bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of a combined failure mode for screw anchors under tension
Authors: Chen Zhao , Nassiri Somayeh , Lamanna Anthony
Published: May 2020

A modified concrete capacity design method is available to predict the ultimate tensile strength ( Nu) of screw anchors. Screw anchors commonly fail in a combination of concrete breakout and pullout modes. This combined mode is not distinguished from the breakout mode in the modified concrete capacity design method, which may cause confusions to designers. To investigate the Nu of the combined mode ( Ncomb), this study included 144 unconfined tension tests on screw anchors from three manufacturers in three diameters and two effective embedment depths ( hef) per diameter. Approximately 80% of the tested anchors failed in the combined mode. The differences in Ncomb among the three manufacturers were insignificant despite their varied thread design. Ncomb was found to be linearly correlated to the parameter hef 1.3 but was found independent of the anchor diameter. A regression model was developed to specifically predict Ncomb. The model showed a good fit with the test results.
Associations between work environment, health status and sick leave among pregnant employees
Authors: Pedersen Pernille , Momsen Anne-Mette H. , Andersen Dorte R. , Nielsen Claus V. , Nohr Ellen A. , Maimburg Rikke D.
Published: May 2020

Aims: To study the associations between and timing of psychosocial and physical work factors and health status on sick leave among Danish pregnant employees. Methods: A total of 910 pregnant women completed a questionnaire in gestational weeks 12 (baseline) and 27 (follow-up). Information about psychosocial and physical work factors and health status was obtained at baseline. Associations with sick leave ⩾14 days were estimated using logistic regression. Further, the impact of timing and duration of exposure on sick leave were examined. Results: A total of 133 women (14.6%) reported ⩾14 days of sick leave at follow-up (27 weeks of gestation). Work-related risk factors for sick leave were high work pace, low influence, low recognition, low job satisfaction, conflict in work−family balance, standing/walking, heavy lifting, and shift work/night shift. Health-related risk factors were burnout, stress, possibility of depression, low work ability, previous sick leave, and poor self-rated health. Being exposed to work-related risk factors during the first 27 weeks of pregnancy or at follow-up increased the risk of sick leave compared with those not exposed at any time or only exposed at baseline. Poor health status increased the risk if women were exposed in the first 27 weeks of pregnancy; however, high possibility of depression was also a risk factor when experienced in early pregnancy. Conclusions: Psychosocial and physical work-related risk factors and poor health status were associated with more sick leave in pregnant employees. Early adjustment of work-related risk factors at the workplace is needed to reduce sick leave.
A conceptual model of entrepreneurial competencies needed to utilise technologies of Industry 4.0
Authors: Kruger Sean , Steyn Adriana Aletta
Published: May 2020

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0 (I4), has provided an unprecedented platform for innovation in various spheres. For entrepreneurs then, who are known to drive innovation and progress in various fields, I4 offers a wide scope of opportunities. The purpose of this article is to provide a conceptual model of needed entrepreneurial competencies to effectively utilise novel technologies I4 has to offer. To develop the model, this exploratory study adopts an action research approach. Using predefined questions developed from previous literature, a representative sample was obtained from 17 in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs. From the data analyses, where machine learning technologies were used, it was found that to respond and navigate the layers of I4 technologies and enable new possibilities, entrepreneurs require certain competencies in this globally connected and technology-fuelled world. This article advances entrepreneurial research as it provides a platform to guide and support their development, which has been a key focus area both internationally and in South Africa, to address one of the key sustainable development goals, economic growth. Despite this contribution, further investigation is required on how to develop these competencies through supportive mechanisms and corresponding education relating to I4.
Early and Midterm Experience With the Absorb Everolimus-Eluting Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold in Asian Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia: One-Year Clinical and Imaging Outcomes From the DISAPEAR Registry
Authors: Kum Steven , Ipema Jetty , Chun-yin Derek Ho , Lim Darryl M. , Tan Yih Kai , Varcoe Ramon L. , Hazenberg Constantijn E. V. B. , Ünlü Çağdaş
Published: May 2020

Purpose: To report an experience with the Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) in an Asian cohort with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) from the DISAPEAR ( Drug Impregnated Bioresorbable Stent in Asian Population Extremity Arterial Revascularization) registry. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 41 patients (median age 64 years; 23 men) with CLTI owing to >50% de novo infrapopliteal lesions (n=53) treated with the Absorb BVS between August 2012 and June 2017. The majority of patients (37, 90%) had diabetes, 24 (59%) had ischemic heart disease, and 39 (95%) had Rutherford category 5/6 ischemia with tissue loss. The mean lesion length was 22.7±17.2 mm; 10 (24%) lesions were severely calcified. Assessments included technical success, primary patency, freedom from clinically-driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR), amputation-free survival, limb salvage, complete wound healing, resolution of rest pain, and resolution of CLTI without TLR at 6 and 12 months after the index intervention. Results: Overall, 69 scaffolds were implanted in the 53 lesions, with 100% technical success. There were no deaths within 30 days of the index procedure. The primary patency rates at 6 and 12 months were 95% and 86%, respectively. The corresponding rates of freedom from CD-TLR were 98% and 93%, respectively. Freedom from major amputation was 98% at both time points, and amputation-free survival was 93% and 85% at 6 and 12 months after the index procedure. Wound healing occurred in 31 patients (79%) with Rutherford category 5/6 ischemia by the end of 12 months. Conclusion: The Absorb BVS demonstrated good 1-year patency and clinical outcomes in CLTI patients with complex infrapopliteal disease.
Exosomal Small RNA Sequencing Uncovers Dose-Specific MiRNA Markers for Ionizing Radiation Exposure
Authors: Zhang Ying , Liu Jiabin , Zhou Liang , Hao Shuai , Ding Zhenhua , Xiao Lin , Zhou Meijuan
Published: May 2020

Introduction:

Acute exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) is hazardous or even lethal. Accurate estimation of the doses of IR exposure is critical to wisely determining the following treatments. Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles harboring biomolecules and mediate the communications among cells and tissues to influence biological processes. Screening out the microRNAs (miRNAs) contained in exosomes as biomarkers can be useful for estimating the IR exposure doses and exploring the correlation between these miRNAs and the occurrence of disease.

Methods:

We treated mice with 2.0, 6.5, and 8.0 Gy doses of IR and collected the mice sera at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours after exposure. Then, the serum exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifuge and the small RNA portion was extracted for sequencing and the following bioinformatics analysis. Qualitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to validate the potential dose-specific markers.

Results:

Fifty-six miRNAs (31 upregulated, 25 downregulated) were differentially expressed after exposure of the above 3 IR doses and may act as common IR exposure miRNA markers. Bioinformatic analysis also identified several dosage-specific responsive miRNAs. Importantly, IR-induced miR-151-3p and miR-128-3p were significantly and stably increased at 24 hours in different mouse strains with distinct genetic background after exposed to 8.0 Gy of IR.

Conclusion:

Our study shows that miR-151-3p and miR-128-3p can be used as dose-specific biomarkers of 8.0 Gy IR exposure, which can be used to determine the exposure dose by detecting the amount of the 2 miRNAs in serum exosomes.
Quality prediction and control of cable harness wiring using extension theory and a backpropagation neural network
Authors: Wang Falin , Li Zhinong , Guo Xuepeng , Liao Wenhe
Published: May 2020

Given that the cable harness wiring quality (CHWQ) of complex mechatronic products is affected by multiple factors and it is difficult to solve the resulting control problems, this paper proposes a quality prediction method for cable harness wiring using extension theory and a backpropagation (BP) neural network. First, a quality prediction framework is designed based on the factors influencing the composition and analysis of the CHWQ. Second, we establish a quality evaluation index system based on five aspects and design a first-level factor set and a second-level factor set. Based on the single factor index for various parameters and evaluation of data after dimensionless parameter processing, we use extension theory and the entropy weight method to determine the membership matrix and the fuzzy weight vector for the first-level evaluation. Additionally, the single factor and the synthetic fuzzy weight vector are determined using the entropy weight method and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), respectively, and quality grade evaluation based on the fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) method is completed. Finally, we use a three-layer feedforward neural network to predict the quality status of a specific phased array radar system. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can produce increased prediction accuracy.
A new cellular manufacturing layout: Multi-floor linear cellular manufacturing layout
Authors: Zhao Yanlin , Lu Jiansha , Yi Wenchao
Published: May 2020

The article puts forward the new layout methodology of the multi-floor linear cellular manufacturing layout. The proposed equipment layout methodology not just breaks the conventional single-floor linear cellular manufacturing layout but also meets the layout requirements of the intelligent manufacturing workshop for the stereoscopic aisle manufacturing cell. The layout methodology takes into account the least space occupation as well as the shortest total distance of logistics as the objective function, besides considering the limitations that exist between the equipment, different planes, different levels, and so on; also, a mathematical model is put forward. The multi-floor linear cellular manufacturing layout is solved based on the self-adapting multi-objective fruit fly optimization algorithm that refers to an algorithm combining fruit fly optimization algorithm and NSGA-II. Self-adapting multi-objective fruit fly optimization algorithm makes use of the fast nondominated sorting for the multi-target food concentration calculation, together with designing the adaptive olfactory search and visual search, and employing the perturbation operations for flight strategies, aimed at ensuring the population diversity. Simulation cases suggest that self-adapting multi-objective fruit fly optimization algorithm has stronger advantages as compared with multi-objective fruit fly algorithm and elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) in the solution of multi-floor linear cellular manufacturing layout problems. The final engineering case application sheds light on the fact that multi-floor linear cellular manufacturing layout saves 57.6% of the area, in addition to 23.7% of space, and 29.2% of the handling distance as compared with single-floor linear cellular manufacturing layout. Accordingly, multi-floor linear cellular manufacturing layout has a specific reference value in the layout of facilities in the intelligent manufacturing plants.
Analysis and optimization of the wall-climbing robot with an adsorption system and adhesive belts
Authors: Liu Jinfu , Xu Linsen , Xu Jiajun , Liu Lei , Cheng Gaoxin , Chen Shouqi , Xu Hong , Shi Jia , Liang Xingcan
Published: May 2020

This article presents an innovative wall-climbing robot for detection on smooth wall surfaces, which consists of a vacuum adsorption system and adhesion belts, making the robot flexible and effectively steerable. Moreover, the detailed attachment mechanism is further analyzed for the climbing tasks. Safe operating conditions, kinematics, and dynamic model are derived, respectively, indicating that at least the adsorption force of 30 N and the motor torque of 2 N·m are required for stable climbing of the robot. Furthermore, the prototype of the wall-climbing robot is manufactured and the climbing abilities are tested on various wall surfaces showing that the maximum moving speed and corresponding load are 7.11 cm/s and 0.8 kg on the concrete exterior wall, 5.9 cm/s and 0.75 kg on the ceramic brick wall, 6.09 cm/s and 0.85 kg on the lime wall, and 5.9 cm/s and 1 kg on the acrylic surface, respectively, which demonstrates that the robot has high stability and adaptability.
Acute blocking of forearm supination secondary to tearing of the triangular fibrocartilage complex
Authors: Suzuki Taku , Nakamura Toshiyasu , Tanino Yoshihiko , Obara Yukihiko , Yoshikawa Yasuhiro , Iwamoto Takuji
Published: May 2020

We studied the characteristics of acute blocking of supination of the distal radioulnar joint caused by triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries. Twenty-four patients who were treated for acute blocking of supination were retrospectively assessed. Supination was suddenly blocked after minor trauma to the wrist. Active and passive supination was severely restricted with a mean preoperative range of motion (11°), whereas pronation was almost normal. The cause was identified arthroscopically or at open operation. It was found to be a result of avulsion of the dorsal or palmar portion of the radioulnar ligament, which blocked movement of the ulnar head. Blocking was reduced manually in four cases, by arthroscopic surgery in eight cases and by open surgery in 12 cases. After treatment, forearm supination improved to 84° of the mean range of motion. Distal radioulnar joint blocking from a ruptured triangular fibrocartilage complex should be considered in the differential diagnosis of loss of forearm supination.

Level of evidence: IV
Co-infusion of high-dose haploidentical donor cells and CD19-targeted CART cells achieves complete remission, successful donor engraftment and significant CART amplification in advanced ALL
Authors: Yu Changlin , Cai Bo , Wang Yao , Wu Zhiqiang , Hu Kaixun , Sun Qiyun , Qiao Jianhui , Fang Yanhong , Zuo Hongli , Wang Yi , Dong Zheng , Zhang Zechuan , Huang Yajing , Liu Zhiqing , Liu Tieqiang , Ai Huisheng , Han Weidong , Guo Mei
Published: May 2020

Autologous CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells (CD19-CART) remarkably improved the outcome of patients with advanced B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). However, the application and outcomes of allogeneic CART cells is still uncertain. Two patients with advanced B-ALL were enrolled to receive a co-infusion of high-dose human leukocyte antigen-haploidentical donor granulocyte colony-stimulating factor mobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells (GPBMCs; 21.01–25.34 × 108/kg) and the same donor-derived CD19-targeted CART cells (8.44–22.19 × 106/kg) without additional in vitro gene-editing following a reinduction chemotherapy as precondition. They achieved complete remission and full donor chimerism (FDC) with ongoing 20- and 4-month leukemia-free survival. A significant amplification of donor CART cells was detected in peripheral blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid and was associated with the formation of FDC. The highest amount of copies of the donor CART cells reached 4962 per µg of genomic DNA (gDNA) and 2449 per µg of gDNA, and the longest persistence was 20 months associated with B cell aplasia. Two patients experienced Grade II or III cytokine release syndromes and developed controllable Grade II intestinal acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) or limited chronic oral GVHD. High-dose donor GPBMC infusion may enhance amplification and persistence of haploidentical CD19-targeted CART cells, suggesting an alternative therapy for advanced B-ALL patients.
Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a musculoskeletal disease with a common genetic trait which responds to strength training: a translational intervention study
Authors: Olstad Ole Kristoffer , Gautvik Vigdis Teig , LeBlanc Marissa , Kvernevik Karl Johnny , Utheim Tor Paaske , Runningen Anne , Wiig Håvard , Kirkegaard Camilla , Raastad Truls , Reppe Sjur , Gautvik Kaare Morten
Published: May 2020

Background:

Clinical evidence suggests that body muscle mass is positively associated with bone mass, of significance for the elderly population at risk of osteoporosis (OP). Furthermore, muscle and bone interact mechanically and functionally, via local interactions as well as remotely via secreted components. Thus, it was of interest to compare muscle transcriptomes in postmenopausal OP and healthy women, and study effects of strength training on the muscle transcriptome, muscle stress proteins and bone mineral density (BMD).

Methods:

Skeletal muscle histological and genetic properties were compared in postmenopausal healthy ( n = 18) and OP ( n = 17) women before and after heavy-load strength training for 13–15 weeks. The cohorts were of similar age and body mass index without interfering diseases, medication or difference in lifestyle factors. Muscle biopsies obtained before and after intervention were studied histologically, and stress proteins and transcriptomes analyzed.

Results:

The OP women showed distinct muscle transcription profiles when compared with healthy women and had higher levels of the stress proteins HSP70 and α-β-crystalline. A set of 12 muscle transcripts, including ACSS3, FZD4, GNAI1 and IGF1, were differentially expressed before and after intervention (false discovery rate ⩽0.10, p ⩽0.001), and their corresponding bone transcripts were associated with BMD. Experimental data underline and describe the functionality of these genes in bone biology. OP women had 8% ( p <0.01) higher proportion of type I fibres, but muscle fibre cross-sectional area did not differ. Muscle strength increased in both groups ( p <0.01).

Conclusions:

Postmenopausal healthy and OP women have distinct muscle transcriptomes [messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) and microRNAs] that are modulated by strength training, translating into key protein alterations and muscle fibre changes. The function of common skeletal muscle and bone genes in postmenopausal OP is suggestive of a shared disease trait.
Phytoconstituents of Genus Micromelum and Their Bioactivity—a Review
Authors: Thant Tin Myo , Aminah Nanik Siti , Kristanti Alfinda Novi , Ramadhan Rico , Aung Hnin Thanda , Takaya Yoshiaki
Published: May 2020

The genus Micromelum belongs to the Rutaceae family. As its rich bioactive constituents its stems, flowers, leaves, and roots have been used in traditional medicine, for the treatment of various diseases from ancient time. Phytochemically, many bioactive compounds, including coumarins, polyoxygenated flavonoids, phenylpropanoic acid derivatives, quinolone alkaloids, and also carbazole alkaloids, have been reported as secondary metabolites of the Micromelum spp. including many new compounds. Therefore, Micromelum spp. are considered potential for drug leads. In this article, we present an overview of secondary metabolites isolated from genus Micromelum and their bioactivities that have been reported between 1982 and 2019.
Particulate steroids in axial spinal blockade and the increasing role of patient consent: Les grains de sable dans l’engrenage
Authors: Munglani Rajesh , Knaggs Roger , Eyre Giles
Published: May 2020

The complexity of modern medical practice is such that it is very unlikely that on any single issue we can give a definitive answer in any circumstance, and in our view the medical debate as to the use of particulate corticosteroid medicines in axial spinal blockade is one such argument. The medical discussion of the use of particulate corticosteroids has to be set against the uncertain risk and benefits of axial spinal procedures in which the drugs are utilised, and in which the most likely catastrophic complication may occur with their use, and then, as the law now demands, involve the patient in the relevant consenting issues.
Urosepsis and fever after laser lithotripsy procedures in a single Australian institution
Authors: Lockhart KR , McIlwain E , David G , Raman A
Published: May 2020

Objective:

To identify predictive and modifiable risk factors associated with fever and urosepsis in the post-operative period of ureteropyeloscopy and laser lithotripsy procedures for urolithiasis.

Materials and methods:

Records from 284 consecutive adult patients undergoing laser lithotripsy at John Hunter Hospital, Australia (2013–2017) were retrospectively reviewed. A wide variety of demographics, results, anaesthetic and operative data were compared between those who developed infectious complications (defined as fever ⩾38 or sepsis from a urinary source) and those who did not.

Results:

In total, 372 cases of Holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy were included. Despite excellent antibiotic prophylaxis rates, 10.2% ( n=38) of patients developed infectious complications (81.6% within 24 hrs). Urosepsis cases were twice as likely to have a positive pre-operative urine culture ( p=0.0148) and nearly four times as likely to have mixed growth ( p=0.0001). The proportion of smokers was twice as high in the infectious complication group (42.1%, p=0.0017), as was incomplete stone clearance (31.6% compared to 12.3%, p=0.0013), and female patients were twice as likely to develop an infectious complication as men (16.7% of all female cases, 7.1% of all male cases).

Conclusion:

Infectious complications post laser lithotripsy remain common in the Australian setting. Positive pre-operative urine culture, current smoking status, incomplete stone clearance and female gender were identified as significant risk factors. We propose high-risk patients should be monitored in the post-operative period with a low threshold for extending antibiotic therapy and every opportunity taken for smoking cessation counselling.

Level of evidence:

3a (according to Oxford centre for evidence-based medicine)
Validity and reliability of the Indonesian version of the International Index of Erectile Function
Authors: Kloping Yudhistira Pradnyan , Muharram Farizal Rizky , Reswari Ardhina Mahendrata
Published: May 2020

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Indonesian-translated version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15).

Subjects and methods:

A total of 100 male participants were involved in this study. Written consent was given by each participant before filling in the questionnaire. The original main structure and domains were kept in the translated version. Pearson product–moment correlation was used to test the validity of the results. The reliability was determined based on the Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency measurement and intraclass correlation coefficient.

Results:

The Pearson correlation findings indicate an excellent level of validity compared to the critical value table ( r>0.254, p<0.01). Almost every domain shows excellent internal consistency (α>0.9) and good reliability (0.75<α<0.90) except for sexual desire (α=0.631, r=0.461) and overall satisfaction (α=0.705, r=0.545), which show lower but acceptable consistency as well as moderate reliability, respectively. Overall, the questionnaire exhibits promising consistency (α=0.974) and reliability ( r=0.712).

Conclusion:

The Indonesian version of the IIEF-15 is valid and reliable to be used as both a clinical diagnostic tool and an instrument for further studies focusing on male sexual dysfunction in Indonesia.

Level of evidence:

Not applicable
Prevalence of Percutaneous Injuries and Associated Factors Among a Sample of Midwives in Hunan Province, China
Authors: Cao Wenjing , Cao Nanlin , Gu Mei , Li Pan , Li Min , Luo Chan , Liu Henghui , Jiang Fuyun , Li Chunyan , Cao Shunwang
Published: May 2020

Background: Percutaneous injuries and blood-borne-related infections pose occupational hazards to healthcare professionals. However, the prevalence and associated factors for these hazards among midwives in Hunan Province, China are poorly documented. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 1,282 eligible midwives in the cities of Yongzhou, Chenzhou, Hengyang, and Changsha in Hunan Province, China, from January 2017 to July 2017. The association of selected independent variables with percutaneous injuries was investigated using binary logistic regression. Results: 992 participants responded (77.3%), and within the previous 12 months, 15.7% experienced percutaneous injuries. In multivariate analysis, hospital size, age, length of employment as a midwife, weekly working hours, and three aspects of Hospital Safety Climate Scale were associated with percutaneous injuries. The risk of percutaneous injuries among the midwives working in hospitals with ≤399 beds was higher than that among those working in hospitals with ≥400 beds by nearly 3 times. Furthermore, the percutaneous injury prevalence of midwives decreased as age increased. Moreover, the probability of percutaneous injuries among the midwives with weekly working hours of >40 was 4.35 times higher compared with that among midwives with weekly working hours of ≤40. Conclusion/Application to practice: The prevalence of percutaneous injuries among midwives in the study hospitals was substantial. Our results further proved that risk mitigation strategies tailored to midwives are needed to reduce this risk. These strategies include ensuring a positive organizational climate, providing highly safe devices, and reducing the workload.
Oral Health Behavior of Medical, Dental, and Pharmacology Students in Taif University: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Aljauid Abdulaziz Sater , Al-Otaibi Abdullah Owaid , Aldawood Mohammed Mamdoud , Mohamed Roshan Noor , Basha Sakeenabi , Thomali Yousef Al
Published: May 2020

Aim:

Poor oral health and high caries prevalence in young adults in Saudi Arabia is the result of inadequate oral health knowledge and inappropriate oral health behavior. The present study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and oral hygiene behavior of young adult students pursuing professional courses in Taif University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted amongst the medical, dental, and pharmacy students of Taif University. A pretested self-administered questionnaire containing 20 questions was administered to the students, and the data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM, version 20 for Windows, SPSS Inc., Armonk, New York, USA). Descriptive analysis and difference in the association were measured by using the chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance, followed by the Mann-Whitney U test. The level of significance was set at .05.

Results:

A total of 500 (287 males and 213 females) students were involved in the survey with the mean age of 23 ± 1.4 years. Fourteen percent of participants brushed at least twice daily with statistical significant gender difference ( P = .001). For the query regarding the reason for skipping tooth brushing often, 113 of total participants (22.6%) responded as no time for tooth brushing. A total of 93 participants (18.6%) responded that they have not visited any dentist in their life, with the statistical significant difference for gender being P = .001. The student who received dental treatment from private hospitals was 60.4 percent. Fifty-one percent of students responded that dental treatment is expensive. Sixty-one percent of participants responded for consuming sweet at least once in a day ( P = .04).

Conclusion:

The present study highlights the inconsistency in oral health behavior among the study participants, emphasizing on the need for oral health education of the population to improve oral health status.
Book review: Rajan Gurukkal, History and Theory of Knowledge Production
Authors: Hasan Farhat
Published: May 2020

Rajan Gurukkal, History and Theory of Knowledge Production (New Delhi: Oxford University Press), 2019, x + 308 pp., ₹995.
Book review: T.C.A. Raghavan, History Men: Jadunath Sarkar, G.S. Sardesai, Raghubir Singh and their Quest for India’s Past
Authors: Moosvi Shireen
Published: May 2020

T.C.A. Raghavan, History Men: Jadunath Sarkar, G.S. Sardesai, Raghubir Singh and their Quest for India’s Past (Noida: Harper Collins Publishers), 2020, xix + 427 pp., ₹799 (Hb).
Creating Value with Artificial Intelligence: A Multi-stakeholder Perspective
Authors: Güngör H.
Published: May 2020

This article provides a brief overview of artificial intelligence (AI), and its perceived value-creation potential as well as its perceived risks from a multi-stakeholder perspective. It also draws some guidelines for exploring a high-level AI business strategy by taking a multi-stakeholder perspective into consideration, i.e., shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers and society. A short survey among European business professionals reveals a perception that AI serves mainly financial purposes and is perceived predominantly as creating value for shareholders and customers, while employees and society are perceived as negatively impacted stakeholders.
SuccessfulPseudomonas aeruginosaeradication improves outcomes after lung transplantation: a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: De Muynck Benedicte , Van Herck Anke , Sacreas Annelore , Heigl Tobias , Kaes Janne , Vanstapel Arno , Verleden Stijn E. , Neyrinck Arne P. , Ceulemans Laurens J. , Van Raemdonck Dirk E. , Lagrou Katrien , Vanaudenaerde Bart M. , Verleden Geert M. , Vos Robin
Published: May 2020

Long-term survival after lung transplantation (LTx) is hampered by development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD).Pseudomonas aeruginosais an established risk factor for CLAD. Therefore, we investigated the effect ofP. aeruginosaeradication on CLAD-free and graft survival.

Patients who underwent first LTx between July, 1991, and February, 2016, and were free from CLAD, were retrospectively classified according toP. aeruginosapresence in respiratory samples between September, 2011, and September, 2016.P. aeruginosa-positive patients were subsequently stratified according to success ofP. aeruginosaeradication following targeted antibiotic treatment. CLAD-free and graft survival were compared betweenP. aeruginosa-positive andP. aeruginosa-negative patients; and between patients with or without successfulP. aeruginosaeradication. In addition, pulmonary function was assessed during the first year followingP. aeruginosaisolation in both groups.

CLAD-free survival ofP. aeruginosa-negative patients (n=443) was longer compared withP. aeruginosa-positive patients (n=95) (p=0.045). Graft survival ofP. aeruginosa-negative patients (n=443, 82%) was better compared withP. aeruginosa-positive patients (n=95, 18%) (p<0.0001). Similarly,P. aeruginosa-eradicated patients demonstrated longer CLAD-free and graft survival compared with patients with persistentP. aeruginosa. Pulmonary function was higher in successfullyP. aeruginosa-eradicated patients compared with unsuccessfully eradicated patients (p=0.035).

P. aeruginosaeradication after LTx improves CLAD-free and graft survival and maintains pulmonary function. Therefore, earlyP. aeruginosadetection and eradication should be pursued.
Microstructural changes in the trigeminal nerve of patients with episodic migraine assessed using magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Mungoven Tiffani J. , Meylakh Noemi , Marciszewski Kasia K. , Macefield Vaughan G. , Macey Paul M. , Henderson Luke A.
Published: May 2020

Background

There is histological evidence of microstructural changes in the zygomaticotemporal branch of the trigeminal nerve in migraineurs. This raises the possibility that altered trigeminal nerve properties contribute to migraine pathophysiology. Whilst it is not possible to explore the anatomy of small trigeminal nerve branches it is possible to explore the anatomy of the trigeminal root entry zone using magnetic resonance imaging in humans. The aim of this investigation is to assess the microstructure of the trigeminal nerve in vivo to determine if nerve alterations occur in individuals with episodic migraine.

Methods

In 39 migraineurs and 39 matched controls, T1-weighted anatomical images were used to calculate the volume (mm3) and maximal cross-sectional area of the trigeminal nerve root entry zone; diffusion tensor images were used to calculate fractional anisotropy, mean diffusion, axial diffusion and radial diffusion.

Results

There were significant differences between the left and right nerve of controls and migraineurs with respect to volume and not cross-sectional area. Migraineurs displayed reduced axial diffusion in the right nerve compared to the left nerve, and reduced fractional anisotropy in the left nerve compared to left controls. Furthermore, although there were no differences in mean diffusion or radial diffusion, regional analysis of the nerve revealed significantly greater radial diffusion in the middle and rostral portion of the left trigeminal nerve in migraineurs compared with controls.

Conclusions

Migraine pathophysiology is associated with microstructural abnormalities within the trigeminal nerve that are consistent with histological evidence of altered myelin and/or organization. These peripheral nerve changes may provide further insight into migraine pathophysiology and enable a greater understanding for targeted treatments of pain alleviation.
A Bayesian data fusion based approach for learning genome-wide transcriptional regulatory networks
Authors: Sauta Elisabetta , Demartini Andrea , Vitali Francesca , Riva Alberto , Bellazzi Riccardo
Published: May 2020

Background

Reverse engineering of transcriptional regulatory networks (TRN) from genomics data has always represented a computational challenge in System Biology. The major issue is modeling the complex crosstalk among transcription factors (TFs) and their target genes, with a method able to handle both the high number of interacting variables and the noise in the available heterogeneous experimental sources of information.

Results

In this work, we propose a data fusion approach that exploits the integration of complementary omics-data as prior knowledge within a Bayesian framework, in order to learn and model large-scale transcriptional networks. We develop a hybrid structure-learning algorithm able to jointly combine TFs ChIP-Sequencing data and gene expression compendia to reconstruct TRNs in a genome-wide perspective. Applying our method to high-throughput data, we verified its ability to deal with the complexity of a genomic TRN, providing a snapshot of the synergistic TFs regulatory activity.

Given the noisy nature of data-driven prior knowledge, which potentially contains incorrect information, we also tested the method’s robustness to false priors on a benchmark dataset, comparing the proposed approach to other regulatory network reconstruction algorithms. We demonstrated the effectiveness of our framework by evaluating structural commonalities of our learned genomic network with other existing networks inferred by different DNA binding information-based methods.

Conclusions

This Bayesian omics-data fusion based methodology allows to gain a genome-wide picture of the transcriptional interplay, helping to unravel key hierarchical transcriptional interactions, which could be subsequently investigated, and it represents a promising learning approach suitable for multi-layered genomic data integration, given its robustness to noisy sources and its tailored framework for handling high dimensional data.
MethGET: web-based bioinformatics software for correlating genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression
Authors: Teng Chin-Sheng , Wu Bing-Heng , Yen Ming-Ren , Chen Pao-Yang
Published: May 2020

Background

DNA methylation is a major epigenetic modification involved in regulating gene expression. The effects of DNA methylation on gene expression differ by genomic location and vary across kingdoms, species and environmental conditions. To identify the functional regulatory roles of DNA methylation, the correlation between DNA methylation changes and alterations in gene expression is crucial. With the advance of next-generation sequencing, genome-wide methylation and gene expression profiling have become feasible. Current bioinformatics tools for investigating such correlation are designed to the assessment of DNA methylation at CG sites. The correlation of non-CG methylation and gene expression is very limited. Some bioinformatics databases allow correlation analysis, but they are limited to specific genomes such as that of humans and do not allow user-provided data.

Results

Here, we developed a bioinformatics web tool, MethGET (Methylation and Gene Expression Teller), that is specialized to analyse the association between genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression. MethGET is the first web tool to which users can supply their own data from any genome. It is also the tool that correlates gene expression with CG, CHG, and CHH methylation based on whole-genome bisulfite sequencing data. MethGET not only reveals the correlation within an individual sample (single-methylome) but also performs comparisons between two groups of samples (multiple-methylomes). For single-methylome analyses, MethGET provides Pearson correlations and ordinal associations to investigate the relationship between DNA methylation and gene expression. It also groups genes with different gene expression levels to view the methylation distribution at specific genomic regions. Multiple-methylome analyses include comparative analyses and heatmap representations between two groups. These functions enable the detailed investigation of the role of DNA methylation in gene regulation. Additionally, we applied MethGET to rice regeneration data and discovered that CHH methylation in the gene body region may play a role in the tissue culture process, which demonstrates the capability of MethGET for use in epigenomic research.

Conclusions

MethGET is a Python software that correlates DNA methylation and gene expression. Its web interface is publicly available athttps://paoyang.ipmb.sinica.edu.tw/Software.html. The stand-alone version and source codes are available on GitHub athttps://github.com/Jason-Teng/MethGET.
Co-occurrence pattern and function prediction of bacterial community in Karst cave
Authors: Dong Yiyi , Gao Jie , Wu Qingshan , Ai Yilang , Huang Yu , Wei Wenzhang , Sun Shiyu , Weng Qingbei
Published: May 2020

Background

Karst caves are considered as extreme environments with nutrition deficiency, darkness, and oxygen deprivation, and they are also the sources of biodiversity and metabolic pathways. Microorganisms are usually involved in the formation and maintenance of the cave system through various metabolic activities, and are indicators of changes environment influenced by human. Zhijin cave is a typical Karst cave and attracts tourists in China. However, the bacterial diversity and composition of the Karst cave are still unclear. The present study aims to reveal the bacterial diversity and composition in the cave and the potential impact of tourism activities, and better understand the roles and co-occurrence pattern of the bacterial community in the extreme cave habitats.

Results

The bacterial community consisted of the major Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes, with Proteobacteria being the predominant phylum in the rock, soil, and stalactite samples. Compositions and specialized bacterial phyla of the bacterial communities were different among different sample types. The highest diversity index was found in the rock samples with a Shannon index of 4.71. Overall, Zhijin cave has relatively lower diversity than that in natural caves. The prediction of function showed that various enzymes, including ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase, 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydratase, nitrogenase NifH, and Nitrite reductase, involved in carbon and nitrogen cycles were detected in Zhijin cave. Additionally, the modularity indices of all co-occurrence network were greater than 0.40 and the species interactions were complex across different sample types. Co-occurring positive interactions in the bacteria groups in different phyla were also observed.

Conclusion

These results uncovered that the oligotrophic Zhijin cave maintains the bacterial communities with the diverse metabolic pathways, interdependent and cooperative co-existence patterns. Moreover, as a hotspot for tourism, the composition and diversity of bacterial community are influenced by tourism activities. These afford new insights for further exploring the adaptation of bacteria to extreme environments and the conservation of cave ecosystem.
Dl-3-n-Butylphthalide promotes neovascularization and neurological recovery in a rat model of intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Tu Ewen , Chen Qiong , Tan Li , Wang Yan
Published: May 2020

Background

Cerebral stroke occurs following ischemic and hemorrhagic lesions in the brain. Survival and recovery of stroke patients depend on the severity of the initial injury but also the therapeutic approaches applied for emergent lifesaving and continuing post-stroke management. Dl-3-n-Butylphthalide (NBP), an active compound derived from Chinese celery seeds, has shown clinical efficacy in the treatment of ischemic cerebral stroke.

Results

In the present study we explored the therapeutic effect of NBP in a rat model of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), focusing on its potential role in promoting neovascularization in the perihemorrhagic zone. ICH was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by unilateral injection of autologous blood into the globus pallidus, with sham-operated (Sham group), vehicle-treated (ICH) and NBP-treated (at 10 and 25 mg/kg/Bid, p.o., ICH + NBP10 and ICH + NBP25, respectively) groups examined behaviorally, macroscopically, histologically and biochemically at 1, 3, 7 and 15 days (d) post operation. Rats in the ICH + NBP10 and ICH + NBP25 groups showed reduced Longa’s motor scores relative to the ICH groups at the 3 and 7d time points, while the hematoma volume was comparable in the two NBP relative to the ICH groups as measured at 7d and 15d. In the perihemorrhagic zone, the numeric density of blood vessels immunolabeled by CD34, an angiogenic marker, was greater in the ICH + NBP10 and ICH + NBP25 than ICH groups, more so in the higher dosage group, at 1, 3, 7 and 15d. Levels of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietins-2 (Ang-2) proteins were elevated in the NBP groups relative to the sham and vehicle controls in immunoblotting of tissue lysates from the injection region.

Conclusion

These results suggest that NBP can alleviate neurological defects following experimentally induced local brain hemorrhage, which is associated with a potential role of this drug in promoting neovascularization surrounding the bleeding loci.
Genome-wide characterization of tea plant (Camellia sinensis) Hsf transcription factor family and role of CsHsfA2 in heat tolerance
Authors: Zhang Xuyang , Xu Wenluan , Ni Dejiang , Wang Mingle , Guo Guiyi
Published: May 2020

Background

Heat stress factors (Hsfs) play vital roles in signal transduction pathways operating in responses to environmental stresses. However, Hsf gene family has not been thoroughly explored in tea plant (Camellia sinensis L.).

Results

In this study, we identified 25 CsHsf genes in C. sinensis that were separated by phylogenetic analysis into three sub-families (i.e., A, B, and C). Gene structures, conserved domains and motifs analyses indicated that the CsHsf members in each class were relatively conserved. Various cis-acting elements involved in plant growth regulation, hormone responses, stress responses, and light responses were located in the promoter regions of CsHsfs. Furthermore, degradome sequencing analysis revealed that 7 CsHsfs could be targeted by 9 miRNAs. The expression pattern of each CsHsf gene was significantly different in eight tissues. Many CsHsfs were differentially regulated by drought, salt, and heat stresses, as well as exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) and Ca2+. In addition, CsHsfA2 was located in the nucleus. Heterologous expression of CsHsfA2 improved thermotolerance in transgenic yeast, suggesting its potential role in the regulation of heat stress response.

Conclusions

A comprehensive genome-wide analysis of Hsf in C. sinensis present the global identification and functional prediction of CsHsfs. Most of them were implicated in a complex gene regulatory network controlling various abiotic stress responses and signal transduction pathways in tea plants. Additionally, heterologous expression of CsHsfA2 increased thermotolerance of transgenic yeast. These findings provide new insights into the functional divergence of CsHsfs and a basis for further research on CsHsfs functions.
Higher BMI is linked to an increased risk of heart attacks in European adults: a Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Adams Benjamin , Jacocks Lauren , Guo Hui
Published: May 2020

Background

BMI has been implicated as a risk factor for heart disease as a whole in multiple studies. Heart attack is one of the common complications of this disease. The aim of this study is to explore if elevated level of BMI causes an increase in the risk of heart attacks.

Methods

We used two Mendelian randomisation (MR) methods: inverse variance weighted estimation and robust adjusted profile score (RAPS) on the basis of summary data of adulthood BMI from Genetic Investigation of Anthropometric Traits consortium and heart attack data from the UK Biobank. BMI associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used as instrumental variables.

Results

Seventy-two independent SNPs were associated with BMI (P < 5 × 10− 8). Using these SNPs as instruments, BMI was found to be causally associated with heart attacks in inverse variance weighted MR analysis. The risk of heart attacks increased by 0.8% per 1-SD (or 4.5 kg/m2) increase in BMI (OR = 1.008 with 95% CI (1.003, 1.012), P = 0.001). RAPS provided concordant results (OR = 1.007 with 95% CI (1.002, 1.012), P = 0.004).

Conclusions

This current study is the first to use MR to investigate causal relationship between BMI and heart attacks. Our findings suggest that high level of BMI may cause increased risk of heart attacks.