bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NDP
Authors: Raiciu Costin , Antichi Gianni
Published: November 2019

The key goals of datacenter networks are to simultaneously provide wire-level latency for RPC-style applications and high-throughput for network-bound applications such as storage. Folded Clos networks [1, 11] are used in datacenters worldwide; such networks use many cheap commodity switches to provide the illusion of a big non-blocking switch to all hosts in a datacenter, offering many paths between any two pairs of hosts.
Multivariate ore polynomials in SageMath
Authors: Kauers Manuel , Mezzarobba Marc
Published: November 2019

We present the latest update of the ore_algebra package for SageMath. The main new feature in this release is the support of operators in several variables.
A greedy algorithm for decomposing large clothing orders into lays
Authors: Rosenblueth David A.
Published: November 2019

Garments are often produced by cutting stacks of layers of fabric into pieces, thus yielding copies of each piece. Given a requested number of garments for each size, we are interested in determining the number of layers of each stack, as well as which pieces are to be cut from each stack, in such a way that (1) the requested number of garments of each size is produced, and (2) both the fabric and the labor costs are minimized. In [3], we described a Prolog program for decomposing clothing orders into stacks of layers using a branch-and-bound method. Because the order-decomposition problem is inherently complex, such a branch-and-bound method proved to be practical only for "small" orders, with up to seven sizes. In the current paper we extend the previous method to larger orders by preceding the branch-and-bound method by a greedy method that repetitively tries to place as many garments as possible in each stack. Once the order to be decomposed is small enough, we switch to the branch-and-bound method.
miR-203 Acts as an Inhibitor for Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Process in Diabetic Foot Ulcers via Targeting Interleukin-8
Authors: Yuan Liqin , Sun Yang , Xu Meili , Zeng Fanglin , Xiong Xiang
Published: November 2019

Objectives: As a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), one of the leading causes for death and disability for DM patients is diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a critical role in wound healing of DFUs. miR-203 is specifically enriched in keratinocytes and has been shown to target interleukin 8 (IL-8), which acts as an activator for the EMT process. In this study, we explored the interaction between miR-203 and IL-8 in DFU rat models and human keratinocyte cells, underlying the mechanism of miR-203’s function in DFUs progression. Methods: DFU rat models were used to test gene expression in DFU progression. Diabetic keratinocyte cell lines were used to validate in vitro. Wound healing and Transwell assays were applied to evaluate cell migration and invasion abilities. The EMT process was estimated by testing expression of E-cadherin, Vimentin and Slug. The interaction between miR-203 and IL-8 was determined by Luciferase assay. Results: Our results demonstrated that the wound-healing process had been slowed in DFUs, and the advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGEs) in wound tissue were of a higher expression than those in normal rat. miR-203 was increased in skin tissues from DFU rat models, while IL-8 was decreased. Through knock-down of miR-203 in AGE-treated keratinocyte cells, it had been shown that the downregulation of miR-203 could promote cell proliferation and migration, and facilitate the EMT process. Meanwhile, Luciferase assay proved that miR-203 could directly target and inhibit IL-8. The repression of IL-8 could rescue the outcomes brought about by miR-203 inhibition. Conclusions: The upregulation of miR-203 in DFU tissues impaired wound healing by the repress EMT process. Specific knock-down of miR-203 could promote wound healing through the reactivation of its target gene IL-8 and the downstream IL-8/AKT pathway.
Preoperative Prediction of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms Grading Based on Enhanced Computed Tomography Imaging: Validation of Deep Learning with a Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Luo Yanji , Chen Xin , Chen Jie , Song Chenyu , Shen Jingxian , Xiao Huanhui , Chen Minhu , Li Zi-Ping , Huang Bingsheng , Feng Shi-Ting
Published: November 2019

Introduction: The pathological grading of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs) is an independent predictor of survival and indicator for treatment. Deep learning (DL) with a convolutional neural network (CNN) may improve the preoperative prediction of pNEN grading. Methods: Ninety-three pNEN patients with preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) from Hospital I were retrospectively enrolled. A CNN-based DL algorithm was applied to the CECT images to obtain 3 models (arterial, venous, and arterial/venous models), the performances of which were evaluated via an eightfold cross-validation technique. The CECT images of the optimal phase were used for comparing the DL and traditional machine learning (TML) models in predicting the pathological grading of pNENs. The performance of radiologists by using qualitative and quantitative computed tomography findings was also evaluated. The best DL model from the eightfold cross-validation was evaluated on an independent testing set of 19 patients from Hospital II who were scanned on a different scanner. The Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis was employed for survival analysis. Results: The area under the curve (AUC; 0.81) of arterial phase in validation set was significantly higher than those of venous (AUC 0.57, p = 0.03) and arterial/venous phase (AUC 0.70, p = 0.03) in predicting the pathological grading of pNENs. Compared with the TML models, the DL model gave a higher (although insignificantly) AUC. The highest OR was achieved for the p ratio <0.9, the AUC and accuracy for diagnosing G3 pNENs were 0.80 and 79.1% respectively. The DL algorithm achieved an AUC of 0.82 and an accuracy of 88.1% for the independent testing set. The KM analysis showed a statistical significant difference between the predicted G1/2 and G3 groups in the progression-free survival (p = 0.001) and overall survival (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The CNN-based DL method showed a relatively robust performance in predicting pathological grading of pNENs from CECT images.
Cysticercosis, a Potential Public Health Concern in Kuwait: A New Diagnostic Method to Screen Taenia solium Taeniasis Carriers in the Expatriate Population
Authors: Al-Awadhi Mohammad , Iqbal Jamshaid , Ahmad Suhail
Published: November 2019

Objective: Taenia solium infection is not endemic to Kuwait, butseveral casesof cysticercosis have been detected in Kuwaiti nationals with no history of travelling to endemic countries. Infected domestic helpers/food handlers from endemic countries who may have escaped detection of infection by microscopy at the time of their arrival in Kuwait have been suspected as the possible source of infection. This study determined the seroprevalence of T. solium among domestic helpers/food handlers by screening their blood using a sensitive taeniasis-specific anti-rES33 antibody assay. Subjects and Methods: Newly arrived domestic helpers (n = 500) and food handlers (n = 500) from endemic countries were enrolled in the period 2015–2017. T. solium-specific rES33 antigen was expressed and purified from human embryonic kidney (HEK)293-6E cells using the pTT5 mammalian expression vector. Stool samples were processed for microscopy, and blood samples were screened to detect anti-T. soliumtaeniasis-specific IgG antibodies by ELISA. Results: All stool samples were negative for T. soliumparasiteeggs by microscopy. However, 42 individuals (4.2%) tested positive for T. soliumtaeniasis-specific IgG antibodies. Though statistically not significant, the IgG seropositivity was higher in individuals with a lower education level, a low-income background, and a lower frequency of hand-washing. Conclusions: This is the first report from Kuwait and the Middle East on the detection of anti-T. soliumtaeniasis-specific serum IgG antibodies among the high-risk expatriate population. The results emphasize the importance of efficient and sensitive screening of T. solium carriers and thus the prevention of infection transmission and development of cysticercosis in the local population.
Ischemic and Bleeding Risk After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Prior Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke
Authors: Natsuaki Masahiro , Morimoto Takeshi , Watanabe Hirotoshi , Nakagawa Yoshihisa , Furukawa Yutaka , Kadota Kazushige , Akasaka Takashi , Hanaoka Keiichi Igarashi , Kozuma Ken , Tanabe Kengo , Morino Yoshihiro , Muramatsu Toshiya , Kimura Takeshi ,   the CREDO‐Kyoto PCI/CABG registry cohort‐2, RESET and NEXT trial investigators
Published: November 2019

Background

Prior stroke is regarded as risk factor for bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention (
PCI
). However, there is a paucity of data on detailed bleeding risk of patients with prior hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes after
PCI
.

Methods and Results

In a pooled cohort of 19 475 patients from 3 Japanese
PCI
studies, we assessed the influence of prior hemorrhagic (n=285) or ischemic stroke (n=1773) relative to no‐prior stroke (n=17 417) on ischemic and bleeding outcomes after
PCI
. Cumulative 3‐year incidences of the co‐primary bleeding end points of intracranial hemorrhage, non‐intracranial
global utilization of streptokinase and tissue plasminogen activator for occluded coronary arteries (GUSTO)
moderate/severe bleeding, and the primary ischemic end point of ischemic stroke/myocardial infarction were higher in the prior hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke groups than in the no‐prior stroke group (6.8%, 2.5%, and 1.3%,
P
<0.0001, 8.8%, 8.0%, and 6.0%,
P
=0.001, and 12.7%, 13.4%, and 7.5%,
P
<0.0001). After adjusting confounders, the excess risks of both prior hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes relative to no‐prior stroke remained significant for intracranial hemorrhage (hazard ratio (HR) 4.44, 95%
CI
2.64–7.01,
P
<0.0001, and
HR
1.52, 95%
CI
1.06–2.12,
P
=0.02), but not for non‐intracranial bleeding (
HR
1.18, 95%
CI
0.76–1.73,
P
=0.44, and
HR
0.94, 95%
CI
0.78–1.13,
P
=0.53). The excess risks of both prior hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes relative to no‐prior stroke remained significant for ischemic events mainly driven by the higher risk for ischemic stroke (
HR
1.46, 95%
CI
1.02–2.01,
P
=0.04, and
HR
1.49, 95%
CI
1.29–1.72,
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions

Patients with prior hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke as compared with those with no‐prior stroke had higher risk for intracranial hemorrhage and ischemic events, but not for non‐intracranial bleeding after
PCI
.
Evaluation of Cardiac Function in Women With a History of Preeclampsia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Reddy Maya , Wright Leah , Rolnik Daniel Lorber , Li Wentao , Mol Ben Willem , La Gerche Andre , da SilvaCosta Fabricio , Wallace Euan M. , Palmer Kirsten
Published: November 2019

Background

Women with a history of preeclampsia are at increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the underlying mechanisms of disease association, and the ideal method of monitoring this high‐risk group, remains unclear. This review aims to determine whether women with a history of preeclampsia show clinical or subclinical cardiac changes when evaluated with an echocardiogram.

Methods and Results

A systematic search of
MEDLINE
,
EMBASE,
and
CINAHL
databases was performed to identify studies that examined cardiac function in women with a history of preeclampsia, in comparison with those with normotensive pregnancies. In the 27 included studies, we found no significant differences between preeclampsia and nonpreeclampsia women with regard to left ventricular ejection fraction, isovolumetric relaxation time, or deceleration time. Women with a history of preeclampsia demonstrated a higher left ventricular mass index and relative wall thickness with a mean difference of 4.25 g/m
2
(95%
CI
, 2.08, 6.42) and 0.03 (95%
CI
, 0.01, 0.05), respectively. In comparison with the nonpreeclampsia population, they also demonstrated a lower E/A and a higher E/e′ ratio with a mean difference of −0.08 (95%
CI
, −0.15, −0.01) and 0.84 (95%
CI
, 0.41, 1.27), respectively.

Conclusions

In comparison with women who had a normotensive pregnancy, women with a history of preeclampsia demonstrated a trend toward altered cardiac structure and function. Further studies with larger sample sizes and consistent echocardiogram reporting with the use of sensitive preclinical markers are required to assess the role of echocardiography in monitoring this high‐risk population group.
Introduction to Arman Grigoryan's “What is
Hamasteghtsakan Art” (1993) and “What is
Hamasteghtsakan Art” (1996)
Authors: Harutyunyan Angela
Published: November 2019

The document presents two separate articles with the same title –“What is Hamasteghtsakan Art” – by artist Arman Grigoryan and art critic Nazareth Karoyan, published in Armenia in 1994 and 1996 respectively. Translated from Armenian and introduced by Angela Harutyunyan both articles have been formative for the development of contemporary art in Armenia. While presenting diverging views on the meaning of hamasteghtsakan (translated as collectively created), the concept was circulated as a definition for a broad range of post-medium artistic practices in late Soviet and post-Soviet Armenia. These practices formed an oppositional discourse to both Socialist Realism and Armenian National modernism. Harutyunyan's introduction locates the texts in a broader context of artistic institutional transformations in the late 1980s and early 1994 in Armenia.
Behavior Morphologies of Machine Learning Agents in Media Artworks
Authors: Audry Sofian
Published: November 2019

Since the 1950s, a range of artists have used artificial agents in their work, in parallel with scientific research in cybernetics, artificial intelligence (AI) and artificial life (AL). In particular, an increasing number of artists work with machine learning and other adaptive systems. Through the author's own engagement with such systems, an analysis of adaptive agents is provided within the broader context of behavior aesthetics. As a result, the author proposes an aesthetic framework for understanding behaviors that accounts for the observer as an adaptive perceiving agent, the unfathomable character of machine learning systems and the morphology of behaviors as a time-based phenomenon.
Conceptual Art and Abstraction: Deconstructed Painting
Authors: Stanowski Mariusz
Published: November 2019

This article proposes a new conception of art and presents a form of painting that exemplifies that concept. Considering the developments in twentieth- and 21st-century art, the author notes that art created after the conceptual period has failed so far to take account of the profound transformation that occurred within it in the twentieth century. This change consisted in the identification of art with reality, achieved by incorporating into art all significant spheres/objects of reality. One result has been the dominance of referential art following the conceptualist period. Referential artworks are split into object and reference. This impedes untrammeled creativity, which would otherwise promote the integration of diverse formal elements. This article proposes painting that exemplifies such artistic creation.
Astrological Debates in Italian Renaissance Commentaries on Aristotle’s Meteorology
Authors: Martin Craig
Published: November 2019

From the time of Albertus Magnus, medieval commentators on Aristotle regularly used a passage from Meteorology 1.2 as evidence that the stars and planets influence and even govern terrestrial events. Many of these commentators integrated their readings of this work with the view that planetary conjunctions were causes of significant changes in human affairs. By the end of the sixteenth century, Italian Aristotelian commentators and astrologers alike deemed this passage as authoritative for the integration of astrology with natural philosophy. Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, however, criticized this reading, contending that Aristotle never used the science of the stars to explain meteorological phenomena. While some Italian commentators, such as Pietro Pomponazzi dismissed Pico’s contentions, by the middle of the sixteenth century many reevaluated the medieval integration. This reevaluation culminated in Cesare Cremonini, who put forth an extensive critique of astrology in which he argued against the idea of occult causation and celestial influence, as he tried to rid Aristotelianism of its medieval legacy.
A Composited Povidone-Iodine Silk Fibroin Hydrogel for Wound Infection
Authors: Wang Yangyang , Wang Yansong
Published: November 2019

Wound infections have historically been an important global health concern which seriously affects human life and health. Reducing the number of bacteria at the site of the wound is essential to prevent wound infection and promote wound healing. Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) is widely used
as an antiseptic providing useful properties for local anti-infective treatment in skin, mucous membranes, and wounds. In this study, we synthesized a new PVP-I/silk fibroin (SF) hydrogel through a simple preparation method, and to study the physicochemical properties, antibacterial properties
and biocompatibility of the composited hydrogel. Compared with the pure SF hydrogel, the composition of PVP-I with SF hydrogels endowed the hydrogel new physicochemical characteristics especially enhanced hydrogel's structural stability and a sustained-release effect of iodine. Moreover, such
composited hydrogels showed better antibacterial properties when the content of the compound PVP-I reached a certain degree. In vivo, the results indicate that the composited hydrogel displayed a good histocompatibility and biodegradability. All these results demonstrated that the composited
povidone-iodine silk hydrogel can be fabricated as an anti-infective biomaterials with great potential using in wound infection.
Long Non-Coding Sprouty4-Intronic Transcript 1 (SPRY4-IT1) Regulates Cancer Biological Effects and Cisplatin Sensitivity in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Cai Hui , Deng Hongmei
Published: November 2019

Background: Emerging evidences have revealed that Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) is crucial for cancer progression. Previous studies have elucidated that patients with higher LncRNA SPRY4IT1 was more advanced. This study aims to investigate the biological effects of LncRNA SPRY4-IT1
and preliminary explore the effects of LncRNA SPRY4-IT1 on cisplatin sensitivity. Materials and methods: Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR was used to validate the expression of SPRY4IT1. Cell migration and invasion were detected by scratch test and Transwell assay. Cell cytometry
was performed for cell apoptosis. The expression of proteins was evaluated by immunoblotting. The drug sensitivity was measured by CCK-8. Results: LncRNA SPRY4-IT1 was significantly expressed in cervical cancer cell lines compared to normal cells. Downregulation of LncRNA SPRY4-IT1
in cervical cancer cells suppress the cell viability, cell invasion and migration and promoted apoptosis. In addition, decreases of LncRNA SPRY4-IT1 enhanced the cisplatin sensitivity in cervical cell lines. Conclusion: LncRNA SPRY4-IT1 is a potential biomarker and therapy target for
cervical cancer.
Role of miR-323b-5p in Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis During Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Liu Chuan , Du Juan , Wang Zhaohui , Meng Fanhua
Published: November 2019

Objective: The aims of this study is to investigate the potential effects of miR-323b-5p in an in vitro cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) model via targeting BCL2L11. Materials and methods: PC-12 cells exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion condition (OGD/R)
were classified into control, OGD/R model, miR-323b-5p inhibitor, inhibitor NC, sh-BCL2L11, shRNA NC, miR-323b5p inhibitor + shRNA NC, miR-323b-5p inhibitor + sh-BCL2L11, as well as the wild type cells. Cell apoptosis was observed by flow cytometry. The targeting relationship between miR-323b-5p
and BCL2L11 was verified by luciferase assay. ELISA, qRT-PCR, and Western blot were performed to evaluate expressions of related molecules. Results: Compared with wild type, OGD/R significantly induced expression level of miR-323b-5p. In addition, downregulation of miR-323b-5p suppressed
the OGD/R induced expression of pro-inflammation factors such as TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), OGD/R induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Increased ROS often leads to increased levels
of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased anti-oxidants super oxide dismutase (SOD), and these OGD/R induced results were reversed by downregulation of miR-323b-5p. Decreased miR-323b-5p also inhibited the OGD/R induced apoptosis. Moreover, miR-323b-5p mediated apoptosis was mediated by directly
targeting BCL2L11. Conclusions: miR-323b-5p may regulate cerebral I/R injury by targeting BCL2L11 and is a potential therapeutic and diagnostic biomarker for cerebral I/R injury.
Assessment and grading of pigmentation in chronic venous insufficiency
Authors: Tiwary Satyendra K , Kumar Praveen KG , Dhameeja Neeraj , Kumar Puneet , Khanna Ajay K , Khanna Soumya
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Chronic venous insufficiency causes skin pigmentation of the leg ranging from small patches of mild dyschromia to extensive areas of severe skin pigmentation. It is thought that the pigmentation is mainly due to haemosiderin or melanin deposition. Erythrodiapedesis which occurs as a result of venular hypertension causes erythrocytes to migrate across the microvascular network into the dermis.

Methods

We categorized the grading of pigmentation into four grades: +, few spots; ++, pigmentation over gaiter area; +++, pigmentation involving leg and ankle; ++++, heavily pigmented (dark). Skin biopsies were taken from the patient while undergoing surgery; two biopsies were taken from each patient, one from apparently normal skin and other from the site of pigmentation. A total of 45 patients diagnosed as chronic venous insufficiency with pigmentation were included in the study and five patients included in control. The biopsy specimens were sent to pathology department for H&E, Perls stain and IHC for S100.

Results

Majority of cases, i.e. 62% of limbs fall under (++) grade of pigmentation, followed by (+) grade of pigmentation in 20%, while (+++) and (++++) constitute 9% of the cases each. Increased melanin deposition was seen in 40 pigmented skin biopsies and 3 normal skin biopsies from the case group, and normal melanin deposition was seen in all the non-varicose controls.

Conclusion

We have tried to categorize pigmentation in chronic venous insufficiency into four grades. As the grade of pigmentation increases the per cent of cases with ulceration is increasing. It was observed that presence of melanin deposition irrespective of the grade of pigmentation was distributed more towards the advanced clinical classification (C5 and C6).
Aztreonam, Ceftazidime/Avibactam, and Colistin Combination for the Management of Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella Pneumoniae Bacteremia: A Case Report
Authors: Shah Punit J. , Tran Thuytram , Emelogu Francis , Tariq Farheen
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

A case of a patient with sepsis from a urinary source due to carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae treated with a novel combination of aztreonam, ceftazidime/avibactam, and colistin is described. Summary: An 80-year-old South Asian male presented to the hospital with sepsis from a urinary source. Blood and urine cultures were positive for a carbapenemase-producing K pneumoniae sensitive only to colistin and tigecycline. Novel beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations ceftazidime/avibactam and meropenem/vaborbactam were resistant. Patient was initially on ceftazidime/avibactam and colistin combination followed by tigecycline and colistin with lack of improvement. Metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL)-producing K pneumoniae was suspected based on the sensitivity pattern and history of medical treatment in India. Patient was then initiated on novel combination of ceftazidime/avibactam, aztreonam, and colistin. Patient’s white blood cell (WBC) count and fever curve normalized. Unfortunately, the patient failed to recover completely likely because of his multiple comorbidities and declining functional status, resulting in the family’s decision to pursue hospice.

Conclusion:

The combination of ceftazidime/avibactam and aztreonam should be considered as a viable treatment option for patients with infections caused by MBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae.
Design and study on the tailorable directional thermal expansion of dual-material planar metamaterial
Authors: Yang Rui , Yang Qing , Niu Bin
Published: November 2019

Current studies on tailoring the coefficient of thermal expansion of metamaterials focused on either complex bending-dominated lattice or the stretching-dominated lattice which transforms the spaces of triangle and tetrahedron. This paper proposes a kind of dual-material rectangular cell of tailorable thermal expansion, which reduces the complexities of design, calculation, and manufacture of lattice materials. The theoretical derivation using the matrix displacement method is adopted to study the thermal expansion properties of rectangular cell in the direction of height, the analytical expressions of coefficient of thermal expansion and optimization model are used to design the sizes of rectangular cell, and experimental verification is carried out. It is found that the middle cell of lattice had the same thermal expansion law as that of the unit cell. The rectangular cells of negative coefficient of thermal expansion −7 ppm/℃, zero coefficient of thermal expansion, and large positive coefficient of thermal expansion 36.2 ppm/℃ in the direction of height were realized, respectively. The consistency of theory, simulation, and experiment verifies that rectangular lattice material made of two kinds of common materials with a different coefficient of thermal expansions can achieve the design of coefficient of thermal expansion in the direction of height by choosing different material distribution and geometric parameters.
Why Boredom Is Interesting
Authors: Westgate Erin C.
Published: November 2019

Is boredom bad? It is certainly common: Most everybody gets bored. There is a sense that boredom sometimes causes bad things to happen (e.g., substance use, self-harm) and sometimes causes good things to happen (e.g., daydreaming, creativity), but it is hard to understand what boredom does without first understanding what it is. According to the meaning-and-attentional-components (MAC) model of boredom and cognitive engagement, the emotion of boredom signals deficits in attention and meaning. Much like pain, it may not be pleasant, but boredom critically alerts us that we are unable or unwilling to successfully engage attention in meaningful activities. Whether that is good or bad rests ultimately on how we respond.
One-Hour Pilot Training to Prevent Workers From Taking Home Workplace Contaminants
Authors: Ceballos Diana , Guerrero Mariana , Kalweit Andrew , Rabin Richard , Spengler John , Herrick Robert
Published: November 2019

Workers can accidentally transport chemical hazards from the workplace to the home, known as “take-home exposures.” Recent take-home lead-poisoning cases highlight the need for effective prevention training. A one-hour take-home prevention training was developed in partnership with a nonprofit. The training was administered and evaluated during two training sessions with twenty-one trainees. The training was composed of a lecture and interactive activities. An illustrated poster was used with different prevention actions within a story line to reduce take-home exposures under three categories: facilities with formal health and safety programs, small businesses, and outdoor work. The effectiveness and acceptability of the training was measured by a survey and pre- and posttraining exams. The second training exam responses showed a 14 percent (84 percent to 98 percent) increase in take-home prevention knowledge. Community-based prevention training could reduce the burden of chemical exposures on vulnerable workers and their families.
Cerebrospinal fluid complement system biomarkers in demyelinating disease
Authors: Zelek Wioleta Milena , Fathalla Dina , Morgan Angharad , Touchard Samuel , Loveless Samantha , Tallantyre Emma , Robertson Neil P , Morgan B Paul
Published: November 2019

Background:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) can be difficult to differentiate from other demyelinating diseases, notably neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). We previously showed that NMOSD is distinguished from MS by plasma complement biomarkers.

Objective:

Here, we measure cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) complement proteins in MS, NMOSD and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), a neurological episode that may presage MS, to test whether these distinguish NMOSD from MS and CIS.

Materials and methods:

CSF (53 MS, 17 CIS, 11 NMOSD, 35 controls) was obtained; complement proteins (C4, C3, C5, C9, C1, C1q, Factor B (FB)), regulators (Factor I (FI), Factor H (FH), FH-Related Proteins 1, 2 and 5 (FHR125), C1 Inhibitor (C1INH), Properdin) and activation products (terminal complement complex (TCC), iC3b) were quantified by ELISA and results expressed relative to CSF total protein (μg/mg).

Results:

Compared to control CSF, (1) levels of C4, C1INH and Properdin were elevated in MS; (2) TCC, iC3b, FI and FHR125 were increased in CIS; and (3) all complement biomarkers except TCC, FHR125, Properdin and C5 were higher in NMOSD CSF. A statistical model comprising six analytes (C3, C9, FB, C1q, FI, Properdin) plus age/gender optimally differentiated MS from NMOSD.
Depressive symptoms are related to boredom proneness in patients receiving hospital care, regardless of alcohol status, lifestyle, or social support
Authors: Constant Aymery , Val-Laillet David , Joubert Anthony , Foret Katia , Thibault Ronan , Moirand Romain
Published: November 2019

We examined the relationship between boredom proneness and psychological distress in patients receiving hospital care due either to excessive alcohol consumption or to gastrointestinal diseases. Sociodemographic data were collected together with boredom proneness subscales (internal/external lack of stimulation), psychological distress, physical activity, and social support. Boredom proneness due to a lack of external stimulation seemed to constitute a prominent personality trait in patients with alcohol consumption. But depressive symptoms were related only to boredom proneness due to a lack of internal stimulation in all patients, regardless of alcohol status, lifestyle, or social support. Potential implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Impact of pre-trauma, trauma-specific, and post-trauma variables on psychosocial adjustment of Syrian refugee school-age children
Authors: Khamis Vivian
Published: November 2019

This study investigated the psychosocial adjustment in Syrian refugee children and adolescents who resettled in Lebanon and Jordan by examining the potential effects of pre-trauma, trauma-specific, and post-trauma variables. The sample consisted of 1000 children. The results indicated that a child’s adjustment was correlated with the host country, traumatic events, and time spent in host country. Coping strategies, family relationships, and school environment are strong predictors. Interventions may target psychosocial problems and risk modifiers that focus on emotion regulation, cognitive restructuring, problem-solving and coping skills, positive relationships within the family, and positive school environment.
Tele-rehabilitation and hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation are comparable in increasing patient activation and health literacy: A pilot study
Authors: Knudsen Marie V , Petersen Annemette K , Angel Sanne , Hjortdal Vibeke E , Maindal Helle T , Laustsen Sussie
Published: November 2019

Background:

Cardiac tele-rehabilitation is defined as using information and communication technology to support rehabilitation services. However, it requires a high level of patient activation and health literacy; this has not yet been explored.

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient activation and health literacy in tele-rehabilitation compared to hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation.

Methods:

We conducted a pilot study in patients with ischaemic or heart valve disease. In a non-randomised design, 24 patients attended a 12-week tele-rehabilitation programme, and 53 matched controls a 12-week hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation programme. The primary outcome was patient activation, which was assessed using the Patient Activation Measure before the intervention, at the end of the intervention and at follow-up six months after the intervention. The secondary outcome was health literacy, assessed using three dimensions from the Health Literacy Questionnaire before rehabilitation and at six-month follow-up: actively manage my health (HLQ3), ability to engage with healthcare providers (HLQ6) and understanding health information (HLQ9).

Results:

Patient activation improved similarly in tele-rehabilitation and hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation at all time points. Six months after the intervention, patients in tele-rehabilitation significantly improved on the dimension HLQ6 compared to patients in hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation. No significant between-group differences were found in HLQ3 or HLQ9.

Conclusion:

Tele-rehabilitation and hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation seemed to be equally successful in improving patient activation and health literacy. Tele-rehabilitation should be further tested in a randomised controlled trial, with a focus on whether patient levels of education and self-management at the initiation of rehabilitation are decisive factors for tele-rehabilitation participation.
Comparisons of different deep learning-based methods on fault diagnosis for geared system
Authors: Han Bing , Yang Xiaohui , Ren Yafeng , Lan Wanggui
Published: November 2019

The running state of a geared transmission system affects the stability and reliability of the whole mechanical system. It will greatly reduce the maintenance cost of a mechanical system to identify the faulty state of the geared transmission system. Based on the measured gear fault vibration signals and the deep learning theory, four fault diagnosis neural network models including fast Fourier transform–deep belief network model, wavelet transform–convolutional neural network model, Hilbert-Huang transform–convolutional neural network model, and comprehensive deep neural network model are developed and trained respectively. The results show that the gear fault diagnosis method based on deep learning theory can effectively identify various gear faults under real test conditions. The comprehensive deep neural network model is the most effective one in gear fault recognition.
mRNA and lncRNA Expression Profiling of Radiation-Induced Gastric Injury Reveals Potential Radiation-Responsive Transcription Factors
Authors: Chen Guangxia , Feng Yang , Sun Zhiqiang , Gao Yiying , Wu Chuannan , Zhang Haihan , Cao Jinming , Chen Zhuo , Cao Jianping , Zhu Yaqun , Zhang Shuyu
Published: November 2019

Radiation-induced gastric injury is a serious concern that may limit the duration and the delivered dose of radiation. However, the genome-wide molecular changes in stomach upon ionizing radiation have not been reported. In this study, mouse stomach was irradiated with 6 or 12 Gy X-ray irradiation and we found that radiation resulted in the atrophy of gastric mucosa and abnormal morphology of chief and parietal cells. Radiation-induced gastric injury was accompanied by an increase in the serum levels of pepsinogen A and pepsinogen C but not gastrin-17. The expression profiles of messenger RNA (mRNA) and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in normal and irradiated gastric tissues were measured by microarray analysis. Results revealed 17 upregulated and 10 downregulated mRNAs were consistent in 6 and 12 Gy irradiated gastric tissues, including D site-binding protein ( Dbp) and fibrinogen-like protein 1 ( Fgl1). Thirteen upregulated and 96 downregulated lncRNAs were commonly changed in 6 and 12 Gy irradiated gastric tissues. The dysregulated mRNAs were implicated in multiple pathways and showed coexpression with lncRNAs. To identify motifs for transcription factors and coactivators in the proximal promoter regions of the dysregulated RNAs, the bioinformatic tool Biopython was used. A variety of common motifs that are associated with transcription factors were identified, including ZNF263, LMX1B, and Dlx1. Our findings illustrate the molecular changes during radiation-induced gastric injury and the potential transcription factors driving this alteration.
Adaptive space debris capture approach based on origami principle
Authors: Sun Chong , Wan Wenya , Deng Lisheng
Published: November 2019

Space debris capture is the base of the on-orbit servicing and space debris removal. Due to the lack of fixed grasping points and the uncertainty of motion parameters, the traditional spacecraft manipulator approach cannot be applied in the space debris capture. In this article, a novel adaptive capture approach based on origami principle is developed. Main advantages of the proposed method are as follows: (1) it can capture target without fixed points. Through multimodule unfolding, the capture mechanism can form a suitable configuration for the space debris, restrict its motion, and capture it. (2) As the caging configuration of the capture device can be changed through different module unfolding, it can satisfy different size of the space target. (3) It can save the launch space of the capture mechanism. The multimodule capture mechanism has small volume after folding, which can greatly save the storage space in launch stage. The structure of the capture mechanism based on origami principle is developed, and the grasping configuration design is proposed for different size of the space debris target. In addition, considering the disturbance in process of capture is nonlinear and is hard to obtain accurately, a novel extended state observer-based sliding control is developed for the capture process control. The simulation results demonstrate the efficiency of the control algorithm.
Epidemiology and Trends of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia in the United States
Authors: Ferry Andrew M. , Wright Alex E. , Baillargeon Gwen , Kuo Yong-Fang , Chaaban Mohamad R.
Published: November 2019

Background

To our knowledge, no national studies have investigated the epidemiology of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) in the United States since the incorporation of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10 CM).

Objective

Our objective is to analyze the epidemiology of HHT from 2013 to 2017 and to determine the relationships between epistaxis and other associated complications of this rare disease.

Methods

We analyzed the epidemiology of HHT between 2013 and 2017 by accessing data of 87 709 738 patients from the Clinformatics Data Mart using ICD-9 CM and ICD-10 CM codes. Variables analyzed included age, gender, region, clinical setting of diagnosis, hospitalizations, and complications. Bivariate analyses using generalized linear models were conducted to determine the likelihood of HHT patients with epistaxis enduring associated life-threatening complications such as cerebral hemorrhage, thrombosis, and pulmonary hemorrhage compared to HHT patients without epistaxis during the study period.

Results

The prevalence of HHT increased from 6.1 to 12.1 per 100 000 persons, with patients of ages 18 to 29 years and those older than 60 years seeing the greatest percent increase. The prevalence of HHT in the Southern United States saw a 147% increase. Compared to HHT patients without epistaxis, HHT patients with epistaxis were 3.4 times more likely to experience pulmonary hemorrhage, 3.3 times more likely to have pulmonary emboli, 2.8 times more likely to experience cerebral hemorrhage, and 2.0 times more likely to have thrombosis during the study period.

Conclusion

Our national study has provided the first incidence and prevalence rates of HHT in the United States since the incorporation of the ICD-10 CM. HHT patients with epistaxis require prompt multidisciplinary treatment of their condition due to their increased risk of life-threatening complications.
A novel clinical practice tool increases patients’ understanding of concussion care within an inter-disciplinary clinic
Authors: Bauman Shannon M , MacDonald Julie , Glatt Carolyn , Doktor-Inglis Iveta , McLean Jesse
Published: November 2019

Background

Concussion patients who experience prolonged symptoms may benefit from evidence-based, physician-led, inter-disciplinary care. The success of this approach may depend on a patient’s understanding and adherence to a complex, multi-modal recovery process.

Objectives

We have developed a novel clinical care guide for post-injury concussion caretermed the “Treatment Passport,” intended to facilitate greater communication and understanding among patients, healthcare providers, family members, teachers, and coaches. This study aims to assess whether the Treatment Passport increases patients’ understanding of their concussion care in an inter-disciplinary setting.

Methods

Patients presenting with sports- or recreation-related concussions were randomly assigned to the intervention ( n = 15) or control ( n = 18) group. Subjects in the control group received physician-led, inter-disciplinary care, while subjects in the intervention group received the same care, but with the addition of the Treatment Passport. After four weeks of treatment, participants in both groups completed an 11-question survey to assess their understanding of inter-disciplinary concussion care.

Results

The median age of participants was 20 (range 10–63). Participants in the intervention group showed significant increases in their understanding of inter-disciplinary concussion care when compared to control group members. This was reflected in a 2.1–2.8-fold greater understanding of the cognitive, physical, and vestibular aspects of their care. In addition, 86.7% of control group participants indicated they believed that the Treatment Passport would have helped with their concussion recovery journey.

Conclusion

The Treatment Passport is a novel clinical tool that facilitates the delivery of standardized inter-disciplinary concussion care by increasing patient-caregiver communication and understanding.
A Unique Case of Middle Aorta Syndrome With a “Corkscrew” Descending Aorta
Authors: Abdulkarim Mubeena , Karikari Yaa , Loomba Rohit S. , Anderson Robert H. , Vricella Luca , El-Zein Chawki
Published: November 2019

Middle aortic syndrome is a rare anatomic defect of the descending aorta and presents with hypertension. We present a unique case with “corkscrew” configuration. This case highlights the need for evaluation with advanced imaging for diagnosis to facilitate surgical management and avoid hypertensive complications.
PAK4, a target of miR-9-5p, promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Meihua , Gao Qianqian , Chen Yufang , Li Ziyan , Yue Lingping , Cao Yun
Published: November 2019

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. P21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) and miR-9-5p have emerged as attractive therapeutic targets in several tumor types, but in CRC, the regulation of their biological function and their target association remain unclear.

Methods

The expression of PAK4 in CRC tissues was determined using quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry analyses. The targeted regulation between miR-9-5p and PAK4 was predicted and confirmed with bioinformatics analysis and the dual-luciferase reporter assay. Functional experiments, including the MTT assay and flow cytometry, were performed to investigate the impact of PAK4 knockdown and miR-9-5p overexpression on cell proliferation and apoptosis in CRC cells.

Results

We found that the expression of PAK4 was upregulated in CRC tissues. PAK4 knockdown significantly suppressed cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in cells of the CRC cell lines HCT116 and SW1116. We also found that miR-9-5p directly targeted the 3′-UTR of PAK4 mRNA and negatively regulated its expression. The degree of downregulation of miR-9-5p inversely correlated with PAK4 expression. Intriguingly, enforced expression of miR-9-5p suppressed cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. This could be partially reversed by PAK4 overexpression.

Conclusion

These results suggest that miR-9-5p targeting of PAK4 could have therapeutic potential for CRC treatment.
Influence of drivers’ visual and cognitive attention on their perception of changes in the traffic environment
Authors: Cvahte Ojsteršek Tina , Topolšek Darja
Published: November 2019

Drivers are met with numerous elements requiring their attention while driving. The present research focuses on selected visual and cognitive distractions that the driver is faced with, and on their influence on detecting and perceiving changes in the traffic environment. Driver self evaluation data was used to define which elements attract most visual and cognitive distraction. A constructed conceptual model was subjected to analysis using Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Main findings show that thinking about personal problems, chores and errands as well as roadside advertisements on the cognitive side, and looking at advertisements and the natural environment on the visual side, present the most negative impacts on drivers’ perception of crucial changes in the traffic environment. On the other hand, drivers that visually focus on traffic signals and pedestrians and think about driving speed, driving rules, and other traffic participants, tend to notice crucial changes in the traffic environment more often.
Assessment of long-term sickness absence: content and face validity of a new questionnaire based on qualitative data from nominal groups
Authors: Goorts Kaat , Vanovenberghe Charlotte , Lambreghts Charlotte , Bruneel Eline , Rusu Dorina , Du Bois Marc , Vandenbroeck Sofie , Godderis Lode
Published: November 2019

Background

Increasing rates of long-term sickness absence are a worldwide problem. Belgium is the first country in Europe that aims to screen its entire population of sick leavers (sick leave > 6 weeks) for the risk of long-term sickness absence in order to focus resources on the high-risk group and to provide adequate return-to-work support. Our aim was to investigate content and face validity of a newly designed questionnaire (Quickscan) using item prioritization of patients and professionals in the field of long-term sickness absence. This questionnaire was developed based on a review of the literature and existing instruments (Goorts et al, J Public Health Res 7:1419, 2018).

Methods

Qualitative data were collected using the nominal group technique. The data were gathered exploring factors that influence return-to work restrictions or opportunities.

Results

Participants indicated 20 out of 21 of the questionnaire factors as important reasons that might influence the return-to-work process. Additionally, 16 factors were discussed that were not yet included in the Quickscan but that might provide useful information on return-to-work issues, according to the participants. In the prioritization of items, we found considerable diversity among participants.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate the validity of the Quickscan items to ask patients about important return-to-work barriers or opportunities. However, additional factors were identified that may improve the assessment of risk for long-term sickness absence.