AIM:To assess the reliability and validity of the translated version of Nepean Dyspepsia Index (NDI) in Chinese patients with documented functional dyspepsia (FD).METHODS: The translation process included forward tran...AIM:To assess the reliability and validity of the translated version of Nepean Dyspepsia Index (NDI) in Chinese patients with documented functional dyspepsia (FD).METHODS: The translation process included forward translation, back translation, pretest and cross-cultural adaptation. Reliability and validity of the translated version were examined by asking 300 subjects to complete the Chinese version of the NDI. The mean age of subjects was 39.24 years and 68.7% of the subjects were women. Internal consistency analysis with Cronbach's α was performed to test the reliability. Correlation analysis was used to assess the content validity. Factor analysis and structural equation models were used to assess the construct validity.RESULTS: The Cronbach's α coefficients ranged 0.833-0.960, well above the acceptable level of 0.70. Correlation analysis showed that each item had a strong correlation with the corresponding domain, but a weak correlation with other domains. Confi rmatory factor analysis indicated that the comparative fit index was 0.94, higher than the acceptable level of 0.90.CONCLUSION: The Chinese version of the NDI is a reliable and valid scale for measuring health-related quality of life and disease severity in Chinese patients with FD.展开更多
AIM: To validate the culturally-adapted Persian Functional Rating Index(PFRI) for assessing neck pain(NP) in athletes. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 100 athletes with NP and 50 healthy athletes participated ...AIM: To validate the culturally-adapted Persian Functional Rating Index(PFRI) for assessing neck pain(NP) in athletes. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 100 athletes with NP and 50 healthy athletes participated and responded to the PFRI. Fifty athletes with NP completed the PFRI for at least 7 d later to establish test-retest reliability. RESULTS: The athletes with NP responded to all items, indicating excellent clinical utility. No floor and ceiling effects were found, indicating content validity and responsiveness. The PFRI revealed capability to discriminate between the athletes with NP and healthy athletes. The PFRI demonstrated strong correlation with the Numerical Rating Scale(Spearman's rho = 0.94), and the Persian Neck Disability Index(Pearson r = 0.995), supporting criterion and construct validity. Internal consistency reliability was high(Cronbach's α coefficient: 0.97). The test-retest reliability was excellent(ICCagreement = 0.96). The absolute reliability values of standard error of measurement and smallest detectable change were 3.2 and 8.84, respectively. An exploratory factor analysis yielded one factor explaining 78.03% of the total variance. CONCLUSION: The PFRI is a valid and reliable measure of functional status in athletes with NP.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the body mass index(BMI) change in arthroplasty patients and its impact on the patients' functional results. METHODS: Between October 2010 and May 2013, 606 patients who were operated due to gonar...AIM: To evaluate the body mass index(BMI) change in arthroplasty patients and its impact on the patients' functional results. METHODS: Between October 2010 and May 2013, 606 patients who were operated due to gonarthrosis, coxarthrosis, aseptic loosening of the total knee and hip prosthesis were evaluated prospectively. Patients were operated by three surgeons in three medical centers. Patients who were between 30-90 years of age and who were underwent total knee arthroplasty, total hip arthroplasty, revision knee arthroplasty, or revision hip arthroplasty were included in the study. We excluded the patients who cannot tolerate our standard postoperative rehabilitation program. Additionally, patients who had systemic inflammatory diseases, diabetes mellitus, or endochrinopathies were excluded from the study. The remaining 513 patients comprised our study group. Preoperative functional joint scores, height, weightand BMI of all patients were recorded. We used the Knee Society Score(KSS) for knee and Harris Hip Score(HHS) for hip patients. Postoperative functional scores were measured at 1^(st), 6^(th) and 12^(th) months and recorded separately at outpatient visits. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 64.7(range: 30-90) years(207 males/306 females) and the mean follow-up duration was 14.3(range: 12-26) mo. We found that arthroplasty patients had weight gain and had an increase in BMI at the postoperative 1^(st), 6^(th) and 12^(th) months. The mean BMI of the patients was 27.7 preoperatively, 27.8 at the postoperative 1^(st) month, 28.1 at the 6^(th) month and 28.6 at the 12^(th) month(P < 0.01). At the last visit, the mean postoperative HHS of the hip arthroplasty patients was 82.2 ± 7.12(preoperatively, 52.3; 1st month, 78.2; 6^(th) month, 81.1; 12^(th) month, 82.2), and the mean KSS of the knee arthroplasty patients was 79.3 ± 4.31(preoperatively, 35.8; 1^(st) month, 75.2; 6^(th) month, 79.1; 12^(th) month, 79.3). Worse functional results were noted in the patients who had a BMI increase, however, this correlation was statistically significant only at the postoperative 6^(th) month(P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: To prevent the negative functional effects of this weight gain during the postoperative period, arthroplasty patients should be advised for weight control and risky patients should consult with a dietician.展开更多
This paper is concerned with the following fourth-order three-point boundary value problem , where , we discuss the existence of positive solutions to the above problem by applying to the fixed point theory in cones a...This paper is concerned with the following fourth-order three-point boundary value problem , where , we discuss the existence of positive solutions to the above problem by applying to the fixed point theory in cones and iterative technique.展开更多
Objective Assessment of right ventricular function in patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) is difficult. The Doppler myocardial performance index (MPI) may provide a method of assessing function in these patients....Objective Assessment of right ventricular function in patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) is difficult. The Doppler myocardial performance index (MPI) may provide a method of assessing function in these patients. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the right ventricular function and its changes in patients with ASD after transcatheter closure of ASD. Methods MPI, defined as the sum of isovolumic relaxation time and isovolumic contraction time derived by ejection time, was measured from tricuspid inflow and right ventricular outflow;Doppler velocity profiles recorded during routine echocardiography.Twenty nine patients (13 men, 16 women;mean age 25.28±12.69, range 6 to 57 years) were diagnosed to secundum ASD [the stretched diameters of ASD were from 9 To 36 (24.91±7.98) mm], and had a successfully placed Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) (the sizes of ASO were from 11 to 40 mm );there were 81 sex-matched, age-matched healthy people (control group 41men, 40 women;mean age 29.02 ± 14.22, range 4 to 45 years ). MPI was measured again on 3 days and 1 month after closure of ASD. Change in the study group was assessed and compared to the control subjects with structurally normal hearts. A complete 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic examination was performed in all study groups. Results 1) The isovolumic relaxation and isovolumic contraction times [respectively(77.59 ± 14.39)ms vs (60.93 ±12.94)ms, P<0.0001;(28.28 ±10.88)ms vs (23.64 ±9.01)ms, P=0.027] were prolonged, and ejection time [(260.65 ±21.86 )ms vs (271.85 ± 21.92)ms, P=0.033] was shortened in patients with ASD compared with that in control subjects, resulting in a marked increase in the MPI(0.40 ± 0.07 vs 0.31 ± 0.05, P<0.0001) from normal values;2) by Pearson's correlations, the MPI had no correlation with heart rate and blood pressure in control subjects and patients with ASD, but it correlated positively with age in patients with ASD;3) by Pearson's correlations, the MPI correlated positively with the diameter of ASD and pulmonary artery pressure;4) after transcatheter closure of ASD, the MPI decreased markedly. Conclusions 1) MPI is a conceptually new, simple, and reproducible Doppler index in patients with ASD;2) MPI is free from the effect of age, heart rate and blood pressure;(3) MPI appears to be relatively dependent on changes in the diameter of ASD and pulmonary artery pressure;4) the right ventricular function was improved after transcatheter closure of ASD.(J Geriatr Cardiol 2007;4:220-224.)展开更多
Landslides are common natural hazards occurring in most parts of the world and have considerable adverse economic effects. Residual shear strength of clay is one of the most important factors in the determination of s...Landslides are common natural hazards occurring in most parts of the world and have considerable adverse economic effects. Residual shear strength of clay is one of the most important factors in the determination of stability of slopes or landslides. This effect is more pronounced in sensitive clays which show large changes in shear strength from peak to residual states. This study analyses the prediction of the residual strength of clay based on a new prediction model, functional networks(FN) using data available in the literature. The performance of FN was compared with support vector machine(SVM) and artificial neural network(ANN) based on statistical parameters like correlation coefficient(R), Nash–Sutcliff coefficient of efficiency(E), absolute average error(AAE), maximum average error(MAE) and root mean square error(RMSE). Based on R and E parameters, FN is found to be a better prediction tool than ANN for the given data. However, the R and E values for FN are less than SVM. A prediction equation is presented that can be used by practicing geotechnical engineers. A sensitivity analysis is carried out to ascertain the importance of various inputs in the prediction of the output.展开更多
The basal ganglia have been implicated in a modulation role in idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) by an invasive electrophysioigic means. This paper investigates the basal ganglia functional connectivity by using...The basal ganglia have been implicated in a modulation role in idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) by an invasive electrophysioigic means. This paper investigates the basal ganglia functional connectivity by using the region-wise functional connection analysis in resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in IGE. The increased functional connectivity within basal ganglia, and between the basal ganglia and the thalamus, and decreased functional connectivity between basal ganglia and motor cortex are found in IGE compared with the controls. These findings not only implicate dysfunctional integration in the motor loop in IGE and the enhanced interaction in the modulated loop, but also suggest that the basal ganglia modulate the generalized epileptic discharges with the influence over thalamus in the corticothalamus network.展开更多
Some studies have shown that left ventricular structure and function play an important role in the risk stratifi cation and prognosis of cardiovascular disease.The clinical application of left atrial function in cardi...Some studies have shown that left ventricular structure and function play an important role in the risk stratifi cation and prognosis of cardiovascular disease.The clinical application of left atrial function in cardiovascular disease has gradually attracted attention in the cardiovascular fi eld.There are many traditional methods to evaluate left atrial function.Left atrial function related indexes measured by echocardiography has been identifi ed as a powerful predictor of cardiovascular disease in recent years,but they have some limitations.The left atrial function index has been found to evaluate left atrial function more effectively than traditional parameters.Furthermore,it is a valuable predictor of the risk stratifi cation and prognosis in patients with clinical cardiovascular disease such as heart failure,atrial fi brillation,hypertension,and coronary heart disease.展开更多
[Objective]The paper was to study the effects of fermentation bed padding on intestinal flora,serum biochemical indexes and immune function of growing-finishing pigs.[Method]A total of 90 growing-finishing pigs(Duroc ...[Objective]The paper was to study the effects of fermentation bed padding on intestinal flora,serum biochemical indexes and immune function of growing-finishing pigs.[Method]A total of 90 growing-finishing pigs(Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire)with the body weight of(30.5±0.8)kg were randomly divided into five groups,three replicates each group,six pigs each replicate.The padding of five groups were:50%rice husk+50%sawdust(control group),100%spent mushroom substrate of Pleurotus eryngii(100%spent mushroom substrate group),15%rice husk+15%sawdust+70%spent mushroom substrate(70%spent mushroom substrate group),25%rice husk+25%sawdust+50%spent mushroom substrate(50%spent mushroom substrate group),35%rice husk+35%sawdust+30%spent mushroom substrate(30%spent mushroom substrate group).The pre-trial lasted 7 d,and the formal trial lasted 90 d.[Result]Compared with the control group,the number of Escherichia col in 100%,70%and 50%spent mushroom substrate groups decreased by 35.4%,24.0%and 20.8%,respectively(P<0.05);the number of salmonella successively decreased by 29.4%,19.3%and 15.2%,respectively(P<0.05);the number of lactobacillus successively increased by 21.7%,15.9%and 12.2%,respectively(P<0.05);and the number of bifidobacteria successively increased by 20.2%,16.7%and 11.8%,respectively(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the total serum protein content in 100%,70%,50%and 30%spent mushroom substrate groups increased by 30.6%,33.0%,28.0%and 18.4%,respectively(P<0.05);and the serum urea nitrogen content decreased by 32.4%,34.5%,33.9%and 22.0%,respectively(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in serum albumin,aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)between treatment groups and control group.The IgA,IgG,IgM and IL-6 levels in serum of each treatment group were significantly different from those of the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in IgA,IgG,IgM and IL-6 levels among 100%,70%and 50%spent mushroom substrate groups.[Conclusion]It improves the balance of intestinal microecological flora of growing-finishing pigs and enhances the immune performance of pigs by using spent mushroom substrate of P.eryngii as the fermentation bed padding.15%rice husk+15%sawdust+70%spent mushroom substrate is the optimal proportion of spent mushroom substrate for growing-finishing pigs.展开更多
Background: The aim of this study was to determine the relation of left atrial (LA) volume and LA volume index with left ventricular function and to determine the association of duration of symptoms and left atrial vo...Background: The aim of this study was to determine the relation of left atrial (LA) volume and LA volume index with left ventricular function and to determine the association of duration of symptoms and left atrial volume index in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Materials and Methods: This was an observational, single centre study conducted in India. A total of 50 patients who were admitted to department of cardiology from July, 2008 to February, 2009 with diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy and an ejection fraction of <40% were included. Results: Of the 50 patients, 34 (68%) were males. 27 (54%) patients were in NYHA class II and 23 (46%) patients were in NYHA class III. LA volume was found to be ≥40 ml in all patients. LV function and LA volume were found to be correlated (r = -0.789, p < 0.01). Similarly, there was a correlation between LV function and LA volume index (r = -0.826, p < 0.01). There was no correlation between LA volume index and duration of symptoms (r = 0.04). Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is a strong inverse correlation between LA volume and left ventricular function and also between LA volume index and left ventricular function. The patients with NYHA class III were having larger left atrial volume than those with NYHA class II. Moreover, the duration of symptoms has no correlation with left atrial volume index.展开更多
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Suhuang Zhike Capsule on pulmonary function, blood gas analysis index, serum PCT and CRP expression in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. ME...OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Suhuang Zhike Capsule on pulmonary function, blood gas analysis index, serum PCT and CRP expression in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS: A total of 88 patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease admitted to the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xuancheng People's Hospital of Anhui Province from December 2014 to December 2016 were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group, with 44 cases in each group. The control group was given routine clinical treatment, and the observation group was given Suhuang Zhike Capsule on the basis of the treatment method of the control group. After 7 days' treatment, the improvement of lung function indexes were observed and evaluated before and after treatment(forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV_1), forced expiratory volume occupancy in the 1^(st) second percentage of vital capacity(FEVl/FVC), peak expiatory flow(PEF)), blood gas analysis index(Arterial oxygen partial pressure(PaO_2) and arterial blood carbon dioxide partial pressure(PaCO_2), oxygenation index(OI)) and serum cytokine levels(procalcitonin(PCT) and C reactive protein(CRP). RESULTS: The total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P < 0.05). The FEV_1, FEV_1/FVC and PEF in 2 groups were significantly increased after the treatment(P < 0.05), and the above lung function indexes in the observation group were significantly higher than the control group(P < 0.05). PaO_2 and OI were significantly increased after the treatment(P < 0.05), PaCO_2 was significantly decreased after the treatment(P < 0.05), and the improvement of above blood gas analysis indexes were significantly superior of the observation group than the control group(P < 0.05). The serum PCT and CRP levels in 2 groups were significantly decreased after the treatment(P < 0.05), and the improvement in the observation group were more significant than that in the control group(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Suhuang Zhike Capsule can inhibit serum inflammatory cytokine levels in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, improve blood gas analysis indicators, and improve lung functions.展开更多
Recently, the interest in functional foods is increased dramatically thanks to some scientific evidences demonstrating that, regardless of their nutritional value, some foods components beneficially influence several ...Recently, the interest in functional foods is increased dramatically thanks to some scientific evidences demonstrating that, regardless of their nutritional value, some foods components beneficially influence several functions of the body, making them “functional” for the prevention and treatment of degenerative diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In particular, the marketplace offers conventional and modified functional foods which acting on intestine, glucose and lipid metabolism are potentially useful for diabetic patients. The field of functional foods, however, presents some criticalities. Up to now, only few functional foods have obtained the statement of a “Health Claim”, either because there are not sufficient scientific evidences based on human intervention studies, that justify a “Health Claim”, or because data are not consistent with the proposed claims. In addition, some functional foods show a low palatability and a lack of variety. Both these issues limit their ordinary intake. This critical aspect also involves the lack of a possible synergistic effect deriving from the contemporary consumption in the diet of different functional foods, as observed with some healthy dietary pattern. Functional foods represent, then, a challenge for the food industry, which needs to implement and/or develop innovative technologies able to create new foods with improved healthy properties, but also with better organoleptic properties suitable for a daily consumption.展开更多
In this paper we examine 5 indexes (the two Yule’s indexes, the chi square, the odds ratio and an elementary index) of a two-by-two table, which estimate the correlation coefficient ρ in a bivariate Bernoulli distri...In this paper we examine 5 indexes (the two Yule’s indexes, the chi square, the odds ratio and an elementary index) of a two-by-two table, which estimate the correlation coefficient ρ in a bivariate Bernoulli distribution. We will find the compact expression of the influence functions, which allow the quantification of the effect of an infinitesimal contamination of the probability of any pair of attributes of the bivariate random variable distributed according to the above-mentioned model. We prove that the only unbiased index is the chi square. In order to determine the indexes, which are less sensitive to contamination, we obtain the expressions of three synthetic measures of the influence function, which are the maximum contamination (gross sensitivity error), the mean square deviation and the variance. These results, even if don’t allow a definitive assessment of the overall optimum properties of the five indexes, as not all of them are unbiased, nevertheless they allow to appreciating the synthetic entity of the effect of the contaminations in the estimation of the parameter ρ of the bivariate Bernoulli distribution.展开更多
Nanling National Nature Reserve is established on the basis of 5 provincial nature reserves, and the original functional zoning is maintained. This paper explored problems of the reserve in division range and function...Nanling National Nature Reserve is established on the basis of 5 provincial nature reserves, and the original functional zoning is maintained. This paper explored problems of the reserve in division range and functional zoning, and gavea pertinent adjustment scheme. The adjustment results are(1) cutting out the scattered areas in neighborhood, and fi lling in the internal split parts;(2) establishing corridors between the reserve and neighboring nature reserves;(3) redividing the functional zones.展开更多
In this paper, we show that many risk measures arising in Actuarial Sciences, Finance, Medicine, Welfare analysis, etc. are gathered in classes of Weighted Mean Loss or Gain (WMLG) statistics. Some of them are Upper T...In this paper, we show that many risk measures arising in Actuarial Sciences, Finance, Medicine, Welfare analysis, etc. are gathered in classes of Weighted Mean Loss or Gain (WMLG) statistics. Some of them are Upper Threshold Based (UTH) or Lower Threshold Based (LTH). These statistics may be time-dependent when the scene is monitored in the time and depend on specific functions w and d. This paper provides time-dependent and uniformly functional weak asymptotic laws that allow temporal and spatial studies of the risk as well as comparison among statistics in terms of dependence and mutual influence. The results are particularized for usual statistics like the Kakwani and Shorrocks ones that are mainly used in welfare analysis. Data-driven applications based on pseudo-panel data are provided.展开更多
Background: To those patients with advanced lung cancer, the ultimate objective is to improve the quality of life, and lung function is an important factor affecting quality of life. We detect lung function of patient...Background: To those patients with advanced lung cancer, the ultimate objective is to improve the quality of life, and lung function is an important factor affecting quality of life. We detect lung function of patients with lung cancer and study the correlation between lung function and the patients’ survival time, to provide reference for evaluation of disease progression and prognosis. Methods: Lung function was detected on 59 cases of lung cancer and 63 normal controls. The relationship between lung function indexes and survival time was analyzed. Results: There was significant difference in ventilation function and diffusing capacity between lung cancer group and control group. Vital capacity (VC), Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), Forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), peak expiratory flow% (PEF%), Maximal ventilatory volume (MVV) were positively correlated to survival time in patients with advanced lung cancer (r = 0.28522064, 0.28053851, 0.28289252, 0.26908133, 0.26335034, 0.28409036, P 0.05), residual volume/total lung capacity was negatively correlated to survival time (r = ?0.30760097, P 0.05). Conclusions: The lung function decrease in the patients with lung cancer. Vital capacity (VC), Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), Forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), peak expiratory flow% (PEF%), Maximal ventilatory volume (MVV), and residual volume/total lung capacity are correlated to survival time in patients with advanced lung cancer. The lung function indexes are important marker of prognosis of patients with lung cancer.展开更多
Rural areas are multifunctional and often have production,living,and ecological functions.The high-quality and balanced development of these three functions is key to sustainable rural development(SRD).Thus,the evalua...Rural areas are multifunctional and often have production,living,and ecological functions.The high-quality and balanced development of these three functions is key to sustainable rural development(SRD).Thus,the evaluation of SRD based on rural multifunctionality is of immense significance.This study clarifies the rela‐tionship between multifunctionality and sustainable rural development.An evaluation index system with six sub-components was established for calculating the SRD.In addition,we included 129 counties from the Sich‐uan Province in our case study,and used this index system to analyze the characteristics of rural multifunc‐tionality for evaluating the SRD.The results showed indisputable evidence of multifunctional development.At the county level,rural multifunctionality faces the challenge of insufficient and uneven development,particu‐larly in production functions.Significant spatial differences existed in rural multifunctional development,and the suburban counties generally performed better.Moreover,a mutually reinforcing relationship between pro‐duction,living,and ecological functions was established;however,there was still a significant gap in realizing SRD.Our results emphasize the necessity of a differentiated SRD strategy that should be formulated and imple‐mented based on rural multifunctionality differentiation rules.Our study offers useful guidance for realizing rural multifunctional and sustainable development.展开更多
BACKGROUND Some patients with the novel 2019 coronavirus disease(COVID-19)display elevated liver enzymes.Some antiviral drugs that can be used against COVID-19 are associated with a risk of hepatotoxicity.AIM To analy...BACKGROUND Some patients with the novel 2019 coronavirus disease(COVID-19)display elevated liver enzymes.Some antiviral drugs that can be used against COVID-19 are associated with a risk of hepatotoxicity.AIM To analyze the clinical significance of the dynamic monitoring of the liver function of patients with COVID-19.METHODS This was a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in January and February 2020 at the Department of Infection,Shantou Central Hospital.The exclusion criteria for all patients were:(1)History of chronic liver disease;(2)History of kidney disease;(3)History of coronary heart disease;(4)History of malignancy;or(5)History of diabetes.The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),γ-glutamyltransferase,and total bilirubin of patients with COVID-19 were measured on days 1,3,7 and 14 after admission,and compared to non-COVID-19 patents.RESULTS Twelve patients with COVID-19(seven men and five women)and twelve controls(eight men and four women)were included.There were one,two,and nine patients with severe,mild,and moderate COVID-19,respectively.There were no differences in age and sex between the two groups(both P>0.05).No significant differences were found in albumin,ALT,AST,γ-glutamyltransferase,or total bilirubin between the controls and the patients with COVID-19 on day 1 of hospitalization(all P>0.05).Serum albumin showed a decreasing trend from days 0 to 7 of hospitalization,reaching the lowest level on day 7.Total bilirubin was higher on day 3 than on day 7.ALT,AST,andγ-glutamyltransferase did not change significantly over time.The severe patient was observed to have ALT levels of 67 U/L and AST levels of 75 U/L on day 7,ALT of 71 U/L and AST of 35 U/L on day 14,and ALT of 210 U/L and AST of 123 U/L on day 21.CONCLUSION Changes in serum liver function indicators are not obvious in the early stage of COVID-19,but clinically significant changes might be observed in severe COVID-19.展开更多
We propose a new flame index for the transported probability density function(PDF) method. The flame index uses mixing flux projections of Lagrangian particles on mixture fraction and progress variable directions as t...We propose a new flame index for the transported probability density function(PDF) method. The flame index uses mixing flux projections of Lagrangian particles on mixture fraction and progress variable directions as the metrics to identify the combustion mode, with the Burke-Schumann solution as a reference. A priori validation of the flame index is conducted with a series of constructed turbulent partially premixed reactors. It indicates that the proposed flame index is able to identify the combustion mode based on the subgrid mixing information. The flame index is then applied the large eddy simulation/PDF datasets of turbulent partially premixed jet flames. Results show that the flame index separate different combustion modes and extinction correctly. The proposed flame index provides a promising tool to analyze and model the partially premixed flames adaptively.展开更多
基金Supported by Grant from the Major State Basic Research Development Program of China (973 Program),No.2006CB504501
文摘AIM:To assess the reliability and validity of the translated version of Nepean Dyspepsia Index (NDI) in Chinese patients with documented functional dyspepsia (FD).METHODS: The translation process included forward translation, back translation, pretest and cross-cultural adaptation. Reliability and validity of the translated version were examined by asking 300 subjects to complete the Chinese version of the NDI. The mean age of subjects was 39.24 years and 68.7% of the subjects were women. Internal consistency analysis with Cronbach's α was performed to test the reliability. Correlation analysis was used to assess the content validity. Factor analysis and structural equation models were used to assess the construct validity.RESULTS: The Cronbach's α coefficients ranged 0.833-0.960, well above the acceptable level of 0.70. Correlation analysis showed that each item had a strong correlation with the corresponding domain, but a weak correlation with other domains. Confi rmatory factor analysis indicated that the comparative fit index was 0.94, higher than the acceptable level of 0.90.CONCLUSION: The Chinese version of the NDI is a reliable and valid scale for measuring health-related quality of life and disease severity in Chinese patients with FD.
文摘AIM: To validate the culturally-adapted Persian Functional Rating Index(PFRI) for assessing neck pain(NP) in athletes. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 100 athletes with NP and 50 healthy athletes participated and responded to the PFRI. Fifty athletes with NP completed the PFRI for at least 7 d later to establish test-retest reliability. RESULTS: The athletes with NP responded to all items, indicating excellent clinical utility. No floor and ceiling effects were found, indicating content validity and responsiveness. The PFRI revealed capability to discriminate between the athletes with NP and healthy athletes. The PFRI demonstrated strong correlation with the Numerical Rating Scale(Spearman's rho = 0.94), and the Persian Neck Disability Index(Pearson r = 0.995), supporting criterion and construct validity. Internal consistency reliability was high(Cronbach's α coefficient: 0.97). The test-retest reliability was excellent(ICCagreement = 0.96). The absolute reliability values of standard error of measurement and smallest detectable change were 3.2 and 8.84, respectively. An exploratory factor analysis yielded one factor explaining 78.03% of the total variance. CONCLUSION: The PFRI is a valid and reliable measure of functional status in athletes with NP.
文摘AIM: To evaluate the body mass index(BMI) change in arthroplasty patients and its impact on the patients' functional results. METHODS: Between October 2010 and May 2013, 606 patients who were operated due to gonarthrosis, coxarthrosis, aseptic loosening of the total knee and hip prosthesis were evaluated prospectively. Patients were operated by three surgeons in three medical centers. Patients who were between 30-90 years of age and who were underwent total knee arthroplasty, total hip arthroplasty, revision knee arthroplasty, or revision hip arthroplasty were included in the study. We excluded the patients who cannot tolerate our standard postoperative rehabilitation program. Additionally, patients who had systemic inflammatory diseases, diabetes mellitus, or endochrinopathies were excluded from the study. The remaining 513 patients comprised our study group. Preoperative functional joint scores, height, weightand BMI of all patients were recorded. We used the Knee Society Score(KSS) for knee and Harris Hip Score(HHS) for hip patients. Postoperative functional scores were measured at 1^(st), 6^(th) and 12^(th) months and recorded separately at outpatient visits. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 64.7(range: 30-90) years(207 males/306 females) and the mean follow-up duration was 14.3(range: 12-26) mo. We found that arthroplasty patients had weight gain and had an increase in BMI at the postoperative 1^(st), 6^(th) and 12^(th) months. The mean BMI of the patients was 27.7 preoperatively, 27.8 at the postoperative 1^(st) month, 28.1 at the 6^(th) month and 28.6 at the 12^(th) month(P < 0.01). At the last visit, the mean postoperative HHS of the hip arthroplasty patients was 82.2 ± 7.12(preoperatively, 52.3; 1st month, 78.2; 6^(th) month, 81.1; 12^(th) month, 82.2), and the mean KSS of the knee arthroplasty patients was 79.3 ± 4.31(preoperatively, 35.8; 1^(st) month, 75.2; 6^(th) month, 79.1; 12^(th) month, 79.3). Worse functional results were noted in the patients who had a BMI increase, however, this correlation was statistically significant only at the postoperative 6^(th) month(P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: To prevent the negative functional effects of this weight gain during the postoperative period, arthroplasty patients should be advised for weight control and risky patients should consult with a dietician.
文摘This paper is concerned with the following fourth-order three-point boundary value problem , where , we discuss the existence of positive solutions to the above problem by applying to the fixed point theory in cones and iterative technique.
文摘Objective Assessment of right ventricular function in patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) is difficult. The Doppler myocardial performance index (MPI) may provide a method of assessing function in these patients. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the right ventricular function and its changes in patients with ASD after transcatheter closure of ASD. Methods MPI, defined as the sum of isovolumic relaxation time and isovolumic contraction time derived by ejection time, was measured from tricuspid inflow and right ventricular outflow;Doppler velocity profiles recorded during routine echocardiography.Twenty nine patients (13 men, 16 women;mean age 25.28±12.69, range 6 to 57 years) were diagnosed to secundum ASD [the stretched diameters of ASD were from 9 To 36 (24.91±7.98) mm], and had a successfully placed Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) (the sizes of ASO were from 11 to 40 mm );there were 81 sex-matched, age-matched healthy people (control group 41men, 40 women;mean age 29.02 ± 14.22, range 4 to 45 years ). MPI was measured again on 3 days and 1 month after closure of ASD. Change in the study group was assessed and compared to the control subjects with structurally normal hearts. A complete 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic examination was performed in all study groups. Results 1) The isovolumic relaxation and isovolumic contraction times [respectively(77.59 ± 14.39)ms vs (60.93 ±12.94)ms, P<0.0001;(28.28 ±10.88)ms vs (23.64 ±9.01)ms, P=0.027] were prolonged, and ejection time [(260.65 ±21.86 )ms vs (271.85 ± 21.92)ms, P=0.033] was shortened in patients with ASD compared with that in control subjects, resulting in a marked increase in the MPI(0.40 ± 0.07 vs 0.31 ± 0.05, P<0.0001) from normal values;2) by Pearson's correlations, the MPI had no correlation with heart rate and blood pressure in control subjects and patients with ASD, but it correlated positively with age in patients with ASD;3) by Pearson's correlations, the MPI correlated positively with the diameter of ASD and pulmonary artery pressure;4) after transcatheter closure of ASD, the MPI decreased markedly. Conclusions 1) MPI is a conceptually new, simple, and reproducible Doppler index in patients with ASD;2) MPI is free from the effect of age, heart rate and blood pressure;(3) MPI appears to be relatively dependent on changes in the diameter of ASD and pulmonary artery pressure;4) the right ventricular function was improved after transcatheter closure of ASD.(J Geriatr Cardiol 2007;4:220-224.)
文摘Landslides are common natural hazards occurring in most parts of the world and have considerable adverse economic effects. Residual shear strength of clay is one of the most important factors in the determination of stability of slopes or landslides. This effect is more pronounced in sensitive clays which show large changes in shear strength from peak to residual states. This study analyses the prediction of the residual strength of clay based on a new prediction model, functional networks(FN) using data available in the literature. The performance of FN was compared with support vector machine(SVM) and artificial neural network(ANN) based on statistical parameters like correlation coefficient(R), Nash–Sutcliff coefficient of efficiency(E), absolute average error(AAE), maximum average error(MAE) and root mean square error(RMSE). Based on R and E parameters, FN is found to be a better prediction tool than ANN for the given data. However, the R and E values for FN are less than SVM. A prediction equation is presented that can be used by practicing geotechnical engineers. A sensitivity analysis is carried out to ascertain the importance of various inputs in the prediction of the output.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No. 81071222
文摘The basal ganglia have been implicated in a modulation role in idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) by an invasive electrophysioigic means. This paper investigates the basal ganglia functional connectivity by using the region-wise functional connection analysis in resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in IGE. The increased functional connectivity within basal ganglia, and between the basal ganglia and the thalamus, and decreased functional connectivity between basal ganglia and motor cortex are found in IGE compared with the controls. These findings not only implicate dysfunctional integration in the motor loop in IGE and the enhanced interaction in the modulated loop, but also suggest that the basal ganglia modulate the generalized epileptic discharges with the influence over thalamus in the corticothalamus network.
基金This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81800056),the Science&Technology Development Fund of Tianjin Education Commission for Higher Education(2017KJ137),and the Key Research and Development Program of Hunan Province(2019SK2021).Scientifi c research project approved by Hunan Provincial Health Commission(202103012117).
文摘Some studies have shown that left ventricular structure and function play an important role in the risk stratifi cation and prognosis of cardiovascular disease.The clinical application of left atrial function in cardiovascular disease has gradually attracted attention in the cardiovascular fi eld.There are many traditional methods to evaluate left atrial function.Left atrial function related indexes measured by echocardiography has been identifi ed as a powerful predictor of cardiovascular disease in recent years,but they have some limitations.The left atrial function index has been found to evaluate left atrial function more effectively than traditional parameters.Furthermore,it is a valuable predictor of the risk stratifi cation and prognosis in patients with clinical cardiovascular disease such as heart failure,atrial fi brillation,hypertension,and coronary heart disease.
基金Supported by Animal Medicine Specialized Group Program of Beijing Characteristic High Level Backbone Specialized Group Project(PXM2020-157102-000060)General Project of Science and Technology Plan of Beijing Municipal Education Commission(KM201512448004)+1 种基金Scientific and Technological Capacity Enhancement Project of"Vegetable Basket"New Production and Business Entity of Beijing Municipal Agricultural Commission(20150203-5)Doctoral Fund of Beijing Vocational College of Agriculture(XY-BS-15-01).
文摘[Objective]The paper was to study the effects of fermentation bed padding on intestinal flora,serum biochemical indexes and immune function of growing-finishing pigs.[Method]A total of 90 growing-finishing pigs(Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire)with the body weight of(30.5±0.8)kg were randomly divided into five groups,three replicates each group,six pigs each replicate.The padding of five groups were:50%rice husk+50%sawdust(control group),100%spent mushroom substrate of Pleurotus eryngii(100%spent mushroom substrate group),15%rice husk+15%sawdust+70%spent mushroom substrate(70%spent mushroom substrate group),25%rice husk+25%sawdust+50%spent mushroom substrate(50%spent mushroom substrate group),35%rice husk+35%sawdust+30%spent mushroom substrate(30%spent mushroom substrate group).The pre-trial lasted 7 d,and the formal trial lasted 90 d.[Result]Compared with the control group,the number of Escherichia col in 100%,70%and 50%spent mushroom substrate groups decreased by 35.4%,24.0%and 20.8%,respectively(P<0.05);the number of salmonella successively decreased by 29.4%,19.3%and 15.2%,respectively(P<0.05);the number of lactobacillus successively increased by 21.7%,15.9%and 12.2%,respectively(P<0.05);and the number of bifidobacteria successively increased by 20.2%,16.7%and 11.8%,respectively(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the total serum protein content in 100%,70%,50%and 30%spent mushroom substrate groups increased by 30.6%,33.0%,28.0%and 18.4%,respectively(P<0.05);and the serum urea nitrogen content decreased by 32.4%,34.5%,33.9%and 22.0%,respectively(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in serum albumin,aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)between treatment groups and control group.The IgA,IgG,IgM and IL-6 levels in serum of each treatment group were significantly different from those of the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in IgA,IgG,IgM and IL-6 levels among 100%,70%and 50%spent mushroom substrate groups.[Conclusion]It improves the balance of intestinal microecological flora of growing-finishing pigs and enhances the immune performance of pigs by using spent mushroom substrate of P.eryngii as the fermentation bed padding.15%rice husk+15%sawdust+70%spent mushroom substrate is the optimal proportion of spent mushroom substrate for growing-finishing pigs.
文摘Background: The aim of this study was to determine the relation of left atrial (LA) volume and LA volume index with left ventricular function and to determine the association of duration of symptoms and left atrial volume index in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Materials and Methods: This was an observational, single centre study conducted in India. A total of 50 patients who were admitted to department of cardiology from July, 2008 to February, 2009 with diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy and an ejection fraction of <40% were included. Results: Of the 50 patients, 34 (68%) were males. 27 (54%) patients were in NYHA class II and 23 (46%) patients were in NYHA class III. LA volume was found to be ≥40 ml in all patients. LV function and LA volume were found to be correlated (r = -0.789, p < 0.01). Similarly, there was a correlation between LV function and LA volume index (r = -0.826, p < 0.01). There was no correlation between LA volume index and duration of symptoms (r = 0.04). Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is a strong inverse correlation between LA volume and left ventricular function and also between LA volume index and left ventricular function. The patients with NYHA class III were having larger left atrial volume than those with NYHA class II. Moreover, the duration of symptoms has no correlation with left atrial volume index.
文摘OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Suhuang Zhike Capsule on pulmonary function, blood gas analysis index, serum PCT and CRP expression in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS: A total of 88 patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease admitted to the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xuancheng People's Hospital of Anhui Province from December 2014 to December 2016 were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group, with 44 cases in each group. The control group was given routine clinical treatment, and the observation group was given Suhuang Zhike Capsule on the basis of the treatment method of the control group. After 7 days' treatment, the improvement of lung function indexes were observed and evaluated before and after treatment(forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV_1), forced expiratory volume occupancy in the 1^(st) second percentage of vital capacity(FEVl/FVC), peak expiatory flow(PEF)), blood gas analysis index(Arterial oxygen partial pressure(PaO_2) and arterial blood carbon dioxide partial pressure(PaCO_2), oxygenation index(OI)) and serum cytokine levels(procalcitonin(PCT) and C reactive protein(CRP). RESULTS: The total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P < 0.05). The FEV_1, FEV_1/FVC and PEF in 2 groups were significantly increased after the treatment(P < 0.05), and the above lung function indexes in the observation group were significantly higher than the control group(P < 0.05). PaO_2 and OI were significantly increased after the treatment(P < 0.05), PaCO_2 was significantly decreased after the treatment(P < 0.05), and the improvement of above blood gas analysis indexes were significantly superior of the observation group than the control group(P < 0.05). The serum PCT and CRP levels in 2 groups were significantly decreased after the treatment(P < 0.05), and the improvement in the observation group were more significant than that in the control group(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Suhuang Zhike Capsule can inhibit serum inflammatory cytokine levels in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, improve blood gas analysis indicators, and improve lung functions.
文摘Recently, the interest in functional foods is increased dramatically thanks to some scientific evidences demonstrating that, regardless of their nutritional value, some foods components beneficially influence several functions of the body, making them “functional” for the prevention and treatment of degenerative diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In particular, the marketplace offers conventional and modified functional foods which acting on intestine, glucose and lipid metabolism are potentially useful for diabetic patients. The field of functional foods, however, presents some criticalities. Up to now, only few functional foods have obtained the statement of a “Health Claim”, either because there are not sufficient scientific evidences based on human intervention studies, that justify a “Health Claim”, or because data are not consistent with the proposed claims. In addition, some functional foods show a low palatability and a lack of variety. Both these issues limit their ordinary intake. This critical aspect also involves the lack of a possible synergistic effect deriving from the contemporary consumption in the diet of different functional foods, as observed with some healthy dietary pattern. Functional foods represent, then, a challenge for the food industry, which needs to implement and/or develop innovative technologies able to create new foods with improved healthy properties, but also with better organoleptic properties suitable for a daily consumption.
文摘In this paper we examine 5 indexes (the two Yule’s indexes, the chi square, the odds ratio and an elementary index) of a two-by-two table, which estimate the correlation coefficient ρ in a bivariate Bernoulli distribution. We will find the compact expression of the influence functions, which allow the quantification of the effect of an infinitesimal contamination of the probability of any pair of attributes of the bivariate random variable distributed according to the above-mentioned model. We prove that the only unbiased index is the chi square. In order to determine the indexes, which are less sensitive to contamination, we obtain the expressions of three synthetic measures of the influence function, which are the maximum contamination (gross sensitivity error), the mean square deviation and the variance. These results, even if don’t allow a definitive assessment of the overall optimum properties of the five indexes, as not all of them are unbiased, nevertheless they allow to appreciating the synthetic entity of the effect of the contaminations in the estimation of the parameter ρ of the bivariate Bernoulli distribution.
基金Sponsored by Digital Monitoring and Maintenance Platform Program of Nanling National Nature Reserve(GDHS13SGHG05025)
文摘Nanling National Nature Reserve is established on the basis of 5 provincial nature reserves, and the original functional zoning is maintained. This paper explored problems of the reserve in division range and functional zoning, and gavea pertinent adjustment scheme. The adjustment results are(1) cutting out the scattered areas in neighborhood, and fi lling in the internal split parts;(2) establishing corridors between the reserve and neighboring nature reserves;(3) redividing the functional zones.
文摘In this paper, we show that many risk measures arising in Actuarial Sciences, Finance, Medicine, Welfare analysis, etc. are gathered in classes of Weighted Mean Loss or Gain (WMLG) statistics. Some of them are Upper Threshold Based (UTH) or Lower Threshold Based (LTH). These statistics may be time-dependent when the scene is monitored in the time and depend on specific functions w and d. This paper provides time-dependent and uniformly functional weak asymptotic laws that allow temporal and spatial studies of the risk as well as comparison among statistics in terms of dependence and mutual influence. The results are particularized for usual statistics like the Kakwani and Shorrocks ones that are mainly used in welfare analysis. Data-driven applications based on pseudo-panel data are provided.
文摘Background: To those patients with advanced lung cancer, the ultimate objective is to improve the quality of life, and lung function is an important factor affecting quality of life. We detect lung function of patients with lung cancer and study the correlation between lung function and the patients’ survival time, to provide reference for evaluation of disease progression and prognosis. Methods: Lung function was detected on 59 cases of lung cancer and 63 normal controls. The relationship between lung function indexes and survival time was analyzed. Results: There was significant difference in ventilation function and diffusing capacity between lung cancer group and control group. Vital capacity (VC), Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), Forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), peak expiratory flow% (PEF%), Maximal ventilatory volume (MVV) were positively correlated to survival time in patients with advanced lung cancer (r = 0.28522064, 0.28053851, 0.28289252, 0.26908133, 0.26335034, 0.28409036, P 0.05), residual volume/total lung capacity was negatively correlated to survival time (r = ?0.30760097, P 0.05). Conclusions: The lung function decrease in the patients with lung cancer. Vital capacity (VC), Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), Forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), peak expiratory flow% (PEF%), Maximal ventilatory volume (MVV), and residual volume/total lung capacity are correlated to survival time in patients with advanced lung cancer. The lung function indexes are important marker of prognosis of patients with lung cancer.
文摘Rural areas are multifunctional and often have production,living,and ecological functions.The high-quality and balanced development of these three functions is key to sustainable rural development(SRD).Thus,the evaluation of SRD based on rural multifunctionality is of immense significance.This study clarifies the rela‐tionship between multifunctionality and sustainable rural development.An evaluation index system with six sub-components was established for calculating the SRD.In addition,we included 129 counties from the Sich‐uan Province in our case study,and used this index system to analyze the characteristics of rural multifunc‐tionality for evaluating the SRD.The results showed indisputable evidence of multifunctional development.At the county level,rural multifunctionality faces the challenge of insufficient and uneven development,particu‐larly in production functions.Significant spatial differences existed in rural multifunctional development,and the suburban counties generally performed better.Moreover,a mutually reinforcing relationship between pro‐duction,living,and ecological functions was established;however,there was still a significant gap in realizing SRD.Our results emphasize the necessity of a differentiated SRD strategy that should be formulated and imple‐mented based on rural multifunctionality differentiation rules.Our study offers useful guidance for realizing rural multifunctional and sustainable development.
基金Shantou Science and Technology Bureau 1st Fund of the Prevention and Treatment of New Coronavirus Pneumonia,No.2020-1-35.
文摘BACKGROUND Some patients with the novel 2019 coronavirus disease(COVID-19)display elevated liver enzymes.Some antiviral drugs that can be used against COVID-19 are associated with a risk of hepatotoxicity.AIM To analyze the clinical significance of the dynamic monitoring of the liver function of patients with COVID-19.METHODS This was a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in January and February 2020 at the Department of Infection,Shantou Central Hospital.The exclusion criteria for all patients were:(1)History of chronic liver disease;(2)History of kidney disease;(3)History of coronary heart disease;(4)History of malignancy;or(5)History of diabetes.The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),γ-glutamyltransferase,and total bilirubin of patients with COVID-19 were measured on days 1,3,7 and 14 after admission,and compared to non-COVID-19 patents.RESULTS Twelve patients with COVID-19(seven men and five women)and twelve controls(eight men and four women)were included.There were one,two,and nine patients with severe,mild,and moderate COVID-19,respectively.There were no differences in age and sex between the two groups(both P>0.05).No significant differences were found in albumin,ALT,AST,γ-glutamyltransferase,or total bilirubin between the controls and the patients with COVID-19 on day 1 of hospitalization(all P>0.05).Serum albumin showed a decreasing trend from days 0 to 7 of hospitalization,reaching the lowest level on day 7.Total bilirubin was higher on day 3 than on day 7.ALT,AST,andγ-glutamyltransferase did not change significantly over time.The severe patient was observed to have ALT levels of 67 U/L and AST levels of 75 U/L on day 7,ALT of 71 U/L and AST of 35 U/L on day 14,and ALT of 210 U/L and AST of 123 U/L on day 21.CONCLUSION Changes in serum liver function indicators are not obvious in the early stage of COVID-19,but clinically significant changes might be observed in severe COVID-19.
基金sponsored by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology(KAUST)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.91841302)。
文摘We propose a new flame index for the transported probability density function(PDF) method. The flame index uses mixing flux projections of Lagrangian particles on mixture fraction and progress variable directions as the metrics to identify the combustion mode, with the Burke-Schumann solution as a reference. A priori validation of the flame index is conducted with a series of constructed turbulent partially premixed reactors. It indicates that the proposed flame index is able to identify the combustion mode based on the subgrid mixing information. The flame index is then applied the large eddy simulation/PDF datasets of turbulent partially premixed jet flames. Results show that the flame index separate different combustion modes and extinction correctly. The proposed flame index provides a promising tool to analyze and model the partially premixed flames adaptively.