bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uma ferramenta BIM para simulação de eficiência energética nas fases iniciais de projeto
Authors: Oliveira Fernando Marcio , Bittencourt Leonardo Salazar , Dória David Rodrigues Silva
Published: April 2020

O grau de eficiência energética das edificações depende de decisões tomadas nas fases iniciais do projeto arquitetônico. No entanto, os programas de avaliação do seu desempenho energético demandam informações que são normalmente definidas nas etapas finais do projeto. Caso o desempenho seja insatisfatório, todo um retrabalho precisa ser empreendido. O objetivo desse trabalho é desenvolver uma ferramenta de suporte ao projetista que seja capaz de informar o nível de eficiência energética de habitações unifamiliares nas fases iniciais de projeto considerando o Regulamento Técnico da Qualidade para o Nível de Eficiência Energética de Edificações Residenciais (RTQ-R), padrão de referência brasileira. Consequentemente a ferramenta IDEEA foi desenvolvida por meio da metodologia de Design Science, baseada na ferramenta de modelagem BIM Revit da Autodesk, com as linguagens de programação Dynamo e Python. Integrando a informação armazenada no modelo paramétrico com os processos de cálculo, scripts de cálculos de desempenho do modelo coletam as informações, processam os dados, executam equações, e apresentam os resultados da eficiência energética dos ambientes, da envoltória e da unidade habitacional (resfriamento, aquecimento e refrigeração), e a pontuação total. Estes desempenhos são apresentados em tabelas e elementos gráficos, de forma amigável para a leitura, análise e definições sobre o encaminhamento do projeto. A avaliação da ferramenta foi realizada na forma de um projeto para verificar a precisão dos resultados e aferida num workshop acadêmico para verificar usabilidade. Observou-se que a interface amigável possibilitou assimilação pelos voluntários participantes do workshop, sugerindo facilidade de incorporação no processo criativo de cada projetista. Possibilitando assim, a obtenção otimizada da Etiqueta Nacional de Conservação de Energia (ENCE), concedida no âmbito do Programa Brasileiro de Etiquetagem (PBE) do INMETRO.
Contradições do ideário neoliberal na política de assistência estudantil: do nascedouro aos dias atuais
Authors: Gomes Marília do Amparo Alves , Pires Ennia Débora Passos Braga , Silva Soane Santos
Published: April 2020

O artigo busca resgatar e discutir a trajetória histórica da política de Assistência Estudantil (AE) que tem como finalidade fomentar o acesso e a permanência de jovens das classes populares à universidade. Como uma política pública inserida no contexto do capitalismo, a Assistência Estudantil é forjada em meio a contradições, por um lado atende parcialmente as reivindicações da classe trabalhadora, por outro, apresenta aspectos minimalistas característicos das políticas focais. Conclui apontando que a AE, em nível nacional, com o Programa Nacional de Assistência Estudantil (PNAES), atende rigorosamente ao receituário neoliberal e as orientações dos organismos multilaterais para a educação no Brasil.
Robust Algorithms for History Matching of Imperfect Subsurface Models
Authors: Rammay Muzammil H. , Elsheikh Ahmed H. , Chen Yan
Published: April 2020

In this work, we evaluate different algorithms to account for model errors while estimating the model parameters, especially when the model discrepancy (used interchangeably with “model error”) is large. In addition, we introduce two new algorithms that are closely related to some of the published approaches under consideration. Considering all these algorithms, the first calibration approach (base case scenario) relies on Bayesian inversion using iterative ensemble smoothing with annealing schedules without any special treatment for the model error. In the second approach, the residual obtained after calibration is used to iteratively update the total error covariance combining the effects of both model errors and measurement errors. In the third approach, the principal component analysis (PCA)-based error model is used to represent the model discrepancy during history matching. This leads to a joint inverse problem in which both the model parameters and the parameters of a PCA-based error model are estimated. For the joint inversion within the Bayesian framework, prior distributions have to be defined for all the estimated parameters, and the prior distribution for the PCA-based error model parameters are generally hard to define. In this study, the prior statistics of the model discrepancy parameters are estimated using the outputs from pairs of high-fidelity and low-fidelity models generated from the prior realizations. The fourth approach is similar to the third approach; however, an additional covariance matrix of difference between a PCA-based error model and the corresponding actual realizations of prior error is added to the covariance matrix of the measurement error.

The first newly introduced algorithm (fifth approach) relies on building an orthonormal basis for the misfit component of the error model, which is obtained from a difference between the PCA-based error model and the corresponding actual realizations of the prior error. The misfit component of the error model is subtracted from the data residual (difference between observations and model outputs) to eliminate the incorrect relative contribution to the prediction from the physical model and the error model. In the second newly introduced algorithm (sixth approach), we use the PCA-based error model as a physically motivated bias correction term and an iterative update of the covariance matrix of the total error during history matching. All the algorithms are evaluated using three forecasting measures, and the results show that a good parameterization of the error model is needed to obtain a good estimate of physical model parameters and to provide better predictions. In this study, the last three approaches (i.e., fourth, fifth, sixth) outperform the other methods in terms of the quality of estimated model parameters and the prediction capability of the calibrated imperfect models.
Kidney Outcome in Primary Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) by Using a Predictive Model
Authors: Ossareh Shahrzad , Yahyaei Mansoureh , Asgari Mojgan , Afghahi Hanri
Published: April 2020

Background: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is one of the important causes of end stage kidney disease (ESKD). We evaluated the risk factors of progression of primary FSGS to chronic kidney disease (CKD) or ESKD with a predictive model including clinical and histological predictors.Methods: 201 patients with primary FSGS (59% male, mean age: 38±15 years), were studied. Time-dependent Cox model and C statistics were used for the predictive model. Interaction and correlation between independent variables were estimated.Results: During 55±27 months of follow-up, 82 patients (41%) developed CKD (46) or ESKD (36) patients. In adjusted model, 1 unit of higher serum creatinine (SCr) at baseline (HR:1.39, 95%CI: 1.15-1.70) and 1% increase in glomeruli with segmental glomerulosclerosis (SGS) (HR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.04) or interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IF/TA) (HR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.05) increased the risk of CKD/ESKD. In adjusted model, higher baseline proteinuria and collapsing variant were not associated with risk of CKD/ESKD. By adding SGS and IF/TA scores to baseline SCr in the model, discrimination by C statistics was 0.83 (95%CI: 0.77-0.90). Median renal survival was 3.1 years (95% CI: 2.2-4.1 years) in patients with highest risks score (baseline eGFR<25 ml/min/1.73 m2+ IF/TA/SGS> 50%), and 8.1 years (95% CI: 7.7-8.6 years).in those with lowest score (baseline eGFR>75 ml/min/1.73 m2+ IF/TA/SGS <5%).Conclusion: In primary FSGS, higher baseline SCr, increased SGS and IF/TA, but not baseline proteinuria and collapsing pathology, were the predictors for CKD/ESKD. These findings indicated the importance of timely detection and referral in prognosis of primary FSGS.
Hypertension and its determinant factors in a Brazilian male working population Hypertension in male workers
Authors: Donato Tamyres Araújo Andrade , Bezerra Vanessa Moraes , Silva Roberta Mendes Abreu , Oliveira Márcio Galvão Guimarães de , Andrade Amanda Cristina de Souza , Kochergin Clavdia Nicolaevna , Soares Daniela Arruda , Medeiros Danielle Souto de , Louzado José Andrade , Silva Kelle Oliveira , Cortes Matheus Lopes , Mistro Sóstenes , Amorim Welma Wildes Cunha Coelho
Published: April 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
A Population-Based Survey to Assess the Association between Cannabis and Quality of Life among Colorectal Cancer Survivors
Authors: Calcaterra Susan , Burnett-Hartman Andrea N. , Powers J. David , Corley Douglas A , McMullen Carmit M , Pawloski Pamala A. , Feigelson Heather Spencer
Published: April 2020

Background: As more states legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use, people increasingly use cannabis to treat medical conditions and associated symptoms. The prevalence and utility of cannabis for cancer-related symptoms may be clarified by examining cannabis use among patients with a common cancer diagnosis. We aimed to determine the prevalence of cannabis use among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors and its associations with quality of life (QoL) and cancer-related symptomatology.Methods: A cross-sectional survey of patient-reported QoL outcomes and behaviors, including cannabis use, was conducted within the Patient Outcomes To Advance Learning network’s (PORTAL) CRC Cohort. The cohort included a population-based sample of healthcare system members ≥ 18 years old diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum from 2010 through 2016. We assessed the association between cannabis use and QoL using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 summary score.Results: Of the 1,784 respondents, 293 (16.4%) reported cannabis use following CRC diagnosis. Current tobacco smokers were more likely to use cannabis compared to former or never tobacco smokers (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.56 to 4.70). Greater alcohol use (> 4 drinks per month versus ≤ 4 drinks per month) was associated with cannabis use (aOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.65 to 2.85). There was an association between cannabis use and cancer stage at diagnosis, with stage 3 or 4 CRC patients more likely to use cannabis than stage 1 or 2 CRC patients (aOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.25 to 2.25). After adjusting for demographics, medical comorbidities, stage and site of CRC diagnosis, and prescription opioid use, people who used cannabis had significantly lower QoL than people who did not use cannabis (difference of -6.14, 95% CI -8.07 to -4.20). Conclusion: Among CRC survivors, cannabis use was relatively common, associated with more advanced stages of disease, associated with tobacco and alcohol use, and not associated with better QoL. Clinicians should inquire about cannabis use among their patients and provide evidence-based recommendations for cancer-related symptoms.
Cervical and oral human papillomavirus infection in women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and matched HIV-negative controls in Brazil
Authors: Suehiro Tamy Taianne , Damke Gabrielle Marconi Zago Ferreira , Damke Edilson , Ramos Paloma Luana Rodrigues de Azevedo , Silva Marcela de Andrade Pereira , Pelloso Sandra Marisa , Huh Warner K , Franco Ricardo Argemiro Fonseca , Silva Vânia Ramos Sela da , Scarinci Isabel Cristina , Consolaro Marcia Edilaine Lopes
Published: April 2020

Background: Despite the demonstrated role of human Papillomavirus (HPV) in the etiology of cervical cancer and the strong evidence suggesting the importance of HPV in the development of oropharyngeal cancer, several aspects of the interrelationship between HPV infection in both body sites remain unknown, specifically in female human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive (HIV+) patients. We aimed to assess the prevalence, distribution, and concordance of cervical and oral HPV in HIV+ women and matched HIV-negative (HIV-) controls in Brazil.Material and methods: Cervical and endocervical samples for cytological screening and HPV detection and oral samples were collected from 115 HIV+ women using highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and 139 HIV-matched controls (HIV-) in Maringá City, Brazil. Risk factors were assessed using a standardized questionnaire, and the data regarding HIV infection were obtained from the patients’ medical records. HPV detection and typing were performed using the Kit Multiplex XGEN Multi HPV Chip HS12.Results: HIV infection was well controlled in this cohort, but women who exhibited detectable HIV loads were significantly associated with HPV-positive status overall (P = 0.03) and in cervical mucosa (P = 0.01). HIV+ women had significantly more abnormal cytological findings (P = 0.04) than HIV- women. Of the 115 HIV+ women, 48.7% were positive for cervical and/or oral HPV DNA; of the 139 HIV- women, 41% were positive for cervical and/or oral HPV (P = 0.25). Both HIV+ and HIV- women had a statistically higher prevalence of cervical HPV infection than oral infection. The concurrent HPV infection in two anatomical sites was similar in HIV+ and HIV- women; however, HPV type concordance was not observed. HPV type distribution was different between the anatomical sites in both groups, and HIV+ women presented less common types, mainly in oral mucosa.Conclusion: Our data support the importance of testing HPV infection in HIV+ women, even when the HIV infection is well controlled. Prospective studies are required to better understand the natural history of HPV infection in both anatomical sites, specifically in HIV+ women.
Foveal Avascular Zone in Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma Measured by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: kocaturk tolga , kocaturk tolga , Dayanir Volkan
Published: April 2020

The authors have removed this preprint from Research Square.
Individualized treatment for acute Achilles tendon rupture based on the Copenhagen Achilles Rupture Treatment Algorithm (CARTA): a study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hansen Maria Swennergren , Vestermark Marianne Toft , Hölmich Per , Kristensen Morten Tange , Barfod Kristoffer Weisskirchner
Published: April 2020

Background: An individualized treatment algorithm (Copenhagen Achilles Rupture Treatment Algorithm - CARTA) based on the ultrasonographic appearance of an acute Achilles tendon rupture has been developed aiming to select the correct patients for operative and non-operative treatment. The objective of this study is to investigate if this individualized treatment algorithm gives a better functional outcome than treating all patients either operatively or non-operatively per default. Methods: This study is conducted as a multicenter three-armed randomized controlled trial. Participants are included from four hospitals in Denmark and randomized 1:1:1 to one of three parallel groups: 1) Intervention group: Participants are treated according to an individualized treatment algorithm, 2) Control group A: Participants are treated non-operative, 3) Control group B: Participants are treated operative. The individualized treatment algorithm for the intervention group is based on an ultrasonographic examination; tendon overlap and elongation below 7% is to be treated non-operative, while no tendon overlap and and/or elongation above 7% will be treated operative. 300 participants will be included over a period of 3 years. The primary outcome is the heel-rise work test at 12 months post-injury. Secondary outcomes are tendon elongation, the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), the rate of re-ruptures and other complications. The primary analysis will be conducted as intention-to-treat analysis.Discussion: This trial will indicate if treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture can be individualized based on the elongation and tendon overlap. It is hypothesized that different patients will benefit from different treatment instead of offering all the same treatment. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03525964. Registered 16 May 2018.
Maternal Sciatic Nerve Administered Bupivacaine Induces Hippocampal Cell Apoptosis in Offspring
Authors: Mirkheshti Alireza , Shakeri Alireza , Memary Elham , Baniasadi Mansoureh , Zaringhalam Jalal , Tajbakhsh Ardeshir , Mirzaei Marzieh , Lak Elena
Published: April 2020

BackgroundBupivacaine, an amid-type local anesthetic, is widely used for clinical patients especially in pregnant women. In addition to neurotoxicity effect of bupivacaine, it can cross the placenta, accumulates in this tissue and retained in fetal tissues. Nevertheless, whether bupivacaine can cause neurotoxicity in fetus remains unclear. Hence, this study was design to investigate the effects of maternal bupivacaine use on fetus hippocampal cell apoptosis and the possible related mechanism.MethodsOn day 15 of pregnancy, sciatic nerve of pregnant wistar rat (180-200 g) were exposed by lateral incision of the right thigh and 0.2 ml of bupivacaine was injected. After their delivery, we randomly selected one male offspring of every mother. On day 30 after of their birth, the rat’s hippocampi were isolated for molecular studies. Western blotting was used to examine the expression of cleaved caspase-3, caspase-8 and p-Akt in fetal hippocampus.ResultsOur results showed that maternal bupivacaine use caused a significant increment of cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-8 expression in fetal hippocampus compared with the sham group. In addition, maternally administered bupivacaine could significantly decrease hippocampal P.Akt/T.Akt ratio which was concurrent with an increment of cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-8 expression.ConclusionOur data suggest that maternal bupivacaine use increases fetal hippocampal cell apoptosis markers such as caspase 8 and cleaved caspase 3, at least in part, via inhibiting the Akt activation.
Data Processing Scheme Based on Blockchain
Authors: Fu Jinhua , Xu Mixue , Huang Yongzhong , Si Xueming , Yuan Chao
Published: April 2020

In the whitepaper of Bitcoin, a chain of block was proposed by Satoshi Nakamoto. And then blockchain has been rapidly developed. Blockchain is not only limited to the field of cryptocurrency, but also has been well applied in the Internet of Things(IoT), supply chain finance, electronic evidence storage, data sharing, e-government and other fields. Both the public chain and the alliance chain have been well developed. Especially in the field of data processing, blockchain has a good application prospect. Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is a plan of the joint venture of more than ten countries around the world, which is the largest synthetic aperture radio telescope in the world. In SKA, the processing scale of data is large, and there are many data processing nodes in it.The data will be processed in the cloud computing mode.In view of the SKA, this paper proposes a data processing scheme based on blockchain for anti-counterfeiting, anti-tamper and traceability of data. And authenticity and integrity of data are assured. It mainly includes data distribution, data operation and data sharing, which correspond to data reception, data algorithm processing and result sharing of data operation in SKA. With this scheme, the integrity, reliability and authenticity of data are guaranteed. And smart contract, homomorphic hashing, secure container, aggregate signature and one-way encrypted channel are adopted to ensure the intelligence, security and high performance of the scheme.
Bipolar Affective Disorders and Psychotic Disorders in War Torn Area Eastern of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Vivalya Mutume , Vagheni Martial Mumbere , Adelard Kalima Nzanzu , Rock Kasereka Masuka , Kitoko Manzekele Bin , Mugizi Wilson , Ashaba Scholastic
Published: April 2020

The authors have removed this preprint from Research Square.
Hand(y) Hygiene Insights: Applying Three Theoretical Models to Investigate Hospital Patients’ and Visitors’ Hand Hygiene Behavior
Authors: Gaube Susanne , Fischer Peter , Lermer Eva
Published: April 2020

BackgroundImproving hand hygiene is the most efficient method to prevent healthcare-associated infections, which are a severe threat to patient safety. Besides healthcare professionals, it is mainly hospital patients and visitors who pose a risk for the transmission of pathogens, which can lead to infections. In contrast to medical staff, laypeople’s hand hygiene behavior in hospitals is not well researched. Therefore, the present study had three aims: 1) Identifying a suitable theoretical model to explain laypeople's hand hygiene practice; 2) Finding the factors that strongly affect patients’ and visitors’ hand hygiene behavior and, therefore, should be targeted in behavior change interventions; and 3) Comparing the essential determinants of hand hygiene behavior between laypeople and healthcare professionals.MethodsTo accomplish these goals, in total N = 1,605 patients and visitors were surveyed on their hand hygiene practice in hospitals. The employed questionnaires were based on three theoretical models: a) the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB); b) the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA); and c) the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data.ResultsAmong patients, 53% of the variance in the hand hygiene behavior was accounted for by the TDF domains, 44% by a modified HAPA model, and 40% by the TPB factors. Among visitors, these figures were 60%, 37%, and 55%, respectively. Two clusters of variables surfaced as being essential determinants of the behavior: First, self-regulatory processes (perceived behavioral control; action control; memory, attention, and decision processes); and second, social influence processes (subjective norm and role and identity).ConclusionsThe TDF was identified as the most suitable model to investigate and predict patient’s and visitor’s hand hygiene practices. The critical determinants for adequate hand hygiene (i.e., self-regulation processes and social influence processes) are similar for laypeople and healthcare professionals. Therefore, analogous intervention strategies might be useful for both target groups. Further practical and theoretical implications are discussed.
Early registration for antenatal care was associated with improved birth outcomes in a low-income community in Harare
Authors: Matsungo Tonderayi Mathew , Mudzuri Shingai , Chopera Prosper
Published: April 2020

Background : The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends early registration, regular and consistent attendance of antenatal care (ANC) sessions for all pregnant women. Specifically, if ANC services promote evidence-based practices this improves pregnancy outcomes and reduce maternal mortality. Yet there are worrying gaps in knowledge of antenatal care services in Zimbabwe. Objectives: To determine the relationship between early registration and frequency of ANC visits on birth weight, birth length, head circumference, Apgar score, birth complications, delivery mode, preterm birth and duration of labour among women aged 15-49 from Hatcliffe Polyclinic, Harare. Methods: This was a health facility based analytical cross-sectional study. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was entered and analysed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics, and associations between dependent and independent variables were determined using Pearson’s Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test. Ethical approval was granted from the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe (MRCZ/B/1438). Results: A total of 75 mother child pairs were interviewed. Most (77.3%) had more than four ANC visits. Only 36% registered early (during first trimester). Most of the children had normal birth weight ≥2500g (80.3%), birth length ≥47cm, (76%), head circumference ≥33cm (80%), and Apgar score ≥7 (96%). A positive association was observed between number of ANC visits and birth weight [Odds ratio (OR) 7.6; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.6, 36.4 (p=0.013)], birth length [OR 6.1; 95%CI 1.8, 20.1 (p=0.010)], and head circumference [OR 4.3; 95% CI 1.3, 14.8 (p=0.013)]. Positive associations were also observed between timing of registration and birth weight [OR 1.2; 95% 1.05, 1.36 (p=0.045)], birth length [OR 0.16; 95% CI 0.03, 0.76 (p=0.012)]. Conclusions: In this study increased frequency and early registration for ANC visits had a positive relationship with birth weight, birth length and head circumference. These findings show the need for improving the uptake of ANC services, early registration for ANC in the first trimester and adoption of community wide strategies to ensure that pregnant women attend all recommended visits for improved birth outcomes in this and related settings.
Exploring the relationship between menopausal symptoms, personality, and depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women
Authors: Ahmadi Niloufar , Delavar Mouloud Agajani , Mashayekh‑Amiri Sepideh , Esmaeilzadeh Sedighe
Published: April 2020

Background A quick look at the results of research studies in the existing literature indicates that depression in postmenopausal women can greatly affect their function and self-esteem. The aim of the present study was to explore the potential relationships between menopausal symptoms, sleep quality, hot flash, and depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women.Methods A cross-sectional study was designed with 150 healthy postmenopausal women (45–60 years of age) who had referred to the menopausal clinic in Babol. The participants completed the following instruments throughout the study: the Beck Depression Inventory for depressive symptoms, the Modified Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index for measuring menopausal symptoms, and the NEO-FFI for identifying the personality traits.Results After controlling all the covariates, high depressive symptoms were found to be associated with moderate/ sever menopausal symptoms, poor sleep quality, and the average and high level of neuroticism. The results also demonstrated that the risk of depressive symptoms was lower in menopausal women with high level extroversion, high level agreeableness, and the average and high level of conscientiousness.Conclusions The findings of the present study indicated that personality traits, menopausal symptoms, and poor sleep quality in particular can partially account for depression in Iranian menopausal women.
Multiple factors in the prediction of risk of recurrent vitreous haemorrhage after sutureless vitrectomy for non-clearing vitreous haemorrhage in patients with diabetic retinopathy
Authors: DING YUHUA , YAO BANGTAO , HANG HUI , YE HUI
Published: April 2020

Background
We aimed to analyse multiple factors in the prediction of risk of postoperative recurrent vitreous haemorrhage (RVH) for non-clearing vitreous haemorrhage in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) who underwent sutureless vitrectomy with 23- (23G) or 25-gauge (25G) narrow-gauge systems.
Methods
A retrospective consecutive case series design was used. DR patients who underwent sutureless vitrectomy for non-clearing vitreous haemorrhage between June 2017 and October 2019 were enrolled. All operations were performed at a tertiary hospital. Patient demographics and risk factors, including age, gender, duration of diabetes, preoperative fasting blood sugar levels (FBSL), systolic blood pressure (SBP), serum creatinine (Cr), urea, triamcinolone acetonide (TA), electrical coagulation, air-fluid exchange, pan‑retinal photocoagulation status (PRP), anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drug (anti-VEGF), and other factors, were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups based on the timing of their postoperative RVH: immediate postoperative RVH (within 2 weeks after operation) and delayed postoperative RVH (beyond 2–4 weeks after operation).
Results
Overall, 167 eyes (167patients) were enrolled. Seventy eyes were underwent 23G and 25G sutureless vitrectomy performed in 97 eyes, respectively. Postoperative RVH developed in 18 eyes (25.7%) in Group 23G and in 20 eyes (21.6%) in Group 25G (P = 0.540). Of these, 3 eyes (4.3%) had severed RVH in Group 23G compared with 5 eyes (5.2%) in Group 25G (P = 0.584). Delayed postoperative RVH occurred in 6 eyes (8.6%) in Group 23G and 8 eyes (8.2%) in Group 25G (P = 0.789). A binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that age, duration of diabetes, and Cr level were significantly associated with RVH in both Group 23G (P < 0.05) and Group 25G (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
The incidence and severity of RVH were 25.7% and 4.3%, respectively, in Group 23G and 21.6% and 5.15%, respectively, in Group 25G. Thus, the 23G sutureless vitrectomy approach was as safe as the 25G sutureless vitrectomy approach for treating vitreous haemorrhage in patients with DR. A younger age, shorter duration of diabetes, and higher Cr levels were risk factors for postoperative RVH in sutureless vitrectomy.
NTCP gene polymorphisms and Hepatitis B virus infection status in a Ghanaian population
Authors: Nyarko Eric , Obirikorang Christian , Owiredu W.K.B.A. , Asamoah Evans Adu , Acheampong Emmanuel , Aidoo Freeman , Ofori Emmanuel , Addy Bright Selorm , Asare-Anane Henry
Published: April 2020

BackgroundSLC10A1 gene codes NTCP, a receptor through which the hepatitis B virus (HBV) gets access into hepatocytes - a stage of the viral cycle necessary for replication. Polymorphism variants of SLC10A1 play roles in HBV infection, viral clearance, treatment outcome, and complications, in diverse ethnic groups and countries. However, no such study has been conducted in the Ghanaian population, a country with HBV endemicity. Therefore, an exploratory study was conducted to investigate the presence of three (3) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the SLC10A1 gene (rs2296651, rs61745930, and rs4646287) and assessed the risk of HBV infection among the Ghanaian population.MethodPolymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used to determine the presence of the SNPs among 292 participants comprising 146 HBV infected persons as case-subjects and 146 HBV non-infected persons as control-subjects. ResultsThe minor allele frequency (T) of rs2296651 was present in a significantly high proportion of cases compared with the control group (12.6% vs. 3.1%, p < 0.0001). The homozygote recessive variant of rs61745930 was present in 2.7% of the control group and 5.5% of the case group. Moreover, the minor allele frequencies of rs4646287 were 9.6% and 8.6% among the control and the case group, respectively (p = 0.767). Under the dominant (CC) genetic model of inheritance, rs2296651 was found to be protective of HBV infection [OR = 0.18 (0.07–0.44)], whereas under the co-dominant and additive model, rs2296651 was a potential risk factor for HBV infection [OR = 5.2 (95%CI: 2.1–12.8); 3.5 (95%CI: 1.6–7.6], respectively. Variants of rs61745930 and rs4646287 were not associated with HBV infection (p > 0.05). Polymorphisms in SLC10A1, however, did not show any significant association with HBV infectivity (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe study highlights some polymorphism proof that variants rs2296651, rs61745930, and rs4646287 exist in HBV-infected individuals in Ghana. Variant rs2296651 was found to be associated with HBV infection. Nonetheless, polymorphisms in SLC10A1 were not associated with HBV infectivity among the Ghanaian population. Further investigation is warranted to assess the offensive role of the relationship between rs2296651 and HBV infectivity.
COVID-19 infection-to-death lag and lockdown-effect lag in Italy and Spain
Authors: Buescu Jorge , Oliveira Henrique Manuel , Pires Carlos Alberto
Published: April 2020

Background

The European phase of the COVID (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic started in early February 2020. Lockdown measures have been adopted to flatten the infection curve. Early detection and robust estimation of its inflection point and other phenomenological epidemic parameters are extremely relevant to evaluate effectiveness of containment measures and the epidemic course.
Methods

We use a nonlinear least-squares algorithm to fit logistic functions to the curves of active infected and deceased during the pandemic evolution, studying also the changes and stabilization of the logistic parameters.
Results

We present the computation of the inflection points for Spain and Italy. We use these results to estimate two fundamental disease parameters: the infection-to-death lag and the onset of lockdown effects. These estimates are sharp and robust.
Conclusions

The data-driven logistic-fit approach has proven to be a remarkably powerful tool, allowing us to effectively compute three disease parameters which may prove to be an invaluable help in the control of the epidemic as well as to model response of the health services in other countries in the World. The results and methods can be used to forecast the evolution in countries still in early stages of the epidemic.
Seasonal effects on the outcome of reproduction tests with silver nanoparticles, silver nitrate and the Collembola Folsomia candida
Authors: Zhang Xin , Filser Juliane
Published: April 2020

Background

Toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) is increasingly studied due to a rise in application in various products. Various studies on AgNP toxicity with terrestrial and aquatic organisms confirmed their negative effects. In our previous experiments, strong variability was observed in the reproduction of Collembola in different seasons. To investigate the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) on the reproduction of Collembola in different seasons, Folsomia candida were exposed to AgNP and silver nitrate (AgNO 3 ) at a concentration of 30 mg/kg dry soil for 28 days. The reproduction tests were repeated during different seasons throughout one year in order to assess if animals’ sensitivity varied with the season.

Results

Significantly lower reproduction was found in the control in winter with only 101 (± 7) juveniles per adult, compared to 126-158 individuals in other seasons. Strong toxic effects (inhibition of reproduction by up to 50%) were observed during summer, spring and autumn in both treatments. However, AgNP showed no toxic effects on the reproduction of F. candida in winter. The relative toxicity of both substances varied with the seasons: AgNP were more toxic than AgNO 3 in spring and summer, and less toxic in autumn and winter.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that seasonal effects on the reproduction of Folsomia candida are significant. Moreover, we demonstrated the reproductive toxicity of AgNP in soil at a much lower concentration than reported thus far. These effects can mainly be attributed to soil conditions, which raises concern whether these commonly used test substrates are really protective.
Use of Resuscitation promoting factors to screen for tuberculosis infection in household-exposed children in The Gambia
Authors: Loon Welmoed Van , Gomez Marie P , Jobe Dawda , Franken Kees CLMC , Ottenhoff Tom HM , Corninx Michael , Kestens Luc , Sutherland Jayne , Kampmann Beate , Djomkam Leopold Tientcheu
Published: April 2020

Background
Interferon-γ release assays (IGRA) with Resuscitation promoting factor (Rpf) proteins enhanced tuberculosis (TB) screening and diagnosis in adults, but have not been evaluated in children. Children often develop paucibacillary TB and their immune response differs from that of adults, which together affect TB disease diagnostics and immunodiagnostics. We assessed the ability of Rpf to identify infection among household TB-exposed children in The Gambia and investigated their ability to discriminate Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) infection from active TB disease in children.
Methods
Detailed clinical investigations were done on 93 household TB-exposed Gambian children and a tuberculin skin test (TST) was administered to asymptomatic children. Venous blood was collected for overnight stimulation with ESAT-6/CFP-10-fusion protein (EC), purified protein derivative and RpfA, B, C, D and E. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) production was measured by ELISA in supernatants and corrected for the background level. Infection status was defined by IGRA with EC and TB disease by mycobacterial confirmation and/or clinical diagnosis. We compared IFN-γ levels between infected and uninfected children and between infected and TB diseased children using a binomial logistic regression model while correcting for age and sex. A Receiver Operating Characteristics analysis was done to find the best cut-off for IFN-γ level and calculate sensitivity and specificity.
Results
Interferon gamma production was significantly higher in infected (IGRA+, n = 45) than in uninfected (IGRA-, n = 20) children after stimulation with RpfA, B, C, and D (P = 0.03; 0.007; 0.03 and 0.003, respectively). Using RpfB and D-specific IFN-γ cut-offs (33.9 pg/mL and 67.0 pg/mL), infection was classified with a sensitivity-specificity combination of 73%-92% and 77%-72% respectively, which was similar to and better than 65%-75% for TST. Moreover, IFN-γ production was higher in infected than in TB diseased children (n = 28, 5 bacteriologically confirmed, 23 clinically diagnosed), following RpfB and D stimulation (P = 0.02 and 0.03, respectively).
Conclusion
RpfB and RpfD show promising results for childhood MTBC infection screening, and both performed similar to and better than the TST in our study population. Additionally, both antigens appear to discriminate between infection and disease in children and thus warrant further investigation as screening and diagnostic antigens for childhood TB.
Application of Elliptic Registration and Three-Dimensional Reconstruction in Postoperative Precise Measurement of Taylor Spatial Frame Parameters
Authors: Liu Yanshi , Yushan Maimaiaili , Liu Zhenhui , Liu Jialin , Ma Chuang , Ahemaitijiang Yusufu
Published: April 2020

Background The Taylor spatial frame offered the ability of simultaneous correction of the multidirectional deformities without the need of change the frame, and it was widely used for limb lengthening, deformity correction and fracture reduction in recent years. There are still some inherent limitations which can affect the accuracy of correction, especially for the measurement of the mounting and rotational parameters. The purpose of our study was to perform precise postoperative measurement of Taylor spatial frame (TSF) parameters by application of elliptic registration and three-dimensional reconstruction.Methods This retrospectively study included 28 trauma patients who suffered tibial fracture treated by the TSF at our institution from January 2016 to January 2018, including 25 males and 3 females with a mean age of 43 years (range 14–70 years). We conducted standard full-length anteroposterior and lateral X-rays of the injured extremity and the computed tomographic scans of the bilateral extremities after operation. Elliptic registration and 3D reconstruction were used to calculated the parameters by two types of software Mimics and CorelDRAW. Correction of the deformity was conducted by adjusting the struts of the TSF according to the electronic prescription. The standard anteroposterior and lateral X-rays after correction were taken to evaluate the effectiveness.Results All patients acquired functional reduction which was evaluated by digital radiography. The mean coronal plane translation(1.9 ± 2.2 mm), coronal plane angulation(1.2 ± 1.0°), sagittal plane translation(2.7 ± 2.1 mm) and sagittal plane angulation(1.2 ± 1.0°) after correction were all less than those(5.5 ± 4.6 mm, 4.9 ± 3.9°, 4.7 ± 4.0 mm, 2.7 ± 2.3°) before correction.Conclusions The TSF system can precise correct the 6-axis deformities simultaneously with the accurate parameters. Application of elliptic registration and three-dimensional reconstruction can precisely measure the TSF parameters, especially for the mounting and the rotational parameters.
Benzo[a]pyrene sourcing and abundance in a Coal Region in Transition reveals historical pollution, rendering soil screening levels impractical.
Authors: Boente Carlos , Baragaño Diego , Gallego José Luis R.
Published: April 2020

Background
Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a hazardous compound for human health and for environmental compartments. Its transfer and deposition through the atmosphere affects soil quality. In this regard, soil screening levels are commonly used to monitor the degree of soil contamination. However, these thresholds are often established without considering historical anthropogenic activities that affect soil (diffuse pollution). In this context, this study had the following objectives: 1) to identify the potential pollutant load of BaP, as well as other Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), in the soil of an area in a prominent Coal Region in Transition in NW Spain; 2) to test whether soil screening levels are realistic and whether they reflect the complexity of regions closely linked to heavy industries and mining; and 3) to determine whether there is a relationship between PAHs and inorganic pollutants.
Results
The 150 soil samples studied showed a notable content of high molecular weight PAHs. In this regard, BaP surpassed the threshold levels in practically the entire area. Samples fell into groups: a first group of outliers statistically determined through robust Mahalanobis distance, and three more by means of hierarchical cluster analysis. PAH-parent diagrams revealed a relatively homogenous fingerprint for all clusters. In addition, molecular diagnostic ratios pointed to coal combustion as the main pollution source, whereas only a few of the outliers appeared to be related to specific spills. The BaP background was calculated to be 0.24 mg·kg− 1, exceeding the threshold limits established in Spain by more than 10 times. Finally, a factor analysis revealed a moderate correlation of BaP with elements usually associated with coal combustion, such as Tl and V.
Conclusions
The soils of regions associated with coal exploitation and heavy industry have an indelible pollution fingerprint, caused namely by BaP and other PAHs, which come to form part of the geochemical background. The use of official soil screening levels in such regions is therefore questionable, and hot points should be determined on the basis of soil backgrounds specifically calculated for these areas.
Chikungunya and dengue virus infection among febrile children in North-Eastern Tanzania: prospective study
Authors: Saro Adonira , Kajeguka Debora , Azizi Kaunara , Mwakalinga Steven , Mosha Franklin , Alifrangis Michael , Kinabo Grace , Kavishe Reginald
Published: April 2020

Background

There are several unknown illnesses including chikungunya and dengue viruses that present with fever in children. Therefore there are many cases that are misdiagnosed. Consequently we performed a study to determine the clinical characteristics of dengue and chikungunya in order to assist clinicians in management.
Methods

A total of 196 children with history of fever for ≤ 10 days were enrolled prospectively at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre from September 2015 to May 2016. All cases were screened for chikungunya and dengue viruses by PCR as well as other febrile illnesses such as malaria, bacteria and HIV through other diagnostic method. We performed logistic regression to find association between clinical symptoms and chikungunya infection.
Results

In our study, 21.9% (43/196) of the cases received laboratory investigations and the diagnoses were as follows; malaria only (n = 1, 0.5%), bacterial infections only (n = 4, 2.0%), HIV/AIDS only (n = 37, 18.9%), as well as malaria, meningitis and urinary tract co-infection (n = 1, 0.5%). Further investigation of all cases revealed that 11.7%( 23) had chikungunya virus while none had dengue virus. For the cases of chikungunya, 78.3% (18) were below 5 years of age, 65.2%( 15) were females, majority were from Kilimanjaro 95.7%( 22) and Arusha region 4.3% (1). The clinical features were as follows; nausea/vomit 50.0% (98), cough 48.5% (95), convulsion/comma 34.7%( 68), diarrhea 26.0% (51), joint pain 13.3% (26), sore throat 7.1%( 14), rashes 4.1%(8)chills 2.6%༈5༉. Nevertheless, there was no statistical significant relationship between chikungunya virus and aforementioned symptoms/signs according to logistic regression.
Conclusion

This study reveals that chikungunya infection is common cause of febrile illnesses; however it does not have treatment. Therefore, we encourage chikungunya infection to be included in routine investigation as these children are receiving inappropriate treatments such as antibiotics and ant malarial which should be avoided in order to minimize over use of drugs and resource wastage.
Experimental and numerical investigation of some impeller geometric parameters of an industrial electric submersible pump
Authors: Firatoglu Zeynel Abbidin , Alihanoglu Mustafa Nuri
Published: April 2020

Submersible pumps, which are the main means of bringing the ground liquid to the surface, are widely used in agricultural irrigation, petroleum industry, geothermal fields, and similar applications. In most applications, submersible pumps are the main energy inputs of the operating process. Therefore, a small improvement in submersible pump efficiency will significantly reduce the operating cost of the system. The motivation and focus of this study are to experimentally and numerically investigate the effect of the geometric parameters of the submersible pump on the efficiency of the pump. The submersible pump has a design in the form of the serial connection of the stages including the impeller and the diffuser and enters the multi-stage pump category. All the impeller connected to a single shaft rotates at the same angular velocity. Despite the rotation of the impeller at a constant angular speed along with the pump, the flow structure at each stage shows large variations compared to other stages. These differences lead to the formation of a complex flow structure and thus to great difficulties in the experimental identification of the flow field along with the pump. Another difficulty in the experimental definition is that the measured values can show dramatic changes depending on many parameters such as fluid viscosity-temperature, impeller inlet-outlet angle, diffuser inlet-outlet angle, number of blades, the distance between stages, surface roughness. The current general trend is to solve the above-mentioned problems with numerical simulations verified by experimental data. This trend is a result of significant developments in computer capacities parallel to the development of numerical solution methods in recent years. This trend, or the method, has been followed throughout this study. Firstly, within the scope of this study, the performance in different stages of a selected industrial submersible pump was measured by the experimental. Following the measurements, the effects of two basic geometric parameters, such as impeller outlet width and impeller outlet angle on the pump performance were examined with CFD simulations verified by the experimental measurements. This small deviation indicates that the CFD simulation results are in perfect agreement with the experimental measurements. In the simulations performed, it is observed that the time-dependent variables have their size changed but the flow structure does not change. Another striking finding from the CFD simulations carried out is; it has been observed that while geometric arrangements have a partial effect on the flow structure along with the pump, they cause a difference in the critical values on the basic variables that define pump performance, such as pressure.