bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OPTIMIZATION OF THE PERFORMANCE OF VAPOUR COMPRESSION CYCLE USING LIQUID SUCTION LINE HEAT EXCHANGER
Authors: MAHDİ AL-OBAİDİ Abdulkareem Shafiq , NAİF Ali , AL- HARTHİ Thabit Khalifa
Published: May 2020

One of the most commonly used refrigeration systems is vapour compression refrigeration system. As saving
energy remains a challenge, researchers are putting a lot of efforts into finding efficient solution to improve the performance
of vapour compression refrigeration systems. Mechanical subcooling and Liquid Suction Line Heat Exchanger (LSLHX)
are approaches that have shown to improve the performance of Vapour Compression Cycle (VCC) systems. This
experimental study is conducted to achieve two objectives. First objective is to optimize the heat source and heat sink water
volumetric flow rate combination that results in the best performance. In order to evaluate the effect of using subcooling
cycle and LSLHX cycle, different flow rate combinations are studied and analysed. Then, to optimize the heat source and
heat sink water volumetric flow rate combination that outcome in the optimum performance. Second objective is to
optimize the system performance through implementing subcooling and LSLHX. At the optimum water flow rates, the
basic VCC performance of the designed system showed better performance compared to the published data. The system
performance was improved by 10% at the optimum flow rate when solely subcooling was used while deteriorated by 47.5%
at full LSLHX.
Linguistic Island as an Environment Favouring Sustainable Development of Regional Language Varieties (Focus on Scots)
Authors: Pavlenko Alexander Ye. , Pavlenko Galina V. , Stroganova Olga A.
Published: May 2020

The island type of a dialect of a regional language can be a favourable factor of development, which makes the dialect in question more «successful» than the other varieties of the same idiom spoken on the mainland. In the domain of Scots, Ullans (Ulster Scots) proved to be its most «successful» variety, which has enjoyed favourable conditions for development since the late twentieth century. The Shetland dialect, as a vital variety having important differential features and performing a symbolic function in the community, also has a significant potential for development if the situation favours it.
«Met. It’s No Joke – Sholokhov!» (the Image of M.A. Sholokhov in the Poetry of V.F. Bokov)
Authors: Vasiliev Sergey
Published: May 2020

M.A. Sholokhov (1905–1984) and V.F. Bokov (1914–2009) met in Rostov-on-Don in August 1964. A two-hour conversation took place at the initiative of the author of «And Quiet Flows the Don», who learned about the «literary ship» – traveling along the Don and performing in the villages and on farms with the reading of poems by young writers, headed by V.F. Bokov. Bokov wrote several poems about Sholokhov, the main of which – «Meeting with Sholokhov» (1964) – was to be included in his book of poems «On the Don», but, due to the arbitrariness of the editor, the publication is not included. In September 1964 Bokov sent it by letter to Sholokhov and read it «everywhere from the rostrum». The poet actively worked on this text, preparing a substantially updated version of it for his Collected works (1983–1984). One of the brightest details of Sholokhov’s image found by the poet is his naming through the naming of the famous Tolstoy estate: Rejoice, laugh and Hello, / our Yasnaya Polyana!. Another poem of this subject – «You remember me / Sholokhov called…» – V.F. Bokov included in a letter to the Don poet A.A. Ter-Markaryan. According to the image of the poet, Sholokhov, as it were, appointed Bokov as the «father» of the young writers accepted by him under his protection: Be your father to them, Victor. In the poem «The Old Cossack» the Sholokhov’s theme at the end, but, thus, becomes decisive. With the poet’s sense of humor, he writes that if this old Cossack would meet Sholokhov – there would be a novel! In his works on Sholokhov’s theme, Bokov proved himself, as in his work as a whole, a major master of the artistic word.
The Fixed Phrase Scheme "Warum + Verb + Pron1!(?)" in the System of German: Language and Speech
Authors: Melnik Anastasia D.
Published: May 2020

The description of the modern German fixed phrase scheme «Warum + Verb + Pron1!(?)» is given in this article. The relevance of the study is explained by the absence of the research of the object space as well as its high importance for the practice of communication. The various scientific methods were used. The fixed phrase scheme «Warum + Verb + Pron1!(?)» is described in the structural, semantic, etymological, paradigmatic, syntagmatic, stylistic, phraseological and functional aspects. The phraseological status of it and its belonging to the phraseological subsystem of language are proved. The scheme has two required components, it is characterized by the indicators of reproducibility, structural-semantic stability and integrity, idiomaticity and expressiveness, has a fixed structure serving as a model to build similar sentences-statements. In general the scheme «Warum + Verb + Pron1!(?)» is frequent enough in the practice of speech communication, due to its system and functional characteristics. Its use in colloquial speech increases the efficiency of the communication process, gives it a relaxed character.
Development of Linguocultural Competence of Students by Means of Dialogue Space Organization at the Lessons of Russian Language and Literature
Authors: Andreeva Olga S.
Published: May 2020

The development of linguistic and cultural competence of students is possible on the basis of the dialogue of cultures. The text-centric (textoriented) principle of the Russian language and Literature teaching is regarded as fundamental in the aspect of the dialogue of cultures. It contributes to the formation of the dialogue thinking and allows students to form the systematic view of the world and culture.
Ways and Means of Overcoming Lexical and Grammatical Difficulties in Passing the Test on RFL (Level B2)
Authors: Ismailova Kholisakhon E. , Bondareva Olga V.
Published: May 2020

The article deals with the preparation of foreign students for RFL level B2 in order to form their communicative abilities in all spheres of communication. Attention to this issue is justified by the need to increase the productivity of studying Russian as a foreign language for bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and even for admission to graduate school in the Humanities, engineering and natural sciences.
Mikhail Sholokhov in the Creative Consciousness of Modern Russian Writers
Authors: Osipova Tatyana
Published: May 2020

The views of modern Russian writers D. Bykov, A. Melikhov, Z. Prilepin on the personality and work of M. Sholokhov are presented. The features of their reading of the writer’s works are considered, the diversity and inconsistency of assessments and opinions are emphasized. Particular attention is paid to the attitude of modern writers to the problem of authorship of the novel «And Quiet the Don Flows». The analysis showed that all of the above authors emphasize the connection of the novel-epic M. Sholokhov with previous and subsequent works of the writer. But, if A. Melikhov and Z. Prilepin completely deny the fact of plagiarism, D. Bykov admits the fact of partial borrowing.
Interview as a Form of Cross-Cultural Communication in Mass Media (Illustrated on the Example of Le Monde in 2015–2016)
Authors: Shevchenko Polina E.
Published: May 2020

It is hard to imagine an inter-cultural dialogue as an immediate and direct communication between the national and ethnic minorities, and the majority of the population is impossible. However, today’s mass media connect these two social groups through the Internet and provide a platform to exchange their views online. Modern «dialogue» through the online mass media is possible with the help of interviews with minorities. Online media provide a platform for communication of different segments of the population by organizing a dialogue between representatives of different cultures. This study aims to evaluate the possibility of such a «dialogue», and its implementation in the online version of the newspaper «Le Monde». We believe that the media, being in a position to create a space for the dialogue between minority and majority, have a significant influence on the content produced by selecting quotes, articles for publication, and conducting interviews within the given topic, avoiding any derogation. During the time of terrorist attacks in Europe in 2015-2016, the voice of the French Muslim minority and migrants living in the country was expected to be heard. One of the most visited French websites lemonde.fr did not provide the significant opportunity to speak to these categories of citizens, limiting their opinions by official representatives’ statements.
Syntagmatics as a Way of Individualization of Age Stereotypes in the Novels by M. A. Sholokhov
Authors: Savenkova Lyudmila B.
Published: May 2020

It is argued that the skill of the writer is the ability to use the stereotypical views of readers as a basis for recognition and acceptance of the characters’ images. At the same time, individualization is layered on the stereotype, and is formed to a large extent due to the appeal to the combinative potential of the various comparisons, which embody the stereotype. The use of age stereotypes in the novel prose of M. A. Sholokhov is considered. It is noted that the writer resorts to stable comparisons with the lexical variation and expansion, appeals to individual comparisons, based on conjunctions and semantically connected with the preconceptions about age (individual ones are almost three times more than stable ones). The deployment of comparisons due to the spread of each full-valued component is also repetitive. More often than comparisons, based on conjunctions, the author uses comparative adverbs, which help him to focus the reader’s attention on the nuances of age characteristics. At the same time, the predominance of prefix-suffix derivatives (по-детски, по-молодому, etc.) over suffix derivatives (детски, старчески, etc.) allows us to conclude that Sholokhov tends to accentuate the detail as such but not the quality of it. If the comparisons, based on conjunctions, make it possible to emphasize a frequent deviation in the characteristic or in the behavior of the individual from the so-called standard, the adverbial comparisons are not so homogeneous: a third part of them allows to see the correspondence of personal characteristics expected for the particular age group.
Stylistic Peculiarities of the Political Internet-Discourse (Based on Comments to Theresa May’s Posts in Twitter)
Authors: Vulfovich Boris G.
Published: May 2020

Modern political discourse has obtained a new level, i.e. bilateral due to the Internet. This feature of this social network lets a user make a comment to any post written on the page and, what is more, there is a high possibility that a person addressed will read it and answer it. As a comment is considered to be an individual’s speech act it can be rendered from stylistics’ point of view. Implying stylistics into speech can be explained by an attempt to cause a certain emotional reaction of a person. The given article deals with the stylistic analysis of such comments to Theresa May’s posts in “Twitter” and subsequent determination of the emotive state of the readers.
Valores de los estudiantes universitarios de Madeira y Fortaleza: dimensión familiar
Authors: Jardim Maria Helena De Agrela Gonçalves , Da Silva Junior Geraldo Bezerra , Capelo Maria Regina Teixeira Ferreira , Varela John Miguel Costa , Brasil Christina César Praça , Catrib Ana Maria Fontenelleh
Published: May 2020

Esta é uma pesquisa quantitativa que tem como objetivo analisar os valores de família de estudantes universitários portugueses e brasileiros. Pesquisou-se 605 universitários, sendo 225 da Universidade da Madeira (Portugal) e 380 da Universidade de Fortaleza (Brasil). Utilizou-se a dimensão família do Questionário adaptado do European Values Survey, englobando questões sobre atitudes dos progenitores, número de filhos e qualidades a ensinar às crianças/jovens. A maioria dos participantes eram do sexo feminino e solteiros, apresentando os estudantes brasileiros scores mais elevados em relação às atitudes antiquadas dos pais acerca dos princípios morais e ao número de filhos, atribuindo importância às qualidades coragem, responsabilidade, respeito, perseverança, fé, generosidade, enquanto os portugueses outorgam maior importância à economia. Os resultados permitem inferir que as crenças, os valores e as qualidades dos jovens espelham a família, a sociedade envolvente e o mundo globalizado.
Blessing in the Family Health Strategy: perspectives of nursing professionals
Authors: Silva Janaína Aparecida Maia , Assunção Luiza Maria De , Rodrigues Leiner Resende
Published: May 2020

Esta é uma pesquisa quantiqualitativa de caráter descritivo e exploratório, que tem como objetivo caracterizar os profissionais de enfermagem e apresentar sua perspectiva sobre a benzedura junto à Estratégia Saúde da Família em município mineiro. Participaram 44 profissionais de enfermagem na fase de avaliação de perfil e conhecimento de benzedura, aplicando-se sete entrevistas audiogravadas para um segundo momento do estudo. Constatou-se que 90,9% dos informantes são do sexo feminino e 56,9% de cor branca, 43,1% católicos, 27,3 % kardecistas e % 68,2 usam a benzedura. Da análise temática emergiram duas categorias: Saúde e práticas espirituais/religiosas; Relações entre benzedura e práticas de saúde e cuidado. A benzedura é percebida como uma alternativa na resolutividade, na hospitalidade e atenção.
Self-knowledge as an important factor in breast cancer diagnosis: a case study.
Authors: Guerra Heloísa Silva , Xavier Oemis Eduardo , Rêgo Ruth Da Silva , Dias Jorge Henrique Assunção , Alcântara Gustavo Da Paixão
Published: May 2020

Trata-se de um estudo de caso, cujo objetivo foi relatar a dificuldade na detecção de uma neoplasia mamária, em que o diagnóstico orientou-se por um único achado clínico. O período considerando das informações foi desde 2016, mas realizado no primeiro semestre de 2019, em cidade do interior de Goiás. Houve subdiagnóstico por vários profissionais de saúde, após três mamografias e duas ultrassonografias sugestivas de benignidade. A despeito dos resultados, a paciente buscou hospital de referência e a repetição de exames mostraram ainda benignidade, mas a adaptação de aparelhos no exame mostrou malignidade, a ponto de que a paciente chegou a fazer quimioterapia e depois mastectomia. Exercitar o autoconhecimento é ferramenta importante que contribui para emancipação feminina e expressão de seu empoderamento, bem como, a anamnese completa, a escuta qualificada e o exame físico detalhado, são essenciais para o diagnóstico preciso; e, tratamento oportuno com vistas à melhoria da qualidade de vida da paciente.
Repensar la preservación residencial. Análisis del estado de concientización patrimonial usuaria en un barrio histórico marplatense (Loma Stella Maris)
Authors: Sánchez Lorena Marina
Published: May 2020

Las viviendas con valores patrimoniales articulan aspectos históricos, sociales y materiales que las posicionan como eslabones destacados dentro de cada paisaje urbano. Repensar la preservación de este legado residencial constituye un desafío permanente enlazado al devenir de las concepciones teóricas y los resultados de las experiencias temáticas en el tiempo. En este sentido, dos aciertos resultan de interés: su tratamiento conjunto (áreas, fragmentos, sectores, centros) y, en especial, la inclusión de las comunidades en la promoción de acciones de salvaguarda progresivas. Desde este último abordaje, resulta significativo el progreso de la concientización patrimonial en cada ámbito local, con énfasis en los usuarios como los principales artífices de las permanencias y los cambios en sus viviendas. Por ello se propone reflexionar sobre el estado de concientización patrimonial usuaria en Mar de Plata, una urbe argentina en constante transformación. En particular se estudia un tipo de legado característico, los chalets “estilo Mar del Plata”, en el barrio histórico Loma Stella Maris. Mediante una indagación abordada desde un enfoque histórico social y material, se propone analizar la concientización como sustento clave de posibles estrategias preservacionistas.
Agua Florida. Lugares del tango en Buenos Aires a comienzos del siglo XX
Authors: Caride Horacio
Published: May 2020

Este texto trata de algunos lugares de diversión nocturna de una ciudad y de una sociedad de la que apenas quedan indicios. Con preeminencia masculina, su población era en su mayoría inmigrante, desarraigada, en buena medida analfabeta o de escasa instrucción y con un alto grado de precariedad laboral. El aluvión de trabajadores varones que arribaron a Buenos Aires entre fines del siglo XIX y principios del siglo XX se enfrentaron a un proyecto modernizador que no necesariamente los incluía. La noche era una salida obligada que significaba bastante más que un mero esparcimiento. Allí se dieron formas de sociabilidad, donde las academias de baile operaron junto a los despachos de bebidas alcohólicas y bares como antesalas de los prostíbulos.
A experiência da docência em Sociologia: notas de um tempo fugaz
Authors: Silva Rosimeri Aquino da , Oliveira Amurabi
Published: May 2020

O texto presente é resultante de dados qualitativos obtidos de uma pesquisa comparativa sobre a formação de professores que atuam com o ensino de sociologia, no ensino médio, em escolas da rede pública dos Estados de Santa Catarina e do Rio Grande do Sul. Através de entrevistas, observações e uso de questionários, a pesquisa verificou sobre o perfil desses professores, temas tratados em sala de aula, métodos, maiores desafios do ofício, das práticas e dos conteúdos que fazem parte de seus cotidianos, assim como implicações epistemológicas e metodológicas sobre a atual formação de professores.  Verificamos que a ausência e a presença da disciplina nos currículos da educação básica em articulação com outros elementos forma um conjunto de questões que norteiam a narrativa dos professores sobre suas experiências pedagógicas.
A escrita feminina no Jornal Letras Sergipanas da Academia Sergipana de Letras (1984-1989)
Authors: Martires José genivaldo , Conceição Joaquim Tavares da
Published: May 2020

Resumo
Este artigo dedica-se a examinar a escrita feminina no jornal Letras Sergipanas da Academia Sergipana de Letras (ASL), no período de 1984 a 1989, evidenciando as temáticas e o protagonismo de professoras imortais da Academia Sergipana de Letras. O marco temporal corresponde aos anos da primeira e da última edição do periódico, identificadas e utilizadas neste estudo. Por meio de pesquisa documental foram identificadas 28 edições do jornal Letras Sergipanas na hemeroteca do Instituto Histórico e Geográfico de Sergipe (IHGSE) e no Arquivo Público do Estado de Sergipe (Apes). A participação de mulheres no sodalício ocorreu somente em 1978, com a posse da professora Núbia Marques. No século XX foram eleitas imortais as professoras Ofenísia Freire (1980); Maria Thétis Nunes (1983); Carmelita Pinto Fontes (1984); Giselda Morais (1992) e Maria Lígia de Madureira Pina (1998). Essas professoras, exceto Giselda Morais, publicaram no jornal Letras Sergipanas. Foram 53 publicações femininas no período estudado, abordando diferentes temáticas, sendo as mais recorrentes: literatura sergipana, biografias e poesias. Neste sentido, a estratégia de divulgação de trabalhos dessas professoras no periódico contribuiu para a visibilidade de suas produções literárias e a ampliação do capital cultural.
DESIGN OF THE POLLUTION GAS CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) MONITORING SYSTEM BASED ON MICROCONTROLLER
Authors: Wati Erna Kusuma , Hidyanti Fitria , Azman Novi
Published: May 2020

Carbon monoxide is a flammable gas and very toxic to humans, to determine the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) gas requires a tool that can measure the concentration of the gas. The design of the CO gas monitoring measuring instrument in this study has dimensions of 11cm x 8.6 cm x 2.9 cm using the MQ-135 sensor, Arduino Uno microcontroller to control and process the signal, to display temperature and humidity with a 4.2 Inch LCD. Krisbow KD09-224 Carbon Monoxide Meter is a comparison tool or calibrator, against our monitoring gauges. Testing by experimenting as much as 15 times, to determine the value of the measurement uncertainty. Based on the results of the data when testing, the average amount of measurement  = 103.33, with a standard deviation δ 1.29, and the uncertainty value of the measurement results  is 0,33 %. Thus the system can be used as monitoring of CO gas pollution in units of ppm (parts per million).
THE DETERMINATION OF BARIUM STRONTIUM TITANATE THIN FILM BAND GAP ENERGY Ba0,15Sr0,85TiO3 USING ULTRAVIOLET-VISIBLE SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: Dewi Rahmi , Krisman Krisman , Zulkarnaen Zulkarnaen , Syahraini Rahmi Afrida , Husein TS Luqman
Published: May 2020

A thin layer of Barium Strontium Titanate Ba0.15Sr0.85TiO3 (BST) was developed on a glass substrate using a sol-gel method with annealing temperatures and spin coating process at 3500 rpm for 30 seconds. The annealing temperature varied from 600oC, 650oC, and 700oC.  Characterization of optical properties was developed using UV-Vis spectroscopy to determine the energy bandgap. The values of the BST thin layer energy band at the annealing temperature were 3.55 eV, 3.32 eV, and 3.10 eV, respectively. The results indicate that the BST thin film was a semiconductor material.
Synergetic effect of a super-absorbent polymer and a calcium nitrite corrosion inhibitor in high performance concrete durability
Authors: Duran Herrera Alejandro , Canul-Polanco Jennifer Anette , Dávila-Pompermaye Rogelio , López-Yépez Lucio Guillermo , Valdez-Tamez Pedro Leobardo
Published: May 2020

In this research, the synergetic effect of a super-absorbent polymer in combination with a calcium nitrite corrosion inhibitor were evaluated as a combined technology to improve concrete durability in High Performance Concrete. For this purpose, Portland cement mortars with a water/cement ratio of 0.4 and a substitution of 9.5% of cement by silica fume were produced. The effect of this technologies was evaluated by measuring the following parameters: autogenous and drying shrinkage, surface electrical resistivity and the non-steady-state chloride migration coefficient. The results indicate that the synergistic effect of SAP + CNI improves autogenous shrinkage and surface electrical resistivity.
Image analysis on disintegrated concrete at the post-heating stage
Authors: Akca A. H. , Özyurt N.
Published: May 2020

The relation between crack growth and reduction in the compressive strength after high temperature exposure and after air re-curing was investigated in this study. Concrete specimens were heated to 1000 ºC and they were subjected to air re-curing for 28 days. During re-curing period, their heated surfaces were monitored by using a digital single-lens reflex camera and the images were analyzed by using image analysis software. After cooling, the maximum reduction in the compressive strength of concrete was 49.5% and that of air re-cured concrete was 66.8%. Image analyses showed high correlations between crack growth and reduction in the compressive strength. This non-destructive method has the potential to represent the extent of damage in concrete after high temperature exposure.
Ignorance is risk: An exploratory investigation of students’ perceptions of their education–employment pathways
Authors: Lock Edward , Kelly Kate
Published: May 2020

The widely held view that higher education constitutes a gateway to employment has underpinned the dramatic widening of access to university in recent decades. However, globalisation and technological development have complicated the task of enhancing the employability of students, as the future world of work has become ever-more dynamic and unpredictable. Given such conditions, the delivery of employability teaching has become a central focus of many higher education providers (HEPs). To meet their responsibilities, HEPs must understand how students perceive their respective courses in relation to the employment pathways that they seek to follow. The present study aimed to gain an understanding of prospective students’ perceptions regarding this, but also to evaluate the accuracy of these perceptions. Because some course types are more narrowly vocational than are others, a subsidiary aim was to investigate whether or not student expectations and knowledge varied depending on course-type. The findings gathered from 462 students enrolled into a wide range of courses at 15 Australian universities were profound. They highlight that, while most students commence university with a career goal in mind, many have a poor understanding of the education-employment pathways on which they have embarked. Students demonstrated a limited understanding of the careers to which their courses might lead, and of the relevance of postgraduate study to their chosen career goals. These findings varied significantly across different course-types. Overall, these findings highlight the need for HEPs to educate their students explicitly about the education-employment pathways that are available to them.
KCTD15 Gene Expression Regulates Adipocyte Differentiation and Is Associated with Obesity in Humans
Authors: Xu Jing , Zhao Xu , Yang Ying , Zhang Kebin , Wang Min , Xu Zihui
Published: May 2020

Background: It has been substantiated by Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) that genetic disparity influences the fat levels and obesity risk in various populations.Objective: A meta-analysis of 15 genome-wide association studies identified regularly-used obesity-related variables at eight gene loci, inclusive of FTO, MC4R, TMEM18, KCTD15, GNPDA2, SH2B1, MTCH2 and NEGR1. However, the expression profiles of eight obesity-related genes remain largely unknown.Methods: Based on the fundamental propositions specified in the Declaration of Helsinki, adipose tissue specimens were collected from 23 obese and 16 normal weight subjects, and the expression profiles of eight obesity-related genes identified by GWAS were examined in these white adipose tissues (WAT). The effects of KCTD15 gene on adipocyte differentiation in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes were assessed.Results: Among the obesity-related genes identified by GWAS, SH2B1, FTO, TMEM18 and KCTD15 were expressed at lower level in WAT of obese subjects compared to normal weight subjects, while NEGR1 showed a higher expression level in the obese subjects. No changes were detected for MTCH2, GNPDA2 and MC4R. The expression of KCTD15 was negatively correlated with Body mass index (BMI) and abdominal circumference. The siRNA-mediated knockdown of KCTD15 significantly suppressed cellular lipid accumulation during adipocyte differentiation.Conclusion: This is the first study to identify the expression patterns of eight obesity-related genes which is connected with adiposity in WAT of overweight people in China. Our study demonstrates that the expression of KCTD15 is associated with obesity in humans. Meanwhile, KCTD15 may play a critical role in the regulation of adipogenesis. Clinical Trial Registration Number: ChiCTR-RNRC-11001441
Comparison of efficacy and visual quality after CWFG-FS-LASIK, AF-FS-LASIK and SMILE for correcting myopia with asymmetry mid-to-high astigmatism
Authors: zhao zhongxiu , Zhu Miaomiao , Jian Qian , Liu Xialu , Ma Pingting , Li Ping , Peng Yanli
Published: May 2020

Background: Individualized ablation is not only able to correct corneal low-order aberrations but also to improve corneal high-order aberrations in patients with corneal asymmetry. In this study, we compared the effects of three different surgical methods, namely, corneal wavefront-guided femtosecond laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis (CWFG-FS-LASIK), aberration-free femtosecond laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis (AF-FS-LASIK) and small incision lenticule (SMILE), in patients with mid-to-high astigmatism asymmetric corneas (1-4D).Methods: One hundred-fourteen eyes from 58 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. We measured and compared the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), residual astigmatism, total coma, vertical coma (Z3-1), horizontal coma (Z31), modulation transfer function (MTF) and point spread function (PSF) preoperatively and three months postoperatively. Results: The visual acuity of patients in the three groups was increased after surgery, but the improvements in visual acuity and residual astigmatism among them were not significantly different. However, the improvements in 4-mm and 6-mm total coma, Z3-1 and Z31 in patients who underwent CWFG-FS-LASIK were better than those in patients who underwent AF-FS-LASIK and SMILE. Consistent with these results, the improvements in MTF and PSF (3 mm and 5 mm) in the CWFG-FS-LASIK group were better than those in the AF-FS-LASIK and SMILE groups.Conclusions: Among surgeries for treating patients with mid-to-high astigmatism in asymmetric corneas, the selective coma-guided modality was able to decrease the coma of original cornea, improve visual acuity and optimize the visual quality of patients.
Laparoscopic Surgeries in Urology: Initial Burgeoning Experience at National Transplant Centre, Nepal
Authors: Katwal Bijaya Mansingh , Koju Sharmila , Kunwar Kiran Jang , Shrestha Pukar Chandra
Published: May 2020

Background

This study focuses on laparoscopic surgery experiences at Shahid Dharma Bhakta National Transplant Centre (SDNTC) which could enable the patients to gain knowledge regarding its benefits than conventional way of surgery. The present study finds out the frequency of various forms of nephrectomy based on laparoscopic surgery. Moreover, this study accomplishes lap donor nephrectomy of kidney transplantation which is of its first kind in this part of country.
Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the in-patient medical records at SDNTC from November 2017 to January 2019. Laparoscopic surgery was performed in 50 patients. The demographic data, indication for surgery, duration and peri-operative outcomes were analyzed.
Results

Out of 50 cases, 34 (68%) had undertaken lap simple nephrectomy, 6 (12%) were lap pyeloplasty, 6 (12%) nephro ureterectomy, 1 (2%) radical nephrectomy, 1 (2%) lap donor nephrectomy for kidney transplantation, 1 (2%) heminephrectomy and 1 (2%) nephrectomy of hydronephrotic non functioning left crossed ectopia. The lap donor nephrectomy of a case for kidney transplantation is the first laparoscopic donor nephrectomy of Nepal undertaken by Nepalese team at SDNTC. Amongst all nephrectomy, 27 (54%) patients were operated on right side while 23 (46%) patients on left side. The median age of the patients was 38.56 years comprising of 32 (64%) male and 18 (36%) female. Transperitoneal approach was used in all 50 (100%) cases. The respective median operative time and hospital stay was 122.3 minutes and 5 days. The mean estimated blood loss was 74.1 cc where two patients required blood transfusion intra-operatively. Post–operatively, 1 (2%) patient had hematoma which was managed conservatively. Two cases (4%) patients were converted to open surgery.
Conclusions

Laparoscopic surgery is feasible and safe procedure at our government setup hospital with least cumbersome procedure and minimum complication associated with it.
Experience of Management of Anorexia Nervosa Patients With Extremely Severe Malnutrition In A Transdisciplinary Eating Disorders Inpatient Unit
Authors: Guinhut Marie , Melchior Jean-Claude , Godart Nathalie , Hanachi Mouna
Published: May 2020

BackgroundWe describe a transdisciplinary medical unit, referral center for the management of anorexia nervosa (AN) adult patients with extremely severe malnutrition.MethodHistory, organization and activity of the unit are described. Characteristics of all adult AN patients admitted for the first time in the unit between November 1997 and January 2014 and medical care provided are detailed, before discussing the value of such a unit.ResultsThe unit was established as an independent department in 2004 and has 180 to 200 admissions per year. The patients hospitalized in the department are clinically serious and unstable because of life-threatening somatic complications due to a low BMI (< 13 kg/m²). They are referred on criteria of somatic severity. They often had multiple hospitalizations in other acute care hospitals before being supported in the unit. Among a cohort of 386 adult AN patients admitted for the first time in the unit, mean age was 29.4 (± 11.5) years, mean BMI was 12.7 (± 2.2) kg/m² and 78.2% of patients had already been hospitalized in other hospitals.ConclusionThis specialized transdisciplinary unit where physician nutritionists and psychiatrists coordinate medical care together, allow a better understanding and management of extreme malnutrition associated with AN. Thanks to their expertise, care teams are less critical and less rejecting towards patients. Thus, therapeutic alliance is optimized.
Effect of earlier door-to-CT and door-to-bleeding control in severe blunt trauma: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Murao Shuhei , Yamakawa Kazuma , Kabata Daijiro , Kinoshita Takahiro , Umemura Yutaka , Shintani Ayumi , Fujimi Satoshi
Published: May 2020

BackgroundBlunt trauma is a potentially life-threatening injury that requires prompt diagnostic examination and therapeutic intervention. Nevertheless, how impactful a rapid response time is on mortality or functional outcomes has not been well investigated. This study aimed to evaluate effects of earlier door-to-computed tomography time (D2CT) and door-to-bleeding control time (D2BC) on clinical outcomes in severe blunt trauma.MethodThis was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients with severe blunt trauma (Injury Severity Score > 16) treated between August 2007 and July 2015 in a tertiary trauma center in Japan. Patients who underwent whole-body CT scanning within 90 minutes of emergency room arrival were included. To assess the effect of earlier D2CT and D2BC on 28-day mortality, we conducted multivariable regression analyses with consideration of non-linear associations. The effects on 24-hour mortality and the Oxford Handicap Scale were also evaluated as secondary outcomes.ResultsAmong 671 patients with severe blunt trauma who underwent CT scanning, 163 patients received an emergency bleeding control procedure. The median D2CT and D2BC were 19 min (IQR 12–27) and 57 min (IQR 45–75), respectively. In a Cox proportional hazard regression model, earlier D2CT was not associated with improved 28-day mortality (p = 0.30), whereas earlier D2BC was significantly associated with improved 28-day mortality (p = 0.026). This beneficial trend of D2BC was consistently observed for the assessment of secondary outcomes.ConclusionAmong patients with severe blunt trauma undergoing CT scanning, time benefits were not observed for the CT examination itself but were for therapeutic bleeding control.
Clinical and radiographic outcomes for microsurgical unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression of lumbar spinal stenosis for elderly patients-A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lv Bin
Published: May 2020

BackgroundRecently, unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (ULBD) has become a alternative to conventional decompression for symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS),and this minimally invasive surgical technique has shown a satisfactory outcomes and low complications. However, the influence of old age on the risk of postoperative complications and clinical outcome is not well understood.OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes and complication rates after ULBD in elderly patients.Study DesignSingle center retrospective observational study.SettingAll data was from the affiliated people's hospital of Jiangsu University.METHODSIn this study, 39 elderly patients were treated for lumbar spinal stenosis by ULBD between January 2016 and January 2018. Follow-up consisted of radiologic investigations, Visual Analog Scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Preoperative comorbidity, postoperative complications and revision surgery rates were also analyzed.RESULTSThere were 12 female patients and 27 male patients with a mean age of 75.83 ± 9.16 years. 20 patients had one levels of spinal stenosis, 13 patients had two levels of stenosis, 6 patients had three levels of stenosis. Average follow-up time was 14.6 ± 7.8 months (range, 6–24 months), Total complications were 10.2%(4/39),and reoperation rate was 2.5%(1/39). Oswestry Disability Index scores decreased significantly (from 32.26 ± 6.82 to 11.44 ± 2.50 at 6 months and 10.56 ± 2.29 at 12 months), and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey parameter scores demonstrated a significant improvement in the follow-up results.LimitationA multi-center study is recommended to confirm our findings and explore the factors related to clinical and radiographic outcomes.CONCLUSIONSULBD for lumbar spinal stenosis is a safe and effective treatment for elderly patients, improves these patients’ quality of life and does not pose an increased risk of complications.
WITHDRAWN: Physician factors associated with medical errors in Norwegian primary care emergency services. Based on a case – control study with patient complaints as an outset.
Authors: Bratland Svein Zander
Published: May 2020

Background Patient safety incidents are reported as relatively common. To unravel the reasons for these incidents in primary care emergency units (PCEU), patient complaints have been used as an outset. Methods We included the PCEUs in ten major cities and rural parts of Norway, covering one third of the population. In the initial part of our study a case-control design was used to evaluate factors related to complaints. The controls where a random sample of three physicians from the same PCEU and time-period as the physician having evoked a complaint. The inclusion period was 18 months (September 1st 2015 till March 1st 2017). The physician characteristics were: gender, seniority, citizenship at authorization and specialty in general practice. Workload was defined as the magnitude of patient contacts. The physician identities and workload were extracted from the medical records from the fourteen-day period prior to the consultation that elicited the complaint. The other variables were obtained from the Norwegian physician position register. In the present study a total of 77 physicians were included in the complaint group and 217 in the random sample group. The assessments of the medical records were divided in three groups: medical error, inconclusive and no medical error. Associations between these groups, physician characteristics and workload, were tested by chi-square, Fisher’s exact and t-tests separately for the complaint and randomized group. The data were analyzed using SPSS. Results In the complaint group 53.2% of the medical records were assessed as being erroneous. In the random sample group this percentage was 3.2. The proportion inconclusive assessments was similar in both groups (29.9 and 27.6%). In the complaint group the percentages for no-error and inconclusive for the female physicians were 30.8 and 15.4; and for the male physicians 9.8 and 27.3, p=0.027. Conclusions In the complaint group male physicians had the lowest percentage no-error, and the highest percentage of inconclusive medical record for assessing medical errors, compared to their female colleagues. The Norwegian regulations for working in a PCEU may have modulated the impact of the other variables. Future research should focus on the underlying elements for these findings.
Comparison of postoperative changes in radial peripapillary capillary density between femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and conventional phacoemulsification surgery using optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Zhang Hong , Tan Liangzhang , Tian Fang , Gong Xue , Chen Lu , Ma Zhiqiong , Liang Jingli , Guo Chen , Li Xiaorong
Published: May 2020

Purpose: To assess differences in post-surgical radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) density changes between femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and conventional phacoemulsification surgery (CPS) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).Methods: Fifty-two eyes of 52 patients were enrolled in this study. Depending on their preference, patients with age-related cataract underwent FLACS or CPS. Automated peripapillary maps and capillary density calculations were retrospectively evaluated using OCTA before surgery and on day 1 and months 1 and 3 postoperatively.Results: The whole-image and peripapillary RPC densities were lower at day 1 and months 1 and 3 postoperatively than before surgery in the FLACS group (all P < 0.05). However, there was no change in the whole-image and peripapillary RPC densities before and after surgery, across different time-points, in the CPS group (all P > 0.05). Moreover, comparison of data corresponding to each time-point between the FLACS and CPS groups showed no significant differences in any metrics prior to surgery (all P > 0.05). However, the whole-image and peripapillary RPC densities were significantly different at day 1 and month 1 after the surgery (all P < 0.05). At the 3-month follow-up, we did not observe significant differences (all P > 0.05). Conclusions: Postoperative whole-image and peripapillary RPC densities were lower in the FLACS group than in the CPS across time-points. While the short-term RPC density changes were resolved, to elucidate the long-term implications of FLACS, especially for eyes with glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, etc., further investigations are required.
Physiological and transcriptomic characterization of a yellow-green leaf mutant of maize
Authors: Li Tingchun , Yang Huaying , Lu Yan , Dong Qing , Liu Guihu , Chen Feng , Zhou Yingbing
Published: May 2020

Background

Chlorophylls, green pigments in chloroplasts, are essential for photosynthesis. Reduction in chlorophyll contents may result in retarded growth, dwarfism, and sterility. In this study, a yellow-green leaf mutant of maize, indicative of abnormity in chlorophyll contents, was identified. The physiological parameters of this mutant were measured. Next, global gene expression of this mutant was determined using transcriptome analysis and compared to that of wild-type maize plants.

Results

The yellow-green leaf mutant of maize was found to contain lower contents of chlorophyll a , chlorophyll b and carotenoid compounds. It contained fewer active PSII centers and displayed lower values of original chlorophyll fluorescence parameters than the wild-type plants. The real-time fluorescence yield, the electron transport rate, and the net photosynthetic rate of the mutant plants showed reduction as well. In contrast, the maximum photochemical quantum yield of PSII of the mutant plants was similar to that of the wild-type plants. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of the mutant plants and wild-type plants led to the identification of differentially expressed1122 genes, of which 536 genes were up-regulated and 586 genes down-regulated in the mutant. Five genes in chlorophyll metabolism pathway, nine genes in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and seven genes related to the conversion of sucrose to starch displayed down-regulated expression. In contrast, genes encoding a photosystem II reaction center PsbP family protein and the PGR5-like protein 1A (PGRL1A) exhibited increased transcript abundance.

Conclusions

The yellow-green leaf mutant of maize contained fewer active PSII centers with lowered net photosynthesis rate, but have the similar value of the maximum photochemical quantum yield of PSII with that of the wild-type plants. Analysis of differentially expressed genes through transcriptome analysis revealed the down-regulated genes which may be responsible for chlorophyll deduction and changes of photosynthetic characteristics. The up-regulated genes would be helpful to maintain the active PSII centers of the yellow-green leaf mutant.
Two user-friendly models and a simple cutoff value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for early diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy in middle-elderly aged patients with type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Tian Yiming , Li Tao , Gu Hongyuan , Wang Rui , Ma Chunming , Wang Rui
Published: May 2020

Background: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been shown to predict worse outcomes of diabetic nephropathy (DN). This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association of NLR and DN in middle-elderly aged patients with type 2 diabetes, and attempt to confirm an optimized cutoff value of NLR for DN prediction. Methods: A total of 146 patients with type 2 diabetes were retrospectively included in this study. DN was defined as urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥30mg/g, or effective glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤ 60ml/min·1.73m2. Logistic regression anlysis, canonical discriminant functions and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis were used to construct the discriminant equations and identify the cutoff value of parameters. Results: NLR, diabetes duration, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and lipo-protein A [Lp(a)] independently predicted DN diagnosis after adjusted by multi-variables. NLR value of 2.04 had a sensitivity of 48.9% and a specificity of 80.8% in predicting DN, with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.666. When the threshold of NLR was elevated to 2.50, the specificity and sensitivity were 90.9% and 29.8%, respectively. User-friendly model 1 and model 2 were constructed using the independent risk factors mentioned above, with the AUC of 0.819 and 0.817, respectively. Conclusions: Two models of user-friendly equations were constructed for early prediction of DN, which could be easily calculated and stored in office computer. NLR threshold of 2.50 was recommended in clinical use to locate the patients at high risk of DN, for its high specificity and remarkable convenience.
Long non-coding RNA SNHG6 promotes tumorigenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by competitively binding to miR-944 with RGS17
Authors: Han Yu’e , Liu Xing , Li Guangling , Ju Xia , Song Zhongyi
Published: May 2020

Background

Previous studies have shown that many long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA SNHG6 remains unknown. Therefore, this study was design to preliminarily elucidate the role of SNHG6 in NPC.
Methods

The mRNA expression was detected by RT-qPCR. CCK-8, Transwell and dual luciferase reporter assays were used to investigate the function of SNHG6 in NPC.
Results

Upregulation of SNHG6 and downregulation of miR-944 were identified in NPC and were associated with TNM stage and distant metastasis in NPC patients. Additionally, SNHG6 acts as a molecular sponge of miR-944. More importantly, SNHG6 promoted NPC cell proliferation, migration and invasion by downregulating miR-944. Further, RGS17 was confirmed to be a direct target of miR-944. MiR-944 restrained NPC progression by targeting RGS17. Besides that, knockdown of RGS17 was found to block NPC progression. Upregulation of SNHG6 weakened the suppressive effect of RGS17 knockdown in NPC.
Conclusion

LncRNA SNHG6 promotes tumorigenesis of NPC by competitively binding to miR-944 with RGS17.