bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scalp ulceration: a rare manifestation of giant cell arteritis
Authors: McDonald Louise , Baker Gavin , Kerr Olga
Published: November 2019

An 81-year-old woman presented with an enlarging, tender ulcer on her scalp over an 8-week period, attributing it to a prior graze with garden shears. C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were elevated at 87.7 mg/L and 112 mm/hour, respectively. Incisional biopsies demonstrated ulceration and full thickness necrosis with no evidence of malignancy. Vasculitis was suggested as a likely cause of such extensive necrosis and subsequent temporal artery biopsy findings were consistent with giant cell arteritis. The patient was initially treated with high-dose oral prednisolone and achieved complete healing of the scalp necrosis within 12 months, with a gradual down-titration of steroid therapy thereafter. Scalp necrosis is a rare, potentially life-threatening complication of giant cell arteritis. This case highlights the importance of considering scalp necrosis as a manifestation of giant cell arteritis when assessing scalp ulceration. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent significant morbidity and potential mortality.
Antidiabetic medication use during pregnancy: an international utilization study
Authors: Cesta Carolyn E , Cohen Jacqueline M , Pazzagli Laura , Bateman Brian T , Bröms Gabriella , Einarsdóttir Kristjana , Furu Kari , Havard Alys , Heino Anna , Hernandez-Diaz Sonia , Huybrechts Krista F , Karlstad Øystein , Kieler Helle , Li Jiong , Leinonen Maarit K , Gulseth Hanne L , Tran Duong , Yu Yongfu , Zoega Helga , Odsbu Ingvild
Published: November 2019

Objective

Diabetes in pregnancy and consequently the need for treatment with antidiabetic medication (ADM) has become increasingly prevalent. The prevalence and patterns of use of ADM in pregnancy from 2006 onward in seven different countries was assessed.

Research design and methods

Data sources included individually linked data from the nationwide health registers in Denmark (2006–2016), Finland (2006–2016), Iceland (2006–2012), Norway (2006–2015), Sweden (2006–2015), state-wide administrative and claims data for New South Wales, Australia (2006–2012) and two US insurance databases: Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX; 2006–2012, public) and IBM MarketScan (2012–2015, private). The prevalence of ADM use was calculated as the proportion of pregnancies with at least one filled prescription of an ADM in the 90 days before pregnancy or within the three trimesters of pregnancy.

Results

Prevalence of any ADM use in 5 279 231 pregnancies was 3% (n=147 999) and varied from under 2% (Denmark, Norway, and Sweden) to above 5% (Australia and US). Insulin was the most used ADM, and metformin was the most used oral hypoglycemic agent with increasing use over time in all countries. In 11.4%–62.5% of pregnancies with prepregnancy use, ADM (primarily metformin) was discontinued. When ADM treatment was initiated in late pregnancy for treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus, insulin was most often dispensed, except in the US, where glibenclamide was most often used.

Conclusions

Prevalence and patterns of use of ADM classes varied between countries and over time. While insulin remained the most common ADM used in pregnancy, metformin use increased significantly over the study period.
Performance of externally validated enhanced computer-aided versions of the National Early Warning Score in predicting mortality following an emergency admission to hospital in England: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Faisal Muhammad , Richardson Donald , Scally Andy , Howes Robin , Beatson Kevin , Mohammed Mohammed
Published: November 2019

Objectives

In the English National Health Service, the patient’s vital signs are monitored and summarised into a National Early Warning Score (NEWS) to support clinical decision making, but it does not provide an estimate of the patient’s risk of death. We examine the extent to which the accuracy of NEWS for predicting mortality could be improved by enhanced computer versions of NEWS (cNEWS).

Design

Logistic regression model development and external validation study.

Setting

Two acute hospitals (YH—York Hospital for model development; NH—Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospital for external model validation).

Participants

Adult (≥16 years) medical admissions discharged over a 24-month period with electronic NEWS (eNEWS) recorded on admission are used to predict mortality at four time points (in-hospital, 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours) using the first electronically recorded NEWS (model M0) versus a cNEWS model which included age+sex (model M1) +subcomponents of NEWS (including diastolic blood pressure) (model M2).

Results

The risk of dying in-hospital following emergency medical admission was 5.8% (YH: 2080/35 807) and 5.4% (NH: 1900/35 161). The c-statistics for model M2 in YH for predicting mortality (in-hospital=0.82, 24 hours=0.91, 48 hours=0.88 and 72 hours=0.88) was higher than model M0 (in-hospital=0.74, 24 hours=0.89, 48 hours=0.86 and 72 hours=0.85) with higher Positive Predictive Value (PPVs) for in-hospital mortality (M2 19.3% and M0 16.6%). Similar findings were seen in NH. Model M2 performed better than M0 in almost all major disease subgroups.

Conclusions

An externally validated enhanced computer-aided NEWS model (cNEWS) incrementally improves on the performance of a NEWS only model. Since cNEWS places no additional data collection burden on clinicians and is readily automated, it may now be carefully introduced and evaluated to determine if it can improve care in hospitals that have eNEWS systems.
Measurement of coverage, compliance and determinants of uptake in a publicly funded rotavirus vaccination programme: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Rafferty Ellen , Guo Xiaoyan , McDonald Bruce , Svenson Lawrence W , MacDonald Shannon Elizabeth
Published: November 2019

Objectives

In June 2015, Alberta, Canada instituted a universal publicly funded rotavirus vaccination programme (Rotarix, RV1), with vaccine doses scheduled for 2 and 4 months of age. Vaccination was restricted so that infants were only allowed to receive first dose between 6 and 20 weeks of age, and second dose before eight calendar months of age. We assessed the coverage and schedule non-compliance of rotavirus vaccination for babies born between June 2015 and August 2016, that is, since the inception of the publicly funded rotavirus vaccination programme, and determined factors associated with rotavirus vaccine uptake.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using linked administrative health data.

Setting

Alberta, Canada.

Participants

Cohort of 66 689 children.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

(1) First and second dose rotavirus vaccination coverage, (2) percent of children non-compliant with recommended vaccine schedule and (3) adjusted ORs for factors associated with vaccination status.

Results

For the 66 689 children included in the study, coverage levels for one-dose and two-dose rotavirus vaccination were 87% and 83%, respectively. In comparison, two-dose diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis-polio-Haemophilus influenzae type bvaccine coverage was 92%, despite having the same dosing schedule. Schedule non-compliance during the publicly funded programme was very low. We observed socioeconomic disparities in the uptake of the vaccine, with income, location of residence and number of children in the household all contributing to the odds of a child being vaccinated with rotavirus.

Conclusions

Compliance to the recommended rotavirus schedule was very high, suggesting that even with the restrictive rotavirus vaccine schedule, the vaccine can be delivered on-time. However, rotavirus vaccine coverage remained lower than DTaP, a similarly scheduled childhood vaccination. We also observed socioeconomic disparities in vaccine uptake. These findings raise concerns about rotavirus protection in the groups at highest risk for gastrointestinal illness, including low-income and rural populations.
Volume and in-hospital mortality after emergency abdominal surgery: a national population-based study
Authors: Nally Deirdre M , Sørensen Jan , Valentelyte Gintare , Hammond Laura , McNamara Deborah , Kavanagh Dara O , Mealy Ken
Published: November 2019

​Objectives

Emergency abdominal surgery (EAS) refers to high-risk intra-abdominal surgical procedures undertaken for acute gastrointestinal pathology. The relationship between hospital or surgeon volume and mortality of patients undergoing EAS is poorly understood. This study examined this relationship at the national level.

​Design

This is a national population-based study using a full administrative inpatient dataset (National Quality Assurance Improvement System) from publicly funded hospitals in Ireland.

​Setting

24 public hospitals providing EAS services.

​Participants and Interventions

Patients undergoing EAS as identified by primary procedure codes during the period 2014–2018.

​Main outcome measures

The main outcome measure was adjusted in-hospital mortality following EAS in publicly funded Irish hospitals. Mortality rates were adjusted for sex, age, admission source, Charlson Comorbidity Index, procedure complexity, organ system and primary diagnosis. Differences in overall, 7-day and 30-day in-hospital mortality for hospitals with low (<250), medium (250–449) and high (450+) volume and surgical teams with low (<30), medium (30–59) and high (60+) volume during the study period were also estimated.

​Results

The study included 10 344 EAS episodes. 798 in-hospital deaths occurred, giving an overall in-hospital mortality rate of 77 per 1000 episodes. There was no statistically significant difference in adjusted mortality rate between low and high volume hospitals. Low volume surgical teams had a higher adjusted mortality rate (85.4 deaths/1000 episodes) compared with high volume teams (54.7 deaths/1000 episodes), a difference that persisted among low volume surgeons practising in high volume hospitals.

​Conclusion

Patients undergoing EAS managed by high volume surgeons have better survival outcomes. These findings contribute to the ongoing discussion regarding configuration of emergency surgery services and emphasise the need for effective clinical governance regarding observed variation in outcomes within and between institutions.
Associations between adolescent experiences, parent experiences and HbA1c: results following two surveys based on the Norwegian Childhood Diabetes Registry (NCDR)
Authors: Iversen Hilde Hestad , Bjertnaes Oyvind , Skrivarhaug Torild
Published: November 2019

Objective

The aim of the current study was to determine the association between the experiences of adolescents and their parents with paediatric diabetes care at hospital outpatient departments and the association between these experiences and the Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels of adolescents.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Paediatric diabetes care at hospital outpatient departments in Norway.

Participants

Parents of all outpatients registered in the Norwegian Childhood Diabetes Registry and patients in the same registry aged 12–17 years.

Intervention

1399 parents participated in a national pilot survey and 335 patients aged 12–17 years from the four largest paediatric outpatient departments in Norway responded in another pilot study. 181 paired parental and patient questionnaires were analysed.

Main outcome measures

The correlations between single items, indicator scores and overall scores were explored, as was that between indicator scores and HbA1c levels.

Results

There was a moderate but significant correlation between the responses of the patients and parents. For 40 of the 42 associations the correlations were significant, ranging from 0.16 to 0.42. A weak but significant negative correlation was found between the indicator scores of parents and the HbA1c levels of the adolescents. The strongest correlations were between HbA1c level and nurse contact and organisation, both with a correlation coefficient of 0.21 (p<0.01). There was no significant correlation between HbA1c level and patient indicator scores.

Conclusions

These results highlight the need to obtain information from both parents and adolescents, and indicate that the views of adolescents are not always mirrored by their parents. Three of the seven parent experience indicators were significantly related to the HbA1c levels of adolescents, but replication in future research with larger sample sizes is warranted.
Pregnancy outcome in women with atrial septal defect: associated with in vitro fertilisation and pre-eclampsia
Authors: Udholm Sebastian , Udholm Louise , Nyboe Camilla , Kesmodel Ulrik Schiøler , Hjortdal Vibeke Elisabeth
Published: November 2019

Objective

To investigate in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in women with atrial septal defect (ASD), and to examine the maternal characteristics and outcome of pregnancy, as well as the fetal outcome of infants born by women with ASD.

Methods

We used population-based registries in this nationwide cohort study, including Danish individuals born before 1994 who received an ASD diagnosis between 1959 and 2014. Patients were compared with a random reference sample (ratio of 10 citizens per patient) matched by sex and age. The Danish Medical Birth Register (DMBR) contains data on all pregnancies and births in Denmark from 1977 to present. Risk of IVF treatment as well as maternal, pregnancy and fetal outcomes were compared.

Results

A total of 2277 Danish patients had a validated ASD diagnosis. Of these, 310 women were identified in the DMBR. Women with ASD had an increased risk of receiving IVF treatment (HR 3.14, 95% CI 2.1 to 4.7, p<0.0001), and a higher proportion of patients received IVF treatment when compared with the reference cohort (10.6% vs 3.2%; p<0.001). Furthermore, patients had more multiple births. Looking at singleton pregnancies (n=519), pre-eclampsia occurred more frequently in patients with ASD during pregnancy (6.7% vs 2.3%; p<0.001). Infants from mothers with ASD were found to have perinatal outcomes comparable to those of infants from the reference group.

Conclusion

Women with ASD had an increased risk of and received more IVF treatment than the reference group. The outcome of pregnancy in these patients were generally uneventful, however, we did confirm that pre-eclampsia occurred more frequently.
Efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block on postoperative quality of recovery and analgesia after modified radical mastectomy: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yao Yusheng , Li Hao , He Qiaolan , Chen Tingting , Wang Yihang , Zheng Xiaochun
Published: November 2019

Background

Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a novel regional anesthesia technique that is gaining popularity for postoperative pain management. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of ESPB on quality of recovery (QoR) in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy.

Methods

Eighty-two female patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy were included. Patients were randomly assigned to receive preoperative ultrasound-guided ESPB with either 0.5% ropivacaine or saline. The primary outcome was QoR, assessed 24 hours postoperatively using the 15-item QoR questionnaire (QoR-15). Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain scores, postoperative cumulative opioid consumption, postanesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge time, postoperative nausea or vomiting and dizziness.

Results

Global QoR-15 scores 24 hours postoperatively were significantly higher (indicating better quality) in the ESPB group (median 120, IQR 118–124) compared with the control group (median 110, IQR 108.3–112.8), with a median difference of 10 (95% CI 9 to 12, p<0.001). Compared with the control group, ESPB with ropivacaine reduced pain scores up to 8 hours after surgery, as well as reduced postoperative cumulative opioid consumption and PACU discharge time.

Conclusions

A single preoperative injection of ESPB with ropivacaine may improve QoR postoperatively and acute postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing a modified radical mastectomy.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR-1800019599.
Impact of Climate Change on the Growth of Typical Crops in Karst Areas: A Case Study of Guizhou Province
Authors: Ma Jun , Weng Baisha , Bi Wuxia , Xu Dan , Xu Ting , Yan Dengming
Published: November 2019

Climate change has emerged as a significant man-made global environmental challenge marked by rising temperature. The global rising temperature is supposed to alter climatic patterns like floods and droughts, thereby affecting human life supporting system and global food production. In order to clarify the impact of weather events on agricultural production in karst landforms, this study selected the indices of the growth period of crops (start time and duration), growing season precipitation, intense precipitation, number of consecutive rainless days, and number of drought-flood abrupt alternation events to evaluate the variation trend of future weather events and their impact on crop growth in Guizhou Province, China. The results show that (1) the climate is generally getting warmer. From 2019 to 2050, the sowing period of winter wheat and rice tends to be postponed. The duration of maize and rice’s growth period will be shortened, and the life cycle of wheat also emerges as having a decreasing tendency except for those from the southern region. Comparing with the mean value during 1961 to 2018, the average crop cycle length of winter wheat, summer maize, and rice was shortened. The rate of shortening of crop cycle length is faster than the value during 1961 to 2018. (2) In the next 30 years, extreme precipitation concentrates in June and mainly falls in the central and southeast parts of Guizhou Province. In addition, summer is the outbreak period of drought events and drought-flood abrupt alternation events, which has a great impact on crop’s growth. This study can provide references for the planting system, structure, layout, and management of crops in the karst region.
Label-Free Proteomics of the Fetal Pancreas Identifies Deficits in the Peroxisome in Rats with Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Authors: Liu Xiaomei , Guo Yanyan , Wang Jun , Gao Linlin , Liu Caixia
Published: November 2019

Aim. The objective of the present study was to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the pancreas of a fetus with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and to investigate the molecular mechanisms leading to adulthood diabetes in IUGR. Methods. The IUGR rat model was induced by maternal protein malnutrition. The fetal pancreas was collected at embryonic day 20 (E20). Protein was extracted, pooled, and subjected to label-free quantitative proteomic analysis. Bioinformatics analysis (GO and IPA) was performed to define the pathways and networks associated with DEPs. LC-MS results were confirmed by western blotting and/or quantitative PCR (q-PCR). The principal parameters of oxidative stress-superoxide dismutase (Sod) were determined in blood samples of fetal rats. Results. A total of 57 DEPs (27 upregulated, 30 downregulated) were identified with a 1.5-fold change threshold and a p value ≤ 0.05 between the IUGR and the control pancreas. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these proteins play important roles in peroxisome biogenesis and fission, fatty acid beta-oxidation (FAO), mitotic cell cycle, and histone modification. The peroxin Pex14 was downregulated in the IUGR pancreas as confirmed by western blotting and q-PCR. Pmp70, a peroxisomal membrane protein involved in the transport of fatty acids, was upregulated. Hsd17b4 and Acox1/2, which catalyze different steps of peroxisomal FAO, were dysregulated. Sod plasma concentrations in the IUGR fetus were higher than those in the control, suggesting partial compensation for oxidative stress. Multiple DEPs were related to the regulation of the cell cycle, including reduced Cdk1, Mcm2, and Brd4. The histone acetylation regulators Hdac1/2 were downregulated, whereas Sirt1/3 and acetylated H3K56 were increased in the IUGR fetal pancreas. Conclusion. The present study identified DEPs in the fetal pancreas of IUGR rats by proteomic analysis. Downregulation of pancreas peroxins and dysregulation of enzymes involved in peroxisomal FAO may impair the biogenesis and function of the peroxisome and may underlie the development of T2 diabetes mellitus in adult IUGR rats. Disorders of cell cycle regulators may induce cell division arrest and lead to smaller islets. The present data provide new insight into the role of the peroxisome in the development of the pancreas and may be valuable in furthering our understanding of the pathogenesis of IUGR-induced diabetes.
Amphiregulin Regulates Phagocytosis-Induced Cell Death in Monocytes via EGFR and the Bcl-2 Protein Family
Authors: Platen Christopher , Dreschers Stephan , Wappler Jessica , Ludwig Andreas , Düsterhöft Stefan , Reiss Lucy Kathleen , Orlikowsky Thorsten W.
Published: November 2019

Neonates are extremely susceptible to bacterial infections, and evidences suggest that phagocytosis-induced cell death (PICD) is less frequently triggered in neonatal monocytes than in monocytes from adult donors. An insufficient termination of the inflammatory response, leading to a prolonged survival of neonatal monocytes with ongoing proinflammatory cytokine release, could be associated with the progression of various inflammatory diseases in neonates. Our previous data indicate that amphiregulin (AREG) is increasingly expressed on the cell surface of neonatal monocytes, resulting in remarkably higher soluble AREG levels after proteolytic shedding. In this study, we found thatE. coli-infected neonatal monocytes show an increased phosphorylation of ERK, increased expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL, and reduced levels of cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9 compared to adult monocytes. In both cell types, additional stimulation with soluble AREG further increased ERK activation and expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-XLand reduced levels of cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9 in an EGFR-dependent manner. These data suggest that reduced PICD of neonatal monocytes could be due to reduced intrinsic apoptosis and that AREG can promote protection against PICD. This reduction of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway in neonatal monocytes could be relevant for severely prolonged inflammatory responses of neonates.
Explorating the Involvement of Plasma Sestrin2 in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Jiang Rong , Wang Qiru , Zhai Huifen , Du Xiaohua , Sun Shibo , Wang Haoyan
Published: November 2019

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can lead to serious complications such as coronary heart disease and hypertension due to oxidative stress. Sestrin2 expression is upregulated under conditions of oxidative stress. This study aimed to explore whether Sestrin2 was involved in OSA. OSA and healthy control subjects were recruited and matched with age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). Plasma Sestrin2 levels were measured and compared. A multivariate stepwise regression model was used to detect the relationship between Sestrin2 and other variable factors. The Sestrin2 levels were compared between before and after four weeks treatment by nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) in severe OSA patients. Fifty-seven subjects were divided into two groups: control group (39.33 ± 9.40 years, n = 21) and OSA group (38.81 ± 7.84 years, n = 36). Plasma Sestrin2 levels increased in the OSA group (control group 2.06 ± 1.76 ng/mL, OSA group 4.16 ± 2.37 ng/mL; P=0.001). Sestrin2 levels decreased after four-week nCPAP treatment (pre-nCPAP 5.21 ± 2.32 ng/mL, post-nCPAP 4.01 ± 1.54 ng/mL; P=0.004). Sestrin2 was positively correlated with apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) oxygen desaturation index, while negatively correlated with mean oxygen saturation. Moreover, these correlations remained unchanged after adjusting for gender, age, waist-to-hip ratio, and body mass index. Multiple regression analysis showed that there was an association between Sestrin2 and AHI. Our findings suggest that Sestrin2 is involved in OSA. The increase of plasma Sestrin2 is directly related to the severity of OSA. To some extent, Sestrin2 may be useful for determining the severity of OSA and monitoring the effect of CPAP. In addition, since some complications of OSA such as coronary heart disease and diabetes are usually related with oxidative stress, the role of Sestrin2 in those OSA complications needs further study.
A Multistrategy Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm Enlightened by Variable Neighborhood Search
Authors: Xiang Wan-li , Li Yin-zhen , He Rui-chun , Meng Xue-lei , An Mei-qing
Published: November 2019

Artificial bee colony (ABC) has a good exploration ability against its exploitation ability. For enhancing its comprehensive performance, we proposed a multistrategy artificial bee colony (ABCVNS for short) based on the variable neighborhood search method. First, a search strategy candidate pool composed of two search strategies, i.e., ABC/best/1 and ABC/rand/1, is proposed and employed in the employed bee phase and onlooker bee phase. Second, we present another search strategy candidate pool which consists of the original random search strategy and the opposition-based learning method. Then, it is used to further balance the exploration and exploitation abilities in the scout bee phase. Last but not least, motivated by the scheme of neighborhood change of variable neighborhood search, a simple yet efficient choice mechanism of search strategies is presented. Subsequently, the effectiveness of ABCVNS is carried out on two test suites composed of fifty-eight problems. Furthermore, comparisons among ABCVNS and several famous methods are also carried out. The related experimental results clearly demonstrate the effectiveness and the superiority of ABCVNS.
Translating Timing into an Architecture: The Synergy of COTSon and HLS (Domain Expertise—Designing a Computer Architecture via HLS)
Authors: Giorgi Roberto , Khalili Farnam , Procaccini Marco
Published: November 2019

Translating a system requirement into a low-level representation (e.g., register transfer level or RTL) is the typical goal of the design of FPGA-based systems. However, the Design Space Exploration (DSE) needed to identify the final architecture may be time consuming, even when using high-level synthesis (HLS) tools. In this article, we illustrate our hybrid methodology, which uses a frontend for HLS so that the DSE is performed more rapidly by using a higher level abstraction, but without losing accuracy, thanks to the HP-Labs COTSon simulation infrastructure in combination with our DSE tools (MYDSE tools). In particular, this proposed methodology proved useful to achieve an appropriate design of a whole system in a shorter time than trying to design everything directly in HLS. Our motivating problem was to deploy a novel execution model called data-flow threads (DF-Threads) running on yet-to-be-designed hardware. For that goal, directly using the HLS was too premature in the design cycle. Therefore, a key point of our methodology consists in defining the first prototype in our simulation framework and gradually migrating the design into the Xilinx HLS after validating the key performance metrics of our novel system in the simulator. To explain this workflow, we first use a simple driving example consisting in the modelling of a two-way associative cache. Then, we explain how we generalized this methodology and describe the types of results that we were able to analyze in the AXIOM project, which helped us reduce the development time from months/weeks to days/hours.
Adaptive Filtering in Optical Coherent Flexible Bit-Rate Receivers in the Presence of State-of-Polarization Transients and Colored Noise
Authors: Abdo Ahmad , D’Amours Claude
Published: November 2019

In this article, we analyze the performance of adaptive filtering in the context of dual-polarization coherent optical flexible bit-rate transceivers. We investigate the ability of different adaptive algorithms to track fast state-of-polarization (SOP) transients in the presence of colored noise. Colored noise exists due to the concatenation of Wavelength Selective Switches (WSSs) and polarization dependent loss (PDL) which can be considered as spatially dependent noise. We consider the use of different modulation formats, and the practical limitation of error signal feedback delay in decision-directed adaptive filters is also taken into account. The back-to-back required signal-to-noise ratio (RSNR) penalty that can be tolerated determines the maximum SOP rate of change that can be tracked by the adaptive filters as well as the filter’s adaptive step size. We show that the recursive least squares algorithm, using the covariance matrix as an aggressive “step size,” has a much better convergence speed compared to the least mean squares (LMS) and normalized LMS (NLMS) algorithms in the presence of colored noise in the fiber. However, the three algorithms have similar tracking capabilities in the absence of colored noise.
A Network Pharmacology Approach to Uncover the Molecular Mechanisms of Herbal Formula Kang-Bai-Ling for Treatment of Vitiligo
Authors: Xu Manyuan , Shi Jianxin , Min Zhongsheng , Zhu Hongliu , Sun Weiguo
Published: November 2019

Background. Kang-bai-ling (KBL), a Chinese patent medicine, has been demonstrated as an effective therapy for vitiligo in China. However, the pharmacological mechanisms of KBL have not been completely elucidated.Methods. In this study, the potential multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway mechanism of KBL against vitiligo was clarified by using network pharmacology-based strategy. In brief, potential targets of KBL were collected based on TCMSP databases, followed by network establishment concerning the interactions of potential targets of KBL with well-known therapeutic targets of vitiligo by using protein-protein interaction (PPI) data. As a result, key nodes with higher level of seven topological parameters, including “degree centrality (DC),” “betweenness centrality (BC),” “closeness centrality (CC),” “eigenvector centrality (EC),” “network centrality (NC),” and “local average connectivity (LAC)” were identified as the main targets in the network, followed by subsequent incorporation into the ClueGO for GO and KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analysis.Results. In accordance with the topological importance, a total of 23 potential targets of KBL on vitiligo were identified as main hubs. Additionally, enrichment analysis suggested that targets of KBL on vitiligo were mainly clustered into multiple biological processes (associated with DNA translation, lymphocyte differentiation and activation, steroid biosynthesis, autoimmune and systemic inflammatory reaction, neuron apoptosis, and vitamin deficiency) and related pathways (TNF, JAK-STAT, ILs, TLRs, prolactin, and NF-κB), indicating the underlying mechanisms of KBL on vitiligo.Conclusion. In this work, we successfully illuminated the “multicompounds, multitargets” therapeutic action of KBL on vitiligo by using network pharmacology. Moreover, our present outcomes might shed light on the further clinical application of KBL on vitiligo treatment.
The Effectiveness, Tolerability, and Safety of Different 1-Day Bowel Preparation Regimens for Pediatric Colonoscopy
Authors: Szaflarska-Popławska Anna , Tunowska Dominika , Sobieska-Poszwa Ola , Gorecka Anna , Krogulska Aneta
Published: November 2019

Background. Currently, there is no generally accepted universal protocol for bowel preparation before colonoscopy in children. Aim. The aim of the study was to compare three different 1-day bowel preparation methods for a pediatric elective colonoscopy in terms of their efficacy, safety, and patient-reported tolerability. Material and Methods. The study was randomized, prospective, and investigator-blinded. All children aged 10 to 18 years consecutively referred to the tertiary pediatric gastroenterology unit were enrolled. The participants were randomized to receive polyethylene glycol 3350 combined with bisacodyl (PEG-bisacodyl group), or polyethylene glycol 4000 with electrolytes (PEG-ELS group), or sodium picosulphate plus magnesium oxide plus citric acid (NaPico+MgCit group). Bowel preparation was assessed according to the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS). For patient tolerability and acceptability, questionnaires were obtained. Results. One hundred twenty-three children were allocated to three age- and sex-matched groups. All of the patients completed colonoscopies with visualization of the cecum. There was no difference among the groups for the mean BBPS score. A total of 73 patients (59.3%) experienced minor adverse events. No serious adverse events occurred in any group. Nausea was the only symptom more frequent in the PEG-ELS group compared to the NaPico+MgCit group (p=0.04), and apathy was the only symptom more frequent in PEG-bisacodyl than in the NaPico+MgCit group (p=0.04). All of the patients were able to complete 75% or more of the study protocol, and 85.4% were able to complete the full regimen. The acceptability was the highest in the NaPico+MgCit group with respect to the patient’s grade for palatability, low volume of the solution, and willingness to repeat the same protocol. Conclusion. All bowel cleansing methods show similar efficacy. However, because of the higher tolerability and acceptability profile, the NaPico+MgCit-based regimen appears to be the most proper for colonoscopy preparation in children.
miR-590-3p and Its Downstream Target Genes in HCC Cell Lines
Authors: Elfar Mennatallah , Amleh Asma
Published: November 2019

miRNAs are small non-coding RNA sequences of 18-25 nucleotides. They can regulate different cellular pathways by acting on tumor suppressors, oncogenes, or both. miRNAs are mostly tissue-specific, and their expression varies depending on the cancer or the tissue in which they are found. hsa-miR-590-3p was found to be involved in several types of cancers. In this study, we identified potential downstream target genes of hsa-miR-590-3p computationally. Several bioinformatics tools and more than one approach were used to identify potential downstream target genes of hsa-miR-590-3p. CX3CL1, SOX2, N-cadherin, E-cadherin, and FOXA2 were utilized as potential downstream target genes of hsa-miR-590-3p. SNU449 and HepG2, hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, were used to carry out various molecular techniques to further validate our in silico results. mRNA and protein expression levels of these genes were detected using RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. Co-localization of hsa-miR-590-3p and its candidate downstream target gene, SOX2, was carried out using a miRNA in situ hybridization combined with immunohistochemistry staining through anti-SOX2. The results show that there is an inverse correlation between hsa-miR-590-3p expression and SOX2 protein expression in SNU449. Subsequently, we suggest that SOX2 can be a direct downstream target of has-miR-590-3p indicating that it may have a role in the self-renewal and self-maintenance of cancer cells. We also suggest that CX3CL1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and FOXA2 show a lot of potential as downstream target genes of hsa-miR-590-3p signifying its role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Studying the expression of hsa-miR-590-3p downstream targets can enrich our understanding of the cancer pathogenesis and how it can be used as a therapeutic tool.
Enabling Automated Device Size Selection for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Astudillo Patricio , Mortier Peter , Bosmans Johan , De Backer Ole , de Jaegere Peter , De Beule Matthieu , Dambre Joni
Published: November 2019

The number of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. Improving efficiency will become essential for experienced operators performing large TAVI volumes, while new operators will require training and may benefit from accurate support. In this work, we present a fast deep learning method that can predict aortic annulus perimeter and area automatically from aortic annular plane images. We propose a method combining two deep convolutional neural networks followed by a postprocessing step. The models were trained with 355 patients using modern deep learning techniques, and the method was evaluated on another 118 patients. The method was validated against an interoperator variability study of the same 118 patients. The differences between the manually obtained aortic annulus measurements and the automatic predictions were similar to the differences between two independent observers (paired diff. of 3.3 ± 16.8 mm2 vs. 1.3 ± 21.1 mm2 for the area and a paired diff. of 0.6 ± 1.7 mm vs. 0.2 ± 2.5 mm for the perimeter). The area and perimeter were used to retrieve the suggested prosthesis sizes for the Edwards Sapien 3 and the Medtronic Evolut device retrospectively. The automatically obtained device size selections accorded well with the device sizes selected by operator 1. The total analysis time from aortic annular plane to prosthesis size was below one second. This study showed that automated TAVI device size selection using the proposed method is fast, accurate, and reproducible. Comparison with the interobserver variability has shown the reliability of the strategy, and embedding this tool based on deep learning in the preoperative planning routine has the potential to increase the efficiency while ensuring accuracy.
Temperature Field Data Reconstruction Using the Sparse Low-Rank Matrix Completion Method
Authors: Wang Shan , Hu Jianhui , Shan Huiling , Shi Chun-Xiang , Huang Weimin
Published: November 2019

Due to limited number of weather stations and interruption of data collection, the temperature field data may be incomplete. In the past, spatial interpolation is usually used for filling the data gap. However, the interpolation method does not work well for the case of the large-scale data loss. Matrix completion has emerged very recently and provides a global optimization for temperature field data reconstruction. A recovery method is proposed for improving the accuracy of temperature field data by using sparse low-rank matrix completion (SLR-MC). The method is tested using continuous gridded data provided by ERA Interim and the station temperature data provided by Jiangxi Meteorological Bureau. Experimental results show that the average signal-to-noise ratio can be increased by 12.5%, and the average reconstruction error is reduced by 29.3% compared with the matrix completion (MC) method.
PIPKIγ Regulates CCL2 Expression in Colorectal Cancer by Activating AKT-STAT3 Signaling
Authors: Xue JunLi , Ge XiaoXiao , Zhao Wei , Xue Liqiong , Dai Congqi , Lin Fengjuan , Peng Wei
Published: November 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the third most commonly diagnosed cancer, ranking second among the most common causes of cancer-related mortality. Immune checkpoint therapy has recently been shown to have great potential. However, only some patients respond to immune checkpoint blockade, indicating the unmet need for determining the underlying mechanism of colorectal cancer immunosuppression. In this study, we analyzed The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets and found that high expression of PIPKIγ positively correlated with tumor-associated macrophage infiltration. Further loss-of-function studies revealed that silencing PIPKIγ greatly reduced CCL2 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels, leading to weak chemotaxis of cancer cells to macrophages. Mechanistically, PIPKIγ facilitated PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway activation to increase STAT3 phosphorylation levels, thus triggering CCL2 transcription to enhance tumor-associated macrophage recruitment. These findings identify the PIPKIγ signaling pathway as a new actor in colorectal cancer immunosuppression and a potential therapeutic target for this common cancer.
Mechanical Characteristics of Fully Grouted and Antiseismic Bolts considering Transverse Deformation in Underground Caverns
Authors: Yang Buyun , Xiao Ming , Liu Guoqing , Chen Juntao
Published: November 2019

The load transfer control equations under bolt‐surrounding rock interaction are established on the basis of classical beam theory and the trilinear shear slip model. The axial stress and transverse shear force distributions of the anchorage body are obtained by solving the equations. The equivalent forces obtained by the transverse force and axial shear stress of the bolts are applied to rock mass elements to simulate the support effect. A new dynamic algorithm for bolts is proposed in considering of the axial and transverse deformation of the anchorage body. The rationality of the algorithm is verified by comparing with laboratory pullout and shear tests of bolts. A dynamic time‐history case study of underground caverns is conducted using this algorithm. Results indicate that (1) the algorithm may reflect the stress and deformation characteristics of bolts during an earthquake; (2) for the antiseismic support effect of the surrounding rock at fault, the bolt algorithm in this study is more valid than the algorithm that considered only the axial deformation of bolts; (3) in the support force of the bolt to the surrounding rock, transverse force is the key to limit fault dislocation and reduce the dynamic damage of the rock at fault.
Characteristic of Motor Control in Three-Dimensional Circular Tracking Movements during Monocular Vision
Authors: Choi Woong , Li Liang , Lee Jongho
Published: November 2019

Analysis of visually guided tracking movements is an important component of understanding human visuomotor control system. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of different target speeds and different circular tracking planes, which provide different visual feedback of depth information, on temporal and spatial tracking accuracy. In this study, we analyze motor control characteristic of circular tracking movements during monocular vision in three-dimensional space using a virtual reality system. Three parameters in polar coordinates were analyzed: ΔR, the difference in the distance from the fixed pole; Δθ, the difference in the position angle; and Δω, the difference in the angular velocity. We compare the accuracy of visually guided circular tracking movements during monocular vision in two conditions: (1) movement in the frontal plane relative to the subject that requires less depth information and (2) movement in the sagittal plane relative to the subject that requires more depth information. We also examine differences in motor control at four different target speeds. The results show that depth information affects both spatial and temporal accuracy of circular tracking movement, whereas target speed only affects temporal accuracy of circular tracking movement. This suggests that different strategies of feedforward and feedback controls are performed in the tracking of movements.
Study of the Modified Logistic Model of Chinese Electricity Consumption Based on the Change of the GDP Growth Rate under the Economic New Normal
Authors: Cui Xin , Zhao Wenhui
Published: November 2019

In the context of the new normal, the global economy is entering a deep adjustment period, and the driving forces of development are also constantly changing. As a result, China’s economy has also entered a “new normal” phase in which it is growing in a manageable and relatively balanced manner. In addition, the new normal characteristics of the power industry’s development in China are also very significant, and they affect the adaptability of traditional power forecasting methods. By analyzing the new characteristics of China’s economic development and the changing electricity demand in recent years, this paper quantitatively studied the effect of the national economy on the consumption of electricity. Meanwhile, a modified logistic model based on the change of the gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate is constructed to make a reasonable prediction of the future power consumption in China. Subsequently, by calculating the elasticity of electricity consumption in the future, it is found that the coefficient decreases each year, which indicates that electricity consumption in China is following a new trend. Based on the research results, this paper proposes rational suggestions for China’s power development, and they are expected to provide references for the power planning and power industry layout in China.
Combined Effect of Lentinan and Cisplatin on Cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β in Tumor Therapy
Authors: Liu Xu-dong , Li Min , Li Wan-xiang , Wang Qing-yu , Zhang Hong-xia
Published: November 2019

Lentinan is a biologically active ingredient isolated from the fruiting body of Lentinula edodes (shiitake) and has antitumor properties. Cytokines, at the same time, are a key factor in regulating immune responses in physiological and pathological states. Many cytokines have shown positive effect on different malignancies in clinical trials. Studies have shown that such cytokines as IL6, TNF-α, and TGF-β play a quite important role in the formation of tumor microenvironment. In this study, we investigated the antitumor effect of combined medication of lentinan and cisplatin, another antitumor drug, and its impact on cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β in the treatment of tumor. The results showed that lentinan enhanced the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin on tumor cells. Furthermore, it was proved that the combined treatment of lentinan and cisplatin enhanced the inhibitory effect of cisplatin on the expression of IL-6, TNF- α, TGF-β and tumor growth in mice bearing human ovarian cancer xenograft, human prostate tumor xenograft, and human non-small cell lung cancer xenograft.
A Theoretical Investigation of Channel Wave Multipath Propagation in a Coal Seam
Authors: Guo Yinjing , Zhang Jianhua , Ju Yuanyuan , Guo Xiaohan
Published: November 2019

This study investigates the mechanism of channel wave multipath propagation to determine features of a channel wave in a coal seam. For this purpose, deduction formulas were used for different time delays and propagation paths and, subsequently, a multipath fading channel wave pattern was built. MATLAB software was used to simulate the model. To this end, the characteristics of the coal seam and the surrounding rock were considered. The simulation results were compared with results obtained from the model contained in COMSOL software to verify the accuracy of the model. According to the results obtained from the simulation, the proposed model shows a good match with the COMSOL model, which is a common simulation comparison standard. In addition, the channel wave energy approximates to exponential decay at a constant distance from the source, and the multipath propagation considerably affects its energy attenuation. Furthermore, the multipath reflections’ travel time derivation is accomplished properly in the coal seam.
Mutant Selecting According to the Nondominated Original Statements
Authors: Zhang Gongjie , Xie Chunli , Dong Yongquan , Yu Qiao
Published: November 2019

Mutation testing is a technique for evaluating the quality of a test suite. However, the costly computation from a large number of mutants affects the practical application of mutation testing, and reducing the number of mutants is reasonably an efficient way for mutation testing. We propose a new method for reducing mutants by analyzing dominance between statements in the program under test. The proposed method only selects the mutants generated from the nondominated statements, and the mutants generated from the dominated statements are reduced. After applying the proposed method to nine programs, the experimental results show that our method reduces over 75% mutants and well maintains the mutation adequacy.