Open Time Research Articles

The developmental emergence of reliable cortical representations.

The fundamental structure of cortical networks arises early in development before the onset of sensory experience. However, how endogenously generated networks respond to the onset of sensory experience and how they form mature sensory representations with experience remain unclear. In this study, we examined this 'nature-nurture transform' at the single-trial level using chronic in vivo calcium imaging in ferret visual cortex. At eye opening, visual stimulation evokes robust patterns of modular cortical network activity that are highly variable within and across trials, severely limiting stimulus discriminability. These initial stimulus-evoked modular patterns are distinct from spontaneous network activity patterns present before and at the time of eye opening. Within a week of normal visual experience, cortical networks develop low-dimensional, highly reliable stimulus representations that correspond with reorganized patterns of spontaneous activity. Using a computational model, we propose that reliable visual representations derive from the alignment of feedforward and recurrent cortical networks shaped by novel patterns of visually driven activity.

Effects of the disconnection technique and preemptive one-lung ventilation on lung collapse during one-lung ventilation in thoracoscopic surgery.

During thoracoscopic surgery with one-lung ventilation (OLV), achieving lung collapse is critical for providing surgeons with a good visibility of the surgical field and to minimise tissue compression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of both the disconnection technique and preemptive one-lung ventilation in facilitating lung collapse during thoracoscopic surgery using a double-lumen tube (DLT). Ninety-seven eligible patients were included and randomly divided into three groups. OLV was initiated when the surgeon started the skin incision and exposed the operative side. Disconnection group: OLV was started two minutes after the DLT was disconnected, this procedure started when the surgeon performed the skin incision. Preemptive group: OLV was initiated promptly after the patient was turned to the lateral position, and the bronchial tube port was clamped on the operative side at the lateral position for no less than 6min until the pleura was opened. The primary outcome was the time to achieve satisfactory lung collapse, defined as the time required to reach a lung collapse score of eight points. The secondary outcomes included the lung collapse scores at different time points, Pleural opening times, OLV times, blood gas analysis results and the incidence of hypoxemia and pulmonary complications. The hypothesis formulated before data collection was that both the disconnection technique and preemptive OLV decrease the time to satisfactory lung collapse. Compared to the control group, both the disconnection and the preemptive group had a shorter time to satisfactory lung collapse (P < 0.001), lung collapse in the preemptive group was superior to that in the disconnection group at one minute (P = 0.045), no significant differences were found among the three groups in terms of other outcomes. Both the disconnection technique and preemptive OLV decrease the time to satisfactory lung collapse. However, preemptive OLV results in superior early lung collapse and is therefore may more suitable for clinical application than the disconnection technique. The protocol of this study was registered at www. chictr. org. cn (29/07/2022, ChiCTR2200062199).

Effect of nursing process-based nursing decision implementation on emergency patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

BackgroundThis article aimed to assess the impact of nursing decision interventions based on the nursing process on the clinical outcomes and quality of life (QoL) of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The main research question was whether nursing decision-making interventions can improve clinical outcomes in patients with acute STEMI (ASTEMI), including time management, cardiac function recovery, and QoL. It was hypothesized that patients receiving nursing process-based interventions would demonstrate significant improvements in clinical outcomes, recovery time, incidence of adverse cardiac events, and QoL compared to those receiving standard care.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted, including 205 patients with ASTEMI as the study sample, 125 cases in the intervention group (IG) and 80 cases in the control group (CG). Data on time management indicators, major cardiac adverse events, QoL scores, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels were collected.ResultsThrough intervention, the IG suggested visibly shorter rescue time, vein opening time, intervention procedure time, and hospital stay compared to the CG; the probability of heart failure (HF), cardiac arrest, and death in the IG was visibly lower than in the CG; the physical health, mental health, social relationships, and environmental scores in the IG were visibly higher than in the CG. Further comparison of post-intervention outcomes between the IG and CG showed no statistically significant differences in serum BNP and cardiac troponin I levels (P > 0.05), with the confidence intervals (CIs) indicating that the changes between the two groups were comparable. However, when comparing post-intervention LVEF between the groups, the IG showed a significantly higher LVEF than the CG (P < 0.05), with a CI of (P = 0.03, 95% CI [0.05, 0.18]).ConclusionImproved nursing decision-making based on the nursing process not only demonstrates advantages in time management but also visibly enhances the QoL of patients with ASTEMI in the emergency setting, reduces the risk of serious cardiac adverse events, and has a positive impact on cardiac function recovery.

Assessing Impact of Personality Traits on Mental Health in LGBTQI+ Youth

Objective: Present research was commenced with the objective to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQI+) youth come out at younger ages, and public support for LGBTQI+ issues has dramatically increased, so why do LGBTQI+ youth continue to be at high risk for compromised mental health? We provide an overview of the contemporary context for LGBTQI+ youth, followed by a review of current science on LGBT youth mental health. The personality and mantal health status are two different concept having impact on the development of human being. LGBTQI+ youth is studied under this domain. Methodology: 22 participants were given the questionnaires Eysenck’s personality questionnaire (EPQR) and Mental Health Status (MHS) Questionnaire. They were asked to answer the questionnaire with full open mind and time Data Interpretation: Pearson’s correlation was carried out between EPQR and MHS. The data found out moderate correlation between the personality traits and mental health Conclusion: There is impact of personality trait and mental health status in LGBTQI+ youth

Effects of Capsaicin on Masticatory and Swallowing Function.

Recent studies have shown that capsaicin improves the pharyngeal swallowing reflex. However, the mechanism by which capsaicin alters mastication and oesophageal function remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of capsaicin on masticatory and oesophageal function. Participants were 12 healthy individuals (7 men, 5 women: aged 31.5 ± 3.0 years). The participants ingested five rice cakes without capsaicin and then five rice cakes containing capsaicin. Total mastication frequency, total mastication time, and mastication rate were measured. Pharyngeal and upper oesophageal sphincter (UES) parameters were evaluated using high-resolution manometry (HRM). The masticatory and HRM parameters were compared between the ingestion of capsaicin-containing and non-capsaicin containing rice cakes. The total mastication frequency and total mastication time(s) for capsaicin ingestion were significantly smaller (20.3 ± 9.4 vs. 22.4 ± 7.4; p = 0.011) and shorter (14.2 ± 7.0 vs. 15.4 ± 5.6; p = 0.038), respectively, than those for non-capsaicin ingestion. Comparison of the HRM parameters revealed significantly higher hypopharyngeal contractile integral (mmHg-s-cm) (56.6 ± 40.7 vs. 49.7 ± 43.6; p = 0.016) and proximal oesophageal contractile integral (mmHg-s-cm) (492.3 ± 292.64 vs. 381.2 ± 266; p < 0.001), significantly shorter UES basal pressure (mmHg) (93.6 ± 37.8 vs. 114.5 ± 43.4; p < 0.001), and significantly longer UES relaxation time (ms) (486.7 ± 90.7 vs. 431.2 ± 82.3; p < 0.001) for capsaicin ingestion than for non-capsaicin ingestion. Decreased mastication frequency and time, increased hypopharyngeal and proximal oesophageal contractile integral, and prolonged UES opening time with capsaicin ingestion suggests that capsaicin improves oral, pharyngeal and oesophageal phases of swallowing.

Novel method to evaluate 3-D printed concrete quality using ultrasonic scatter energy techniques

ABSTRACT This study investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of a non-destructive ultrasonic testing method to evaluate the quality of 3-D printed concrete (3DPC) under varying printing conditions. To simulate different types of layer completions of 3DPC under real-world conditions, three printing schemes with different open times were adopted: no time gap, a 2-minute time gap, and a 5-minute time gap between printing subsequent layers. An air-coupled ultrasonic scanning system was used to measure multiple ultrasonic signals collected from three different 3DPC specimens. The signals were analysed in the frequency-wavenumber (f-k) domain to decompose forward propagating and scattered wave fields. The experimental results demonstrate that ultrasonic scatter energy increases with longer time gaps between subsequent layers in 3DPC. Additionally, the scatter energy was found to correlate well with defect density of 3DPC, assessed by digital image processing using image binarization methods. The findings of this study suggest that the ultrasonic scatter energy approach shows potential more thoroughly assess the quality of 3DPC structures because it interrogates the full volume of the materials and it provides superior damage sensitivity than ultrasonic velocity measurements do.

Study on the quality of drug vial recognition and grasping and opening for pharmacy intravenous admixture robot based on nanophotonic sensing.

With the continuous progress of medical technology, traditional medicine bottle identification and management methods have problems such as low efficiency and large errors, and innovative solutions are urgently needed. Due to its high sensitivity and rapid response characteristics, this study aims to develop a robot system for intravenous infusion based on nanophotonics sensing to realize accurate identification, grasping and opening of medicine bottles in a dynamic environment, so as to improve the safety and efficiency of intravenous infusion. In this paper, an intelligent robot system with nanophotonics sensor is designed, which uses nanomaterials to produce high sensitivity sensor, so as to realize the information recognition of medicine bottle labels. The robot arm is set up to grasp and open the medicine bottle automatically through visual recognition system and feedback control algorithm. We conducted several rounds of experiments in a simulated environment to evaluate the recognition rate, grab success rate, and opening speed of the system. The experimental results show that the recognition system based on nano photonic sensor in bottle of accuracy and grab the success rate is higher, open time is greatly shortened, compared with traditional methods, the new system in recognition and operation were showed a significant advantage. The study demonstrates the potential of nanophotonics sensing technology in intravenous infusion robots. By optimizing the process of bottle recognition, grasping and opening, the system not only improves the safety and efficiency of medical operations, but is also expected to play a role in future medical automation. Future work will focus on further perfecting the system integration and optimization algorithm, so as to adapt to more complex clinical environment.

Effect of invasive acupuncture on awakening quality after general anesthesia: systematic review and meta-analysis.

The process of waking up from general anesthesia is still not well understood, and recovery issues such as delayed awakening, agitation, postoperative cognitive dysfunction, continue to be a challenge for anesthesiologists. Currently, the treatment of these complications is mainly achieved through the antagonistic action of specific drugs, but sometimes the antagonistic drugs are not as effective as they should be and can add to the financial burden of the patient. Acupuncture, a common treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is widely used around surgery. However, there is no enough evidence to show it improves recovery after anesthesia. To explore this, we reviewed relevant randomized trials and conducted a meta-analysis. This systematic review was conducted to explore the effect of perioperative application of invasive acupuncture on the quality of postoperative awakening after general anesthesia. By searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Clinical Trials Center, China Knowledge Network (CNKI), China Biomedical Database (CBM), Wanfang Medical Database, Weipu Database, to include randomized controlled trials of invasive acupuncture applied perioperatively. Search is limited from the build-up of the database to March 2022. The statistical analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3. Quality assessment of the included research literature using Cochrane-recommended risk of bias assessment tool. 18 randomized controlled trials were included with 1,127 patients. 565 patients in invasive acupuncture intervention group, 562 patients in control group. Results showed that invasive acupuncture group had a shorter eye opening time than control group (MD = -6.42, 95% CI [-8.17, -4.66], p < 0.001), shorter extubation times (MD = -5.84, 95% CI [-8.12, -3.56], p < 0.001), lower MAP at extubation (MD = -18.54, 95% CI [-22.69, -14.39], p < 0.001), lower HR at extubation (MD = -14.85, 95% CI [-23.90, -5.81], p < 0.001). No statistical difference in the occurrence of POCD (OR = 0.56, 95% CI [0.28, 1.11], p = 0.10) and postoperative agitation (OR = 0.42, 95% CI [0.11, 1.65], p = 0.21). https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, CRD42023410260.

Percutaneous hallux fusion with calcaneus bone autograft: a retrospective cohort study of clinical and radiographic outcomes.

In the case of end-stage hallux rigidus, first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis is the gold-standard and is traditionally performed via an open approach. However, complications such as nonunion have been reported to be as high as 30%. Recently, there have been reports demonstrating a percutaneous approach to be effective and safe. Forty-nine patients with end-stage hallux rigidus underwent percutaneous first MTP joint arthrodesis with calcaneus autograft performed by a single surgeon. Each patient underwent a minimum of 24 month clinical and radiographic follow up, including 3 month post operative computed tomography scans. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Foot Function Index (FFI) preoperatively and at final follow-up. Mean follow-up was 27.3 months. Bone union was observed in 46 patients (93.9%). Mean time to union was 3.1 months. Nonunion rate was 6.1%. Overall complication rate was 12.2%. Mean pre- and postoperative VAS scores were 7.5 and 0.2, respectively (P < .0001). Mean pre- and postoperative total FFI values were 56.3 and 15.7 (P < .0001), respectively. Patient satisfaction after the procedure was 93.9%. Observed union rate is comparable to the average fusion rate previously reported for open and minimally invasive procedure union rates. Mean time to union was observed to be comparable to open procedures union time. Observed overall complication rate is similar to those reported for open techniques as well. Patient reported outcomes demonstrated a significant reduction in postoperative VAS and FFI for the percutaneous metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis with calcaneus bone autograft. Patient satisfaction rates compared favorably to those reported following open surgery.

Distinct properties and activation of hexameric and heptameric Pannexin 1 channel concatemers.

Pannexin 1 (PANX1) is a member of a topologically related and stoichiometrically diverse family of large pore membrane ion channels that support the flux of signaling metabolites (e.g., ATP) and fluorescent dyes. High-resolution structural analyses have identified PANX1 as a heptamer despite early evidence suggesting that it might be a hexamer. To determine if PANX1 channel activity is supported in both hexameric and heptameric conformations, we examined properties of concatenated PANX1 constructs comprising either six or seven subunits with intact or truncated C-termini (the latter to mimic caspase-cleavage activation). In whole-cell recordings from PANX1-deleted cells, the C-tail-truncated hexameric and heptameric concatemers generated outwardly rectifying PANX1-like currents only after severing the intersubunit linkers. Surprisingly, α1D adrenoceptor stimulation activated constructs with intact or truncated C-tails, even without linker cleavage. In inside-out patches from PANX1-deleted cells, linker cleavage activated C-tail truncated channels derived from either hexameric or heptameric concatemers. The heptamers presented peak unitary conductance and mean open time that was similar to channels assembled from the expression of unlinked single PANX1 subunits and greater than from the hexamers. In addition, the linker-cleaved heptameric concatemers supported greater PANX1-dependent ATP release and TO-PRO-3 uptake than the corresponding hexamers. These data indicate that functional PANX1 channels can be obtained in either hexameric or heptameric conformations and suggest that the distinct unitary properties of heptameric channels are more conducive to large molecule permeation by PANX1; they also suggest that there are distinct structural requirements for C-tail cleavage and receptor-mediated PANX1 activation mechanisms.

Effect of Apelin-13 on Anxiety Like Behaviour in Male Rats

Aim: Apelin-13 is known to be one of the predominant neuropeptides with a marked crucial role in circuits involved in mood disorders. Abnormalities of the hippocampus and amygdala play an important role in the development and/or maintenance of pathological anxiety. Here, we assessed the potential anxiolytic effect of Apelin-13 on anxiety-like behaviors in male rats. Materials and Methods: A total of 48 male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (n=12). Control (C), Social Isolation (SI), Apelin-13 (A), and Social Isolation + Apelin-13 (SI+A). In the C and A groups, four animals were housed per cage for 8 weeks. In the SI and SI+A groups, each animal was housed individually for 8 weeks. After that apelin-13 administration was applied by osmotic pomp. Anxiety/depression-related behaviors were evaluated using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), Open Field Test (OFT), and Light-Dark boxes (LDB). We also measured the expression of Apelin-13, Apelin receptor (APJ), Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Mammalian Atonal Homolog 1 (MASH1), Nestin, Doublecortin (DCX) and Neuritin in the hippocampus. These are important markers indicating the anxiety mechanism in the hippocampus. Results: Our findings showed that apelin-13 administration reduced anxiety behaviors. Open arm entires and time spent were higher in the A group. In the open field test, grooming and rearing were lower in the SI group. Moreover, apelin-13 and APJ gene expression was higher in the A group. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that apelin-13 infusion may lead to a decrease in anxiety-related behaviors in male rats.

L-type calcium channel blockade attenuates the anxiogenic-like effects of cocaine abstinence in female and male rats.

Cocaine abstinence and withdrawal are linked to relapse and heightened anxiety. While L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) have been associated with cocaine use disorders in humans and drug-seeking in rodents, their role in mood-related symptoms during cocaine abstinence remains unclear. We addressed this by investigating the ability of LTCC blockade with isradipine to alter the mood-related behavioral phenotypes induced by cocaine abstinence. Female and male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to self-administer cocaine or saline, followed by a 14-day period of abstinence. Subsequently, behavioral responses were examined using the sucrose preference test (SPT), elevated plus maze (EPM), and forced swim test (FST). Cocaine-abstinent rats showed decreased open arm time in the EPM and increased immobility time in the FST with no changes in the SPT. Isradipine (0.4mg/kg or 1.2mg/kg, i.p.), reversed the anxiogenic-like EPM behavior in female cocaine-abstinent rats, whereas only the higher dose (1.2mg/kg, i.p.) was effective in male cocaine-abstinent rats. In the FST, the lower dose (0.4mg/kg, i.p.) of isradipine reversed the increased immobility time observed in cocaine-abstinent female and male rats, with no isradipine effect in saline-abstinent rats. In contrast 1.2mg/kg, i.p. isradipine decreased immobility time in both cocaine and saline abstinent female and male rats. In summary, isradipine administration reversed the anxiogenic and increased the FST immobility time associated with cocaine abstinence in a dose and sex-dependent manner. The data underscore the importance of further investigation of LTCC mechanisms and their therapeutic potential for mood disorders associated with cocaine use disorder.

Predicting non-ideal effects from the diaphragm opening process in shock tubes

Shock tubes are instrumental in studying high-temperature kinetics and simulating high-speed flows. They rapidly increase the thermodynamic conditions of test gases, making them ideal for examining chemical reactions and generating high-enthalpy flows for aerodynamic research. However, non-ideal effects, stemming from factors like diaphragm opening processes and viscous effects, can significantly influence thermodynamic conditions behind the shock wave. This study investigates the impact of various diaphragm opening patterns on the shock parameters near the driven section's end wall. Experiments were conducted using helium and argon as driver and driven gases, respectively, at pressures ranging from 1.32 to 2.09 bar and temperatures from 1073 to 2126 K behind the reflected shock. High-speed imaging captured different diaphragm rupture profiles, classified into four distinct types based on their dynamics. Results indicate that the initial stages of diaphragm opening, including the rate and profile of opening, play crucial roles in the resulting incident shock Mach number and test time. A sigmoid function was employed to fit the diaphragm opening profiles, allowing for accurate categorization and analysis. New correlations were developed to predict the incident shock attenuation rate and post-shock pressure rise, incorporating parameters such as diaphragm opening time, rupture profile constants, and normalized experimental Mach number. The results emphasize the importance of considering diaphragm rupture dynamics in shock tube experiments to achieve accurate predictions of shock parameters.

Development of Novel Oral Delivery Systems Using Additive Manufacturing Technologies to Overcome Biopharmaceutical Challenges for Future Targeted Drug Delivery.

Background/Objectives: The development of targeted drug delivery systems for active pharmaceutical ingredients with narrow absorption windows is crucial for improving their bioavailability. This study proposes a novel 3D-printed expandable drug delivery system designed to precisely administer drugs to the upper small intestine, where absorption is most efficient. The aim was to design, prototype, and evaluate the system's functionality for organ retention and targeted drug release. Methods: The system was created using 3D printing technologies, specifically FDM and SLA, with materials such as PLA and HPMC. The device was composed of matrices and springs, with different spring geometries (diameter, coil number, and cross-sectional shape) being tested for strength and flexibility. A gastro-resistant string was used to maintain the device in a compact configuration until it reached the neutral pH environment of the small intestine, where the string dissolved. The mechanical performance of the springs was evaluated using a texture analyzer, and the ability of the system to expand upon pH change was tested in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Results: The results demonstrated that the system remained in the space-saving configuration for two hours under acidic conditions. Upon a pH change to 6.8, the system expanded as expected, with opening times of 5.5 ± 1.2 min for smaller springs and 2.5 ± 0.3 min for larger springs. The device was able to regain its expanded state, suggesting its potential for controlled drug release in the small intestine. Conclusions: This prototype represents a promising approach for targeted drug delivery to the upper small intestine, offering a potential alternative for drugs with narrow absorption windows. While the results are promising, further in vivo studies are necessary to assess the system's clinical potential and mechanical stability in real gastrointestinal conditions.

Role of Cement Type on Properties of High Early-Strength Concrete

Properties of high early-strength concretes (HESCs) containing Type V, Type III, and rapid hardening calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cements were investigated at curing ages of opening time, 24 h, and 28 days. Investigated properties included the fresh (workability, setting time, air content, unit weight, and released heat of hydration), mechanical (compressive and flexural strengths), transport (absorption, volume of permeable voids, water penetration, rapid chloride permeability, and accelerated corrosion resistance), dimensional stability (drying shrinkage), and durability (de-icing salt and abrasion resistance) properties. Test results revealed that the HESC containing Rapid-Set cement achieved the shortest opening time to attain the required minimum strength, followed by Type III and Type V cement HESCs. For the most part, Type V cement HESC produced the best transport and de-icing salt resistance, whereas Rapid-Set cement HESC displayed the best dimensional stability and wear resistance.

Development of a Modular Sandwich Panel with a Composite Core of Recycled Material for Application in Sustainable Building.

In recent years, the construction industry has faced challenges related to rising material costs, labor shortages and environmental sustainability, resulting in an increased interest in modular construction cores composed of recycled materials, such as XPS, PUR, PLW and GFRP, from waste from the truck body industry. Two resins, PUR and polyester, were used to bond these recycled composites. Physical, chemical and mechanical analyses showed that the panels formed with PUR resin had superior workability due to the higher open time of the resin, 11.3% better thermal conductivity than the commercial PLW panel (SP-PLW) and reduced porosity compared to those using polyester resin. The mechanical performance of the panels improved with higher structural reinforcement content (PLW and GFRP). Compared to a commercial panel (SP-PLW), the SP-RCM1 recycled panel showed 4% higher performance, demonstrating its potential for sustainable building applications. Thermal and microscopic characterizations showed good adhesion of the materials in the best performing formulations related to higher thermal stability. Therefore, this research aims to demonstrate the feasibility of using waste from the car industry in the manufacture of sandwich panels for modular construction to address these issues.

Household Satisfaction with Community Health Insurance Scheme and Associated Factors in Adama Woreda, East Shewa Zone, Ethiopia

Understanding the level of satisfaction and factors associated with it is essential to ensure the sustainability of the community- based health insurance (CBHI) program. Therefore, this study aimed to assess household satisfaction with a community-based health insurance scheme and its associated factors in the Adama district. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in households of Adama district from February 15-30, 2023. The Systematic random sampling technique under multi-stage sampling was used to select study participants. A face-to-face interview with a total of 620 households was conducted by using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis, bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression analysis were conducted. Variables with p-value &amp;lt; 0.05 were considered statistically significant to determine independent predictors of household satisfaction with the CBHI scheme. The level of household satisfaction with the CBHI scheme was found to be 61.1%. Satisfaction was found significantly associated with male household heads (AOR=0.545; 95% C.I 0.358-0.831), households with the educational level of able to read and write, grade 1-4 and grade 5-8,(AOR=0.281; 95% C.I 0.131-0.603; AOR=0.533; 95% C.I 0.311-0.915 and, AOR=0.409; 95% C.I 0.191-0.877) respectively, followers of waqefeta religion (AOR=2.123; 95% C.I 0.858-5.262), occupation of government employment (AOR=3.493; 95% C.I 1.949-6.262), those who strongly agreed with immediate care (AOR=0.508; 95% C.I 0.270-0.957), those who strongly agree and disagree with CBHI scheme office opining time (AOR=0.157; 95% C.I 0.044-0.556; AOR=-0.049; 95% C.I 0.006-0.384) and those who disagree with payment of premium schedule (AOR=150.66; 95% C.I 6.171-3678.207). This study showed that the overall satisfaction of households in the Adama district with the CBHI scheme was very good. Male households, waqefeta region followers, occupation of government employees, educational level, immediate care, BBHI office opening time, and premium schedule paying were significant factors of satisfaction with CBHI. Consideration should be given to increasing the accessibility of immediate health care, improving the educational level of households, and improving enrollee’s knowledge of CBHI benefit packages.

Ultrastructural organization of the liver of rat pups in early postnatal ontogenesis when pregnant and lactating rats are kept on a low-protein diet

ABSTRACT Protein deficiency in the diet during pregnancy and lactation has a serious impact on the offspring by programming a predisposition to such serious diseases as hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In our study, we examined liver ultrastructure of rat pups at ages 2, 21, and 40 days with maternal protein deficiency. Body weight of the pups progressively lagged behind the control throughout the experiment, and the timing of eye opening indicated a slowdown of development. In the liver of 2-day-old animals, the proportion of hematopoietic cells at early stages of differentiation was higher as compared to the control. At the ultrastructural level, no obvious pathological changes were revealed, but a decrease in the amount of organelles was observed simultaneously with accumulation of lipids and glycogen. In the course of the experiment, a progressive decrease in the amount of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes and increasing accumulation of glycogen in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes were noted. The most pronounced difference in ultrastructure between periportal and pericentral hepatocytes of control rat pups was detected on the 40th day of development, whereas in the low-protein diet group, the difference was weakly pronounced throughout the experiment. Thus, we showed that with prenatal and early postnatal protein deficiency, the growth and development of rat pups slows down, and glycogen accumulates excessively in the liver concurrently with a decrease in the amount of organelles.

Effect of auricular point pressure on anaesthetic recovery in the patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled trial

To explore the effect of auricular point pressure on anesthetic recovery in the patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. One hundred and forty patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized into a trial group (52 cases, 2 cases dropped out) and a control group (52 cases, 2 cases were eliminated). In the control group, the conventional anesthesia program and recovery intervention were adopted. In the trial group, on the basis of the regimen as the control group, the intervention of auricular point pressure was supplemented. The auricular points on the right side were selected, including sympathetic (AH6a), brain (subcortex, AT4), thalamus, exciting point, heart and sore center. One day before operation, the auricular point pressure started; and the auricular points were stimulated specially before anesthesia (T0), at the moment of operation ending (T1), when entering the recovery room, at the moment of the tube removal (T2) and in 10 min of the tube removal (T3), respectively; each auricular point was pressed for 1 min a time. The recovery time of spontaneous breathing, the time of eye opening, the removal time of endotracheal tube, the recovery time of orientation, and the time of exiting recovery room were compared between the two groups. The score of pain visual analogue scale (VAS) and that of Richmond agitation-sedation scale (RASS) at T2, T3 and when exiting recovery room (T4), and the relevant circulatory indexes (heart rate [HR], systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP] and mean arterial pressure [MAP]) at T0, T1, T2 and T3 were observed in the two groups. In the trial group, the recovery time of spontaneous breathing, the time of eye opening, the removal time of endotracheal tube, the recovery time of orientation, the time of exiting recovery room were shorter than those of the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The pain VAS and RASS scores at T2, T3 and T4, as well as HR, SBP, DBP and MAP at T0, T1, T2 and T3 were not different statistically between the two groups (P>0.05). Auricular point pressure can shorten the recovery time from anesthesia in the patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Multi-objective optimization of an electrical injector in Urea-SCR system

Electrical injector is mainly used in non-air-assisted urea dosing systems to atomize and inject urea water solution. It consists of solenoid switch valve and injector. A good performance of the electrical injector can improve dosing precision of urea dosing system. To investigate dynamic characteristics of the electrical injector, an equivalent magnetic circuit model of the solenoid valve was established and magnetic field of the solenoid valve was also simulated using a three-dimensional finite element model. The results show that the calculation error of the two models is 6%, demonstrating that the equivalent magnetic circuit model can effectively predict the magnetic characteristics of the solenoid. Taking opening time, closing time, and coil area of the electrical injector as objective functions, a multi-objective optimization algorithm was used to optimize the design parameters of the electrical injector. Opening and closing processes of the optimized electrical injector under different pressures and driving voltages were measured through laser triangulation sensor. The experimental results showed that calculation results of the proposed theoretical model were close to the measurement results. The opening time of the optimized injector has been reduced by 11%, the response of the injector has significantly improved.