bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of cytokines in the sciatic nerve stumps and DRGs after rat sciatic nerve crush injury
Authors: Zhang Ruirui , Chen Sailing , Cheng Zhangchun , Shen Yinying , Yi Sheng , Xu Hui
Published: May 2020

Background: Cytokines are essential cellular modulators of a variety of physiological and pathological activities, including peripheral nerve repair and regeneration. However, the molecular changes of these cellular mediators after peripheral nerve injury are not well clarified. The study is aimed to discover critical cytokines for the regenerative process of injured peripheral nerves.Methods: The sequencing data of the injured nerve stumps and the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats subjected to sciatic nerve (SN) crush injury were analyzed to determine expression patterns of genes coding for cytokines. PCR experiments were used to validate the accuracy of sequencing data.Results: A total of 46, 52, and 54 upstream cytokines were differentially expressed in SNs at 1 day, 4 days, and 7 days after nerve injury. And a total of 25, 28, and 34 upstream cytokines were differentially expressed in DRGs at these time points. The expression patterns of some essential upstream cytokines were displayed in a heatmap and validated by PCR experiment. Bioinformatic analysis of these differentially expressed upstream cytokines after nerve injury demonstrated that inflammatory and immune responses were significantly involved.Conclusions: In summary, these findings provided an overview of the dynamic changes of cytokines in SNs and DRGs at different time points after rat nerve crush injury, elucidated the biological processes of differentially expressed cytokines, especially the important roles in inflammatory and immune responses after peripheral nerve injury, and thus might contribute to identification of potential treatments for peripheral nerve repair and regeneration.
Comparison of Bailout and Planned Rotational Atherectomy for Severe Coronary Calcified Lesions
Authors: CAO Cheng-fu , MA Yu-liang , LI Qi , LIU Jian , ZHAO Hong , LU Ming-yu , Wang Weimin
Published: May 2020

Objective : To compare outcomes of bailout and planned rotational atherectomy (RA) in the treatment of severe calcified coronary lesions. Methods: Data of patients treated with RA from 2017 to 2018 at a single-center registry were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were divided into planned RA and bailout RA groups, data between two groups were compared. Results: A total of 190 patients were included in this study, 138 patients received planned RA and 52 patients received bailout RA. Baseline clinical characteristics had no significant differences between groups. The number of implanted stents and total stents length were similar. But the number of balloon (1.6±0.8 vs. 2.7±1.3, P <0.001), operation time (83.5±26.2 vs. 100.8±36.4min, P =0.007), fluoroscopy volume (941±482 vs. 1227±872mGy, P =0.012] and contrast amount （237±62 vs. 275±90ml, P =0.003）were all lower in planned RA group. Planned RA had a higher procedural success rate (99.3% vs. 92.3%, P =0.007) and a lower complication incidence (4.3% vs. 17.3%, P =0.009). But the cumulative 3-year incidences of MACE events (9.2% and 16.6%, log rank p 0.24) had no difference between groups. Conclusion: For severe coronary artery calcification, although planned RA did not reduce MACE compared with bailout RA, but it can improve the immediate procedural success rate, reduce the incidence of complications, the operation time and the volume of contrast.
Are Patients on Oral Anticoagulation Therapy Aware of its Effects? A Cross-sectional Study from Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Zahid Ibrahim , Hassan Syed Wajih Ul , Bhurya Nida Sehar , Alam Sheena Nadeem , Shah Bakht Hussain , Fatima Fasiha Bakhtawar , Hasan Choudhary Ahmed , Ahmed Ayesha , Hassan Syed Sabih Ul , Hayat Javeria , Zulfiqar Aqsa , Sheikh Rija , Aziz Momin , Siddiqi Rabbia , Fatima Kaneez , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb
Published: May 2020

Objective: Oral anticoagulants are one of the most frequently used medications. However, these drugs have a range of side effects including potential life-threatening complications. Little is known regarding the awareness of its side effect profile amongst the patients in Pakistan. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of oral anticoagulant therapy and its side effects among its users. Results: The mean age was 48.9± 15.2 years. Median scores of the participants for knowledge regarding oral anticoagulants and warfarin were 48.7 (8.3-91.7) and 10.3 (0.0-70.0) respectively. Of 207 patients, most notably, 65.7% did not know what side effects to be wary of or how to reduce their occurrence; and most patients were unaware of the interaction between oral anticoagulant drugs and over-the-counter substances such as aspirin, herbal medicines and alcohol. Knowledge of International Normalised Ratio (INR) was extremely poor with more than 75% of the population not being aware of the target INR range during warfarin therapy. Higher level of education was significantly associated with better knowledge scores. Overall, knowledge of oral anticoagulant therapy and INR monitoring is extremely poor among oral anticoagulant users.
Prognostic and immune roles of synaptotagmin-4 in gastric cancer and brain lower-grade glioma
Authors: Jiang Siyuan , Zhu Lizhe , Jiang Chao , Yu Shibo , Wang Bin , Ren Yu
Published: May 2020

Background Synaptotagmins (SYTs) are a family of proteins whose primary function is serving as a calcium sensor in vesicle transport and exocytosis, playing an important role in the function of immune cells. There is also a close relationship between immune cells and tumours. SYT4 is one molecule involved in this relationship, but the relationship between SYT4 and cancer remains unclear. Therefore, we hypothesize that SYT4 can affect the prognosis of cancer, and may be related to immune cells. Methods The following databases were used to study the immunological and prognostic role of SYT4 in cancers: Oncomine, Kaplan-Meier plotter, The Human Protein Atlas, CCLE, GEPIA2, TIMER, and CGGA. Results SYT4 expressions were lower in many cancers than in normal tissues. Specifically in gastric cancer and lower-grade gliomas, SYT4 played a protective and harmful role, respectively. Moreover, a difference between SYT4 expression and the levels of immune infiltration existed in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) and brain lower-grade glioma (LGG). In addition, we found that the relationship between markers of monocytes, M1 and M2 macrophages, tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs), Treg cells, B lymphocytes, dendritic cells (DCs) and SYT4 expression was opposite in STAD and LGG. Conclusions The effect of SYT4 on the prognosis of patients with STAD and LGG was opposite. And SYT4 has different effects on immune infiltration in these two tumours. Therefore, SYT4 might be a potential prognostic and tumour immune-related biomarker in STAD and LGG.
Metabolic enzyme clustering by coiled coils improves the biosynthesis of resveratrol and mevalonate
Authors: Fink Tina , Stevović Bojana , Verwaal René , Roubos Johannes A. , Gaber Rok , Benčina Mojca , Jerala Roman , Gradišar Helena
Published: May 2020

The clustering of biosynthetic enzymes is used in nature to channel reaction products and increase the yield of compounds produced by multiple reaction steps. The coupling of multiple enzymes has been shown to increase the biosynthetic product yield. Different clustering strategies have particular advantages as the spatial organization of multiple enzymes creates biocatalytic cascades with a higher efficiency of biochemical reaction. However, there are also some drawbacks, such as misfolding and the variable stability of interaction domains, which may differ between particular biosynthetic reactions and the host organism. Here, we compared different protein-based clustering strategies, including direct fusion, fusion mediated by intein, and noncovalent interactions mediated through small coiled-coil dimer-forming domains. The clustering of enzymes through orthogonally designed coiled-coil interaction domains increased the production of resveratrol in Escherichia coli more than the intein-mediated fusion of biosynthetic enzymes. The improvement of resveratrol production correlated with the stability of the coiled-coil dimers. The coiled-coil fusion-based approach also increased mevalonate production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae , thus demonstrating the wider applicability of this strategy.
Zoonotic potential of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in pre-weaned Korean native calves
Authors: Hwang Sunwoo , Shin Seung-Uk , Kim SuHee , Ryu Ji-Hyoung , Choi Kyoung-Seong
Published: May 2020

Background: Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common microsporidian species that can infect humans and various animals worldwide. To date, there has been limited information on the prevalence and genotypes of E. bieneusi infection in cattle in the Republic of Korea. Therefore, this study investigated the prevalence and genotypes of E. bieneusi circulating in pre-weaned Korean native calves and determined the age pattern of E. bieneusi infection and the relationship between E. bieneusi infection and diarrhea. Methods: The prevalence of E. bieneusi infection in pre-weaned Korean native calves was screened by polymerase chain reaction. PCR-positive products were sequenced to determine the genotype of E. bieneusi . A Chi-square analysis was used to compare the association between diarrhea and the infection rate of E. bieneusi in each age ranges or all ages. Results: PCR and sequencing analysis revealed an overall prevalence of E. bieneusi of 16.9% (53/314) in pre-weaned calves. The prevalence of E. bieneusi was highest in September (36.2%), followed by March (28.3%). E. bieneusi infection (χ 2 = 5.82, P = 0.016) was associated with diarrhea in calves. Our results also indicated that E. bieneusi infection was statistically associated with calf age (χ 2 = 11.61, P = 0.003), and the prevalence of E. bieneusi infection was significantly higher in calves aged 21-40 days (odds ratio = 2.90, 95% confidence interval: 1.54-5.45; P = 0.001) than in those aged 1-20 days. Interestingly, the association between E. bieneusi infection and diarrhea was observed only in calves aged 1-20 days (χ 2 = 5.82, P = 0.010). Furthermore, our results indicated that E. bieneusi infection in pre-weaned calves may be associated with mild diarrhea rather than severe diarrhea. We identified three known genotypes, BEB4 (n = 12), BEB8 (n = 21), and J (n = 16), and three novel genotypes, BEB8-like (n = 21), KCALF1 (n = 1), and KCALF2 (n = 1); all of which belonged to Group 2. The genotype BEB8 was the most prevalent among all age groups, irrespective of diarrhea. All genotypes identified in this study exhibited zoonotic potential. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of the genotype BEB4 in pre-weaned Korean native calves. Zoonotic E. bieneusi infection was prevalent in pre-weaned Korean native calves, indicating that cattle may play an important role as a reservoir host for E. bieneusi transmission to humans.
Linc00473 potentiates cholangiocarcinoma progression by modulation of DDX5 expression via miR-506 regulation
Authors: Huang Lining , Jiang Xingming , Li Zhenglong , Li Jinglin , Lin Xuan , Hu Zengtao , Cui Yunfu
Published: May 2020

Background: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a mortal cancer with high mortality, whereas the function and mechanism of occurrence and progression of CCA are still mysterious. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) could function as important regulators in carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Growing evidences have indicated that the novel lncRNA linc00473 plays an important role in cancer progression and metastasis. However, its function and molecular mechanism in CCA remain unknown. Methods: The linc00473 expression in CCA tissues and cell lines was analyzed using qRT-PCR. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were conducted to investigate the biological functions of linc00473 both in vitro and in vivo. Insights into the underlying mechanisms of competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) were determined by bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assays, qRT-PCR arrays, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and rescue experiments. Results: Linc00473 was highly expressed in CCA tissues and cell lines. Linc00473 knockdown inhibited CCA growth and metastasis. Furthermore, linc00473 acted as miR-506 sponge and regulated its target gene DDX5 expression. Rescue assays verified that linc00473 modulated the tumorigenesis of CCA by regulating miR-506. Conclusions: The data indicated that linc00473 played an oncogenic role in CCA growth and metastasis, and could serve as a novel molecular target for treating CCA.
Research on Underground Location Algorithm Based on Random Forest and Environmental Factor Compensation
Authors: Qiao Xin , Chang Fei
Published: May 2020

In view of the complex and changeable underground environment of coal mine and the long strip shape of underground roadway, a new underground location algorithm based on Stochastic Forest and environmental factor compensation is proposed. Firstly, the underground AP network model and roadway environment are analyzed, and the fingerprint localization algorithm is constructed. At the same time, the Kalman filter algorithm is used to filter the RSS signal in the offline sampling and real-time positioning stage. Then the algorithm based on random forest and environmental factor compensation is proposed. Under the assumption that the attenuation factors between the two anchor nodes are the same, the signal strength ratio compensation algorithm is proposed, which optimizes the shortcomings of the similarity of the locality error of the similar region. The target speed constraint condition is introduced to reduces errors caused by the transmission of RSS signal transmission and environmental factors. Experiments were carried out by using a bomb shelter to simulate the real mine roadway environment. The results show that the proposed algorithm can meet the high-precision positioning of the well under the conditions of sparse anchor nodes and complex environment underground.
How different is similar – exploring development of Ceropegia sandersonii pitfall flowers to elucidate convergent evolution of floral synorganization
Authors: Heiduk Annemarie , Pramanik Dewi , Spaans Marlies , Gast Loes , Dorst Nemi , Welten Monique , Gravendeel Barbara
Published: May 2020

Background: Lantern plants from the genus Ceropegia (Apocynaceae-Asclepiadoideae) have radially symmetric pitfall flowers that are an outstanding example of functional floral complexity with high synorganization of specialized organs. The evolutionary origin and development of these complex flowers is unclear, and the genetic background of floral organ formation is unknown. Flowers with similar deceptive pollination strategies and floral traits convergently evolved in non-related plant lineages. The partially bilaterally flattened trap flowers of pipevines are functionally similar to Ceropegia pitfall flowers; many orchid taxa evolved complex fully bilaterally flattened flowers with specialized organs to trap pollinators. This study is the first to investigate the genetic background of pitfall flower development in Ceropegia, and to explore (i) convergent evolution of extremely synorganized and complex flowers as well as (ii) the homology of a highly specialized floral organ, the gynostegial corona. Methods: We obtained transcriptomes from C. sandersonii early floral buds and mature sepals, petals, and gynostegia, and analyzed differential expression of selected MADS-box genes in buds and mature floral organs using RT-PCR. In addition, we studied floral ontogeny and vascularization using SEM and 3D X-ray micro-CT scanning. Results: We identified ten phases of floral development from primordia to mature flowers, and for the first time visualized the vascular system of mature Ceropegia pitfall flowers in a 3D-model. We identified 14 MADS-box gene homologs, representing all major MADS-box gene classes, in the floral transcriptomes of Ceropegia. Vascular bundle patterns, as revealed by 3D X-ray micro-CT scanning, in combination with high expression of GLOBOSA and AGAMOUS indicate a staminoid origin of this highly specialized floral organ which starts developing from stage seven onwards. Interestingly, AGAMOUS-LIKE6 was neither expressed in early floral buds nor in any mature floral organ, in line with the radial symmetry of all Ceropegia floral organs. Conclusion: We detected differential expression of MADS-box genes involved in Ceropegia floral organ identity and propose a new ABCDE-model for parachute flowers. We compare this with current models of unrelated plants with similar floral traits but (partially) bilaterally flattened flowers, i.e. Aristolochia fimbriata and Erycina pusilla. With this comparative approach we lay the foundation for understanding the genetic mechanisms driving convergent evolution of highly specialized deceptive trap flowers.
Heterogeneity of luminal A and HER2-positive breast cancer based on DIA quantitative proteomics and bioinformatics analysis techniques
Authors: Wu Guogang , Zhang Lei , Liang Chunyan , Cheng Yao , Lv Chenguang , Chen Bo
Published: May 2020

Background: Breast cancer has common tumor biological characteristics, but different characteristics also exist among different subtypes. Different treatment strategies have been adopted for different subtypes at present, but there are still many problems. Thus, an-depth study on the heterogeneity of different types of breast cancer will help to identify new diagnostic therapeutic targets and solve the existing problems of individualized treatment for breast cancer.Methods: In this study proteins of HER2-positive breast cancer, luminal A breast cancer, and para-cancer tissues were quantified based on data independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics technology, and the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were screened and analyzed by IPA software and the database among the luminal A (LA ) versus para-cancer tissues (PT) and HER2 versus LA groups.Results: There were 264 up- and 123 down-regulated proteins in the LA versus PT groups. PD-1 and PD-L1 cancer immunotherapy pathways were significantly inhibited, and XBP1 was predicted to be the strongest activator. MTOR was predicted to be the strongest inhibitor. The DEPs were significantly associated with “Cancer” and “Organismal Injury and Abnormalities.” There were 134 up- and 286 down-regulated proteins in the HER2 versus LA groups. Signaling by rho family GTPases was significantly inhibited. XBP1 was predicted to be the strongest activator. TGFB1 was predicted to be the strongest inhibitor. The DEPs were significantly associated with “Cancer,” “Endocrine System Disorders,” and “Organismal Injury and Abnormalities.”Conclusion: Luminal A breast cancer may be insensitive to PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors. Signaling by rho family GTPases and RhoGDI signaling play a unique role in the proliferation and metastasis of luminal A and HER2-positive breast cancer, respectively. XBP1 is a promising new target for the treatment of breast cancer, and TGFB1 may play different biological roles in HER2-positive and luminal A breast cancer.
Genome-wide Small Rna Profiling Reveals Tiller Development in Tall Fescue (Festuca Arundinacea Schreb.)
Authors: Hu Tao , Wang Tao , Li Huiying , Wassie Misganaw , Chen Liang
Published: May 2020

Background: Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) is a major cool-season forage and turfgrass species. The low tiller density and size dramatically limits its turf performance and forage yield. MicroRNAs (miRNA)-genes modules play critical roles in tiller development in plants. In this study, a genome-wide small RNA profiling was carried out in two tall fescue genotypes contrasting for tillering production (‘Ch-3’, high tiller production rate and ‘Ch-5’, low tiller production rate) andtwo types of tissue samples at different tillering development stage (Pre-tillering, grass before tillering; Tillering, grass after tillering). ‘Ch-3’, ‘Ch-5’, Pre-tillering, and Tillering samples were analyzed using high-throughput RNA sequencing.Results: A total of 222 million high-quality clean reads were generated and 208 miRNAs were discovered, including 148 known miRNAs belonging to 70 families and 60 novel ones. Furthermore, 18 miRNAs were involved in tall fescue tiller development process. Among them, 14 miRNAs displayed increased abundance in both Ch-3 and Tillering plants compared with that in Ch-5 and Pre-tillering plants and were positive with tillering, while another four miRNAs were negative with tiller development. Out ofthe three miRNAs osa-miR156a, zma-miR528a-3p and osa-miR444b.2, the rest of 15 miRNAs were newfound controllers mediating tiller development in plants. Based on our previous full-length transcriptome analysis in tall fescue, 2 8927 potential target genes were discoveredfor all identified miRNAs. Most of the 212 target genes of the 18 miRNAs were dominantly enriched into “ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis”, “phagosome”, “fatty acid biosynthesis”, “oxidative phosphorylation”, and “biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids” KEGG pathways.Conclusions: This is the first genome-wide miRNA profiles analysis to identifyregulators involved in tiller development in cool-season turfgrass. Tillering related 18 miRNAs and their 212 target genes provide novel information for the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of miRNA-genes mediated tiller development in cool-season turfgrass.
Suicides and Macroeconomic Variables: Are They Related in the Long-run?
Authors: Oksak Yuksel , Koyuncu Cuneyt , Yilmaz Rasim
Published: May 2020

BackgroundThis study investigates the cross-country long run relationship between suicides and macroeconomic variables (unemployment, per capita income, and inflation). It is hypothesized that while inflation level and unemployment level stimulate suicide and intentional self-harm in a society, per capita income level alleviates suicide and intentional self-harm in a society.MethodA balanced annual data spanning the period 2000 to 2012 across 35 countries is used in the empirical analysis. We employ panel test and estimation approaches to reveal the long-run association among suicide, inflation, per capita income and unemployment series. The most conventional cross-sectional dependency tests, panel unit root tests, panel cointegration tests, and heterogeneous panel non-causality tests are implemented. ResultsWe found a statistically significant cross-country long run association between suicides and all macroeconomic variables under study. The results of the study suggest that while 1% increase in per capita income causes 0.752% decrease in suicide rate, 1% increase in inflation and unemployment rate is associated with a rise in suicide rate by 0.088% and 0.238%, respectively. In regard to causality, there is no causality is identified between inflation and suicide. On the other hand, a statistically significant unidirectional causality running from per capita income level to suicide and a unidirectional causality running from suicide to unemployment are found. A unidirectional causality running from suicide to unemployment can be stem from the fact that rises in suicides are associated with both early indicators of economic downturns and during economic downturns when unemployment increases.ConclusionHaving found that adverse economic conditions such as increase in unemployment or inflation or decrease in per capita income triggers suicides and suicides are also associated with early indicators of economic crises, this study suggest that social and economic policy measures and programs related to labor market, health safety, family support and debt relief should be implemented both prior to and during economic crises in order to prevent suicides and loss of human capital of the society. Economic policies that result in a high level of unemployment or inflation should be critically assessed from the human cost of these measures.
Older Persons’ Thoughts about Death and Dying and their Experiences of End-of-Life Care: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Tjernberg Johanna , Bökberg Christina
Published: May 2020

Background: Few studies have focused on how older persons living in nursing homes perceive their last period of life. Furthermore, previous research on older persons’ perceptions of death and dying is limited. Hence, there is an urgent need to explore their experiences during their final period in life.Aim: To explore thoughts about death and dying and experiences of end-of-life care among older persons living in nursing homes.Methods: This study employed a qualitative approach including individual interviews with 36 older persons living in Swedish nursing homes. Questions related to quality of life; physical health; thoughts about death, dying, and the future; and experiences related to the living condition and environment were asked. The interview transcripts were analysed through content analysis. The study was approved by the Regional Ethics Review Board (reference number: 2015/4).Results: The analysis resulted in the identification of three main thematic categories: The unavoidable and unknown end of life, Thoughts on control and Living your last period of life at a nursing home. The older persons did not fear death itself but had some worries about dying. Spending the last stage of life at a nursing home contributed to different thoughts and feelings among the older persons. With a few exceptions, older persons characterized life at the nursing home as boring and felt they were surrounded by people who did not belong there.Conclusions: This study indicates a need for older persons to talk about death, dying and end-life issues. Furthermore, this study highlighted that the co-residence of cognitively healthy persons and persons with dementia in the same ward adversely affected cognitively healthy persons. This situation resulted in there being not enough time to both handle the care needs of persons with dementia and have the conversations that cognitively healthy persons desired, such as conversations about thoughts about existence, that could have improved their quality of life.Trial registration: NCT02708498 Date of registration 16 February 2016.
Effects, Barriers and Facilitators in Predischarge Home Assessments to Improve the Transition of Care from the Inpatient Care to Home in Adult Patients: An Integrative Review
Authors: Kirchner-Heklau Uta , Krause Kai , Saal Susanne
Published: May 2020

Background: Predischarge home assessments (PDHA) aim to ensure safe discharge from hospital or rehabilitation. There is insufficient evidence on the effectiveness of PDHA. For adults with any diagnosis, we aimed to determine (1) the effects of PDHA on outcomes associated with the successful return to community living (e.g., Activities of Daily Living falls) and (2) the associated barriers and facilitators to derive recommendations for clinical practice.Methods: We searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, five additional databases and other sources. We included individual and cluster randomized (RCT/cRCT) and controlled clinical trials comparing PDHA versus usual care/other intervention, as well as qualitative/mixed methods studies dealing with PDHA. Critical appraisal was performed according to the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool in quantitative studies and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) for qualitative studies and data extraction. Meta-analysis, thematic synthesis and integrative synthesis were performed.Results: Seven RCTs (n = 1072) and ten qualitative studies (n = 245) met the inclusion criteria. RCTs reported a variety of outcomes (n = 17). There is moderate to very low evidence for missing effects on (instrumental) Activities of Daily Living, quality of life, risk of falling and risk of readmission, mobility and fear of falling. The qualitative studies revealed the following topics related to patient education, patient information, patients’ acceptance of modifications and aids, involvement of patient goals and meaningful activities in functional assessment, as well as relevant social- and diagnosis-related patient conditions in PDHA. Seven implications for interventions were derived from these topics. Six of the included RCTs each addressed at least one and at most three of the seven identified meaningful implications for implementation.Conclusion: There is no evidence from the meta-analysis for the effectiveness of PDHA. Further robust studies are needed to adapt and evaluate PDHA interventions, taking the identified implications from stakeholders’ views into account, and should follow the current recommendations for the development and evaluation of complex interventions.Trial registration: The review was registered and methods were reported on PROSPERO on 18th July 2018 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO. CRD42018100636).
Correlation Analysis for the Selection of Microtitanium Plates with Different Specifications for use in a Cervical Vertebral Dome Expansion Laminoplasty
Authors: Run-tian Zhou , Yi-bo Zhao , Xiang-dong Lu , Xiao-feng Zhao , Xiao-nan Wang , Yuan-zhang Jin , Qi De-tai , Zhao Bin
Published: May 2020

Backgrounds: Cervical vertebral dome expansion laminoplasty is a new surgical method for the treatment of cervical spondylosis. We analyzed correlations between the selection of microtitanium plates with different specifications for use in a cervical vertebral dome expansion laminoplasty to establish guidance for the selection of suitable microtitanium plates.Methods: Sixteen patients that underwent the new, full lamina posterior spinal canal enlargement with a cervical spinal stenosis angioplasty procedure for treatment of their cervical spinal cords were recruited at our hospital. From February 2017-September 2018, medical records confirmed that all patients underwent cervical CT and MRI tests pre- and postsurgery. The anteroposterior diameter of the spinal canal, changes in the cross-sectional area of the spinal canal, and the pre- and postsurgery distance of the cervical spinal cord after applying microtitanium plates with different lengths were measured by Mimics version 17.0 software. A statistical regression and correlation analysis of relevant specification parameters of the microtitanium plate was then studied.Results: As the size of the microtitanium plate increased, we found that the cross-sectional area of cervical spinal canal and distance between the descendants of the lamina and the distance of cervical spinal cord concordantly increased. The regression equation associated with sagittal diameter, cross-sectional area, and posterior movement distance of the cervical spinal cord was obtained.Conclusions: The use of the corresponding regression equations enabled the prediction of the cervical spinal canal parameters and posterior movement distance of the cervical spinal cord when adopting different specifications of the microtitanium plate for different segments of the cervical vertebrae. This analysis guided the selection of microtitanium plates with appropriate specifications for different cervical vertebrae in a cervical vertebral dome expansion laminoplasty.
Effect of magnetized ethanol-gasoline blends on vibration and sound emissions of a single cylinder SI engine
Authors: Faraji Hosna , Heidarbeigi Kobra , Samadi Sadegh
Published: May 2020

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of magnetized ethanol-gasoline fuel blends on the vibration and sound status of a single-cylinder gasoline engine. Totally 36 tests were conducted including two factors: ethanol (with share of 0, 5, 10 and 20% blended with gasoline) and magnetic field intensity (0, 5300 and 7000 G) at three replications as factorial experiment based on completely randomized design. The sound signals of the engine at 10 cm distance from the driver's ear were recorded and its vibration was measured in Z direction. The results of statistical analysis of engine vibration and sound data showed a significant difference at 1% probability level between various fuel blends in all studied magnetic levels. The maximum sound pressure level with averages of 88.41 was belonged to pure gasoline and magnetic intensity of 7000 G and minimum value (78.94 dB) was belonged to 10% ethanol-gasoline blend and magnetic intensity of 5300 G. The driver can operate the engine for both 10–20% ethanol shares with all studied magnetic intensities without use of any ear protector. In the presence of magnetic field, vibration decreased by increasing ethanol up to 10%. The maximum amount of vibration in frequency domain obtained without using magnetic field. For 5300 G magnetic intensity, the least amount of vibration was observed at all frequencies.
Comparative Study of Trajectory Tracking Control for Automated Ground Vehicles via Model Predictive Control and Robust H-infinity State Feedback Control
Authors: Yang Kai , TANG Xiaolin , Qin Yechen , Huang Yanjun , Wang Hong , Pu Huayan
Published: May 2020

A comparative study of longitudinal and lateral control maneuverer in model predictive control (MPC) schemes and robust state feedback control (RSC) method for trajectory tracking of automated ground vehicles (AGVs) is presented in this paper. Both MPC-based and RSC-based tracking controller are designed on the same basis of longitudinal-lateral-yaw motions of a single-track vehicle model. The main objective is to compare the controllers’ performance of tracking accuracy of path and velocity under different test scenarios. The simulation is implemented on Carsim-Simulink joint platform using high-fidelity vehicle model and the mass uncertainties, sensor measurement noise and the performance in extreme driving conditions: turn with big curvature are considered. The simulation results indicate that mass uncertainty and sensor measurement noise of lateral velocity have little effect on the RSC-based controller, while that have relatively great influence on MPC-based one. However, MPC-based controller shows a shorter response time and more accurate tracking performance than RSC-based scheme. Finally, for the test of turn with curvature 0.02 , the maximum velocity that RSC-based controller can carry out has reached 22m/s, which is slightly better than MPC-based one: 21m/s.
Role of Macrophage-Mediated Toll-like receptor 4–Interleukin-1R Signaling in Ectopic Tongue Pain Associated With Tooth Pulp Inflammation
Authors: Kanno Kohei , Shimizu Kohei , Shinoda Masamichi , Hayashi Makoto , Takeichi Osamu , Iwata Koichi
Published: May 2020

Background Ectopic orofacial pain is frequently caused by tooth pulp inflammation. However, the detailed mechanism underlying such pain remains poorly understood.Methods To better understand this phenomenon, ectopic pain mechanism was studied in a rat model of mandibular first molar tooth pulp exposure (M1-TPE).Results One day after M1-TPE, obvious pulpal inflammation was observed in M1 pulp. The head withdrawal threshold to mechanical and heat stimulation of the tongue was significantly reduced in M1-TPE rats on day 1 after TPE. In addition, the production of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in activated macrophages and expression levels of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and IL-1 type I receptor (IL-1RΙ) were significantly increased in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons innervating the tongue following M1-TPE. Injection of the selective macrophage depletion compound liposomal clodronate Clophosome-A into the TG significantly suppressed tongue hypersensitivity; however, expression levels of TLR4 and IL-1RΙ in TG neurons innervating the tongue were not significantly altered. Injection of lipopolysaccharide from Rhodobacter sphaeroides, a TLR4 antagonist, into the TG following TPE significantly suppressed tongue hypersensitivity and reduced IL-1RΙ expression in TG neurons innervating the tongue. Moreover, an intra-TG injection of recombinant heat shock protein 70, a selective TLR4 agonist, significantly promoted the development of tongue-hypersensitivity and increased the production of IL-1RI in TG neurons innervating the tongue in naive rats. Furthermore, an intra-TG injection of recombinant IL-1β led to the development of tongue hypersensitivity in naive rats and enhanced the expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 in the TG neurons innervating the tongue.Conclusions The present findings suggest that the neuron-macrophage interaction mediated by TLR4 and IL-1RI activation in TG neurons affects the pathogenesis of abnormal tongue pain following tooth pulp inflammation via TLR4-ILR and TRPV1 signaling in the TG.
How Nursing Students’ Placement Preferences and Perceptions of Community Care Develop in a More ‘Community-Oriented’ Curriculum: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Iersel Margriet van , Latour Corine H.M. , Rijn Marjon van , de Vos Rien , Kirschner Paul A. , Reimer Wilma Scholte op
Published: May 2020

Background: Extramuralisation in healthcare has influenced medical and nursing curricula internationally with the incorporation of themes related to primary/ community care. Despite this, students do not easily change their career preferences. The hospital is still favourite, leading to labour market shortages in extramural care. This study investigates how baccalaureate nursing students’ perceptions of community care and placement preferences develop over time in a more'community-care-oriented' curriculum, to gain insights on which curriculum elements potentially influence career choices.Methods: A nursing student cohort of a University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands (n = 273) underwent a new four-year curriculum containing extended elements of community care. The primary outcome was assessed with the Scale on Community Care Perceptions (SCOPE). Data were collected each year of study. Descriptive statistics were used to investigate students’ placement preferences and perceptions, and linear mixed model techniques (LMMs) for measuring how students’ perceptions develop over time. Patterns of placement preferences at individual level were visualised. Results: Students’ perceptions of community care, as measured with SCOPE, show a slight decrease between year 1 and 4, while items mutually differ substantially. In contrast, the preference of community care for a placement increases from 2.6% in year 1 tot 8.2% in year 4. The hospital is favourite in year 1 (79.8%), and remains most popular. At individual level, students often change placement preferences, although a preference for the hospital is more consistent. The LMMs indicates that, at the four time-points, the estimated marginal means of students’ perceptions fluctuate between 6 and 7 (range 1-10). A placement in community care did not positively influence students’ perceptions, and an intensive one week theoretical programme was only temporarily influential. Conclusions: Although interest for placement in community care increased substantially, it was not clear which curriculum elements stimulated this, nor did the curriculum positively influence students’ perceptions. As most students do not look forward to the high responsibility of the field, other curricula with educational tracks for more mature students/ nurses with a vocational training may be an alternative contribution to solving the labour market problems in community care.
Knowledge, Attitudes on Fall and Awareness of Hospitalized Patient’s Fall Risk Factors Among the Nurses Working in Tertiary Care Hospitals.
Authors: James Kavin Mozhi , Ravikumar Divya , Myneni Sindhura , Sivagnanam Poonguzhali , Chellapandian Poongodi , Manickaraj Rejili Grace Joy , Sargunan Yuvasree , Kamineni Sai Ravi Teja , Surapaneni Krishna Mohan
Published: May 2020

Back ground: Fall is the most common patient safety incident in health care organization. This study was initiated to obtain information regarding knowledge & attitude on fall and awareness of fall risk factors among nurses to device evidence based and multidisciplinary educational and training programme to improve patient safety and thereby reducing morbidity and mortality associated with fall. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional survey study was conducted among 339 registered nurses working in Tertiary care hospitals across Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Modified version of previously validated standard questionnaire was administered by the investigators through online survey method to explore the level of knowledge &attitude on fall and awareness of inpatient fall risk factors among Nurses. Results: In this study, 15.6% of participants had adequate knowledge on fall, 57.2% had favorable attitude towards fall and 38.3% adequate awareness on fall risk factors. Years of experience in nursing has statistical significant association with level of knowledge on fall. The participant’s attitude towards fall had statistical significant relationship with age, education, experience in nursing and previous patient fall experience. The correlation between fall knowledge, attitude of fall and awareness of fall risk factors were highly significant. Majority of the participants expressed their favorable attitude towards need for fall preventive education. Conclusion: In our study, it is evident that there is a void which has to be filled to improve the knowledge, attitude and awareness on fall and its risk factors .There is a need for extensive education and holistic, multifactorial and interdisciplinary training program to be undertaken through various health care organizations.
High CD38 expression in tumor-infiltrating immune cells is a favorite prognosis factor in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with perigastric lymph node metastasis
Authors: Shi Feng , Xiao Shuo , Zhao Yanjie , Li Yuchen , Gao Ying , Chang Hong , Song Qingkun
Published: May 2020

Background

The present study aimed to investigate the prognostic effect of CD38 in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study by consecutively recruiting 142 patients with ESCC. The clinicopathological features and expression of CD38, CD4, CD8, Ki-67, PD-L1 and PD-1 in tumor and immune cells were independently evaluated by two pathologists.
Results

CD38 was expressed in immune cells but not tumor cells and the median expression rate of CD38 in immune cells was 60%. Among ESCC patients with perigastric lymph node metastasis, the expression rate of CD38 was not associated with the disease-free survival (p = 0.207), but had a significant association with the overall survival (p = 0.042). The median overall survival was 13 months and not observed among patients with low and high expression rate of CD38, respectively. The crude and adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of high CD38 expression was 0.37 (95%CI 0.14, 0.95) and 0.21 (95%CI 0.06, 0.70). The expression rate of CD38 had a negative correlation with PD-L1 expressed in tumor cells and CD4 expressed in immune cells. Among patients without perigastric lymph node metastasis, the expression rate of CD38 showed a significant association with the disease-free survival (p < 0.05). The median disease-free survival was 45 months and not achieved for patients with high and low expression of CD38; the adjusted HR of high CD38 expression was 2.13 (95%CI 0.85, 5.33). CD38 did not have significant association with the overall survival for patients without perigastric lymph node metastasis. The expression rate of CD38 had a negative correlation with PD-L1 expressed in tumor cells and a positive correlation with PD-L1 expressed in immune cells.
Conclusion

The high expression rate of CD38 was associated with a better survival for ESCC with perigastric lymph node metastasis. The prognostic effect of CD38 on esophageal cancer should be warranted in future prospective studies.
Study on the preparation and properties of talcum-fly ash based ceramic membrane supports
Authors: Cheng Chao , Fu Hongming , Zhang Heng , Chen Haiping , Gao Dan
Published: May 2020

Ceramic membrane method for moisture recovery from flue gas of thermal power plants is of considerable interest due to its excellent selection performance and corrosion resistance. However, manufacturing costs of commercial ceramic membranes are still relatively expensive, which promotes the development of new methods of preparing low-cost ceramic membranes. In this study, a method for the preparation of porous ceramic membrane supports is proposed. Low-cost fly ash from power plants is the main material of the membrane supports, and talcum is the additive. The fabrication process of the ceramic membrane supports is described in detail. The properties of the supports were fully characterized, including surface morphology, phase composition, pore diameter distribution and porosity. Corrosion resistance and mechanical strength of the supports were measured. The obtained ceramic membrane support displays a pore size of about 5 µm and porosity of 37.8%. Furthermore, the water recovery performance of the supports under different operating conditions was experimentally studied. The experimental results show that, the recovered water flux varies with operating conditions. In the study, the maximum recovered water flux reaches 5.22 kg/(m2·h). The findings provide a guidance for the ceramic membrane supports application of water recovery from flue gas.
Stakeholders’ Perceptions of the Nutrition and Dietetics Needs and the Requisite Professional Competencies in Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Kikomeko Peterson Kato , Ochola Sophie , Kaaya Archileo N. , Ogada Irene , Birungi Tracy Lukiya , Nakitto Peace
Published: May 2020

Background: Effective implementation of nutrition and dietetics interventions necessitates professionals in these fields to possess the requisite competencies for health systems performance. This study explored the stakeholders’ perceptions of the community nutrition and dietetics needs, the nature of work done by graduates of the Bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition/Human Nutrition and Dietetics (HN/HND), and the competencies required of Nutrition and Dietetics professionals in Uganda.Methods: A cross-sectional mixed methods design was used. Respondents included 132 graduates of the Bachelor’s degrees in HN/HND obtained from the Makerere and Kyambogo Universities during the period 2005–2017; 14 academic staff that train HN/HND in the two universities; and 10 HN/HND work/internship supervisors. Data from the graduates was collected through an email-based survey while that from other participants was through face to face interviews using a structured key informant interview guide.Results: Most HN/HND respondents (84.8%) obtained their Bachelor's degrees from Kyambogo University and 61.4% graduated in the years 2013–2017. Most (64.3%) academic staff that responded were females and the majority (57.1%) had doctorate training. All stakeholders viewed communities as facing a variety of nutrition and dietetics challenges some of which fall across different Sustainable Development Goals. The nutrition and dietetics interventions requested, provided, and considered a priority to provide to communities were both nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive. Work done by HN/HND graduates encompassed seven main domains; the dominant being organizational leadership and management; management of nutrition-related disease conditions; nutrition and health promotion; research and documentation; and advocacy, communication, and awareness. The knowledge and skills expected of graduates varied but graduates exhibited knowledge and skills gaps in the main areas they are expected to be competent.Conclusions: This study summarises the stakeholders’ perceptions of the nutrition and dietetics challenges faced in Uganda; provided nutrition and dietetic services; nature of work and job roles performed by HN/HND graduates; and the knowledge and skills and related gaps amongst HN/HND graduates practicing in Uganda. We recommend using these findings as a basis for undertaking further stakeholder dialogues towards the development of a competency-based education model suitable for use in strengthening nutrition and dietetics training in Uganda.