bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pilot Studies to Evaluate Feasibility of a Physical Activity Intervention for Persons With Depression
Authors: Sharp Kendall J. , South Charles C. , Chin Fatt Cherise , Trivedi Madhukar H. , Rethorst Chad D.
Published: November 2020

Exercise reduces depressive symptoms and improves physical health in persons with depression. However, the interventions implemented in research studies require significant resources, limiting adoption into clinical practice and suggesting the need for more efficient interventions. In two nonrandomized pilot studies, the authors evaluated the feasibility of a multicomponent intervention (group educational sessions, Fitbit, and access to exercise facility) in adult persons with depression and breast cancer survivors with depression. The participants in both pilot studies completed 12 weeks of group educational sessions to increase physical activity levels, were provided with self-monitoring devices, and were provided access to on-site exercise facilities. Depressive symptoms significantly decreased postintervention, and over 90% of the participants reported that they had benefited from the intervention. These results indicate that implementing a multicomponent intervention is feasible and may reduce depressive symptoms and improve other psychosocial outcomes.
A 3D culture platform enables development of zinc-binding prodrugs for targeted proliferation of β cells
Authors: Yang Kisuk , Lee Miseon , Jones Peter Anthony , Liu Sophie S. , Zhou Angela , Xu Jun , Sreekanth Vedagopuram , Wu Jamie L. Y. , Vo Lillian , Lee Eunjee A. , Pop Ramona , Lee Yuhan , Wagner Bridget K. , Melton Douglas A. , Choudhary Amit , Karp Jeffrey M.
Published: November 2020

Interrogating zinc-binding prodrug in a 3D-reconstructed β cell environment.
CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing using targeted lipid nanoparticles for cancer therapy
Authors: Rosenblum Daniel , Gutkin Anna , Kedmi Ranit , Ramishetti Srinivas , Veiga Nuphar , Jacobi Ashley M. , Schubert Mollie S. , Friedmann-Morvinski Dinorah , Cohen Zvi R. , Behlke Mark A. , Lieberman Judy , Peer Dan
Published: November 2020

CRISPR lipid nanoparticles promote in vivo therapeutic genome editing in two aggressive cancer mouse models.
Inability to walk: a rare presentation of Crohn’s disease
Authors: Hoekstra Elmer , Keunen Rudolf , van der Voorn Michael
Published: November 2020

A wide variety of extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been described, with joint or dermatological complaints as most prevalent. However, also neurological manifestations can occur, which are rarely recognised and therefore under-reported. We present an very unusual case of a young man who presented with the inability to walk, as a first presentations of IBD.
Is time running out? The urgent need for appropriate global health curricula in Germany
Authors: Schuster Angela , Anton Nora , Grosse Pascal , Heintze Christoph
Published: November 2020

Recently, representatives of politics, health officials and academia in Germany have advocated a greater role for Germany in matters concerning global health. However, health professionals in Germany are rarely taught about global health topics and accordingly real expertise in this field is lacking. To advance knowledge and competencies at German universities and adequately equip health professionals to achieve Germany’s political goals, global health curricula must be developed at medical schools and other institutions. Such ambitions raise questions about the required content and dimensions of global health curricula as the field is currently highly heterogeneous and ill defined. To systematically identify strengths and shortcomings of current curricula, we scrutinised the global health curriculum at our institution, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, using an analytical framework that integrates the various approaches of global health. Our analysis identified that four (technical, social justice, security and humanitarian) of five approaches are present in our core global health curriculum. Local and global aspects of the field are equally represented. We propose that the use of such a structured analytical framework can support the development of GH curricula for all health professionals—in Germany and elsewhere. But it can also help to evaluate existing curricula like ours at Charité. This framework has the potential to support the design of comprehensive GH trainings, serving German aspirations in politics and academia to promote health worldwide.
National Institute for Health Research Health Informatics Collaborative: development of a pipeline to collate electronic clinical data for viral hepatitis research
Authors: Smith David Anthony , Wang Tingyan , Freeman Oliver , Crichton Charles , Salih Hizni , Matthews Philippa Clare , Davies Jim , Várnai Kinga Anna , Woods Kerrie , Jones Christopher R. , Glampson Ben , Mulla Abdulrahim , Mercuri Luca , Shaw A. Torm , Drumright Lydia N , Romão Luis , Ramlakan David , Higgins Finola , Weir Alistair , Nastouli Eleni , Agarwal Kosh , Gelson William , Cooke Graham S. , Barnes Eleanor
Published: November 2020

Objective

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Informatics Collaborative (HIC) is a programme of infrastructure development across NIHR Biomedical Research Centres. The aim of the NIHR HIC is to improve the quality and availability of routinely collected data for collaborative, cross-centre research. This is demonstrated through research collaborations in selected therapeutic areas, one of which is viral hepatitis.

Design

The collaboration in viral hepatitis identified a rich set of datapoints, including information on clinical assessment, antiviral treatment, laboratory test results and health outcomes. Clinical data from different centres were standardised and combined to produce a research-ready dataset; this was used to generate insights regarding disease prevalence and treatment response.

Results

A comprehensive database has been developed for potential viral hepatitis research interests, with a corresponding data dictionary for researchers across the centres. An initial cohort of 960 patients with chronic hepatitis B infections and 1404 patients with chronic hepatitis C infections has been collected.

Conclusion

For the first time, large prospective cohorts are being formed within National Health Service (NHS) secondary care services that will allow research questions to be rapidly addressed using real-world data. Interactions with industry partners will help to shape future research and will inform patient-stratified clinical practice. An emphasis on NHS-wide systems interoperability, and the increased utilisation of structured data solutions for electronic patient records, is improving access to data for research, service improvement and the reduction of clinical data gaps.
Motor competence assessments for children with intellectual disabilities and/or autism: a systematic review
Authors: Downs Samantha J , Boddy Lynne M , McGrane Bronagh , Rudd James R , Melville Craig A , Foweather Lawrence
Published: November 2020

Objective

Gross motor competence is essential for daily life functioning and participation in physical activities. Prevalence of gross motor competence in children with intellectual disabilities (ID) and/or autism is unclear. This systematic review aimed to identify appropriate assessments for children with ID and/or autism.

Design & data sources

An electronic literature search was conducted using the EBSCOhost platform searching MEDLINE, Education Research Complete, ERIC, CINAHL Plus and SPORTDiscus databases.

Eligibility criteria

Included studies sampled children with ID and/or autism aged between 1 and 18 yrs, used field-based gross motor competence assessments, reported measurement properties, and were published in English. The utility of assessments were appraised for validity, reliability, responsiveness and feasibility.

Results

The initial search produced 3182 results, with 291 full text articles screened. 13 articles including 10 assessments of motor competence were included in this systematic review. There was limited reporting across measurement properties, mostly for responsiveness and some aspects of validity. The Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 followed by The Test of Gross Motor Development-2 demonstrated the greatest levels of evidence for validity and reliability. Feasibility results were varied, most instruments required little additional equipment (n=8) and were suitable for a school setting, but, additional training (n=7) was needed to score and interpret the results.

Conclusion

This review found the BOT-2 followed by the TGMD-2 to be the most psychometrically appropriate motor competency assessments for children with ID and/or autism in field-based settings. Motor competence assessment research is limited for these cohorts and more research is needed.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019129464.
AAC Banner oat
Authors: Yan Weikai , Fregeau-Reid Judith , deHaan Brad , Thomas Steve , Hayes Matt , Martin Richard , Cummiskey Allan , Pageau Denis , Morasse Isabelle , Jakubinek Klaus , Xue Allen , Sibbitt Dorothy , Orozovic Savka , Mitchell-Fetch Jennifer , Menzies Jim , Mountain Nathan , Kutcher Randy
Published: November 2020

AAC Banner is a white-hulled spring oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivar developed at the Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. AAC Banner yielded well in Ontario and Quebec, particularly in southern and eastern Ontario, partially due to its superior resistance to crown rust (Puccinia coronata Corda. f. sp. avenae Eriks). AAC Banner also has high β-glucan content and superior post-maturation standability.
Trapping of null geodesics in slowly rotating spacetimes
Authors: Vrba Jaroslav , Urbanec Martin , Stuchlík Zdeněk , Miller John C.
Published: November 2020

Extremely compact objects containing a region of trapped null geodesics could be of astrophysical relevance due to trapping of neutrinos with consequent impact on cooling processes or trapping of gravitational waves. These objects have previously been studied under the assumption of spherical symmetry. In the present paper, we consider a simple generalization by studying trapping of null geodesics in the framework of the Hartle–Thorne slow-rotation approximation taken to first order in the angular velocity, and considering a uniform-density object with uniform emissivity for the null geodesics. We calculate effective potentials and escape cones for the null geodesics and how they depend on the parameters of the spacetimes, and also calculate the “local” and “global” coefficients of efficiency for the trapping. We demonstrate that due to the rotation the trapping efficiency is different for co-rotating and retrograde null geodesics, and that trapping can occur even for$$R>3GM/c^2$$R>3GM/c2, contrary to what happens in the absence of rotation.
U–Pb detrital zircon constraints on active margin magmatism and sedimentation after the Grampian Orogeny in western Ireland
Authors: Clift Peter D. , Luther Amy L. , Avery Madison E. , O'Sullivan Paul B.
Published: November 2020

Early Ordovician collision of the Lough Nafooey Arc (part of the Baie Verte Oceanic Tract) with the passive continental margin of Laurentia peaked at
c.
475 Ma in Scotland and Ireland and was followed by subduction polarity reversal. We examined Upper Ordovician–Silurian sedimentary rocks from western Ireland to see whether collision was followed by renewed arc magmatism. Despite the scarcity of dated igneous intrusions between the Grampian (
c.
470 Ma) and Acadian (
c.
420 Ma) orogenies in Ireland, detrital zircons show a continuity of activity peaking at 480–440 Ma, implying no hiatus in regional magmatism. Differences in zircon U–Pb age spectra highlight the isolation of basins in the southern Killary Harbour area from those north of the South Mayo Trough. These latter rocks were largely derived by erosion from Moine and Upper Dalradian sources. By contrast, the Killary Harbour Basin shows a decreasing influence from the Dalradian after
c.
436 Ma and an increasing influence of contemporaneous magmatic zircons. These were transported from sources along-strike from the present NE, probably at the southern end of the Scandian Mountains in SE Greenland. The western Irish basins formed as pull-apart basins in a forearc setting and are analogous to Cenozoic pull-apart basins in Sumatra.

Supplementary material:
U-Pb zircon analytical data is available at a decreasing influence from the Dalradian after
c.
436 Ma and an increasing influence of contemporaneous
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5209849
Sacubitril-valsartan improves conduit vessel function and functional capacity and reduces inflammation in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Bunsawat Kanokwan , Ratchford Stephen M. , Alpenglow Jeremy K. , Park Soung Hun , Jarrett Catherine L. , Stehlik Josef , Smith Adam S. , Richardson Russell S. , Wray D. Walter
Published: November 2020

We observed an approximately twofold improvement in conduit vessel function (brachial artery FMD), increased functional capacity (6MWT distance), and a reduction in inflammation (TNF-α and IL-18) following 3 mo of sacubitril-valsartan therapy. These findings provide important new information concerning the physiological mechanisms by which this new drug class provokes favorable changes in HFrEF pathophysiology.
Acute inorganic nitrate supplementation and the hypoxic ventilatory response in patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Bock Joshua M. , Hanson Brady E. , Asama Thomas F. , Feider Andrew J. , Hanada Satoshi , Aldrich Aric W. , Dyken Mark Eric , Casey Darren P.
Published: November 2020

The present study is the first to examine the acute effects of inorganic nitrate supplementation on resting blood pressure and cardiopulmonary responses to hypoxia (e.g., peripheral chemoreflex sensitivity) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Our data indicate inorganic nitrate supplementation attenuates an early-morning rise in systolic blood pressure potentially attributable to blunted peripheral chemoreflex sensitivity. These data show proof-of-concept that inorganic nitrate supplementation could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with OSA.
Simvastatin-Loaded Nanomicelles Enhance the Osteogenic Effect of Simvastatin
Authors: Feng Xianling , Yue Xinxin , Niu Mao
Published: November 2020

Objectives. The present study intended to further verify that simvastatin-loaded nanomicelles (SVNs) enhanced the role of simvastatin (SV) in promoting osteoblast differentiation in vitro and to evaluate the effect of SVNs on bone defect repair in vivo. Methods. SVNs were synthesized by dialysis. MG63 cells were subjected to intervention with 0.25 μmol/l of SVNs and SV. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay kit and flow cytometry were used to determine cell proliferation activity, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis. The osteoblastic differentiation of MG 63 cells was evaluated by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, ALP staining, and the expression levels of the osterix (Osx) and osteocalcin (OC) proteins. In addition, 0.5 mg of SVNs or SV was applied to the skull defect area of rabbits. Micro-CT, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and Masson’s trichrome staining were used for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of new bone in three dimensions and two dimensions. Results. The SVNs had a mean diameter of 38.97 nm. The encapsulation and drug-loading efficiencies were

54.57
±
3.15
%

and

10.91
±
0.63
%

, respectively. In vitro, SVNs and SV can inhibit the proliferation activity and promote osteogenic differentiation of MG63 cells by arresting MG63 cells at the G0/G1 phase without increasing the apoptosis rate. In vivo quantitative results showed that the bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume (BV)/total volume (TV) ratio, and trabecular number (Tb.N) in the gelatin sponge with SVNs (SVNs-GS) group and gelatin sponge with SV (SV-GS) group were 362.1%, 292.0%; 181.3%, 158.0%; and 215.2%, 181.8% of those in the blank control (BC) group, respectively. Histological results identified the new bone tissue in each group as irregular fibrous bone, and the arrangement of trabecular bone was disordered. There were significantly more osteoblasts and new capillaries around the trabecular bone in the SVNs-GS group and SV-GS group than in both the BC and drug-free nanomicelle (DFNs) groups. Both in vitro and in vivo, SVNs exhibited greater osteogenic efficacy than SV. Conclusion. SVNs significantly improved the osteogenic efficacy of SV.
The Effects of Targeted Temperature Management on Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/Reperfusion-Induced Injury and DAMP Release in Murine Primary Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Tong Giang , Lam Phuong D. , Brey Franka , Krech Jana , Wowro Sylvia J. , von Garlen Nalina N. A. , Berger Felix , Schmitt Katharina R. L.
Published: November 2020

Introduction. Ischemia/Reperfusion (I/R) is a primary cause of myocardial injury after acute myocardial infarction resulting in the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which can induce a sterile inflammatory response in the myocardial penumbra. Targeted temperature management (TTM) after I/R has been established for neuroprotection, but the cardioprotective effect remains to be elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the effect of TTM on cell viability, immune response, and DAMP release during oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) in murine primary cardiomyocytes. Methods. Primary cardiomyocytes from P1-3 mice were exposed to 2, 4, or 6 hours OGD (0.2% oxygen in medium without glucose and serum) followed by 6, 12, or 24 hours simulated reperfusion (21% oxygen in complete medium). TTM at 33.5°C was initiated intra-OGD, and a control group was maintained at 37°C normoxia. Necrosis was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and apoptosis by caspase-3 activation. OGD-induced DAMP secretions were assessed by Western blotting. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cytokines, and antiapoptotic RBM3 and CIRBP gene expressions were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results. Increasing duration of OGD resulted in a transition from apoptotic programmed cell death to necrosis, as observed by decreasing caspase-3 cleavage and increasing LDH release. DAMP release and iNOS expression correlated with increasing necrosis and were effectively attenuated by TTM initiated during OGD. Moreover, TTM induced expression of antiapoptotic RBM3 and CIRBP. Conclusion. TTM protects the myocardium by attenuating cardiomyocyte necrosis induced by OGD and caspase-3 activation, possibly via induction of antiapoptotic RBM3 and CIRBP expressions, during reperfusion. OGD induces increased Hsp70 and CIRBP releases, but HMGB-1 is the dominant mediator of inflammation secreted by cardiomyocytes after prolonged exposure. TTM has the potential to attenuate DAMP release.
Prevalence of Leukemia and Associated Factors among Patients with Abnormal Hematological Parameters in Jimma Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kassahun Woldeteklehaymanot , Tesfaye Girum , Bimerew Lealem Gedefaw , Fufa Diriba , Adissu Wondimagen , Yemane Tilahun
Published: November 2020

Introduction. Leukemia is a heterogeneous group of hematological disorder which comprise several diverse and biologically distinct subgroups. Leukemia represents the 11th and 10th most frequent cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide, respectively. Adequate data regarding the prevalence of leukemia are lacking in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. This study is aimed to determine the prevalence of leukemia and associated factors among patients who have abnormal hematological parameters in Jimma Medical Center. Methodology. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving 332 patients who have abnormal hematological parameters. Complete blood count from venous blood was made with Sysmex autohematology analyzer (Sysmex XS-500i and XT-1800; Kobe, Japan). Peripheral blood morphology and bone marrow aspirate examination were done for each patient. Descriptive statistics for the prevalence of leukemia and multinomial logistic regression analysis to assess associated factors were executed with IBM SPSS version 25. Results. The prevalence of leukemia was 9.3%, while acute myeloid leukemia, Acute Lymphoid Leukemia, Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, Chronic Lymphoid Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndrome, and undifferentiated leukemia comprises 3.6%, 2.7%, 1.8%, 0.6%, and 0.3%, respectively. Older Age (

p
=
0.019

), being male (

p
=
0.047

), being anemic (

p
=
0.03

), and rural residency of a patient (

p
=
0.044

) were significantly associated with having acute myeloid leukemia. Conclusion. The prevalence of leukemia among patients who have abnormal hematological parameters in Jimma Medical Center is significant which needs further comprehensive investigations of the associated factors and predictors with more up to date diagnostic methods.
Influence of Metabolic Parameters and Treatment Method on OCT Angiography Results in Children with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Wysocka-Mincewicz Marta , Baszyńska-Wilk Marta , Gołębiewska Joanna , Olechowski Andrzej , Byczyńska Aleksandra , Hautz Wojciech , Szalecki Mieczysław
Published: November 2020

Aim. To evaluate the influence of metabolic parameters and the treatment method in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) on the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) results as early markers of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Material and Methods. This prospective study enrolled 175 consecutive children with T1D. OCTA was performed using AngioVue (Avanti, Optovue). Whole superficial capillary vessel density (wsVD), fovea superficial vessel density (fsVD), parafovea superficial vessel density (psVD), whole deep vessel density (wdVD), fovea deep vessel density (fdVD), parafovea deep vessel density (pdVD), foveal thickness (FT), parafoveal thickness (PFT), and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in superficial plexus were evaluated and analyzed in relation to individual characteristics, i.e., sex, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and metabolic factors: current and mean value of glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Furthermore, the analysis concerned the diabetes duration, age at the T1D onset, and type of treatment—multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). Results. In the study group, we did not identify any patient with DR in fundus ophthalmoscopy. Age at the onset of diabetes correlated negatively with FAZ (

r
=
−
0.17

,

p
<
0.05

). The higher level of HbA1c corresponded to a decrease of wsVD (

r
=
−
0.13

,

p
<
0.05

). We found significantly lower fsVD (

32.25
±
.1

vs.

33.98
±
.1

,

p
<
0.01

), wdVD (

57.87
±
.1

vs.

58.64
±
.9

,

p
<
0.01

), and pdVD (

60.60
±
.2

vs.

61.49
±
.1

,

p
<
0.01

) and larger FAZ area (

0.25
±
.1

vs.

0.23
±
.1

,

p
<
0.05

) in the CSII vs. MDI group. Conclusion. The metabolic parameters, age of the onset of diabetes, and treatment method affected the OCTA results in children with T1D. Further studies and observation of these young patients are needed to determine if these findings are important for early detection of DR or predictive of future DR severity.
Computer Vision Estimation of the Volume and Weight of Apples by Using 3D Reconstruction and Noncontact Measuring Methods
Authors: Zhang Baohua , Guo Ning , Huang Jichao , Gu Baoxing , Zhou Jun
Published: November 2020

A computer vision system for the estimation of apple volume and weight by using 3D reconstruction and noncontact measuring methods was investigated. The 3D surface of the apples could be reconstructed by using a single multispectral camera and near-infrared linear-array structured light. Both the traditional image feature and height information were extracted from the height maps. Two different type height features (Type I and II) were extracted, and both of them were fused with a projection area to form combination features (Combination Feature I and II). Partial least squares analysis and least squares-support vector machine were implemented for calibration models with projection area and combination features as inputs. Grid-Search Technique and Leave-One-Out Cross-Validation were also investigated to find out the optimal parameter values of the RBF kernel. The optimal LS-SVM models with Combination Feature II outperformed PLS models. The coefficient and root mean square error of prediction for the best prediction by LS-SVM were 0.9032 and 10.1155 for volume, whereas 0.8602 and 9.9556 for weight, respectively. The overall results indicated that height information can improve the prediction performance, and the proposed system could be applied as an alternative to the traditional methods for noncontract measurement of the volume and weight of apple fruits.
The Function of T Follicular Helper Cells in the Autoimmune Liver Diseases
Authors: Li Lin , Xu Panyang , Zhou Qi , Xu Jiancheng
Published: November 2020

T follicular helper (TFH) cells are recognized as a subtype of T cells that are involved in the germinal center formation and B cell development. When dysregulated, TFH cells may represent an important mechanism that contributes to a heightened humoral response and autoantibody production in autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs). TFH cells participate in the immune response associated with AILDs by expressing surface receptors such as programmed cell death protein-1, C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 5, and inducible T cell costimulators, as well as cytokines such as interleukin-21. TFH cells also downregulate chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 7 and promote the dysregulation of the T follicular regulatory/TFH axis. This review highlights the importance of TFH cells in AILDs.
Electroacupuncture Inhibits Atherosclerosis through Regulating Intestinal Flora and Host Metabolites in Rabbit
Authors: Shen Yuping , Cheng Ze-Dong , Chen Yi-Guo , sun Rui , Ma Xian-De , Hou Guo-liang , Wang Rui
Published: November 2020

Background and Objective. As a recommended option for 43 diseases by the World Health Organization, electroacupuncture is also being used to treat some others in China. Diet‐related intestinal flora imbalance can induce atherosclerosis. This study aims to evaluate how electroacupuncture copes with atherosclerosis through regulating intestinal flora. Methods. In this study, general rabbit conditions, vascular histology, metabolites, and intestinal flora structures were analyzed. Integrated analysis of metabolomics and 16S rRNA sequencing were performed. All the rabbits were randomly divided into four groups. The rabbit model of atherosclerosis was established. The histopathological change in the common carotid artery was assessed by HE staining and the structural change in the flora by 16S rRNA sequencing. HPLC‐TOF‐MS and Agilent MPP 12.1 were integrated to identify and screen out differential metabolites. Correlational analyses of every differential metabolite with intestinal flora were integrated on Omicshare platform. Results. Atherosclerotic rabbits showed obvious changes in general conditions, significant fibrous cap and necrotic center on carotid artery, abnormal intestinal bacteria structure, and metabolites levels. Electroacupuncture improved the conditions, reduced lipid deposition on the carotid artery wall, diversified intestinal flora, and normalized host metabolism. Integrated analysis showed that 149 altered metabolites were related to 22 intestinal flora, among which eight intestinal floras and 21 metabolites have relationships with atherosclerosis. Conclusion. Electroacupuncture can effectively reverse atherosclerosis through manipulating the structural feature of intestinal flora to influence the host metabolites. The possible mechanisms involved activating signal pathways through host metabolites or affecting the activity of cardiovascular‐related enzymes, or regulating host lipid metabolism directly.
Study on Medication Rules of Traditional Chinese Medicine against Antineoplastic Drug‐Induced Cardiotoxicity Based on Network Pharmacology and Data Mining
Authors: Dan Wenchao , Liu Jinlei , Guo Xinyuan , Zhang Boran , Qu Yi , He Qingyong
Published: November 2020

Background and Aim. Antineoplastic drug‐induced cardiotoxicity (ADIC) becomes the second leading cause of death for tumor survivors after tumor recurrence and metastasis, and there may be great room for development in the future of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the theory of anticardiotoxicity of TCM has not yet formed a system. This study aimed to explore the material basis and the rule of TCM against ADIC based on network pharmacology and data mining. Methods. The targets of antineoplastic drugs with cardiotoxicity were obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database, China national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI) database, and Swiss Target Prediction platform. Then, the cardiotoxicity‐related targets were derived from the Gene Cards, Disgenet, OMIM, and DrugBank databases, as well as the drug of current clinical guidelines. The targets both in these two sets were regarded as potential targets to alleviate ADIC. Then, candidate compounds and herbs were matched via Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) platform. Cytoscape3.7.1 was used to set up the target‐compound‐herb network. Molecular docking between core targets and compounds was performed with AutodockVina1.1.2. The rules of herbs were summarized by analyzing their property, flavor, and channel tropism. Results. Twenty‐one potential targets, 332 candidate compounds, and 400 kinds of herbs were obtained. Five core targets including potassium voltage‐gated channel subfamily H member 2 (KCNH2), cyclin‐dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), mitogen‐activated protein kinase1 (MAPK1), and tumor protein p53 (TP53) and 29 core compounds (beta‐sitosterol, quercetin, kaempferol, etc.) were collected. Five core herbs (Yanhusuo, Gouteng, Huangbai, Lianqiao, and Gancao) were identified. Also, the TCM against ADIC were mainly bitter and acrid in taste, warm in property, and distributed to the liver and lung meridians. Conclusion. TCM against ADIC has great potential. Our study provides a new method and ideas for clinical applications of integrated Chinese and western medicine in treating ADIC.
Effect of a Multidimensional Pharmaceutical Care Intervention on Inhalation Technique in Patients with Asthma and COPD
Authors: Wang Wanqing , Xu Tao , Qin Qiong , Miao Liyan , Bao Jian’an , Chen Rong
Published: November 2020

Background. Inhalation therapy is the main treatment for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Owing to the poor inhaler technique in using inhalers, we assessed the effect of a multidimensional pharmaceutical care on inhalation technique in patients with asthma and COPD. Materials and Methods. A 3-month controlled parallel-group study was undertaken in asthma and COPD patients using dry powder inhalers (DPIs). Patients in the intervention group received multidimensional pharmaceutical care, including establishment of a special dispensing window, face-to-face demonstration and education, brochure education, videos education, online consultation and education, and follow-up reeducation. Patients in the control group received usual pharmaceutical care. The inhaler technique score, correctness of inhaler usage, beliefs about medicines questionnaire (BMQ) score, asthma control test (ACT), and COPD assessment test (CAT) were measured pre- and postintervention. Quality of life improvement evaluated according to score changes of ACT in asthma and CAT in COPD and patient satisfaction were measured postintervention. Results. 259 patients finished the study with 133 in the intervention group and 126 in the control group. Compared to preintervention and control group postintervention, the inhaler technique score, correctness of inhaler usage, and ACT score significantly increased in the intervention group postintervention, while the BMQ score and CAT score decreased significantly

P
<
0.05

. Significant improvements in quality of life and patient satisfaction were found

P
<
0.05

. Conclusion. This study showed the multidimensional pharmaceutical care for asthma and COPD patients were effective in improving inhalation technique. By providing pharmaceutical care, pharmacists might help asthma and COPD patients to acquire better quality of life.
BNRDT: When Data Transmission Meets Blockchain
Authors: Jin Hongjian , Chen Xingshu , Lan Xiao , Guo Hui , Zhang Hongxia , Cao Qi
Published: November 2020

Data transmission exists in almost all the Internet-based applications, while few of them consider the property of nonrepudiation as part of data security. If a data transmission scheme is performed without the endorsement of a trusted third party (TTP) or a central server, it is easy to raise disputes while transmitting valuable data, especially digital goods, because a dishonest participant can deny the fact of particular data transmission instance. The above problem can be solved by signing and encrypting. However, digital signature schemes usually assume public key infrastructure (PKI), increasing the burden on certificate management and are not suitable for distributed networks without TTP such as blockchain. To solve the above problems, we propose two new schemes for nonrepudiation data transmission based on blockchain (we call it BNRDT): one for short message transmission and the other for large file transmission. In BNRDT schemes, nonrepudiation evidence of data transmission is generated and stored on the blockchain to satisfy both the properties of nonrepudiation (including nonrepudiation of origin and nonrepudiation of receipt) and data confidentiality. We implement and test the schemes on Hyperledger Fabric. The experimental results show that the proposed schemes can provide appealing performance.
Laboratory Evaluation of   SBS  Modified Asphalt Binder Containing GTR, SIS, and PE
Authors: Kim Hyun Hwan , Mazumder Mithil , Lee Moon-Sup , Lee Soon-Jae
Published: November 2020

Performance properties of polymer modified asphalt (PMA) binders with Styrene‐isoprene‐styrene (SIS), petroleum resin (PE), and ground tire rubber (GTR) were evaluated at high, intermediate, and low temperatures. Styrene‐butadiene‐styrene (SBS) PMA binder of PG 76‐22 was used as a base binder. The PG76 SBS PMA binders were blended with SIS, PE, and three different GTR contents (0, 5, and 10%). The binders were artiﬁcially short‐term and long‐term aged using rolling thin ﬁlm oven (RTFO) and pressure aging vessel (PAV) procedures. Superpave binder tests were conducted on the binders through rotational viscometer (RV), dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), and bending beam rheometer (BBR). Multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) test was also performed to evaluate the rutting property. The results of this study indicated that (1) the addition of PE can decrease the binder viscosity, (2) although the incorporation of GTR and SIS significantly improve the rutting resistance of the binders, the effect of PE is found to be insignificant, (3) PE is observed to have positive effect on the cracking properties of control PG76 SBS PMA binder blended with SIS and GTR, and (4) incorporation of PE might be an useful option to improve the workability of high performance PMA binder in lieu with maintaining good rutting and cracking resistance.
A Modified Phase Cycling Method for Complex-Valued MRI Reconstruction
Authors: He Wei , Zhang Yu , Ding Junling , Zhao Linman
Published: November 2020

The phase cycling method is a state-of-the-art method to reconstruct complex-valued MR image. However, when it follows practical two-dimensional (2D) subsampling Cartesian acquisition which is only enforcing random sampling in the phase-encoding direction, a number of artifacts in magnitude appear. A modified approach is proposed to remove these artifacts under practical MRI subsampling, by adding one-dimensional total variation (TV) regularization into the phase cycling method to “pre-process” the magnitude component before its update. Furthermore, an operation used in SFISTA is employed to update the magnitude and phase images for better solutions. The results of the experiments show the ability of the proposed method to eliminate the ring artifacts and improve the magnitude reconstruction.
Safety Analysis of Lining Structure Influenced by Blasting of Tunnel with Extralarge Section and Small Space
Authors: Zhao Xuwei , Sun Keguo , Xu Weiping , Tang Li , Wang Haisu , Hong Yiqin
Published: November 2020

In order to ensure the safety of the Daling tunnel with extralarge section and small space, the three-dimensional model of blasting dynamic simulation had been established and verified. Then, the model was used to analyze the influence of the surrounding rock characteristics and blasting design parameters on the blasting vibration of the first hole, and the analysis of the sensitivity of each factor was carried out. The results showed that blasting of the second hole had a serious impact on the safety of the first hole lining structure. Based on the safety threshold and analysis of sensitivity, the explosive velocity, charge density, and digging length were selected as the key parameters affecting the safety of the tunnel structure. Meanwhile, the corresponding engineering measure was taken based on the results of sensitivity and the actual situation on site, and, after that, the maximum PPV of the right wall of the first hole had been reduced to 9.3 cm/s, which effectively guaranteed the safe construction of the tunnel.
Immunometabolism, Micronutrients, and Bariatric Surgery: The Use of Transcriptomics and Microbiota-Targeted Therapies
Authors: Galyean Shannon , Sawant Dhanashree , Shin Andrew C.
Published: November 2020

Background. Obesity is associated with the gut microbiota and decreased micronutrient status. Bariatric surgery is a recommended therapy for obesity. It can positively affect the composition of the gut bacteria but also disrupt absorption of nutrients. Low levels of micronutrients can affect metabolic processes, like glycolysis, TCA cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, that are associated with the immune system also known as immunometabolism. Methods. MEDLINE, PUBMED, and Google Scholar were searched. Articles involving gut microbiome, micronutrient deficiency, gut-targeted therapies, transcriptome analysis, micronutrient supplementation, and bariatric surgery were included. Results. Studies show that micronutrients play a pivotal role in the intestinal immune system and regulating immunometabolism. Research demonstrates that gut-targeting therapies may improve the microbiome health for bariatric surgery populations. There is limited research that examines the role of micronutrients in modulating the gut microbiota among the bariatric surgery population. Conclusions. Investigations are needed to understand the influence that micronutrient deficiencies have on the gut, particularly immunometabolism. Nutritional transcriptomics shows great potential in providing this type of analysis to develop gut-modulating therapies as well as more personalized nutrition recommendations for bariatric surgery patients.
MicroRNA-216a Promotes Endothelial Inflammation by Smad7/IκBα Pathway in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Yang Shujun , Chen Yu , Mi Xuenan , Zhang Shuyuan , Yang Yunyun , Hui Rutai , Zhang Weili
Published: November 2020

Background. The endothelium is the first line of defence against harmful microenvironment risks, and microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in vascular inflammation may be promising therapeutic targets to modulate atherosclerosis progression. In this study, we aimed to investigate the mechanism by which microRNA-216a (miR-216a) modulated inflammation activation of endothelial cells. Methods. A replicative senescence model of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was established, and population-doubling levels (PDLs) were defined during passages. PDL8 HUVECs were transfected with miR-216a mimics/inhibitor or small interfering RNA (siRNA) of SMAD family member 7 (Smad7). Real-time PCR and Western blot assays were performed to detect the regulatory role of miR-216a on Smad7 and NF-κB inhibitor alpha (IκBα) expression. The effect of miR-216a on adhesive capability of HUVECs to THP-1 cells was examined. MiR-216a and Smad7 expression in vivo were measured using human carotid atherosclerotic plaques of the patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (

n
=
41

). Results. Luciferase assays showed that Smad7 was a direct target of miR-216a. Smad7 mRNA expression, negatively correlated with miR-216a during endothelial aging, was downregulated in senescent PDL44 cells, compared with young PDL8 HUVECs. MiR-216a markedly increased endothelial inflammation and adhesive capability to monocytes in PDL8 cells by promoting the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα and then activating NF-κB signalling pathway. The effect of miR-216a on endothelial cells was consistent with that blocked Smad7 by siRNAs. When inhibiting endogenous miR-216a, the Smad7/IκBα expression was rescued, which led to decreased endothelial inflammation and monocytes recruitment. In human carotid atherosclerotic plaques, Smad7 level was remarkably decreased in high miR-216a group compared with low miR-216a group. Moreover, miR-216a was negatively correlated with Smad7 and IκBα levels and positively correlated with interleukin 1 beta (IL1β) expression in vivo. Conclusion. In summary, our findings suggest a new mechanism of vascular endothelial inflammation involving Smad7/IκBα signalling pathway in atherosclerosis.
Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Gastrointestinal Carriage of Pathogenic Gram Negative Enteric Bacteria among Apparently Healthy Food Handlers of Public Hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Belhu Tegegn , Fissehatsion Kinfe , Tesfaye Abraham , Woldekidan Dr Yohannes , Desta Kassu
Published: November 2020

Background. Foodborne diseases are major public health problems in developing countries like Ethiopia. Food handlers with poor personal hygiene working in hospitals could be infected with different intestinal parasites and pathogenic enteric bacteria. Therefore, they could pose a potential risk of foodborne infection to patients and the community. Methods. An institutional based cross-sectional study conducted from March to June 2017. Besides, sociodemographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire, freshly passed stool specimens for direct wet mount smear examination, and formalin ether concentration techniques performed for the detection of parasites. For bacterial identification culture, biochemical tests and antimicrobial sensitivity (Kirby-Baure disk diffusion method) have been performed. Finally, validated data were analyzed using statistical package for social science version 20 (SPSS). Results. From 368 food handlers who participated in the study, 81% were females. 119 (32.34%) were positive for at least one intestinal parasite. The most prevalent parasite was Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 48 (13%), followed by Giardia lamblia 36 (9.78%), Taenia Species 21 (5.7%), Ascaris lumbricoide 8 (2.2%), Trichuris trichiura 5 (1.4%), and Hook worm 1 (0.3%). Regarding the prevalence of enteric bacteria 17(4.6%), food handlers were positive for Salmonella 14 (3.8%) and Shigella flexneri 3 (0.8%). No E. coli O157 : H7 was isolated. All 100% (n = 14) Salmonella isolates were resistant to ampicillin (10 µg) and erythromycin (15 µg). Similarly, 100% (n = 3) of Shigella flexneri isolates were resistant to ampicillin (10 µg) and tetracycline (30 µg). 14.3% (n = 2) Salmonella and 66.7% (n = 2) Shigella flexneri isolates were MDR. Conclusion. The study showed significant carriage of pathogenic microorganisms among food handlers. Therefore, hospital administrators and other stake holders should put measures in place to break chain of transmission routes from silent carrier to other peoples particularly patients at hospital and the community at large.
Modeling the Effects of Helminth Infection on the Transmission Dynamics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis under Optimal Control Strategies
Authors: Lambura Aristide G. , Mwanga Gasper G. , Luboobi Livingstone , Kuznetsov Dmitry
Published: November 2020

A deterministic mathematical model for the transmission and control of cointeraction of helminths and tuberculosis is presented, to examine the impact of helminth on tuberculosis and the effect of control strategies. The equilibrium point is established, and the effective reproduction number is computed. The disease-free equilibrium point is confirmed to be asymptotically stable whenever the effective reproduction number is less than the unit. The analysis of the effective reproduction number indicates that an increase in the helminth cases increases the tuberculosis cases, suggesting that the control of helminth infection has a positive impact on controlling the dynamics of tuberculosis. The possibility of bifurcation is investigated using the Center Manifold Theorem. Sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the effect of every parameter on the spread of the two diseases. The model is extended to incorporate control measures, and Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle is applied to derive the necessary conditions for optimal control. The optimal control problem is solved numerically by the iterative scheme by considering vaccination of infants for Mtb, treatment of individuals with active tuberculosis, mass drug administration with regular antihelminthic drugs, and sanitation control strategies. The results show that a combination of educational campaign, treatment of individuals with active tuberculosis, mass drug administration, and sanitation is the most effective strategy to control helminth-Mtb coinfection. Thus, to effectively control the helminth-Mtb coinfection, we suggest to public health stakeholders to apply intervention strategies that are aimed at controlling helminth infection and the combination of vaccination of infants and treatment of individuals with active tuberculosis.
Developing an Extenics-Based Model for Evaluating Bus Transit System
Authors: Liu Yufeng , Chien Steven , Hu Dawei , Wang Ning , Zhang Rui
Published: November 2020

Evaluating bus transit performance periodically is a key step to improve service quality and system efficiency. An extenics-based model is developed with the real-world data. The performance indices employed for the evaluation are identified. The dependent function applied for measuring the correlation between the bus transit and the system performance is formulated. The hybrid weights associated with the indices are determined by subjective weights through analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and objective weights through the entropy method. The proposed extenics model is applied for evaluating a bus transit system of a medium-sized city in China. The model outcomes are informative, while the suggestions corresponding to the identified weakness are concluded for future planning and operation.
Model-Based Stochastic Adaptive Air-Fuel Ratio Control of Direct Injection Biogas-Fuelled Engines
Authors: Yang Jun , Li Yanxiao , Wang Jian , Li Fangyuan
Published: November 2020

The problem of stochastic adaptive air-fuel ratio control by the dynamic model of biogas-fuelled engines is investigated in this paper. An adaptive law is employed to estimate the theoretical air-fuel ratio, which is undetermined due to the uncertainty of the methane concentration in the biogas. A stochastic adaptive air-fuel ratio controller in consideration of the stochasticity of the residual gas is designed based on the adaptive law, and the closed-loop system is proven to be mean-square stable. The proposed stochastic adaptive air-fuel ratio controller is validated through a numerical simulation when the theoretical air-fuel ratio is unknown constants and jump signals.