bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonstructural versus structural bone grafting in the treatment of lumbar spinal tuberculosis combined with single-stage posterior debridement and instrumentation: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhao Zenghui , Li Jianxiao , Peng Qiqi , Zhu Yong , Luo Wei , Du Xing , Ou Yunsheng
Published: January 2020

Background Many types of bone grafting have been reported for successful use in achieving anterior column support and bone fusion after one stage posterior debridement in the treatment of lumbar spinal tuberculosis. However, none-structural bone grafting has rarely been studied. This study was aimed to identify the feasibility of none-structural bone grafting from comparing the advantages and disadvantages with structural bone grafting in the treatment of lumbar spinal tuberculosis. Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed patients with lumbar spinal tuberculosis who had undergone none-structural (n=27) and structural (n=22) bone grafting after single-stage posterior debridement and instrumentation with at least 24 months of follow-up. Plain radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography scans, as well as health-related outcomes, including Visual Analog Scale for back pain, the Oswestry Disability Index were collated before surgery and at follow-up. Results Both none-structural and structural bone grafting were associated with significant improvements in quality of life parameters, the laboratory tests and the Cobb angle of local kyphosis. A slight loss of Cobb angle correction was in both two groups, without any associated complications. The operation duration and blood loss in none-structural bone grafting group was significantly less. The bone fusion rate was higher in structural bone grafting group. There were three complications in the none-structural bone grafting and four complications in the structural bone grafting group; the incidence of complications between the two groups was not significantly different. Conclusions Based on single-stage posterior debridement and pedicle screws fixation, none-structural bone grafting can achieve anterior column support with reducing surgical trauma, simplifying surgical procedure and decreasing intraoperative hemorrhage, but the lower rate of grafted bone fusion should be taken into consideration when choosing the aforementioned method. Key words Lumbar spinal tuberculous; Single-stage posterior debridement; Anterior column support; Bone fusion; None-structural bone grafting; Structural bone grafting
Cutaneous anthrax associated with handling carcasses of animals that died suddenly of unknown cause: Arua District, Uganda, January 2015–August 2017
Authors: Aceng Freda Loy , Ario Alex Riolexus , Alitubeera Phoebe Hilda , Kadobera Daniel , Sekamatte Musa , Okethwangu Denis , Bulage Lilian , Harris Julie R. , Nguma Willy , Ndumu Deo Birungi , Buule Joshua , Nyakarahuka Luke , Zhu Bao-Ping
Published: January 2020

Background Anthrax is a vaccine-preventable disease that can be transmitted to humans from infected animals. During May–June 2017, three persons with suspected cutaneous anthrax were reported in Arua District, Uganda; one died. All had recently handled carcasses of livestock that died suddenly. During July, a bull in the same community died suddenly. A skin lesion from the deceased person and a blood sample from the bull tested positive by PCR for Bacillus anthracis. The aim of this investigation was to establish the scope of the problem, identify exposures associated with illness, and recommend evidence-based control measures.Methods We defined a probable case as acute onset of a papulo-vesicular skin lesion subsequently forming an eschar in a resident of Arua District during January 2015–August 2017. A confirmed case was a probable case with a skin sample testing positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for B. anthracis . We identified cases by medical record review and active community search. In a case-control study, we compared exposures between case-patients and frequency- and village-matched asymptomatic controls. We interviewed key animal health staff to learn about livestock deaths.Results We identified 68 case-patients (67 probable, one confirmed), and two deaths. Cases occurred throughout the three-year period, peaking during dry seasons. All cases occurred following sudden livestock deaths in the villages. Case-patients came from two neighboring sub-counties: Rigbo (attack rate (AR)=20.1/10,000 population) and Rhino Camp (AR=2.1/10,000). Males (AR=17/100,000) were more affected than females (AR=0.52/100,000). Persons aged 30-39 years (AR=26/100,000 population) were most affected. Among all cases and 136 controls, skinning (OR M-H =5.0, 95%CI: 2.3–11), butchering (OR M-H =22, 95%CI: 5.5–89), and carrying the carcass of livestock that died suddenly (OR M-H =6.9, 95%CI: 3.0–16) were associated with illness.Conclusions Exposure to carcasses of animals that died suddenly was a risk factor for cutaneous anthrax in Arua District during 2015-2017. We recommended public education about signs and symptoms of anthrax, prompt treatment of illness following exposure to animals that died suddenly, and safe disposal of carcasses of animals that die suddenly. In addition, the anthrax burden in livestock should be investigated to inform the cost-effectiveness of livestock vaccination.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Dynamic Changes of Inflammation and Stress Responses during Different Infected Stages with Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Author) Chenglong Rao(Former Corresponding , Mao Chan , Xia Yupei , Zhang Meijuan , Hu Zhiqiang , Yuan Siqi , Zhang Yu , Yan Jingmin , Deng Ling , Mao Xuhu , Li Qian , Author) Yaling Liao(New Corresponding
Published: January 2020

Background: Burkholderia pseudomallei causes melioidosis and usually affects patients’ lungs, its persistent infection promotes the fusion of host cells, leading to the formation of multinucleated giant cells (MGCs) at the late infected stage. In this study, the global transcriptomic responses of B. pseudomallei infection of a human lung epithelial A549 cell model with different infected stages were investigated by means of microarray analysis to further elucidate the host cellular factors involved in the occurrence and development of the event. Results: A set of 35 common differential expression genes (DEGs) in EI and LI on the mRNA level applying a cut-off level of 1.5-fold change and a p-value < 0.05 were observed. Microarray data were further verified by Real-Time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). GO classification and pathway enrichment analysis revealed these DEGs mainly involved in inflammatory response related processes, such as cellular response to tumor necrosis factor, cellular response to lipopolysaccharide, positive regulation of NF-κB transcription factor activity. p-eIF2α, ATF4,NF-κB2(p52) and IL-1β were next selected to be validated by western bloting, which indicated B. pseudomallei could activate the eIF2α-ATF4 axis and NF-κB2 pathway in A549 cells. Conclusion: Our data shed light on the transcriptome dynamics of A549 cells which persistently infected with B. pseudomallei and suggested that the formation of MGCs may be a means for B. pseudomallei to manipulate the host's inflammation and stress response to adapt to intracellular life.
The cerebellum is associated with 2-year prognosis in patients with high-frequency migraine
Authors: Liu Hung Yu , Lee Pei Lin , Chou Kun Hsien , Lai Kuan Lin , Wang Yen Feng , Chen Shih Pin , Chen Wei Ta , Wang Shuu Jiun
Published: January 2020

Background: The increase of headache frequency is associated with higher headache related disability and lower quality of life in patients with migraine. However, the pathophysiology of migraine progression, persistence, or remission is elusive. The purpose of this study is to identify the brain signatures that are predictive of the long-term outcomes among patients with high-frequency migraine (HFM: 10–30 headache days/month). Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients with HFM and healthy controls and collected their baseline clinical profiles and brain-MRI data at first visit. We longitudinally followed the patients and determined their outcomes at 2-year follow-up. Good outcome was defined as ≥ 50% reduction of baseline headache days and poor outcome was defined as reduction < 50% or frequency increase. Voxel-based morphometry was used to study gray matter volume (GMV), and structural covariance was used to investigate structural connectivity. Results: Among 56 patients with HFM, 37 had good outcome and 19 poor outcome. Compared to the healthy controls (n = 37), patients with poor outcome had decreased GMV over the left posterior cingulate gyrus, and increased GMV over the bilateral cerebellum and the right precentral gyrus. Further, patients with poor outcome had greater GMV over the right and the left cerebella compared to patients with good outcome, and the GMVs of the cerebella were correlated to 2-year headache frequencies (right: r = 0.38, P = 0.005; left: r = 0.35, P = 0.009). Structural connectivity were increased between the cerebellum and the cuneus, the calcarine cortex, and the temporal lobe, respectively, in patients with poor outcome, and was decreased between the cerebellum and the prefrontal cortex in patients with poor outcome. The structural covariance integrities between the right cerebellum and the right cuneus were correlated to 2-year headache frequencies (r = 0.36, P = 0.008). Conclusions: Structural volume and connectivity changes of the cerebellum may underlie headache persistence in patients with HFM.
Development of a tool for identifying and addressing prioritised determinants of quality improvement projects led by healthcare professionals: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Tuijl Anne van , Wollersheim Hub C. , Fluit Cornelia R.M.G. , Gurp Petra. J. van , Calsbeek Hiske
Published: January 2020

Background: Several frameworks have been developed to identify essential determinants for healthcare improvement. These frameworks aim to be comprehensive, leading to the creation of long lists of non-prioritised determinants. Furthermore, most existing frameworks do not describe the methods or actions used to identify and address the determinants, limiting their practical value. The aim of this study is to describe the development of a tool with prioritised facilitators and barriers for healthcare improvement projects led by healthcare professionals, supplemented with methods to identify and address each determinant. Methods: A mixed-methods study design was used to develop the tool. First, a cross-sectional study was performed, using an online survey to ask healthcare professionals about the determinants they experienced during the performance of their quality improvement project. A priority score was calculated for every named determinant, and those with a priority score ≥ 20 were incorporated into the tool. Semi-structured interviews with implementation experts determined: 1) how healthcare professionals can be assisted to use our tool to analyse the determinants in their project and 2) how healthcare professionals can tackle the barriers or use the facilitators identified in their quality improvement project. Results: The 25 healthcare professionals in this study experienced 64 facilitators and 66 barriers when performing their improvement projects. Of these, 12 facilitators and nine barriers were incorporated into the tool. Sufficient support from management of the department was identified as the most important facilitator, while having limited time to perform the project was considered the biggest barrier. The interviews with 16 experts in implementation science led to various inputs for better identifying and addressing each determinant. Important themes included maintaining adequate communication with stakeholders, keeping the project at a manageable size, learning by doing and being able to influence determinants. Conclusions: This paper describes a tool for performing quality improvement projects in healthcare, with the barriers and facilitators that were considered most important by healthcare professionals. For each of these barriers and facilitators, suggestions on how to analyse and address the determinant are given. More research is needed to validate and develop the tool further.
Correlation study on gut microbiota and omentin-1 gene polymorphism in Uyghur newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes
Authors: Nuli Rebiya , Shan Jiaoyu , Zhang Bing , Li Rui , Guan Yaqun
Published: January 2020

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a top risk factor for health in China. Gut microbiota, genetic factors and lipids metabolism play important role in development of T2DM. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the gut microbiota and omentin-1 gene polymorphism to explore host gene and gut microbiota interaction in Uyghur T2DM.Methods: A total of 98 newly diagnosed Uyghur T2DM patients and 99 healthy normal controls (NC) enrolled into this study according to inclusion criteria. The total DNAs were extracted from the fecal microbiota. Abundant of the Lactobacillus genus, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and Clostridium in the gut microbiota were determined with 16S rDNA gene Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR amplification. PCR-PFLP was applied to determine the genotypes of Val109Asp variant (rs2274907) in the Omentin-1 gene. And the relationship between rs2274907 and gut microbiota was assessed.Results : There were no significant differences between the genotypes of Val109Asp variant (rs2274907) of T2DM and control group. The abundances of Lactobacillus genus and Clostridium genus were lower in newly diagnosed T2DM group, compared with NC group ( P <0.05). Serum insulin, LDL-C, the abundances of Lactobacillus genus and Clostridium genus were the risk factor of T2DM. (OR=1.094 95%CI 1.014-1.180), (OR=3.868 95%CI 1.250-11.971), (OR=0.288, 95%CI 0.145-0.571), (OR=0.044, 95%CI 0.012-0.154).Conclusions: The abundance of Lactobacillus and Clostridium genus may be related to the pathogenesis of new-onset T2DM in Uyghur population, the mechanism of which needs to be further studied. The interaction relationship between the gut microbiota and omentin-1 gene polymorphism in newly diagnosed T2DM was not observed in this study.
Prevalence of ADHD symptoms and their correlations with mental health-related variables among medical student
Authors: Boonnag Chiraphat , Siritikun Sirinut , Chalanun Sirikorn , Kuntawong Pimolpun , Wongpakaran Nahathai , Wongpakaran Tinakon
Published: January 2020

Objectives Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral development disorder contributed to social difficulties and affective problems. ADHD was evidently related to perceived stress, internet addiction and depression, leading to academic problems. However, ADHD symptoms among young medical student remains underreported. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of ADHD and explore the association between ADHD symptoms and mental health-related conditions among medical students. Results Among 124 participants of first year medical students in Chiang Mai University, Thailand, 78 (62.9%) were female. The average age was 18.7 (SD 0.7). Thirty-one (25%) were considered as having ADHD symptoms based on the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale screener (ASRS). The group with ADHD symptoms showed higher scores on the internet addiction test core (t = 3.27, p = .001), perceived stress scale (t = 2.94, p = .004) and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (t = 3.04, p = .003). No difference was found between groups regarding depression and perceived social support scores. However, the total score of ASRS appeared to significantly correlate with all these mental health- related variables. The relatively high prevalent may have contributed to invalid items of ASRS, for which a new or revised scale is needed.
The effectiveness of simulation-based training in non-physician anesthetists in Tigray region, Ethiopia
Authors: Etanaa Naod Bulti , Benwu Kore Menjie , Gebremedhin Hagos Gebregzabiher , Desta Haftom Birhane
Published: January 2020

Objective : In Ethiopia simulation-based anesthesia education is a new way of teaching method which started in Mekelle University as of January, 2019. Hence, the purpose of this study is to evaluate whether simulation-based training improves non-physician anesthetists’ knowledge and attitude on maternal and neonatal anesthesia cares or not. Results : A total of 50 participants were included in this study were 70 % were males and majority (66%) had a working experience of less than 5 years. Knowledge score improved significantly from 49.78% and 66.22% in pretest and posttest results respectively. The standard deviation for the knowledge score for pretest was 4.48 and for posttest it was 5.96. The posttest result was significantly improved (P< 0.001) for all knowledge questions. The respondents were asked about negative statement and a positive statement about the need to have effective closed lope communication, maternal resuscitation and neonatal resuscitation. The attitude score improved from 72.45% to 79.11% in pretest and posttest respectively. From the 9 questions the attitudinal mean score for pretest was 6.52 and posttest 7.12. The null hypothesis of equal knowledge and attitude was rejected, t (49) = -5.54, p < 0.001 and t (49) = -2.25, p < 0.03 respectively.
Maternal intensive care unit admission as an indicator of severe acute maternal morbidity: A population-based study
Authors: Godeberge Charlotte , Deneux-Tharaux Catherine , Séco Aurélien , Rossignol Mathias , Chantry Anne Alice , Bonnet Marie-Pierre
Published: January 2020

Background Severe acute maternal morbidity, accounting for any life-threatening complication during pregnancy or after delivery, is a major issue in maternal health. Measuring and monitoring it seems critical for assessing the quality of maternal health care. We explored the relevance of maternal ICU admission as an indicator of severe acute maternal morbidity by characterizing, among maternal ICU admissions, the profile of women with severe acute maternal morbidity and their ICU stay, according to the association with other criterion of severe acute maternal morbidity. Methods Secondary analysis of a multiregional prospective population-based study of 2,540 women with severe acute maternal morbidity according to a multicriteria definition based on national experts’ consensus and including ICU admission. Results 511 women were admitted to an ICU during or up to 42 days after pregnancy (2.8 per 1,000 deliveries; 20.1% of women with severe acute maternal morbidity); 15.5% had no other severe acute maternal morbidity criterion. Among women with severe acute maternal morbidity, on multivariable multinomial analysis and adjusting for cause, the odd of intensive care unit admission with another morbidity criterion was increased for migrant from outside of Europe or Africa (adjusted odds ratio = 2.1 [95% CI 1.3-3.4]), with multiple gestation (adjusted odds ratio =1.5 [1.0-2.2]), and intrapartum cesarean (adjusted odds ratio =1.5 [1.1-2.2]). The odd of intensive care unit admission with no other morbidity criterion was increased with pre-existing medical conditions (adjusted odds ratio =2.2 [1.2-4.0]) and cesarean before labor (adjusted odds ratio =3.0 [1.4-6.1]). Women admitted to an ICU with no other morbidity criterion had no interventions for organ support. Conclusions Among women with severe acute maternal morbidity, one in five is admitted to an ICU; 15.5% of these have no other severe acute maternal morbidity criterion and their admission appears mostly indicated for continuous monitoring. The use of ICU admission alone as a single criterion morbidity is misleading to define severe acute maternal morbidity; this criterion needs to be refined to be included in the definition of severe acute maternal morbidity. These results also challenge the current organization of acute care for women with severe maternal morbidity.
Development and usefulness of a virtual reality-based training program for promoting subjective well-being: A preliminary study
Authors: Kim Junhyung , Jung Young Hoon , Shin Yu-Bin , Kim Min-Kyeong , Eom Hyojung , Kik Eunjoo , Kim Joohan , Kim Jae-Jin
Published: January 2020

Background Enhancing subjective well-being is an effective way to improve mental health and virtual reality is useful as an intervention tool for cultivating well-being. This preliminary study aimed to probe the usefulness of a virtual reality-based interactive feedback program as an intervention tool for promoting subjective well-being. Methods In the experiment, 36 males participated in this program, consisting of three tasks constructed based on the theories of positive psychology: ‘Experience-based problem recognition task’, ‘Future self-based success story expression task’, and ‘Strength expression task’. Participants rated visual analog scores associated with each of the tasks' contents. The concurrent validity of task scores was evaluated by correlations with scores of the psychological scales, such as the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale, Dispositional Hope Scale, and Life Orientation Test Revised. Results The total task score was positively correlated with the scores of Mental Health Continuum-Short Form emotional well-being ( r = 0.492, p < 0.001) and psychological well-being ( r = 0.501, p < 0.001), Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale ( r = 0.435, p < 0.001), Dispositional Hope Scale agency dimension ( r = 0.601, p < 0.001) and pathways dimension ( r = 0.451, p < 0.001), and Life Orientation Test Revised ( r = 0.378, p < 0.05), but not with the MHC-SF social well-being scores. After controlling the effects of the other task scores, the task scores had linear relationships with certain psychological assessments. Conclusion The results showed that the total task score was significantly correlated with indicators of well-being, self-esteem, hope, and optimism. The task scores obtained from the individual tasks were closely related to the indicators, depending on the nature of the task. These findings suggest that the program contents are well associated with certain aspects of subjective well-being and thus may be available for training that improves subjective well-being through interactive feedback.
Over-expression of PTEN attenuates the inflammation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Li Xiao-Feng , Xu Qing-Qing , Yang Man-Wen , Chen He , Yin Su-Qin , Chen Xin , Song Biao , Zhang Lei , Meng Xiao-Ming , Li Jun
Published: January 2020

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by a tumor-like expansion of the synovium and the subsequent destruction of adjacent articular cartilage and bone. Recent studies have shown that phosphatase and tension homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) might contribute to the survival of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in RA.Methods : The expression was determined in RA and adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) synovial tissues by immunohistochemistry. FLSs were treatment with bpv, PTEN-RNAi or over-expression plasmid in RA and AIA. FLSs migration was assessed. The ad-PTEN was also injected into the knee of AIA in vivo. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and Methylation-special PCR (MSP) assay were used to study the expression of PTEN mRNA in DNA methylation.Results : Down-regulated level of PTEN expression was observed in RA and AIA. Inhibition PTEN expression by bpv or PTEN-RNAi could promote the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and migration of FLS with TNF-α in RA and AIA. Consistently, over-expression of PTEN reduced their low-expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and migration. Intra-articular injection of ad-PTEN in AIA knees dramatically reduced inflammatory and paw swelling in vivo. The ChIP and MSP assay has clearly detected the DNA methylation of PTEN was increased in FLS with TNF-α. Moreover, intraperitoneally injected 5-Aza in AIA also suppressed the inflammatory and paws swelling in vivo.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that over-expression PTEN attenuates the formation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and migration of FLS, and it may be regulated by DNA methylation in the pathogenesis of RA.
Human parvoviruses affect the development and clinical course of meningitis and meningoencephalitis
Authors: Vilmane Anda , Terentjeva Anna , Tamosiunas Paulius Lukas , Suna Normunds , Suna Inga , Petraityte-Burneikiene Rasa , Murovska Modra , Rasa-Dzelzkaleja Santa , Nora-Krukle Zaiga
Published: January 2020

Background: Meningitis and meningoencephalitis are neurological inflammatory diseases and although routine diagnostics include testing of wide range of pathogens, still in many cases no causative agent is detected. Human parvovirus B19 (B19V), human bocaviruses 1-4 (HBoV1-4) and human parvovirus 4 (hPARV4) are members of Parvoviridae family and are associated with wide range of clinical manifestations including neurological disorders. The main aim of this study was to determine whether human parvoviruses infection markers are present among patients with meningitis/meningoencephalitis in Latvia as well as to clarify the role of these viruses on clinical course of mentioned diseases. Methods: In this study 42 cases of confirmed or unknown aetiology meningitis or meningoencephalitis were evaluated. PCR method was used for detection of B19V, HBoV1-4 and hPARV4 genomic sequences. In order to evaluate if there are some clinical differences between patient groups and in case of active parvovirus infection, nonparametric statistical tests were used. Results: Our study revealed HBoV1-4 and B19V genomic sequences in 52.38% and 16.67% of patients, respectively. Furthermore, symptoms such as the presence of a headache and its severity, fatigue, disorientation and difficulties to concentrate were significantly frequently present in patients with active parvovirus infection in comparison with parvoviruses negative patients. Conclusions: We suggest that HBoV1-4 and B19V infection should be included in the diagnostics to reduce the number of meningitis/meningoencephalitis with unknown/unexplained aetiology.
Reliability of Tibiofemoral Contact Area and Centroid Location in an Upright, Open MRI (UO-MRI)
Authors: Schmidt Andrew , Stockton David J. , Hunt Michael A. , Yung Andrew , Masri Bassam A. , Wilson David R.
Published: January 2020

Background: Biomechanical studies are often performed using conventional closed-bore MR, which has necessitated simulating weightbearing load on the joint. The clinical applicability of these biomechanical findings is unclear because of the limitations of simulating weightbearing. Upright, open MRI (UO-MRI) can be used to assess knee joint mechanics, in particular contact area and centroid location. However, it is not clear how reliably measurements of contact area and centroid location can be made in upright weightbearing postures. Methods: Manual segmentation of cartilage regions in contact was performed and centroids of those contact areas were automatically determined for the medial (MC) and lateral (LC) tibiofemoral compartments. To assess reliability, inter-rater, test-retest, and intra-rater reliability were determined by intra-class correlation (ICC 3,1 ), standard error of measurement (SEM), smallest detectable change with 95% confidence (SDC 95 ). Accuracy was assessed by using a high-resolution, 7T MRI as a reference and determined by measurement error (%). Results: Contact area and centroid location reliability (inter-rater, test-retest, and intra-rater) for sagittal scans in the MC demonstrated ICC 3,1 values from 0.95-0.99 and 0.98-0.99 respectively, and in the LC from 0.83-0.91 and 0.95-1.00 respectively. The smallest detectable change in contact area was 1.28% in the MC and 0.95% in the LC. Contact area and centroid location reliability for coronal scans in the MC demonstrated ICC 3,1 values from 0.90-0.98 and 0.98-1.00 respectively, and in the LC from 0.76-0.94 and 0.93-1.00 respectively. The smallest detectable change in contact area was 0.65% in the MC and 1.41% in the LC. Contact area segmentation was accurate to within 4.81% measurement error. Conclusions: Knee contact area and contact centroid location can be assessed in upright weightbearing MRI with good to excellent reliability and accuracy within 5%. The lower field strength used in upright, weightbearing MRI does not compromise the reliability of tibiofemoral contact area and centroid location measures.
Design and Analysis of Thermoplastic Metal Detector RC Car with Wireless Charging
Authors: El-Sadi Haifa , Cole Matthew R. , Denis Aaron M. , Fernandes Derek , Benhamu-Chocron Alberto
Published: January 2020

The RC Car industry is a growing industry that will always be a past time for the older generation. This research is focused on a specific type of RC Car which is a Metal Detecting one. Metal Detectors have been developed for many years. Through research there aren’t many metal detecting RC Cars on the market. Currently it’s extremely limited in range and depth of detection.

The goal of this research is to improve, build and test a new RC-metal detector technology. A thermoplastic-ABS used to build the chassis of the RC- metal detector. ABS is easily machined, sanded, glued and painted. Finite element analysis is a powerful tool that allows us to quickly analyze and refine a design. When the Chassis fixed at front Differential (Displacement), the value of the maximum stress and the deflection are higher than when the Chassis Fixed at Rear Differential. The maximum deflection is shown as about 1.339 inches. This value is the resultant of the deflection in all three directions. This research includes, a cost analysis for each piece of the car, group goals for the RC Car and Metal Detector. A working prototype is designed before moving into the final design phase in order to assure that the best possible product can be produced. There is a wireless charging station that ease the process of recharging the battery.
Research and Improvement of Apriori Algorithm Based on Hadoop
Authors: Pengfei Gao , Jianguo Wang , Pengcheng Liu
Published: January 2020

Association rules can forcefully get a horizontal relation in the big data, the Apriori algorithm is one of the most significant association rules. Traditional mining based on parallel Apriori algorithms needs much more time in data IO with the increasing size of large transaction database. This paper improves the Apriori algorithm from compressing transactions, reducing the number of scans and simplifying candidate set generation. And then the improved algorithm is parallelized on the Hadoop framework. The experiments show that this improved algorithm is suitable for large-scale data mining and has good scalability and effectiveness.
Anfis Coordination of Changes In Power Oscillation Damper Parameters with Variation In Power System Operating Point
Authors: Alabi Dr I. I. , Araga Dr A. I. , Aliyu Mr Sabo
Published: January 2020

In this paper an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Controller was designed to adaptively adjust the parameters of a power Oscillation Damper as the power system operating point changes due to change in operating point in a large interconnected Network fitted with FACTS device and Power Oscillation Damper. As a foundational work the generalized mathematic model of multi-machine power system with embedded FACTS was developes. The results obtained clearly reveals the effectiveness of this approach.
Solutions for Governance and Suppression of Power Harmonic in Cities
Authors: Xiangchu Li , wei Zhang
Published: January 2020

Based on the current status of cities’ power supply and distribution system, this paper conducts theoretical and experimental investigations over the generation, harzards as well as the restraining and suppression techniques of power harmonics. A solution of scheme selection for controlling and suppressing power harmonics suitable for the current power supply and distribution system of big and medium-sized cities is proposed. This study not only provides important implications for big and medium-sized cities, but also provides substantial reference value for cont rolling and suppressing power harmonics in the public utility system in China.
Implementation of Pan-Tilt System for Locating Based on ARM
Authors: Shuping Xu , Yiwei Chen , Zhiyong Zhang , Hao Li
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this paper was to implement a cheaper Pan-Tilt System than the traditional one which based on servo. The hardware platform consisted of the module of locating perception, the s3c2440 controller and the driver of stepper, and the Pan-Tilt System could stabilize at positions at arm/Linux circumstances controlled by software we programmed. The Pan-Tilt System had higher stability of dynamic under the condition of low frequency of pulse or high subdivision, and higher precise under high subdivision. This solution of Pan-Tilt System, suited for the place of low speed or loose real time, owns values of use and reference. The strategy was put forward for improving.
One Novel Control Strategy for AC-DC-AC Converter Without DC Link Electrolytic Capacitor
Authors: Xie Shihong , Meng Yanjing
Published: January 2020

A novel control strategy for ac-dc-ac converter without electrolytic capacitor is proposed to settle the disadvantage of the traditional converter caused by large electrolytic capacitors. This study is developed in four parts: first, after analyzing for the large electrolytic capacitor defect, one novel electrolytic capacitor-less converter and its control strategy are proposed; second, the efficiency of voltage conversion for the novel converter is deduced and compared with the conventional converter, third, the mathematics model of the converter is built; forth, some simulation tests are carried out to verify the performance of converter. The simulation results show that the proposed converter is valid.
Radix-8 Design Alternatives of Fast Two Operands Interleaved Multiplication with Enhanced Architecture
Authors: Asad Mohammad M. , Marouf Ibrahim , Al-Haija Qasem Abu
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we proposed different comparable reconfigurable hardware implementations for the radix-8 fast two operands multiplier coprocessor using Karatsuba method and Booth recording method by employing carry save (CSA) and kogge stone adders (KSA) on Wallace tree organization. The proposed designs utilized ALTERA Cyclone IV FPGA family with target chip device EP4CGX–22CF19C7 along with simulation package. Also, the proposed designs were synthesized and benchmarked in terms of the maximum operational frequency, the total path delay, the total design area and the total thermal power dissipation. The experimental results revealed that the best multiplication architecture was belonging to Wallace Tree CSA based Radix-8 Booth multiplier (WCBM) which recorded: critical path delay of 14.103 ns, maximum operational frequency of 90.83 MHz, hardware design area (number of logic elements) of 14249 LEs, and total thermal power dissipation estimated as 217.56 mW. Consequently, WCBM method can be efficiently employed to enhance the speed of computation for many multiplication based applications such embedded system designs for public key cryptography.
Image Transformation Based on Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Chen Jie , Zhao Li
Published: January 2020

Image transformation is a hot topic in the field of computer vision. Its purpose is to use the existing similar or semblable images to learn the mapping between the input image and the output image. Generative Adversarial Networks model is a powerful generative model with the idea of Zero-sum game theory, Co-training the two through the confrontation learning method of the generator and the discriminator, so as to estimate the potential distribution of data samples and generate new data samples. This paper is based on the generative adversarial networks and the existing network, the image transformation is realized by combining the two network structures of DCGAN and Cycle GAN. Experimental results show that this method not only effectively solves the problem that paired images are not easy to obtain, but also fully demonstrates the superiority of the generated adversarial networks in image transformation.
Design and Research of Healthy Ecology System Framework Based on IPV9
Authors: Li Qinyu , Zhao Hongwen , Geng An , Han Lei
Published: January 2020

With the improvement of living standard and the change of life, people’s health awareness has been enhanced as a whole, and the health demand has changed from single medical service to multiple services such as disease prevention, health promotion, healthcare and rehabilitation. The wisdom medical system, Internet + medical service mode and digital hospital have become the direction of medical development. In order to build Tai’an healthy big data ecological domain, accelerate the traditional medical process informatization reform, and improve the application level of information service, we build a medical system with the support of new generation network IPV9 technology. The system is based on the medical institutions in Tai’an city, Shandong province, and has researched and implementation of the health ecosystem business structure, core technology, network architecture, system software and hardware, and system security. The system was put into trial operation in the medical institutions of the whole city and has achieved perfect results.
Global Internet Come into a New DNS Era
Authors: Chengjin Mou
Published: January 2020

DNS, short for Domain Name System, is an analytic central system, which transfers domain names into IP addresses that can be identified by the Internet. DNS has internal traits within it to conduct commands and regulations in network communication, as well as centralized ones that are inherently political. Unlike other Internet protocols, DNS protocols penetrate the Application Layer, the Internet Layer, the Transport Layer, and provide even more complicated, tailored low-level software that are feasible to the DNS, ranging from authorized Domain Name Servers to Recursive Domain Name Servers, a domain system based Content Distribution Network (DN-CDN), whether private or public, inside or outside the network, it must be dependent on the service provided by Domain Name System (DNS). DNS includes the increase in Client Subnet in DNS Extension Mechanism (EDNS) to conduct more accurate matches to push service.
Street View House Number Identification Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Yang Haoqi , Yao Hongge
Published: January 2020

In this paper, the difficult problem of character recognition in natural scenes caused by many factors such as variability of light in the natural scene, background clutter and inaccurate viewing angle, and inconsistent resolution. Based on the deep learning framework PyTorch, a convolutional neural network is implemented. Based on the classic LeNet-5 network, the network optimizes the input layer to accept three-channel images, changes the pooling method to maximum pooling to simplify parameters, and the activation function is replaced by Rectified Linear Unit with faster convergence. The cross-entropy loss is used instead of the minimum mean square error to mitigate the slow learning. Furthermore, we also enroll the gradient descent optimization algorithm RMSprop and L2 regularization to improve the accuracy, speed up the convergence and suppress the over-fitting. The experiment results show that our model achieved an accuracy of 92.32% after training for 7h24min on the street view house number(SVHN) dataset, effectively improving the performance of LeNet-5.
The efficacy of manualized Cognitive Behavior Therapy conducted by student-therapists treating Danish youths with anxiety using a benchmark comparison
Authors: Johnsen Daniel Bach , Arendt Kristian , Thastum Mikael
Published: January 2020

Background:

Several systematic reviews have demonstrated the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) treating anxiety disorders in children and adolescents (hereafter referred to as youths). Treatment of anxiety disorders conducted by student therapists (ST) has been found to be an effective alternative, to treatment conducted by psychologists.

Objective:

The primary aim of the study is to investigate the effects of ST treating youths, using a group-based CBT program. Second, the study aims to compare these results with outcomes achieved by professional-therapists (PT).

Method:

The study investigate in an open trial design, the treatment outcome from a manualized CBT program (Cool Kids) in a group of youths (n = 54) treated by ST. Results are benchmarked against the outcomes of a group of youths (n = 56) treated by PT using the same program, derived from a separate randomized controlled trial.

Results:

There was a significant reduction of both self-reported and clinician rated measures of youth anxiety over time in the ST group, with small to large effect sizes. No significant differences of improvements in self-report measures were found between the ST and the PT groups. There was no significant difference in remission rates for participants’ primary anxiety disorder between the ST (50.0%) and the PT (66.1%) at post-treatment or at three-month follow-up (ST: 74.1%, PT: 76.8%). There was a significant difference regarding number of youths free of all anxiety disorder between the ST (14 [25.9%]) and PT (27 [48.2%]) group at post-treatment. This difference was not significant at three-month follow-up (ST: 25 [46.3%], PT: 33 [58.9%]).

Conclusion:

The findings support previous findings, suggesting that student-therapists, receiving training and supervision, can successfully treat youths with anxiety disorders using a manualized CBT program. The outcomes following CBT treatment conducted by ST are comparable to outcomes achieved by PT.
The shortened version of the Adolescent Stress Questionnaire (ASQ-S; Sweden): a validation study in United Kingdom adolescents
Authors: McKay Michael , Andretta James , Perry John
Published: January 2020

Background:

Stress is an important variable of consequence, particularly in adolescence, a period of intense physical and psychological change. The measurement of stress in adolescence has been widely discussed, and a number of versions of the Adolescent Stress Questionnaire (ASQ) have been developed and validated. The present study sought to examine the psychometric properties (model fit, invariance, internal consistency, and construct validity) of the ASQ-S, which was recently developed in a Swedish context.

Objective:

The study was a secondary analysis of data gathered on the full ASQ. The ASQ-S retained nine of the ten ASQ scales, and a study in Swedish adolescents suggested that the scale was psychometrically valid, gender invariant, and that scores were internally consistent. This is the first study to examine the properties of the ASQ-S in an English-speaking population. Participants were high school children in the UK (N = 610, 61.0% girls) from school year 8 through 12.

Results:

Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed that the nine factor solution fit the data well (χ2s-b(288) = 751.60, CFI = 0.958, TLI = 0.948, SRMR = 0.040, RMSEA = 0.051 [90% CI = 0.047, 0.056]), and that scores were gender, school type (academic versus comprehensive), and school stage (junior versus middle high school) invariant. The nine scales correlated negatively with academic, social, and emotional self-efficacy scores, and self-esteem scores, to varying degrees. Girls reported higher stress levels than boys in six of the nine scales. A regression analysis, adjusted for gender and year in school, suggested that only the stress of peer pressure (negatively) was significantly related to adolescent alcohol use.

Conclusions:

Overall this study suggests that the ASQ-S could be a valid measure of adolescent stress, although concerns remain regarding the convergent validity of scale scores.
Glioblastoma: Prognostic Factors and Predictive Response to Radio and Chemotherapy
Authors: Fiorica Francesco , Colella Maria , Taibi Rosaria , Bonetti Andrea , Giuliani Jacopo , Perrone Maria Sole , Missiroli Sonia , Giorgi Carlotta
Published: January 2020

:

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is characterized by poor prognosis despite an
aggressive therapeutic strategy. In recent years, many advances have been achieved in the
field of glioblastoma biology.

:

Here we try to summarize the main clinical and biological factors impacting clinical prognostication
and therapy of GBM patients. From that standpoint, hopefully, in the near future,
personalized therapies will be available.
Evolution of Molecular Targets in Melanoma Treatment
Authors: Tran Khanh B. , Buchanan Christina M. , Shepherd Peter R.
Published: January 2020

Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancers, accounting for more than 80% of skin cancer mortality. Although melanoma was known very early in the history of medicine, treatment for this disease had remained largely the same until very recently. Previous treatment options, including removal surgery and systemic chemotherapy, offered little benefit in extending the survival of melanoma patients. However, the last decade has seen breakthroughs in melanoma treatment, which all emerged following new insight into the oncogenic signaling of melanoma. This paper reviewed the evolution of drug targets for melanoma treatment based on the emergence of novel findings in the molecular signaling of melanoma. One of the findings that are most influential in melanoma treatment is that more than 50% of melanoma tumors contain BRAF mutations. This is fundamental for the development of BRAF inhibitors, which is the first group of drugs that significantly improves the overall survival of melanoma patients compared to the traditional chemotherapeutic dacarbazine. More recently, findings of the role of immune checkpoint molecules such as CTLA-4 and PD1/PD-L1 in melanoma biology have led to the development of a new therapeutic category: immune checkpoint inhibitors, which, for the first time in the history of cancer treatment, produced a durable response in a subset of melanoma patients. However, as this paper discussed next, there is still an unmet need for melanoma treatment. A significant population of patients did not respond to either BRAF inhibitors or immune checkpoint inhibitors. Of those patients who gained an initial response from those therapies, a remarkable percentage would develop drug resistance even when MEK inhibitors were added to the treatment. Finally, this paper discusses some possible targets for melanoma treatment.
Cardiovascular Disease in the Systemic Vasculitides
Authors: Soulaidopoulos Stergios , Madenidou Anastasia-Vasiliki , Daoussis Dimitrios , Melissaropoulos Konstantinos , Mavrogeni Sophie , Kitas George , Dimitroulas Theodoros
Published: January 2020

The vasculitides are a heterogeneous group of disorders, characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration and necrosis of blood vessels that cause vascular obstruction or aneurysm formation, affecting various organs such as lungs, kidneys, skin and joints. Cardiac involvement is commonly encountered in primary systemic vasculitis and it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Depending on the dominant pathophysiological mechanism, heart complications may manifest in different ways, including myocardial ischemia due to impaired micro- or macrovascular circulation, progressive heart failure following valvular heart disease and myocardial dysfunction, (sub) clinical myocarditis, pericarditis, pulmonary hypertension as well as arteritis of coronary vessels. Beyond cardioprotective regimens, aggressive immunosuppression reduces the inflammatory burden and modulates the progression of cardiovascular complications. Perioperative management of inflammation, when surgical treatment is indicated, improves surgical success rates and postoperative long-term prognosis. We aim to provide an overview of the pathogenetic, diagnostic and therapeutic principles of cardiovascular involvement disease in the various forms of systemic vasculitis.