bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FACT: a randomised controlled trial to assess the feasibility of QbTest in the assessment process of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for young people in prison—a feasibility trial protocol
Authors: Lennox Charlotte , Hall Charlotte Lucy , Carter Lesley-Anne , Beresford Bryony , Young Susan , Kraam Abdullah , Brown Nikki , Wilkinson-Cunningham Lloyd , Reeves Mindy , Chitsabesan Prathiba
Published: January 2020

Introduction

The prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) within the Children and Young People Secure Estate (CYPSE) is much higher than seen in the general population. To make a diagnosis of ADHD, clinicians draw on information from multiple sources, including parents and teachers. However, obtaining these is particularly difficult for young people in the secure estate. There is increasing evidence in the community that QbTest is able to assist in the accurate and earlier diagnosis of ADHD. The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of QbTest in the assessment of ADHD within the CYPSE.

Methods and analysis

A single-centre parallel group feasibility randomised controlled trial will be conducted. Sixty young people within the CYPSE identified as displaying possible symptoms of ADHD will be randomised to the intervention arm (n=30; QbTest plus usual care) or control arm (n=30; usual care). Primary analyses will be descriptive and a process evaluation will be conducted to assess the contexts involved in implementing the intervention. Interviews will be conducted to explore acceptability and thematic analysis will be used to analyse the data.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by National Health Service Wales research ethics committee 3 (18/WA/0347) on 15 February 2019. The findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at relevant conferences and disseminated to the public via summaries cocreated with our patient and public involvement group.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN17402196
Effect of hands-on interprofessional simulation training for local emergencies in Scotland: the THISTLE stepped-wedge design randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lenguerrand Erik , Winter Cathy , Siassakos Dimitrios , MacLennan Graeme , Innes Karen , Lynch Pauline , Cameron Alan , Crofts Joanna , McDonald Alison , McCormack Kirsty , Forrest Mark , Norrie John , Bhattacharya Siladitya , Draycott Tim
Published: January 2020

Objective

To assess whether the implementation of an intrapartum training package (PROMPT (PRactical Obstetric Multi-Professional Training)) across a health service reduced the proportion of term babies born with Apgar score <7 at 5 min (<75mins).

Design

Stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Twelve randomised maternity units with ≥900 births/year in Scotland. Three additional units were included in a supplementary analysis to assess the effect across Scotland. The intervention commenced in March 2014 with follow-up until September 2016.

Intervention

The PROMPT training package (Second edition), with subsequent unit-level implementation of PROMPT courses for all maternity staff.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was the proportion of term babies with Apgar<75mins.

Results

87 204 eligible births (99.2% with an Apgar score), of which 1291 infants had an Apgar<75mins were delivered in the 12 randomised maternity units. Two units did not implement the intervention. The overall Apgar<75mins rate observed in the 12 randomised units was 1.49%, increasing from 1.32% preintervention to 1.59% postintervention. Once adjusted for a secular time trend, the ‘intention-to-treat’ analysis indicated a moderate but non-significant reduction in the rate of term babies with an Apgar scores <75mins following PROMPT training (OR=0.79 95%CI(0.63 to 1.01)). However, some units implemented the intervention earlier than their allocated step, whereas others delayed the intervention. The content and authenticity of the implemented intervention varied widely at unit level. When the actual date of implementation of the intervention in each unit was considered in the analysis, there was no evidence of improvement (OR=1.01 (0.84 to 1.22)). No intervention effect was detected by broadening the analysis to include all 15 large Scottish maternity units. Units with a history of higher rates of Apgar<75mins maintained higher Apgar rates during the study (OR=2.09 (1.28 to 3.41)) compared with units with pre-study rates aligned to the national rate.

Conclusions

PROMPT training, as implemented, had no effect on the rate of Apgar <75mins in Scotland during the study period. Local implementation at scale was found to be more difficult than anticipated. Further research is required to understand why the positive effects observed in other single-unit studies have not been replicated in Scottish maternity units, and how units can be best supported to locally implement the intervention authentically and effectively.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN11640515.
Indwelling pleural catheters for non-malignant pleural effusions: report on a single centre’s 10 years of experience
Authors: Frost Nikolaj , Ruwwe-Glösenkamp Christoph , Raspe Matthias , Brünger Martin , Temmesfeld-Wollbrück Bettina , Suttorp Norbert , Witzenrath Martin
Published: January 2020

Background

Recurrent pleural effusion is a common cause of dyspnoea, cough and chest pain during the course of infectious pleurisy and non-malignant diseases like congestive heart failure (CHF) or liver cirrhosis with hepatic hydrothorax (HH). With regard to the chronic character of the underlying diseases, indwelling pleural catheters (IPC) are increasingly used, not only assuring immediate symptom relief but also potentially leading to pleurodesis without sclerosing agents.

Patients and methods

In this single-centre retrospective observational study, patient characteristics, procedural variables and outcome in patients with IPC in non-malignant pleural effusion (NMPE) were evaluated and prognostic factors for pleurodesis were identified.

Results

From 2006 to 2017, 54 patients received 62 IPC, of whom 48.4% with CHF and 43.5% with HH. The median length of insertion was 1.5 months (IQR 0.6–2.9 months), the median survival time after insertion 3.2 months (IQR 1.1–16.0). An adequate symptom relief was achieved in 93.2% with no need for subsequent interventions. In patients surviving ≥30 days after IPC insertion, pleurodesis was observed in 45.9%, being associated to age (<55 years, p=0.02), the primary diagnosis (p=0.03) and interventions for the underlying disease (p<0.001). Complications occurred in 24.2% of all procedures (n=15), the majority concerning mechanical obstructions (n=10) and infections (n=4). Patients with HH had an excess risk for complications (37.3%).

Conclusion

Efficacy in symptom relief and a generally manageable safety profile recommend IPC as a first-line treatment option in NMPE, where disease-specific treatments are exhausted. Caution is warranted in patients with HH due to an excess risk for complications.
Medical cannabis and insomnia in older adults with chronic pain: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sznitman Sharon R , Vulfsons Simon , Meiri David , Weinstein Galit
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Medical cannabis (MC) is increasingly being used for treatment of chronic pain symptoms. Among patients there is also a growing preference for the use of MC to manage sleep problems. The aim of the current study was to examine the associations between use of whole plant cannabis and sleep problems among chronic pain patients.

Methods

A total of 128 individuals with chronic pain over the age of 50 years were recruited from the Rambam Institute for Pain Medicine in Haifa, Israel. Of them, 66 were MC users and 62 were non-users. Regression models tested the differences in sleep problems between the two groups. Furthermore, Pearson correlations between MC use measures (dose, length and frequency of use, number of strains used, tetrahydrocannabinol/cannabidiol levels) and sleep problems were assessed among MC users.

Results

After adjustment for age, sex, pain level and use of sleep and anti-depressant medications, MC use was associated with less problems with waking up at night compared with non-MC use. No group differences were found for problems with falling asleep or waking up early without managing to fall back asleep. Frequent MC use was associated with more problems waking up at night and falling asleep.

Conclusions

MC use may have an overall positive effect on maintaining sleep throughout the night in chronic pain patients. At the same time, tolerance towards potential sleep-inducing properties of MC may occur with frequent use. More research based on randomised control trials and other longitudinal designs is warranted.
BET 1: Does inhaled tranexamic acid reduce morbidity in adults with haemoptysis?
Authors: Mervau Jennifer , Jason Seamon , Jones Jeffrey S
Published: January 2020

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether inhaled tranexamic acid is more effective than placebo at controlling bleeding in patients with haemoptysis. Thirty-four papers were found using the reported searches, of which one presented the best available evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of this paper is tabulated. It is concluded that in patients with non-massive haemoptysis, management with nebulised TXA leads to fast resolution.
Safety seat and seat belt use among child motor vehicle occupants, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Authors: Dulf Diana , Peek-Asa Corinne , Jurchiș Florin , Bărăgan Erika-Andrada
Published: January 2020

Background

Use of seat belts and car seats for children are among the most effective interventions to reduce injury severity when a crash occurs. The use should be enforced in order to have an increase in wearing these restraints. Romania has the lowest rate of using seatbelts in the backseat, 16%. The purpose of the study is to describe the use of child safety restraints and compare it with existing standards of good practice.

Methods

An observational study on child safety restraint was conducted in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, between 2013 and 2014. Observational sites included 38 schools and kindergartens and three commercial areas, where drivers (n=768) and child passengers (n=892) were observed. Observations were conducted as vehicles parked or pulled to a stop and were followed by driver surveys on knowledge and attitudes towards restraint legislation and child safety behaviour as car occupants.

Results

The proportion of observed child motor vehicle occupants wearing some type of restraint was 67.4% (n=601). The majority of children (82.6%) were in the back seat, and 14.2% of infants were in a rear-facing child seat. The proportion of restrained children declined with age, with children 5 years old or younger being almost five times more likely to be properly restrained (OR 4.87, 95% CI 2.93 to 8.07) when compared with older children.

Conclusions

Although minimum legal requirements of child motor vehicle occupant safety were in place in Romania at the time of the study, the rates of using children restraints was low compared with other middle-income and high-income countries.
Identifying a gap in drowning prevention: high-risk populations
Authors: Willcox-Pidgeon Stacey M , Franklin Richard Charles , Leggat Peter A , Devine Sue
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Some populations have been less susceptible to reductions in drowning than others. It has been hypothesised that this is due to prevention strategies failing to account for the influence of social determinants (such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status). Populations such as ethnic minorities have been over-represented in injury statistics, however this is not well explored in drowning. This study aims to identify high-risk populations for drowning, risk factors and prevention strategies.

Methods

A literature review undertaken systematically using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach was conducted of peer-reviewed literature in English, published between 1990 and 2018 from high-income countries. Search terms included drowning, water safety, ethnic minority, migrant, and culturally diverse.

Results

In total, 35 articles were included. High-risk populations identified were: ethnic minorities, First Nations/Aboriginal people, migrants and rural residents. Over half (51%) focused on children (0–18 years). Risk factors included social determinants, swimming ability and knowledge, attitudes and behaviour. Four intervention studies were found; two focused on upskilling adults from high-risk populations to increase employment opportunities within the aquatic industry; an evaluation of a 10-year rock fishing safety education project and a learn-to-swim programme for minority children. Proposed prevention strategies included education, practical skills, research, policy and engagement.

Discussion

Limited literature exists pertaining to drowning among adults from high-risk populations. There is a need to increase the sophistication of drowning prevention strategies addressing the disparities in drowning from a culturally appropriate perspective. Acknowledging the role of the social determinants of health in drowning prevention is essential in order to improve drowning outcomes for high-risk populations globally.
Haematoma evacuation in cerebellar intracerebral haemorrhage: systematic review
Authors: Singh Sanjula Dhillon , Brouwers Hens Bart , Senff Jasper Rudolf , Pasi Marco , Goldstein Joshua , Viswanathan Anand , Klijn Catharina J M , Rinkel Gabriël Johannes Engelmundus
Published: January 2020

Background

Guidelines regarding recommendations for surgical treatment of spontaneous cerebellar intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) differ. We aimed to systematically review the literature to assess treatment strategies and outcomes.

Methods

We searched PubMed and Embase between 1970 and 2019 for randomised or otherwise controlled studies and observational cohort studies. We included studies according to predefined selection criteria and assessed their quality according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and risk of bias according to a predefined scale. We assessed case fatality and functional outcome in patients treated conservatively or with haematoma evacuation. Favourable functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2 or a Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 4–5.

Results

We included 41 observational cohort studies describing 2062 patients (40% female) with spontaneous cerebellar ICH. A total of 1171 patients (57%) underwent haematoma evacuation. Ten studies described a cohort of surgically treated patients (n=533) and 31 cohorts with both surgically and conservatively treated patients (n=638 and n=891, respectively). There were no randomised clinical trials nor studies comparing outcome between the groups after adjustment for differences in baseline characteristics. The median NOS score (IQR) was 5 (4–6) out of 8 points and the bias score was 2 (1–3) out of 8, indicative of high risk of bias. Case fatality at discharge was 21% (95% CI 17% to 25%) after conservative treatment and 24% (95% CI 19% to 29%) after haematoma evacuation. At ≥6 months after conservative treatment, case fatality was 30% (95% CI 25% to 30%) and favourable functional outcome was 45% (95% CI 40% to 50%) and after haematoma evacuation, case fatality was 34% (95% CI 30% to 38%) and 42% (95% CI 37% to 47%).

Conclusions

Controlled studies on the effect of neurosurgical treatment in patients with spontaneous cerebellar ICH are lacking, and the risk of bias in published series is high. Due to substantial differences in patient characteristics between conservatively and surgically treated patients, and high variability in treatment indications, a meaningful comparison in outcomes could not be made. There is no good published evidence to support treatment recommendations and controlled, preferably randomised studies are warranted in order to formulate evidence-based treatment guidelines for patients with cerebellar ICH.
Uncovering social structures and informational prejudices to reduce inequity in delivery and uptake of new molecular technologies
Authors: Filoche Sara , Stone Peter , Cram Fiona , Bacharach Sondra , Dowell Anthony , Sika-Paotonu Dianne , Beard Angela , Ormandy Judy , Buchanan Christina , Thunders Michelle , Dew Kevin
Published: January 2020

Advances in molecular technologies have the potential to help remedy health inequities through earlier detection and prevention; if, however, their delivery and uptake (and therefore any benefits associated with such testing) are not more carefully considered, there is a very real risk that existing inequities in access and use will be further exacerbated. We argue this risk relates to the way that information and knowledge about the technology is both acquired and shared, or not, between health practitioners and their patients.

A healthcare system can be viewed as a complex social network comprising individuals with different worldviews, hierarchies, professional cultures and subcultures and personal beliefs, both for those giving and receiving care. When healthcare practitioners are not perceived as knowledge equals, they would experience informational prejudices, and the result is that knowledge dissemination across and between them would be impeded. The uptake and delivery of a new technology may be inequitable as a result. Patients would also experience informational prejudice when they are viewed as not being able to understand the information that is presented to them, and information may be withheld.

Informational prejudices driven by social relations and structures have thus far been underexplored in considering (in)equitable implementation and uptake of new molecular technologies. Every healthcare interaction represents an opportunity for experiencing informational prejudice, and with it the risk of being inappropriately informed for undertaking (or offering) such screening or testing. Making knowledge acquisition and information dissemination, and experiences of informational prejudice, explicit through sociologically framed investigations would extend our understandings of (in)equity, and offer ways to affect network relationships and structures that support equity in delivery and uptake.
Comparing treatment effects of a convenient vibratory positional device to CPAP in positional OSA: a crossover randomised controlled trial
Authors: Mok Yingjuan , Tan Alvin , Hsu Pon Poh , Seow Audrey , Chan Yiong Huak , Wong Hang Siang , Poh Yvonne , Wong Keith K H
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Up to 77% of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) have positional OSA (POSA) but traditional positional therapy (PT) methods have failed as they were poorly tolerated. New convenient vibratory PT devices have been invented but while recent studies suggest high treatment efficacy and adherence, there are no published data comparing these devices directly with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Our objective is to evaluate if a convenient vibratory PT device is non-inferior to CPAP in POSA treatment.

Methods

In this crossover randomised controlled trial, we enrolled patients with POSA with significant daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)≥10). POSA diagnosis was based on: (1) total Apnoea/Hypopnoea Index (AHI)>10/hour and non-supine AHI<10/hour (2) supine AHI≥2 × non-supine AHI. Patients used their initial allocated devices (PT or CPAP) for 8 weeks before crossing to the alternative intervention after a 1 week washout. The primary aim is to measure changes in ESS between the two treatments. Secondary outcomes include sleep study parameters and patient treatment preference (ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT03125512).

Results

40 patients completed the trial between April 2017 and December 2018. Difference in ESS after 8 weeks of device use (PT minus CPAP) was 2.0 (95% CI 0.68 to 3.32), exceeding our predetermined non-inferiority margin of 1.5. AHI on CPAP was lower than with PT (4.0±3.2 vs 13.0±13.8 events/hour, respectively, p=0.001), although both were lower than at baseline. Time spent supine was significantly lower with PT than CPAP (p<0.001). 60% of patients preferred CPAP, 20% preferred PT, while 20% preferred neither device.

Conclusions

The non-inferiority ESS endpoint for PT compared with CPAP was not met and the results were inconclusive. Future trials with larger sample sizes or in less symptomatic patients are warranted to provide further insight into the role of these new vibratory PT devices.
The structural transition under compression and correlation between structural and dynamical heterogeneity for liquid Al2O3
Authors: Kien P. H. , An P. M. , Trang G. T. T. , Hung P. K.
Published: January 2020

This study reported a simulation of structural transition and correlation between structural and dynamical heterogeneity (DH) for liquid Al2O3. Structural characteristics of liquid Al2O3 were clarified through the pair radial distribution functions, the distribution of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text], 4, 5, 6; [Formula: see text], 2, 3) basic structural units, angle and bond length distribution and 3D visualization. Simulation results revealed that network structure of liquid Al2O3 is built mainly by AlO3, AlO4, AlO5 and AlO6 units that are linked to each other through common oxygen atoms. We found the existence of separate AlO4-, AlO5- and AlO6-phases where the mobility of atoms can be determined. The atoms in AlO4-phase are more mobile than the ones in AlO5- and AlO6-phases. The existence of separate phases is evidence of DH in liquid Al2O3. Moreover, the self-diffusion of Al and O atoms was also discussed via characteristics of separate AlO4-, AlO5- and AlO6-phases.
Lateral-Torsional Stability of Rectangular Prismatic Beams Using Some Analytical Approximation Techniques
Authors: Yücesoy Ahmet , Coşkun Safa Bozkurt
Published: January 2020

The paper presents simple computational algorithms for analyzing the lateral-torsional buckling of prismatic beams with rectangular cross-sections under bending action due to uniform and nonuniform loads by the Adomian decomposition method (ADM) and variational iteration method (VIM). Unlike the numerical techniques that lead to a discretization process, the proposed method allows us to derive the solution in terms of an analytical function for the problem considered. Although the governing equations of the problem appear as a system of two coupled variable coefficient ordinary differential equations, they reduce to a single equation for rectangular beams. The buckling loads for different loading conditions are computed, with the results for the simple beam compared with previous available results by the differential transformation method (DTM), variational iteration method (VIM) and finite element method (FEM) based on coupled governing equations. The results clearly show the efficiency and advantage of the present technique over those based on the coupled governing equations using the DTM and VIM in view of the number of terms required to obtain the convergent solution.
EXPLORING THE INDIVIDUAL: AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION OF INTERRELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN DIMENSIONS OF ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY
Authors: PREXL KATJA-MARIA , HUBERT MARCO , HUBERT MIRJA , GONERA ANTJE
Published: January 2020

Absorptive capacity (AC) describes new knowledge absorption and its use for innovation on an organisational level. In this paper, we explore the role of individual AC (IAC) for corporate innovation. We focus on the individual and relationships among the capability dimensions of existing AC models. A quantitative online survey allows us to empirically explore and underline the role of the individual in AC. Our findings contribute to and extend existing theories of AC, by confirming the multidimensionality of IAC, shed light on the view of transformation and exploitation as alternative paths and their effect on different innovation processes. Our research highlights the individual’s central role in innovation and introduces, explores and evaluates individual capacities to absorb new knowledge. This in consequence will influence processes and structures within a company with regard to innovation and human resource management.
Extending Liquid Types to Arrays
Authors: Montenegro Manuel , Nieva Susana , Peña Ricardo , Segura Clara
Published: January 2020

A liquid type is an ordinary Hindley-Milner type annotated with a logical predicate that states the properties satisfied by the elements of that type. Liquid types are a powerful tool for program verification, as programmers can use them to specify pre- and post conditions of their programs, whereas the predicates of intermediate variables and auxiliary functions are inferred automatically. Type inference is feasible in this context, as the logical predicates within liquid types are constrained to a quantifier-free logic to maintain decidability.

In this article, we extend liquid types by allowing them to contain quantified properties on arrays so that they can be used to infer invariants on array-related programs (e.g., implementations of sorting algorithms). Although quantified logic is, in general, undecidable, we restrict properties on arrays to a decidable subset introduced by Bradley et al. We describe in detail the extended type system, the verification condition generator, and the iterative weakening algorithm for inferring invariants. After proving the correctness and completeness of these two algorithms, we apply them to find invariants on a set of algorithms involving array manipulations.
Intergenerational Transmission of Depression
Authors: Goodman Sherryl H.
Published: January 2020

The study of depression in mothers in relation to transmission of risk for the development of psychopathology in their children relies on solid foundations in the understanding of psychopathology, of development, and of developmental psychopathology per se. This article begins with a description of the scope of the problem, including a summary of knowledge of how mothers’ depression is associated with outcomes in children and of moderators of those associations. The sense of scope then informs a theoretical and empirical perspective on knowledge of mechanisms in those associations, with a focus on what has been learned in the past 20 years. Throughout the article, and in conclusions at the end, are suggestions for next steps in research and practice.
Navigating Through Time: A Spatial Navigation Perspective on How the Brain May Encode Time
Authors: Issa John B. , Tocker Gilad , Hasselmo Michael E. , Heys James G. , Dombeck Daniel A.
Published: January 2020

Interval timing, which operates on timescales of seconds to minutes, is distributed across multiple brain regions and may use distinct circuit mechanisms as compared to millisecond timing and circadian rhythms. However, its study has proven difficult, as timing on this scale is deeply entangled with other behaviors. Several circuit and cellular mechanisms could generate sequential or ramping activity patterns that carry timing information. Here we propose that a productive approach is to draw parallels between interval timing and spatial navigation, where direct analogies can be made between the variables of interest and the mathematical operations necessitated. Along with designing experiments that isolate or disambiguate timing behavior from other variables, new techniques will facilitate studies that directly address the neural mechanisms that are responsible for interval timing.
Asian Conceptualizations of Leadership: Progresses and Challenges
Authors: Takeuchi R. , Wang A.C. , Farh J.L.
Published: January 2020

By investigating broadly a contingency approach and implicit leadership theoretical perspectives with a multilevel lens as a starting point, this review highlights the potential for Asian conceptualizations of leadership. More specifically, by highlighting the important contingent role national culture plays in influencing leadership effectiveness, we review Asian conceptualizations of leadership that exist (e.g., paternalistic leadership style, paternalism, and guanxi in the leadership setting) in the literature and the findings that have been found in a relatively selective manner. This also allows us to advance the notion of a culturally contingent leadership perspective by developing the notion of hierarchical social exchange and various modalities associated with such a relationship. By so doing, this review enables us to underscore the advantages as well as challenges associated with Asian conceptualizations of leadership as well as future research directions that need to be undertaken to more firmly establish their utility to general leadership literature.
A Dual-Amplification Electrochemical Aptasensor for Profenofos Detection
Authors: Zhang Hui , Sun Jianfei , Cheng Shuting , Liu Huimin , Li Falan , Guo Yemin , Sun Xia
Published: January 2020

The present study reported a dual-amplification electrochemical aptasensor for sensitive detection of profenofos (PFF) in vegetables. A screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) modified with graphitized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTGr) and Au nanoshell was used as a test platform, which ensured a rapid detection process and showed a favorable electrochemical performance. MWCNTGr and Au nanoshell enhanced the electrical conductivity and the surface area, thus the detection signal was amplified. The affinity between PFF and its aptamer (Apt) was verified firstly by dot blot hybridization (DBH), and the result was exciting. Furthermore, the effects of the aptamers modified respectively with -NH2 and -SH on the current signal were compared with each other by cyclic voltammetry (CV), and results showed that the aptamers modified with -NH2 made the current signal change more obvious. Based on all above, a high-efficiency electrochemical aptasensor was fabricated with a wide linear range from 0.1–1 × 105 ng · ml−1 and a detection limit of 0.052 ng · ml−1 under the optimized conditions. This aptasensor had great specificity, stability and reproducibility. Hence, the developed aptasensor was successfully used to detect PFF in vegetables. The proposed method also has a potential for the detection of other organophosphorus pesticide (OPs).
Enoyl coenzyme A hydratase 1 combats obesity and related metabolic disorders by promoting adipose tissue browning
Authors: Mao Xiaoxiang , Huang Dandan , Rao Caijun , Du Meng , Liang Minglu , Li Fei , Liu Baoqing , Huang Kai
Published: January 2020

Browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) has been recognized as an important strategy for the treatment of obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. Enoyl coenzyme A hydratase 1 (ECH1) is a widely known enzyme involved in lipid metabolism. However, whether and how ECH1 is implicated in browning of WAT remain obscure. Adeno-associated, virus-mediated genetic engineering of ECH1 in adipose tissue was used in investigations in mouse models of obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) or browning induced by cold exposure. Metabolic parameters showed that ECH1 overexpression decreased weight gain and improved insulin sensitivity and lipid profile after 8 wk of an HFD. Further work revealed that these changes were associated with enhanced energy expenditure and increased appearance of brown-like adipocytes in inguinal WAT, as verified by a remarkable increase in uncoupling protein 1 and thermogenic gene expression. In vitro, ECH1 induced brown fat-related gene expression in adipocytes differentiated from primary stromal vascular fractions, whereas knockdown of ECH1 reversed this effect. Mechanistically, ECH1 regulated the thermogenic program by inhibiting mammalian target of rapamycin signaling, which may partially explain the potential mechanism for ECH1 regulating adipose browning. In summary, ECH1 may participate in the pathology of obesity by regulating browning of WAT, which probably provides us with a new therapeutic strategy for combating obesity.
Fault Diagnosis Strategy for Wind Turbine Generator Based on the Gaussian Process Metamodel
Authors: Zhang Dongmei , Yuan Jun , Zhu Jiang , Ji Qingchang , Zhang Xintong , Liu Hao
Published: January 2020

To facilitate continuous development of the wind power industry, maintaining technological innovation and reducing cost per kilowatt hour of the electricity generated by the wind turbine generator system (WTGS) are effective measures to facilitate the industrial development. Therefore, the improvement of the system availability for wind farms becomes an important issue which can significantly reduce the operational cost. To improve the system availability, it is necessary to diagnose the system fault for the wind turbine generator so as to find the key factors that influence the system performance and further reduce the maintenance cost. In this paper, a wind farm with 200 MW installed capacity in eastern coastal plain in China is chosen as the research object. A prediction model of wind farm’s faults is constructed based on the Gaussian process metamodel. By comparing with actual observation results, the constructed model is proved able to predict failure events of the wind turbine generator accurately. The developed model is further used to analyze the key factors that influence the system failure. These are conducive to increase the running and maintenance efficiency in wind farms, shorten downtime caused by failure, and increase earnings of wind farms.
Candidate Genes Associated with Delayed Neuropsychomotor Development and Seizures in a Patient with Ring Chromosome 20
Authors: Corrêa Thiago , Venâncio Amanda Cristina , Galera Marcial Francis , Riegel Mariluce
Published: January 2020

Ring chromosome 20 (r20) is characterized by intellectual impairment, behavioral disorders, and refractory epilepsy. We report a patient presenting nonmosaic ring chromosome 20 followed by duplication and deletion in 20q13.33 with seizures, delayed neuropsychomotor development and language, mild hypotonia, low weight gain, and cognitive deficit. Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) enabled us to restrict a chromosomal segment and thus integrate clinical and molecular data with systems biology. With this approach, we were able to identify candidate genes that may help to explain the consequences of deletions in 20q13.33. In our analysis, we observed five hubs (ARFGAP1, HELZ2, COL9A3, PTK6, and EEF1A2), seven bottlenecks (CHRNA4, ARFRP1, GID8, COL9A3, PTK6, ZBTB46, and SRMS), and two H-B nodes (PTK6 and COL9A3). The candidate genes may play an important role in the developmental delay and seizures observed in r20 patients. Gene ontology included microtubule-based movement, nucleosome assembly, DNA repair, and cholinergic synaptic transmission. Defects in these bioprocesses are associated with the development of neurological diseases, intellectual disability, neuropathies, and seizures. Therefore, in this study, we can explore molecular cytogenetic data, identify proteins through network analysis of protein-protein interactions, and identify new candidate genes associated with the main clinical findings in patients with 20q13.33 deletions.
Planning of Hybrid Micro-Hydro and Solar Photovoltaic Systems for Rural Areas of Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Syahputra Ramadoni , Soesanti Indah
Published: January 2020

This paper proposes the planning of hybrid micro-hydro and solar photovoltaic system for rural areas of Central Java, Indonesia. The Indonesian government has paid great attention to the development of renewable energy sources, especially solar and hydropower. One area that has a high potential for both types of energy is the province of Central Java, located on the island of Java, Indonesia. In this research, we conduct field research to determine the ideal capacity of solar and micro-hydro hybrid power plants, electricity load analysis, and optimal design of hybrid power plants. Data on the potential of micro-hydro plants are obtained by direct measurement on the Ancol Bligo irrigation channel located in Bligo village, Ngluwar district, Magelang regency, Central Java province, Indonesia. Data on solar power potential were obtained from NASA’s database for solar radiation in the Central Java region. Hydropower potential data include channel length, debit, heads, and power potential in irrigation channels originating from rivers. These data are used to design an optimal hybrid power plant. The method used to obtain the optimal design of a hybrid power plant system is based on the analysis of capital costs, grid sales, cost of energy, and net present cost. Based on the parameters of the analysis, the composition of the optimal generator for the on-grid scheme to the distribution network can be determined. The results showed that hybrid power plants were able to meet the needs of electrical energy in the villages around the power plant and that the excess energy could be sold to national electricity providers.
A Car-Following Driver Model Capable of Retaining Naturalistic Driving Styles
Authors: Hu Jie , Luo Sheng
Published: January 2020

The modeling of car-following behavior is an attractive research topic in traffic simulation and intelligent transportation. The driver plays an important role in car following but is ignored by most car-following models. This paper presents a novel car-following driver model, which can retain aspects of human driving styles. First, simulated car-following data are generated by using the speed control driver model and the real-world driving behavior data if the real-world car-following data are not available. Then, the car-following driver model is established by imitating human driving maneuver during real-world car following. This is accomplished by using a neural network-based learning control paradigm and car-following data. Finally, the FTP-72 driving cycle is borrowed as the speed profile of the leading vehicle for the model test. The driving style is quantitatively analyzed by AESD. The results show that the proposed car-following driver model is capable of retaining the naturalistic driving styles while well accomplishing the car-following task with the error of relative distance mostly less than 5 meters for every driving styles.
A Comparative Study of Protective Schemes for Shield Tunneling Adjacent to Pile Groups
Authors: Li Penglin , Lu Yuquan , Lai Jinxing , Liu Houquan , Wang Ke
Published: January 2020

Shield tunneling adjacent to pile groups is always an unavoidable problem in urban metro construction. A case was found in the project of Tianjin Metro Line 7, where a shield tunnel would be constructed near the existing pile groups of Shiyou Bridge. The whole shield tunnel is close to pile groups, and the minimum distance is only 0.8 m. Therefore, four kinds of protective schemes are proposed in this paper. It is vital to select an appropriate protective scheme to guarantee the safety during the tunnel construction. In this study, the main mechanical characteristic and physical parameters of site soil were obtained through laboratory tests. Besides, the three‐dimensional finite element method was carried out to compare and analyze the effectiveness of the protective schemes in mitigating the effects of tunneling on adjacent pile groups. The results show that the deep‐hole grouting scheme has better control effect on the lateral deformation and bending moment of piles, while the pile foundation underpinning scheme has better effectiveness on reducing the settlement of bridge structure and ground deformation. Finally, the deep‐hole grouting reinforcement scheme will be adopted to ensure the shield passing through the pile groups smoothly.
Portable Gentle Jogger Improves Glycemic Indices in Type 2 Diabetic and Healthy Subjects Living at Home: A Pilot Study
Authors: Adams Jose A. , Banderas Veronica , Lopez Jose R. , Sackner Marvin A.
Published: January 2020

Background. Physical inactivity is a high-risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Increased physical activity improves indices of glycemic control. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) allows the investigation of glycemic control during activities of daily living. A pilot study was undertaken to determine the effects of the portable Gentle Jogger (passive simulated jogging device (JD)) that decreases physical inactivity by effortlessly producing body movements on glycemic indices of healthy and type 2 diabetes subjects using CGM during activities of daily living. Methods. A single-arm, nonblinded study was carried out in 22 volunteers (11 type 2 diabetics and 11 healthy subjects), using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for 14 days. On day 4, subjects were provided with JD and instructed to use it a minimum of 3 times per day for 30 min for 7 days. CGM data was analyzed at baseline (BL) and during 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 days of JD (JD 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) and 1-2-day post JD (Post JD1 and 2) and the following 24 hr indices computed mean glucose (mGLu), SUM of all glucose values, % coefficient of variation (%CV), area under the 24-hour curve (AUC), time spent above range (TAR, glucose 180-250 mg/dl), and time in range (TIR). Results. In healthy subjects, there were significantly lower values of mGlu and SUM compared to BL for all days of JD usage. In type 2 diabetics, mGlu, SUM, and AUC were significantly lower compared to BL, for all days of JD usage and Post JD1. TAR was significantly lower and TIR significantly improved during JD, in type 2 diabetics without change in %CV. Conclusion. Gentle Jogger is a portable, passive movement technology that reduces physical inactivity while improving 24 hr glycemic control. It can be self-administered as a standalone device or as an adjunct to diabetic medications. This trial is registered with NCT03550105.
Functional Capacity and Inflammatory Mediators in Elderly Residents of Counties with Different Human Development Index
Authors: Lustosa Lygia P. , Xavier Daniele R. , Ribeiro-Samora Giane A. , Pereira Daniele S. , Parentoni Adriana N. , Thomasini Ronaldo L. , Pereira Leani S. M.
Published: January 2020

A number of studies have indicated that certain factors, including socioeconomic status and education, are associated with the functional health status of the elderly. Another relevant factor in aging is chronic subliminal inflammation, with increased levels of circulating inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNFR-1), commonly seen in the elderly. High levels of these inflammatory mediators could impair the functional capacity. In this respect, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare plasma levels of inflammatory mediators and functional capacity of older women living in three Brazilian counties with different Human Development Index. We evaluated 154 women aged ≥65 years, regardless of race and/or social status. IL-6 and sTNFR-1 plasma levels were measured by ELISA and the functional capacity by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test. Comparison among groups was performed using one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc correction, Kruskal–Wallis, and Mann–Whitney U tests. Women that lived in one of the counties with high HDI had lower functional capacity (p<0.001). The population from the county with the highest HDI had lower plasma levels of sTNFR-1 (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in plasma levels of IL-6 (p>0.05). Besides this, women from the counties with lower HDI had a higher number of self-reported diseases and higher income (p<0.05). Women that lived in the county with the highest HDI had a higher average education level (p<0.05). The results showed differences in functional capacity and plasma levels of sTNFR-1 between the counties. In addition, the level of education, family income, and number of self-reported diseases show regional diversities in the aging process, suggesting these factors having an influence on inflammatory mediators and functional capacity.
Is There Room for SERMs or SARMs as Alternative Therapies for Adult Male Hypogonadism?
Authors: Giagulli Vito A. , Silvestrini Andrea , Bruno Carmine , Triggiani Vincenzo , Mordente Alvaro , Mancini Antonio
Published: January 2020

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) can be sustained by organic or functional alterations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. Functional HH is related to systemic alterations, such as obesity or chronic inflammatory diseases, but could contribute to a negative course of the illness. For such situation, according to results obtained in infertile women, the administration of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) has been proposed in males too, with positive results on both metabolic and sexual function. This class of medications increases gonadotropin levels via antagonism to the estrogenic receptor; similar biological effects are also exerted by aromatase inhibitors (AIs), despite different mechanism of action. After a brief review of trials regarding SERMs and AIs use in male HH, we describe the structure and function of the androgen receptor (AR) as a basis for clinical research about compounds able to bind to AR, in order to obtain specific effects (SARMs). The tissue selectivity and different metabolic fate in comparison to testosterone can potentiate anabolic versus androgenic effects; therefore, they might be a valid alternative to testosterone replacement therapy avoiding the negative effects of testosterone (i.e., on prostate, liver, and hematopoiesis). Trials are still at an early phase of investigation and, at the moment, the application seems to be more useful for chronic disease with catabolic status while the validation as replacement for hypogonadism requires further studies.
The Role of the AIMP1 Pathway in Diabetic Retinopathy: AIMP1-Targeted Intervention Study in Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Zou Chen , Gu Chufeng , Zhao Minjie , Zhu Dandan , Wang Na , Yu Jingjing , Yao Yuan , Chen Ye , Shi Min , Gu Qi , Qian Yingying , Qiu Qinghua , Zheng Zhi
Published: January 2020

Introduction: We characterized the role of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase-interacting multifunctional protein 1 (AIMP1) in retinal inflammation and apoptosis regulation, both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, we used clinical specimens to show the relationship between AIMP1 and the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Objective: To elucidate the role of AIMP1 in DR. Methods: A diabetic AIMP1-specific knockout (KO) C57 mouse model was used. Human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) were incubated with normal glucose, high glucose (HG), and HG + AIMP1-small interfering RNA (siRNA). The expression of AIMP1 and relative inflammatory and apoptotic cytokines in diabetic mice retina and HRMECs were measured using Western blotting and polymerase chain reaction. The apoptosis of HRMECs was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. The levels of AIMP1 in the vitreous humor and serum were determined using ELISA. Possible correlations between the intravitreal level of AIMP1 and blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin HbA1c, intravitreal levels of IL-1β, and caspase-3 were determined. Results: The expression of inflammatory and apoptotic proteins was inhibited in the AIMP1 KO mice and HRMECs incubated with AIMP1-siRNA. The apoptosis of HRMECs was decreased in the AIMP1-siRNA group. The intravitreal level of AIMP1 in DR patients was significantly higher than that in nondiabetic patients (p < 0.01). There was a positive correlation between intravitreal AIMP1 and HbA1c and intravitreal IL-1β and caspase-3 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: HG induced increased expression of AIMP1 in HRMECs and retinas from diabetic C57 mice, thereby increasing the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic cytokines, which promoted DR progression. A decrease in AIMP1 expression prevented the development of DR by inhibiting the activation of inflammatory and apoptotic signaling. Therefore, AIMP1 is an effective interfering target for the prevention and treatment of DR.