bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Le contexte de production des ovins laitiers en France : principaux objectifs de recherche-développement et conditions de leur mise en oeuvre
Authors: BARILLET F. , BOCQUIER F.
Published: July 2020

En France, l’élevage des ovins laitiers repose sur des productions typiques, agneaux de lait et fromages de brebis à AOC, permettant le maintien d’une population rurale et le développement industriel dans trois régions de montagne aussi différentes que le sud du Massif Central (Rayon de Roquefort), les Pyrénées Atlantiques et la Corse. Dans les années 70, l’avenir de ces productions passait par une amélioration de la productivité des brebis, des troupeaux et du travail (particulièrement de la traite). Ces objectifs sont largement atteints : la taille moyenne des troupeaux a triplé entre 1970 et 1990, et la production laitière des brebis a doublé, avec l’émergence d’éleveurs spécialisés livrant leur lait, tandis que la tradition des fromages fermiers se perpétue dans certaines zones de production. L’impact de la génétique et de la physiologie animale a été déterminant dans cette évolution remarquable, dans trois domaines complémentaires : mécanisation de la traite, maîtrise de la reproduction, sélection des races locales dans leur bassin respectif. Ainsi en 1990, 75% du lait de brebis produit en France provient d’élevages en contrôle laitier, ce qui constitue un atout déterminant au plan international. Logiquement, de nouveaux objectifs de recherche-développement se font jour pour la décennie 90, dans un contexte où l’on verra se renforcer la relation entre terroirs de production, races locales, systèmes de production et fromages de brebis en AOC. Ces nouveaux objectifs et leurs conditions de mise en oeuvre sont décrits dans cet article. On peut noter en particulier la volonté des partenaires professionnels de renforcer l’interface entre la recherche et le développement avec l’officialisation du Comité National Brebis Laitières en 1991.
Bilans minéraux et disponibilité du calcium chez des moutons recevant des pulpes de betteraves
Authors: MESCHY F. , FAURIE F. , GUEGUEN L.
Published: July 2020

Les pulpes de betteraves sont réputées pour être riches (trop ?) en calcium mais nous ne disposons que de très peu d’informations quant à la disponibilité de ce calcium, et les inconvénients éventuels d’un excès de calcium sont fortement liés à ce critère. Pour cet essai, nous avons utilisé des régimes semi-synthétiques où tout le calcium était apporté, soit par du carbonate de calcium (témoins) soit par des pulpes de betteraves (pulpes) ; la teneur en Ca (g/kg de MS) était 4,6 et 4,8 respectivement. Ces régimes ont été distribués à 6 moutons mâles adultes par lot. Après une phase d’adaptation de 3 semaines, les mesures se sont déroulées en deux périodes successives de 5 jours consécutifs au cours desquelles les bilans minéraux (Ca, P et Mg) ont été déterminés ; de plus, l’absorption réelle de ces éléments a été calculée sur la base de pertes endogènes théoriques suivantes : 20 mg (Ca), 25 mg (P) et 3,5 mg (Mg) par kg de poids vif et par jour. Les performances du lot témoin sont légèrement inférieures aux données de la littérature, ce que l’on peut vraisemblalement attribuer à la nature du régime semi-synthétique difficilement accepté par des ruminants adultes, ce qui était atténué par la présence de pulpes (40 %) dans le régime expérimental. Dans ces conditions, il apparaît clairement que le calcium contenu dans les pulpes de betteraves est nettement moins disponible (50 % environ) que celui du carbonate pris comme référence. Il convient donc de tenir compte de la faible disponibilité du calcium des pulpes de betteraves pour l’évaluation des apports alimentaires et la complémentation minérale des rations dans lesquelles les pulpes représentent une part importante de la matière sèche ingérée.
Facteurs de variation de la composition chimique du lait dans des exploitations à haut niveau de production
Authors: AGABRIEL C. , COULON J.B. , MARTY G. , BONAÏTI B.
Published: July 2020

Soixante-seize exploitations laitières utilisant des vaches Montbéliardes à haut niveau de production (6200 à 8800 kg/vache/an) et alimentées l’hiver avec une ration à base de foin, ont fait l’objet d’une enquête détaillée concernant à la fois la structure de l’exploitation et du troupeau, la qualité des fourrages utilisés, les pratiques alimentaires hivernales et estivales et les caractéristiques génétiques des animaux (index et effet troupeau pour le lait, le taux butyreux et le taux protéique). Ces données ont permis d’analyser les variations de la composition chimique du lait d’une exploitation à l’autre. Les taux butyreux et protéique moyens annuels ont été très variables d’une exploitation à l’autre (respectivement 34,2 à 41,2 g/kg et 30,7 à 34,5 g/kg), malgré l’homogénéité des exploitations sur les critères niveau de production laitière, race et type de ration de base. Cette variabilité est due essentiellement à des facteurs du milieu. Lorsque l’on classe les exploitations par niveau d’effet troupeau (taux butyreux ou taux protéique), on observe 1) que les écarts de taux protéique sont les plus élevés au cours de la période hivernale et sont associés à des pratiques alimentaires différentes (qualité des foins, part du regain dans la ration, type de concentré utilisé), 2) que les écarts de taux butyreux d’un groupe d’exploitations à l’autre sont aussi importants, voire plus, l’été que l’hiver. Ces écarts ne sont qu’en partie associés à des pratiques alimentaires favorables ou défavorables au taux butyreux (présence de betteraves dans la ration, méthode de distribution du concentré). On n’a pas observé de liaison entre les effets troupeau taux butyreux et taux protéique. Il est donc possible de faire varier ces 2 taux de manière indépendante, par le biais de facteurs du milieu.
Revenus et systèmes de production. L’élevage bovin dans le Charolais
Authors: BORTZMEYER M. , CAVAILHES J. , LIENARD G.
Published: July 2020

La production de viande bovine est l’un des grands secteurs concernés par les décisions de réforme du 21 mai 1992 ; celle-ci prévoit une baisse de 15 % du prix de la viande d’ici 1996, compensée par une forte revalorisation des primes à la vache allaitante et aux jeunes bovins mâles, dans la limite d’un niveau de chargement à l’hectare. L’effet de ces mesures variera selon les systèmes de production et les régions : les résultats de simulations micro-économiques d’exploitations-types par programmation linéaire présentés ici concernent la région charolaise.
Incidence des troubles sanitaires chez la vache laitière : bilan de 20 années d’observation dans 3 troupeaux expérimentaux
Authors: FAYE B. , LESCOURRET F. , LANDAIS E. , COULON J.B.
Published: July 2020

Les données sanitaires collectées depuis 20 ans dans les installations expérimentales de vaches laitières de l’INRA en zone de demi-montagne ont été incluses dans la base de données LASCAR. La hiérarchie des fréquences pathologiques est globalement similaire à celle rencontrée dans les élevages laitiers de rente. Les mammites cliniques (31,7 % de lactations atteintes), la pathologie podale (25,6 %), les troubles digestifs (12,3 %) et la rétention placentaire (9,6 %) restent les pathologies prépondérantes. Il existe de fortes variations entre domaines et types génétiques : les panaris affectent plus souvent les FFPN de Marcenat (41,9 %) et les mammites, plus souvent les croisées pie-noires de Theix (53,0 %). Les troubles sanitaires ont tendance à augmenter avec le rang de lactation à l’exception notable des difficultés de vêlage. Le début de lactation est la période de plus grande sensibilité. Mais il n’y a pas de saison spécifique à risque, celle-ci pouvant différer selon les troubles sanitaires considérés. Cependant, le début de la campagne de vêlages (octobre) correspond à une phase sensible, certaines pathologies paraissant plus fréquentes à cette période.
Quelques caractéristiques des races bovines allaitantes de type rustique
Authors: PETIT M. , AGABRIEL J. , D’HOUR P. , GAREL J.P.
Published: July 2020

Les bovins des races rustiques allaitantes ont des caractéristiques physiologiques qui leur permettent de s’adapter à des conditions difficiles et d’y maintenir assez bien leurs productions. Là où les ressources alimentaires sont limitées, ils maintiennent mieux leur développement squelettique au-delà du sevrage que ceux de race à viande à fort potentiel de croissance musculaire. De même, les femelles (au moins de certaines races rustiques) soutiennent mieux leur production laitière et leur reproduction lorsqu’elles font appel à leurs réserves corporelles dans les toutes premières années de vie productive. Cela pourrait être attribué à une maturité plus précoce, accompagnée d’une quantité plus importante de tissu adipeux aisément mobilisable et de besoins de croissance devenus moins élevés. L’aptitude à l’allaitement des vaches Aubrac et surtout des vaches Salers est élevée. Elles sont capables de vêler plus tôt au cours de l’hivernage que les vaches des races à viande, ont un intervalle entre le premier et second vêlage plus réduit (anoestrus plus court, durée de gestation plus faible). La capacité d’ingestion de fourrages grossiers est satisfaisante chez les bovins de races rustiques, mais inférieure à celle de types plus laitiers. Les races rustiques présentent aussi d’autre capacités d’adaptations physiologiques et comportementales à l’environnement (climat, pâturages), qu’il conviendrait de préciser.
Influence de l’alimentation et des performances sur les rejets azotés des porcs
Authors: DOURMAD J.Y. , HENRY Y.
Published: July 2020

Dans les zones de production porcine intensive, l’élimination des déjections devient un problème crucial, en raison principalement des risques de pollution des eaux par les nitrates et des émanations d’ammoniac. L’azote excrété dans les urines et les fèces correspond à la fraction de l’apport alimentaire non retenue dans les protéines corporelles. Dans les conditions habituelles d’alimentation, le porc à l’engrais excrète en moyenne l’équivalent de 15 à 20% de l’azote ingéré, par voie fécale, et 40 à 45% par voie urinaire, soit au total environ 60 à 70% de l’ingéré. La modélisation permet de prévoir avec précision l’importance des rejets azotés en fonction des apports alimentaires de protéines et des performances des animaux. Les différents résultats disponibles montrent qu’il est possible de réduire préventivement les rejets azotés des porcs, en modifiant la stratégie d’alimentation ou les performances. Un aliment adapté à chaque stade physiologique et un meilleur ajustement de l’équilibre en acides aminés, constituent deux méthodes complémentaires et efficaces pour réduire l’excrétion azotée des animaux. Une réduction de 15 à 25% des rejets d’azote dans le lisier et des émanations d’ammoniac dans l’atmosphère peut être envisagée, sans augmentation importante du coût alimentaire. On peut également souligner l’effet intéressant de l’amélioration du niveau des performances, sur la limitation des rejets. En période de reproduction, le paramètre le plus important est le nombre de porcelets produits par truie et par an, alors que, chez le porc en croissance, l’excrétion est principalement affectée par l’indice de consommation.
Design & Control of Vehicle Boom Barrier Gate System using Augmented H2 Optimal & H infinity Synthesis Controllers
Authors: Jibril Mustefa , Tadese Messay , Shoga Tesfabirhan
Published: July 2020

A vehicle boom barrier gate system is one of the recently developed technologies operating at the entrances to the restricted areas. This paper aims to design and control of vehicle’s boom barrier gate system using robust augmentation technique. H 2 optimal and H infinity synthesis controllers are used to improve the performance of the system. The open loop response analysis of the vehicle boom barrier gate system shows that the input of the system need to be improved. Comparison of the vehicle boom barrier gate system with H2 optimal and H infinity synthesis controllers have been done to track a set point desired angular position using a step and operational open and close input signals and a promising results have been observed.
Experimental Analysis of Time Complexity and Solution Quality of Swarm Intelligence Algorithm
Authors: Ajuji Mohammed , Abubakar Aliyu , Emmanuel Datti, Useni
Published: July 2020

Nature-inspired algorithms are very popular tools for solving optimization problems inspired by nature. However, there is no guarantee that optimal solution can be obtained using a randomly selected algorithm. As such, the problem can be addressed using trial and error via the use of different optimization algorithms. Therefore, the proposed study in this paper analyzes the time-complexity and efficacy of some nature-inspired algorithms which includes Artificial Bee Colony, Bat Algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization. For each algorithm used, experiments were conducted several times with iterations and comparative analysis was made. The result obtained shows that Artificial Bee Colony outperformed other algorithms in terms of the quality of the solution, Particle Swarm Optimization is time efficient while Artificial Bee Colony yield a worst case scenario in terms of time complexity.
Life and Death of Fungal Transporters Under the Challenge of Polarity
Authors: Dimou Sofia , Diallinas George
Published: July 2020

Eukaryotic plasma membrane (PM) transporters face critical challenges that are not widely present in prokaryotes. The two most important issues are proper subcellular traffic and targeting to the PM, and regulated endocytosis in response to physiological, developmental or stress signals. Sorting of transporters from their site of synthesis, the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER), to the PM has been long thought, but not formally shown, to occur via the conventional Golgi-dependent vesicular secretory pathway. Endocytosis of specific eukaryotic transporters has been studied more systematically and shown to involve ubiquitination, internalization, and sorting to early endosomes, followed by turnover in the MVB/lysosomes/vacuole system. In specific cases internalized transporters have been shown to recycle back to the PM. However, the mechanisms of transporter forward trafficking and turnover have been overturned recently through systematic work in the model fungus Aspergillus nidulans. In this review we present evidence that shows that transporter traffic to the PM takes place through Golgi-bypass and transporter endocytosis operates via a mechanism that is distinct from that of recycling membrane cargoes essential for fungal growth. We discuss these findings in relation to adaptation to challenges imposed by cell polarity in fungi as well as in other eukaryotes and provide a rationale why transporters and possibly other housekeeping membrane proteins ‘avoid’ routes of polar trafficking.
Modeling and Simulation of a Horizontally Moving Suspended Mass Pendulum Base Using H Infinity Optimal Loop Shaping Controller with First and Second Order Desired Loop Shaping Functions
Authors: Jibril Mustefa , Tadese Messay , Degefa Reta
Published: July 2020

In this paper, a horizontally moving suspended mass pendulum base is designed and controlled using robust control theory. H infinity optimal loop shaping with first and second order desired loop shaping function controllers are used to improve the performance of the system using Matlab/Simulink Toolbox. Comparison of the H infinity optimal loop shaping with first and second order desired loop shaping function controllers for the proposed system have been done to track the desired angular position of the pendulum using step and sine wave input signals and a promising result has been obtained succesfully.
Hurricane Dorian Outer Rain Band Observations and 1D Particle Model Simulations: A Case Study
Authors: Bringi Viswanathan , Seifert Axel , Wu Wei , Thurai Merhala , Huang Gwo-Jong , Siewert Christoph
Published: July 2020

The availability of high quality surface observations of precipitation and volume observations by polarimetric operational radars make it possible to constrain, evaluate and validate numerical models with a wide variety of microphysical schemes. In this article, a novel particle-based Monte-Carlo microphysical model (called “McSnow”) is used to simulate the outer rain bands of Hurricane Dorian which traversed the densely instrumented precipitation research facility operated by NASA at Wallops Island, Virginia. The rain bands showed steady stratiform vertical profiles with radar signature of dendritic growth layers near −15 °C and peak reflectivity in the bright band of 55 dBZ along with polarimetric signatures of wet snow with sizes inferred to exceed 15 mm. A 2D-video disdrometer measured frequent occurrences of large drops >5 mm and combined with an optical array probe the drop size distribution was well-documented in spite of uncertainty for drops <0.5 mm due to high wind gusts and turbulence. The 1D McSnow control run and four numerical “experiments” were conducted and compared with observations. One of the main findings is that even at the moderate rain rate of 10 mm/h collisional breakup is essential for the shape of the drop size distribution.
Increased Risk of Psychopathological Abnormalities in Subjects With Unilateral Hearing Loss: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Song Jae-Jin , Ku Eu Jeong , Kim Seoyoung , Kim Euitae , Choi Young-Seok , Jung Hahn Jin
Published: July 2020

Objectives. Although unilateral hearing loss (UHL) has been proven to be associated with educational and behavioral problems, few studies have investigated psychopathological abnormalities in this population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychopathological influence of UHL among Korean 19-year-old males.Methods. The authors retrospectively compared the objective personality test profiles of 602 subjects with UHL with those of 23,790 peers with normal hearing. All participants in the current study were 19-year-old males who underwent a physical examination and completed the Korean Military Multiphasic Personality Inventory for conscription at the Military Manpower Administration from February 2015 to December 2016.Results. Significantly higher scores were found on neurosis scales in the UHL group than in the normal-hearing group (50.9± 10.8 vs. 44.9±6.0 for anxiety; 51.0±10.5 vs. 44.9±5.2 for depression; 51.1±10.4 vs. 45.1±6.81 for somatization, all P<0.001). The psychopathy scales were also significantly higher in the UHL group than in the normal-hearing group (49.3±9.4 vs. 46.3±5.7 for schizophrenia; 51.1±11.2 vs. 44.3±5.8 for personality disorders; 51.1±10.5 vs. 45.7±3.7 for paranoia, all P<0.001).Conclusion. Nineteen-year-old males with UHL tended to have more abnormal results on personality tests than controls with normal hearing, suggesting that UHL may be related with a higher risk of psychopathology.
Early Neoproterozoic Deformation Kinematics in the Chottanagpur Gneiss Complex (Eastern India): Evidence from the Curvilinear Hundru Falls Shear ZoneAnalysis
Authors: Sequeira Nicole , Bhattacharya Abhijit
Published: July 2020

Curvilinear steep shear zones originate in different tectonic environments. In the Chottanagpur Gneiss Complex (CGC), the steeply dipping, left-lateral and transpressive Early Neoproterozoic Hundru Falls Shear Zone (HFSZ) with predominantly north-down kinematics comprises two domains, e.g., an arcuate NW-striking (in the west) to W-striking (in the east) domain with gently plunging stretching lineation that curves into a W-striking straight-walled domain with down-dip lineation. The basement-piercing HFSZ truncates a carapace of flat-lying amphibolite facies paraschist and granitoid mylonites, and recumbently folded anatectic gneisses. The carapace—inferred to be a midcrustal regional-scale low-angle detachment zone—structurally overlies an older basement of Early Mesoproterozoic anatectic gneisses intruded by Mid-Mesoproterozoic/Early Neoproterozoic granitoids unaffected by the Early Neoproterozoic extensional tectonics. The mean kinematic vorticity values in the steep HFSZ-hosted granitoids computed using the porphyroclast aspect ratio method are 0.74–0.83 and 0.51–0.65 in domains with shallow and steep lineations, respectively. The granitoid mylonites show a chessboard subgrain microstructure, but lack evidence for suprasolidus deformation. The timing relationship between the two domains is unclear. If the two HFSZ domains were contemporaneous, the domain of steep lineations with greater coaxial strain relative to the curvilinear domain formed due to strain partitioning induced by variations in mineralogy and/or temperature of the cooling granitoid plutons. Alternately, the domain of gently plunging lineations in the HFSZ was a distinct shear zone that curved into a subsequent straight-walled shear zone with steeply plunging lineation due to a northward shift in the convergence direction during deformation contemporaneous with the Early Neoproterozoic accretion of the CGC and the Singhbhum Craton.
Pseudonajide peptide derived from snake venom alters cell envelope integrity interfering on biofilm formation in Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Schneider Rafael , Primon-Barros Muriel , Von Borowski Rafael Gomes , Chat Sophie , Nonin-Lecomte Sylvie , Gillet Reynald , Macedo Alexandre José
Published: July 2020

Background The increase in bacterial resistance phenotype cases is a global health problem. New strategies must be explored by the scientific community in order to create new treatment alternatives. Animal venoms are a good source for antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are excellent candidates for new antimicrobial drug development. Cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptides (CRAMPs) from snake venoms have been studied as a model for the design of new antimicrobial pharmaceuticals against bacterial infections. Results In this study we present an 11 amino acid-long peptide, named pseudonajide, which is derived from a Pseudonaja textilis venom peptide and has antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis . Pseudonajide was selected based on the sequence alignments of various snake venom peptides that displayed activity against bacteria. Antibiofilm activity assays with pseudonajide concentrations ranging from 3.12 to 100 µM showed that the lowest concentration to inhibit biofilm formation was 25 µM. Microscopy analysis demonstrated that pseudonajide interacts with the bacterial cell envelope, disrupting the cell walls and membranes, leading to morphological defects in prokaryotes. Conclusions Our results suggest that pseudonajide’s positives charges interact with negatively charged cell wall components of S. epidermidis, leading to cell damage and inhibiting biofilm formation.
Chronic hepatitis and HIV risks amongst Pakistani migrant men in a French suburb and insights into health promotion interventions: the ANRS Musafir qualitative study
Authors: Cailhol Johann , Khan Nichola
Published: July 2020

Background Seine-Saint-Denis is a deprived departement (French administrative unit) in the North-East of Paris, France, hosting the majority of South Asian migrants in France. In recent years, the number of migrants from Pakistan, which has a high prevalence of hepatitis C globally, increased. As a corollary, this study addressed the high proportion of Pakistani patients in the infectious diseases clinic of a local hospital, diagnosed with hepatitis C, but also hepatitis B and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It explored genealogies and beliefs about hepatitis and HIV transmission, including community, sexual and blood risk behaviours. The aim was to understand the ways these risk factors reduce or intensify both en route and once in France, in order to devise specific forms of community health intervention. Methods The study took place at Avicenne University-Hospital in Seine-Saint-Denis, and its environs, between July and September 2018. The design of the study was qualitative, combining semi-structured interviews, a focus group discussion, and ethnographic observations. The sample of Pakistani participants were selected from those followed-up for chronic hepatitis C, B, and/or HIV at Avicenne, and who had arrived after 2010 in Seine-Saint-Denis. Results Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted, until saturation was reached. All participants were men from rural Punjab province. Most took the Eastern Mediterranean human smuggling route. Findings suggest that vulnerabilities to hepatitis and HIV transmission, originating in Pakistan, are intensified along the migration route and perpetuated in France. Taboo towards sexuality, promiscuity in cohabitation conditions, lack of knowledge about transmission were amongst the factors increasing vulnerabilities. Participants suggested a number of culturally-acceptable health promotion interventions in the community, such as outreach awareness and testing campaigns in workplaces, health promotion and education in mosques, as well as web-based sexual health promotion tool to preserve anonymity. Conclusions Our findings highlight the need to look at specific groups at risk, related to their countries of origin. In-depth understandings of such groups, using interdisciplinary approaches such as were employed here, can allow for culturally adapted, tailored interventions. However, French colour-blind policies do not easily permit such kinds of targeted approach and this limitation requires further debate.
Fragmented QRS as an early predictor of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in healthy individuals: A nested case-control study in the era of speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Nikoo Mohammad Hossein , Jamali Zahra , Razeghian-Jahromi Iman , Sayadi Mehrab , Verdecchia Paolo , Abtahi Firoozeh
Published: July 2020

Background: Several studies addressed the association between fragmented QRS (fQRS) on 12-lead EKG and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in patients with a variety of cardiovascular disorders. We tested such association in healthy individuals.Methods: Out of 500 healthy participants without -overt cardiovascular disease from the Shiraz Heart Study cohort, we identified 20 subjects with fQRS (cases) and 20 peers without fQRS (controls). Global LV longitudinal strain (GLS) was measured by speckle tracking echocardiography in the two groups. Comparison was made between case and control groups by using chi-square or independent sample t-test or ANOVA. Results: Age, gender, ejection fraction, LV volume and dimensions did not differ between the case and the control groups. Overall, 14 subjects out of 40 had reduced GLS (≤20%) and 10 of them (25%) had fQRS. GLS was significantly lower in the group with fQRS than in the control group (19.9±1.8 vs 21.4±1.6; p=0.009).Conclusions: Healthy subjects with fQRS present regional LV systolic dysfunction, assessed by GLS, in the presence of a normal ejection fraction. These data suggest that fQRS may be a promising tool to identify apparently healthy subjects with regional LV systolic dysfunction.
Micromorphological analysis and bond strength comparison of two adhesives for different degrees of dental fluorosis
Authors: Liu Shuangfeng , Zhu Yanxia , Gegen Tana
Published: July 2020

The objective of this study was to analyze morphologically the all-etching bonding system and self-etching bonding system for enamel with different degrees of fluorosis and evaluate the bond strength of each system. Teeth that were indicated for extraction owing to orthodontic or periodontal problems were selected. According to Dean’s index and the Thylstrup-Fejerskov index, 180 extracted teeth were divided into three groups of mild, moderate, and severe dental fluorosis (DF), with 60 teeth in each group. The teeth in each group were randomly divided into two subgroups (n = 30), which were then subjected to the all-etching bonding system (Prime & Bond NT) and self-etching bonding system (SE-Bond). Each group of adhesives was used to bond Z350 universal resin (3M) to the etched dental enamel. Tensile and shear tests were conducted to determine the bond strength. Subsequently, the fractured specimens were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The Prime & Bond NT was statistically significant for the tensile and shear strength of enamel with mild fluorosis (P < 0.05) but did not exhibit a significant difference for moderate and severe DF (P > 0.05). The SE-Bond was not statistically significant for the tensile and shear strength of mild, moderate, or severe DF (P > 0.05). The SEM and CLSM results reveal that the mild fluorosis enamel crystals were relatively dense, and a small amount of resin remained. The moderate fluorosis enamel crystals were loosely arranged, and the gaps were widened. The severe fluorosis enamel crystals were irregularly arranged. The disorder was aggravated, and the dentinal orifice was exposed by partial enamel exfoliation. The bonding strength of mild fluorosis enamel with the Prime & Bond NT was better than that with the SE-Bond, and cohesive failure was the most common mode of failure. Because there was no difference in the bonding strength of the SE-Bond for different degrees of DF, we recommend the use of the all-etching adhesive system in the clinical treatment of teeth with mild fluorosis.
Predictors and clinical features of methotrexate (MTX) therapy for ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhang Yu , Gan Lu , Liu Xiao-ying , Du Shan-ping
Published: July 2020

Background: Ectopic pregnancy is a major life- and fertility-threatening concern in women’s health. As a result of advances in examination technology, an increasing number of ectopic pregnancies can be diagnosed early and treated with medical methods instead of surgery. The aim of this study was to summarize the clinical features and identify the predictors of success of methotrexate (MTX) treatment of ectopic pregnancy. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 238 ectopic pregnancies treated with MTX in the Department of Gynecology of Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital from January 2017 to December 2017. Results: Patients were divided into two groups: the successful treatment group (n=166) and the failed treatment group (n=72). The overall success rate of MTX therapy for ectopic pregnancy was 69.75%. The mean initial β-hCG level was significantly lower in the successful treatment group than in the failed treatment group (2538.08 IU/L versus 3533.17 IU/L, P=0.000). The treatment success rate of the group with an initial β-hCG concentration less than 4000 IU/L was significantly higher than that of the group with an initial β-hCG concentration greater than 4000 IU/L. However, the success rate of the group with an initial β-hCG concentration greater than 4000 IU/L was still relatively high (54.55%). β-hCG levels were significantly increased on the 4th day in the failed treatment group (P=0.000). Compared to the initial β-hCG level, the day-4 β-hCG level increased by more than 8.21%, indicating that the treatment was effective. The diagnostic sensitivity was 88.6%, the specificity was 74.5%, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.863 (95% CI: 0.805-0.920). Conclusions: MTX therapy as a treatment option is safe and effective for asymptomatic, hemodynamically stable patients with ectopic pregnancies who are interested in conservative treatment, regardless of the serum β-hCG level or adnexal mass size. The change in the β-hCG level between the initial day and the 4th day is an effective and early predictive tool for the success of MTX therapy of ectopic pregnancy.
Comparative Analysis of the Biomechanical Behavior of two different design metaphyseal-fitting short stems using digital image correlation
Authors: Tatani Irini , Megas Panagiotis , Panagopoulos Andreas , Diamantakos Ioannis , Nanopoulos Photis , Pantelakis Spiros
Published: July 2020

Background: The progressive evolution in hip replacement research is directed to follow the principles of bone and soft tissue sparing surgery. Regarding hip implants, a renewed interest has been raised towards short uncemented femoral implants. A heterogeneous group of short stems have been designed with the aim to approximate initial, post-implantation bone strain to the preoperative levels in order to minimize the effects of stress shielding. This study aims to investigate the biomechanical properties of two distinctly designed femoral implants, the TRI-LOCK Bone Preservation Stem, a shortened conventional stem and the Minima S Femoral Stem, an even shorter and anatomically shaped stem, based on experiments and numerical simulations. Furthermore, finite element models of implant–bone constructs should be evaluated for their validity against mechanical tests wherever it is possible. In this work, the validation was performed via a direct comparison of the FE calculated strain fields with their experimental equivalents obtained using the digital image correlation technique. Results: Design differences between Trilock BPS and Minima S femoral stems conditioned different strain pattern distributions. A distally shifting load distribution pattern as a result of implant insertion and also an obvious decrease of strain in the medial proximal aspect of the femur was noted for both stems. Strain changes induced after the implantation of the Trilock BPS stem at the lateral surface were greater compared to the non-implanted femur response, as opposed to those exhibited by the Minima S stem. Linear correlation analyses revealed a reasonable agreement between the numerical and experimental data in the majority of cases. Conclusion: The study findings support the use of DIC technique as a preclinical evaluation tool of the biomechanical behavior induced by different implants and also identify its potential for experimental FE model validation. Furthermore, a proximal stress shielding effect was noted after the implantation of both short stem designs. Design specific variations in short stems were sufficient to produce dissimilar biomechanical behaviors, although their clinical implication must be investigated through comparative clinical studies.
The Research and Analysis of Bring Perigastric Tumor Deposits into The Staging of Primary Gastric Cancer
Authors: wang xinxin , wang zhaoyang , xie tianyu , li shuo , wu di , guo xin , wang yong , chen lin
Published: July 2020

Background: The current significance of perigastric tumor deposits (TDs) in gastric cancer (GC) for indicating prognosis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of perigastric TDs and a new TNM staging involving TDs for GC.Methods: The pathological data of 6672 patients with GC who underwent gastrectomy or operation of gastric cancer with other diseases between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2017 at Chinese PLA General Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into tumor deposits positive (TD+) group and tumor deposits negative (TD-) group. The differences between TD+ and TD- were analyzed by binary Logistic regression model. To draw survival curves, we used Kaplan-Meier methods. Multivariate Cox regression model and Log-rank test was used to analyze the data.Results: Perigastric TDs were found to be positive in 339 (5.09%) of the 6672 patients with GC of which 237 were males (69.91%) and 102 females (30.09%) (2.32:1). The median age was 59 years (ranging from 27 to 78 years). No significant differences were detected between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate survival analysis both indicated that GC patients with positive TDs had poorer prognosis than those with negative TDs (p<0.05). The 1-, 3-and 5-year overall survival rates of GC patients with TDs were 68.3%, 19.6%, and 11.2%, respectively, and were significantly poorer than those of the staged matched control group. There was statistical significance between the location of TDs and patient survival in patients with gastric cancer (p＜0.05). A new TNM staging was formulated according to the TDs location. When TDs appear on the gastric body, the original T1, T2, T3 stages change to T4a, and T4a, T4b change to T4b; when TDs appear in the lesser curvature, the previous N0, N1, N2, N3 stage change to N3; when the TDs located in the greater curvature or the distant tissue, the patient should be categorized as M1. After using the new stage, the survival curve of patients with TDs was closer to that of patients without TDs in each pTNM staging.Conclusion: 1. Tumor deposits is a bad prognostic factor in patients with primary gastric cancer. 2. The location of tumor deposits is associated with the prognosis of patients with primary gastric cancer. 3. The new stage is more suitable for patients with tumor deposits of gastric cancer.
Triple therapy combined with ventriculoperitoneal shunts can improve neurological function and shorten hospitalization time in non-HIV cryptococcal meningitis patients with increased intracranial pressure
Authors: Li Min , Liu Jia , Deng Xuhui , Gan Qingzhou , Wang Yijie , Xu Xiaofeng , Jiang Ying , Peng Fuhua
Published: July 2020

Background: Raised intracranial pressure (ICP) and insufficient antifungal regimens are the two main factors result to unsatisfactory outcomes in non-HIV cryptococcal meningitis (CM) patients. In this study, we try to discuss that whether triple therapy of amphotericin B (AmB), fluconazole, 5-flucytosine (5-FC) plus ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) is superior to AmB, 5-FC, fluconazole plus intermittent lumbar puncture in induction therapy in non-HIV CM patients with increased ICP. Methods: We reviewed 66 clinical records from non-HIV CM patients with increased ICP. The demographic and clinical characteristics, BMRC staging, cerebrospinal ﬂuid proﬁles (CSF), brain magnetic resonance imaging, treatment, and outcomes of these individuals were retrospectively analyzed. All non-HIV CM patients with increased ICP (≥ 25 cmH2O) were divided into two groups, including 27 patients treated with triple antifungal agents and 39 patients treated with the same triple therapy plus VPS. Results: Triple therapy plus VPS group had more satisfactory outcomes, and more CSF sterilization at 10 weeks follow-up,lower CSF opening pressure, lower BMRC staging scores one week after VPS, less CSF C. neoformans counts and CSF culture positive. Patients in triple therapy plus VPS group got the improvement in neurological function circumstances evaluated by comparing the BMRC staging before and after VPS. These patients had shorter hospital stay. Conclusions: Triple antifungal agents combined with VPS can effectively reduce ICP, have faster rate of clearance of C. neoformans counts, more improved neurological function, shorten hospitalization time and better outcomes in non-HIV CM patients with increased ICP. Our study indicated that triple therapy plus early VPS is maybe the optimal treatment for non-HIV CM patients with increased ICP.
Frailty is a useful predictive marker of postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: NAKANO YUTAKA , Hirata Yuki , Shimogawara Tatsuya , Yamada Toru , Mihara Koki , Nishiyama Ryo , Nishiya Shin , Taniguchi Hideki , Egawa Tomohisa
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND: Frailty results in a high risk for disability, hospitalization, and mortality. This study aimed to investigate perioperative details of frail patients who underwent pancreatectomy and whether frailty can be a predictive factor of postoperative complications, especially of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF).METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent pancreatectomy in our hospital between August 2016 and March 2019. The patients were divided into frail and pre-/non-frail groups. The diagnostic criteria were based on the Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study.RESULTS: Of 93 patients, 11 (11.8%) and 82 (88.2%) were frail and pre-/non-frail patients, with median ages of 82 and 72 years, respectively (p=0.041). Postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo ≧IIIa) were found in 8 and 32 patients (p=0.034), CR-POPF in 3 and 13 patients (p=0.346), and postoperative hospital stays were 21 and 17 days (p=0.041), respectively. On multivariate analysis, frailty was an independent predictive factor (odds ratio [OR] 5.604, 95.0% confidence interval [CI] 1.002-30.734; p=0.047) of postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo ≧IIIa) after pancreaticoduodenectomy. On multivariate analysis, a soft pancreas (OR 5.696, 95.0% CI 1.142-28.149; p=0.034) was an independent and significant predictive factor of CR-POPF after pancreaticoduodenectomy.CONCLUSIONS: Frailty may be a useful predictive factor of postoperative complications in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Myofibroma/myofibromatosis: MDCT and MR imaging findings in 24 patients with radiological-pathological correlation
Authors: Yi Kun-ming , Chen Kang , Ma Qiang , Wang Lu , Li Ran , Wang Yi
Published: July 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to characterize the radiological features of myofibroma on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and correlate the imaging findings with pathologic features. Methods: The radiological findings of 24 patients with 29 myofibromas were retrospectively reviewed. All images were evaluated with emphasis on density, signal intensity, hypointense area, and enhancement, correlating these with pathologic findings. Results: On plain MDCT scan, 4(26.7%) tumors were homogeneous isodensity, 4(26.7%) tumors were heterogeneous hyperdensity, and 7(46.7%) tumors were heterogeneous hypodensity. On contrast-enhanced MDCT scan, all tumors (9/9) showed heterogeneous enhancement with moderate in 3(33.3%) and marked in 6(66.7%) tumors, and their enhancements were higher compared to adjacent skeletal muscle (P=0.0001). On MRI, heterogeneous slight hyperintensity, homogeneous slight hyperintensity, and heterogeneous hypointensity on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) were observed in 14(82.3%), 1(5.9%) and 2(11.8%) tumors, respectively. On T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and fat-suppressed (FS) T2WI, all tumors demonstrated heterogeneous hyperintensity. All tumors showed heterogeneous marked enhancement on FS contrast-enhanced T1WI. On T1WI, T2WI, FS T2WI, and FS contrast-enhanced T1WI, irregular strip or/and patchy hypointensities were found in 16(94.1%), 12(100%), 17(100%) and 17(100%) tumors, respectively, and pseudocapsule was seen in 5(29.4%) tumors. The hypointensities and pseudocapsule on MRI were exactly corresponding to pathological interlacing collagen fibers and fibrosis. The age of the recurrent group was lower than that of the non-recurrent group (P=0.001) and the tumors without pseudocapsule were more likely to recur than those with pseudocapsule (P=0.034). Conclusion: Myofibromas are characterized by heterogeneous density or signal intensity, with moderate or marked enhancement. The hypointensities and pseudocapsule on MRI may be helpful in diagnosis, and the absence of pseudocapsule and younger age may be risk factors for tumor recurrence.
Health status, lifestyle habits, and perceived social support in long-term cancer survivors: a cross-sectional study
Authors: León-Salas Beatriz , Zabaleta-del-Olmo Edurne , Llobera Joan , Bolíbar-Ribas Bonaventura , López-Jiménez Tomas , Casajuana-Closas Marc , Cantó Magdalena Esteva
Published: July 2020

Objective: To compare the presence of comorbidities and self-perceived health and social support between long-term cancer survivors and people without a history of cancer from a clinical trial examining the effects of a multiple risk behavior intervention.Results: Of the 4259 people studied, 190 (4.46%) were cancer survivors. They had a mean ± SD age of 62.8±7 years vs. 58.7±8 years (P<0.01) for non-cancer people and were more likely to be on long-term sick leave (11.9% vs. 3.5%, P<0.001). No differences were observed for smoking, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, physical activity, obesity, or social support. Cancer survivors were more likely to have worse self-perceived health (OR 1.82; 95% CI 1.02–2.75), more comorbidities (OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.18–2.39), COPD (OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.25–3.78), and depression (OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.06–2.57). Older age and worse self-perceived health were independent predictors of survivorship in the adjusted analysis.
Methods for Testing the Performance of Long-distance Wireless Power Transmission Systems
Authors: WANG Xudong , LU Changbo , WANG Changfu , LIU Panpan , XU Wanli , ZHOU Youjie , WANG Feng
Published: July 2020

Long-distance wireless power transmission can reduce the dependence of unmanned systems on energy storage systems, which is especially advantageous for unmanned aerial vehicles. This approach is key for building an integrated and uninterrupted air-to-ground power supply network. This paper introduces the technical characteristics of long-distance wireless power transmission systems, reports the development of such systems at home and abroad, and proposes technical indices and methods for performance evaluation of these systems. A test was conducted using a testing device, and the key parameters of the system performance were obtained. This work provides a solid foundation for the performance evaluation studies of long-distance wireless power transmission systems.
Asymptomatic people with SARS-CoV-2 as unseen carriers of COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Syangtan Gopiram , Bista Shrijana , Dawadi Prabin , Rayamajhee Binod , Shrestha Lok Bahadur , Tuladhar Reshma , Joshi Dev Raj
Published: July 2020

Background

The asymptomatic patients with SARS-CoV-2 can act as an unseen carrier for magnifying the transmission of COVID-19.
Aims

This study was designed to appraise the burden of asymptomatic individuals and estimate their occurrence among different age groups and gender by reviewing the existing published data on asymptomatic people with COVID-19.
Methods

Three electronic databases: PubMed, Embase and Web of Science (WoS) were used to search studies as per the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) and the search was limited to English language. The study population of this review includes asymptomatic individuals infected by COVID-19. All original articles which have reported cases of the COVID-19 patients with no symptoms until 31 April 2020 were included in the study. Random effects model was applied to analyze pooled data on the prevalence of symptomless cases among total COVID-19 infected patients and also on different age groups and gender.
Results

In the meta-analysis of 16 studies, comprising 2,788 COVID-19 infected patients, the pooled prevalence of asymptomatic cases was 48.2% (95% CI, 30%-67%). Among the asymptomatic patients, 55.5% (95% CI, 43.6%-66.8%) were female and 49.6% (95% CI, 20.5%-79.1%) were children.
Conclusion

About half of the COVID-19 infected patients were asymptomatic cases. Children and females were more apparent to be asymptomatic patient of COVID-19 and could act as unseen carrier of SARS-CoV-2. Symptom based screening only, might fail to identify all SARS-CoV-2 infections escalating the threat of global spread of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, mass surveillance system tracking asymptomatic cases is a pressing need of public health, paying special attention to female and young children, which could aid in prevention and containment of this unprecedented pandemic.