bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single group multisite safety trial of sibling cord blood cell infusion to children with cerebral palsy: study protocol and rationale
Authors: Crompton Kylie , Novak Iona , Fahey Michael , Badawi Nadia , Wallace Euan , Lee Katherine , Mechinaud-Heloury Francoise , Colditz Paul B , Elwood Ngaire , Edwards Priya , Reddihough Dinah
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability of childhood but has no cure. Stem cells have the potential to improve brain injury and are proposed as a therapy for CP. However, many questions remain unanswered about the most appropriate cell type, timing of infusions, dose required and associated risks. Therefore, human safety and efficacy trials are necessary to progress knowledge in the field.

Methods and analysis

This is a single group study with sample size n=12 to investigate safety of single-dose intravenous 12/12 human leucocyte antigen-matched sibling cord blood cell infusion to children with CP aged 1–16 years without immune suppression. The study is similar to a 3+3 design, where the first two groups of participants have severe CP, and the final six participants include children with all motor severities. Children will be monitored for adverse events and the duration that donor cells are detected. Assessments at baseline, 3 and 12 months will investigate safety and preliminary evidence of change in gross motor, fine motor, cognitive and quality of life outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

Full approval was obtained from The Royal Children’s Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee, and a clinical trial notification was accepted by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration. Participant guardian informed consent will be obtained before any study procedures. The main results of this study will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12616000403437,NCT03087110.
Effects of priming intermittent theta burst stimulation on upper limb motor recovery after stroke: study protocol for a proof-of-concept randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Jack Jiaqi , Fong Kenneth N K
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), a form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), delivered to the ipsilesional primary motor cortex (M1), appears to enhance the brain’s response to rehabilitative training in patients with stroke. However, its clinical utility is highly subject to variability in different protocols. New evidence has reported that preceding iTBS, with continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) may stabilise and even boost the facilitatory effect of iTBS on the stimulated M1, via metaplasticity. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of iTBS primed with cTBS (ie, priming iTBS), in addition to robot-assisted training (RAT), on the improvement of the hemiparetic upper limb functions of stroke patients and to explore potential sensorimotor neuroplasticity using electroencephalography (EEG).

Methods and analysis

A three-arm, subjects and assessors-blinded, randomised controlled trial will be performed with patients with chronic stroke. An estimated sample of 36 patients will be needed based on the prior sample size calculation. All participants will be randomly allocated to receive 10 sessions of rTMS with different TBS protocols (cTBS+iTBS, sham cTBS+iTBS and sham cTBS+sham iTBS), three to five sessions per week, for 2–3 weeks. All participants will receive 60 min of RAT after each stimulation session. Primary outcomes will be assessed using Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity scores and Action Research Arm Test. Secondary outcomes will be assessed using kinematic outcomes generated during RAT and EEG.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from The Human Subjects Ethics Sub-committee, University Research Committee of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (reference number: HSEARS20190718003). The results yielded from this study will be presented at international conferences and sent to a peer-review journal to be considered for publication.

Trial registration number

NCT04034069.
Exposure and attitudes to adolescent health amongst Paediatric trainees in Northern Ireland: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Mullen Stephen , Shields Michael D , O'Donoghue Dara
Published: March 2020

Aims

To determine the exposure and attitudes of paediatric trainees towards adolescent medicine.

Methods

All paediatric trainees in the Northern Ireland deanery (n=107) were invited to participate in an online survey in March 2016. The questionnaire was based on the ‘Modified Perceptions of Adolescent Issues and Resources: Care of Adolescents’ questionnaire. The questions included a 5-point Likert scale (1-strongly disagree, 5-strongly agree) as well as open questions. All paediatric trainees were invited to attend focus groups to expand on themes generated from the questionnaire.

Results

The response rate for the paediatric survey was 62% (n=66). Trainees identified adolescence as an area of importance similar to paediatrics and neonates; however, knowledge, confidence, skills and previous teaching in adolescent medicine were lower than for neonatal medicine and general paediatrics. Trainees who saw ≥6 adolescent patients per week were more likely to rate the importance of adolescent medicine higher. Trainees’ perceived confidence, knowledge, self-rated skills and prior teaching in adolescent medicine were strongly correlated. Most (70%) respondents stated that they had not attended an adolescent transition clinic during their postgraduate training. Undergraduate and postgraduate teaching for adolescent health was rated poorly.

Conclusions

This project identified a paediatric trainee population that are aware of the importance of adolescent health but with low perceived knowledge, skills and confidence to manage them. Education is required to enhance learning and improve outcomes for adolescent patients.
Severity of oro-dental anomalies in Loeys-Dietz syndrome segregates by gene mutation
Authors: Jani Priyam , Nguyen Quynh C , Almpani Konstantinia , Keyvanfar Cyrus , Mishra Rashmi , Liberton Denise , Orzechowski Pamela , Frischmeyer-Guerrerio Pamela A , Duverger Olivier , Lee Janice S
Published: March 2020

BackgroundLoeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), an autosomal dominant rare connective tissue disorder, has multisystemic manifestations, characterised by vascular tortuosity, aneurysms and craniofacial manifestations. Based on the associated gene mutations along the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) pathway, LDS is presently classified into six subtypes.MethodsWe present the oro-dental features of a cohort of 40 patients with LDS from five subtypes.ResultsThe most common oro-dental manifestations were the presence of a high-arched and narrow palate, and enamel defects. Other common characteristics included bifid uvula, submucous cleft palate, malocclusion, dental crowding and delayed eruption of permanent teeth. Both deciduous and permanent teeth had enamel defects in some individuals. We established a grading system to measure the severity of enamel defects, and we determined that the severity of the enamel anomalies in LDS is subtype-dependent. In specific, patients with TGF-β receptor II mutations (LDS2) presented with the most severe enamel defects, followed by patients with TGF-β receptor I mutations (LDS1). LDS2 patients had higher frequency of oro-dental deformities in general. Across all five subtypes, as well as within each subtype, enamel defects exhibited incomplete penetrance and variable expression, which is not associated with the location of the gene mutations.ConclusionThis study describes, in detail, the oro-dental manifestations in a cohort of LDS, and we conclude that LDS2 has the most severely affected phenotype. This extensive characterisation, as well as some identified distinguishing features can significantly aid dental and medical care providers in the diagnosis and clinical management of patients with this rare connective tissue disorder.
General surgical foundation doctor: optimisation of daily practice
Authors: Feldano Emmanuel , Clark Michael , Ramasubbu Benjamin
Published: March 2020

Introduction

The role of a foundation year 1 (FY1) doctor has evolved over the years. Many doctors report significant anxiety and stress during this period. In this Quality Improvement Project, we looked at the difficulties FY1s face in their working day and if these issues could be resolved by implementing some structural changes.

Methods

The project was conducted in three cycles, each lasting 5 days (Monday to Friday), over three consecutive weeks. Week 1 consisted of shadowing of Surgical FY1s on wards observing daily routine (arrival, lunch and departure time), communication and handovers. Following this a number of interventions were made to the structure of their daily practice to improve productivity and performance. These improvements were measured in week 2 (as the new model was scaffolded into place) and week 3 (strictly observed).

Results

There was no significant difference in number of tasks between week 1, 2 and 3. In week 1, there was no set times for lunch, all of the FY1s lunches were interrupted, there was no structure for handovers and 100% of FY1s stayed at work beyond there contracted hours. In week 2 and 3 there was significant improvement in the number of uninterrupted lunches, amount of time spent beyond contracted hours, number and quality of handovers. The qualitative results collected also suggested positive impact on the working lives of those involved.

Conclusion

The implementation of structural changes improved the quality of FY1s working day and increased the efficiency of service delivered on the surgical ward.
Information geometry of scaling expansions of non-exponentially growing configuration spaces
Authors: Korbel Jan , Hanel Rudolf , Thurner Stefan
Published: March 2020

Many stochastic complex systems are characterized by the fact that their configuration space doesn’t grow exponentially as a function of the degrees of freedom. The use of scaling expansions is a natural way to measure the asymptotic growth of the configuration space volume in terms of the scaling exponents of the system. These scaling exponents can, in turn, be used to define universality classes that uniquely determine the statistics of a system. Every system belongs to one of these classes. Here we derive the information geometry of scaling expansions of sample spaces. In particular, we present the deformed logarithms and the metric in a systematic and coherent way. We observe a phase transition for the curvature. The phase transition can be well measured by the characteristic length r, corresponding to a ball with radius 2r having the same curvature as the statistical manifold. Increasing characteristic length with respect to size of the system is associated with sub-exponential sample space growth which is related to strongly constrained and correlated complex systems. Decreasing of the characteristic length corresponds to super-exponential sample space growth that occurs for example in systems that develop structure as they evolve. Constant curvature means exponential sample space growth that is associated with multinomial statistics, and traditional Boltzmann-Gibbs, or Shannon statistics applies. This allows us to characterize transitions between statistical manifolds corresponding to different families of probability distributions.
Communication Performance Evaluation of the Locally Twisted Cube
Authors: Han Yuejuan , You Lantao , Lin Cheng-Kuan , Fan Jianxi
Published: March 2020

The topology properties of multi-processors interconnection networks are important to the performance of high performance computers. The hypercube network [Formula: see text] has been proved to be one of the most popular interconnection networks. The [Formula: see text]-dimensional locally twisted cube [Formula: see text] is an important variant of [Formula: see text]. Fault diameter and wide diameter are two communication performance evaluation parameters of a network. Let [Formula: see text]), [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] denote the diameter, the [Formula: see text] fault diameter and the wide diameter of [Formula: see text], respectively. In this paper, we prove that [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] is an odd integer with [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] is an even integer with [Formula: see text].
A Decision Support System for Data-Driven Driver-Experience Augmented Vehicle Routing Problem
Authors: Zhao Qitong , Zhou Chenhao , Pedrielli Giulia
Published: March 2020

Logistics delivery companies typically deal with delivery problems that are strictly constrained by time while ensuring optimality of the solution to remain competitive. Often, the companies depend on intuition and experience of the planners and couriers in their daily operations. Therefore, despite the variability-characterizing daily deliveries, the number of vehicles used every day are relatively constant. This motivates us towards reducing the operational variable costs by proposing an efficient heuristic that improves on the clustering and routing phases. In this paper, a decision support system (DSS) and the corresponding clustering and routing methodology are presented, incorporating the driver’s experience, the company’s historical data and Google map’s data. The proposed heuristic performs as well as [Formula: see text]-means algorithm while having other notable advantages. The superiority of the proposed approach has been illustrated through numerical examples.
GPOP
Authors: Lakhotia Kartik , Kannan Rajgopal , Pati Sourav , Prasanna Viktor
Published: March 2020

The past decade has seen the development of many shared-memory graph processing frameworks intended to reduce the effort of developing high-performance parallel applications. However, many of these frameworks, based on Vertex-centric or Edge-centric paradigms suffer from several issues, such as poor cache utilization, irregular memory accesses, heavy use of synchronization primitives, or theoretical inefficiency, that deteriorate over-all performance and scalability.

Recently, we proposed a cache and memory-efficient partition-centric paradigm for computing PageRank [26]. In this article, we generalize this approach to develop a novel Graph Processing Over Parts (GPOP) framework that is cache efficient, scalable, and work efficient. GPOP induces locality in memory accesses by increasing granularity of execution to vertex subsets called “parts,” thereby dramatically improving the cache performance of a variety of graph algorithms. It achieves high scalability by enabling completely lock and atomic free computation. GPOP’s built-in analytical performance model enables it to use a hybrid of source and part-centric communication modes in a way that ensures work efficiency each iteration, while simultaneously boosting high bandwidth sequential memory accesses. Finally, the GPOP framework is designed with programmability in mind. It completely abstracts away underlying parallelism and programming model details from the user and provides an easy to program set of APIs with the ability to selectively continue the active vertex set across iterations. Such functionality is useful for many graph algorithms but not intrinsically supported by the current frameworks.

We extensively evaluate the performance of GPOP for a variety of graph algorithms, using several large datasets. We observe that GPOP incurs up to 9×, 6.8×, and 5.5× less L2 cache misses compared to Ligra, GraphMat, and Galois, respectively. In terms of execution time, GPOP is up to 19×, 9.3×, and 3.6× faster than Ligra, GraphMat, and Galois, respectively.
Long-Term Infliximab Treatment in Psoriasis Patients: A National Multicentre Retrospective Study
Authors: Carlet Clémentine , Bichard Damien , Richard Marie Aleth , Mahé Emmanuel , Saillard Clémence , Brenaut Emilie , Dupuy Alain , Misery Laurent , Villani Axel , Jullien Denis , Puzenat Eve , Nardin Charlée , Aubin François ,   Groupe de Recherche sur le Psoriasis de la Société Française de Dermatologie
Published: March 2020

Background. Although infliximab (IFX) has been available since 2005, there are very little data on the long-term drug survival of infliximab in real-life. Objective. Our aim was to identify and describe psoriasis patients treated with IFX for longer than 6 years. Methods. Psoriasis patients treated with IFX for longer than 6 years were retrospectively included. Demographic and clinical data were collected in May 2018. Results. Between January 2005 and December 2012, 43 patients were maintained on IFX for 6 years or longer. IFX was introduced as a 4.5 line of systemic therapy. The mean duration of IFX treatment was 8.5 years (6–12). In May 2018, 30 patients (70%) were still maintained on IFX at 4–6 mg/kg every 8–10 weeks with an efficiency of about 100%. IFX was stopped in 13 patients (30%) mainly for loss of efficacy in 6 patients (46%). Three patients developed solid cancer including bladder cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. Limitation. Retrospective study. Conclusion. We report the efficacy and safety of IFX maintained for up to 12 years in psoriasis patients. The long-term use of IFX was associated with a high BMI confirming the critical role of weight-based dosing for this drug.
Isoimperatorin Induces Apoptosis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells via the MAPK/ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Jie , He Lan , Hu Jing , Li Kairui , Zhou Fangliang , Hu Mei , Luo Jingjing , Song Lan , He Yingchun
Published: March 2020

Objective. To investigate the effect of isoimperatorin on nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE2 cell apoptosis and the role of the MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway in inducing apoptosis. Methods. Real‐time cellular analysis technology (RTCA) and MTT were used to detect cell proliferation; Annexin V‐FITC/PI dual‐fluorescence flow cytometry analysis, Hoechst 33342 staining, and mitochondrial membrane potential detection kit were used to detect cell apoptosis; western blot was used to detect protein expression. Results. Different concentrations of isoimperatorin (10 μM, 20 μM, 30 μM, and 40 μM) significantly inhibited the nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE2 cell proliferation, and 48 h later, the inhibitory effect of the 40 μM treatment was significantly higher than that of 10 μM and 20 μM. Treatment for 48 h significantly induced nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell apoptosis and resulted in nuclear pyknosis and fragmentation. At the same timepoint, the expression levels of proliferation‐related protein PCNA as well as antiapoptosis proteins XIAP, survivin, and Bcl‐2 were decreased by drug treatment, the expression level of proapoptosis protein Bax was increased, and the expression of the key MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway proteins p‐c‐Raf, p‐MEK, and p‐ERK1/2 of were decreased. After activation of the MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway by isoprenaline hydrochloride (ISO), the efficacy of isoimperatorin to downregulate p‐c‐Raf, p‐MEK, and p‐ERK1/2 expressions in the MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway and proliferation‐related protein PCNA as well as antiapoptosis proteins XIAP, surviving, and Bcl‐2 was reduced compared with that of isoimperatorin alone, the effect of upregulating the proapoptotic protein Bax was reduced, and the apoptosis rate was also decreased. Conclusion. Isoimperatorin can induce nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE2 cell apoptosis through the MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
Wavelet Methods and Adaptive Grids in One-Dimensional Movable Boundary Problems
Authors: Xu Zhiyu , Tan Yonghua , Li Xiaoming
Published: March 2020

Adaptive wavelet collocation methods use wavelet transform and filtering to generate adaptive grids. However, if the boundary moves, the grid becomes aberrant. It baffles wavelet transform and makes the adaptive wavelet methods lose advantages on computational efficiency. This paper develops a series of methods or skills to effectively perform wavelet transform and to generate adaptive grids for one-dimensional movable boundary problems. The methods remain the original inner grid points and keep the grid in the original-nested structure, in order to remain scanty during the whole computing process. For boundary extending, the adaptive wavelet program begins to run on the very new grid beyond the original boundary once it reaches a nested structure, which is called the Intermittent Adaptive Method as a consequence. If the boundary extends tremendously, the new nested grids can be combined to a greater nested grid for further efficiency, which is named the Grid Combine Method. While for boundary contracting, a fictitious boundary is addressed to replace the original boundary that will recede, so wavelet transform can be successfully performed on the original nested grid. Finally, two numerical tests, local features moving and gas gun, were resolved and discussed to show the evolution process of the adaptive grids with the boundaries moving. For boundary contracting, the valid points decrease because the computation domain recedes; while for boundary extending, the valid point numbers vary between a range that almost remains unchanged.
Red Beetroot Extract Abrogates Chlorpyrifos-Induced Cortical Damage in Rats
Authors: Albasher Gadah , Alsaleh Asma S. , Alkubaisi Nourah , Alfarraj Saleh , Alkahtani Saad , Farhood Manal , Alotibi Nouf , Almeer Rafa
Published: March 2020

Organophosphorus insecticides including chlorpyrifos (CPF) are mainly used for agriculture, household, and military purposes; their application is associated with various adverse reactions in animals and humans. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential neuroprotective effect of red beetroot methanolic extract (RBR) against CPF-induced cortical damage. Twenty-eight adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups (n=7in each group): the control group was administered physiological saline (0.9% NaCl), the CPF group was administered CPF (10 mg/kg), the RBR group was administered RBR (300 mg/kg), and the RBR+CPF group was treated with RBR (300 mg/kg) 1 hr before CPF (10 mg/kg) supplementation. All groups were treated for 28 days. Rats exposed to CPF exhibited a significant decrease in cortical acetylcholinesterase activity and brain-derived neurotrophic factor and a decrease in glial fibrillary acidic protein. CPF intoxication increased lipid peroxidation, inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, and nitric oxide production. This was accompanied by a decrease in glutathione content and in the activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in the cortical tissue. Additionally, CPF enhanced inflammatory response, indicated by increased levels and expression of interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α. CPF triggered neuronal apoptosis by upregulating Bax and caspase-3 and downregulating Bcl-2. However, RBR reversed the induced neuronal alterations following CPF intoxication. Our findings suggest that RBR can minimize and prevent CPF neurotoxicity through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities.
Energy Balance Approach to Study the Role of Perspiration in Heat Distribution of Human Skin
Authors: Mir Aijaz , Almanjahie Ibrahim M. , Dar Javid Gani
Published: March 2020

This paper develops a model to identify the role of perspiration in temperature distribution of human skin. The model has been solved by using the energy balance equation on the surface of human skin. The role played by thermal conductance, convection, and heat radiation during heat transfer in human skin has been considered, and the relevant laws such as Fourier law for conduction, Newton’s Law for convection, and Stefan–Boltzmann’s law for radiation have been used in the model. Pennes’ bioheat equation has been employed to estimate the heat flow in the dermal region of skin including subcutaneous tissue.
Effect of Moxibustion on Hyperhomocysteinemia and Oxidative Stress Induced by High‐Methionine Diet
Authors: Wang Hao , Ha Lue , Hui Xin , Lin Yao , He Rui , Baixiao Zhao
Published: March 2020

Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of moxibustion on the animal model of oxidative stress and cardiovascular injury induced by high‐methionine diet (2% methionine and 3.5% fat on the basis of ordinary maintenance feed) during 12 weeks. Methods. 53 mice were divided into four groups: mice in the Control group (n = 8), mice in the Met group (n = 15), mice in the Met + Moxibustion group (n = 15), and mice in the Met + Smoke group (n = 15). After 12 weeks of intervention, homocysteine (Hcy), S‐adenosine homocysteine (SAH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), oxygenized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) were determined in the serum and aortic homogenate. Results. Compared with the Met group, our results indicated that through moxibustion intervention, the content of serum Hcy and its intermediate metabolite SAH can be reduced to a certain extent, and SOD, HO‐1, and ox‐LDL can be increased. Conclusion. This study showed moxibustion’s ability to enhance the body’s antioxidation and protect vascular endothelial function, thus playing an early role in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
Laser Treatment for Melanin Gingival Pigmentations: A Comparison Study for 3 Laser Wavelengths 2780, 940, and 445 nm
Authors: Taher Agha Manaf , Polenik Pavel
Published: March 2020

The normal appearance of the gingiva is pink to light red, and this appearance may change due to many factors and might be noticeable causing aesthetic concerns. In the Gulf area, the gingival melanin pigmentation is of the main type of concern, and patients expect the pigmentation to be removed for aesthetic reasons. Many techniques have been used to remove the melanin pigmentation such as using surgical blades, diamond or ceramic burs, chemicals, and lasers. This study is comparing the results of three lasers (Er, Cr, YSGG 2780 nm, Diode 940 nm, and 445 nm) in the removal of melanin gingival depigmentation. Clinical outcome parameters including bleeding, wound healing, pain, duration of procedure, color improvement, patient satisfaction, and relapse rate after 2 years were assessed. Conclusion. Within the limitation of this study, all three wavelengths were fast, effective in peeling the pigmentations and well tolerated by the patients. The esthetical results were excellent, and the patients were highly satisfied. Suggestion. To have a bigger number of samples in future papers, and histological studies might be included to explore the different impacts of each wavelength on the gingival melanin pigmentation specifically and on the gingival tissue generally.
Application of Composite Deflecting Model in Horizontal Well Drilling
Authors: Liu Shaohu , Zhu Zhichao
Published: March 2020

Based on current issues of difficulties in controlling horizontal well trajectory and high cost in drilling deflecting, a compound deflecting BHA (bottom hole assembly) with diameter-adjustable stabilizer (DAS) and bending-adjustable housing (BAH) is presented. According to the DAS operational principles and the stress condition in operation, the computational formula of wedge’s axial moving displacement and piston’s radial telescopic displacement of the DAS driven by drilling fluid pressure is presented. This formula is verified by lab experimental simulation. Three-points-circle method is utilized to calculate geometrical build up rate of compound deflecting BHA, and the result is verified by field data. The method is utilized to make design and calculate for compound BHA. The research can be used as a reference for compound deflecting drilling in horizontal wells. The flow rate and pressure difference have a very serious impact on the flow regulator erosion, so the flow rate and pressure difference should be controlled when the DAS works, and it is suggested that the flow regulator should maintain and replace frequently when in service.
Time-Delayed Feedback Control of a Hydraulic Model Governed by a Diffusive Wave System
Authors: Chentouf Boumediène , Smaoui Nejib
Published: March 2020

This paper is concerned with the feedback flow control of an open-channel hydraulic system modeled by a diffusive wave equation with delay. Firstly, we put forward a feedback flow control subject to the action of a constant time delay. Thereafter, we invoke semigroup theory to substantiate that the closed-loop system has a unique solution in an energy space. Subsequently, we deal with the eigenvalue problem of the system. More importantly, exponential decay of solutions of the closed-loop system is derived provided that the feedback gain of the control is bounded. Finally, the theoretical findings are validated via a set of numerical results.
Research on Influence of Water‐Cement Ratio on Reinforcement Effect for Permeation Grouting in Sand Layer
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Zhang Lianzhen , Chu Yuntian , Zhang Qingsong
Published: March 2020

In order to study permeation grouting reinforcement effect in the sand layer, a set of grouting test device is developed, which consists of a power device, a pressure‐bearing slurry tank, and several test frames. Compressive strength, deformation modulus, and permeability coefficient are selected to be the evaluation index of grouting reinforcement effect. Grouting reinforcement effect under different water‐cement ratio of cement slurry and curing time were measured. Eventually, under laboratory conditions, fitting formulas have been obtained which describe the quantitative relationship between reinforcement effect of permeation grouting and water‐cement ratio and curing time. Results show that water‐cement ratio of slurry has obvious effect on grouting reinforcement effect. Mechanical performance and impermeability of the grouted body are negative‐correlated with water‐cement ratio. There are two different destruction patterns for the grouted body in uniaxial compression process: global destruction pattern at low water‐cement ratio and local destruction pattern at high water‐cement ratio. If cement slurry at high water‐cement ratio is permeated into the sand layer, water bleeding phenomena will appear and lead to inhomogeneous performance of the grouted body, with lower performance in the upper part and higher performance in the lower part of the grouted body.
Acute Symptomatic Calcific Discitis Mimicking a Septic Spondylodiscitis
Authors: Choueiri Magda , Eymard Florent , Guignard Sandra , Pigneur Frédéric , Chevalier Xavier
Published: March 2020

Acute symptomatic calcific discitis is a poorly understood condition that has been mostly reported in children. Cases in adults have been scarcely reported and may mimic an infectious process. Imaging, including computed tomography, can show the disc calcification but might fail to show it because its resorption can occur early after the onset of symptoms. We report the case of an adult patient presenting with severe cervical-dorsal junction pain, fever, high C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and imaging findings mimicking an infectious spondylodiscitis, including an erosion of the anterior part of the vertebral endplate. However, the patient improved spontaneously and rapidly, with pain and fever disappearing and C-reactive protein (CRP) returning to normal within a week.
Perioperative Management of a Patient Taking Suboxone® at the Time of Ambulatory Surgery
Authors: Malan Shawn H. , Bailey Christopher H. , Khurmi Narjeet
Published: March 2020

In 2016, more than 11 million people reported misuse of opioids in the previous year. In an effort to combat opioid use disorder (OUD), the use of agonist/antagonist is becoming increasingly common, with more than 2.2 million patients reporting use of a buprenorphine containing medication such as Suboxone®. Buprenorphine is a unique opioid which acts as a partial μ agonist and ĸ antagonist. These properties make it an effective tool in treating OUD and abuse. However, despite its advantages in treating OUD and abuse, buprenorphine can make it difficult to control acute perioperative pain. We present a case in which the Mayo Clinic Arizona protocol for patients undergoing minimally invasive ambulatory surgery while taking Suboxone® is successfully executed, resulting in adequate postoperative pain control and timely discharge from the postanesthesia recovery unit.
Prevalence and Intensity of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Donkeys in Selected Abattoirs in Kenya
Authors: Mulwa Nancy , Githigia Samuel , Karanja Davis , Mbae Cecilia , Zeyhle Eberhard , Mulinge Erastus , Magambo Japhet , Ogolla Kennedy
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites in donkeys slaughtered in Kinamba, Mogotio, and Lodwar slaughterhouses and their association with several host factors. A survey was done between July and September 2017 in three slaughterhouses. Faecal samples were collected per rectum from all the study donkeys for faecal egg counts (EPG) and morphological identification of the eggs. At slaughter, the gastrointestinal tracts were opened and examined visually, and all helminth parasites collected were subjected to morphological identification. Prevalence and intensity were calculated based on the helminth identified and EPG. A total of 282 donkeys were sampled. A majority of the donkeys (89%) were in poor body condition. Ten helminth parasite species were identified in 85.5% donkeys. They were Strongylus vulgaris (52.8%), Parascaris equorum (20.2%), Strongylus edentatus (12.1%), Anaplocephala perfoliata (10.3%), Setaria equina (3.5%) Anaplocephala magna (2.5%), Cylicocyclus auriculatus (2.1%), Cyathostomum species (1.8%), Strongylus equinus (0.4%), and Triodontophorus serratus (0.4%). A significant percentage (55.3%) had no eggs in their feces, 39% had low infection, 5% had medium, and only 0.7% were heavily infected. Prevalence rates via use of the EPG showed Strongyles (44.7%), Parascaris equorum (5.3%), Oxyuris equi (11%), Triodontophorus tenuicolis (0.7%), Habronema species (0.7%), and cestodes eggs (0.4%). No significant differences were observed between fecal Strongylus egg count and age, sex, and pregnancy status. However, donkeys with poor body condition shed more Strongylus eggs in feces. Helminth infections are prevalent in donkeys in Kenya; however, this is not reflected in coprological analyses. These helminth parasites may contribute to poor body condition, ill health, and poor productivity of donkeys.
Dosimetric Comparison of Three Radiotherapy Techniques in Irradiation of Left‐Sided Breast Cancer Patients after Radical Mastectomy
Authors: Hu Jian , Han Guang , Lei Yu , Xu Ximing , Ge Wei , Ruan Changli , Chang Sheng , Zhang Aihua , Li Xiangpan
Published: March 2020

Introduction. This study is aimed at evaluating the dosimetric differences among target segmented planning (TSP), conventional 9‐field intensity modulated radiation therapy (9FIMRT) planning, and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) planning for postmastectomy radiotherapy of left‐sided breast cancer patients. Material and Methods. Fifteen left‐sided breast cancer patients who underwent radical mastectomy were enrolled. In TSP, the planning target volume (PTV) was divided into four regions (supra/infraclavicular, chest wall, external mammary region, and internal mammary region), and each individual PTV region was treated with respective fixed fields. Results. The VMAT plans showed superior to PTV dose conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), protection of the ipsilateral lung, monitor units (MUs), and maximum dose (Dmax) to the contralateral breast compared with TSP and 9FIMRT plans. The TSP provided better protection for Dmean of the heart and left ventricle (p < 0.05). A dose for left anterior descending artery from the three techniques had no significant difference. Compared with the 9FIMRT plans, the V5Gy (%) and V10Gy (%) for the ipsilateral lung were significantly reduced with TSP and VMAT (p < 0.05). The V5Gy (%) and V10Gy (%) for the ipsilateral lung turned out to be similar between VMAT and TSP techniques. Conclusions. Our study indicates that VMAT should be a better choice of radiotherapy for left‐sided breast cancer patients after radical mastectomy. If VMAT is unavailable, 9FIMRT can achieve better CI and HI values and be more MU‐efficient compared with TSP; however, TSP can effectively reduce the low dose volume of the ipsilateral lungs and heart.
A Rare Case of a Traumatic Posterior Hip Dislocation in a 3-Year-Old Boy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Clausen Jan-Dierk , Winkelmann Marcel , Macke Christian , Mommsen Philipp , Krettek Christian , Brand Stephan
Published: March 2020

We present a rare case of neglected hip dislocation in a 3-year-old boy. Hip dislocations in childhood represent less than 6% of all injuries. The boy presented to the ED with ongoing hip pain after his leg got stuck in a carousel. The physical and radiologic examination revealed a posterior right hip dislocation. The closed reduction failed, so open reduction during surgery was performed. The postoperative protocol included 3 days of immobilization with early mobilization and pain-adapted weight bearing. No signs of femoral head malperfusion occurred 2 months after the injury. The patient did not complain of any limitations such as weight bearing problems or loss of range of motion. In comparison to adults, there are several specialties such as the fact that minor trauma can lead to hip dislocations due to the laxity of the ligaments, and due to the limited direct anamnestic options, neglected hip dislocations can occur. The treatment should focus on immediate proper reduction. The main complications after traumatic hip dislocation are avascular necrosis of the femoral head, redislocation, and early osteoarthritis.
Estimation of Groundwater Evapotranspiration Using Diurnal Groundwater Level Fluctuations under Three Vegetation Covers at the Hinterland of the Badain Jaran Desert
Authors: Zhang Wenjia , Zhao Liqiang , Yu Xinran , Zhang Lyulyu , Wang Nai’ang
Published: March 2020

Accurate estimation of groundwater evapotranspiration (ETG) is the key for regional water budget balance and ecosystem restoration research in hyper-arid regions. Methods that use diurnal groundwater level (GWL) fluctuations have been applied to various ecosystems, especially in arid or semi-arid environments. In this study, groundwater monitoring devices were deployed in ten lake basins at the hinterland of the Badain Jaran Desert, and the White method was used to estimate the ETG of these sites under three main vegetation covers. The results showed that regular diurnal fluctuations in GWL occurred only at sites with vegetation coverage and that vegetation types and their growth status were the direct causes of this phenomenon. On a seasonal scale, the amplitudes of diurnal GWL fluctuations are related to vegetation phenology, and air temperature is an important factor controlling phenological amplitude differences. The estimation results using the White method revealed that the ETG rates varied among the observation sites with different vegetation types, and the months with the highest ETG rates were also different among the sites. Overall, ETG was 600∼900 mm at observation sites with Phragmites australis during a growing season (roughly early May to late October), 600∼650 mm in areas with Achnatherum splendens, and 500∼650 mm in areas with Nitraria tangutorum and Achnatherum splendens. Depth to water table and potential evapotranspiration jointly control the ETG rates, while the influence of these two factors varied, depending on the specific vegetation conditions of each site. This study elucidated the relationship between diurnal GWL fluctuations and vegetation in desert groundwater-recharged lake basins and expanded the application of the White method, providing a new basis for the calculation and simulation of regional water balance.
Local Infiltration Analgesia with Ropivacaine Improves Postoperative Pain Control in Ankle Fracture Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Li Bao-Liang , Liu Xizhe , Cui Lihua , Zhang Wenqian , Pang Hui , Wang Mingshan , Wang Hai-Qiang
Published: March 2020

Purpose. The study aimed at investigating the effect of local infiltration analgesia (LIA) with ropivacaine on postoperative analgesia for patients undergoing ankle fracture surgery. Methods. Consecutive patients were retrospectively included and analysed according to their medical records from July 2014 to August 2018 in a tertiary hospital. Inclusion criteria were patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for ankle fractures under general anaesthesia. Moreover, patients should have received intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (iPCA) or LIA + iPCA for postoperative pain relief. The primary outcome indicator was visual analogue scale (VAS) from 8 hours to 48 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes included postoperative opioid requirement, need for rescue medication, opioid-related adverse effects, and wound complications. Results. In total, 89 consecutive patients were included in the study. There were 48 males and 41 females. The average age was 44.6 ± 7.0 years, and VAS scores were significantly lower in the LIA + iPCA group at 8 hours after surgery (1.51 ± 0.58 cm vs 4.77 ± 1.83 cm, p<0.001). The time to first tramadol consumption was longer (580 ± 60.9 minutes vs 281 ± 86.4 minutes, p<0.001), and the number of patients who need tramadol was lower in the LIA + iPCA group (18 vs 26, p=0.04). There was a statistically significant reduction in morphine consumption (25.1 ± 6.3 mg vs 73.4 ± 8.2 mg, p<0.001) and opioid-related side effects in the LIA + iPCA group (4 vs 10, p=0.023). No major wound complications were noted in either group. However, there were 2 cases with superficial wound necrosis in group LIA + iPCA and 3 patients with superficial wound necrosis in group iPCA, and all cured by local wound care. Conclusions. The retrospective cohort study indicates that LIA with ropivacaine can provide better early postoperative pain management with a reduction of VAS scores for ankle fracture surgery. Patients receiving wound infiltration also experience decreased opioid consumption, a lower rate of analgesia-related side effects, and comparable wound complication rate.
HPLC‐MS/MS Analysis of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and Its Combination with Red Ginseng Effect on Rat CYP450 Activities Using the Cocktail Approach
Authors: Ma Wenjuan , Wang Wei , Huang Xuhua , Yao Guangzhe , Jia Qi , Shen Jiayuan , Ouyang Huizi , Chang Yanxu , He Jun
Published: March 2020

Red ginseng is often combined with Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata to reduce alkaloids‐related toxicity of the latter. Such herb‐pairing also results in better therapeutic effect in heart failure, as compared to the singular use of either herb. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and its combination with red ginseng on the activities of CYP450 enzymes in rats. A sensitive and reliable HPLC‐MS/MS method was established and validated for the simultaneous determination of eight probe drugs, phenacetin (CYP1A2), tolbutamide (CYP2C9), omeprazole (CYP2C19), dextromethorphan (CYP2D6), dapsone (CYP3A4), 7‐hydroxycoumarin (CYP2A6), bupropion (CYP2B6), and amodiaquine (CYP2C8), in rat plasma using diazepam as internal standard (IS). The chromatographic separation was performed on a Waters XBridge™ C18 column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 3.5 μm) using a gradient elution with the mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and water (containing 0.1% formic acid) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The method was successfully applied in evaluating the effect of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and red ginseng on the activities of CYP450 enzymes. The pharmacokinetic results of the eight probe drugs suggested that Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata may inhibit the activity of CYP2A6, CYP2C19, CYP2B6, CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP2C9 enzymes in rats. Comparison between the two groups, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata combined with red ginseng and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, indicated that red ginseng may inhibit the activity of CYP2D6 and CYP2B6 enzymes while inducing the activity of CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP2C9 enzymes.
Research on the Fault Feature Extraction Method of Rotor Systems Based on GAW-PSO
Authors: Miao Feng , Zhao Rongzhen , Wang Xianli
Published: March 2020

In order to solve the problem of blind separation of signals from dynamic hybrid rotor systems, this paper proposed an improved adaptive inertial weight particle swarm optimization method based on genetic mechanism. The method takes the negative entropy of separated signal as the objective function and adaptively adjusts the inertia weight according to the difference of particle fitness, thus reducing the number of invalid iterations. At the same time, genetic hybridization mechanism was introduced to increase population diversity and facilitate the processing of dynamic mixed signals. The orthogonal matrix is expressed as a parameterized form, which can reduce the complexity of the algorithm. The simulation results showed that the performance of the proposed method is better than that of the traditional method for blind separation of dynamic hybrid analog mechanical signals. It can separate the actual dynamic rotor system signals and achieve the purpose of fault feature extraction.
IoT recycle management system to support green city initiatives
Authors: Ramly Ruwaida , Bakar Sajak Aznida Abu , Rashid Muhaira
Published: March 2020

In July 2009, Government of Malaysia had launched Green Technology Policy as new initiatives from Malaysia to handle greenhouse effect issue and energy usage through application and green technologies development to reduce carbon footprint. This project, Internet of Things (IoT) Recycle Management System is an idea to help the government in gearing the nation towards this aim with a developed system or technology that support green environment. For this paper, the intended cities are Putrajaya and Cyberjaya areas since both of these cities are chosen as a pioneer for the Green City Initiatives by the Government. This Arduino based Internet of Things (IoT) project is an upcoming urban technology that transforms everyday current recycling system into an ecosystem that would enrich our lives and make it exciting to recycle things anywhere. Hence, encourages Malaysian to recycle their things regularly and make it as a normal routine. This project consists of the development of recycle waste bin that have sensor-based and a database with webpage system for client interface which be connected via Internet network. This project has a huge prospect to be implemented in the future, should there be a collaboration with Government entities and Non- Government entities as this effort needs huge support from all Malaysians in order to realize first class mentality transformation.
Automated library booktruck for traditional libraries
Authors: Spies JJ , Kotze B
Published: March 2020

Libraries are an integral part of our society’s knowledge repository and even though technological advances such as the internet, smart devices and an ‘always-connected-society’, provide avenues for fast and almost instantaneous access to knowledge, libraries still provide a physical place for the collection and dissemination of knowledge. The prompt shelving of the physical returned library books is an important task in any traditional library. To help speed up the shelving process, this paper proposed and simulated an automated booktruck that is capable of moving returned library books from the return desk back to the shelves. The simulation models currently available robotic hardware and implemented path finding and localization. The simulation results showed that returned books can be delivered to the shelves four times faster than the by using the current practices.