bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
History, pastness and the postgenomic imaginary
Authors: de Groot Jerome
Published: October 2020

This article considers the ways that poets, rappers and artists including Kendrick Lamar, Residente, Zaffar Kunial, Michael Symons Roberts, Hannah Sullivan and Marc Quinn have responded to the biomedical postgenomic gaze and the ways in which they have dissented or built on this seemingly new way of conceiving of the human. These poets and rappers consider what it means to imagine in a postgenomic way and the possible implications of this for writing, art and living. The multiple texts I explore and articulate how postgenomic identities have been expanded and understood and imagined. They participate, therefore, in the consideration articulated by Jenny Reardon of the ‘postgenomic condition’ but, as I argue, they extend and debate this. These texts interrogate what the postgenomic condition enables aesthetically and, more importantly, what type of critique might be developed. Rather than be constrained by being postgenomic, they see opportunity for expansion, development, innovation and critique. In these articulations, then, we can discern a roadmap for being postgenomic, as poetry seems to offer a thoughtful means for navigating the complexity of this new state.
Absence of pontine perforators in vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia on ultra-high resolution cone-beam computed tomography
Authors: Dobrocky Tomas , Piechowiak Eike I , Goldberg Johannes , Barvulsky Aleman Enrique , Nicholson Patrick , Lynch Jeremy , Bervini David , Kaesmacher Johannes , Agid Ronit , Krings Timo , Raabe Andreas , Gralla Jan , Pereira Vitor M , Mordasini Pasquale
Published: October 2020

Background

Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBDE) is a rare type of non-saccular intracranial aneurysm, with poor natural history and limited effective treatment options. Visualizing neurovascular microanatomy in patients with VBDE has not been previously reported, but may yield insight into the pathology, and provide important information for treatment planning.

Objective

To carry out a retrospective analysis of ultra-high resolution cone-beam computed tomography (UHR-CBCT) in patients with fusiform basilar aneurysms, visualizing neurovascular microanatomy of the posterior circulation with a special focus on the pontine perforators.

Methods

UHR-CBCT was performed in seven patients (mean age 59 years; two female) with a VBDE, and in 14 control patients with unrelated conditions.

Results

The mean maximum diameter of the fusiform vessel segment was 28 mm (range 19–36 mm), and the mean length of the segment was 39 mm (range 15–50 mm). In all patients with VBDE, UHR-CBCT demonstrated an absence of perforating arteries in the fusiform arterial segment and a mean of 3.7 perforators arising from the unaffected vessel segment. The network of interconnected superficial circumferential pontine arteries (brainstem vasocorona) were draping around the aneurysm sac. In controls, a mean of 3.6, 2.5, and 1.2 perforators were demonstrated arising from the distal, mid-, and proximal basilar artery, respectively.

Conclusions

The absence of pontine perforators in the fusiform vessel segment of VBDE is counterbalanced by recruitment of collateral flow from pontine perforators arising from the unaffected segment of the basilar artery, as well as collaterals arising from the anterior inferior cerebellar artery/posterior inferior cerebellar artery and superior cerebellar artery. These alternative routes supply the superficial brainstem arteries (brainstem vasocorona) and sustain brainstem viability. Our findings might have implications for further treatment planning.
Beta blockers versus calcium channel blockers for provocation of vasospastic angina after drug-eluting stent implantation: a multicentre prospective randomised trial
Authors: Sawano Mitsuaki , Katsuki Toshiomi , Kitai Takeshi , Tamita Koichi , Obunai Kotaro , Ikegami Yukinori , Yamane Takafumi , Ueda Ikuko , Endo Ayaka , Maekawa Yuichiro , Kawamura Akio , Fukuda Keiichi , Kohsaka Shun
Published: October 2020

Background

Drug-eluting stent-induced vasospastic angina (DES-VSA) has emerged as a novel complication in the modern era of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Although beta blockers (BBs) are generally recommended for coronary heart disease, they may promote incidence of DES-VSA. This study aimed to compare the effects of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) perceived to be protective against DES-VSA and BBs on subsequent coronary events after second-generation drug-eluting stent implantation.

Methods

In this multicentre prospective, randomised study, 52 patients with coronary artery disease who underwent PCI for a single-vessel lesion with everolimus-eluting stent placement were randomised into post-stenting BB (N=26) and CCB (N=26) groups and followed for 24 months to detect any major cardiovascular events (MACE). A positive result on acetylcholine provocation testing during diagnostic coronary angiography (CAG) at 9 months was the primary endpoint for equivalence. MACE included all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina, cerebrovascular disease or coronary revascularisation for stable coronary artery disease after index PCI.

Results

At 9 months, 42 patients (80.8%) underwent diagnostic coronary angiography and acetylcholine provocation testing. Among them, seven patients in each group were diagnosed with definite vasospasm (intention-to-treat analysis 26.9% vs 26.9%, risk difference 0 (−0.241, 0.241)). Meanwhile, the secondary endpoint, 24-month MACE, was higher in the CCB group (19.2%) than in the BB group (3.8%) (p=0.01). In detail, coronary revascularisation for stable coronary artery disease was the predominant endpoint that contributed to the greater proportion of MACE in the CCB group (CCB (19.2%) vs BB (3.8%), p=0.03).

Conclusions

The incidence of acetylcholine-induced coronary artery spasms did not differ between patients receiving BBs or CCBs at 9 months after PCI. However, a higher incidence of 2-year MACE was observed in the CCB group, suggesting the importance of BB administration.

Trial registration number

This study was registered at the Japanese University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Clinical Trial Registry (The Prospective Randomized Trial for Optimizing Medical Therapy After Stenting: Calcium-Beta Trial; UMIN000008321,https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000009536).
New COL4A5 mutation in IgA nephropathy
Authors: Xu Zhenjian , Chen Junzhe , Yu Wenjuan , Li Xiaomei , Lin Baojuan , Lai Deyuan , Xu Anping , Tang Ying
Published: October 2020

Purpose

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common type of primary glomerulonephritis and a leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Recently, some case reports have shown that COL4A5 mutation is associated with IgAN. Here, we identified a new COL4A5 gene mutation in IgAN in a Chinese family.

Materials and Methods

In the present study, the proband and his 23-year-old younger brother were both diagnosed with IgAN, manifested as haematuria, proteinuria and chronic kidney injury without hearing loss or ocular symptoms. Additionally, the proband's 30-year-old younger brother, also diagnosed with ESKD, had been undergoing dialysis for 2 years with normal hearing and eyesight. To exclude genetic disease, we conducted whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing assays.

Results

We found a new mutation in the COL4A5 gene (chrX:107 814 698, c.438+2->AAACCAATTATA-), a novel insertion mutation. Using vector transcription and Minigene transcriptional analyses, we verified, for the first time, the novel mutation pathogenicity of the COL4A5 gene.

Conclusion

Together with other published data, we suggest that genetic screening should be performed in IgAN, particularly for patients with a familial history. The effects of different mutated splice sites of the COL4A5 gene, as well as the tissue specificity of the splicing machinery contributing to the pathogenesis and prognosis of IgAN, remains unclear and warrants further exploration in the future.
Synthesis, stability, and reactivity of mesoionic carbene iridium dihydride complexes
Authors: Olivares Marta , Albrecht Martin
Published: October 2020

Pyridyl-triazolylidene ligands with variable donor properties were used as tunable ligands at a dihydride iridium (III) center. The straightforward synthesis of this type of ligand allows for an easy incorporation of electron-donating substituents in different positions of the pyridine ring or different functional groups such as esters, alkoxy, or aliphatic chains on the C4 position of the triazole heterocycle. The stability of these hydride metal systems allowed these complexes to be used as models for studying the influence of the ligand modifications on hydride reactivity. Spectroscopic analysis provided unambiguous structural assignment of the dihydride system. Modulation of the electronic properties of the wingtip substituents did not appreciably alter the reactivity of the hydrides. Reactivity studies using acids with a wide range of pK a values indicated a correlation between hydride reactivity and acidity and showed exclusive reactivity towards the less shielded hydride trans to the carbene carbon rather than the more shielded hydride trans to the pyridine ring, suggesting that the trans effect is more relevant in these reactions than the NMR spectroscopically deduced hydridic character.
Cracking of some polytropic models via local density perturbations
Authors: Azam M. , Nazir I.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we have checked the stability of some anisotropic charged generalized polytropic models by using the concept of cracking, founded by Nasim and Azam (Astrophys. Space Sci. 363, 132 (2018). doi: 10.1007/s10509-018-3356-4 ). The process of cracking is intuitive and shows the points where the dissipation of radial forces appear in the system on account of perturbation and carries the system out of its equilibrium state. We have employed the local density perturbation technique to the hydrostatic equilibrium equation and on all the physical parameters engaged in the models. We concluded that under the local density perturbation scheme all the generalized polytropic models are potentially stable.
A blade tip-timing method without once-per-revolution sensor for blade vibration measurement in gas turbine engines
Authors: Fan Chengwei , Wu Yadong , Russhard Pete , Ruan Can , Wang Anjenq
Published: October 2020

The blade vibration measurement is crucial for gas turbine engines to ensure safe operations. One of the techniques is blade tip-timing (BTT), which is under the assumption that rotor speed is constant and depends on a once-per-revolution (OPR) timing reference to calculate the blade tip displacement and to identify the blade sequence. However, this assumption is incorrect for transient conditions, and the installation of an OPR sensor sometimes is not allowable and reliable. These reasons greatly limit the application of the BTT technique. This paper proposes a self-correcting (SC)-BTT method to realize the blade vibration measurement under different operating conditions without the use of an OPR sensor. The proposed method is based on polynomial fitting, and a reference probe is used to correct high-order fitting coefficients. Numerical results show that the SC-BTT method can greatly reduce the fitting error caused by blade pitch and vibrational parameters. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is capable of removing the limitation of the lack of an OPR sensor and overcoming the drawbacks of the OPR system, such as the failure of the OPR sensor or low-speed resolution. For three investigated cases, the relative errors of derived rotor speed are below 0.12%. The relative error of blade peak-to-peak amplitude (PPA) and initial phase angle are around 3% at the resonance region with engine order (EO) 2.
Optimized recurrent neural network with fuzzy classifier for data prediction using hybrid optimization algorithm: Scope towards diverse applications
Authors: Prakaash A. S. , Sivakumar K.
Published: October 2020

Today, data processing has become a challenging task due to the significant increase in the amount of data collected using various sensors. To put up knowledge and forecast the data, the existing data mining techniques compute all numerical attributes in the memory simultaneously. However, the over-abundance of entire factors in the data makes accurate prediction infeasible. This paper attempts to implement a new data prediction model using an optimized machine learning algorithm. The proposed data prediction model involves four main phases: (a) data acquisition, (b) feature extraction, (c) data normalization, and (d) prediction. Initially, few data from the UCI repository like Bike Sharing Dataset, Carbon Nanotubes, Concrete Compressive Strength, Electrical Grid Stability Simulated Data, and SkillCraft-1 Master Table are collected. Further, the feature extraction process extracts the first-order statistics like mean, median, standard deviation, the maximum value of entire data, and the minimum value of entire data, and the second-order statistics like kurtosis, skewness, energy, and entropy. Next, the data or feature normalization is done to arrange the data within a certain limit. The normalized features are then subjected to a hybrid prediction system by integrating the Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) and Fuzzy Regression model. As a modification, the number of hidden neurons in the RNN and membership limits of the Fuzzy Regression model are optimized by a hybrid optimization algorithm by merging the concepts of Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) and Cat Swarm Optimization (CSO), which is called the Whale Updated Seek Mode-based CSO (WS-CSO) algorithm. Then, the efficiency of the optimized hybrid classifier for all-time prediction of data in different applications is confirmed based on its valuable performance and comparative analysis.
The assessment of carbon nanotube (CNT) geometry on the mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Aluko O. , Gowtham S. , Odegard G. M.
Published: October 2020

The geometric effect of single-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) on mechanical performances of epoxy nanocomposites was investigated under different loading conditions. The reactive force field (ReaxFF) and optimum liquid potential simulator (OPLS) were used in the computational molecular dynamics simulation. The analysis comprises the methodology employed to model the equilibrated structures of CNT/epoxy nanocomposites and characterizes elastic parameters of the structures. The computational results showed that the chirality of the CNTs affects the mechanical performances of the nanocomposites.
Temperature Sensation: From Molecular Thermosensors to Neural Circuits and Coding Principles
Authors: Xiao Rui , Xu X.Z. Shawn
Published: October 2020

Temperature is a universal cue and regulates many essential processes ranging from enzymatic reactions to species migration. Due to the profound impact of temperature on physiology and behavior, animals and humans have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to detect temperature changes. Studies from animal models, such as mouse, Drosophila, and C. elegans, have revealed many exciting principles of thermosensation. For example, conserved molecular thermosensors, including thermosensitive channels and receptors, act as the initial detectors of temperature changes across taxa. Additionally, thermosensory neurons and circuits in different species appear to adopt similar logic to transduce and process temperature information. Here, we present the current understanding of thermosensation at the molecular and cellular levels. We also discuss the fundamental coding strategies of thermosensation at the circuit level. A thorough understanding of thermosensation not only provides key insights into sensory biology but also builds a foundation for developing better treatments for various sensory disorders.
Production of hydrogen sulfide by the intestinal microbiota and epithelial cells and consequences for the colonic and rectal mucosa
Authors: Blachier François , Andriamihaja Mireille , Larraufie Pierre , Ahn Eunyeong , Lan Annaïg , Kim Eunjung
Published: October 2020

Among bacterial metabolites, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has received increasing attention. The epithelial cells of the large intestine are exposed to two sources of H2S. The main one is the luminal source that results from specific bacteria metabolic activity toward sulfur-containing substrates. The other source in colonocytes is from the intracellular production mainly through cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) activity. H2S is oxidized by the mitochondrial sulfide oxidation unit, resulting in ATP synthesis, and, thus, establishing this compound as the first mineral energy substrate in colonocytes. However, when the intracellular H2S concentration exceeds the colonocyte capacity for its oxidation, it inhibits the mitochondrial respiratory chain, thus affecting energy metabolism. Higher luminal H2S concentration affects the integrity of the mucus layer and displays proinflammatory effects. However, a low/minimal amount of endogenous H2S exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on the colon mucosa, pointing out the ambivalent effect of H2S depending on its intracellular concentration. Regarding colorectal carcinogenesis, forced CBS expression in late adenoma-like colonocytes increased their proliferative activity, bioenergetics capacity, and tumorigenicity; whereas, genetic ablation of CBS in mice resulted in a reduced number of mutagen-induced aberrant crypt foci. Activation of endogenous H2S production and low H2S extracellular concentration enhance cancerous colorectal cell proliferation. Higher exogenous H2S concentrations markedly reduce mitochondrial ATP synthesis and proliferative capacity in cancerous cells and enhance glycolysis but do not affect their ATP cell content or viability. Thus, it appears that, notably through an effect on colonocyte energy metabolism, endogenous and microbiota-derived H2S are involved in the host intestinal physiology and physiopathology.
TRPV4 channel blockade does not modulate skin vasodilation and sweating during hyperthermia or cutaneous postocclusive reactive and thermal hyperemia
Authors: Fujii Naoto , Kenny Glen P. , McGarr Gregory W. , Amano Tatsuro , Honda Yasushi , Kondo Narihiko , Nishiyasu Takeshi
Published: October 2020

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channels exist on vascular endothelial cells and eccrine sweat gland secretory cells in human skin. Here, we assessed whether TRPV4 channels contribute to cutaneous vasodilation and sweating during whole body passive heat stress ( protocol 1) and to cutaneous vasodilation during postocclusive reactive hyperemia and local thermal hyperemia ( protocol 2). Intradermal microdialysis was employed to locally deliver pharmacological agents to forearm skin sites, where cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) and sweat rate were assessed. In protocol 1 (12 young adults), CVC and sweat rate were increased by passive whole body heating, resulting in a body core temperature elevation of 1.2 ± 0.1°C. The elevated CVC and sweat rate assessed at sites treated with TRPV4 channel antagonist (either 200 µM HC-067047 or 125 µM GSK2193874) were not different from the vehicle control site (5% dimethyl sulfoxide). After whole body heating, the TRPV4 channel agonist (100 µM GSK1016790A) was administered to each skin site, eliciting elevations in CVC. Relative to control, this response was partly attenuated by both TRPV4 channel antagonists, confirming drug efficacy. In protocol 2 (10 young adults), CVC was increased following a 5-min arterial occlusion and during local heating from 33 to 42°C. These responses did not differ between the control and the TRPV4 channel antagonist sites (200 µM HC-067047). We show that TRPV4 channels are not required for regulating cutaneous vasodilation or sweating during a whole body passive heat stress. Furthermore, they are not required for regulating cutaneous vasodilation during postocclusive reactive hyperemia and local thermal hyperemia.
Spectrum of myelinated pulmonary afferents (III): cracking intermediate adapting receptors
Authors: Yu Jerry
Published: October 2020

Conventional one-sensor theory (one afferent fiber connects to a single sensor) categorizes the bronchopulmonary mechanosensors into the rapidly adapting receptors (RARs), slowly adapting receptors (SARs), or intermediate adapting receptors (IARs). RARs and SARs are known to sense the rate and magnitude of mechanical change, respectively; however, there is no agreement on what IARs sense. Some investigators believe that the three types of sensors are actually one group with similar but different properties and IARs operate within that group. Other investigators (majority) believe IARs overlap with the RARs and SARs and can be classified within them according to their characteristics. Clearly, there is no consensus on IARs function. Recently, a multiple-sensor theory has been advanced in which a sensory unit may contain many heterogeneous sensors, such as both RARs and SARs. There are no IARs. Intermediate adapting unit behavior results from coexistence of RARs and SARs. Therefore, the unit can sense both rate and magnitude of changes. The purpose of this review is to provide evidence that the multiple-sensor theory better explains sensory unit behavior.
Anatomical and electrophysiological analysis of cholinergic inputs from the parabigeminal nucleus to the superficial superior colliculus
Authors: Tokuoka Kota , Kasai Masatoshi , Kobayashi Kenta , Isa Tadashi
Published: October 2020

The modulatory role of the cholinergic inputs from the parabigeminal nucleus in the visual responses in the superficial superior colliculus (sSC) remains unknown. Here we report that the cholinergic projections terminate densely in the medial sSC and optogenetic manipulations of the cholinergic inputs affect the looming-evoked response and enhance surround inhibition in the sSC. Our data suggest that cholinergic inputs to the sSC contribute to the visual detection of predators.
Excitation properties of computational models of unmyelinated peripheral axons
Authors: Pelot Nicole A. , Catherall David C. , Thio Brandon J. , Titus Nathan D. , Liang Edward D. , Henriquez Craig S. , Grill Warren M.
Published: October 2020

Peripheral nerves are primarily composed of unmyelinated axons, and there is growing interest in electrical stimulation of the autonomic nervous system to treat various diseases. We present the first cable model of an unmyelinated vagal nerve fiber and compare its ion channel isoforms and conduction responses with other published models of unmyelinated axons, establishing important tools for advancing modeling of autonomic nerves.
What are the gray and white matter volumes of the human spinal cord?
Authors: Henmar Simon , Simonsen Erik B. , Berg Rune W.
Published: October 2020

Here, we combine high-field MRI (9.4 T) and deep learning for a post mortem reconstruction of the gray and white matter in human spinal cords. We report a minuscule total gray matter volume of 2.87 mL for a female and 3.55 mL for a male. For comparison, these volumes correspond approximately to the distal digit of the little finger.
Local glutamate-mediated dendritic plateau potentials change the state of the cortical pyramidal neuron
Authors: Gao Peng P. , Graham Joseph W. , Zhou Wen-Liang , Jang Jinyoung , Angulo Sergio , Dura-Bernal Salvador , Hines Michael , Lytton William W. , Antic Srdjan D.
Published: October 2020

In cortical pyramidal neurons, we recorded glutamate-mediated dendritic plateau potentials with voltage imaging and created a computer model that recreated experimental measures from dendrite and cell body. Our model made new predictions, which were then tested in experiments. Plateau potentials profoundly change neuronal state: a plateau potential triggered in one basal dendrite depolarizes the soma and shortens membrane time constant, making the cell more susceptible to firing triggered by other afferent inputs.
High Expression of UBB, RAC1, and ITGB1 Predicts Worse Prognosis among Nonsmoking Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma through Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Deng Huan , Huang Yichao , Wang Li , Chen Ming
Published: October 2020

Purpose. The molecular mechanism underlying the tumorigenesis and progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) in nonsmoking patients remains unclear. This study was conducted to select crucial therapeutic and prognostic biomarkers for nonsmoking patients with LUAD. Methods. Microarray datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE32863 and GSE75037) were analyzed for differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed, and protein‐protein interaction network was then constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes and Cytoscape. Hub genes were then identified by the rank of degree. Overall survival (OS) analyses of hub genes were performed among nonsmoking patients with LUAD in Kaplan‐Meier plotter. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and The Human Protein Atlas (THPA) databases were applied to verify hub genes. In addition, we performed Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) of hub genes. Results. We identified 1283 DEGs, including 743 downregulated and 540 upregulated genes. GO enrichment analyses showed that DEGs were significantly enriched in collagen‐containing extracellular matrix and extracellular matrix organization. Moreover, 19 hub genes were identified, and 12 hub genes were closely associated with OS. Although no obvious difference was detected in ITGB1, the downregulation of UBB and upregulation of RAC1 were observed in LUAD tissues of nonsmoking patients. Immunohistochemistry in THPA database confirmed that UBB and ITGB1 were downregulated, while RAC1 was upregulated in LUAD. GSEA suggested that ribosome, B cell receptor signaling pathway, and cell cycle were associated with UBB, RAC1, and ITGB1 expression, respectively. Conclusions. Our study provides insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of the carcinogenesis and progression of LUAD in nonsmoking patients and demonstrated UBB, RAC1, and ITGB1 as therapeutic and prognostic indicators for nonsmoking LUAD. This is the first study to report the crucial role of UBB in nonsmoking LUAD.
Improving the Assessment and Classification of Sick Children according to the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) Protocol at Sanja Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: A Pre-Post Interventional Study
Authors: Abayneh Mohammed , Gebremedhin Tsegaye , Dellie Endalkachew , Tsehay Chalie Tadie , Atnafu Asmamaw
Published: October 2020

Background. A complete and consistent use of integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) protocol is a strategic implementation that has been used to promote the accurate assessment and classifications of childhood illnesses, ensures appropriate combined treatment, strengthens the counseling of caregiver, and speeds up the referrals to decrease child mortality and morbidity. However, there is limited evidence about the complete and consistent use of IMCI protocol during the assessment and classifications of childhood illness in Ethiopia. Therefore, this intervention was implemented to improve the assessment and classifications of childhood illness according to the IMCI protocol in Sanja primary hospital, northwest Ethiopia. Methods. A pre-post interventional study was used in Sanja primary hospital from January 01 to May 30, 2019. A total of 762 (381 for pre and 381 for postintervention) children from 2 months up to 5 years of age were involved in the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire prepared from the IMCI guideline, and a facility checklist was used. A five-month in-service training, weekly supportive supervision, daily morning session, and availing essential drugs and materials were done. Both the descriptive statistics and independent

t

-test were done. In the independent

t

-test, a

p

value of <0.05 and a mean difference with 95% CI were used to declare the significance of the interventions. Results. The findings revealed that the overall completeness of the assessment was improved from 37.8 to 79.8% (mean difference: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.10-0.22), consistency of assessment with classification from 47.5 to 76.9% (mean difference: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.27-0.39), classification with treatment from 42.3 to 75.4% (mean difference: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.28-0.47), and classification with follow-up from 32.8 to 73.0% (mean difference: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.29-0.42). Conclusion. The intervention has a significant improvement in the assessment and classification of childhood illness according to the IMCI protocol. Therefore, steps must be taken to ensure high quality of training, adequate supervision including the observation of health workers managing sick children during supervisory visits, and a constant supply of essential drugs and job aids for successful implementation of IMCI in the hospital and also to other facilities.
Rifampin‐Releasing Triple‐Layer Cross‐Linked Fresh Water Fish Collagen Sponges as Wound Dressings
Authors: Hartinger Jan Miroslav , Lukáč Peter , Mlček Mikuláš , Popková Michaela , Suchý Tomáš , Šupová Monika , Chlup Hynek , Horný Lukáš , Závora Jan , Adámková Václava , Slanař Ondřej , Kozlík Petr , Molnarova Katarina , Honsová Eva , Lambert Lukáš , Grus Tomáš
Published: October 2020

Objectives. Surgical wounds resulting from biofilm‐producing microorganisms represent a major healthcare problem that requires new and innovative treatment methods. Rifampin is one of a small number of antibiotics that is able to penetrate such biofilms, and its local administration has the potential to serve as an ideal surgical site infection protection and/or treatment agent. This paper presents two types (homogeneous and sandwich structured) of rifampin‐releasing carbodiimide‐cross‐linked fresh water fish collagen wound dressings. Methods. The dressings were prepared by means of the double‐lyophilization method and sterilized via gamma irradiation so as to allow for testing in a form that is able to serve for direct clinical use. The mechanical properties were studied via the uniaxial tensile testing method. The in vivo rifampin‐release properties were tested by means of a series of incubations in phosphate‐buffered saline. The microbiological activity was tested against methicillin‐resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) employing disc diffusion tests, and the in vivo pharmacokinetics was tested using a rat model. A histological examination was conducted for the study of the biocompatibility of the dressings. Results. The sandwich‐structured dressing demonstrated better mechanical properties due to its exhibiting ability to bear a higher load than the homogeneous sponges, a property that was further improved via the addition of rifampin. The sponges retarded the release of rifampin in vitro, which translated into at least 22 hours of rifampin release in the rat model. This was significantly longer than was achieved via the administration of a subcutaneous rifampin solution. Microbiological activity was proven by the results of the disc diffusion tests. Both sponges exhibited excellent biocompatibility as the cells penetrated into the scaffold, and virtually no signs of local irritation were observed. Conclusions. We present a novel rifampin‐releasing sandwich‐structured fresh water fish collagen wound dressing that has the potential to serve as an ideal surgical site infection protection and/or treatment agent.
Newborn Care Practice and Associated Factors among Mothers of One-Month-Old Infants in Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Sakelo Amanuel Nuramo , Assefa Nega , Oljira Lemessa , Assefa Zebene Mekonnen
Published: October 2020

Newborn care refers to the care that is provided to the baby from birth to one-month-old by a caregiver or by the mothers including thermal care, hygienic care, cord care, eye care, breastfeeding, immunization, and identification of newborn danger signs. According to Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) 2016, the neonatal mortality rate was 29 deaths per 1000 live births, and the postneonatal mortality rate was 19 deaths per 1000 live births with neonates contributing 48 deaths per 1000 of the infant mortality. Neonatal mortality accounts for approximately two-thirds of all infant mortality worldwide. Objective. The objective of this study was to assess newborn care practice and associated factors among mothers with babies of one-month-old in Hossana town, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region, Ethiopia, 2018. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 422 mothers with babies of one-month-old in Hossana town, southwest Ethiopia. The data were entered to EpiData 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were applied, and frequencies and odds ratios were calculated to determine the prevalence and associated factors, respectively. Results. In this study, 31% of participants had good newborn care practice based on three composite variables such as 84% who have done early breastfeeding initiation, 32.9% who have done safe cord care, and 30.6% who have done thermal care. Educational status of the mother’s, primary (

AOR
=
2.80

, 95% CI: 1.027-7.637), secondary (

AOR
=
2.596

, 95% CI: 0.921-7.316), and college and above (

AOR
=
3.63

, 95% CI: 1.056-12.492); mothers who practiced handwashing (hygiene) before touching a newborn (

AOR
=
2.552

, 95% CI: 1.092-5.963); and mothers who had good knowledge on newborn care practice (

AOR
=
15.638

, 95% CI: 3.599-67.943) were significantly associated with newborn care practice. Conclusion and Recommendation. The present study indicated that the level of comprehensive newborn care practice was unsatisfactory; all responsible bodies were giving attention and intervene on the predictors to improve newborn care practice and provide health education regarding newborn care practice. Education level, health education (counseling) on hygiene, and knowledge of mother on newborn care practice were independent predictors of newborn care practice.
Design and Implementation of a Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation System for a Tilt Trirotor UAV
Authors: Yu Li , He Guang , Zhao Shulong , Wang Xiangke , Shen Lincheng
Published: October 2020

The tilt trirotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is a novel aircraft that has broad application prospects in transportation. However, the development progress of the aircraft is slow due to the complicated control system and the high cost of the flight experiment. This work attempts to overcome the problem by developing a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation system based on a heavily developed and commercially available flight simulator X-Plane. First, the tilt trirotor UAV configuration and dynamic model are presented, and the parameters are obtained by conducting identification experiments. Second, taking the configuration of the aircraft into account, a control scheme composed of the mode transition strategy, hierarchical controller, and control allocation is proposed. Third, a full-scale flight model of the prototype is designed in X-Plane, and an interface program is completed for connecting the autopilot and X-Plane. Then, the HIL simulation system that consists of the autopilot, ground control station, and X-Plane is developed. Finally, the results of the HIL simulation and flight experiments are presented and compared. The results show that the HIL simulation system can be an efficient tool for verifying the performance of the proposed control scheme for the tilt trirotor UAV. The work contributes to narrowing the gap between theory and practice and provides an alternative verification method for the tilt trirotor UAV.
Molecular Epidemiology and Clinical Features Analysis of Respiratory Adenovirus Infections Reveals Correlations between Genotype, Inflammatory Biomarkers, and Disease Severity
Authors: Dai Hui , Xi Hongli , Huang Li , Yuan Zhaohu , Liao Yike , Tang Yongcai , Liao Jun , Min Ling , Yu Zhiwu
Published: October 2020

Background. Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) are commonly causing respiratory disease. We molecularly genotyped HAdV circulating in Chinese hospitalized children with respiratory infections and summarized the clinical profiles and common inflammatory biomarkers, so as to better determine their associations with disease severity. Method. Children with respiratory single HAdV infection cases that occurred from December 2017 to March 2019 were enrolled for a cross‐sectional study. Clinical/laboratory features based on the genotypes of respiratory HAdV infection were reviewed for comparative analysis. Results. A total of 84 patients were enrolled, and HAdV types were identified from 82 patients. Species B (HAdV‐7, 44%; HAdV‐3, 43%, and HAdV‐14, 5%) was the most common, followed by C (HAdV‐2, 4% and HAdV‐1, 1%) and E (HAdV‐4, 1%). Severe HAdV infection and HAdV‐7 infection groups were associated with significantly longer duration of fever and hospitalized days, higher morbidity of tachypnea/dyspnea, more pleural effusion, more respiratory rales, more frequently required mechanical ventilation, and significantly higher fatality rate. The elevated procalcitonin (PCT) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly associated with severe HAdV infection. Conclusions. HAdV‐7 and HAdV‐3 were the most common types among children with respiratory adenovirus infection; vaccines against these two genotypes are in urgent need. PCT and CRP are significantly associated with the severity of HAdV infection.
Novel Prognostic Model Based on Immune Signature for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yingying , Xu Yu , Hua Qingquan , Jiang Yang , Liu Peiqiang , Zhang Wei , Xiang Rong
Published: October 2020

Background. Deciphering the immune characteristics within tumors and identifying the immune signals related to the prognostic factor are helpful for the treatment and management of tumor patients. However, systematic analysis of immune signatures in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains largely unstudied. Methods. A total of 718 immune‐related genes were extracted from RNA sequencing data from 519 HNSCC patients in the TCGA database, and survival analysis with integrated bioinformatics analyses was performed to build the final predictive prognosis model. Results. The 178 survival‐associated genes (P < 0.05) participated in important immune functions, including immune cell activation and migration. Multivariate regression analysis using 93 genes (P < 0.01), together with survival‐associated clinicopathological parameters, identified 35 independent prognostic factors. The most significant 8 independent factors were CD3E, CD40LG, TNFRSF4, CD3G, CD5, ITGA2B, ABCB1, and TNFRSF13b. The final prognostic model achieved outstanding predictive efficiency with the highest AUC of 0.963. Conclusion. Our prognostic model based on the immune signature could effectively predict the prognosis of HNSCC patients, providing novel predictive biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for HNSCC patients.
Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum Associated with COVID-19 Pneumonia
Authors: Mimouni Hamza , Diyas Soufiane , Ouachaou Jamal , Laaribi Ilyas , Oujidi Younes , Merbouh Manal , Bkiyar Houssam , Housni Brahim
Published: October 2020

The first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared in December in Wuhan, before becoming a global pandemic in a few weeks. Several complications of this infection have been reported. However, a spontaneous pneumomediastinum has rarely been described. We report the fourth case of this extremely rare complication in a 65-year-old male patient with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia, discovered during his therapeutic management by a CT scan control.
Determining the Clinical Value and Critical Pathway of GTPBP4 in Lung Adenocarcinoma Using a Bioinformatics Strategy: A Study Based on Datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas
Authors: Zhang Zhiqian , Wang Juan , Mao Jiayan , Li Fangqiong , Chen Wei , Wang Wei
Published: October 2020

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide, and the most common histologic subtype is lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Due to the significant mortality and morbidity rates among patients with LUAD, the identification of novel biomarkers to guide diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy is urgent. Guanosine triphosphate‐binding protein 4 (GTPBP4) has been found to be associated with tumorigenesis in recent years, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we demonstrate that GTPBP4 is significantly overexpressed in LUAD primary tumors. A total of 55 genes were identified as potential targets of GTPBP4. GO enrichment analysis identified the top 25 pathways among these target genes, among which, ribosome biogenesis was shown to be the most central. Each target gene demonstrated strong and complex interactions with other genes. Of the potential target genes, 12 abnormally expressed candidates were associated with survival probability and correlated with GTPBP4 expression. These findings suggest that GTPBP4 is associated with LUAD progression. Finally, we highlight the importance of the role of GTPBP4 in LUAD in vitro. GTPBP4 knockdown in LUAD cells inhibited proliferation and metastasis, promoted apoptosis, and enhanced sensitivity to TP. Overall, we conclude that GTPBP4 may be considered as a potential biomarker of LUAD.
Vitamin D (1,25-(OH)2D3) Improves Endothelial Progenitor Cells Function via Enhanced NO Secretion in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Huang Zhenhua , Liu Lixiang , Huang Shufen , Li Jianbo , Feng Shaozhen , Huang Naya , Ai Zhen , Long Weiqing , Jiang Lanping
Published: October 2020

It has been proven that vitamin D was decreased and function of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) was injured in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. However, the effect of vitamin D on the function of EPCs in vitro and its mechanism need further study. Therefore, we investigated whether vitamin D improved the function of EPCs in vitro. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the participants were isolated from SLE patients and control subjects and cultured to EPCs. After the EPCs were treated with vitamin D (1,25-(OH)2D3), we evaluated the number, migratory and proliferative activities, and nitric oxide (NO) production of EPCs in vitro and detected vascular endothelial function by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). We found that vitamin D in a dose-dependent manner improved number and migratory and proliferative activities of EPCs from SLE patients. Additionally, vitamin D upregulated NO production from EPCs in vitro. A significant correlation between the FMD and plasma NO level was found. There was also a correlation between number, migration, and proliferation of EPCs and NO production. Thus, the present findings indicated that vitamin D improved the function of EPCs from SLE patients via NO secretion.
Natural Film Based on Pectin and Allantoin for Wound Healing: Obtaining, Characterization, and Rat Model
Authors: Valle Karen Zulema Meza , Saucedo Acuña Rosa A. , Ríos Arana Judith V. , Lobo Naun , Rodriguez Carlos , Cuevas-Gonzalez Juan Carlos , Tovar-Carrillo Karla Lizette
Published: October 2020

Introduction. In our days, several approaches reported the use of natural compounds in medical applications. Among them, pectin and allantoin are nontoxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable; however, its use for possible wound healing therapeutics is still limited. Pectin and allantoin have been applied in pharmaceutical industry and beauty cosmetic and could be also applied as scaffolds for tissue regeneration, wound healing, and so on. The aim of this study was to combine by the first time two natural ingredients to develop a new biomaterial to treat skin injuries in a rat model. Methods. For the hydrogel development, new synthesis parameters were established for the obtaining of the film such as temperature, mixing velocity and time, and drying temperatures as well. To enrich the film, the allantoin concentrations were set at 90 wt% and 100 wt% of pectin used. By in vivo assay, films were tested in wound healing in female Wistar rats, 190 ± 10 g in weight and 2 months aged. Results. The obtained films comprise 2 well‐differentiated layers, one layer rich in allantoin, which will be the regenerative layer, and one rich in pectin, which will work as an antimicrobial and protective layer to the wound. These were characterized by swelling kinetics, Fourier transform of the infrared spectrum of absorption (FTIR) spectroscopy, and contact angle. The morphology and topography were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). In vivo assay showed remarkable reduce in a time period in a wound healing process when the film was used. The results show that the use of PA (Pectin‐Allantoin) hydrogel reduces the total healing time by 25% approximately. Conclusions. Pectin‐Allantoin (PA) film has potential use in medical applications as wound healing material promoting healthy tissue renewal.
Two Variants in the NOTCH4 and HLA-C Genes Contribute to Familial Clustering of Psoriasis
Authors: Cai Minglong , Huang He , Hu Zhulin , Yuan Tao , Li Weiran , Liu Yaoguang , Zheng Lijun , Zhang Yan , Sheng Yujun , Zhang Xuejun
Published: October 2020

Psoriasis is a multifactorial immune-mediated skin disease with a strong genetic background. Previous studies reported that psoriasis with a family history (PFH) and sporadic psoriasis (SP) have a distinct manifestation and genetic predisposition. However, the genetic heterogeneity of PFH and SP in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region has not been fully elucidated. To explore genetic variants in the MHC region that drive family aggregation of psoriasis, we included a total of 8,127 psoriasis cases and 9,906 healthy controls from Han Chinese and divided psoriasis into two subtypes, PFH (n=1,538) and SP (n=5,262). Then, we calculated the heritability of PFH and SP and performed a large-scale stratified association analysis. We confirmed that variants in the MHC region collectively explained a higher heritability of PFH (16.8%) than SP (13.3%). Further stratified association analysis illustrated that HLA-C∗06:02 and NOTCH4:G511S contribute to the family aggregation of psoriasis, and BTNL2:R281K specifically confers risk for SP. HLA-C∗06:02 and NOTCH4:G511S could partially explain why patients with PFH have a stronger genetic predisposition, more complex phenotypes, and more frequent other autoimmune diseases. The identification of the SP-specific variant BTNL2:R281K revealed that the genetic architecture of SP is not just a subset of PFH.