Modified DS np Chart Using Generalized Multiple Dependent State Sampling under Time Truncated Life Test

This study presents the design of a modified attributed control chart based on a double sampling(DS)np chart applied in combination with generalized multiple dependent state(GMDS)sampling to monitor the mean life of the product based on the time truncated life test employing theWeibull distribution.The control chart developed supports the examination of the mean lifespan variation for a particular product in the process of manufacturing.Three control limit levels are used:the warning control limit,inner control limit,and outer control limit.Together,they enhance the capability for variation detection.A genetic algorithm can be used for optimization during the in-control process,whereby the optimal parameters can be established for the proposed control chart.The control chart performance is assessed using the average run length,while the influence of the model parameters upon the control chart solution is assessed via sensitivity analysis based on an orthogonal experimental design withmultiple linear regression.A comparative study was conducted based on the out-of-control average run length,in which the developed control chart offered greater sensitivity in the detection of process shifts while making use of smaller samples on average than is the case for existing control charts.Finally,to exhibit the utility of the developed control chart,this paper presents its application using simulated data with parameters drawn from the real set of data.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Anemia among People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Followed at the Outpatient Treatment Centre of Panzi General Referral Hospital in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Introduction: Anemia in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) is a major health problem. Although anemia often responds to combination antiretroviral therapy, many patients remain anemic despite treatment, and such persistent anemia continues to adversely affect prognosis, regardless of drug response. Scientists have identified some of the factors involved. However, the mechanisms put in place have not been effective in overcoming them. Examples include the withdrawal of zidovudine from antiretroviral treatment lines, iron and folate supplementation, etc. Anemia is still a major concern in HIV-positive patients. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among PLHIV followed up at the outpatient treatment centre (CTA) of the Panzi General Reference Hospital (HGR) in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Method: We conducted a cross-sectional, comparative study of 276 HIV-infected adults on antiretroviral therapy (ART) followed up at the CTA of Panzi HGR. Socio-demographic and nutritional parameters were collected using a survey questionnaire, and clinical assessment and nutritional status were performed at the centre. Hemoglobin, seric albumin and viral load determinations were performed at the HGRP laboratory. We constructed univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to assess factors associated with anemia in people living with HIV/AIDS. Results: We found a prevalence of anemia of 39.4%, including 4.1% severe anemia, 17.7% moderate anemia and 17.5% mild anemia. After multivariate adjustment, the factors associated with anemia in our PLHIV were: moderate undernutrition (aOR = 1.26;95% CI: 1.50 - 4.20;p = 0.001), severe undernutrition (aOR = 115.4;95% CI: 2.04 - 164.52;p = 0.021), hypoalbuminemia (aOR = 2.11;95% CI: 1.87 - 5.10;p = 0.004) and the lower degree of dietary diversity (aOR = 1.56;95% CI: 1.10 - 4.32;p = 0.034). Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia in PLHIV on ART is high. This greatly affects quality of life and increases the need for care. Early detection tools and management algorithms are essential in the follow-up of PLWHIV.

Impact and Benefits of Micro-Databases＇ Integration on the Statistics of the Banco de Portugal

Data are critically important to good decision-making. In an increasingly complex economy, conventional data collecting schemes are no longer sufficient. To deal with the challenge of maintaining its statistics relevant to the users in an ever-shifting environment, the Banco de Portugal decided to explore the largely unused statistical potential of the available micro-databases and to integrate the existing administrative and survey data, thus enhancing the basic information infrastructure while protecting confidentiality. This presentation will address the benefits and problems to be dealt with when two or more data-sources are to be integrated.

Interest Rate Statistics in Nigeria： Its Sampling Techniques and Computational Procedures

Developing nations, like Nigeria, whose financial systems and infrastructural base are not yet fully developed face data rendition challenges which may hamper the representativeness of their interest rate statistics.A critical component of any credible interest rate data compilation framework relates to the sampling procedure.In Nigeria, no work has been done with regards to employing alternatives sampling techniques in the computation of interest rate statistics largely because of the small number of deposit money banks in the country. Leveraging on existing literature and established statistical methods, the study examines two sampling techniques for generating credible and reliable interest rates in Nigeria. The current interest rate compilation framework in the country is presented and alternative sampling procedures were explored with a view to investigating their appropriateness for Nigeria＇s interest rate computation. The interest rates generated based on the current population-based compilation method is compared with those of the alternative approaches. This paper recommends the use of purposive sampling method that covers Deposit Money Banks （DMBs） which account for about 70.0 per cent of the banking sector total assets as an appropriatealternative.

Profile of Pregnant Women and Success of the Uterine Test on a Uni or Bi-Scar Uterus at the Maternity Ward of Panzi Hospital, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Introduction: Trial of labor after a previous cesarean section (TOLAC) is a method that requires strict monitoring to decrease the cesarean section (CS) rate and improve the maternal and neonatal prognosis. The objective is to determine the profile and outcome of patients with one and two previous CSs who performed TOLAC at Panzi General Referral Hospital. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study with a prospective collection of data of 111 patients with one and two previous CSs at Panzi Hospital from January 2021 to August 2022. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences SPSS version 23 software was used to analyze the collected data. The percentages of categorical variables were summarized in a frequency table. The mean or median with standard deviation was used to summarize quantitative variables. Results: The overall success rate of the TOLAC was 64%, with 63.8% following one previous CS and 64.3% following two CSs. The mean age of the patients was 27.09 years, with an age range of 25 - 34 years. They were mostly pauciparous (52.2%), married (88.3%), with a high school education (60.4%). The inter-delivery interval > 18 months was noted (64.1%) and overweight in 63.9%. More than three antenatal consultations were performed (58.6%). We found a mean gestational age of 38 (34 - 41) weeks. The perinatal mortality rate was 0.9%. However, we did not record any cases of maternal mortality during the study period. Conclusion: TOLAC after one and two previous CS is implemented in the maternity Unit of Panzi Hospital for well-selected patients. In addition, the success rate is similar after TOLAC with an acceptable maternal-neonatal prognosis.

Designing Adaptive Multiple Dependent State Sampling Plan for Accelerated Life Tests

A novel adaptive multiple dependent state sampling plan(AMDSSP)was designed to inspect products from a continuous manufacturing process under the accelerated life test(ALT)using both double sampling plan(DSP)and multiple dependent state sampling plan(MDSSP)concepts.Under accelerated conditions,the lifetime of a product follows the Weibull distribution with a known shape parameter,while the scale parameter can be determined using the acceleration factor(AF).The Arrhenius model is used to estimate AF when the damaging process is temperature-sensitive.An economic design of the proposed sampling plan was also considered for the ALT.A genetic algorithm with nonlinear optimization was used to estimate optimal plan parameters to minimize the average sample number(ASN)and total cost of inspection(TC)under both producer’s and consumer’s risks.Numerical results are presented to support the AMDSSP for the ALT,while performance comparisons between the AMDSSP,the MDSSP and a single sampling plan(SSP)for the ALT are discussed.Results indicated that the AMDSSP was more flexible and efficient for ASN and TC than the MDSSP and SSP plans under accelerated conditions.The AMDSSP also had a higher operating characteristic(OC)curve than both the existing sampling plans.Two real datasets of electronic devices for the ALT at high temperatures demonstrated the practicality and usefulness of the proposed sampling plan.

Novel modelling strategies for high‑frequency stock trading data

Full electronic automation in stock exchanges has recently become popular,generat-ing high-frequency intraday data and motivating the development of near real-time price forecasting methods.Machine learning algorithms are widely applied to mid-price stock predictions.Processing raw data as inputs for prediction models(e.g.,data thinning and feature engineering)can primarily affect the performance of the prediction methods.However,researchers rarely discuss this topic.This motivated us to propose three novel modelling strategies for processing raw data.We illustrate how our novel modelling strategies improve forecasting performance by analyzing high-frequency data of the Dow Jones 30 component stocks.In these experiments,our strategies often lead to statistically significant improvement in predictions.The three strategies improve the F1 scores of the SVM models by 0.056,0.087,and 0.016,respectively.

GWAS identifies candidate genes controlling adventitious rooting in Populus trichocarpa

Adventitious rooting(AR)is critical to the propagation,breeding,and genetic engineering of trees.The capacity for plants to undergo this process is highly heritable and of a polygenic nature;however,the basis of its genetic variation is largely uncharacterized.To identify genetic regulators of AR,we performed a genome-wide association study(GWAS)using 1148 genotypes of Populus trichocarpa.GWASs are often limited by the abilities of researchers to collect precise phenotype data on a high-throughput scale;to help overcome this limitation,we developed a computer vision system to measure an array of traits related to adventitious root development in poplar,including temporal measures of lateral and basal root length and area.GWAS was performed using multiple methods and significance thresholds to handle non-normal phenotype statistics and to gain statistical power.These analyses yielded a total of 277 unique associations,suggesting that genes that control rooting include regulators of hormone signaling,cell division and structure,reactive oxygen species signaling,and other processes with known roles in root development.Numerous genes with uncharacterized functions and/or cryptic roles were also identified.These candidates provide targets for functional analysis,including physiological and epistatic analyses,to better characterize the complex polygenic regulation of AR.

Associated Factors with Vaginal Delivery on a Uni- or Bi-Scar Uterus in a Low-Resource Setting

Introduction: Delivery in a scar uterus is one of the most debated topics in obstetrics. The objective was to determine the uterine test and the maternal-fetal outcome in patients with uni- and bi-scared uterus who received the uterine test at Panzi General Referral Hospital. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study with a prospective collection of patients who delivered on a uni- or bi-scareduterus at Panzi Hospital, between January 1, 2021 and August 1, 2022. Results: The average age of the patients was 27.09 years, with an age range of 25 - 34 years, they were mostly married (88.3%), with secondary educational level (60.4%). Pauciparous women, with a history of previous caesarean delivery once, represented respectively 52.2%;7.2% of parturients with an intergenital space equal to 18 months. 63.9% were overweight, 58.6% had undergone more than three ANC sessions. We noted statistically significant associations between modes of admission, water sac, type of membranes rupture, uterine height and success of uterine test (p 0.05). We did not find significant associations between parturient age, gestational age, intergestational interval, pregnancy term, surgical history, number of ANC performed, number of previous caesarean sections, number of newborns. We did not record any cases of maternal death but one case of perinatal death with 0.9% in this study. Conclusion: A good selection of patients with uni- or bi-scared uterus would allow the reduction of the fetomaternal morbidity during the uterine test.

山东电视观众满意度调查抽样方案设计

本文给出山东电视观众满意度调查的抽样方案设计 ,构造了两类目标量的估计量 ,并对估计量的精度进行了分析。

Age-specific PSA reference ranges in Chinese men without prostate cancer

This study is to determine age-specific prostate-specific antigen （PSA） distributions in Chinese men without prostate cancer （PC） and to recommend reference ranges for this population after comparison with other studies. From September 2003 to December 2006, 9 374 adult men aged from 18 to 96 years agreed to participate in the study. After all cases of PC were excluded, 8 422 adult men participated in statistical analysis and were divided into five age groups. Simple descriptive statistical analyses were carried out and quartiles and 95th percentiles were calculated for each age group. The age-specific PSA reference ranges are as follows： 4049 years, 2.15 ng mLl; 50-59 years, 3.20 ng mLl; 60-9 years, 4.10 ng mL^-1; 70-79 years, 5.37 ng mL^-1. The results indicate that the ethnic differences in PSA levels are obvious. The currently adopted Oesterling＇s age-specific PSA reference ranges are not appropriate for Chinese men. The reference ranges of this study should be more suitable to Chinese men.

Combined TACE and PEI for palliative treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM： To assess whether the effectiveness of a combination of transarterial chemoembolization （TACE） and percutaneous ethanol injection （PEI） in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） is superior to TACE alone a randomized controlled trial was performed. METHODS： The effect of combination therapy on longterm survival rates and duration of hospitalization was evaluated in 52 previously untreated HCCs, randomly allocated to TACE-PEI （27 pts） or TACE alone （25 pts）. RESULTS： The cumulative survival rate of the TACE group was 75.8% at 6 mo, 62.9% at 12 mo, and 18.0% at 24 mo and of the TACE-PEI group 76.9%, 61.5%, and 38.7%, respectively. Comparison of overall survival in both groups showed no statistically significant difference. Regarding the patients with HCCs Okuda stage I （n = 26）, the median survival of the TACE-PEI group was significantly longer （〉24 mo, median not yet reached in the study period） compared to the TACE group （18.4 mo [range 11.6-21.7 mo]; P = 0.04）. TACE-PEI reduced the relative risk for mortality to 0.4 （95% CI 0.15-0.96） compared to patients who received TACE alone. Median survival in patients with HCCs Okuda stage Ⅱ or Ⅲ was 5.0 mo in the TACE group （1.7 rno-not defined） compared to 10.4 mo in the TACE-PEI group. CONCLUSION： The combination TACE-PEI improved survival time compared to TACE alone. Our study revealed a statistically significant improved survival in HCCs Okuda stage I. Side effects were minor and the combination therapy did not prolong duration of hospitalization considerably.

Assessment of antifungal activity of herbal and conventional toothpastes against clinical isolates of Candida albicans

Objective:To detect the anticandidal activity of nine toothpastes containing sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate and herbal extracts as an active ingredients against 45 oral and non oral Candida albicans(C.albicans) isolates.Methods:The antifungal activity of these toothpaste formulations was determined using a standard agar well diffusion method.Statistical analysis was performed using a statistical package,SPSS windows version 15,by applying mean values using one-way ANOVA with post-hoc least square differences(LSD) method.A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.Results:All toothpastes studied in our experiments were effective in inhibiting the growth of all C.albicans isolates.The highest anticandidal activity was obtained from toothpaste that containing both herbal extracts and sodium fluoride as active ingredients, while the lowest activity was obtained from toothpaste containing sodium monofluorophosphate as an active ingredient.Antifungal activity of Parodontax toothpaste showed a significant difference(P<0.001) against C.albicans isolates compared to toothpastes containing sodium fluoride or herbal products.Conclusions:In the present study,it has been demonstrated that toothpaste containing both herbal extracts and sodium fluoride as active ingredients are more effective in control of C.albicans,while toothpaste that containing monofluorophosphate as an active ingredient is less effective against C.albicans.Some herbal toothpaste formulations studied in our experiments,appear to be equally effective as the fluoride dental formulations and it can be used as an alternative to conventional formulations for individuals who have an interest in naturally-based products.Our results may provide invaluable information for dental professionals.

Increased expression of YAP1 in prostate cancer correlates with extraprostatic extension

Objective:Yes associated protein 1(YAP1)is a member of the Hippo pathway,acting as a transcriptional coactivator.To elucidate the role of YAP1 and phosphorylated(p)YAP1 in prostate cancer(PCa)tumorigenesis,we investigated their expression in clinical samples of PCa and cell lines.Methods:Fifty-four tumor,adjacent nontumor,and prostate intraepithelial neoplasia(PIN)tissues from patients with PCa after radical prostatectomy were selected from a retrospective cohort and studied using immunohistochemistry(IHC).Protein and m RNA expression levels of YAP1 were evaluated by Western blot analysis and quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR,respectively,in cancer cell lines.Publicly available gene expression datasets were downloaded to analyze YAP1 m RNA and protein levels in PCa tissue samples.Results:IHC analysis of PCa tissues revealed that YAP1 staining intensities were moderate to weak in the nucleus and cytoplasm of tumor cells,whereas adjacent normal epithelia showed strong staining.We observed that benign prostates were characterized by higher expression levels of both nuclear(P=0.004)and cytosolic(P=0.005)YAP1.p YAP1 staining was weak in the cytoplasm and absent in the nucleus of all the tissues investigated.YAP1 expression was an indicator of extraprostatic extension(EPE).The level of YAP1 was negatively correlated with the level of the androgen receptor(AR)in The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset and Western blot analysis of cell lines.Conclusions:Our study suggested that YAP1 expression is heterogeneous in PCa tissue samples;therefore,YAP1 might play different roles in different aspects of PCa progression.This might involve AR–YAP1 interplay in PCa.

Body mass index and serum lipid profile influence serum prostate-specific antigen in Chinese men younger than 50 years of age

This study is to assess the potential factors that could affect the serum prostate-specific antigen （PSA） level in healthy younger men. We evaluated the associations of age, body mass index （BMI） and serum lipid profile with serum PSA level in 6774 Chinese men （aged 20-49 years） who received a routine health examination. Eligible men were classified into 10-year age groups, BMI was categorized as underweight （〈18.5）, normal （18.5-22.9）, overweight （23.0-24.9）, obese （25.0-29,9） and very obese （〉30） according to the redefined World Health Organization （WHO） criteria for the Asia-Pacific region. PSA levels were compared among groups as well, In multiple linear regression analysis, PSA was positively correlated with age （P〈0.0001）. Negative correlations existed between PSA and BMI （P〈0.0001） and triglyceride level （P=0.01）. No relationship could be found between PSA and serum cholesterol （P=0.711） or high-density lipoprotein （HDL; P =0.665）. In addition, we found that serum PSA levels increased with age and decreased with BMI. Our study demonstrates that age, BMI and triglyceride levels influence the PSA level in men 〈50 years of age.

Pediatric Wilson disease presenting as acute liver failure:Prognostic indices

BACKGROUND Acute liver failure(ALF)can be a primary presentation of Wilson disease(WD).Mortality rates are high in WD with ALF(WDALF).Predictions of mortality in WDALF vary by model and are sometimes contradictory,perhaps because few patients are studied or WD diagnoses are questionable.AIM To determine the outcomes among well-documented WDALF patients and assess mortality model performance in this cohort.METHODS We reviewed the medical records of our pediatric WDALF patients(n=41 over 6-years-old,single-center retrospective study)and compared seven prognostic models(King’s College Hospital Criteria,model for end-stage liver disease/pediatric end-stage liver disease scoring systems,Liver Injury Unit[LIU]using prothrombin time[PT]or international normalized ratio[INR],admission LIU using PT or INR,and Devarbhavi model)with one another.RESULTS Among the 41 Han Chinese patients with ALF,WD was established by demonstrating ATP7B variants in 36.In 5 others,Kayser-Fleischer rings and Coombs-negative hemolytic anemia permitted diagnosis.Three died during hospitalization and three underwent liver transplantation(LT)within 1 mo of presentation and survived(7.3%each);35(85.4%)survived without LT when given enteral D-penicillamine and zinc-salt therapy with or without urgent plasmapheresis.Parameters significantly correlated with mortality included encephalopathy,coagulopathy,and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity,bilirubin,ammonia,and serum sodium levels.Area under the receiver operating curves varied among seven prognostic models from 0.981 to 0.748 with positive predictive values from 0.214 to 0.429.CONCLUSION WDALF children can survive and recover without LT when given D-penicillamine and Zn with or without plasmapheresis,even after enlisting for LT.

Impact of Fuzheng Huayu tablet on antiviral effect of entecavir in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis

Background:Fuzheng Huayu tablet is a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)used for the treatment of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.However,whether the combination with Fuzheng Huayu tablet could affect the antiviral efflcacy of nucleos(t)ide remains a concern.The objective of this trial was to explore the impact of Fuzheng Huayu tablet on antiviral effect of entecavir in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis.Methods:A prospective,randomized control trial was conducted.Patients with compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis were randomly divided into the treatment group(entecavir capsule plus Fuzheng Huayu tablet)and the control group(entecavir capsule plus simulant of Fuzheng Huayu),and followed up for 48 weeks.The dynamic changes of HBV DNA load,the rate of serological conversion of HBeAg,liver function,renal function and liver stiffness measurement(LSM)were monitored.The general clinical data and adverse events were also recorded.Results:There was no significant difference in the rate of virological response and cumulative virological response between the treatment group and the control group(P>0.05).After 48 weeks of treatment,the HBeAg seroconversion rate,biochemical response rate and LSM value were 21.05%and 4.76%(P=0.164),86.96%and 65.96%(P=0.017),9.5 kpa and 10.6 kpa(P=0.827)in the treatment group and the control group,respectively.No serious adverse events related to the study therapy occurred during the trial.Conclusions:The antiviral entecavir combined with Fuzheng Huayu tablet did not affect the antiviral efflcacy of entecavir,but could improve the rate of biochemical response,and had a tendency to improve the rate of serological conversion of HBeAg and liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis.Fuzheng Huayu tablet is clinically safe for patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis.

Pain sensation in pancreatic diseases is not uniform: The different facets of pancreatic pain

AIM: To systematically characterize specific pain patterns in the most frequent pancreatic diseases.

Problems faced by evidence-based medicine in evaluating lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer

Gastric cancer surgical management differs between Eastern Asia and Western countries. Extended lymphadenectomy (D2) is the standard of care in Japan and South Korea since decades, while the majority of United States patients receive at most a limited lymphadenectomy (D1). United States and Northern Europe are considered the scientific leaders in medicine and evidence-based procedures are the cornerstone of their clinical practice. However, surgeons in Eastern Asia are more experienced, as there are more new cases of gastric cancer in Japan (107898 in 2012) than in the entire European Union (81592), or in South Korea (31269) than in the entire United States (21155). For quite a long time evidence-based medicine (EBM) did not solve the question whether D2 improves long-term prognosis with respect to D1. Indeed, eastern surgeons were reluctant to perform D1 even in the frame of a clinical trial, as their patients had a very good prognosis after D2. Evidence-based surgical indications provided by Western trials were questioned, as surgical procedures could not be properly standardized. In the present study we analyzed indications about the optimal extension of lymphadenectomy in gastric cancer according to current scientific literature (2008-2012) and surgical guidelines. We searched PubMed for papers using the key words “lymphadenectomy or D1 or D2” AND “gastric cancer” from 2008 to 2012. Moreover, we reviewed national guidelines for gastric cancer management. The support to D2 lymphadenectomy increased progressively from 2008 to 2012: since 2010 papers supporting D2 have achieved a higher overall impact factor than the other papers. Till 2011, D2 was the procedure of choice according to experts’ opinion, while three meta-analyses found no survival advantage after D2 with respect to D1. In 2012-2013, however, two meta-analyses reported that D2 improves prognosis with respect to D1. D2 lymphadenectomy was proposed as the standard of care for advanced gastric cancer by Japanese National Guidelines since 1981 and was adopted as the standard procedure by the Italian Research Group for Gastric Cancer since the Nineties. D2 is now indicated as the standard of surgical treatment with curative intent by the German, British and ESMO-ESSO-ESTRO guidelines. At variance American NCCN guidelines recommend a D1+ or a modified D2 lymph node dissection. In conclusion, D2 lymphadenectomy, originally developed by Eastern surgeons, is now becoming the procedure of choice also in the West. In gastric cancer surgery EBM is lagging behind national guidelines, rather than preceding and orienting them. To eliminate this lag, EBM should value to a larger extent Eastern Asian literature and should evaluate not only the quality of the study design but also the quality of surgical procedures.

Simultaneous effects of magnetic field and space porosity on compressible Maxwell fluid transport induced by a surface acoustic wave in a microchannel

Peristaltic motion induced by a surface acoustic wave of a viscous, compressible and electrically conducting Maxwell fluid in a confined parallel-plane microchannel through a porous medium is investigated in the presence of a constant magnetic field. The slip velocity is considered and the problem is discussed only for the free pumping case. A perturbation technique is employed to analyze the problem in terms of a small amplitude ratio. The phenomenon of a “backward flow” is found to exist in the center and at the boundaries of the channel. In the second order approximation, the net axial velocity is calculated for various values of the fluid parameters. Finally, the effects of the parameters of interest on the mean axial velocity, the reversal flow, and the perturbation function are discussed and shown graphically. We find that in the non-Newtonian regime, there is a possibility of a fluid flow in the direction opposite to the propagation of the traveling wave. This work is the most general model of peristalsis created to date with wide-ranging applications in biological, geophysical and industrial fluid dynamics.