; however, model posterior distributions of δ15N indicated that manure sources may have been overpredicted. The present study demonstrates the utility of a multi-tracer approach to build multiple lines of evidence to develop locally relevant remediation strategies for nitrogen sources in groundwater.
Management of urinary tract infections what do doctors recommend and patients do? An observational study in German primary care
Authors: Gágyor Ildikó , Strube-Plaschke Stephanie , Rentzsch Katrin , Himmel Wolfgang
Published: August 2020

Background Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women are usually managed in primary care with antibiotics. However, many women seem to prefer to handle UTI symptoms with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other remedies. The aim of this study was to compare UTI management as recommended by physicians with the patients’ management at home.Methods This prospective cohort study in German primary care is based on clinical data from local practices and patient questionnaires. Participating women completed a baseline data sheet in the practice; their urine sample was tested by a dipstick in the practice and cultured by a laboratory. The women reported treatment and symptom-related impairment on an eight-item symptom questionnaire daily for 7 days. Using growth curve models, we analysed the influence of time on the total severity score to examine how symptoms changed across days. We then examined whether symptom severity and symptom course differed between patients who took antibiotics or NSAIDs.Results A total of 120 women (mean age of 43.3 ± 16.6 years) were enrolled. The urine dipstick was positive for leucocytes in 92%, erythrocytes in 87%, and nitrites in 23%. Physicians prescribed antibiotics for 102 (87%) women and recommended NSAIDs in 14 cases. According to the women’s reports, only 60% (72/120) took antibiotics, while the remainder took NSAIDs and other remedies. Symptoms declined from day 0 to day 6, irrespective of whether women decided to take an antibiotic, NSAIDs, none or both, as confirmed by a significant curvilinear time effect (B = 0.06, SE = 0.005, p < .001). The symptom course, however, was moderated by taking antibiotics so that the change in symptom severity was somewhat more pronounced in women taking antibiotics (B = 0.06) than in the remainder (B = 0.04).Conclusion A substantial proportion of women did not follow their physicians’ treatment recommendations, and many used NSAIDs. All women had a good chance of recovery irrespective of whether they decided to take antibiotics. A sensitive listening to patient preferences in the consultation may encourage physicians to recommend and prescribe symptomatic treatment with NSAID more often than antibiotic medicines.
Catalytic hydrolysis of Dichlorodifluoromethane over MoO3/ZrO2 -TiO2 solid acid
Authors: Li Zhiqian , Zhou Tong , Ren Guoqing , Tan Xiaofang , Jia Lijuan , Liu Tiancheng
Published: August 2020

The catalytic hydrolysis of Difluoro dichloromethane (CFC-12) by solid acid of MoO3/ZrO2-TiO2 calcined at different temperature had been studied. The effects of catalytic hydrolysis temperature and water vapor concentration on catalytic hydrolysis of CFC-12 were also studied. The results showed that catalytic hydrolysis rate of CFC-12 reached to 98.65 % at 400℃when the MoO3/ZrO2-TiO2 catalyst was calcined at 500℃ with a concentration of water vapor of 83.18%, and the main hydrolysis products were CO, CO2, HF and HCl. After 30 hours’ continuous reaction, the hydrolysis rate of CFC-12 was 65.34%. The XRD result reveals that the main phase of solid MoO3/ZrO2-TiO2 catalyst is the tetragonal Zr (MoO4)2with doped TiO2 of anatase.
Fingerfoods: a feasibility study to enhance fruit and vegetable consumption in Dutch patients with dementia in a nursing home
Authors: Visscher Annemijn , Battjes-Fries Marieke CE , de Rest Ondine van , Patijn Olga N , Lee Mascha van der , Wijma-Idsinga Nienke , Pot Gerda K , Voshol Peter
Published: August 2020

Background Eating problems are highly prevalent in older patients with dementia and as a consequence, these patients are at greater risk of becoming malnourished. Fingerfoods, snacks that can be picked with thumb and forefinger, could be used to counteract malnutrition in patients with dementia. The aim of this feasibility study was to evaluate whether providing fruit and vegetable rich fingerfoods in the form of recognizable and familiar snacks on top of the normal intake was feasible for both patients with dementia and caregivers as a means to increase patients’ nutritional status. Methods Institutionalised patients with dementia (N = 15, 93% female, mean age = 85 years) were included in this feasibility study in the Netherlands. The residents received their regular diet supplemented with fingerfoods, comprising quiches and cakes rich in fruit or vegetables, for 6 weeks. Daily fingerfood consumption together with compensation behaviour at dinner of residents was administered with a checklist and food diaries at the start and end of the intervention as dose delivered. Furthermore, caregivers were asked to fill out a feedback form at the end of the intervention to measure fidelity and appreciation of the intervention. Results Patients consumed on average 1.4 pieces (70 grams) of fingerfoods daily, containing 41 grams of fruit and/or vegetables. Fruit and vegetable consumption increased during the provision of the fingerfoods and the residents seemed not to compensate this intake during the rest of the day. The intervention was generally positively received by the majority of caregivers, depending on the type of fingerfood and state of the resident. Conclusion This feasibility study showed that providing recognizable fruit and vegetable rich fingerfoods to patients with dementia seems feasible for both patients and caregivers and could provide a pragmatic approach to enhance fruit and vegetable consumption and total food intake in institutionalized elderly. In an up-scaled study, effects of fingerfoods on nutritional status and quality of life should be investigated.
The influence of integrated geriatric outpatient clinics on the health care utility of older people
Authors: WEI YU-JU , Hsieh Cheng-Fang , Huang Yu-Ting , Huang Ming-Shyan , Fang Tzu-Jung
Published: August 2020

Background: The number of people aged greater than 65 years is growing in many countries. Taiwan will be a superaged society in 2026, and health care utilization will increase considerably. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the geriatric integrated outpatient clinic model for reducing health care utilization by older people. Methods: This was a retrospective case-control study. Patients aged greater than 65 years seen at the geriatric outpatient clinic (Geri-OPD) and non-geriatric outpatient clinic (non-Geri-OPD) at a single medical centre were age and sex matched. Data on the number of outpatient clinic visits, emergency department visits, hospitalizations and medical expenditures were collected during the first and second years. A subgroup analysis by Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and older age (age≧80 years) was performed, and the results were compared between the Geri-OPD and non-Geri-OPD groups. Results: A total of 6723 patients were included (3796 women and 2927 men). The mean age was 80.42 ± 6.39 years. There were 1291 (19.2%) patients in the Geri-OPD group and 5432 (80.8%) patients in the non-Geri-OPD group. After one year of regular follow-up, the Geri-OPD patients showed a significant reduction in the types of drugs included in each prescription (5.62±10.85) and the number of clinic visits per year (18.18 ± 48.85) (P<0.01). After a two-year follow-up, the number of clinic visits, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations and the annual medical costs were still decreased in the Geri-OPD patients. The Geri-OPD patients had more comorbidities and a higher rate of health care utilization than the non-Geri-OPD patients. In the subgroup analysis, patients with more comorbidities (CCI≧2) and an older age (≧80 years) in the Geri-OPD group showed a significant reduction in health care utilization. The Geri-OPD patients also showed a significant decrease in medical utilization in the second year compared with the non-Geri-POD patients. Conclusion: The Geri-OPD reduced medical costs, the number of drugs prescribed, and the frequency of outpatient clinic visits, emergency department visits and hospitalizations in older patients with complicated conditions. The effect was even better in the second year.
Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and associated factors of Salmonella and Shigella among food handlers in Adigrat University student’s cafeteria, Northern Ethiopia, 2018
Authors: Legese Haftom , Kahsay Tsega , Gebrewahd Aderajew , Berhe Brhane , Fseha Berhane , Tadesse Senait , Gebremariam Guesh , Negash Hadush , Mardu Fitsum , Tesfay Kebede , Adhanom Gebre
Published: August 2020

Background: Food handlers play a significant role in the transmission of foodborne infections. Salmonella and Shigella are the most common foodborne pathogens and their infections are a major public health problem globally. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated factors of Salmonella and Shigella colonization among food handlers.Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2018 at Adigrat University student cafeteria, Northern Ethiopia. Data on socio-demographic and associated factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Fresh stool samples were collected from 301 food handlers and transported to Adigrat University Microbiology Laboratory. Bacterial isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility test were performed using standard bacteriological methods. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22 and P < 0.05 where a corresponding 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 301 food handlers were included in this study. The majority of study participants were females 265 (88.0 %). About 22 (7.3%) and 11 (3.7%) of food handlers were found to be positive for Salmonella and Shigella respectively. Hand washing after using a bathroom with water only, no hand washing after using the bathroom, no hand washing after touching dirty materials, no hand washing before food handling, and untrimmed fingernails were significant associated factors identified. None of the Salmonella and Shigella isolates were sensitive to ampicillin, yet low resistance against chloramphenicol, ceftriaxone, and ciprofloxacin was found. Conclusion: The present study revealed that the prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella among food handlers was 22 (7.3%) and 11 (3.7%) respectively. Such colonized food handlers can contaminate food, and drinks and could serve as a source of infection to consumers. This indicates that there is a need for strengthened infection control measures to prevent Salmonella and Shigella transmission in the students’ cafeteria.
A novel approach reveals genomic landscapes of single-strand DNA breaks with nucleotide resolution in human cells
Authors: Gao Fan , Cai Ye , Tang Lu , Wu Chun-Lin , Cao Huifen , Xu Dongyang , Salazar-García Lorena , Han Xueer , Wang Fang , Ricciardi Natalie , Wahlestedt Thor , Cai DingDing , Wang Huifang , Chin Mario P. S. , Timmons James A. , Wahlestedt Claes , Kapranov Philipp
Published: August 2020

Abstract Single strand breaks (SSBs) represent the major form of DNA damage, yet no technique exists to map these lesions genome-wide with nucleotide-level precision. Herein, we present a method, termed SSiNGLe, and demonstrate its utility to explore the distribution and dynamic changes of genome-wide SSBs in response to different biological and environmental stimuli. We validate SSiNGLe using two very distinct sequencing techniques and apply it to derive global profiles of SSBs in different biological states. Strikingly, we show that patterns of SSBs in the genome are non-random, specific to different biological states, enriched in regulatory elements, exons, introns, specific types of repeats and exhibit differential preference for the template strand between exons and introns. Furthermore, we show that breaks likely contribute to naturally occurring sequence variants. Finally, we demonstrate strong links between SSB patterns and age. Overall, SSiNGLe provides access to unexplored realm of cellular biology, not obtainable with current approaches.
Spatio-temporal impact of self-financed rotavirus vaccination on rotavirus and acute gastroenteritis hospitalisations in the valencia region, spain.
Authors: López-Lacort Mónica , Orrico-Sánchez Alejandro , Martínez-Beneito Miguel Ángel , Muñoz-Quiles Cintia , Díez-Domingo Javier
Published: August 2020

Background

Several studies have shown a substantial impact of Rotavirus (RV) vaccination on the burden of RV and all-cause acute gastroenteritis (AGE). However, the results of most impact studies could be confused by a dynamic and complex space-time process. Therefore, there is a need to analyse the impact of RV vaccination on RV and AGE hospitalisations in a space-time framework to detect geographical-time patterns while avoiding the potential confusion caused by population inequalities in the impact estimations.

Methods

A retrospective population-based study using real-world data from the Valencia Region was performed among children aged less than 3 years old in the period 2005-2016. A Bayesian spatio-temporal model was constructed to analyse RV and AGE hospitalisations and to estimate the vaccination impact measured in averted hospitalisations.

Results

We found important spatio-temporal patterns in RV and AGE hospitalisations, RV vaccination coverage and in their associated adverted hospitalisations. Overall, ~1866 hospital admissions for RV were averted by RV vaccination during 2007–2016. Despite the low-medium vaccine coverage (~50%) in 2015-2016, relevant 36% and 20% reductions were estimated in RV and AGE hospitalisations respectively.

Conclusions

The introduction of the RV vaccines has substantially reduced the number of RV hospitalisations, averting ~1866 admissions during 2007-2016 which were space and time dependent. This study improves the methodologies commonly used to estimate the RV vaccine impact and their interpretation.
Dual-responsive doxorubicin-loaded nanomicelles for enhanced cancer therapy
Authors: Zhang Xinyi , Zhu Tiantian , Miao Yaxin , Zhou Lu , Zhang Weifang
Published: August 2020

Background: The enhancement of tumor retention and cellular uptake of drugs are important factors in maximizing anticancer therapy and minimizing side effects of encapsulated drugs. Herein, a delivery nanoplatform, armed with a pH-triggered charge-reversal capability and self-amplifiable reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced drug release, is constructed by encapsulating doxorubicin (DOX) in pH/ROS-responsive polymeric micelle. Results: The surface charge of this system was converted from negative to positive from pH 7.4 to pH 6.8, which facilitated the cellular uptake. In addition, methionine-based system was dissociated in a ROS-rich and acidic intracellular environment, resulting in the release of DOX and α-tocopheryl succinate (TOS). Then, the exposed TOS segments further induced the generation of ROS, leading to self-amplifiable disassembly of the micelles and drug release. Conclusions: We confirms efficient DOX delivery into cancer cells, upregulation of tumoral ROS level and induction of the apoptotic capability in vitro . The system exhibits outstanding tumor inhibition capability in vivo , indicating that dual stimuli nano-system has great potential to function as an anticancer drug delivery platform.
The biological effects of microencapsulated organic acids and botanicals induces tissue-specific and dose-dependent changes to the Gallus gallus microbiota
Authors: Feye Kristina , Swaggerty Christina L. , Kogut Michael H. , Ricke Steven C. , Piva Andrea , Grilli Ester
Published: August 2020

Background: Microencapsulated organic acids and botanicals have the potential to develop into important tools for the poultry industry. A blend of organic acids and botanicals (AviPlus®P) has previously shown to reduce Salmonella and Campylobacter in chickens; however, changes to the microbiota of the jejunum and ileum have not been evaluated. Microbiota diversity is linked to, but not correlated with, the efficacy of natural products; therefore, understanding the effects on the microbiota is necessary for evaluating their potential as an antibiotic alternative. Results: Ileal and jejunal segments from control and supplement-fed chickens (300 and 500g/metric ton [MT]) were subjected to alpha diversity analysis including Shannon’s diversity and Pielou’s Evenness. In both analytics, the diversity in the ileum was significantly decreased compared to the jejunum irrespective of treatment. Similarly, beta diversity metrics including Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index and Weighted Unifrac Distance Matrix, were significant (Q<0.05) for both tissue and treatments comparisons. Alpha and beta diversity analytics indicated compartmentalization effects between the ileum and jejunum. Additionally, analysis of communities in the microbiota (ANCOM) analysis showed Lactobacilliaceae predominated the total operational taxonomic units (OTU), with a stepwise increase from 53% in the no treatment control (NTC) to 56% in the 300g/MT and 67% in the 500g/MT group. Staphylococcaceae were 2% in NTC and 2 and 0% in 300 and 500g/MT groups. Enterobacteriaceae decreased in the 500g/MT (31%) and increased in the 300g/MT (37%) compared to the NTC (35%). Aerococcaceae was 0% for both doses and 7% in NTC. Ruminococcaceae were 0% in NTC and 2% and 1% in the 300 and 500g/MT. These changes in the microbial consortia were statistically (Q<0.05) associated with treatment groups in the jejunum that were not observed in the ileum. Least discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSE) indicated different changes directly corresponding to treatment. Enterobacteriaceae demonstrated a stepwise decrease (from NTC onward) while Clostridiaceae, were significantly increased in the 500g/MT compared to NTC and 300g/MT (P<0.05).Conclusion: The bioactive site for the microencapsulated blend of organic acids and botanicals was the jejunum, and dietary inclusion enhanced the GIT microbiota and may be a viable antibiotic alternative for the poultry industry.
Expression and functionality study of 9 Toll-like receptors in drug-naïve non-affective first episode psychosis individuals: a 3-month study
Authors: Juncal-Ruiz Maria , Riesco-Davila Laura , Ramirez-Bonilla Mariluz , Foz Victor Ortiz-Garcia de la , Vazquez-Bourgon Javier , Ayesa-Arriola Rosa , Setien-Suero Esther , Leza Juan Carlos , Lopez-Hoyos Marcos , Crespo-Facorro Benedicto
Published: August 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
The effectiveness and cost effectiveness of a hospital avoidance program in a residential aged care facility: a prospective cohort study and modelled decision analysis
Authors: Carter Hannah , Lee Xing J. , Dwyer Trudy , O’Neill Barbara , Jeffrey Dee , Doran Chris , Parkinson Lynne , Osborne Sonya , Reid-Searl Kerry , Graves Nicholas
Published: August 2020

Background: Residential aged care facility residents experience high rates of hospital admissions which are stressful, costly and often preventable. The EDDIE program is a hospital avoidance initiative designed to enable nursing and care staff to detect, refer and quickly respond to early signals of a deteriorating resident. The program was implemented in a 96-bed residential aged care facility in regional Australia.Methods: A prospective pre-post cohort study design was used to collect data on costs of program delivery, hospital admission rates and length of stay for the 12 months prior to, and following, the intervention. A Markov decision model was developed to synthesize study data with published literature in order to estimate the cost-effectiveness of the program. Quality adjusted life years (QALYs) were adopted as the measure of effectiveness.Results: The EDDIE program was associated with a 19% reduction in annual hospital admissions and a 31% reduction in the average length of stay. The cost-effectiveness analysis found the program to be both more effective and less costly than usual care, with 0.06 QALYs gained and $249,000 health system costs saved in a modelled cohort of 96 residents. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis estimated that there was an 86% probability that the program was cost-effective after taking the uncertainty of the model inputs into account. Conclusions: This study provides promising evidence for the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a nurse led, early intervention program in preventing unnecessary hospital admissions within a residential aged care facility. Further research in multi-site randomised studies is needed to confirm the generalisability of these results.
Body Weight Estimation of Yak Based on Cloud Edge Computing
Authors: Zhang Yu_an , Sun Zijie , Zhang Chen , Yin Shujun , Wang Wenzhi , Song Rende
Published: August 2020

In stock farming, the body size parameters and weight of yaks can reasonably reﬂect the growth and development characteristics, production performance and genetic characteristics of yaks. However, it is diﬃcult for herders to measure the body size and weight of yaks by traditional manual methods. Fortunately, with the development of edge computing, herders can use mobile devices to estimate the yak’s body size and weight. The purpose of this paper is to provide a machine vision-based yak weight estimation method for the edge equipment and establish a yak estimation comprehensive display system based on the user’s use of the edge equipment in order to maximize the convenience of herdsmen’s work. In our method, a set of yak image foreground extraction and measurement point recognition algorithm suitable for edge equipment were developed to obtain yak’s measurement point recognition image, and the ratio between body sizes was transmitted to the cloud server. Then, the body size and weight of yaks were estimated using the data mining method, and the body size estimation data were constantly displayed in the yak estimation comprehensive display system. 25 yaks in different age groups were randomly selected from the herd to perform experiments. The experimental results show that the foreground extraction method can obtain segmentation image with good boundary, and the yak measurement point recognition algorithm has good accuracy and stability. The average error between the estimated values and the actual measured values of body height, oblique length, chest depth, cross height and body weight is 1.95%, 3.11%, 4.91%, 3.35% and 7.79%, respectively. Compared with the traditional manual measurement method, the use of mobile end to estimate the body size and weight of yaks can improve the measurement eﬃciency, facilitate the herdsmen to breed yaks, reduce the stimulation of manual measurement on yaks, and lay a solid foundation for the ﬁne breeding of yaks in Sanjiangyuan region.
High-viscosity bone cement for vertebral compression fractures: a prospective study on intravertebral diffusion and leakage of bone cement
Authors: wang meiyong , jin qunhua
Published: August 2020

Background: Bone cement leakage causes severe complication following percutaneous vertebroplasty. This study probed the diffusion and leakage status of bone cement injected within diverged time duration, so as to find the optimal injection time for bone cement. Methods: A total of 70 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with a symptom of low back pain, who underwent treatment at hospital were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomized into three groups: <180 s, 180-300, and >300 s of injection time duration from the beginning to the completion of the injection. The scenarios of vertebral bone cement leakage and diffusion were inspected using postoperative CT.Results: The diffusion coefficient was higher in group A than in group B whereas it was higher in group B than in group C, but without statistical significance among the three groups. The leakage rate was without statistical significance among the three groups. The injection time of bone cement was negatively correlated with the diffusion coefficient, at the correlation coefficient of -0.253. Conclusions: The diffusion coefficient of high-viscosity bone cement is negatively correlated with the injection time, and the leakage rate of high-viscosity bone cement does not reduce with the prolongation of injection time.
Incidence and risk factor for short term postoperative cough after thyroidectomy
Authors: Wu Junfu , Dai Liyuan , Lou Weihua
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background : The prevalence of and potential risk factors for postoperative cough after thyroidectomy remain unknown. The current study aimed to analyze postoperative cough in patients undergoing thyroidectomy using a prospective analysis.
Methods : Adult patients undergoing primary thyroidectomy were prospectively enrolled. Data regarding age, sex, BMI, pathology and surgical procedure were collected and analyzed. All patients were asked to complete the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) preoperatively and at 2 weeks and 4 weeks postoperatively.
Results : There were 1264 patients enrolled in total. Eleven patients with vocal cord paralysis were excluded. In patients with benign disease, postoperative cough occurred in 61 patients, with an prevalence rate of 17. 0% compared to an prevalence rate of 33.1% in patients with malignant disease; the difference was significant. For benign patients, the factors of smoking and operation time were independently related to the occurrence of postoperative cough. For malignant patients, the factors of smoking, operation time, operation extent, and the number of positive nodes at level 6 were independently related to the occurrence of postoperative cough. There was no significant difference regarding the LCQ score in patients with benign or malignant disease at the preoperative and the postoperative 4-week time periods. Patients with malignant disease had a significantly lower LCQ score than patients with benign disease at the postoperative 2-week time point (p=0.004).
Conclusions : Patients undergoing thyroid cancer surgery had a higher prevalence of postoperative cough and were also associated with a decreased cough-related quality of life. The factors of smoking and operation time were the most important predictors for postoperative cough after thyroidectomy.
Visit-to-Visit HbA1c Variability is Associated with In-Stent Restenosis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Yang Chen Die , Shen Ying , Lu Lin , Yang Zhen Kun , Hu Jian , Zhang Rui Yan , Shen Wei Feng , Ding Feng Hua , Wang Xiao Qun
Published: August 2020

Background: Patients with type 2 diabetes are under substantially higher risk of in-stent restenosis (ISR) after coronary stent implantation. We sought to investigate whether visit-to-visit HbA1c variability is a potential predictor of ISR in diabetic patients after stent implantation.Methods: We consecutively enrolled type 2 diabetic patients who underwent successful elective percutaneous coronary intervention and performed follow-up coronary angiography after around 12 months. The incidence of ISR and its relationship with visit-to-visit HbA1c variability, expressed as coefficient of variation (CV), standard deviation (SD) and variability independent of the mean (VIM), were studied. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to analyze the predictive value of HbA1c variability for ISR.Results: From September 2014 to July 2018 in Ruijin Hospital, a total of 420 diabetic patients (688 lesions) after stent implantation were included in the final analysis. During a mean follow-up of 12.8±1.3 months, the incidence of ISR was 8.6%, which was significantly increased in patients with higher CV of HbA1c (P=0.001). The mean diameter stenosis (DS), net luminal loss and net luminal gain were 22.9±16.8%, 0.42±0.88 mm and 1.66±0.83 mm, respectively. Greater DS was observed in subjects with higher tertiles of CV of HbA1c (P<0.001), and this trend was more prominent in patients with optimal glycemic control (HbA1c≤7%) in the baseline. In multivariate analysis, HbA1c variability was independently associated with incidence of ISR after adjustment for traditional risk factors and mean HbA1c (HR: 3.00 [95% CI:1.14~7.92] for highest vs. lowest tertile). Inclusion of CV of HbA1c led to a better risk stratification accuracy. Assessing HbA1c variability by SD or VIM yielded similar findings. Conclusions: This study suggests that visit-to-visit HbA1c variability is an independent predictor of incidence of ISR in patients with type 2 diabetes after stent implantation.Trial registration: Trials number, NCT02089360; registered on March 17,2014.
Comparison of the efficacy of five standard topical hemostats: a study in porcine liver and spleen models of surgical bleeding
Authors: Paternò Valerio Antonio , Bisin Alessandro , Addis Alessandro
Published: August 2020

Background: Several topical hemostats are available to help control surgical bleeding. Cutanplast is a highly absorbent and porous gelatin product that is available in Fast sponge and powder forms. This study investigated the hemostatic efficacy of Cutanplast Standard and Fast gelatin sponge and powder and Emosist oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) gauze in porcine liver and spleen surgical bleeding models.Methods: Cutanplast Standard and Fast gelatin sponge and Emosist ORC gauze were tested in liver abrasion/incision, liver puncture and spleen incision/puncture injuries, and Cutanplast Standard and Fast gelatin powder products were tested in liver abrasion/incision injuries. There were 13 liver injury (five abrasion, five incision and three puncture) and six spleen injury (three puncture and three incision sites) sites per animal.Results: Rapid hemostasis (≤ 2–5 min) was achieved in the liver abrasion and incision models with all Cutanplast gelatin sponge and powder products and Emosist ORC gauze, except in the liver incision model, time to hemostasis was > 5 min with Cutanplast Standard gelatin powder and Emosist ORC gauze. Rapid hemostasis occurred with Cutanplast Fast gelatin sponge and Emosist ORC gauze in the liver puncture and spleen puncture and incision models. In the spleen incision model, Cutanplast Standard gelatin sponge had a time to hemostasis approaching 10 min.Conclusion: Cutanplast gelatin sponge and powder products and Emosist ORC gauze may be suitable for surgical applications involving parenchymal organ bleeding, but certain products may perform better than others, including Cutanplast gelatin powder in diffuse mild bleeding (such as liver abrasion), and Cutanplast Fast gelatin sponge and Emosist ORC gauze for splenic bleeding.
Gender-specific typologies of older adults’ sedentary behaviors and their associations with health-related and socio-demographic factors: a latent profile analysis
Authors: Compernolle Sofie , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse , Cardon Greet , Dyck Delfien Van
Published: August 2020

Background. Some types of sedentary behaviors tend to cluster in individuals or groups of older adults. Insight into how these different types of sedentary behavior cluster is needed, as recent research suggests that not all types of sedentary behavior may have the same negative effects on physical and mental health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify gender-specific typologies of older adults’ sedentary behavior, and to examine their associations with health-related and socio-demographic factors. Methods. Cross-sectional data were collected as part of the BEPAS Seniors, and the Busschaert study among 696 Flemish older adults (60+). Typologies of self-reported sedentary behavior were identified using latent profile analysis, and associations with health-related and sociodemographic factors were examined using analyses of variances. Results. Five distinct typologies were identified from seven sedentary behaviors (television time, computer time, transport-related sitting time, sitting for reading, sitting for hobbies, sitting for socializing and sitting for meals) in men, and three typologies were identified from six sedentary behaviors (television time, transport-related sitting time, sitting for reading, sitting for hobbies, sitting for socializing and sitting for meals) in women. Typologies that are characterized by high television time seem to be related to more negative health outcomes, like a higher BMI, less grip strength, and a lower physical and mental health-related quality-of-life. Typologies that are represented by high computer time and motorized transport seem to be related to more positive health outcomes, such as a lower BMI, more grip strength and a higher physical and mental health-related quality-of-life.Conclusions. Although causal direction between identified typologies and health outcomes remains uncertain, our results suggests that future interventions should better focus on specific types of sedentary behavior (e.g. television time), or patterns of sedentary behavior, rather than on total sedentary behavior.
Nanocomposites-Based Targeted Oral Drug Delivery Systems with Infliximab in a Murine Colitis Model
Authors: Kim Jung Min , Kim Da Hye , Park Hyo Jeong , Ma Hyun Woo , Park I Seul , Son Mi jeong , Ro So Youn , Hong SeokMann , Han Hyo Kyung , Lim Soo Jeong , Kim Seung Won , Cheon Jae Hee
Published: August 2020

Background
Infliximab (IFX), a TNF-α blocking chimeric monoclonal antibody, induces clinical response and mucosal healing in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, systemic administration of this agent causes unwanted side effects. Oral delivery of antibody therapeutics might be an effective treatment strategy for IBD compared to intravenous administration.
Results
All three carriers had a high encapsulation efficiency, narrow size distribution, and minimal systemic exposure. There was a higher interaction between nanocomposite carriers and monocytes compared to lymphocytes in the PBMC of IBD patients. Orally administered nanocomposite carriers targeted to inflamed colitis minimized systemic exposure. All IFX delivery formulations with nanocomposite carriers had a significantly less colitis-induced body weight loss, colon shortening and histomorphological score, compared to the DSS-treated group. AC-IFX-L and EAC-IFX-L groups showed significantly higher improvement of the disease activity index, compared to the DSS-treated group. In addition, AC-IFX-L and EAC-IFX-L alleviated pro-inflammatory cytokine expressions ( Tnfa , Il1b , and Il17 ).
Conclusion
We present orally administered antibody delivery systems which improved efficacy in murine colitis while reducing systemic exposure. These oral delivery systems suggest a promising therapeutic approach for treating IBD.
Green synthesis of nano-liposomes containing Bunium persicum and Trachyspermum ammi essential oils against Trichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Mirzaei Farzaneh , Norouzi Roghayeh , Siyadatpanah Abolghasem , Haghirosadat Bibi Fatemeh , Rezaei Fatemeh , Nissapatorn Veeranoot , Mitsuwan Watcharapong , Nawaz Muhammad , Pereira Maria L. , Hosseini Seyed Abdollah , Montazeri Mahbobeh , Majdizadeh Mohammad
Published: August 2020

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis, a parasitic flagellated protozoan, is one of the main non-viral sexually-transmitted diseases worldwide. Treatment options for trichomoniasis are limited to nitroimidazole compounds. However, resistance to these drugs has been reported, which requires the development of new anti-Trichomonas agents that confer suitable efficacy and less toxicity.Methods: In the present work, we assessed the effectiveness of the liposomal system containing essential oils of Bunium persicum and Trachyspermum ammi against T. vaginalis in vitro. Liposomal vesicles were prepared with phosphatidylcholine (70%) and cholesterol (30%) using the thin-film method. The essential oils of B. persicum and T. ammi were loaded into the liposomes using the inactive loading method. Liposomal vesicles were made for two plants separately. Their physicochemical features were tested using Zeta-Sizer, AFM and SEM. The anti-Trichomonas activity was determined after 12 and 24 hours of parasite cultures in TYI-S-33 medium. Results: After 12 and 24 hours of administration, the IC50 of the B. persicum essential oil nano-liposomes induced 14.41 µg/mL and 45.19 µg/mL, respectively. The IC50 of T. ammi essential oil nano-liposomes induced 8.08 µg/mL and 25.81 µg/mL, respectively. Conclusions: These data suggested that nano-liposomes of the essential oils of B. persicum and T. ammi may be a promising alternative to current treatments for Trichomonas infection.
Elevated serum matrix metalloprotease (MMP-2) as a candidate biomarker for stable COPD.
Authors: Mahor Durga , Kumari Vandana , Vashisht Kapil , Galgalekar Ruma , Samartha Ravindra M , Mishra Pradyumna K , Banerjee Nalok , Dixit Rajnikant , Saluja Rohit , De Sajal , Pandey Kailash C
Published: August 2020

Background: The increasing trend of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in becoming the third leading cause of deaths by 2020 is of great concern, globally as well as in India. Dysregulation of protease/anti-protease balance in COPD has been reported to cause tissue destruction, inflammation and airway remodelling; which are peculiar characteristics of COPD. Therefore, it is imperative to explore various serum proteases involved in COPD pathogenesis, as candidate biomarkers. COPD and Asthma often have overlapping symptoms and therefore involvement of certain proteases in their pathogenesis would render accurate diagnosis of COPD to be difficult.Methods: Serum samples from controls, COPD and Asthma patients were collected after requisite institutional ethics committee approvals. The preliminary analysis qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed various serum proteases by ELISA and mass spectrometry techniques. In order to identify a distinct biomarker of COPD, serum neutrophil elastase (NE) and matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2) from COPD and Asthma patients were compared; as these proteases tend to have overlapping activities in both the diseases. A quantitative analysis of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the serum of controls and COPD patients was also performed. Statistical analysis for estimation of p-values was performed using unpaired t-test with 95% confidence interval.Results: Amongst the significantly elevated proteases in COPD patients vs the controls- neutrophil elastase (NE) [P <0.0241], caspase-7 [P <0.0001] and matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2) [P <0.0001] were observed, along with increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) [P <0.0001]. The serum dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) [P <0.0010) concentration was found to be decreased in COPD patients as compared to controls. Interestingly, a distinct elevation of MMP-2 was observed only in COPD patients, but not in Asthma, as compared to controls. Mass spectrometry analysis further identified significant alterations (fold-change) in various proteases (carboxy peptidase, MMP-2 and human leukocyte elastase), anti-proteases (Preg. zone protein, α-2 macroglobulin, peptidase inhibitor) and signalling mediators (cytokine suppressor- SOCS-3).Conclusion: The preliminary study of various serum proteases in stable COPD patients distinctly identified elevated MMP-2 as a candidate biomarker for COPD, subject to its validation in large cohort studies.
Design, Synthesis And Invitro Biological Evaluation Of Benzothiazole, Indole And Imidazole Derivatives As Anti Tubercular Agents Targeting Glutamine Synthetase-1 
Authors: Suresh Ayyadurai Jerad , Meenakumari Venkatesan , kalairasi Ponmozhi , Kanimozhi Thangamariyappan , Ramakrishnan Surya Parakkot
Published: August 2020

Due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug resistant (XDR) TB, the disease becomes a major health security threat globally2. In order to eliminate DRTB there is an urgent need of novel molecules which are very effective with lesser side effects. Hence this research work focused to work on synthesis and biological evaluation of benzothiazole, indole and imidazole derivatives as anti tubercular agents. Benzothiazole, indole and imidazole moieties were designed and docked against glutamine synthetase (PDB ID-3ZXR) using Autodock®tools software. Compounds with minimum binding energy were selected and screened for in silico toxicity prediction using osiris® software and in silico drug likeness prediction by using molinspiration® software. The compounds were synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H NMR and LC-MS. Anti-tubercular activity was evaluated by Microplate Alamar Blue Assay (MABA) method. Among the synthesized compounds, indole derivatives and imidazole derivatives was found to be active at micro gram level.
MRI Patterns of Non-Enhancing T2-FLAIR Hyperintensity Lesions in Primary CNS Lymphoma
Authors: Liu Hao , Hou Haiman , Liu Xiaoge , Bai Jie , Zhang Yong , Cheng Jingliang
Published: August 2020

Purpose: The non-enhancing T2-FLAIR hyperintensity lesions at a distance from the enhancing tumor site at baseline have been observed of neoplastic nature in primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL). Our aim was to explore the incidence, location, and morphology of the non-enhancing T2-FLAIR hyperintensity lesions in PCNSL.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with immunocompetent PCNSL at our institution. We identified and evaluated the T2-FLAIR hyperintensity lesions without enhancement that markedly decrease or disappear in the MRI after treatment. MRI characteristics of PCNSL at initial presentation were analyzed and compared between patients with non-enhancing T2-FLAIR hyperintensity lesions and patients without these lesions.Results: Among 89 patients, 10 patients (11.2%) were found to have non-enhancing T2-FLAIR hyperintensity lesions at a distance from the enhancing tumor site at baseline, that showed a markedly decrease or disappearance after treatment. The locations of these lesions were as follows: the juxtacortical and deep white matter in 7 lesions, periventricular white matter in 2 lesions, basal ganglia in 1 lesion, and infratentorial aera in 1 lesion. Baseline MRI characteristics in patients with non-enhancing T2-FLAIR hyperintensity lesions exhibited a higher rate of multiple enhancing lesions (P = 0.027), and bilateral enhancing lesions (P = 0.001), compared to patients without non-enhancing T2-FLAIR hyperintensity lesions.Conclusion: Non-enhancing T2-FLAIR hyperintensity lesions at a distance from the enhancing tumor lesions in patients with PCNSL, which indicated of neoplastic nature, was not rare. Those non-enhancing lesions should be incorporated in the initial evaluation of tumor burden and response in the follow up.