bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the Materials and Techniques of a Birthday Inscribed Lacquer Plaque of the Qing Dynasty
Authors: Zheng Liping , Wang Liqin , Zhao Xing , Yang Jiali , Zhang Mengxia , Wang Yunfu
Published: October 2020

In this study, in order to analyze the materials and techniques used for the production of the inscribed plaques, multi-analytical scientific approach, including optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), micro-attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (μ-ATR-FTIR), and micro-Raman spectroscopy (μ-Raman), were used to explore the materials and techniques utilized to create the “Chun Rong Xuan Mao” birthday inscribed plaque of the Qing Dynasty. The results showed that the plaque was made of cypress wood and decorative parts consisting of the surface lacquer layers, plaster lacquer layers and primer lacquer layers. Chinese lacquer was the principal material used in the surface lacquer layers; gypsum and Chinese lacquer were the materials used in the plaster lacquer layers; and the primer lacquer layers was composed of Chinese lacquer, calcite, and mixed pigments by cinnabar and minium. The surface lacquer layers of the inscribed plaque were lacquered black. Gypsum lacquer plaster has been commonly used in the ground layer of lacquerware in modern history. This study confirmed the existence of technology to make lacquerware using gypsum lacquer plaster in the Bashu area during the late Qing Dynasty. Moreover, this study not only provides new findings regarding the traditional production of inscribed plaques and offers technical support for the protection and restoration of such plaques but also has great significance to exploring the history of ancient techniques of lacquering and decorating lacquerware.
Target Vehicle Selection Algorithm Based on Lane-changing Intention of Preceding Vehicle for ACC
Authors: Yao Jun , Chen Guoying , Gao Zhenhai
Published: October 2020

In order to improve the ride comfort and safety of the traditional adaptive cruise control (ACC) system when the preceding vehicle changes lanes, this paper proposes a target vehicle selection algorithm based on the prediction of the lane-changing intention of the preceding vehicle. First, NGSIM dataset is used to train a lane-changing intention prediction algorithm based on sliding window SVM, and the lane-changing intent of the preceding vehicle in the current lane can be identified by lateral position offset. Secondly, according to the lane-changing intention and the collision threat of the preceding vehicle, the target vehicle selection algorithm is studied under three different conditions: safe lane-changing condition, dangerous lane-changing condition, and lane-changing cancellation condition. Finally, the effectiveness of the algorithm proposed in this paper is verified in the co-simulation platform. The simulation results show that the target vehicle selection algorithm proposed in this paper can ensure the smooth transfer of the target vehicle and effectively reduce the longitudinal acceleration fluctuation of the subject vehicle when the preceding vehicle changes lanes safely or cancels the lane change. In the case of a dangerous lane change, the target vehicle selection algorithm proposed in this paper can respond to the dangerous lane change in advance compared with the target vehicle selection method of the traditional ACC system, which can effectively avoid collisions and improve the safety of the subject vehicle.
Joint Topical Word Embedding for Detecting Drift in Social Media Text
Authors: J VIJAYARANI , T.V. Geetha
Published: October 2020

Social media texts like tweets and blogs are collaboratively created by human interaction. Fast change in trends leads to topic drift in the social media text. This drift is usually associated with words and hashtags. However, geotags play an important part in determining topic distribution with location context. Rate of change in the distribution of words, hashtags and geotags cannot be considered as uniform and must be handled accordingly. This paper builds a topic model that associates topic with a mixture of distributions of words, hashtags and geotags. Stochastic gradient Langevin dynamic model with varying mini-batch sizes is used to capture the changes due to the asynchronous distribution of words and tags. Topical word embedding with co-occurrence and location contexts are specified as hashtag context vector and geotag context vector respectively. These two vectors are jointly learned to yield topical word embedding vectors related to tags context. Topical word embeddings over time conditioned on hashtags and geotags predict, location-based topical variations effectively. When evaluated with Chennai and UK geolocated Twitter data, the proposed joint topical word embedding model enhanced by the social tags context, outperforms other methods.
Cutaneous Hyperpigmentation and Familial Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Associated with Germline KIT Mutation Treated with Imatinib
Authors: Yuan Wei , Huang Wen , Ren Lei , Xu Chen , Luan Lijuan , Huang Jie , Xue Anwei , Fang Yong , Gao Xiaodong , Shen Kuntang , Lv Jinghuan , Hou Yingyong
Published: October 2020

Background: Familial gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) has been identified with multiple GISTs containing the mutations in germline KIT and PDGFRA. There are only 35 kindreds with germline KIT and 6 with PDGFRA mutations have been reported so far. Familial GIST is often characterized by a series of manifestations, such as multiple lesions, hyperpigmentation, mastocytosis, and dysphagia. Only some kindreds have response to imatinib treatment.Materials and Methods: A 25-year-old Chinese woman went to hospital because of the abdominal pain, and through the computed tomography (CT) scan showed us the multiple tumors in the small intestine. Her father had a history of multifocal GISTs, and referred to the hospital with abdominal pain and tumor recurrences last year. Immuhistochemical analysis of CD117 and DOG-1 were performed on tumor samples from the two patients, while KIT mutational analysis was carried out by direct sequencing on DNA from paraffin-embedded specimens and saliva sample.Results: Multiple GISTs associated with diffuse interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) hyperplasia were illustrated in these two patients. These tumors were positive for CD117 and DOG-1. The germline mutation at codon 560 of exon 11 (p.V560G) of the KIT gene were found. The treatment with imatinib resulted in favorable responses in both tumor and cutaneous hyperpigmentation.Conclusions: It is difficult to make a correct diagnosis of familial GIST at first time for its rarity. This case was finally diagnosed as familial GIST depending on the combination of diffuse ICC hyperplasia, germline KIT mutation, hyperpigmentation and its family history.
Expansion and persistence of antibiotic-specific resistance genes following antibiotic treatment
Authors: Sommer Morten , Kang Kang , Imamovic Lejla , Misiakou Maria-Anna , Sørensen Maria Bornakke , Heshiki Yoshitaro , Ni Yueqiong , Zheng Tingting , Li Jun , Ellabaan Mostafa Mostafa Hashim , Colomer-Lluch Marta , Rode Anne A. , Bytzer Peter , Panagiotou Gianni
Published: October 2020

Background. Oral antibiotics are commonly prescribed to non-hospitalized adults. However, antibiotic-induced changes on the human gut microbiome are often investigated in cohorts with pre-existing health conditions and/or concomitant medication, leaving the effects of antibiotics not completely understood. Results. We used a combination of omic approaches to comprehensively assess the effects of antibiotics on the gut microbiota and particularly the gut resistome of a small cohort of healthy adults. We observed that 3 to 19 species per individual proliferated during antibiotic treatment and Gram-negative species expanded significantly in relative abundance. While the overall relative abundance of antibiotic resistance gene homologs did not significantly change, antibiotic-specific gene homologs with presumed resistance towards the administered antibiotics were common in proliferating species and significantly increased in relative abundance. Virome sequencing and plasmid analysis showed the expansion of antibiotic-specific resistance gene homologs even three months after antibiotic administration, while paired-end read analysis suggested their dissemination among different species. Conclusions. These results suggest that antibiotic treatment can lead to a persistent expansion of antibiotic resistance genes in the human gut microbiota and provide further data in support of good antibiotic stewardship.
A model for segmentation of CT images of liver lesions based on regional fitting and gradient information
Authors: Xue Baoshan , Zhang Fengfeng , Yan Xiaojian , Wang Rongmiao
Published: October 2020

Background: The Computerized tomography (CT) images of liver have such disadvantages as uneven gray scale, fuzzy boundary and missing, so the commonly used image segmentation model of liver lesions has low segmentation accuracy. Methods: We propose a new hybrid active contour model based on regional fitting and gradient information for segmenting CT images of liver lesions. Firstly, the problem of uneven gray scale of liver lesions image was solved by local area fitting method, and the gradient information of liver lesions image was integrated to enhance the detection ability of the model on the edge of liver lesions. Secondly, we introduce the region area term, which can keep the image segmentation curve smooth in the process of segmentation, and effectively control the direction and speed of curve evolution. Finally, the performance of the Distance Regularized Level Set Evolution (DRLSE) model, Region-Scalable Fitting (RSF) model and the present model was compared in the segmentation of liver lesions. Results: It can be concluded from the experimental results that: compared with DRLSE model and RSF model，the average Dice similarity coefficient reached 97.7%, ncreased by 12.7% and 11.7% respectively; the under segmentation rate was 2%, 9% and 17% lower, and the over segmentation rate was 1.6%. Conclusion: Therefore, the segmentation model proposed in this paper has excellent segmentation performance and greatly improves the segmentation accuracy of liver lesions.
Blood angiopoietin-2 predicts liver angiogenesis and fibrosis in hepatitis C patients
Authors: Osawa Yosuke , Yoshio Sachiyo , Aoki Yoshihiko , Korenaga Masaaki , Imamura Masatoshi , Oide Takashi , Okawara Miku , Kawai Hironari , Tsutsui Yuriko , Yoshida Yuichi , Yoshikawa Shiori , Mori Taizo , Yamazoe Taiji , Kanto Tatsuya
Published: October 2020

BackgroundPathological angiogenesis is involved in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC), the level of angiogenic factor angiopoietin (ANGP)-2 is reported to be increased in the blood, correlating with fibrosis. In this study, we aimed to clarify whether blood ANGP-2 is useful as a biomarker for liver angiogenesis and fibrosis in CHC patients and to further reveal the relationship between such pathology in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated liver fibrosis mouse model.MethodsPlasma levels of ANGP-2, expression of a liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) marker (CD31), collagen deposition (Sirius Red staining) in the liver, clinical fibrosis markers (Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer, virtual touch quantification, and liver stiffness measurement), and liver function (albumin bilirubin score) were examined in CHC patients. To determine the effects of an anti-angiogenic agent on liver fibrosis in vivo, sorafenib was administered to the CCl4-treated mice (BALB/c male).ResultsThe plasma levels of ANGP-2 were increased in CHC patients compared to healthy volunteers and decreased by the eradication of hepatitis C with direct-acting antivirals. In addition, plasma ANGP-2 levels were correlated with CD31 expression, collagen deposition, clinical fibrosis markers, and liver function. Sorafenib inhibited liver angiogenesis and fibrosis in the CCl4-treated mice and was accompanied by decreased ANGP-2 expression in LSECs. ConclusionsANGP-2 may serve as a useful biomarker for liver angiogenesis and fibrosis in CHC patients. In addition, angiogenesis and fibrosis may be closely related.
Treatment of Intrauterine Adhesions with Human Amnion Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (hAMSCs) on Promoting Endometrial Regeneration and Repair Via Notch Signaling Pathway Regulation
Authors: Yu Jie , Zhang Wenwen , Huang Jiayue , Gou Yating , Sun Congcong , Wu Benyuan , Li Changjiang , Chen Xinpei , Mao Yanhua , Zhang Yingfeng , Wang Jia
Published: October 2020

Background: Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells(hAMSCs) can repair and improve the damaged endometrium which its aplastic disorder is the main reason for intrauterine adhesions(IUAs).Methods: We conducted in vivo and in vitro experiments. In vivo experiments: 45 female Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were involved and randomized equally into Sham group, IUA group, Estradiol(E2) group, hAMSCs group, and E2 + hAMSCs group. The effect of hAMSCs and E2 only or combined was evaluated by Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) and Masson staining. The expression of epithelial markers and key proteins of Notch signaling pathway by Immunohistochemistry. In vitro experiments: Firstly, the hAMSCs cells were taken and divided into control group and induced group in which hAMSCs were differentiated into endometrial epithelial cells in induced microenvironment, and extracted their RNA respectively. The expression of epithelial markers and Notch1 messenger RNA (mRNA) was detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR). and the changes in expression position of Notch intracellular domain(NICD) and expression amount of target gene, hairy enhancer of split 1(Hes1) were detected by Immunofluorescence. Then, Activated and inhibited the Notch signaling pathway while induction, and detected mRNA expression of hAMSCs epithelial markers by quantitative real-time polymerase chainreaction (qRT-PCR) respectively and detected hAMSCs cell cycle by flow cytometric. Results:This study showed that hAMSCs alone or combined with E2 could promote endometrial repair, and Notch signaling pathway a great role in it. And otherwise, the activation or habitation of Notch signaling pathway determines whether hAMSCs could differentiate into endometrial epithelial cells or not.Conclusion: we concluded that activate the Notch signaling pathway promote the differentiation of hAMSCs into endometrial epithelial cells, and further treat IUAs.
Clinical Study on the Minimally Invasive Treatment of Early Necrosis of the Femoral Head With Hydroxyapatite Coated Hollow Titanium Rod Supporting the Femoral Head to Prevent Collapse
Authors: Yang Xinmin , Gao Liangbin , Li Bo , Hu Xumin , Zhang Di , Zhao Qiancheng , Jiang Xu , Zhang Chi , Wu Jionglin , Guo Rui , Tian Ye , Yao Yao
Published: October 2020

Background: To investigate the treatment effect of minimally invasive treatment of early osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) with hydroxyapatite coated hollow titanium rod. Methods: From 1, January 2003 to 1, January 2019, 72 patients with ONFHⅡ Stage were selected. There were 50 males and 20 females, aged from 28 to 56. Onset time was 8~28 months. Lesion site: 18 left, 38 right, 16 bilateral. Causes of ONFH: 30 alcohol, 28 hormone, 9 trauma and 5 idiopathic patients. ARCO stage: 14 IIA, 33 IIB, 25 IIC. All patients underwent arthroscopic assisted minimally invasive percutaneous core decompression and bone grafting with hydroxyapatite coated titanium rod surgery. Visua Analogue Scales (VAS), Harris score and Images were used for assessing pain, hip joint function and the stability, respectively. Hip replacement was performed finally. Results: 16 patients with heavy hormone use history and femoral head collapse underwent Total Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty (THRA) at the last follow-up. 24 months later, 8 ⅡB cases progressed to ⅡC, 2 cases were stable at ⅡC, 6 cases increased to Ⅲ, and underwent THRA. 12ⅡC cases progressed to Ⅲ, 2 cases were stable at Ⅲ, and 10 cases had articular cartilage surface collapse. THRA was administered 30 months after surgery. VAS score of individual patients increased and Harris score decreased 24 months after surgery, but there was no significant difference between the scores of 12 months and 24 months. The clinical effect of the last follow-up showed that the postoperative improvement rate of this group was 76.13%, among which the best was 100% in IIA, 79.48% in IIB, and the lowest was 58.06 in IIC. Both the patients with IIB or IIC, cases with aggravation and without change were hormonal ONFH. Conclusion: The treatment of ONFH with hydroxyapatite coated hollow titanium rod supporting the femoral head to prevent collapse is feasible. In addition to the Glucocorticoid-induced ONFH stage ⅡC outside, this method to other Ⅱ period lesions in improving the curative effect and preventing the collapse of femoral head articular surface is good and safe.
The Role of PPARγ in Hyperglycemia-induced Deleterious Effect on Chondrocytes
Authors: Ma Chi , Yang Na-na , Tan Yangfan , Chen Cheng , Zhao Jun , Liu Tang hao
Published: October 2020

Aims: There is a well-established link between OA and diabetes, and study have shown that hyperglycemia might play an important role in the occurrence and development of OA. Accumulative evidence suggested that PPARγ was involved in AGEs-related disease, including diabetes and OA. The study was designed to investigate the effects of hyperglycemia on the expression of PPARγ in chondrocytes and whether PPARγ agonist pioglitazone had a chondroprotective effect.Main methods: Primary human chondrocytes were incubated with different concentration of glucose medium(5.5mM-30mM) in the presence or absence of PPARγ agonist pioglitazone. The AGEs formation level in chondrocytes culture medium was detected by AGEs specific ELISA kits. The expression of IL-1, MMP-13, TNF-α, PPARγ was determined by western blotting and real-time PCR.Key findings: The AGEs fomation level was time-dependently and dose-dependently increased in chondrocyte culture media. Hyperglycemia could enhance the expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-13, but the level of PPARγ was decreased in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner, which was inhibited by PPARγ agonist pioglitazone. Noteworthy, the maximum effect was found to at 20mM glucose medium for 24h.Significance: Hyperglycemia could increase the AGEs formation level and induce inflammatory response and matrix degradation reaction in chondrocytes. PPARγ agonists pioglitazone had a chondroprotective effect via inhibit inflammatory response and matrix degradation reaction. PPARγ could be a potential target for pharmacologic intervention in the treatment of diabetic-induced OA.
Comparison and Optimization: Different Medium and a Novel Scheme for Rabbit Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Culture
Authors: Cong Zhu , Jian-biao Lin , Hui-xiang Jiang , Wei-bin Lin , Jian-ting Gao , Ming-ming Gao , Ben-wen Wu , Bin Feng , Na-na Chen , Huang Guofeng , Zhen-qi Ding
Published: October 2020

BackgroundRabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) are widely used as seed cells for bone tissue engineering, but the effect of different medium on the physiological characteristics of rBMSCs is still not clear and the optimal culture medium for rBMSCs is also uncertain.MethodsRBMSCs were divided into 4 groups: DMEM/F12 (F12) group, DMEM/Low glucose (LG) group, DMEM/High glucose (HG) group, and optimizational culture method group which was cultured with DMEM/High glucose for the first 6 days and then DMEM/Low glucose (HG-LG). The morphology, proliferation ability, stem cell surface markers, multi-directional differentiation potential, adhesion ability and vitality in tissue engineering bone (TEB) were detected and compared. ResultsRBMSCs in the 4 groups shared the same shape, similar surface markers (positive in CD44, CD29, negative in CD45, CD34) and similar osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic directional differentiation capability. For the primary rBMSCs, the proliferation ability of HG group was higher than that of LG group (P<0.05), while F12 group was between the former two. The proliferation ability of the 3rd passage of rBMSCs in the 4 groups was similar. The adhesion ability of the 3rd passage rBMSCs in the 4 groups was listed as follows starting from high to low: LG group and HG-LG group (they had similar ability), F12 group, HG group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The vitality of TEB in LG group and HG-LG group was higher than that in F12 group and HG group (P<0.05). ConclusionsThe primary rBMSCs cultured with DMEM/High glucose showed good proliferation ability, while the 3rd rBMSCs cultured with DMEM/Low glucose showed good adhesion ability and vitality in TEB. RBMSCs cultured with DMEM/High glucose for the first 6 days and then DMEM/Low glucose showed good proliferation ability, good adhesion ability and good vitality in TEB, which might provide a novel optimizational scheme for rBMSCs culture.
Maternal and Child Health Implementation Research in Mozambique: Effective Community Interventions to Promote Sexual and Reproductive Health
Authors: Pires Paulo Das Das Neves , Mupueleque Martins , Zakus David , Mucufo Jaibo , Abdirazak Ahmed , Macaringue Cynthia , Siemens Ronald , Belo Celso
Published: October 2020

Background: High maternal and neonatal mortality rates in Mozambique, are due to adolescent pregnancies, difficulties in accessing health services, traditional constraints, and gender inequalities. An implementation research project, Alert Community to Prepared Hospital in Natikiri, Nampula, Mozambique was developed to reduce maternal and new-born mortality. From 2016 to 2020, it implemented activities to improve population knowledge and function in sexual and reproductive health, and to enable community participation in maternal health services. In this paper we will assess and discuss the impact of community participation on improving sexual and reproductive health.Methods: Implementation research with community intervention and programmed mid-term evaluations, using mixed methods research, with descriptive quantitative surveys and qualitative focus groups discussions and interviews, applied from 2017 to 2020. Local health committees, traditional birth attendants, traditional healers and local leadership all participated: trained in sexual and reproductive health and participated in radio discussion groups; community and hospital members of the co-management committee enabled local programming. Maternal and child health indicators were evaluated with health unit’s operational data. Quantitative data were captured in Microsoft Office Excel, analysed with SPSS21 to find frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation; qualitative data registered in Word was analysed with NVIVO. This research received bioethical approvals from both the Mozambique and Canadian universities and followed Helsinki Declaration recommendations.Results: Comparing changes from 2016 to 2019, the number of health committees operating in Natikiri rose from 7 to 20. Each committee integrated four Family Health Champions, who attained 24738 residents with health education interventions on reproductive health. A theatre group developed dramas about the same key messages, presented in communities. Population access to contraceptives was facilitated, from 42% to 91% in women and from 65% to 90% in men. At Marrere Health Centre, women with four ante-natal visits rose by 185%, and children less than one year of age’ visits 89%; at Marrere General Hospital deliveries rose 60%.Conclusion: Community participation, at all levels of maternal and child health service care continuum, from community to hospital, enhanced with complementary interventions well contextualised, is effective in improving adolescent and adult sexual and reproductive health.Trial registrationThis study was not registered in any data base.
Calycosin-7-O-β-D-Glucoside Treatment Promotes Axonal Regeneration via Rho/ROCK Pathway After Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Zhong Nijun , Yu Aiming , Wen Guiqing , Zhong Lanying , He Yingying , Zheng Haozhen , Shen Xiao , Wang Li-Sheng
Published: October 2020

Background: As a medical component in Astragalus(AR) ，Calycosin-7- O -β-D-glucoside（CG）defends ischemia/reperfusion(I/R) injury in cerebral ischemia due to its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. However, whether CG can facilitate I/R injury by stimulating neuroregeneration and its specific mechanism is remained to be elucidated. Methods: In this study, an animal model of ischemic stroke was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Seven days after CG, triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was performed to examine the ischemic volume, accompanied by behavioral tests to assess neurological function. Nissl staining and Bielschowsky’s silver staining were used to observe nerve cell damage and axonal loss, while immunofluorescence was used to evaluate axonal regeneration. Results: The expression of proteins associated with the Rho/ROCK pathway was detected by using western blot (WB) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We showed that CG significantly reduced ischemic volume, facilitated axonal regeneration, improved neurological function, and regulated expression of RGMa, Rho, ROCK, and CRMP2. Conclusions: Our results suggested that CG promotes axonal regeneration by limiting activation of the Rho/ROCK pathway to promote recovery after cerebral ischemia.
Collaborating in a Penta-Helix Structure within a CBPR Programme: “Wrestling with Hierarchies and Getting Caught in Downpipes”
Authors: Forss Katarina Sjögren , Kottorp Anders , Rämgård Margareta
Published: October 2020

Background: In the light of the existence of social inequalities in health, a CBPR (Community Based Participatory Research) programme for health promotion started in Malmö, Sweden, in 2017. The programme was based on a penta-helix structure and involved a strategic steering group with representatives from academia, voluntary organisations, the business sector, the public sector, and citizens from the geographical community where the programme took place. The aim of this study was to explore how the penta-helix collaboration worked out from the perspectives of all partners, including the citizens.Methods: Individual interviews, that were based on a guide for self-reflection and evaluation of CBPR partnerships, were conducted with the representatives (N= 13) on three occasions, during the period 2017-2019. A qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the interviews. Results: Six themes emerged from the analysis including Challenges for the partners in the penta-helix collaboration; Challenges for the professionals at the local level; Citizens driving processes important for penta-helix collaboration; Health promoters building trust over different sectors in the society; System changes takes time and Shift of power. The analysis shows that the penta- helix collaboration worked well at the local level in a governance related model for penta- helix cooperation. In the overall cooperation it was the citizen-driven processes that make the program work. However, the findings also indicated an inflexibility in organisations with hierarchical structures that created barriers for citizens involvement in the penta-helix collaboration.Conclusion: The main issue uncovered in this study is the problem of vertically organized institutions where discovery and innovation processes flow down from the top, thereby eliminating the essential input of the people and community that they are supposed to serve. The success of the programme was based on an interprofessional cooperation at a local level, where local professions worked together with voluntary organisations, social workers, CBPR researchers from the university, citizens and local health promoters.
Recipe Analysis Method and Implementation for Motion Planning of Cooking Robot
Authors: Inagawa Masahiro , Takei Toshinobu , Imanishi Etsujiro
Published: October 2020

Many cooking robots have been developed in response to the increasing demand for such robots. However, most of the existing robots must be programmed according to the recipes to enable cooking through the robotic arms, which requires considerable time and expertise. Therefore, this paper proposes a method to allow a robot to cook by analyzing the recipes available on the internet without any programming. The proposed method can plan robot motion by analyzing the cooking procedure of a recipe. We developed a cooking robot to execute the proposed method, and evaluated the eﬀectiveness of the approach by analyzing 50 recipes. More than 25 recipes could be implemented using the proposed approach.
Testing the Contextual Interaction Theory in a UHC pilot district in South Africa
Authors: Michel Janet , Mohlakoana Nthabiseng , Bärnighausen Till , Tediosi Fabrizio , Evans David , McIntyre Di , Bressers Hans T. A , Tanner Marcel
Published: October 2020

Background: World-wide, there is growing universal health coverage (UHC) enthusiasm. The South African government began piloting policies aimed at achieving UHC in 2012. These UHC policies have been and are being rolled out in the ten selected pilot districts. Our study explored policy implementation experiences of 71 actors involved in UHC policy implementation, in one South African pilot district using the Contextual Interaction Theory (CIT) lens.Method: Our study applied a two-actor deductive theory of implementation, Contextual Interaction Theory (CIT) to analyse 71 key informant interviews from one National Health Insurance (NHI) pilot district in South Africa. The theory uses motivation, information, power, resources and the interaction of these to explain implementation experiences and outcomes. The research question centred on the utility of CIT tenets in explaining the observed implementation experiences of actors and outcomes particularly policy- practice gaps.Results: All CIT central tenets (information, motivation, power, resources and interactions) were alluded to by actors in their policy implementation experiences, a lack or presence of these tenets were explained as either a facilitator or barrier to policy implementation. This theory was found as very useful in explaining policy implementation experiences of both policy makers and facilitators. Conclusion: A central tenet that was present in this context but not fully captured by CIT was leadership. Leadership interactions were revealed as critical for policy implementation, hence we propose the inclusion of leadership interactions to the current CIT central tenets, to become motivation, information, power, resources, leadership and interactions of all these.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Severe Mitochondrial Diseases Caused by Nuclear Gene Defects: A Study in Japan 
Authors: Akiyama Nana , Shimura Masaru , Yamazaki Taro , Harashima Hiroko , Fushimi Takuya , Tsuruoka Tomoko , Ebihara Tomohiro , Ichimoto Keiko , Matsunaga Ayako , Saito-Tsuruoka Megumi , Yatsuka Yukiko , Kishita Yoshihito , Kohda Masakazu , Namba Akira , Kamei Yoshimasa , Okazaki Yasushi , Kosugi Shinji , Ohtake Akira , Murayama Kei
Published: October 2020

Background: Prenatal diagnoses of mitochondrial diseases caused by defects in nuclear DNA (nDNA) or mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been reported in several countries except for Japan. The present study aimed to clarify the status of prenatal genetic diagnosis of mitochondrial diseases caused by nDNA defects in Japan. A comprehensive genomic analysis was performed to diagnose more than 400 patients, of which, 13 families (18 cases) had requested prenatal diagnoses. Results: Eight cases diagnosed with wild homozygous or heterozygous variants same as either of the heterozygous parents continued the pregnancy and delivered healthy babies. Another eight cases were diagnosed with homozygous, compound heterozygous, or hemizygous variants same as the proband. Of these, seven families chose to terminate the pregnancy, while one decided to continue the pregnancy.Conclusions: Neonatal- or infantile-onset mitochondrial diseases show severe phenotypes and lead to lethality. Therefore, such diseases could be candidates for prenatal diagnosis with careful genetic counseling, and prenatal testing could be a viable option for families.
Bilateral Breast Abscess in a Newborn Baby
Authors: Aygün Erhan , Ertürk Emine Yurdakul , Kaya Haluk , Yalçın Onur
Published: October 2020

Background: In this study we wish to attract attention to mistaken interventions to the breast tissue of neonates and to increase awareness about this topic among personnel providing health services to neonates. Case presentation: A fourteen-day male infant was brought to the pediatric emergency clinic with swelling, redness, hardness and discharge complaints in the region of both breasts. Ultrasonography of the breast tissue of the patient identified appearance compatible with a dense-content abscess in the form of hyperechoic or hypoechoic avascular mass. Bilateral breast abscess responded to surgical and medical treatment. Conclusions: It is important to recognize physiological breast hypertrophy in newborns. In physiological hypertrophy, the breast bud is neither red nor soft and heals spontaneously. No intervention is required.
Associarions Between Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) and Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Mai Chen-Hao , Shih Yen-Ju , Lin Cheng-Li , Wan Lei , Wei Chang-Ching
Published: October 2020

Background:Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been linked to induction of oxidative stress as well as pulmonary and systemic inflammation. We hypothesized that ambient PM2.5 variation would be associated with the occurrence of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). Methods:We collected data from the Taiwan National health insurance research database and linked these data to the Taiwan Air Quality-Monitoring Database. Children <18 years old, identified from January 1, 2000 were followed up until the first diagnosis of cSLE was made or until December 31, 2012. The daily average PM2.5 was categorized into four quartile-based groups (Q1-Q4). We measured the incidence rate, hazard ratios (HRs), and 95% confidence intervals for cSLE stratified by the quartiles of PM2.5 concentration using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age, sex, monthly income, and urbanization. Results:A total of 394 children (0.16%) were newly diagnosed with cSLE during the observation period. The incidence rate for cSLE increased with PM2.5 levels, from 4.7 (Q1) to 21.9 (Q4) per 100,000 person-years. Compared with those exposed to the concentrations in the Q1 level, the adjusted HR from Q2 to Q4 for cSLE increased with PM2.5 exposure concentrations from 2.74 to 4.23. Conclusions:The present study provides evidence that long-term variations in PM2.5 levels are risk factors for the development of cSLE.
Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis with Dual Plating for Periprosthetic Distal Femoral Fractures Following Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Park Yong-Geun , Kang Hyunseong , Song Jung-Kook , Lee Jaehwang , Rho Joseph Y. , Choi Sungwook
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Adequate treatment for periprosthetic distal femur fractures is challenging because of various reasons, including severe osteoporosis and distal fragments that are too small or too distal. We have introduced a new surgical technique for dual plating of periprosthetic distal femur fractures following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and determined the clinical and radiological outcomes of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with a dual locking compression plate (LCP). Materials and methods: Between January 2010 and July 2019, 18 patients [mean age, 74.8 (68–89) years; average follow-up period, 14.8 (12–43) months)] underwent MIPO with distal femoral LCP laterally and proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) medially for periprosthetic distal femoral fractures following TKA. The minimum follow-up was one year. The clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed using the modified WOMAC scores, knee range of motion, time to callus formation, time to union, and complications of malunion, nonunion, and shortening.Results: The average time to union was 18.4 weeks (range, 10–51 weeks) and to callus formation was 7.8 weeks (range, 2–14 weeks). At the one-year follow-up, the average JLETS was 37.6 (range, 24–53), average knee ROM was 110.3° (range, 80°–135°), and average varus-valgus angles of the distal femur were 3.2° (range, -2.9°–10.5°). No nonunion, broken plates, or implant failure occurred. Malunion occurred in three patients.Conclusion: MIPO with dual LCP is a reliable method for stabilizing periprosthetic distal femoral fractures following TKA, with satisfactory bone union rates and low complication rates.
Dental Pulp Stromal Cells Can Improve Muscle Dysfunction 1 in Animal Models of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Kasahara Yuko Nitahara , Kuraoka Mutsuki , Guillermo Posadas Herrera , Kinoh Hiromi Hayashita , Maruoka Yasunobu , Takahashi Aki Nakamura , Kimura Koichi , Takeda Shin’ichi , Okada Takashi
Published: October 2020

Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an inherited progressive disorder that causes skeletal and cardiac muscle deterioration with chronic inflammation. Dental pulp stromal cells (DPSCs) are attractive candidates for cell-based strategies for DMD because of their immunosuppressive properties. Therefore, we hypothesized that systemic treatment with DPSCs might show therapeutic benefits as an anti-inflammatory therapy.Methods: To investigate the potential benefits of DPSC transplantation for DMD, we examined the disease progression in DMD animal model, mdx mice, by comparing them with different systemic treatment conditions. The DPSC-treated model, a canine X-linked muscular dystrophy model in Japan (CXMDJ), which has a severe phenotype similar to that of DMD patients, also underwent comprehensive analysis, including histopathological findings, muscle function, and locomotor activity.Results: We demonstrated a therapeutic strategy for the long-term functional recovery in DMD using repeated DPSC administration. DPSC-treated mdx mice and CXMDJ showed no serious adverse events. MRI findings and muscle histology suggested that DPSC treatment downregulated severe inflammation in DMD muscles and demonstrated a milder phenotype after DPSC treatment. DPSC-treated models showed an increased recovery in grip-hand strength and improved tetanic force and home-cage activity. Interestingly, maintenance of long-term running capability and stabilized cardiac function was also observed in 1-year-old DPSC-treated CXMDJ.Conclusions: We developed a novel strategy for the safe and effective transplantation of DPSCs for DMD recovery, including repeated systemic injection to regulate inflammation at a young age. This is the first report on the efficacy 58 of systemic DPSC treatment, from which we can propose that DPSCs may play an important role in delaying the DMD disease phenotype.
UL 16 Binding Protein 3 Gene Expression: Does It Have an Association With Alopecia Areata?
Authors: Azmy Rania , Maraee Alaa , Amer Eman , Tayel Nermin , Shehata Wafaa Ahmed
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveAlopecia Areata is one of the most widespread autoimmune diseases affecting both sexes of all ages and across all ethnic individuals. Genetics is considered to be a valuable tool for gaining insight into the disease’s pathogenesis. Association with UL 16 Binding Protein (ULBP) genes has been detected with autoimmune disorders.This study aimed to detect UL-16 Binding Protein -3 (ULBP3) gene expression levels in cases with AA and to correlate those levels with the clinical course of the disease.This study included 85 subjects: 55 patients with AA and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The expression level of ULBP3 mRNA was estimated using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR).Results Levels of ULBP3 mRNA in cases were significantly higher in patients with AA in comparison with controls. Also, there were significant correlations between ULBP3 mRNA levels and age of patients and disease duration in years. ULBP3 upregulation in AA enforces the theory that postulates the autoimmune nature of AA and ULBP3 may be involved in AA pathogenesis and its progression.
Phylogenetic Relationship of Babesia Species Infecting Dogs from Select Regions of Kenya
Authors: Ngoka Ismail Thoya , Mbogo Kevin , Kyallo Martina , Juma Peter , Obiero David , Pelle Roger
Published: October 2020

There are over 100 Babesia species known to infect vertebrates with some of them being zoonotic. Local dog keeping practices enable extensive and intimate interactions between dogs, livestock, wildlife, and their human owners, thus allowing the possibility of dogs to act as hosts for zoonotic parasites.Canine babesiosis, known to occur in Kenya causes a severe and debilitating illness in dogs which compromises their welfare and capacity to carry out their role in society. Published data on Babesia species circulating among dogs in Kenya is limited. Improved control measures such as vaccines are required against the disease.The study design was descriptive and sampling opportunistic. A total of 143 whole blood samples were collected from domestic dogs in Nakuru, Nairobi and Mombasa counties. Total genomic DNA was extracted from each of the samples and screened for Babesia parasites using diagnostic PCR. Babesia species were identified through bioinformatic analysis of Sanger sequences.A total of 13 samples were positive for Babesia species (95% C.I is 0.0437 to 0.1381). Two were positive for Babesia canis vogeli, eleven were positive for Babesia canis rossi.77% of the Babesia positive samples were from Nairobi county.The study confirmed that molecular methods can be utilized to detect the presence of Babesia species circulating among dogs in Kenya.85% of the Babesia positive samples were Babesia canis rossi which causes the most severe form of canine babesiosis. Results of the bioinformatic analysis indicate 98.29% to 99.52% sequence identity to Babesia canis rossi obtained from black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas).Babesia canis vogeli although primarily known as a domestic dog parasite has been shown capable of infecting both domestic and wild felines. This demonstrates the capacity of dogs to serve as hosts for pathogens from wildlife and vice versa.
Extremely wicked, shockingly evil and undoubtedly COVID-19: the silent serial killer
Authors: Guha Anasuya , Plzak Jan , Schalek Petr , Chovanec Martin
Published: October 2020

Background:The SARS-COV-2 virus has more than just an infectious role to play in the society. The rapid spread has also led to significant personal, professional, financial and economic recession globally. Health care professionals are getting seriously compromised due to these issues. No published data is available on the indirect effects of COVID-19 on high risk medical specialties. Otorhinolaryngology is considered as one such specialty. Hence we designed a national survey to address these issues.Materials and Methods: A google questionnaire was sent to all the otorhinolaryngologists in Czech Republic with the help of the Czech Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery to evaluate the problems they encountered during the first wave of COVID-19. Personal, professional and financial losses were also addressed. Online access to the survey was from 15thApril 2020 to 26th April 2020.Results: The psychosomatic indirect impact of the disease affected female doctors than males. Burnout syndrome was the most commonly reported problem. Around 44.75% of all doctors had a combination of health, financial and economic as well as professional development and educational issues. Doctors from private practices faced higher financial losses.Conclusions: Our study showed that personal, professional and financial disturbances amongst doctors can lead to more serious consequences. With the lack of drastic measures in improving the support system for healthcare workers, the healthcare systems will fail quickly. Adequate support should be made mandatory by health authorities.
First report of southern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, infecting Brassica nigra in Peru
Authors: Gómez-Chatata Jorge Airton , Tamo-Zegarra Juan José , Casa-Ruiz Teodocia Gloria , Bellé Cristiano
Published: October 2020

Brassica nigra plants showing symptoms caused by root-knot nematodes were detected in the municipality of La Joya, Arequipa Province, Peru. Based on morphology, esterase phenotypes, and species-specific characterized amplified region (SCAR) sequence, the causal agent was identified as Meloidogyne incognita. Pathogenicity was confirmed by a modified version of Koch’s postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. incognita infecting Brassica nigra in Peru.
La secuencia prehistórica de la cueva de Abittaga (Amoroto, Bizkaia): evaluación de las excavaciones de J.M. Barandiarán (1964-1966)
Authors: Rios-Garaizar Joseba , San Emeterio Aixa , Larrea Robles Maitane , Cubas Miriam , García-Sagastibelza Andrea , Garate Maidagan Diego , Peyroteo Stjerna Rita , Núñez-Lahuerta Carmen , Gómez-Olivencia Asier
Published: October 2020

El yacimiento de la cueva de Abittaga, excavado por J.M. Barandiarán entre 1964 y 1965, contiene una secuencia arqueológica con ocupaciones del Magdaleniense Superior y de la Prehistoria Reciente. Este yacimiento apenas ha participado en los debates de la prehistoria vasca de los últimos 40 años, fundamentalmente porque el yacimiento había sido estudiado de manera parcial y porque la información estratigráfica resultaba confusa. En este trabajo presentamos la revisión la colección arqueológica de Abittaga (industria lítica, ósea, cerámica, macrofauna y restos humanos). Se presentan además nuevas dataciones para las ocupaciones magdalenienses (nivel VII), y las de la Prehistoria Reciente (niveles I-III), y los resultados de la intervención arqueológica realizada en 2016. Estos resultados proporcionan una visión actualizada de un yacimiento usado con fines sepulcrales en la Edad del Bronce y como campamento ocasional, dentro de una amplia red de emplazamientos en la cuenca del Lea, durante el Magdaleniense Superior.
Downscaling of ESA CCI soil moisture in Taihu Lake Basin: are wetness conditions and non-linearity important?
Authors: Liu Ya , Zhu Qing , Liao Kaihua , Lai Xiaoming , Wang Junbang
Published: October 2020

The coarse spatial resolutions of satellite-based soil moisture (SM) products restrict their applications at smaller spatial scales. In this study, the monthly European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative SM data (ESA CCI SM) from 2000 to 2016 was downscaled from 25- to 1-km resolution in the Taihu Lake Basin, a typical humid area with complex terrain and land uses. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and land surface temperature (LST) were used as auxiliary data. The regional monthly mean ESA CCI SM values were classified into low value (0.24–0.30 m3m–3), mid-value (0.30–0.33 m3m–3) and high value (0.33–0.39 m3m–3) months by the K-means clustering algorithm. The linear (multiple linear regression) and non-linear (support vector machine) downscaling models were compared. In addition, whether building downscaling models based on wetness conditions could improve the accuracies was tested. Results showed that without considering wetness conditions, the linear method was slightly better than the non-linear method. However, linear models constructed based on wetness conditions performed the best, which demonstrated that wetness conditions should be considered in the downscaling process. Results of this study would improve the accuracies in downscaling satellite-based SM data, facilitating their applications at regional scales.