bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Museu do Amanhã e articulações da expressão tectônica e condição cenográfica
Authors: Braga Diogo Ubaldo , Castro Maria Luiza Almeida Cunha de , Rezende Marco Antônio Penido de , Mello João Luiz van Ham
Published: July 2020

Este artigo parte de uma análise da arquitetura dos novos museus globais, escolhidos como objeto de pesquisa devido a seu conteúdo simbólico subjacente. Adotando uma abordagem qualitativa, a investigação procura confrontar o conceito de “tectônica” a questionamentos relativos à utilização de elementos cenográficos na arquitetura museal contemporânea, incorporando ainda considerações sobre o uso destas edificações. A ideia de tectônica parte da relação que a dimensão material, construtiva e tátil da arquitetura estabelece com sua expressão plástica, uma questão que foi colocada em pauta em meados do século XIX e recentemente reemergiu por meio de reflexões tais como as de Kenneth Frampton e Gevork Hartoonian. Sob a luz de conceitos propostos por estes autores, da crítica à arquitetura tardo moderna, a partir de Venturi, Brown e Izenour e de considerações sobre a condição cenográfica da arquitetura – propõe-se uma investigação sobre o Museu do Amanhã, Rio de Janeiro. O objetivo é questionar se a mera expressão tectônica do edifício é capaz de isentá-lo de qualquer intenção de espetáculo e cenografia. Embora nitidamente inserido dentro de uma dinâmica de competição de cidades, a partir da criação de uma imagem de marca, o Museu destaca uma solução construtiva e estrutural em que as relações de carga e apoio se expressam em coerência com a forma. Reafirma-se desta forma as possibilidades de articulação entre expressão tectônica e cenografia, materialidade e imagem.
UPAYA GURU DALAM MENINGKATKAN KECERDASAN SPIRITUAL ANAK USIA DINI DI RA MUSLIMAT NU NURUD DHOLAM
Authors: Hasanah Faizzatul
Published: July 2020

Kecerdasan spiritual adalah kecerdasan yang dimiliki oleh individu dalam kaitannya dengan nilai dan perilaku. Seseorang dibekali dengan dengan kecerdasan spiritual diharapkan dalam mengambil perilaku juga memperhatikan nilainya. Mengingat kecerdasan spiritual ini penting untuk anak usia dini, maka guru di RA Muslimat NU Nurud Dholam juga ikut menstimulus kecerdasan spiritual anak dalam berbagai upaya. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif kualitatif dengan sumber data guru kelas dan wali murid RA Muslimat NU Nurud Dholam, dan dokumen RPPH. Teknik pengumpulan data yang penulis lakukan adalah observasi kemudian dilanjutkan dengan wawancara semi-terstruktur yang dicatat dalam bentuk dokumentasi berupa kegiatan pembelajaran yang dilakukan RA Muslimat NU Nurud Dholam. Upaya yang dilakukan guru di RA Muslimat NU Nurud Dholam berupa penanaman pembiasaan-pembiasaan sesuai nilai-nilai ajaran agam Islam (didasarkan pada al-Qur’an dan hadits), seperti bacaan hadits dan penerapannya, doa-doa harian, surah-surah pendek, adab, praktek ibada (wudhu’, adzan dan iqomah, serta sholat) dengan penyampaian secara bertahap, disesuaikan dengan kemampuan dan tahap perkembangan anak.
Action de la photopériode sur la reproduction des équidés
Authors: GUILLAUME D.
Published: July 2020

Juments et étalons présentent une phase de reproduction pendant les jours croissants ou longs, au printemps et en été. La majorité des juments n’ont pas d’ovulation en hiver. Ce rythme annuel de reproduction est synchronisé par les variations annuelles de la longueur du jour. Un éclairement artificiel de 14,5 h, débuté en hiver, avance la première ovulation annuelle des juments.
Certaines des étapes de la transmission de l’information lumineuse ont été vérifiées chez les équidés. Le message lumineux est transformé en influx nerveux par des cellules spécialisées de la rétine. Cet influx, via le noyau supra-chiasmatique puis le ganglion cervical supérieur, agit sur la glande pinéale. Les pinéalocytes répondent à une stimulation noradrénergique en libérant la mélatonine. Cette hormone, sécrétée pendant la phase obscure, agit sur des récepteurs membranaires spécifiques. L’administration de mélatonine exogène sous forme d’implants sous-cutanés ou, dans certaines conditions, sous forme orale, supprime l’effet photostimulant d’un jour long. L’utilisation d’implants est actuellement à l’étude pour mettre au point un traitement de désaisonnement.
La sécrétion des neurones à GnRH est ensuite régulée par des neuromédiateurs. La naloxone, antagoniste des opiacées endogènes, induit une décharge de GnRH suivie d’une libération de LH et de FSH chez la jument en inactivité. Les hormones thyroïdiennes ont probablement une action à ce niveau.
L’alternance d’un mois de jours courts et d’un mois de jours longs qui permet, chez les petits ruminants mâles, d’abolir les variations saisonnières est, dans l’état actuel des travaux, inefficace chez l’étalon ou la jument.
Pour avancer la date de la première ovulation annuelle, les éleveurs ne disposent actuellement que d’un traitement comportant 14,5 h d’éclairement par jour, commencé vers le solstice d’hiver et appliqué pendant 35 jours.
Les rejets azotés issus de l’aviculture : importance et progrès envisageables
Authors: LECLERCQ B.
Published: July 2020

Cet article propose des estimations des rejets azotés pour les différentes filières avicoles : poulets de chair, dindonneaux, pintades, canards de Barbarie, poules pondeuses. Ces estimations, ainsi que des analyses des études expérimentales sur l’emploi des acides aminés "industriels", permettent d’évaluer les conséquences d’une réduction des apports protéiques sur les rejets d’azote. Avec les acides aminés actuellement commercialisés on peut estimer une réduction des rejets de 10 à 20 %. Des progrès plus importants seraient réalisables si l’on disposait de valine, d’isoleucine et d’arginine à des prix raisonnables. L’incidence économique de l’usage de ces nouveaux acides aminés peut être estimée par nos calculs.
Influence des tanins sur la valeur nutritive des aliments des ruminants
Authors: ZIMMER N. , CORDESSE R.
Published: July 2020

Les tanins sont des métabolites secondaires importants dans le règne végétal. Ils s’intègrent dans la défense des végétaux contre les herbivores, en particulier pour les plantes se développant dans les zones difficiles. La structure chimique de ces polyphénols leur confère une capacité très développée à se fixer sur toutes sortes de molécules, essentiellement les protéines. Ces interactions faisant intervenir les différents types de liaison possibles sont dépendantes de nombreux facteurs liés au milieu et à la structure des molécules réactantes (importance de la présence de proline chez les protéines).
Ces aspects biochimiques permettent de se rendre compte de l’incidence et de la complexité des actions des tanins dans l’alimentation. La principale conséquence chez les ruminants est une diminution de la dégradation des protéines alimentaires dans le rumen, mais aussi une perturbation des activités microbiennes (rumen, caecum), une diminution de l’ingestion et même une toxicité.
Les herbivores adaptés à une alimentation riche en tanins ont su développer des mécanismes de protection, en particulier la synthèse de protéines salivaires riches en proline “neutralisant” les tanins ingérés. Le tannage des protéines alimentaires par les tanins naturels est un débouché potentiel en alimentation des ruminants.
Variabilité génétique du développement tissulaire. Apport des modèles génétiques
Authors: RENAND G. , SELLIER P.
Published: July 2020

Cet article fait partie du dossier : Le déterminisme génétique du développement musculaire
P-adic (treelike) Diffusion Model for COVID-19 Epidemic
Authors: Khrennikov Andrei
Published: July 2020

We present a new mathematical model of disease spread reflecting specialties of covid-19 epidemic by elevating the role social clustering of population. The model can be used to explain slower approaching herd immunity in Sweden, than it was predicted by a variety of other mathematical models; see graphs Fig. \ref{GROWTH2}. The hierarchic structure of social clusters is mathematically modeled with ultrametric spaces having treelike geometry. To simplify mathematics, we consider homogeneous trees with $p$-branches leaving each vertex. Such trees are endowed with algebraic structure, the $p$-adic number fields. We apply theory of the $p$-adic diffusion equation to describe coronavirus' spread in hierarchically clustered population. This equation has applications to statistical physics and microbiology for modeling {\it dynamics on energy landscapes.} To move from one social cluster (valley) to another, the virus (its carrier) should cross a social barrier between them. The magnitude of a barrier depends on the number of social hierarchy's levels composing this barrier. As the most appropriate for the recent situation in Sweden, we consider {\it linearly increasing barriers.} This structure matches with mild regulations in Sweden. The virus spreads rather easily inside a social cluster (say working collective), but jumps to other clusters are constrained by social barriers. This behavior matches with the covid-19 epidemic, with its cluster spreading structure. Our model differs crucially from the standard mathematical models of spread of disease, such as the SIR-model. We present socio-medical specialties of the covid-19 epidemic supporting our purely diffusional model.
Biological Activity of Anthraquinone Compounds of the Alcoholic Extract Propolis
Authors: Hussein Mustafa , Smesam Hasan , Risan Lamia , Arjmand Sareh
Published: July 2020

Different products from a unique Propolis extract, Propolis (bee glue), an of resinous consistency produced by bees, has been used as indigenous medicine for the treatment of several diseases in some contrary. Safety assessment of propoils extracts with respect to antimicrobial activity against three bacterial isolates, Proteus Mirabilis , Klebsiella Pneumonia and Staphylococcus Qureus.The result showed that the main composition of the extract was Anthraquinone, the last one was responsible for the biological activity of the extract. FT-IR, UV results showed more than eight peaks for represent the main fine composition of the extract. The present study also showed that the extract has antibacterial activity against three bacterial isolates
In Transfusion-dependent Thalassemia, Increased Iron Overload is Associated with Lower Serum Alpha-klotho, Which is Strongly Associated with Lower Total and Ionized Calcium Concentrations
Authors: Maes Michael , Moustafa Shatha Rouf , Al-Hakeim Hussein Kadhem , Alhillawi Zainab Hussein
Published: July 2020

Patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) show disorders in calcium metabolism. The α-klotho protein is predominantly expressed in tissues that are involved in calcium homeostasis, and lowered levels are associated with bone disease. Aim of the study. To study the associations between low α-klotho status and calcium metabolism in relation to iron status in children with TDT. Methods. α-klotho, calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcyphosin, vitamin D3, phosphorous, fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), as well as iron and erythron biomarkers were measured in 60 children with TDT and 30 healthy control children. Results. A meaningful part of TDT patients showed lowered α-klotho levels, and those children also showed low serum total and ionized calcium concentrations. TDT patients showed increased PTH, FGFR2, and calcyphosin and lowered vitamin D3 as compared with healthy children. The α-klotho levels were significantly correlated with total and ionized calcium (positively) and with iron overload biomarkers and the number of blood transfusions (inversely). Partial Least Squares path analysis showed that 40.1% of the variance in serum total calcium could be explained by the regression on α-klotho, vitamin D3 (both positively), and calcyphosin (inversely) and that the effects of the latter are mediated by iron overload and the number of blood transfusions. Conclusion. In TDT, iron overload and its consequences may induce lowered levels of α-klotho which in turn may lead to lower calcium thereby explaining at least in part the effects of TDT on bone metabolism including spontaneous pathological fractures, osteoporosis, osteopenia, and skeletal deformities.
System for Control and Management of Data Privacy of Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Verri Lucca Arielle , Luchtenberg Rodrigo , Garcez de Paula Conceicao Leonardo , Augusto Silva Luis , García Ovejero Raúl , Navarro-Cáceres María , Reis Quietinho Leithardt Valderi
Published: July 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic plagues the whole world, bringing numerous challenges which need to be addressed. One of them is the privacy of patient data. There are several problems related to data privacy in IoT environments, the use of applications, devices, and functionalities in hospital processes. Therefore, we have compared works from the literature and developed a taxonomy consisting of the requirements necessary to control patient privacy data in a hospital setting in the current pandemic. Based on the studies, an application was modeled and implemented. According to the tests and comparisons drawn between the variables, the application yielded satisfactory results.
Cannabinoids for People with ASD: A Systematic Review of Published and Ongoing Studies
Authors: Fusar-Poli Laura , Cavone Vito , Tinacci Silvia , Concas Ilaria , Petralia Antonino , Signorelli Maria Salvina , Díaz-Caneja Covadonga M. , Aguglia Eugenio
Published: July 2020

The etiopathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains largely unclear. Among other biological hypotheses, researchers have evidenced an imbalance in the endocannabinoid (eCB) system, which regulates some functions typically impaired in ASD, such as emotional responses and social interaction. Also, cannabidiol (CBD), the non-intoxicating component of Cannabis sativa, has been recently approved for treatment-resistant epilepsy. Seizures represent frequent medical comorbidities of ASD and could be responsible for the onset or worsening of behavioral problems. Thus, it has been hypothesized that cannabinoids could be useful in improving some ASD symptoms. Our systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and aimed to summarize the literature regarding the use of cannabinoids in ASD. After searching in Web of KnowledgeTM, PsycINFO, and Embase, we included ten studies (eight papers and two abstracts). Four ongoing trials were retrieved in ClinicalTrials.gov. Findings are promising, as cannabinoids appeared to improve problem behaviors, sleep, hyperactivity, and communication deficits, with limited cardiac and metabolic side effects. Interestingly, they generally allowed to reduce the number of prescribed medications and decreased the frequency of seizures in epileptic patients. Mechanisms of action could be linked to the excitatory/inhibitory imbalance found in people with ASD. However, further trials need to be implemented with better characterization and homogenization of samples, and well-defined outcomes.
Catch and size composition of Etroplus suratensis (Bloch, 1790) from the Kumarakom region of Vembanad Lake, India
Authors: Bindu L. , Padmakumar K. G.
Published: July 2020

The present study investigated catch and size composition of Etroplus suratensis (Bloch, 1790), based on the data collected from two main fishing practices common in the Vembanad Lake, South India. Both the fishing practices viz., gillnetting and scare line fishing were in vogue round the year and the landings showed considerable variations. E. suratensis constituted 49% of the gillnet landings, while scare line fishing is exclusively for this species. In Kumarakom region of the lake, the estimated annual landings of E. suratensis by scare line and gillnet varied from 14,369 to 30,232 kg and 1,747 to 2,142 kg respectively during the study period. Size distribution studies showed that young ones constituted a significant proportion of gillnet landings, whereas subadults and adult fishes were more in scare line catch. Length-weight relationship showed isometric growth pattern with b values of 2.890 and 2.700 for gillnet and scare line fishing respectively.
Genetic Diversity of Butterfly Pea [Clitoria ternatea] from Indonesia Based on Flower and Yield Component Traits in Two Land Conditions
Authors: Ulimaz Trixie A. , Ustari Debby , Aziza Virda , Suganda Tarkus , Concibido Vergel , Levita Jutti , Karuniawan Agung
Published: July 2020

Genetic diversity among the butterfly pea genotypes is important information to support breeding program of this underutilized crop. The important characters to be targeted in the breeding program of this crop included yield and yield components of flowers that are strongly affected by the environment and have not been previously reported. This study aimed to determine the genetic diversity of butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) from Indonesia tested in two land conditions, namely dryland and former paddy fields, based on flower character and yield component traits. The results showed that butterfly pea accessions were divided into two main clusters with dissimilarity coefficient of 0.01–3.99 indicating wide genetic diversity across  accessions. The Mantel correlation showed that the genetic distance among accessions studied were not significantly correlated (r = 0.044, P = 0.8709). Based on principal component analysis (PCA), the eigenvalue ranged from 1.69 to 3.34 with a cumulative contribution of 72.64%. The traits that influenced genetic diversity in this study were flower length, weight of one fresh flower, total weight of pods, and weight of 100 seeds. The results of this study should be useful to support future butterfly pea breeding program.
Contact tracing of syphilis-seropositive pregnant women and syphilis-infection among their male partners in Bao'an District, Shenzhen, China
Authors: Yan Rui-lin , Deng Bao-qing , Wen Gui-chun , Huang Li-cheng , Li Li-mei , Huang Zhi-ming
Published: July 2020

Background: Untreated male partners are a critical source of maternal re-infection. Contact tracing is a good way to identify infection among partners and reduce risk of mother-to-child transmission related to maternal re-infection. This study aimed to analyze the current situation and related factors of contact tracing of syphilis-seropositive pregnant women and syphilis-infection among their male partners.Method: Data of syphilis-seropositive pregnant women and their male partners attending clinic for syphilis-screening were obtained from the Shenzhen Program for Prevention of Congenital Syphilis. Contact tracing rate of syphilis-seropositive pregnant women and syphilis prevalence among male partners were counted, and related factors were also analyzed using a random-effects logistic regression model.Result: Of the 1299 syphilis-seropositive pregnant women, 74.1% (963/1299) had their male partners receiving syphilis-screening and 19.1% (184/963) of male partners were syphilis-infected. For pregnant women, being divorced (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =0.39; 95%CI: 0.17-0.87), seeking for emergency services at their first antenatal clinics visits (AOR=0.58; 95%CI: 0.44-0.77), reporting willingness to notify partner(AOR=7.65; 95%CI: 4.69-12.49), multi-partners (AOR= 1.38; 95%CI:1.03-1.86) and having a history of drug abuse (AOR=0.37; 95%CI: 0.14-1.00)were independently associated with successful contact tracing. For male partners, of minority ethnicity (AOR=4.15; 95%CI: 1.66-10.34), age of first sex＞20(AOR=0.57; 95%CI: 0.37-0.87), reporting multi-partners (AOR = 1.60; 95%CI: 1.04-2.46), having a history of drug abuse (AOR=4.07; 95%CI: 1.31-12.64) were independently associated with syphilis-infection. In addition, pregnant women with TRUST titer ≥1:8 (AOR=2.81; 95%CI: 1.87-4.21), having a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes (AOR=1.70; 95%CI: 1.14-2.53), reporting multi-partners (AOR=0.43; 95%CI: 0.29-0.64) and reporting the current partner as the source of syphilis (AOR=5.05; 95%CI: 2.82-9.03) were independently associated with partners' syphilis-infection.Conclusion: Contact tracing is feasible and effective in identifying syphilis-infected partners among syphilis-seropositive pregnant women. Contact tracing is associated with many factors such as women's marital status, services at their first antenatal clinics visit and willingness of partner notification. Partners' ethnicity, age of first sex, multi-partners and history of drug abuse as well as women's levels of TRUST titer were associated with partners' syphilis-infection.
Population genetic structure and gene flow of rare and endangered Tetraena mongolica Maxim revealed by reduced representation sequencing
Authors: Jin Cheng , Kao Huixia , Dong Shubin
Published: July 2020

Background: Studying population genetic structure and gene flow of plant populations and their influencing factors is of particular significance in the field of conservation biology, especially important for species such as rare and endangered plants. Tetraena mongolica Maxim (TM), belongs to Zygophyllaceae family, a rare and endangered plant with narrow distribution. However, for the last decade, due to excessive logging, urban expansion, industrial and tourism development, habitat fragmentation and loss of natural habitats have become major threats to the population of endangered plants. Results: In this study, genetic diversity, population genetic structure and gene flow of TM populations were evaluated by reduced representation sequencing technology, and a total of more than 133.45 GB high-quality clean reads and 38,097 high-quality SNPs were generated. Analysis based on multiple methods, we found that the existing TM populations have moderate levels of genetic diversity , and very low genetic differentiation as well as high levels of gene flow between populations. Population structure and principal coordinates analysis showed that 8 TM populations can be divided into two groups. The Mantel test detected no significant correlation between geographical distances and genetic distance for the whole sampling. Moreover, the migration model indicated that the gene flow is more of an north to south migration pattern in history. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the present genetic structure is mainly due to habitat fragmentation caused by urban sprawl, industrial development and coal mining. Our recommendation with respect to conservation management is that, all 8 populations should be preserved as a whole population, rather than just those in the core area of TM nature reserve, In particular, the populations near the edge of TM distribution in cities and industrial areas deserve our special protection.
Collagen I in the hip capsule plays a role in postoperative clinical function in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Ning Bo , Zhang Sicheng , Sun Jun
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The aims of the present study is to evaluate the roles of collagen I and III in the hip capsule in the postoperative clinical function of patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

Methods

Hip capsules from 155 hips of 120 patients were collected during surgery. The patients were divided into three groups according to age: I: 2–3.5 years; II: 3.5–5 years; and III: 5–6 years. Patient clinical function and radiographic outcomes were evaluated with the McKay scores and Severin classification. The expression of collagen I and III was detected through immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and analysed according to age, sex, degree of dislocation and McKay classification. All patients received open reduction and pelvic osteotomy and/or femoral shortening osteotomy and achieved good results on the basis of postoperative X-ray imaging.

Results

The average follow-up time was 3.4 years (range 2–4.3 years). There were no changes in the expression of collagen III in the different groups. The expression of collagen I according to age and sex was not significantly different. Lower expression of collagen I was observed in DDH patients with a higher degree of dislocation according to the Tonnis grade. The highest expression of collagen I was detected in the group with poor clinical function according to the McKay classification.

Conclusion

Collagen I is correlated with the degree of dislocation and is a risk factor for poor clinical function in DDH patients. Collagen I is correlated with the degree of hip dislocation and poor clinical function in DDH patients.
Locked in permanent employment – longitudinal associations with depressive and functional somatic symptoms
Authors: Virtanen Pekka , Hammarström Anne , Janlert Urban
Published: July 2020

Background. Rapidly changing industrial structures evidently increase individuals’ perceptions of not being in the preferred job, and also being ‘locked’ in the current post. The research on longitudinal associations of such locked-in situations with mental health is still scant, and there are controversial findings. The present study explored five hypotheses about mental health as a precedent and an outcome of different locked-in situations among permanently employed individuals. Methods. Survey data on depressive and functional somatic symptoms from age 16 to 43 and on locked-in situations (permanently employed in non-preferred job) at age 30 and age 43 were collected from 479 participants of the Northern Swedish Cohort Study. Based on these two measurements, the locked-in history was classified as ‘never’ (not locked-in at both ages), ‘early’ (locked-in at age 30 only), ‘late’ (locked-in at age 42 only) and ‘long’ (locked-in at both ages). Analysis of variance for repeated measures was used to compare the changes in mental health of the four subcohorts defined by the locked-in history.Results. Earlier evidence on the cross-sectional association between feeling locked-in and having poor mental health was confirmed. Longitudinal analyses revealed that those with poor baseline mental health at age 16 tend to get into a locked-in situation in the early middle age, that getting out of a locked-in situation in is associated with improving and getting into a locked-in situation is associated with worsening mental health, and that the worsening is more pronounced and the improvement less pronounced in white-collar than in blue-collar employees. Conclusions. Given that there are causal associations between locked-in situation and poor mental health, the findings clarify their bidirectional nature, as well as the importance of common methods bias and social class in studying these associations. With respect to labour policy, locked-in perceptions could be reduced by means of labour legislation, collective agreements and human resource management that enable smooth transitions between workplaces and occupations.
A new transpedicular lag-screw fixation for treatment of unstable Hangman’s fracture: a minimum 2-year follow-up study
Authors: Liu Yijie , Zhu Yi , Li Xuefeng , Chen Jie , Yang Sen , Yang Huilin , Jiang Weimin
Published: July 2020

Background: A new C2 transpedicular lag-screw designed by our team has been used in human cadaver spines for biomechanical testing, and the results showed that the biomechanical properties of the new C2 transpedicular lag-screw were better than ordinary screws. The objective of this study is to analyze the clinical efficacy and safety of the new C2 transpedicular lag-screw fixation for treatment of an unstable Hangman’s fracture.

Methods: From March 2013 to June 2017, 25 patients who had unstable Hangman’s fractures were operated on with a new C2 transpedicular lag-screw fixation. The patients included 18 males and 7 females whose ages ranged from 31-62 years (average 45.4±9.3 years). The cause of the injury was a traffic accident in 17 patients and a fall from height in 8 patients. Other associated lesions included rupture of the spleen (1 patient) and rib fractures (2 patients). According to the Levine-Edwards classification, 17 patients were Type II and 8 patients were Type IIA, and according to the Frankel Neurological Performance scale, 8 cases and 17 cases were graded as spinal cord injury D and E, respectively. 23 cases received bilateral screw fixation and 2 cases had unilateral screw fixation because another pedicle was chipped. The whole procedure was accomplished with monitoring by“C”-arm fluoroscopy.

Results: The mean follow-up time was (36±12) months and ranged from 24 to 60 months. No obvious symptomatic or radiologic postoperative complications were found during the follow-up period. 6 cases restored from D to E while 2 cases remained D according to American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade. Pre and postoperative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were statistically different (p<0.001). Osseous union was achieved in all cases, and the range of cervical motion recovered to normal level up to the last follow-up.

Conclusions: The primary clinical and radiographic efficacies of a new C2 transpedicular lag-screw fixation for treatment of an unstable Hangman’s fracture were satisfactory. This approach could be considered a simple, effective, reliable and economic surgical method for managing unstable Hangman’s fractures.
Surgical management of consecutive multisegment thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis: anterior-only approach vs. posterior-only approach.
Authors: Zhao Chen , Luo Lei , Liu Liehua , Li Pei , Liang Lichuan , Gao Yongjian , Luo Fei , Xu Jianzhong , Zhou Qiang
Published: July 2020

Purpose: To compare the efficacy, safety, and technical characteristics of anterior-only and posterior-only approach surgeries for the treatment of consecutive multisegment thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis . Methods: Thirty-five patients who developed consecutive multisegment thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis from September 2012 to May 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Group A was the posterior-only surgery group, and group B was the anterior-only surgery group. The data on the surgery, deformity correction, functional scores and complications were compared between the two groups. Results: There was no significant difference in the operation time or blood loss between groups A and B (P>0.05). The preoperative average Cobb angle of kyphosis in groups A and B were 36.2±15.2° and 27.9±7.7°, respectively, which significantly decreased to 4.9±11.8° and 10.4±5.6° after the operation, respectively (P<0.05). At the final follow-up, the angles were 7.1±10.5° and 14.6±8.0°, respectively. The correction angle and correction rate in group A (31.3±16.6°, 88.6±43.6%) were greater than those in group B (17.5±4.4°, 64.9±14.0%) (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the loss angle between groups A and B (P>0.05), but the loss rate in group B (24.0±27.8%) was higher than that in group A (9.6±10.2%) (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: The posterior-only and anterior-only approaches can lead to satisfactory clinical results in the treatment of patients with consecutive multisegment thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis. With posterior-only surgery, kyphosis can be better corrected, and the correction can be better maintained than with anterior-only surgery.
Features and Associated Factors of Bacterial Skin Infections in Hospitalized Patients with Pemphigus: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Furong , Wu Yejun , Bian Wenjie , Zhu Xuejun , Chen Xixue , Wang Mingyue
Published: July 2020

Background: Infections were the primary cause of death (34.3%-55.5%) in patients with pemphigus. Skin was usually the origin of infections. The study aimed to explore features and associated factors of bacterial skin infections (BSIs) in inpatients with pemphigus. Methods: One hundred and eighty-four inpatients with pemphigus visiting the dermatology department of Peking University First hospital during 2013 to 2019 were continuously recruited to study the characteristics and associated factors of BSIs.Results: Of patients enrolled, pemphigus vulgaris (PV, n=142) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF, n=9) were most common, followed by pemphigus erythematosus (PE, n=25) and pemphigus vegetans (Pveg, n=1). Eighty-seven of 177 (49.2%) inpatients developed BSIs, and they had a longer length of stay compared with inpatients without BSIs (median: 18.9 days vs. 14.1 days, p = 0.008). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacteria and highly resistant to penicillin (91.9%). Higher levels of anti-Dsg1 autoantibodies (>124.2U/mL) (p<0.001, odds ratio [OR]=3.564, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.784-7.123) and anti-Dsg3 autoantibodies (>169.5U/mL) (p = 0.03, OR=1.074, 95% CI: 1.084-3.969) were underlying risk factors of BSIs. As for Gram’s stain of bacteria, females had a lower rate of Gram-positive infections (p = 0.03). Patients systematically using of antibiotics (p = 0.05) had a higher rate of Gram-negative infections. Inpatients with history of hospitalization had a higher rate of Gram-negative and co-infections (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Inpatients with pemphigus had a high incidence rate of BSIs. High levels of anti-Dsg1 (>124.2U/mL) and Dsg3 autoantibodies (>169.5U/mL) might be underlying risk factors for BSIs.
Implementation of family psychosocial risk assessment in pediatric cancer with the Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT): Study protocol for a cluster randomized comparative effectiveness trial
Authors: Kazak Anne , Deatrick Janet , Scialla Michele , Sandler Eric , Madden Rebecca , Barakat Lamia
Published: July 2020

Background: Childhood cancer affects and is affected by multiple levels of the social ecology, including social and relational determinants of health (e.g. economic stability, housing, childcare, healthcare access, child and family problems). The 2015 Standards of Psychosocial Care in Pediatric Cancer outline optimal psychosocial care sensitive to these ecological factors, starting with assessment of psychosocial healthcare needs to promote medical and psychosocial outcomes across all children with cancer. To address the first standard of family psychosocial assessment, the Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT) is a validated screener ready for broad implementation. Method: The PAT will be implemented across a national sample of 18 pediatric cancer programs ranging in size (annual new patients) in a mixed methods, comparative effectiveness study, guided by the Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation, comparing two implementation Strategies. It is hypothesized that implementation will be more successful at the patient/family, provider, and institutional level when Training (Strategy I) is combined with Implementation Expanded Resources (Strategy II). There are three aims: 1) Refine the two implementation strategies using semi-structured qualitative interviews with 19 stakeholders including parent advocates, providers, pediatric oncology organization representatives, healthcare industry leaders; 2) Compare the two theoretically based and empirically informed strategies to implement the PAT in English and Spanish using a cluster randomized controlled trial across 18 sites. Stratified by size, sites will be randomized to cohort (3) and strategy (2). Outcomes include adoption and penetration of screening (patient/family), staff job satisfaction/burnout (provider), and cost effective use of resources consistent with family risk (institution); 3) Based on the results of the trial and feedback from the first and second aim, we will develop and disseminate a web-based PAT Implementation Toolkit. Discussion: Use of the PAT across children’s cancer programs nationally can achieve the assessment Standard and inform equitable delivery of psychosocial care matched to family need for all patients.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04446728, registered 23 June 2020
Quasi-equilibrium phase separation in supercritical fluids
Authors: Lee Seungtaek , Lee Juho , Kim Yeonguk , Jeong Seok , Kim Dong Eon , Yun Gunsu
Published: July 2020

This study describes the discovery of a phase separation phenomenon in supercritical fluids (SCFs). An SCF is technically a single-phase fluid with two sub-domains separated by the Widom line. A pseudo phase transition occurs between liquid-like (LL) and gas-like (GL) states, similar to the gas-liquid phase transition across the coexistence line in subcritical fluids. By extending the analogy, we demonstrate that LL-GL phase separation is possible by generating submicron size LL argon droplets in a GL argon SCF. The GL fluid is in a quasi-equilibrium clustered state well above the critical temperature, with a significant increase in cluster formation rate traversing the critical pressure. The prolonged phase separation over an hour is consistent with a model of mass transport mediated by clusters. It provides the insight that clustering is an essential factor in transport and non-equilibrium thermodynamic processes in SCFs.
Cannabidiol and Refractory Epilepsy: Parental and Caregiver Perspectives of Participation in a Compassionate Access Scheme
Authors: Harte Suzanne , Singh Yeeshu , Malone Stephen , Heussler Helen , Wallace Geoffrey
Published: July 2020

BackgroundThe Compassionate Access Scheme (CAS) being delivered through the Queensland Children’s Hospital is designed to allow access to an investigational purified Cannabidiol oral solution to paediatric patients with severe refractory epilepsy.The objectives of this study were to conduct semi-structured interviews to:1. Understand families’ expectations and attitudes about the use of an investigational cannabinoid product for their child’s seizures;2. Understand families’ perceptions of Cannabidiol’s efficacy for their child’s seizures; and other aspects of their child’s behaviour, quality of life and/or cognition.MethodsChildren aged 2-18 years had been enrolled in,orwere enrolled in a compassionate access scheme for Cannabidiol at the time of the study. Semi-structured interviews (n=19) with parents or caregivers (n=23) of children diagnosed with refractory epilepsy were voice-recorded, transcribed and analysed to generate common themes. ResultsKey themes emerged relating to seizure activity, family and school engagement, drug safety and legal access, efficacy, clinical support, social acceptance of the medication and program delivery. The use of Cannabidiol was perceived to have benefits in relation to reducing the severity and frequency of seizure activity for some, but not all patients experiencing refractory epilepsy. For other patients, benefits included improved social engagement, wakefulness and a reduction of side effects related to a reduction of conventional medication dosage.ConclusionThis study provided unique perspectives of families’ experiences managing untreatable epilepsy, their experiences with conventional and experimental pharmacological treatments and health services. Whilst families’ perceptions showed the use of Cannabidiol did not provide a therapeutic reduction in the seizure activity for all patients diagnosed with refractory epilepsy, it’s use as an additional pharmacological agent was perceived to provide other benefits by some patient families.
Collision Minimization Beacon Scheduling Scheme using RPL in Dense TSCH-based IoT Environment
Authors: Kim Jae-Young , Chung Sang-Hwa , Kim Gihwan , Kim Minjae
Published: July 2020

IEEE 802.15.4e Time Slotted Channel Hopping (TSCH) operates on a time-division scheme and uses 16 separate channels for each communication to ensure high reliability even in an industrial environment where many devices are concentrated. The process of participating in the network is indispensable because the entire network operates at the same time. However, there is a problem with TSCH's channel change technique, which results in longer network participation time for new nodes wanting to participate in the network. Previous research has randomly chosen channels for beaconing to reduce network formation time. However, this approach is effective for networks with fewer nodes, but conflicts in beacon messages in networks with approximately 20 or more networks result in network congestion, which increases network participation time. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a collision minimization scheduling technique. This strategy assigns a separate time zone to each node to exclude the possibility of beacon message collisions. This algorithm allocates timeslot based on RANK of RPL. By explicitly predicting the longest network joining time of the network participating nodes, the average network joining time was measured to be about 25 seconds to 27 seconds faster compared to the previous research.
Prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Community-Dwelling Chinese Populations Aged over 55 years: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Lu Yuan , Liu Chaojie , Yu Dehua , Fawkes Sally , Ma Jia , Zhang Min , Li Chunbo
Published: July 2020

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate phase between normal cognitive ageing and overt dementia, with amnesic MCI (aMCI) being the dominant subtype. This study aims to synthesise the prevalence results of MCI and aMCI in community-dwelling populations in China through a meta-analysis and systematic review.Methods: The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. English and Chinese studies published before 1 March 2020 were searched from ten electronic bibliographic databases. Two reviewers screened for relevance of the studies against the pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria and assessed the quality of the included studies using the Risk of Bias Tool independently. A random-effect model was adopted to estimate the prevalence of MCI and aMCI, followed by subgroup analyses and meta-regression. Sensitivity and publication bias tests were performed to verify the robustness of the meta-analyses.Results: A total of 41 studies with 112,632 participants were included in the meta-analyses. The Chinese community-dwelling populations over 55 years old had a pooled prevalence of 12.2% [95% confidence interval (CI): 10.6%, 14.2%] for MCI and 10.9% [95% CI: 7.7%, 15.4%] for aMCI, respectively. The prevalence of MCI increased with age. The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic tool (DSM-IV) generated the highest MCI prevalence (13.5%), followed by the Petersen criteria (12.9%), and the National Institute on Aging Alzheimer’s Association (NIA-AA) criteria (10.3%). Women, rural residents, and those who lived alone and had low levels of education had higher MCI prevalence than others. ​Conclusion：Higher MCI prevalence was identified in community-dwelling populations in China compared with some other countries, possibly due to more relaxed criteria being adopted for confirming the diagnosis. The study shows that aMCI accounts for 66.5% of MCI, which is consistent with findings of studies undertaken elsewhere.Systematic review registration number： PROSPERO CRD42019134686
Response of Potato to Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizer at Wag-Lasta Areas of Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia
Authors: Sebnie Workat , Esubalew Tilahun , Mengesha Merse
Published: July 2020

Background: Production and productivity of potato in Ethiopia is far below the world average due to soil fertility and other complicated problems. From the production constraints nutrient depletion due to soil erosion is a serious problem. Annually, nitrogen 122 kg ha-1 P 13 kg ha-1and K 82 kg ha-1 was estimated to deplete from Ethiopia (Haileslassie et al., 2005). The essential nutrients like, nitrogen and phosphorus are the most important influential nutrient for production of potato but they are deficient in most Ethiopian soils and thus application of these nutrients could significantly increase crop yields. In this context an experiment was conducted at Sekota and Lasta Lalibela districts (Woleh and Kechin Abeba irrigation command areas) of eastern Amhara to investigate the effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers for yield and yield component of potato under irrigation condition. Methods: Four rates of nitrogen (0, 46, 92 and 138 Kg N kg ha-1) and four rates of phosphorus (0, 23, 46, and 69 Kg P2O5 kg ha-1) were combined in factorial arrangement and laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Results: the result of the study revealed that nitrogen and phosphorus had significant effect on plant height, marketable, and total yield of potato. But phosphorus did not show a significant effect on plant height and unmarketable yield at Sekota district of Woleh irrigation command area. Highest yield 45.55 t ha-1 was obtained from in combined application of 138 N and 23 P2O5 in Lalibela and 17.12 t ha-1 was obtained from in combined application of 138 N and 46 P2O5 from Sekota districts of Woleh irrigation command area. Conclusion: application of nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizer in the study area was more efficient in terms of tuber yield in Lalibela (Kechin Abeba) than Woleh. Cost benefit analysis indicated that application of 46 N kg ha-1 and 23 P2O5 kg ha-1 is required for optimum production of potato in Woleh and application of 138 kg ha-1 N combined with 23 kg ha-1 P2O5 is found to be the appropriate rates for optimum productivity of Potato at Lalibela under irrigation conditions and the same agro-ecology.
Unusual Complications Following Left Ventricular Assisted Device Implantation: Case Series
Authors: Shalabi Amjad , Kachel Erez , Kassif Yigal , Faqeeh Muin , Preisman Sergey , Sternik Leonid , Grosman-Rimon Liza , Ghanem Diab , Amir Offer , Ram Eylon , Lavee Jacob , Grupper Avishai
Published: July 2020

Background:While left ventricular assisted devices (LVAD) have revolutionized the treatment of advanced heart failure, they are associated with a wide range of complications, including bleeding and infection which are the most common complications reported in the literature. Our case series report four unusual complications not related to gastrointestinal bleeding and infections and their management.Case presentation: A sixty one year old female after LVAD implantation with late onset of severe symptomatic aortic regurgitation treated by transfemoral transcatheter valve implantation (TAVI) with good long term results. A Seventy-five year old male patient with acute pump failure secondary to cable damage, who underwent urgent pump replacement. A forty-nine year old female patient with a history of myoma who developed massive uterine bleeding which was treated with emergent open hysterectomy after failed gonadotropin-releasing hormone therapy replacement. A fifty-seven year old male patient with device display failure one month after LVAD implantation without the ability to monitor speed, power consumption and blood flow.Conclusions:The incidence of LVAD complications not related to gastrointestinal bleeding and infections is variable and generally unexpected. It is important to know these complications and their management.