bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Dementia and Language on Hospitalizations. A Retrospective Cohort of Long-Term Care Residents
Authors: Riad Karine , Webber Colleen , Batista Ricardo , Reaume Michael , Rhodes Emily , Knight Braden , Prud’homme Denis , Tanuseputro Peter
Published: June 2020

Background: Hospitalizations carry considerable risks for frail, elderly patients; this is especially true for patients with dementia, who are more likely to experience delirium, falls, functional decline, iatrogenic complications, and infections when compared to their peers without dementia. Since up to two thirds of patients in long-term care (LTC) facilities have dementia, there is interest in identifying factors associated with transitions from LTC facilities to hospitals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between dementia status and incidence of hospitalization among residents in LTC facilities in Ontario, Canada, and to determine whether this association is modified by linguistic factors.Methods: We used linked administrative databases to establish a prevalent cohort of 81,188 residents in 628 LTC facilities from April 1st 2014 to March 31, 2017. Diagnoses of dementia were identified with a previously validated algorithm; all other patient characteristics were obtained from in-person assessments. Residents’ primary language was coded as English or French; facility language (English or French) was determined using language designation status according to the French Language Services Act. We identified all hospitalizations within 3 months of the first assessment performed after April 1st 2014. We performed multivariate logistic regression analyses to determine the impact of dementia and resident language on the incidence of hospitalization; we also considered interactions between dementia and both resident language and resident-facility language discordance.Results: The odds of hospitalization were 39% lower for residents with dementia compared to residents without dementia (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.57–0.65). Francophones had lower odds of hospitalization than Anglophones, but this difference was not statistically significant (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.81 – 1.03). However, Francophones without dementia were significantly less likely to be hospitalized compared to Anglophones without dementia (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.53 – 0.94). Resident-facility language discordance did not significantly affect hospitalizations. Conclusions: Residents in LTC facilities were generally less likely to be hospitalized if they had dementia, or if their primary language was French and they did not have dementia. These findings could be explained by differences in end-of-life care goals; however, they could also be the result of poor patient-provider communication.
Study on the Technology of Solid Expandable Tubular in Open-Hole Well
Authors: Zhu Xiaohua , Cheng Feilong , Shi Changshuai , Chen Kailin
Published: June 2020

During the production and drilling of open hole wells, due to the uncertainty and complexity of the rock,The naked hole section is prone to accidents such as collapse of the shaft wall and leakage. In order to solve the above problems, this paper proposes the plugging technology of solid expandable tubualr(SET) in open-hole wells. Based on experimental data,this paper established a dynamic three-dimensional model which considers friction and contact. The author puts forward the applicability criterion of open hole and studies the sensitivity parameters of expansion cone. The research results show that when SET specifications are determined, the borehole size of the open hole well has a great influence on the contact pressure, residual stress, driving force and other factors after the SET is formed, and to a certain extent affects the subsequent service. In addition, the structural parameters of the expansion cone also have a great influence on the plastic forming of SET. The results of this paper provide guidelines and theoretical basis for the use of SET technology in open hole wells.
Preparation, Characterization, and in-vitro Cytotoxicity of Nanoliposomes Loaded With Anti-tuberculous Drugs and TGF-β1 Sirna for Improving Spinal Tuberculosis Therapy
Authors: Niu Ning-Kui , Shi Zhi-Yun , Yang Zong-Qiang , Li Yong-Ai , Shi Jian-Dang , Wang Zi-Li , Liu Hai-Tao , Ma Xiao-Min , ding huiqiang
Published: June 2020

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) represents a bacterial infection affecting many individuals each year and potentially leading to death. Overexpression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 has a major immunomodulatory function in human tuberculosisThis work aimed to develop nanoliposomes to facilitate the delivery of antituberculous products to THP-1-derived human macrophages as Mycobacterium host cells, and to evaluate drug efficiencies as well as the effects of a TGF-β1-specific short interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery system employing nanoliposomes.Methods: siTGF-β1 nanoliposomes loaded with the anti-TB drugs HRZ (isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide) were prepared, and characterized in vitro, determining the size, zeta potential, morphology, drug encapsulation efficiency (EE), cytotoxicity, and gene silencing efficiency of TGF-β1 siRNA.Results: HRZ/siTGF-β1 nanoliposomes appeared as smooth spheres showing size and positive zeta potential of 168.135±0.5444 nm and +4.03±1.32 mV, respectively. Drug EEs were 90%, 88%, and 37% for INH, RIF, and PZA, respectively. Meanwhile, the nanoliposomes were weakly cytotoxic towards human macrophages as assessed by the MTT assay. Nanoliposomal siTGF-β1 could significantly downregulate TGF-β1 in THP-1-derived human macrophages in vitro.Conclusion: These ﬁndings suggested that HRZ-loaded nanoliposomes with siTGF-β1 have the potential for improving spinal tuberculosis chemotherapy via nano-encapsulation of anti-TB drugs.
Clinical Characteristics and Economic Analysis of Intramedullary Nailing Versus Plate and Screws for Open Distal Tibial Fractures: a Retrospective Study
Authors: Xu Yibo , Ren Cheng , Li Zhong , Zhang Kun , Ma Teng , Liu Deyin , Lu Yao , Li Ming , Liu Hongliang , Tao Wang , Duan Ning , Jiao Ning , Lu Daigang , Wang Qian , Xue Hanzhong
Published: June 2020

Background To analyze the clinical characteristic and economic of intramedullary nailing versus locking compression plate for the treatment of open distal tibial fractures.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted by enrolling patients with open distal tibial fractures who were admitted in Lower Limb Surgery Ward of Traumatic Orthopedic Department，Xi’an Honghui Hospital from January 2016 to January 2019. The collected clinical materials and data included gender, age, injury mechanism, smoke and alcohol, comorbidity disease, Gustilo classification, days before operation, final treatment option, surgical duration, intraoperative bleeding loss, length of stay, complications, Johner-Wruhs criteria, total cost within 1 year after surgery (including hospitalization expenses and postoperative rehabilitation or follow-up expenses). All the patients were divided into two groups based on the final treatment options: Group IMN(intramedullary nailing) and Group LCP(locking compression plate). Cost data for each case within 1 year after surgery were analyzed for the cost-effectiveness ratio (CER)and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of IMN versus LCP.Results 49 consecutive cases were enrolled including 28 cases of Group IMN and 21 cases of Group LCP with the excellent and good rate of 82.1% (23 cases) and 85.7% (18 cases) respectively based on Johner-Wruhs criteria. The surgical duration (p=0.017) and intraoperative bleeding loss(p=0.046) were significantly lower in Group IMN than in Group LCP. Total cost within 1 year after surgery(p=0.048) was also less in Group IMN（126435.90±39093.98 CNY）than in Group LCP（147834.60±56821.12 CNY）. No statistically significant difference was discovered on the excellent and good rate of Johner-Wruhs criteria between the two groups(p＞0.05). The average cost for every 1% of excellent and good rate was 1540.02 CNY in Group IMN and 1725.02 CNY in Group LCP. Each 1% increasing of excellent and good rate cost 5944.08 CNY more in Group LCP compared with Group IMN.Conclusions Both the IMN and LCP could provide a satisfactory outcome for open distal tibial fractures. However the IMN was a more cost-effective management than LCP when the economic analysis was included.
Alteration of the Iron Level in Iron-overloaded Mice by Magnetospirillum Gryphiswaldense
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Fazlollah , Siadat Seyed Davar , Setayesh Tahereh
Published: June 2020

BackgroundMagnetospirillum gryphiswaldense (MSR-1), a type of magnetotactic bacteria are capable of forming magnetosomes, which are nanometer-sized particles and membrane-enclosed organelles containing crystals of magnetite (Fe3O4). For the synthesis of magnetosomes, bacteria require a significant amount of iron. Iron is an essential element for most life on earth; however, the elevation of iron level leads to hemochromatosis.This research aimed to investigate whether MSR-1 has an impact on the alteration of iron levels in mammalian cells in vivo.Female BALB/c were received intraperitonealinjections of iron-dextran (100mg/kg b.w.) 2 times per week for four consecutive weeks, and the iron was allowed to equilibrate for 15 days. The MSR-1 (109 in 200 µl PBS)were injected into healthy (C+MSR-1) and iron overloaded (IO+MSR-1) mice. The control healthy (C+ no MSR-1) and control iron overloaded (IO+ no MSR-1) mice received PBS. After the administration of bacteria, the viable bacterial numbers were evaluated in mice. Iron levels in serum and liver, as well as urinary iron exertion, were detected.ResultsBacteria were not detected in the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes of mice after 72 hours of post-injection. Serum iron and total liver iron levels in C+MSR-1 were reduced compare to C-MSR-1 (by 42.1% and 34.1%), respectively. Moreover, similar patterns were observed in IO+MSR-1 compare to IO+ no MSR-1, 42.1% iron reduction in serum, and 32.1% in the liver after 24h of post-injection. The urinary iron exertion was dramatically increased (by 3-fold) compared to groups with no MSR-1. ConclusionOur results suggest that MSR-1 can reduce the iron in iron-overloaded mice and, therefore, may inhibit the organ damage caused by excess iron. Our research on optimizing the biological magnetic system is continuing.
The patient-reported impact of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in the real world: the design and conduct of a digital lifestyle study (CMT&Me)
Authors: Thomas Florian P , Saporta Mario , Attarian Shahram , Sevilla Teresa , Mascaró Rafael Sivera , Fabrizi Gian Maria , Genovese Filippo , Gray Amy , Bull Simon , Tanesse Daniel , Rego Manuel , Moore Allison , Hollett Courtney , Monteiro Katia , Paoli Xavier , Llewellyn Samuel , Larkin Mark , Boutalbi Youcef
Published: June 2020

Background
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a rare, chronic, progressive motor and sensory neuropathy that affects the peripheral nervous system, leading to progressive, predominantly distal muscle weakness, atrophy, sensory loss and progressive limb dysfunction. As with many rare diseases, there is a lack of patient-reported data with which to understand and address patient needs. This study aims to explore the real-world impact of CMT from the patient perspective.
Methods
This is a prospective, digital lifestyle study of at least 2,000 people with CMT, ≥ 18 years, resident in the following countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and the USA. Participants will be recruited using community-based methods, via patient advocacy groups, social media, and word of mouth. Participants will use a smartphone application (CMT&Me) to check eligibility, provide consent, and contribute data. The dataset will include: 1) personal profile on enrolment – demographics, lifestyle characteristics, diagnosis, and current and previous treatments; 2) a selection of validated generic and disease-specific patient-reported outcome instruments: EuroQol 5 Dimensions 5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L), Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS™) Pain Intensity 3a, Pain Interference 6b and Sleep Disturbance 8a, Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ), Falls Efficacy Scale – International (FES-I), Lower Extremity Function Scale (LEFS), and Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder & Hand (QuickDASH). Descriptive data analysis will be conducted upon registration of the 1,000th participant and at 12-monthly intervals from study launch.
Conclusions
This digital, patient-reported study is designed to help researchers and clinicians understand the real-world impact of CMT and the unmet needs of patients.
Prevalence, Distribution and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Bacterial Isolates from a Tertiary Hospital in Malawi
Authors: Chisale Master , Kumwenda Pizga , Adukwu Emmanuel C. , Tabe Ebot S. , Ujor Victor C , Kamudumuli Pocha S. , Ngwira Maono , Wu Joseph
Published: June 2020

BackgroundBacterial infections are a significant cause of sickness and death in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed at establishing the prevalence, distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of major bacterial isolates from patients attending a tertiary hospital in Malawi. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed bacteria culture and antibiotic sensitivity records for 4,617 patients from 2002 to 2014 at Mzuzu Central Hospital (MCH). No inclusion and exclusion criteria were followed. Data was analysed using excel and SPSS programs. ResultsThe most prevalent isolates were S. aureus (34.7%, n= 783), Klebsiella species (17.4%, n= 393) and Proteus species (11.4%, n = 256). Most pathogens were isolated from adults (88.3%, n=3889) and pus was the main source (69.3%, n = 1224). S. pneumoniae was predominantly isolated from cerebrospinal fluid (60.3%, n = 44) largely collected from children (88.2%, n =64). Overall, most bacteria exhibited high resistant to all regularly used antibiotics excluding ciprofloxacin. ConclusionsOur report demonstrates an increase in bacteria burden in sites other than the blood stream and subsequent increase in prevalence of antimicrobial resistance for all major isolates. Creating an epidemiological survey unit at MCH will be essential to help inform better treatment and management options for patients with bacterial infections.
Short-Term Outcome and Characteristics of Critical Care for Non-Trauma Patients in the Emergency Department
Authors: Kreß Jessika Stefanie , Rüppel Marc , Haake Hendrik , Dahl Jürgen vom , Bergrath Sebastian
Published: June 2020

Background: Emergency medical care for critically ill patients varies between different emergency departments (ED) and health care systems, while resuscitation of trauma patients is always performed within the ED. In many ED critically ill patients are treated and stabilized while in many German ED they are transferred to intensive care units (ICU) without performing of critical care measures in the ED. Against this background we conducted this retrospective analysis of prospectively collected critically ill patients treated with an ED critical care concept in a 754-bed teaching hospital. Methods: The collective of prospectively collected critically ill patients (October 1st 2018 to March 31st 2019) was analysed after ethical approval. Patient characteristics, performed critical care measures, short-term outcomes and the comparison of admission characteristics between survivors and non-survivors were evaluated. Additionally the accordance of ED diagnoses and discharge diagnoses were analysed.Results: Overall 243/19,854 patients (1.22%) were treated within the resuscitation room. After exclusion of trauma patients, 193 critically ill patients were included. Overall mortality was 29% (n=56), 24-hour mortality was 13% (n=25). Patient characteristics (vital signs, blood gas analysis) differed significantly between survivors and non-survivors except for respiratory rate and pain scale. Conducted critical care measures (number ± standard deviation; e.g. endotracheal intubation, arterial-line): 4.06±1.73 (survivors) and 4.70±2.0 (non-survivors) p=0.0453. The length of ED stay was 148.2±202.7 min. Admission diagnoses matched with hospital discharge diagnoses in 73.7%.Conclusions: Critical care stabilisation of non-trauma patients was feasible in routine care. The observed mortality was high and non-survivors showed significantly more impaired vital parameters and blood gas analysis parameters. Vital parameters together with blood gas analysis enable ED risk stratification of CIP. Although a first diagnostic workup was performed within the ED, admission and discharge diagnoses matched only in 73.7%. However, stabilisation and diagnostic workup of CIP enables optimal allocation to specialized ICUs. Future (randomised) trials have to evaluate of resuscitation room stabilisation for non-trauma patients is beneficial in contrast to direct ICU admission. Trial registration: The study was registered retrospectively in the Clinical Trials Centre of the RWTH Aachen University (Germany), registration number CTC-A 20-131.
Prevalence and associated factors of caesarean section in Ethiopia: systematic review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Azene Abebaw Gedef , Aragaw Abiba Mihret
Published: June 2020

Background

Globally, maternal mortality is a serious public health concern. Caesarean section with reasonable medical indication reduces maternal mortality. In Ethiopia, a number of studies about prevalence and associated factors of C-section among mothers were conducted. The findings of these studies were inconsistently reported and more variable. Nationally, the prevalence of C-section isn’t estimated. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate pooled prevalence of C-section and its associated factors among mothers in Ethiopia.

Methods

International (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Google) and national (Ethiopian medical journal, Addis Ababa University Digital Library and Haramya University Digital Library) electronic databases were systematically searched from August 1 to October 1, 2019. All observational studies noted the prevalence of C-section and its associated factors among mothers in Ethiopia were included. Two authors (AG and AM) independently extracted all essential data using a standardized data extraction format. The extracted data were analyzed using STATA Version 14.1statistical software. We assessed heterogeneity among the included studies through the Cochrane Q test statistics and I 2 test. Lastly, a random effects meta-analysis model was fitted to estimate overall prevalence of C-section and its associated factors.

Results

Our search identified 573 studies amongst which 25 representing 53,381 participants were included for the final analysis stage. We found that the overall prevalence of C-section among mothers in Ethiopia was 29% (95%CI: 25, 32). Furthermore the subgroup analysis revealed that the highest pooled prevalence was observed in the Addis Ababa administrative city (35%) followed by Amhara (27%) and the smallest was observed in Oromia (25.6%). Mothers having a history of previous C-section (OR: 7.63, 95% CI: 3.29, 17.68) and delivery place (OR: 4.63, 95%CI: 2.06, 10.29) were statistically significant association with C-section.

Conclusion

In this study, the prevalence of C-section among mothers was 29% in Ethiopia which are high. This finding is twice higher than WHO recommendation, which not beyond 15%. Mothers’ having history of previous C-section and delivery place was factors associated with C-section among mothers in Ethiopia. We recommend that the Minster of health should give intervention about C-section in a private institution.
Association of Lipoprotein (a) and Coronary Artery Lesion and In-hospital Outcomes in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Wu Baoquan , Zhao Hanjun , Liu Changhua , Lu Hao , Liu Ruishuang , Long Juan , Zhang Zhiling , Zeng Fanfang
Published: June 2020

Background: Current study was to evaluate association of Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] and coronary artery lesion and in-hospital outcomes in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Methods: Baseline characteristics, characteristics of coronary artery lesion, medications use, and cardiovascular events during hospitalization were collected. Based on Lp(a) level, patients were divided into low (< 30 mg/dL) and high (≥ 30 mg/dL) groups. Results: Compared to those with low Lp(a), patients with high Lp(a) had larger numbers of coronary arteries ≥ 70% stenosis and longer coronary artery lesion (P<0.05). Patients with high Lp(a) were more likely to have left anterior descending artery lesion, pre-PCI TIMI flow grade 0 and post-PCI TIMI flow grade 2, and type C coronary lesion (P<0.05). After adjustment, high Lp(a) remained associated with higher odds of having coronary artery ≥ 70% stenosis, type C coronary lesion and pre-PCI TIME flow grade 1/0. Compared to those with low Lp(a), patients with high Lp(a) had a higher unadjusted odds of acute stent thrombosis (odds ratio [OR] 1.10 and 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-2.27), congestive heart failure (OR 1.24 and 95% CI 1.15-2.38) and composite in-hospital outcomes (OR 1.28 and 95% CI 1.18-2.42). After adjustment, patients with high Lp(a) remained had a higher odds of congestive heart failure (OR 1.08 and 95% CI 1.01-1.78) and composite in-hospital outcomes (OR 1.12 and 95% CI 1.04-1.81).Conclusion: High Lp(a) was associated with more severe coronary artery lesion, and higher risk of congestive heart failure and composite in-hospital outcomes.
α-Hederin Inhibits the Growth of Lung Cancer A549 Cells in vitro and in vivo by Increasing SIRT6 Dependent Glycolysis
Authors: fang cong , Liu Yahui , Chen Lanying , Luo Yingying , Cui Yaru , Zhang Ni , Liu Peng , Zhou Mengjing , Xie Yongyan
Published: June 2020

Background: α-hederin an effective component of Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel, Studies showed that α-hederin exert many pharmacological activities, However, the effect of α-hederin on metabolism is still unclear. This study aimed to illuminate the role of α-hederin in glucose metabolism in lung cancer cells and investigate the molecular mechanism of α-hederin. Methods: CCK8 and colony formation assays were employed to assess the anti-proliferative effects induced by α-hederin. Glucose uptake, ATP generation, and reduced lactate production were measured using kits, and an A549 tumor xenograft mouse model of lung cancer was used to assess the in vivo antitumor effect of α-hederin (5, 10 mg/kg). Glycolytic-related key enzymes hexokinase 2 (HK2), glucose transporters 1 (GLUT1), pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), monocarboxylate transporter (MCT4), c-Myc, Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) protein expression were detected by western blotting and immunohistochemical staining and SIRT6 inhibitors was verified in A549 cells. Results: Our results showed that cell proliferation was significantly inhibited by α-hederin in a dose-dependent manner and that α-hederin inhibited glucose uptake and ATP generation and reduced lactate production. Furthermore, α-hederin remarkably inhibited HK2, GLUT1, PKM2, LDHA, MCT4, c-Myc, HIF-1α and activated SIRT6 protein expression. Using inhibitors, we proved that α-hederin inhibits glycolysis by activating SIRT6. Moreover, a tumor xenograft mouse model of lung cancer further confirmed that α-hederin inhibits lung cancer growth via inhibiting glycolysis in vivo. Conclusions: α-hederin inhibits the growth of non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells by inhibiting glycolysis. The mechanism of glycolysis inhibition includes α-hederin activating the expression of the glycolytic related protein SIRT6.
Knowledge Levels Among Elderly People With Diabetes Mellitus Concerning COVID-19: an Educational Intervention via a Teleservice
Authors: Filho Bartolomeu Fagundes de Lima , Bessa Nathalia Priscilla Oliveira Silva , Fernandes Ana Clara Teixeira , Patrício Íkaro Felipe da Silva , Alves Nadja de Oliveira , Cavalcanti Fabricia Azevedo da Costa
Published: June 2020

Aim To investigate knowledge levels concerning COVID-19 in elderly patients with T2DM through an educational intervention at a call center.Methods This cross-sectional, quantitative, observational, and descriptive study was undertaken among elderly individuals with T2DM involved in a body balance rehabilitation program that had been suspended due to social isolation. Study participants comprised elderly individuals with T2DM, contactable using fixed or mobile telephones. Data concerning participants’ socioeconomic variables, depressive symptoms, and knowledge of COVID-19 were collated, using a Brazil Ministry of Health guidelines checklist. Mann-Whitney and Spearman’s correlation tests were used to analyze their responses.Results Of 30 elderly participants, 76.7% were women and 63.3% were married. The most cited information medium was television (96.6%). Of a possible 24 correct responses on the checklist, the median correct response score was 7.5. No significant relationship was observed between the total checklist score and the variables studied.Conclusion Elderly participants did not have in-depth knowledge concerning COVID-19, which suggests that their knowledge sources may be deficient or that their capacity to retain information was inadequate.
Fabrication of High-Entropy Disilicide Nanopowders via Molten Salt-Assisted Magnesium Thermal Reduction
Authors: Liu Honghua , Ning Shanshan , Du B.
Published: June 2020

In this work, (Nb 0.25 Ta 0.25 Ti 0.25 Hf 0.25 )Si 2 high-entropy disilicide nanopowders were successfully fabricated via molten salt-assisted magnesium thermal reduction for the first time. The results showed that the as-obtained nanopowders possessed a single hexagonal structure (TaSi 2 -type) and consisted of numerous nanopowders with an average particle size of 55 nm . These nanopowders exhibited highly compositional uniformity at microscale , but shown the aggregation of Ti element at nanoscale. In addition, a typical template formation mechanism was proposed and analyzed in detailed. This work would provide a new way to synthesis of high-entropy disilicise powders for potential high-temperature harsh environment applications.
End-to-end COVID-19 screening with 3D deep learning on chest computed tomography
Authors: Yang Kun , Liu Xinfeng , Yang Yingli , Liao Xiangjun , Wang Rongpin , Zeng Xianchun , Wang Yuxiang , Zhang Mudan , Zhang Tijiang
Published: June 2020

The outbreak of an acute respiratory syndrome (called novel coronavirus pneumonia, NCP) caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus has now progressed to a pandemic, and became the most common threat to public death worldwide[i],[ii]. COVID-19 screening using computed tomography (CT) can perform a quick diagnosis and identify high-risk NCP patients[iii]. Automated screening using CT volumes is a challenging task owing to inter-grader variability and high false-positive and false-negative rates. We propose a three dimensional (3D) deep learning convolutional neural networks (CNN) that use a patient’s CT volume to predict the risk of COVID-19, trained end-to-end from CT volumes directly, using only images and disease labels as inputs. Our model achieves a state-of-the-art performance (95.78% overall accuracy, 99.4% area under the curve) on a dataset of 1,684 COVID-19 patients, nearly twice larger than previous datasets3, and performs similarly on an independent clinical validation set of 121 cases. We tested its performance against six radiologists on clinical confirmed patient’ CT volumes, our model outperformed all six radiologists with absolute reductions of 7% in false positives and 35.9% in false negatives, demonstrating artificial intelligence (AI) capable to optimize the COVID-19 screening process via computer assistance and automation with a level of competence comparable to radiologists. While the vast majority of patients remain unscreened, we show the potential for AI to increase the accuracy and consistency of COVID-19 screening with CT.
A novel patient-specific three-dimensional printing template based on external fixation for pelvic screw insertion
Authors: Zhou kaihua , Tao Xingguang , Pan Fugen , Luo Congfeng , Yang Huilin
Published: June 2020

(1) Background: To investigate the clinical effect of the novel patient-specific 3D printing templates based on external fixation for pelvic screw insertion. (2) Methods: We retrospectively studied 8 patients with pelvic fractures who were treated using this novel template from July 2017 to July 2018. During the operation, the screws were inserted with the aid of the template. The operative time per screw, radiation exposure time, and accuracy of the screw insertions as evaluated by post-operative CT scans were analyzed statistically and compared with previous outcomes using the fluoro-navigation technique. (3) Results: In the template group, a total of 9 pubis screws and 6 sacroiliac screws were inserted. The mean surgical time was 11.3 min/screw and the mean X-ray exposure time was 11.8 ± 3.9 s/screw. The mean deviation distance and angle between the actual and planned screw position was 2.6 ± 0.2 mm and 2.0 ± 0.3 degrees, and blood loss during the surgery was 12.2 ml/screw. No superficial and deep infections and no patient sustained recognized neurologic, vascular, or urologic injury occurred in the template group. The surgical time and X-ray exposure time was less than that in the fluoro-navigation group((P < 0.05) (4) Conclusions: The patient-specific template based on external fixation can guide the insertion of the pelvic screw accurately, safely and invasively and significantly reduce operation and radiation exposure time.
Microorganisms As Indoor And Outdoor Air Biological Pollution
Authors: Siebielec Sylwia , Woźniak Małgorzata , Gałązka Anna , Siebielec Grzegorz
Published: June 2020

Air pollution is a major threat to human health. Biological air pollution is predominantly caused by the pollen of plants, fungi, bacteria and viruses. The main sources of microorganisms in the air include soil, water and the decomposition of organic matter, while anthropogenic sources are represented by landfills, wastewater treatment plants, composting facilities and traffic. Microorganism populations in the air can be seasonal or relatively constant, but the most frequent increase in their occurrence is recorded in the summer and autumn. Studies show that humidity, the presence of carbon monoxide and ozone concentrations are the main factors affecting the diversity of bacteria and the percentage of pathogenic bacteria present in outdoor air. Microorganisms in the air inside residential buildings are primarily concentrated on dust particles. Approximately 60% of dust microbiota are spores of mould fungi. The key emitters of microorganisms into the atmosphere are municipal wastewater treatment plants. The bacteria and pathogens released are potentially resistant to antibiotics, rendering the bioaerosols of wastewater treatment plants a possible hazard to human health. There is a need for further research aimed at explaining the magnitude of impacts of air microorganisms on human health.

1. Introduction. 2. Sources, transport and factors affecting the presence of microorganisms in the outdoor air. 3. Microorganisms in the air inside residential buildings. 4. Microorganisms in indoor air in offices and public spaces. 5. Microorganisms in the air of industrial facilities. 6. Bioaerosols within sewage treatment plants. 7. Air microorganisms as an important factor influencing human health. 8. Conclusions
Risk Of Transmission Of Tick-Borne Diseases By Blood Transfusion
Authors: Fiecek Beata , Matławska Marta , Gołąb Elżbieta , Chmielewski Tomasz
Published: June 2020

The fear of blood transfusion-borne infections has been a problem since the beginning of the blood therapy era. One of the phases of all infectious diseases, including those transmitted by ticks, is the incubation period, during which there are no clinical symptoms due to the presence of microorganisms in the blood. For this reason, blood drawn from an infected donor can be a potential source of infection for the recipient at this time. Literature data show that there are no documented reports of the possibility of transmitting B. burgdorferi infection (Lyme etiological factor) to healthy man by blood transfusion. However, cases of transfusions of such infections as babesiosis, anaplasmosis, rickettsiosis, and fever, bartonellosis have been reported. Tick-borne infections are not included in the criteria for permanent (except tularemia) or temporary disqualification for blood donor candidates and for contraindications for blood sampling. Tests for routine detection of tick-borne pathogens in blood therapy are also not used. Therefore, knowledge of the dynamics of the phases of these diseases, periods of infectivity and occurring in the blood in conjunction with medical history, physical examination and the results of auxiliary diagnostic tests are of fundamental importance for the safety of blood recipients.

1. Introduction. 2. Spirochetes infections. 2.2. Lyme borreliosis. 2.2. Borrelia myiamotoi infections. 3. Spotted Fever Group rickettsioses. 4. Human granulocytic anaplasmosis 5. Bartonella sp. Infections. 6. Babesiosis. 7. Summary
Influence Of Yeast And Lactic Acid Bacteria On The Content Of Volatile Compounds And Other Oenological Parameters Of Wines
Authors: Stój Anna
Published: June 2020

The effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast on the content of volatile compounds, ethanol, glycerol and volatile acidity of wines as well as the importance of inoculation with non-Saccharomyces and S. cerevisiae yeast for improving the aromatic complexity and characteristic features of wines were discussed in the paper. Moreover, the consequence of sequential inoculation of S. cerevisiae and lactic acid bacteria Oenococcus oeni on the content of volatile compounds, diacetyl, acetoine, volatile acidity, degradation of malic acid, content of diethyl succinate, ethyl lactate, biogenic amines was presented. The advantage of simultaneous inoculation, which is the reduction of fermentation time, was emphasized. The work highlights the role of indigenous strains of yeast and lactic acid bacteria in increasing the regional character of wines. The importance of enzymes produced by yeast and bacteria, as well as the increased interest in the ability of non-O. oeni species, such as Lactobacillus and Pediococcus, to perform malolactic fermentation were also discussed.

1. Introduction. 2. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation. 3. Effect of yeast and lactic acid bacteria on oenological parameters of wines. 3.1. S. cerevisiae. 3.2. Non-Saccharomyces. 3.3. Lactic acid bacteria. 4. Summary
The innovative activity of enterprises and national economy growth: Ukraine, Poland
Authors: Tomakh Viktoriia , Veretennykova Hanna
Published: June 2020

In the contemporary world, the sustainable development of national economies is impossible without the timely and high-quality implementation of innovation. The prompt use of innovations is considered to be the key to obtaining and maintaining both new and existing competitive advantages of both individual enterprises and the economy in general. This study aims to determine the dependence of national economic growth (based on the example of Ukraine and Poland) on the innovative activities of enterprises and innovative policies of governments, as well as the development of the improvement offers concerning the innovative policy of Ukraine based on international experience. The impact of innovation indicators on the level of GDP per capita in Ukraine and Poland over the period from 2000 to 2018 has been studied in the article. The most important factors of influence on the GDP per capita, through multivariate statistical analysis and regression analysis, were identified from the list of indicators of innovation activity, and the regression equation was constructed. For Ukraine, such factors are the “innovativeness of enterprises” (that explains the 34.19% of total dispersion), the “innovative inputs” (that explains the 17.11% of dispersion) factors and factor of “financing and implementation of innovations” (that explains 27.8% of the total dispersion). For Poland, the factor of “innovative activity” explains 44.35% of dispersion, and the factor of “innovative actions” explains 38.47% of total dispersion. Moreover, the suggestions involving innovation policy development of Ukraine are provided.
Remuneration and reward systems during an economic crisis: case study from Attica region, Greece
Authors: Ntanos Stamatios , Sidiropoulos Georgios , Triantafyllou Evangelia , Chalikias Miltiadis , L. Kyriakopoulos Grigorios
Published: June 2020

This study investigated the structure of employees’ remuneration and rewards systems, focusing on medium- and large-sized firms in the region of Attica in Greece during the economic crisis. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on relevant literature. A sample of 150 companies filled out a total of 500 questionnaires. The results revealed that medium- and large-sized companies applied various remuneration systems, including the base wage, performance-related bonuses, and a combination of additional non-wage benefits. Greek firms did not avoid wage cut in times of low turnover, although hypotheses testing revealed no relationship between firm size and the use of flexible remuneration systems. However, a positive relationship between the unions’ engagement and the use of non-wage cutting strategies was confirmed. Furthermore, a positive correlation between wage rigidity, labor market legislation, and collective agreements for setting minimum wage levels was found. Finally, a hypothesis test regarding the association between the firm, the business sector, and wages cut over the last seven years was accepted. The study concludes that wages cut should be the final choice by firms since remuneration is a source to satisfy, engage, and attract employees.
Assessing the effect of innovation determinants on macroeconomic development within the EU (28) countries
Authors: Kiselakova Dana , Sofrankova Beata , Onuferova Erika , Cabinova Veronika
Published: June 2020

Innovations play an inevitable role in achieving macroeconomic growth of countries, and innovative activity is perceived as a source of sustainable development. This paper’s main objective is to explore the impact of innovation determinants on the macroeconomic development of the EU (28) member countries and identify key problem areas distorting sustainable development and growth of these countries. The research analysis is performed using panel data regression models estimated from 2010 to 2018. Innovation potential was quantified using selected indicators, such as patent granted, high-tech exports, gross domestic expenditures on R&D, government expenditure on education, direct investment, gross fixed capital, and tertiary educational attainment. Such indicators as real GDP per capita and GNI per capita were applied to measure economic growth. The results provide evidence of a statistically significant relationship between innovation and economic growth (p < 0.01). Therefore, both research hypotheses were accepted. Based on innovation potential assessment, the statistically significant impact of five indicators were confirmed (high-tech exports, gross domestic expenditure on R&D, government expenditure on education, direct investment, and tertiary educational attainment). In this backdrop, the most significant effect was revealed for variable gross domestic expenditure on R&D (0.5343). The findings lead to the conclusion that the EU’s and national innovation policies and initiatives should aim to create framework conditions that favor the innovation environment and increase R&D expenditure to endorse real economic growth. AcknowledgmentThis article has been prepared within the research project VEGA No. 1/0279/19 “Model approaches to increase performance and competitiveness in the European area in the context of sustainable development”.
BURSA’DA KURULAN MUHACİR VAKIFLARI (1883-1917)
Authors: ATEŞ Nilüfer
Published: June 2020

Osmanlı Devleti, son dönemlerinde Rumeli ve Kafkaslarda yaşadığı askerî yenilgilerin sonucu olarak yoğun göç hareketlerine maruz kalmıştır. Buralarda yaşayan halk, Osmanlı idaresindeki topraklara bilhassa da Anadolu’ya göç etmeye başlamıştır. Osmanlı Devleti, din, mezhep, etnik köken ayrımına gitmeksizin muhacirleri ülkeye kabul etme ve onlara yardımda bulunma şeklinde bir politika ortaya koymuştur. Muhacirler, yeni yerlerine iskân sürecinde devlet ve yerli halkın desteğini görmüşlerdir. Kendileri de bulundukları yeri imar etme, kalkındırma adına sosyal, ekonomik katkıda bulunmuşlardır. Bunlardan biri, hayırsever muhacirlerin vakıflarıdır. Bu makalede, Osmanlı Devleti’nin Kafkaslar ve Rumeli’den aldığı göçler esnasında Bursa’ya yerleştirilen muhacirlerin kurdukları vakıflar incelenmiştir. Konu, muhacirlerin vakıf kurma keyfiyetlerine etki eden dönemin koşulları çerçevesinde temellendirilerek ele alınmıştır. Vakıflar Genel Müdürlüğü Arşivi’nde konuyla ilgili tespit edilen vakfiyelerden hareketle hazırlanan bu çalışmada özetle; muhacirlerin cami, mescit yapımı ve bunların görevli maaşlarını karşılamaya yönelik nakit birikimleri ile vakıflar tesis ettikleri ortaya çıkmıştır. Muhacirler, kurdukları vakıflarla kendi toplumlarında din hizmetlerinin yürütülmesinde önemli rol oynamışlardır.
Application of acoustic intelligent leak detection in an urban water supply pipe network
Authors: Xue Zhang , Tao Lin , Fuchun Jiang , Riehle Edmund , Xiang Hu , Bowen Ni , Singh Rajendra Prasad
Published: June 2020

Different leakage detection technologies present different efficiency and precision of leakage detection in water distribution systems due to their own properties. This study aimed to investigate the use of acoustic sensors to locate the exact position of leaks, which work 24 hours per day in different modes, i.e. fixed installation and mobile exploration. The results showed that the maximum distance between the acoustic sensors installed on the pipeline was 380 m. Field application results indicated that detecting threshold of the distance was 300 m and the intensity ratio of leaking state noise (LSN) to background noise was 1.9 respectively. The pipeline length by manual hunting area (MHA) is 1.3 times longer than the acoustic logger tested area (ALTA), but the detected leakage points in MHA is 20% less than in ALTA. Furthermore, the cost of leakage detection in MHA was about 6,000 yuan/detected leakage point. That in ALTA was about 2,500 yuan/detected leakage point. The case study also indicates that the acoustic logger is a promising tool with the advantage of lower cost and faster detection, compared to manual ground listening with a sound stick. The acoustic leakage detection method can detect the leakage in different sized pipelines, whereas the manual detection was concentrated in small-sized pipelines.
Selection of CMIP5 general circulation model outputs of precipitation for peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Salman Saleem A. , Nashwan Mohamed Salem , Ismail Tarmizi , Shahid Shamsuddin
Published: June 2020

Reduction of uncertainty in climate change projections is a major challenge in impact assessment and adaptation planning. General circulation models (GCMs) along with projection scenarios are the major sources of uncertainty in climate change projections. Therefore, the selection of appropriate GCMs for a region can significantly reduce uncertainty in climate projections. In this study, 20 GCMs were statistically evaluated in replicating the spatial pattern of monsoon propagation towards Peninsular Malaysia at annual and seasonal time frames against the 20th Century Reanalysis dataset. The performance evaluation metrics of the GCMs for different time frames were compromised using a state-of-art multi-criteria decision-making approach, compromise programming, for the selection of GCMs. Finally, the selected GCMs were interpolated to 0.25° × 0.25° spatial resolution and bias-corrected using the Asian Precipitation – Highly-Resolved Observational Integration Towards Evaluation (APHRODITE) rainfall as reference data. The results revealed the better performance of BCC-CSM1-1 and HadGEM2-ES in replicating the historical rainfall in Peninsular Malaysia. The bias-corrected projections of selected GCMs revealed a large variation of the mean, standard deviation and 95% percentile of daily rainfall in the study area for two futures, 2020–2059 and 2060–2099 compared to base climate.
A hospitalidade como diferencial competitivo sob a percepção dos gestores hospitalares: um estudo de caso comparativo
Authors: Klug da cruz Greice Lithiele
Published: June 2020

A hospitalidade está ganhando cada vez mais espaço nas instituições que se preocupam com o bem-estar e a satisfação de seus clientes. Este artigo se propõe a contribuir com subsídios para a reflexão sobre a hospitalidade em ambientes hospitalares como fator estratégico, através da busca de documentos científicos e da percepção de gestores hospitalares do Vale do Sinos – RS. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório, descritivo e qualitativo realizado mediante um estudo de caso múltiplo, com aplicação de questionário com questões abertas desenvolvido a partir dos 10 componentes do Planetree. Os hospitais foram selecionados por conveniência e disponibilidade. Adotou-se para a categorização dos resultados, compreender o conceito de hospitalidade por parte dos hospitais, bem como verificar a incidência dos 10 componentes do Planetree, pois estes representam as principais dimensões da hospitalidade. Através da análise dos dados, observa-se que, como um diferencial competitivo, os hospitais ainda não possuem um serviço de hotelaria hospitalar de eficiência. Essas características apresentam-se de forma tímida. A hotelaria hospitalar ainda está em crescimento na maioria dos hospitais, pois é um assunto bastante novo, dessa forma, necessita de maiores reconhecimentos da sua importância dentro das instituições de saúde e do seu impacto positivo proporcionado aos pacientes.
Formação Interativa de Valor no setor de hospitalidade no turismo: framework e agenda de pesquisa
Authors: Codá Renato Calhau , Farias Josivania Silva , Dias Cleidson Nogueira
Published: June 2020

Este trabalho contempla o estudo da formação interativa de valor (FIV) sob a ótica da lógica dominante do serviço (LDS). Por meio de uma revisão narrativa da literatura, contextualizou-se o estudo da LDS, considerando-se tanto a cocriação de valor quanto a codestruição de valor, pois na FIV atores cocriam ou codestroem valor, no processo de troca de recursos durante uma interação de serviço. Posteriormente, foi apresentado um panorama da FIV no setor de hospitalidade e propôs-se, ao final, um framework para aplicação de pesquisas empíricas acerca da integração de recursos e troca de serviço dentro de um ecossistema de serviço. O modelo abarca todo o período da experiência de serviço, antes, durante e após o encontro principal de serviço. Na conclusão, é proposta uma agenda para o aprofundamento nas pesquisas da área e sugestões para futuras pesquisas tanto quantitativas quanto qualitativas.