bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influential factors of postoperative pain trajectories in patients receiving intravenous patient-controlled analgesia: a single-centre cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Tai Ying-Hsuan , Wu Hsiang-Ling , Lin Shih-Pin , Tsou Mei-Yung , Chang Kuang-Yi
Published: November 2019

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the factors associated with variations in postoperative pain trajectories over time in patients using intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) for postoperative pain.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

A single medical centre in Taiwan.

Participants

Patients receiving IV-PCA after surgery.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcome was the postoperative pain scores.

Results

A total of 3376 patients and 20 838 pain score observations were analysed using latent curve models. Female and longer anaesthesia time increased the baseline level of pain (p=0.004 and 0.003, respectively), but abdominal surgery and body weight decreased it (both p<0.001). Regarding the trend of pain resolution, lower abdominal surgery steepened the slope (p<0.001); older age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class ≥3 and longer anaesthesia time tended to flatten the slope (p<0.001, =0.019 and <0.001, respectively). PCA settings did not affect the variations in postoperative pain trajectories.

Conclusions

Patient demographics, ASA class, anaesthesia time and surgical sites worked together to affect postoperative pain trajectories in patients receiving IV-PCA. Latent curve models provided valuable information about the dynamic and complex relationships between the pain trajectories and their influential factors.
Cost-effectiveness of conditional cash transfers to retain women in the continuum of care during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period: protocol for an economic evaluation of the Afya trial in Kenya
Authors: Batura Neha , Skordis Jolene , Palmer Tom , Odiambo Aloyce , Copas Andrew , Vanhuyse Fedra , Dickin Sarah , Eleveld Alie , Mwaki Alex , Ochieng Caroline , Haghparast-Bidgoli Hassan
Published: November 2019

Introduction

A wealth of evidence from a range of country settings indicates that antenatal care, facility delivery and postnatal care can reduce maternal and child mortality and morbidity in high-burden settings. However, the utilisation of these services by pregnant women, particularly in low/middle-income country settings, is well below that recommended by the WHO. The Afya trial aims to assess the impact, cost-effectiveness and scalability of conditional cash transfers to promote increased utilisation of these services in rural Kenya and thus retain women in the continuum of care during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. This protocol describes the planned economic evaluation of the Afya trial.

Methods and analysis

The economic evaluation will be conducted from the provider perspective as a within-trial analysis to evaluate the incremental costs and health outcomes of the cash transfer programme compared with the status quo. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios will be presented along with a cost-consequence analysis where the incremental costs and all statistically significant outcomes will be listed separately. Sensitivity analyses will be undertaken to explore uncertainty and to ensure that results are robust. A fiscal space assessment will explore the affordability of the intervention. In addition, an analysis of equity impact of the intervention will be conducted.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has received ethics approval from the Maseno University Ethics Review Committee, REF MSU/DRPI/MUERC/00294/16. The results of the economic evaluation will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at a relevant international conference.

Trial registration number

NCT03021070
Applying a whole systems lens to the general practice crisis: cross-sectional survey looking at usage of community pharmacy services in England by patients with long-term respiratory conditions
Authors: Hindi Ali Mawfek Khaled , Schafheutle Ellen Ingrid , Jacobs Sally
Published: November 2019

Objective

UK policy initiatives aiming to extend community pharmacy services to moderate patient demands and to reduce general practitioners’ (GPs) workload have had limited success. This study used marketing theory to identify factors that could influence patients to make better use of community pharmacies within the primary care pathway.

Design

Cross-sectional postal survey design applying the ‘7Ps marketing mix’ (‘product’, ‘price’, ‘place’, ‘promotion’, ‘people’, ‘process’ and ‘physical evidence’).

Setting

Greater Manchester, England.

Participants

Patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease registered at two GP practices.

Primary outcome

Patient preference for community pharmacy services.

Results

The response rate was 29% (289/1003). Most respondents preferred to use GP practices for invasive/diagnostic services (product) while preferring using community pharmacy for medicines supply and minor ailments (place). Stronger preference for using GP practices over community pharmacy was significantly associated with gender (male>female), age group (≥65 years) and healthcare services previously accessed at the pharmacy. Respondents perceived they would be more likely to use community pharmacy services if pharmacists offered them enough time to discuss any concerns (73.3%) (price), if community pharmacies had private/clean consultation rooms (70%–73%) (physical evidence) and if pharmacy staff had strong interpersonal skills (68%–70%) (people). Respondents were divided on likelihood of using community pharmacy services if pharmacists could access their whole medical record but wanted pharmacists to add information about their visit (59.6%) (process). Respondents would be encouraged to use community pharmacy for healthcare services if they were offered services by pharmacy staff or recommended/referred to services by their GP (44%) (promotion).

Conclusions

Using the 7Ps marketing mix highlighted that community pharmacies having staff with strong interpersonal skills, good quality consultation rooms and integrated information systems could positively influence patients to use community pharmacies for management of long-term conditions. There are opportunities for community pharmacies to alleviate GP workload, but a whole system approach will be necessary.
Characteristics and utilisation of the Mayo Clinic Biobank, a clinic-based prospective collection in the USA: cohort profile
Authors: Olson Janet E , Ryu Euijung , Hathcock Matthew A , Gupta Ruchi , Bublitz Joshua T , Takahashi Paul Y , Bielinski Suzette J , St Sauver Jennifer L , Meagher Karen , Sharp Richard R , Thibodeau Stephen N , Cicek Mine , Cerhan James R
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The Mayo Clinic Biobank was established to provide a large group of patients from which comparison groups (ie, controls) could be selected for case–control studies, to create a prospective cohort with sufficient power for common outcomes and to support electronic health record (EHR) studies.

Participants

A total of 56 862 participants enrolled (21% response rate) into the Mayo Clinic Biobank from Rochester, Minnesota (77%, n=43 836), Jacksonville, Florida (18%, n=10 368) and La Crosse, Wisconsin (5%, n=2658). Participants were all Mayo Clinic patients, 18 years of age or older and US residents.

Findings to date

Overall, 43% of participants were 65 years of age or older and female participants were more frequent (59%) than males at all sites. Most participants resided in the Upper Midwest regions of the USA (Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois or Wisconsin), Florida or Georgia. Self-reported race among Biobank participants was 90% white. Here we provide examples of the types of studies that have successfully utilised the resource, including (1) investigations of the population itself, (2) provision of controls for case–control studies, (3) genotype-driven research, (4) EHR-based research and (5) prospective recruitment to other studies. Over 270 projects have been approved to date to access Biobank data and/or samples; over 200 000 sample aliquots have been approved for distribution.

Future plans

The data and samples in the Mayo Clinic Biobank can be used for various types of epidemiological and clinical studies, especially in the setting of case–control studies for which the Biobank samples serve as control samples. We are planning cohort studies with additional follow-up and acquisition of genetic information on a large scale.
Does occupational therapy delay or reduce the proportion of patients that receives thumb carpometacarpal joint surgery? A multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gravås Else Marit Holen , Østerås Nina , Nossum Randi , Eide Ruth Else Mehl , Klokkeide Åse , Matre Karin Hoegh , Olsen Monika , Andreassen Oyvor , Haugen Ida K , Tveter Anne Therese , Kjeken Ingvild
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To evaluate whether occupational therapy, provided in the period between referral and surgical consultation, might delay or reduce the need of surgery in thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) osteoarthritis and to explore predictors for CMCJ surgery.

Methods

This multicentre randomised controlled trial included patients referred for surgical consultation due to CMCJ osteoarthritis. An occupational therapy group received hand osteoarthritis education, assistive devices, CMCJ orthoses and exercises. A control group received only hand osteoarthritis information. Primary outcome was the proportion of patients that had received CMCJ surgery after 2 years. We examined the primary outcome and predictors for surgery with regression models, and time to surgery with the log-rank test and cox regression analyses.

Results

Of 221 patients screened for eligibility, 180 were randomised. Information on the primary outcome was collected from medical records for all included patients. Surgery was performed on 22 patients (24%) that had received occupational therapy and 29 (32%) control patients (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.21; p=0.14). Median time to surgery was 350 days (IQR 210–540) in the occupational therapy group and 296 days (IQR 188–428) in the control group (p=0.13). Previous non-pharmacological treatment (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.14 to 6.50) and higher motivation for surgery (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.43) were significant predictors for CMCJ surgery.

Conclusions

Occupational therapy showed a small non-significant tendency to delay and reduce the need for surgery in CMCJ osteoarthritis. Previous non-pharmacological treatment and higher motivation for surgery were significant predictors for surgery.
Evaluation of induced trench twin culverts constructed in deep fill
Authors: Bryden Campbell , Arjomandi Kaveh , Valsangkar Arun
Published: November 2019

When culverts are installed beneath high embankments, earth loads become excessive and the induced trench construction method is a viable design option to reduce the culvert loads to acceptable levels. However, limited field studies evaluating the performance of induced trench twin culverts are reported in the literature and the practicality and effectiveness of the induced trench construction method (in general) has been subject to recent criticism. This paper describes the performance of twin 3048 mm inside-diameter reinforced concrete culverts constructed with an induced trench beneath 15.3 m of fill. Research instruments and autonomous data acquisition systems were installed during construction to monitor (i) culvert earth pressures, (ii) embankment deformations, and (iii) groundwater elevations in the vicinity of the compressible fill. The experimental observations recorded throughout the construction phase are presented herein; the embankment deformations are indicative of effective positive arching within the induced trench region, and the average earth pressure at the culvert crown was reduced to approximately 48% of the overburden soil pressure. The experimental data are compared with those reported in the literature by others, and the conclusions attained from this study demonstrate the effectiveness of the induced trench construction method.
Reactions of eastern Canada oat genotypes to Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae
Authors: Xue Allen G. , Menzies Jim , Chen Yuanhong , Yan Weikai , Ma Bao-luo , Guo Wei , Gao Fen , Liu Jinghui , Ren Changzhong
Published: November 2019

Crown rust, caused by Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae (Pca), is the most important disease and yield limiting factor of oat production in eastern Canada. In this study 101 oat genotypes composed of 51 cultivars and 50 breeding lines from eight oat breeding programs across Canada were evaluated for seedling reactions to six common Pca races, as well as reactions to a bulk inoculum of Pca in greenhouse trials and for adult plant resistance (APR) to natural populations of Pca in field trials in 2014 and 2015. Sixty-six genotypes showed resistant reactions to at least one of the six races; of these, 22 were resistant to all six races. These 22 genotypes also showed resistance to the bulk inoculum at the seeding stage and to the natural populations of Pca at the adult plant stage, suggesting that these current and future oat varieties have effective resistance against the common races and Pca populations in the region. Eleven genotypes, including 12ANS03, AAC Bullet, CFA1213, CFA1306, Idaho, OA1301-1w-3, OA1369-5, OA1370-2, OA1371-2, OA1383-2, and Oscar, were susceptible as seedlings but resistant as adult plants. APR is proven to be long lasting and provides broad-spectrum resistance to Pca populations. The 11 oat genotypes identified with APR in the present study are more desirable as sources of resistance for breeding programs developing durable crown rust resistant cultivars for eastern Canada.
Genotypic variation for phenolic compounds in developing and whole seeds, and storage conditions influence visual seed quality of yellow dry bean genotypes
Authors: Xiong Mei , Zhao Mengli , Lu Zhen-Xiang , Balasubramanian Parthiba
Published: November 2019

Seed coat colour is an important determinant of the visual quality of dry beans, as seeds are sold as a dry commodity. Phenolic compounds have a major effect on the colour of bean seeds. The objectives of the study were to determine the changes in phenolic compounds during seed development and in whole seeds of yellow bean genotypes with contrasting seed coat colour, and the effects of storage temperature and duration on seed phenolics and colour. Condensed tannin, phenolic acid, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity were observed as early as 10 d after flowering in the developing seeds of Arikara Yellow, which darken at harvest and during postharvest storage. In contrast, for CDC Sol and AAC Y073 seeds which remain yellow, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were consistently low. Seed brightness (L*) and yellow colour (b*) were negatively correlated with phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity, and conversely seed redness (a*) was positively correlated with phenolic compounds, confirming a negative influence of phenolic compounds on seed coat colour. Yellow bean genotypes had low anthocyanin but were high in β-carotene. Storage temperature influenced condensed tannin and seed coat colour, whereas the duration of storage influenced phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and seed coat colour. Higher temperatures (20 or 30 °C) and longer storage duration (120 or 180 d) generally resulted in darker seeds with increasing redness compared with seeds stored at 6 °C or for 60 d. AAC Y073 and CDC Sol with improved seed coat colour may increase consumer preference, value, and marketability of yellow beans.
Recent advances in unmanned aerial vehicles real-time trajectory planning
Authors: Allaire François Charles Joseph , Labonté Gilles , Tarbouchi Mohammed , Roberge Vincent
Published: November 2019

The growing interest in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) can be attributed to many factors, particularly the potential for them to operate beyond visual line of sight and at increasingly higher levels of autonomy. Trajectory planning defines the extent to which a vehicle is “autonomous”, therefore, to operate at high levels of autonomy, UAV will require real-time embedded trajectory planning that respects a minimum of flyability. This paper presents a review of recent advances in UAV trajectory planning and seeks to clarify the flyability, the real-time, and the embedded aspects, which are not adequately considered by previous survey papers. This work, which specifically focuses on Class II (≥150 and ≤600 kg) and Class III (>600 kg) fixed-wing UAV, analyses 60 papers from the last decade that mention some real-time achievement with respect to UAV trajectory planning. From this analysis, we highlight some challenges and some suggested orientations for future works.
Electromagnetic form factor of Ds∗ meson from Nf = 2 twisted mass lattice QCD
Authors: Li Ning , Wu Ya-Jie
Published: November 2019

We investigate the electromagnetic form factor of [Formula: see text] meson using [Formula: see text] twisted mass lattice quantum chromodynamics gauge configurations. The numerical simulations are carried out under twisted boundary conditions which are helpful to increase the resolution in momentum space. We determine electromagnetic form factors with more small four-momentum transfer, and further fit the charge radius for [Formula: see text] meson.
Effect of S-vacancy on the oxidation state of Ce in monolayer SnS2
Authors: Liu Yaming , Hu Bo , Kong Dechuan , Wang Jianye , Li Yongfeng , Su Jianxiu , Xia Congxin
Published: November 2019

Outstanding performance in lithium-ion-battery (LIB) of Ce-doped SnS2 nanostructure is attributed to Ce[Formula: see text]. Based on DFT, the stability, electronic and magnetic properties of Ce-doped defective/pristine SnS2 monolayer are calculated. Comparing different doping configurations with/without S-vacancy, the 2Ce atoms locating near S-vacancy (V[Formula: see text]) in SnS2 monolayer is the most stable configuration. The two localized Ce_4[Formula: see text] electrons contribute to the ferromagnetic state of this compound, and confirms the Ce[Formula: see text] not the common Ce[Formula: see text] oxidation state, i.e., 2Ce[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]2SnS[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]S(or[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]V[Formula: see text])[Formula: see text]=[Formula: see text]Ce[Formula: see text]S3[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]2Sn. Larger ionic radius may offer more lattice space for Li[Formula: see text] and coincide with present experimental report. This work clarified the positive effect of intrinsic defect in SnS2 monolayer and will stimulate further experimental and theoretical investigations in this field.
Investigation of the photovoltaic performance of n-Zno/n-CdS/p-Cu2ZnSnS4 solar cell
Authors: Zou Xin-Yao
Published: November 2019

The semiconducting thin film solar cell based on Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) materials is considered as a promising candidate for very large-scale application due to high absorption coefficient and low cost. In this study, the performances of n-ZnO/n-CdS/p-CZTS solar cells were numerically simulated using the AFORS-HET software. The influences of double-graded bandgap and thickness of CZTS layer on the performances of the solar cell were investigated. The calculated results show that double-graded bandgap structure can greatly optimize the conversion efficiency of CZTS thin film solar cell. The optimal dual gradient structure is 1.4 eV-1.3 eV-1.5 eV, the optimal thickness ratio is 11:1, and the conversion efficiency could be 26.63%. The results of this study can serve as a guide in fabricating CZTS solar cell.
Synthesis and characterization of NaAlSi2O6 jadeite doped with different metallic oxides under high pressure and high temperature
Authors: Zhao Liang , Ma Hongan , Fang Chao , Ding Luyao , Liu Baomin , Jia Xiaopeng
Published: November 2019

According to the mineral composition [Formula: see text] of jadeite, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with a molar ratio of 1:1 were selected as raw materials. One sample was undoped, and five samples were mixed with 0.4 wt.% [Formula: see text], MnO, CoO, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. The experimental studies were executed under the synthetic condition of 5 GPa pressure and [Formula: see text] temperature using China-type large volume cubic high-pressure apparatus (CHPA) (SPD-6X1200). After the experiment, compositions of the synthetic jadeites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, microstructures characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), molecular vibration types investigated by Raman spectra. The color-causing ion of the synthetic jadeites was investigated by UV–Vis Spectra. The results show that the synthetic jadeites have excellent crystallinity and fine-grained texture and similar structural behavior with natural jadeite. UV–Vis Spectra indicated that different colors of samples have different ion absorption peaks, thus showing different colors. This experiment explored the geological conditions of synthetic jadeite by means of high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) to give a favorable experimental basis for synthetic jadeite and analyze the coloration mechanism of jadeite by way of ion-doping.
Property-Liability Insurers’ Discretionary and Nondiscretionary Loss Reserve Error: Relation with Investor Sentiment
Authors: Sun Fang , Wei Xiangjing
Published: November 2019

We examine whether investor sentiment is associated with loss reserve estimates of property-liability (P/L) insurers. Using the Michigan Consumer Confidence Index as a proxy for sentiment, we find that the level of investor sentiment is negatively associated with discretionary component of loss reserve error. In contrast, our evidence does not suggest a similar relationship hold for investor sentiment and nondiscretionary loss reserve error. Further analysis indicates that stock insurers are more sensitive to investor sentiment than mutual insurers, in terms of discretionary component of loss reserves. The results are consistent with our hypothesis that P/L insurers cater to investors’ optimism (pessimism), driven by investor sentiment, via discretionary loss reserve claims. For robust test, we also measure investor sentiment by using two alternative proxies: the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, and the index in the stock market developed by Baker and Wurgler (2006, 2007). The results are consistent. Our study discovers a new rationale for why insurers may use discretion over their loss reserves.
Hidden Gibbs measures on shift spaces over countable alphabets
Authors: Iommi Godofredo , Lacalle Camilo , Yayama Yuki
Published: November 2019

We study the thermodynamic formalism for particular types of sub-additive sequences on a class of subshifts over countable alphabets. The subshifts we consider include factors of irreducible countable Markov shifts under certain conditions, which we call irreducible countable sofic shifts. We show the variational principle for topological pressure for some sub-additive sequences with tempered variation on irreducible countable sofic shifts. We also study conditions for the existence and uniqueness of invariant ergodic Gibbs measures and the uniqueness of equilibrium states. Applications are given to some dimension problems and study of factors of (generalized) Gibbs measures on certain subshifts over countable alphabets.
(Hydr)oxo-bridged heme complexes: From structure to reactivity
Authors: Carrasco Maria C. , Hematian Shabnam
Published: November 2019

Iron–porphyrins ([Formula: see text] hemes) are present throughout the biosphere and perform a wide range of functions, particularly those that involve complex multiple-electron redox processes. Some common heme enzymes involved in these processes include cytochrome P450, heme/copper oxidase or heme/non-heme diiron nitric oxide reductase. Consequently, the (hydr)oxo-bridged heme species have been studied for the important roles that they play in many life processes or for their application for catalysis and preparation of new functional materials. This review encompasses important synthetic, structural and reactivity aspects of the (hydr)oxo-bridged heme constructs that govern their function and application. The properties and reactivity of the bridging (hydr)oxo moieties are directly dictated by the coordination environment of the heme core, the nature and ligation of the second metal center attached to the (hydr)oxo group, the presence or absence of a linker, and the degree of flexibility around that linker within the scaffold. Here, we summarize the structural features of all known (hydr)oxo-bridged heme constructs and use those to categorize and thus, provide a more comprehensive picture of structure–function relationships.
Unsymmetrical phthalocyanines containing azo moiety; Synthesis and photophysical properties
Authors: Özkan Garip Ebru , Özçeşmeci Mukaddes , Katırcı Ramazan , Özçeşmeci İbrahim , Hamuryudan Esin
Published: November 2019

Unsymmetrical metal-free phthalocyanine was synthesized through cyclotetramerization of 4-[2,6-dimethyl-4-(4-tert-butyl-phenylazo)phenoxy]phthalonitrile and 4-(hexylthio)phthalonitrile in the presence of lithium in [Formula: see text]-pentanol, then metal-free phthalocyanine was obtained by acidification with acetic acid. Finally, metalation was achieved by refluxing metal-free phthalocyanine in [Formula: see text]-pentanol in the presence of zinc (II) salt. The structure of synthesized phthalocyanine derivatives were characterized by using proton nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The HOMO–LUMO energies were computed using density functional theory. The HOMO–LUMO energy difference is 2.28 eV. The calculated results were consistent with the experimental data. In addition, aggregation behaviors and general trends for photophysical properties of these phthalocyanine derivatives were studied in tetrahydrofuran. The emission intensities of these phthalocyanine derivatives were strongly quenched by 1,4-benzoquinone in tetrahydrofuran.
IT’S ALL IN THE MIX: HOW USER-DESIGNED PRODUCTS AND COMPANY-DESIGNED PRODUCTS CAN PEACEFULLY COEXIST
Authors: SCHULZ MICHAEL , VÖLCKNER FRANZISKA
Published: November 2019

Across industries, companies operate open innovation platforms that encourage users to share ideas and become product designers. Likewise, companies explicitly promote products based on user ideas as “user-designed” (e.g., McDonald’s MyBurger, LEGO Ideas). This paper introduces and empirically investigates two managerially relevant factors that can influence the effect of user-designed products on consumers’ reactions. Specifically, Studies 1a and 1b reveal an inverted U-shaped relationship between the share of user-designed products in a company’s product portfolio and consumers’ purchase intentions, which is mediated by consumers’ perceptions of the company’s innovation ability. Study 2 examines the role of the market entry strategy for user-designed products. While the inverted U-shaped effect holds for followers, the relationship between the share of user-designed products and consumers’ purchase intentions becomes U-shaped for first movers. These results suggest that user-designed products can have unexpected consequences that managers need to be aware of and consider in their actions.
Temperature Effects on Mobile Charges in Extension of Composite Fibers of Piezoelectric Dielectrics and Non-Piezoelectric Semiconductors
Authors: Cheng Ruoran , Zhang Chunli , Chen Weiqiu , Yang Jiashi
Published: November 2019

We study the redistribution of mobile charge carriers in a composite fiber of piezoelectric dielectrics and non-piezoelectric semiconductors in extensional deformation under a uniform temperature change. The macroscopic theory of piezoelectricity and the drift-diffusion theory of semiconductor are used, coupled by doping and mobile charges. A one-dimensional model for extension is developed. Through a theoretical analysis, it is shown that under a temperature change the mobile charges in the semiconductor redistribute themselves under the polarization and electric field produced through thermoelastic, pyroelectric and piezoelectric effects. The results suggest the possibility of using composite structures for thermally manipulating mobile charges in semiconductors and have potential applications in piezotronics.
Cost of external financing of SMEs: A study of a developing country
Authors: Ali Md. Rostam , Ahmed Rustom Ali , Islam Md. Ashikul
Published: November 2019

This study has attempted to calculate the actual cost of the fund of SMEs by considering the fund from institutional and non-institutional sources. For this study, some financial tools, techniques, two samples mean comparison test and ANOVA test have been used to analyze the cross-sectional primary data. The study has found that the average actual cost of the fund from institutional sources, non-institutional sources (without trade credit) and trade credit are 15.52%, 32.11% and 40%, respectively. The cost of the external financing of small enterprises is higher than the medium enterprises and this cost in manufacturing sectors is higher than the service/trade sectors. Again, this cost in rural region is higher than the urban region but it is not statistically significant. The average cost of external financing of SMEs is about 29% which is really high to conduct a business properly.
Adaptation of lung, chest wall, and respiratory muscles during pregnancy: preparing for birth
Authors: LoMauro Antonella , Aliverti Andrea , Frykholm Peter , Alberico Daniela , Persico Nicola , Boschetti Giulia , DeBellis Michela , Briganti Federica , Nosotti Mario , Righi Ilaria
Published: November 2019

A plethora of physiological and biochemical changes occur during normal pregnancy. The changes in the respiratory system have not been as well elucidated, in part because radioimaging is usually avoided during pregnancy. We aimed to use several noninvasive methods to characterize the adaptation of the respiratory system during the full course of pregnancy in preparation for childbirth. Eighteen otherwise healthy women (32.3 ± 2.8 yr) were recruited during early pregnancy. Spirometry, optoelectronic plethysmography, and ultrasonography were used to study changes in chest wall geometry, breathing pattern, lung and thoraco-abdominal volume variations, and diaphragmatic thickness in the first, second, and third trimesters. A group of nonpregnant women were used as control subjects. During the course of pregnancy, we observed a reorganization of rib cage geometry, in shape but not in volume. Despite the growing uterus, there was no lung restriction (forced vital capacity: 101 ± 15% predicted), but we did observe reduced rib cage expansion. Breathing frequency and diaphragmatic contribution to tidal volume and inspiratory capacity increased. Diaphragm thickness was maintained (1st trimester: 2.7 ± 0.8 mm, 3rd trimester: 2.5 ± 0.9 mm; P = 0.187), possibly indicating a conditioning effect to compensate for the effects of the growing uterus. We conclude that pregnancy preserved lung volumes, abdominal muscles, and the diaphragm at the expense of rib cage muscles.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Noninvasive analysis of the kinematics of the chest wall and the diaphragm during resting conditions in pregnant women revealed significant changes in the pattern of thoracoabdominal breathing across the trimesters. That is, concomitant with the progressive changes of chest wall shape, the diaphragm increased its contribution to both spontaneous and maximal breathing, maintaining its thickness despite its lengthening due to the growing uterus. These results suggest that during pregnancy the diaphragm is conditioned to optimize its active role provided during parturition.
Automated CT-derived skeletal muscle mass determination in lower hind limbs of mice using a 3D U-Net deep learning network
Authors: van der Heyden Brent , van de Worp Wouter R. P. H. , van Helvoort Ardy , Theys Jan , Schols Annemie M. W. J. , Langen Ramon C. J. , Verhaegen Frank
Published: November 2019

The loss of skeletal muscle mass is recognized as a complication of several chronic diseases and is associated with increased mortality and a decreased quality of life. Relevant and reliable animal models in which muscle wasting can be monitored noninvasively over time are instrumental to investigate and develop new therapies. In this work, we developed a fully automatic deep learning algorithm for segmentation of micro cone beam computed tomography images of the lower limb muscle complex in mice and subsequent muscle mass calculation. A deep learning algorithm was trained on manually segmented data from 32 mice. Muscle wet mass measurements were obtained from 47 mice and served as a data set for model validation and reverse model validation. The automatic algorithm performance was ~150 times faster than manual segmentation. Reverse validation of the algorithm showed high quantitative metrics (i.e., a Dice similarity coefficient of 0.93, a Hausdorff distance of 0.4 mm, and a center of mass displacement of 0.1 mm), substantiating the robustness and accuracy of the model. A high correlation ( R2 = 0.92) was obtained between the computed tomography-derived muscle mass measurements and the muscle wet masses. Longitudinal follow-up revealed time-dependent changes in muscle mass that separated control from lung tumor-bearing mice, which was confirmed as cachexia. In conclusion, this deep learning model for automated assessment of the lower limb muscle complex provides highly accurate noninvasive longitudinal evaluation of skeletal muscle mass. Furthermore, it facilitates the workflow and increases the amount of data derived from mouse studies while reducing the animal numbers.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This deep learning application enables highly accurate noninvasive longitudinal evaluation of skeletal muscle mass changes in mice with minimal requirement for operator involvement in the data analysis. It provides a unique opportunity to increase and analyze the amount of data derived from animal studies automatically while reducing animal numbers and analytical workload.
A Solid Dispersion of Quercetin Shows Enhanced Nrf2 Activation and Protective Effects against Oxidative Injury in a Mouse Model of Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Shao Yan , Yu Haitao , Yang Yan , Li Min , Hang Li , Xu Xinrong
Published: November 2019

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) represents a major reason for blindness in the elderly population. Oxidative stress is a predominant factor in the pathology of AMD. We previously evaluated the effects of phospholipid complex of quercetin (Q-PC) on oxidative injury in ARPE-19 cells, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Herein, the solid dispersion of quercetin-PC (Q-SD) was prepared with solubility being 235.54 μg/mL in water and 2.3×104 μg/mL in chloroform, which were significantly higher than that of quercetin (QT) and Q-PC. Q-SD also exhibited a considerably higher dissolution rate than QT and Q-PC. Additionally, Q-SD had Cmax of 4.143 μg/mL and AUC of 12.015 μg·h/mL in rats, suggesting better bioavailability than QT and Q-PC. Then, a mouse model of dry AMD (Nrf2 wild-type (WT) and Nrf2 knockout (KO)) was established for evaluating the effects of Q-SD in vivo. Q-SD more potently reduced retinal pigment epithelium sediments and Bruch’s membrane thickness than QT and Q-PC at 200 mg/kg in Nrf2 WT mice and did not work in Nrf2 KO mice at the same dosage. Additionally, Q-SD significantly decreased ROS and MDA contents and restored SOD, GSH-PX, and CAT activities of serum and retinal tissues in Nrf2 WT mice, but not in Nrf2 KO mice. Furthermore, Q-SD more potently increased Nrf2 mRNA expression and stimulated its nuclear translocation in retinal tissues of Nrf2 WT mice. Q-SD significantly increased the expression of Nrf2 target genes HO-1, HQO-1, and GCL of retinal tissues in Nrf2 WT mice, not in Nrf2 KO mice. Altogether, Q-SD had improved physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties compared to QT and Q-PC and exhibited more potent protective effects on retina oxidative injury in vivo. These effects were associated with activation of Nrf2 signaling and upregulation of antioxidant enzymes.
Modified Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Lengthening by Triple Hemisection for Achilles Tendon Contracture
Authors: Lin Yangjing , Cao Jin , Zhang Changgui , Yang Liu , Duan Xiaojun
Published: November 2019

Background.Both percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening by triple hemisection and the traditional open Z-lengthening are effective methods for Achilles tendon contracture. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this new therapeutic method, which is based on the percutaneous sliding technique with three hemi-cuts in the tendon, as compared with the traditional open Z-lengthening.Methods.Retrospective analysis of the Achilles tendon contracture cases in our hospital between January 2010 and September 2016 was conducted. Twenty-five cases received percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening (group A), and 30 patients who underwent open Z-lengthening during the same period were in the control group (group B). Operative time and hospital stay were statistically analyzed. Incision complication, equinus recurrence rate and Achilles tendon rupture morbidity were recorded. The function was assessed by American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. All cases in group A received Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of ankle preoperatively and in the follow-ups.Results.The mean follow-up period was 42.04 months in group A and 61.7 months in group B. The entire operative time and the mean hospitalization days were lower in group A than in group B. No incision and infection complication occurred in group A. The infection rate in group B was 3.3%. Equinus recurrence rate was 4% in group A and the equinus recurrence rate in group B was 21.4%. In group A, the mean AOFAS score increased from 64 ± 10.16 points preoperatively to 96.08 ± 3.17 at final follow-up, while the score in group B increased from 63.48 ± 6.2 points to 85.4 ± 10.3. MRI showed continuity of the Achilles tendon and homogeneous signal in group A.Conclusion.Modified surgery can significantly reduce the risk of Achilles tendon rupture, provide better balance in soft tissue strength between ankle dorsiflexion and ankle plantarflexion, helping to avoid recurrence of the deformity.
Evaluation of a Cold-Mixed High-Performance Polyurethane Mixture
Authors: Min Sun , Bi Yufeng , Zheng Mulian , Chen Sai , Li Jingjing
Published: November 2019

The energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission of asphalt pavement have become a very serious global problem. The high-temperature stability and durability of polyurethane (PU) are very good. It is studied as an alternative binder for asphalt recently. However, the strength-forming mechanism and the mixture structure of the PU mixture are different from the asphalt mixture. This work explored the design and performance evaluation of the PU mixture. The PU content of mixtures was determined by the creep slope (K), tensile strength ratios (TSR), immersion Cantabro loss (ICL), and the volume of air voids (VV) to ensure better water stability. The high- and low-temperature stability, water stability, dynamic mechanical property, and sustainability of the PU mixture were evaluated and compared with those of the stone matrix asphalt mixture (SMA). The test results showed that the dynamic stability and bending strain of the PU mixture were about 7.5 and 2.3 times of SMA. The adhesion level of PU and the basalt aggregate was one level greater than the limestone, and basalt aggregates were proposed to use in the PU mixture to improve water stability. Although the initial TSR and ICL of PU mixture were lower, the long-term values were higher; the PUM had better long-term water damage resistance. The dynamic modulus and phase angles (φ) of the PU mixture were much higher. The energy consumption and CO2 emission of the PU mixture were lower than those of SMA. Therefore, the cold-mixed PU mixture is a sustainable material with excellent performance and can be used as a substitute for asphalt mixture.
Cell Ratio Differences in Peripheral Blood between Early- and Late-Onset Parkinson’s Disease: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Jiang Sen , Wang Yuling , Gao Hua , Luo Qin , Wang Dan , Li Yanxia , Yong Yuxuan , Yang Xinling
Published: November 2019

Objectives. To explore the differences of immune disorders in peripheral blood between patients with early-onset Parkinson’s disease (EOPD) and late-onset Parkinson’s disease (LOPD).Methods. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients and healthy controls between June 2002 and July 2017. At last, we included 117 PD patients who were divided into EOPD and LOPD according to whether onset age of PD was after 50 and 99 controls divided into E-Control (match for EOPD) and L-Control (match for LOPD) according to whether their age was after 53 which was onset age plus median of disease duration. We compared the ratios of cells between multiple groups and performed the multinominal logistic regression analysis to explore the relationship between ratios and subtypes of PD. We also carried out the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to estimate the diagnostic value of the variable.Results. Lymphocyte-red blood cell ratio (LRR) was lower in LOPD compared with that in EOPD or L-Control. LRR was also negatively associated with LOPD (OR: 0.623; 95% CI: 0.397–0.980;P=0.040). The ROC curve analysis showed the optimal cutoff value of 4.53 (×10−4) of LRR for discrimination of LOPD versus L-Control (sensitivity: 0.596, specificity: 0.764). The area under curve (AUC) was 0.721. As for LOPD versus EOPD, the optimal threshold of LRR was 4.10 (×10−4) (sensitivity: 0.516, specificity: 0.745). AUC was 0.641.Conclusions. Peripheral immune disorders might play an important part in the pathological progression of LOPD. Also, LRR has potential diagnostic value.
An Aircraft Pallet Damage Monitoring Method Based on Damage Subarea Identification and Probability-Based Diagnostic Imaging
Authors: Liu Bin , Liu Tingzhang , Lin Yue , Zhao Jianfei
Published: November 2019

To improve the safety and economy of aircraft pallet use, an aircraft pallet damage monitoring method based on damage subarea identification and probability-based diagnostic imaging is proposed. In the proposed method, first, the large aircraft pallet monitoring area is divided into rectangular subareas, and a piezoelectric transducer sensor is pasted on each vertex of the rectangular subarea that is used to excitation and sensing the Lamb wave. Second, the damage subarea is identified according to the diagonal damage indexes. Third, the damage position in the damage subarea is calculated using the probability-based diagnostic imaging method and coordinate probability weighted algorithm. Finally, the aircraft pallet damage can be localized based on the damage subarea position. Frequency selection and damage simulation study results show that the Lamb wave is sensitive to aircraft pallet damage whose centre frequency ranges from 50 kHz to 150 kHz, and the damage index of a steel ball is less than that of all real aircraft pallet damage from 95 kHz to 125 kHz. The verification results show that the proposed method can locate aircraft pallet damage with an error of less than 2 cm.
Prevalence and Genetic Identification of Three Entamoeba Species in Pigs in Southeastern China
Authors: Ji Ting , Cao Hao-Xuan , Wu Ran , Cui Lin-Lin , Su Guo-Ming , Niu Chang , Zhang Ning , Wang Shou-Kun , Zhou Dong-Hui
Published: November 2019

Parasitic Entamoeba spp. can infect many classes of vertebrates including humans and pigs. Entamoeba suis and zoonotic Entamoeba polecki have been identified in pigs, and swine are implicated as potential reservoirs for Entamoeba histolytica. However, the prevalence of Entamoeba spp. in pigs in southeastern China has not been reported. In this study, 668 fecal samples collected from 6 different regions in Fujian Province, southeastern China, were analyzed to identify three Entamoeba species by nested PCR and sequencing analysis. The overall prevalence of Entamoeba spp. was 55.4% (370/668; 95% CI 51.6% to 59.2%), and the infection rate of E. polecki ST1 was the highest (302/668; 45.2%, 95% CI 41.4% to 49.0%), followed by E. polecki ST3 (228/668; 34.1%, 95% CI 30.5% to 37.7%) and E. suis (87/668; 13.0%, 95% CI 10.5% to 15.6%). E. histolytica was not detected in any samples. Moreover, the coinfection rate of E. polecki ST1 and ST3 was 25.1% (168/668; 95% CI 21.9% to 28.4%), the coinfection rate of E. polecki ST1 and E. suis was 3.7% (25/668; 95% CI 2.3% to 5.2%), the coinfection rate of E. polecki ST3 and E. suis was 0.3% (2/668), and the coinfection rate of E. polecki ST1, E. polecki ST3, and E. suis was 4.0% (27/668; 95% CI 2.5% to 5.5%). A representative sequence (MK347346) was identical to the sequence of E. suis (DQ286372). Two subtype-specific sequences (MK357717 and MK347347) were almost identical to the sequences of E. polecki ST1 (FR686383) and ST3 (AJ566411), respectively. This is the first study to survey the occurrence and to conduct molecular identification of three Entamoeba species in southeastern China. This is the first report regarding mixed infections with E. suis, E. polecki ST1, and E. polecki ST3 in China. More research studies are needed to better understand the transmission and zoonotic potential of Entamoeba spp.
Differential Expression of IFN-γ, IL-10, TLR1, and TLR2 and Their Potential Effects on Downgrading Leprosy Reaction and Erythema Nodosum Leprosum
Authors: Antunes Douglas Eulálio , Goulart Isabela Maria Bernardes , Lima Mayara Ingrid Sousa , Alves Patrícia Terra , Tavares Paula Cristina Brígido , Goulart Luiz Ricardo
Published: November 2019

Leprosy reactions are acute immunological events that occur during the evolution of chronic infectious disease causing neural damage and disabilities. A study using blood samples of 17 leprosy reaction patients and 17 reaction-free was carried out by means of associations between antigens, receptors, and expression of cytokines, using path analysis providing new insights into the immunological mechanisms involved in triggering leprosy reactions. Toll-like receptors (TLR) such as TLR1 and TLR2, presented balanced expression in the reaction-free multibacillary (MB) group (TLR1:1.01±0.23, TLR2:1.22±0.18;p=0.267). On the other hand, downgrading type 1 reaction (T1R) (TLR1:1.24±0.17, TLR2:2.88±0.37;p=0.002) and erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) (TLR1:1.93±0.17, TLR2:2.81±0.15;p=0.004) revealed an unbalance in relation to the expression of these receptors. When the path analysis was approached, it was noted that interleukin 10 (IL-10) expression showed a dependence relation with phenolic glycolipid I (PGL-I) in downgrading T1R (direct effect=0.503>residual effect=0.364), whereas in ENL, such relationship occurred with lipoarabinomannan (LAM) (direct effect=0.778>residual effect=0.280). On the contrary, in the reaction-free leprosy group, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels were dependent on the association between TLR2 and TLR1 (0.8735). The high TLR2 expression associated with IL-10 levels, in the leprosy reaction groups, may be hypothetically related to the formation of TLR2/2 homodimers and/or TLR2/6 heterodimers linked to evasion mechanisms in downgrading reactions and pathophysiology of ENL.
Topology-Based Analysis of OTIS (Swapped) Networks OKn and OPn
Authors: Li Hai-Xia , Ahmad Sarfaraz , Ahmad Iftikhar
Published: November 2019

In the fields of chemical graph theory, topological index is a type of a molecular descriptor that is calculated based on the graph of a chemical compound. In this paper, M-polynomial OKn and OPn networks are computed. The M-polynomial is rich in information about degree-based topological indices. By applying the basic rules of calculus on M-polynomials, the first and second Zagreb indices, modified second Zagreb index, general Randić index, inverse Randić index, symmetric division index, harmonic index, inverse sum index, and augmented Zagreb index are recovered.