Pancreatic function,quality of life and costs at long-term follow-up after acute pancreatitis

AIM:To evaluate long-term endocrine and exocrine pancreatic function,quality of life and health care costs after mild acute pancreatitis and severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).METHODS:Patients prospectively included in 2001-2005 were followed-up after 42(36-53)mo.Pancreatic function was evaluated with laboratory tests,the oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT),fecal elastase-1 and a questionnaire.Short Form(SF)-36,was completed.RESULTS:Fourteen patients with a history of SAP and 26 with mild acute pancreatitis were included.Plasma glucose after OGTT was higher after SAP(9.2 mmol/L vs 7.0 mmol/L,P=0.044).Diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance in fasting plasma glucose and/or 120 min plasma glucose were more common in SAP patients(11/14 vs 11/25,P=0.037).Sick leave,time until the patients could take up recreational activities and time until they had recovered were all longer after SAP(P <0.001).No significant differences in SF-36 were seen between the groups,or when comparing with age and gender matched reference groups.Total hospital costs,including primary care,follow-up and treatment of complications,were higher after SAP(median€16572 vs €5000,P<0.001).CONCLUSION:Endocrine pancreatic function was affected,especially after severe disease.SAP requires greater resource use with long recovery,but most patients regained a good quality of life.

Research on Optimal Delivery Days and Customer Satisfaction Based on Quality Costs

Customer satisfaction is an important index to evaluate the competitiveness and efficiency of an enterprise. Every enterprise is confront with the subject of supplying with the customer satisfactory products at the lowest costs and the highest manufacturing speed. Regarding the delivery days of a coach company as a design variable, this paper builds up an optimization model of customer satisfaction, and suggests an effective method to reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction based on analysis and research.

VPLS Based Quality and Cost Control for Tennessee Eastman Process

Product quality and operation cost control obtain increasing emphases in modern chemical system engineering. To improve the fault detection power of the partial least square (PLS) method for quality control, a new QRPV statistic is proposed in terms of the VP (variable importance in projection) indices of monitored process variables, which is significantly advanced over and different from the conventional Q statistic. QRPV is calculated only by the residuals of the remarkable process variables (RPVs). Therefore, it is the dominant relation between quality and RPV not all process variables (as in the case of the conventional PLS) that is monitored by this new VP-PLS (VPLS) method. The combination of QRPV and T2 statistics is applied to the quality and cost control of the Tennessee Eastman (TE) process, and weak faults can be detected as quickly as possible. Consequently, the product quality of TE process is guaranteed and operation costs are reduced.

Reverse-total shoulder arthroplasty cost-effectiveness:A quality-adjusted life years comparison with total hip arthroplasty

AIM:To compare reverse-total shoulder arthroplasty(RSA)cost-effectiveness with total hip arthroplasty cost-effectiveness.METHODS:This study used a stochastic model and decision-making algorithm to compare the costeffectiveness of RSA and total hip arthroplasty.Fifteen patients underwent pre-operative,and 3,6,and 12 mo post-operative clinical examinations and Short Form-36 Health Survey completion.Short form-36 Health Survey subscale scores were converted to EuroQ ual Group Five Dimension Health Outcome scores and compared with historical data from age-matched patients who had undergone total hip arthroplasty.Quality-adjusted life year(QALY)improvements based on life expectancies were calculated.RESULTS:The cost/QALY was $3900 for total hip arthroplasty and $11100 for RSA.After adjusting the model to only include shoulder-specific physical function subscale items,the RSA QALY improved to 2.8years,and its cost/QALY decreased to $8100.CONCLUSION:Based on industry accepted standards,cost/QALY estimates supported both RSA and total hip arthroplasty cost-effectiveness.Although total hip arthroplasty remains the quality of life improvement "gold standard" among arthroplasty procedures,cost/QALY estimates identified in this study support the growing use of RSA to improve patient quality of life.

Research on goal-setting method of rock drivage based on the balance among period, cost and quality

On the basis of the analysis on the disadvantages of the original goal-setting about rock drivage, this paper defined the ＂life cycle quality＂. With project management theory and the Cobb-Douglas function, ＂quality-cost and quality-price curve model＂ and the ＂total cost-period prediction model＂ were built. Then the goal-setting method of the balance among quality, cost and period of rock drivage was constructed by finding ＂life cycle cost＂ through ＂life cycle quality＂ using ＂quality-cost and quality-price curve model＂ and ensuring period through ＂life cycle cost＂ using ＂total cost-period prediction model＂ （hereinafter referred to as the ＂three goals balance method＂）. ＂Value contribution＂ which is the value of the contribution to a mine because of rock drivage, was found in the process of constructing the ＂quality-cost and quality-price curve model＂. An industrial test was done in coal mine A with the research results, staff footage efficiency improved by 24.24%, the period shortened by 14.3%, the ＂life cycle cost＂ dropped by 2.09%, the ＂life cycle quality price＂ improved by 3.29%, and value contribution increased by 25.3%. The result shows that the new goal method setting on the basis of coal mine profit maximization can ensure construc- tion period. At the same time, it can realize cost and quality objectives and the optimization and balance of relationship among them; rewarding excavation teams by ＂value contribution＂ can combine organizational goal with personal goal, it significantly raise the employee＇s work efficiency.

Study on Generation Cost Prediction Based on Coal Quality and Generating Unit Performance

燃料变化条件下发电成本的预测是火电厂普遍关心的重要课题。分析了影响机组性能及发电电量成本的各种煤质指标，重点研究了基于结构参数及燃烧传热机理的锅炉稳态热力性能分析计算方法，讨论了制粉系统、风机、脱硫和脱硝装置性能随燃料等运行条件的变化关系，最终提出了基于煤质和机组性能分析计算的发电电量成本预测模型并研发了“煤炭选配与机组发电成本预测系统”。该系统在我国某600MW火电厂的实际应用经验表明：提出的电量成本分析预测模型合理，研发的软件系统有助于辅助火电厂的选煤和购煤决策，优化动力配煤方案，从而提高火电厂的运行经济性。

Quality of life and cost-effectiveness of combined therapy for reflux esophagitis

Objectiv e: To evaluate clinical,Quality of Life (QoL) and medical cost outcomes in pati ents with symptomatic reflux esophagitis (RE) receiving different ″triple c ombin ation therapy″ . Methods: A multicenter medical effectiveness trial conducte d in 10 hospitals of 5 regions in Zhejiang Province. 248 patient-volunteers were ass ig ned to 8 weeks of ″ triple combination therapy″ with Lansoprazole plus Cisapri de and Sucralfate or Ranitidine plus Cisapride and Sucralfate. Main outcomes asses sment included symptoms scale scores,RE severity,QoL at baseline and 8 weeks. Medical cost data were collected with cost analysis questionnaire. Results: (1)M ore Lansoprazole group patients noted RE symptoms resolution than Ranitidine gro up(92.3% vs 78.4%,P<0.01). There was no striking difference between two gro ups in RE healing rate (90.8% vs 82.9%, P>0.05). (2)RE significantly impaire d QoL of patients(P<0.001).Compared with Ranitidine group,QoL in Lansoprazole group had significant improvement (rate of ″good″ QoL 64.5% vs 45.6%,P<0.01). (3)T here w as close correlation between symptomic effectiveness and QoL rating scale in bot h the Lansoprazole and Ranitidine group(P<0.01,r=0.235 and 0.353 respec tively). There were no statistical difference of medical cost between the two groups ( P> 0.05). Conclusion: RE significantly impaired QoL of patients. ″Triple combinati o n therapies″ can significantly improve RE symptoms and QoL. Lansoprazole combin ation therapy was more cost-effective than Ranitidine combination group.

Design of a Low-Cost Air Quality Monitoring System Using Arduino and ThingSpeak

The impact of daily emissions of gaseous and particulate pollutants of machines and industries on human health and the environment has attracted increasing concerns.This impact has significantly led to a notable increase in mortality in the highly industrialized zones.Therefore,monitoring air quality and creating public awareness are important for a safer future,which led the governments globally to investmulti-billion in policymaking and solution stratification to address the problem.This study aims to design a realtime Internet of Things low-cost air quality monitoring system.The system utilizes air quality and carbon monoxide sensors for monitoring gaseous pollutants.Moreover,the system utilizes an Arduino Nano development board equipped with a WiFi module to effectively send readings to a ThingSpeak online channel platformfor instantaneous and real-time display of air quality.The ThingSpeak uses HTTP protocols to send emails in raising awareness of poor air quality.The level of concentration is monitored graphically through channels with the help of ThingSpeak to aid remote communication.Athreshold value is set.Thus,when pollutants have become unhealthy and harmful,the system trips off an alarm,and e-mail notifications are sent to the officials.The results have shown that the work was successfully implemented a design of a low-cost air quality monitoring system using Arduino and ThingSpeak,showing that an air quality system can be implemented using a low-cost technology,Arduino and ThingSpeak.

Application of low-cost particulate matter sensors for air quality monitoring and exposure assessment in underground mines:A review

Exposure to mining-induced particulate matter(PM)including coal dust and diesel particulate matter(DPM)causes severe respirat-ory diseases such as coal workers’pneumoconiosis(CWP)and lung cancer.Limited spatiotemporal resolution of current PM monitors causes miners to be exposed to unknown PM concentrations,with increased overexposure risk.Low-cost PM sensors offer a potential solution to this challenge with their capability in characterizing PM concentrations with high spatiotemporal resolution.However,their application in underground mines has not been explored.With the aim of examining the potential application of low-cost sensors in underground mines,a critical review of the present status of PM sensor research is conducted.The working principles of present PM monitors and low-cost sensors are com-pared.Sensor error sources are identified,and comprehensive calibration processes are presented to correct them.Evaluation protocols are pro-posed to evaluate sensor performance prior to deployment,and the potential application of low-cost sensors is discussed.

Low-Cost Stormwater Filtration System to Improve Urban Water Quality: The Case of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Urbanization in developing countries often negatively impacts water re-sources by polluting surface waters. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is currently experiencing rapid urbanization accompanied by significant water shortages, unmanaged stormwater, and increasing river water pollution. To supplement the need for non-potable water and address stormwater runoff pollution, we constructed a low cost stormwater filtration system. The filtration system is comprised of a sedimentation area followed by three gravel grain sizes arranged horizontally from coarse to medium to fine filter media. We compared the quality of pretreatment water with post-treatment water by measuring physicochemical parameters, heavy metals and nutrients. We found that the filtration system reduced turbidity by 87%, TSS by 80%, Cu by 87% and Zn by 90%. Further, it positively increased the concentration of DO by 42%. However, the filtration system did not remove nitrates and nitrites. Implementing this system at outfalls in the rapidly expanding condominium housing areas can increase residents’ supply of non-potable water and reduce the amount of polluted stormwater entering nearby streams and rivers.

Quality-Oriented Facade Systems： Initial Investments vs. Global Cost Approach

An analysis applied to an existing building considering the whole service life, regulated or, if any, measured, of energy/technological upgrading action does not only require initial investments to be taken into account. Of course, such investments are significant and will have to be considered at a first stage, but it is not the only aspect to be considered. Provisions of Construction Procurement Guidance, No.7 Whole Life Costs state： ＂All procurement must be made solely on the basis of value for money in terms of the optimum combination of global costs--and not only initial investment costs--and quality to meet the user＇s requirements＂.

How palliative care can reduce healthcare costs &improve quality of care

The sustainability of the healthcare system has been in question for several years. With rising healthcare costs, limited resources and an aging population, society needs to come up with innovative ideas to reduce healthcare spending. This paper attempts to illustrate how addressing goals of care can have a significant impact on healthcare costs.

pharmacognostical study and establishment of quality parameters of aerial parts of Costus speciosus-a well known tropical folklore medicine

Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic pharmacognostical characters of Costus speciosus(aerial parts)along with their physico-chemical parameters and fluorosence analysis.Method:The pharmacognostical characters were determined in terms of macroscopy,microscopy,powder microscopy,leaf constant,fluorescence analysis and preliminary phytochemical investigation.Results:The findings of macroscopy revealed that leaves elliptic to oblong or oblong-lancoelate,thick,spirally arranged,with stem clasping sheaths up to 4 cm,flowers large,white,conelike terminal spikes,with bright red bracts.Transverse section of leaflet showed the presence of cuticularised epidermis with polygonal cells on adaxial surface and bluntly angled cells on abaxial surface of lamina,mesophyll cells differentiated in to single layered palisade cells on each surface and 2-3 layered spongy parenchyma,unicellular and uniseriate multicellular covering trichomes,paracytic stomata and vascular bundles surrounded by sclerenchymatous multicellular sheath.Preliminary phytochemical screening exhibited the presence of various phytochemical groups like alkaloids,glycosides,steroids,phenolic constituents.Further,the leaf constants,powder microscopy and fluorescence characteristics indicated outstanding results from this investigation Conclusions:Various pharmacognostical and physico-chemical parameters have pivotal roles in identification,authentication and establishment of quality parameters of the species.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and quality control lie at the heart of subarachnoid hemorrhage

The dramatic increase in intracranial pressure after subarachnoid hemorrhage leads to a decrease in cerebral perfusion pressure and a reduction in cerebral blood flow.Mitochondria are directly affected by direct factors such as ischemia,hypoxia,excitotoxicity,and toxicity of free hemoglobin and its degradation products,which trigger mitochondrial dysfunction.Dysfunctional mitochondria release large amounts of reactive oxygen species,inflammatory mediators,and apoptotic proteins that activate apoptotic pathways,further damaging cells.In response to this array of damage,cells have adopted multiple mitochondrial quality control mechanisms through evolution,including mitochondrial protein quality control,mitochondrial dynamics,mitophagy,mitochondrial biogenesis,and intercellular mitochondrial transfer,to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis under pathological conditions.Specific interventions targeting mitochondrial quality control mechanisms have emerged as promising therapeutic strategies for subarachnoid hemorrhage.This review provides an overview of recent research advances in mitochondrial pathophysiological processes after subarachnoid hemorrhage,particularly mitochondrial quality control mechanisms.It also presents potential therapeutic strategies to target mitochondrial quality control in subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Low-Cost Sensors Calibration for Monitoring Air Quality in the Federal District—Brazil

Critical situations that cannot be solved by conventional approaches (traditional air quality monitoring networks), have the possibility of being managed quickly by a wide network of portable systems with sensors. The purpose of this research was to calibrate and validate low-cost sensors. Pilot indoor and outdoor areas, in the central area of Brasilia (Brazil’s capital city) were chosen for corporative performance evaluation of the sensors. The CO at 99.999% volumetric injection method has been used in a gas test box, among two MiCS-5521 (CO/VOC) sensors, one being new and the other one with a short useful life. The number of injections adopted to each volume (from 1 ml to 6 ml) was 10, rising each sensor’s confidence interval mean. A increase of the injected volume (ml) of CO resulted in significant decrease in a resistance (Ohms), as shown by a good inverse relationship on the interaction of these two variables (r = 0.88), with good measurement accuracy, when compared to the manufacturer’s reference datasheet. Finally, a geospatial management system was built for the pollution data measured by the low-cost sensors.

The New Brazilian Power Quality Standard and a Low Cost Device Meter

This paper presents an overview about the new Brazilian Power Quality Standard and provides a low cost device PQ meter, developed and implemented to assist the national campaign to assess the Brazilian power quality indices, unknown until now. This work contributes with the search of a low cost devices PQ meter for a cost sensitive market, and introduces the new Brazilian Power Quality Standard to the international community.

Sleep quality in middle-aged and elderly hemodialysis patients:Impact of a structured nursing intervention program

BACKGROUND Poor sleep quality is common among hemodialysis patients and can significantly impact their well-being.This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured nursing intervention program in improving sleep quality in middleaged and elderly hemodialysis patients.AIM To evaluate the impact of nursing intervention on sleep quality in hemodialysis patients.METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital,the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University,in 2023.This study included 105 middle-aged and elderly hemodialysis patients aged≥45 years who underwent maintenance hemodialysis for at least 3 mo,utilizing the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)to identify poor sleepers.Those identified underwent a 12-wk nursing intervention program focusing on education,relaxation techniques,and counseling.Post-intervention,sleep quality was reassessed using the PSQI.RESULTS The study found that 68.6%of hemodialysis patients were poor sleepers.Following the 12-wk nursing intervention program,there was a significant decrease in the mean global PSQI score from 8.9±3.2 to 5.1±2.7(P<0.001),indicating improved sleep quality.This demonstrated the effectiveness of the structured nursing intervention in enhancing sleep quality for middle-aged and elderly hemodialysis patients.CONCLUSION The structured nursing intervention program focusing on sleep hygiene education,relaxation techniques,and counseling effectively improved sleep quality among middle-aged and elderly hemodialysis patients.The significant decrease in the mean global PSQI score post-intervention indicates the positive impact of tailored nursing interventions in addressing poor sleep quality in this patient population.These findings emphasize the importance of implementing targeted nursing interventions to enhance the quality of life for hemodialysis patients by addressing the prevalent issue of poor sleep quality.

Investigation of the quality of life,mental status in patients with gynecological cancer and its influencing factors

BACKGROUND Having a gynecological tumor or undergoing treatment can be a traumatic experience for women,as it affects their self-image and sexual relationships and can lead to psychological reactions.Psychological adjustment following cancer occurrence remains a key issue among the survivors.AIM To examine the current status of quality of life(QoL),anxiety,and depression in patients with gynecological cancer and to analyze the factors associated with it.METHODS Data for 160 patients with gynecological malignancies treated at Shanxi Bethune Hospital from June 2020 to June 2023 were collected and analyzed retrospectively.Patients’QoL was assessed using the European Organization for Research on Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General Questionnaire.Their emotional status was evaluated using the Self-Rating Anxiety/Depression Scale.The associated factors of anxiety and depression were analyzed.RESULTS The overall QoL score of the patients 6 months after surgery was 76.39±3.63 points.This included low levels of social and emotional function and severe fatigue and pain.The scores for physiological,functional,emotional,social,and family well-being exhibited an upward trend following surgery compared with those before surgery.One month after surgery,some patients experienced anxiety and depression,with an incidence of 18.75%and 18.13%,respectively.Logistic analysis revealed that good sleep was a protective factor against anxiety and depression in patients with gynecological tumors,whereas physical pain was a risk factor.CONCLUSION Patients with gynecological malignancies often experience anxiety and depression.By analyzing the factors that affect patients’QoL,effective nursing measures can be administered.

Current status of magnetic resonance imaging radiomics in hepatocellular carcinoma:A quantitative review with Radiomics Quality Score

BACKGROUND Radiomics is a promising tool that may increase the value of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)for different tasks related to the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,its implementation in clinical practice is still far,with many issues related to the methodological quality of radiomic studies.AIM To systematically review the current status of MRI radiomic studies concerning HCC using the Radiomics Quality Score(RQS).METHODS A systematic literature search of PubMed,Google Scholar,and Web of Science databases was performed to identify original articles focusing on the use of MRI radiomics for HCC management published between 2017 and 2023.The methodological quality of radiomic studies was assessed using the RQS tool.Spearman’s correlation(ρ)analysis was performed to explore if RQS was correlated with journal metrics and characteristics of the studies.The level of statistical significance was set at P<0.05.RESULTS One hundred and twenty-seven articles were included,of which 43 focused on HCC prognosis,39 on prediction of pathological findings,16 on prediction of the expression of molecular markers outcomes,18 had a diagnostic purpose,and 11 had multiple purposes.The mean RQS was 8±6.22,and the corresponding percentage was 24.15%±15.25%(ranging from 0.0% to 58.33%).RQS was positively correlated with journal impact factor(IF;ρ=0.36,P=2.98×10^(-5)),5-years IF(ρ=0.33,P=1.56×10^(-4)),number of patients included in the study(ρ=0.51,P<9.37×10^(-10))and number of radiomics features extracted in the study(ρ=0.59,P<4.59×10^(-13)),and time of publication(ρ=-0.23,P<0.0072).CONCLUSION Although MRI radiomics in HCC represents a promising tool to develop adequate personalized treatment as a noninvasive approach in HCC patients,our study revealed that studies in this field still lack the quality required to allow its introduction into clinical practice.

Dynamic changes of rumen microbiota and serum metabolome revealed increases in meat quality and growth performances of sheep fed bio‑fermented rice straw

Background Providing high-quality roughage is crucial for improvement of ruminant production because it is an essential component of their feed.Our previous study showed that feeding bio-fermented rice straw(BF)improved the feed intake and weight gain of sheep.However,it remains unclear why feeding BF to sheep increased their feed intake and weight gain.Therefore,the purposes of this research were to investigate how the rumen micro-biota and serum metabolome are dynamically changing after feeding BF,as well as how their changes influence the feed intake,digestibility,nutrient transport,meat quality and growth performances of sheep.Twelve growing Hu sheep were allocated into 3 groups:alfalfa hay fed group(AH:positive control),rice straw fed group(RS:negative control)and BF fed group(BF:treatment).Samples of rumen content,blood,rumen epithelium,muscle,feed offered and refusals were collected for the subsequent analysis.Results Feeding BF changed the microbial community and rumen fermentation,particularly increasing(P<0.05)relative abundance of Prevotella and propionate production,and decreasing(P<0.05)enteric methane yield.The histomorphology(height,width,area and thickness)of rumen papillae and gene expression for carbohydrate trans-port(MCT1),tight junction(claudin-1,claudin-4),and cell proliferation(CDK4,Cyclin A2,Cyclin E1)were improved(P<0.05)in sheep fed BF.Additionally,serum metabolome was also dynamically changed,which led to up-regulating(P<0.05)the primary bile acid biosynthesis and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acid in sheep fed BF.As a result,the higher(P<0.05)feed intake,digestibility,growth rate,feed efficiency,meat quality and mono-unsaturated fatty acid concentration in muscle,and the lower(P<0.05)feed cost per kg of live weight were achieved by feeding BF.Conclusions Feeding BF improved the growth performances and meat quality of sheep and reduced their feed cost.Therefore,bio-fermentation of rice straw could be an innovative way for improving ruminant production with mini-mizing production costs.