bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Aminoglycoside Resistance Genes and Molecular Characterization of a Novel Gene,
aac(3)-IIg
, among Clinical Isolates of the Enterobacter cloacae Complex from a Chinese Teaching Hospital
Authors: Zhu Xinyi , Li Peizhen , Qian Changrui , Liu Hongmao , Lin Hailong , Zhang Xueya , Li Qiaoling , Lu Junwan , Lin Xi , Xu Teng , Zhang Hailin , Hu Yunliang , Bao Qiyu , Li Kewei
Published: June 2020

Members of the
Enterobacter cloacae
complex are important opportunistic human pathogens capable of causing a wide variety of infections. During recent decades, aminoglycoside-resistant
E. cloacae
complex isolates have increasingly been reported and have become a major concern. Here, we employed high-throughput sequencing in combination with specific PCR assays to investigate the prevalence of aminoglycoside resistance genes among 170 isolates of the
E. cloacae
complex collected from a teaching hospital in Wenzhou, China.
Interferon Alpha Induces Multiple Cellular Proteins That Coordinately Suppress Hepadnaviral Covalently Closed Circular DNA Transcription
Authors: Cheng Junjun , Zhao Qiong , Zhou Yan , Tang Liudi , Sheraz Muhammad , Chang Jinhong , Guo Ju-Tao
Published: June 2020

Pegylated IFN-α is the only therapeutic regimen that can induce a functional cure of chronic hepatitis B in a small, but significant, fraction of treated patients. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the antiviral functions of IFN-α in hepadnaviral infection may reveal molecular targets for development of novel antiviral agents to improve the therapeutic efficacy of IFN-α. By a loss-of-function genetic screening of individual IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) on hepadnaviral mRNAs transcribed from cccDNA, we found that downregulating the expression of STAT1, SMCHD1, or PML significantly increased the level of viral RNAs without altering the level of cccDNA. Mechanistic analyses indicated that those cellular proteins are recruited to cccDNA minichromosomes and induce the posttranslational modifications of cccDNA-associated histones similar to those induced by IFN-α treatment. We have thus identified three IFN-α-induced cellular proteins that suppress cccDNA transcription and may partly mediate IFN-α silencing of hepadnaviral cccDNA transcription.
Reovirus Core Proteins λ1 and σ2 Promote Stability of Disassembly Intermediates and Influence Early Replication Events
Authors: Gummersheimer Stephanie L. , Danthi Pranav
Published: June 2020

Protein shells of viruses (capsids) have evolved to undergo specific changes to ensure the timely delivery of genetic material to host cells. The 2-layer capsid of reovirus provides a model system to study the interactions between capsid proteins and the changes they undergo during entry. We tested a virus in which the core proteins were derived from a different strain than the outer capsid. In comparison to the parental T3D strain, we found that this mismatched virus was less stable and completed conformational changes required for entry prematurely. Capsid stability was restored by introduction of specific changes to the outer capsid, indicating that an optimal fit between inner and outer shells maintains capsid function. Separate from this property, mismatch between these protein layers also impacted the capacity of the virus to initiate infection and produce progeny. This study reveals new insights into the roles of capsid proteins and their multiple functions during viral replication.
CD300LF Polymorphisms of Inbred Mouse Strains Confer Resistance to Murine Norovirus Infection in a Cell Type-Dependent Manner
Authors: Furlong Kevin , Biering Scott B. , Choi Jayoung , Wilen Craig B. , Orchard Robert C. , Wobus Christiane E. , Nelson Christopher A. , Fremont Daved H. , Baldridge Megan T. , Randall Glenn , Hwang Seungmin
Published: June 2020

MNV is a prevalent model system for studying human norovirus, which is the leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide and thus a sizeable public health burden. Elucidating mechanisms underlying susceptibility of host cells to MNV infection can lead to insights on the roles that specific cell types play during norovirus pathogenesis. Here, we show that different alleles of the proteinaceous receptor for MNV, CD300LF, function in a cell type-dependent manner. In contrast to the C57BL/6J allele, which functions as an MNV entry factor in all tested cell types, including human cells, I/LnJ CD300LF does not function as an MNV entry factor in macrophage-like cells but does allow MNV entry in other cell types. Together, these observations indicate the existence of cell type-specific modifiers of CD300LF-dependent MNV entry.
Loess in eastern equatorial Pangea archives a dusty atmosphere and possible upland glaciation
Authors: Pfeifer Lily S. , Soreghan Gerilyn S. , Pochat Stéphane , Van Den Driessche Jean
Published: June 2020

Carboniferous–Permian strata in basins within the Central Pangean Mountains in France archive regional paleoequatorial climate during a unique interval in geological history (Pangea assembly, ice-age collapse, megamonsoon inception). The voluminous (∼1.5 km) succession of exclusively fine-grained red beds that comprises the Permian Salagou Formation (Lodève Basin, France) has long been interpreted to record either lacustrine or fluvial deposition, primarily based on a local emphasis of subaqueous features in the upper ∼25% of the section. In contrast, data presented here indicate that the lower-middle Salagou Formation is dominated by up to 15-m-thick beds of internally massive red mudstone with abundant pedogenic features (microscale) and no evidence of channeling. Up-section, limited occurrences of ripple and hummocky cross-stratification, and mudcracks record the intermittent influence of shallow water, but with no channeling nor units with grain sizes exceeding coarse silt. These data suggest that the most parsimonious interpretation for the Salagou Formation involves eolian transport of the sediment and ultimate deposition as loess in shallow, ephemeral lacustrine environments. Provenance analyses of the Salagou Formation indicate coarse-grained protoliths and, together with geochemical proxies (chemical index of alteration [CIA] and τNa) that correspond respectively to a low degree of chemical weathering and a mean annual temperature of ∼4 °C, suggest that silt generation in this case is most consistent with cold-weathering (glacial and associated periglacial) processes in the Variscan highlands. Together with previous studies that detailed voluminous Permian loess in western equatorial Pangea, this work shows a globally unique distribution of dust at low latitudes that can be linked either directly to glaciated alpine terranes or to reworked and deflated deposits of other types (e.g., fluvial outwash) where fine-grained material was originally generated from glacial grinding in alpine systems. These results further support a revised model for early Permian climate, in which extratropical ice sheets coexisted with a semiarid tropics that may have hosted significant ice at moderate elevation.
Reference values for the external genitalia of full-term and pre-term female neonates
Authors: Castets Sarah , Nguyen Kim-An , Plaisant Franck , Prudon Malika Baya , Plotton Ingrid , Kassai Behrouz , Roche Sylvain , Ecochard Rene , Claris Olivier , Nicolino Marc , Villanueva Carine , Gay Claire-Lise
Published: June 2020

Background and objectives

Identifying virilisation of the genitalia in female newborns early during the neonatal period is important to diagnose pathologies. However, there is no clear threshold for clitoromegaly or for the anogenital ratio. The objective of this study was to define reference values for the external genitalia of full-term and pre-term female neonates.

Design

This was a prospective study of all females born in the study centre between May 2014 and July 2016. Clitoral length and anogenital ratio were measured in 619 newborns with a gestational age of 24+2 to 41+3 weeks during their first 3 days of life. Associations between the values at day 3 and gestational age, birth weight and other newborn characteristics were examined by linear regression.

Results

The mean clitoral length at day 3 of life was 3.69±1.53 mm (n=551; 95th percentile, 6.5 mm; maximum, 8 mm), and the mean anogenital ratio was 0.42±0.09 (95th percentile, 0.58). There was no significant variation with gestational age or birth weight, and no significant difference between the results at day 0 and day 3.

Conclusion

These results suggest that clitoromegaly can be defined as a clitoral length >6.5 mm. Values ≥8 mm should prompt further investigations. An anogenital ratio >0.6 should be considered a sign of virilisation. Since clitoral size does not vary with gestational age or birth weight, clitoromegaly should not be attributed to prematurity.
Does parental presence affect workload during neonatal resuscitation?
Authors: Zehnder Emily , Law Brenda Hiu Yan , Schmölzer Georg M
Published: June 2020

Background

Parents often prefer being present during neonatal resuscitation and benefit from this experience. We aim to determine if parental presence during neonatal resuscitation affects the perceived workload of healthcare providers.

Methods

Perceived workload was measured using the multidimensional retrospective National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index survey. Over 3 months, healthcare providers were asked to complete a paper and pencil survey following their participation in a neonatal resuscitation. Surveys also collected healthcare providers’ reports of parental presence during resuscitation.

Results

204 surveys were completed. Of these 183 (90%) had complete information about parental presence. Overall workload of healthcare professionals was significantly lower when at least one parent was present (33; 16–47) compared with when no parents were present (46; 29–57) during the resuscitation (p=0.0004).

Conclusion

This work supports the presence of parents during neonatal resuscitation. Parental presence during neonatal resuscitation was associated with decreased overall workload experienced by healthcare providers.
Outcomes of endotracheal suctioning in non-vigorous neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Phattraprayoon Nanthida , Tangamornsuksan Wimonchat , Ungtrakul Teerapat
Published: June 2020

Objective

We aimed to systematically review and analyse the outcomes of non-endotracheal suctioning (non-ETS) versus ETS in non-vigorous meconium-stained neonates.

Design

We conducted a systematic review of non-ETS and ETS in non-vigorous infants born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). We searched PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Clinical Trials.gov, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to November 2019, using keywords and related terms. Only non-vigorous infants born through MSAF included in randomised controlled trials, were included. We calculated overall relative risks (RRs) and mean differences with 95% CIs using a random-effects model, to determine the impact of ETS in non-vigorous infants born through MSAF.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was the incidence of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). Secondary outcomes were respiratory outcome measures (pneumothorax, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, secondary pneumonia, need for respiratory support, duration of mechanical ventilation), initial resuscitation and others including shock, perinatal asphyxia, convulsions, neonatal mortality, blood culture-positive sepsis and duration of hospital stay.

Results

A total of 2085 articles were identified in the initial database search. Four studies, including 581 non-vigorous meconium-stained infants, fulfilled the inclusion criteria, comprising 292 infants in the non-ETS group and 289 in the ETS group. No statistically significant difference was found for MAS (RR 0.98; 95% CI 0.71 to 1.35).

Conclusions

Initiating ETS soon after birth in non-vigorous meconium-stained infants may not alter their neonatal outcomes.
Fifteen-minute consultation: A structured approach to the management of stroke in a child
Authors: O"Reilly Ailva , McCullagh Gary
Published: June 2020

Childhood stroke is a rare but important diagnosis. Even though most children with stroke are ultimately cared for by specialist multidisciplinary paediatric neurology teams, their initial presentation will have been to a general paediatric admissions team. Assessing and managing children who present with stroke in the general paediatric setting can be challenging due to wide variation in its clinical features and underlying aetiologies. Despite the clarity provided by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health recommendations which were published in 2017, many paediatricians still feel ill-prepared when assessing these high-risk patients. This article aims to provide an informative and structured approach to the assessment and management of children with stroke.
Efficacy and safety of low dose ticagrelor in patients with acute coronary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Qing , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Zhen , Wang Shuai , Zhang Hao , Wang Yiwen , Lu Chi , Xuan Haochen , Wang Chaofan , Li Dongye , Xu Tongda
Published: June 2020

Our aim was to examine clinical trials, provide guidance to practitioners and estimate the efficacy and safety of two agents by comparing low dose ticagrelor with standard dose clopidogrel in patients with acute coronary syndrome. We systematically looked through Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Wanfang data and CNKI for trials comparing low dose ticagrelor with standard dose clopidogrel for the treatment of patients with ACS since the database was created. The primary endpoint for efficacy was the rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). The primary endpoint for safety was the rate of major bleeding events. We also evaluated platelet function between low dose ticagrelor and standard dose clopidogrel in ACS patients. From 6744 articles, 16 studies including 1629 patients met the inclusion criteria. In contrast with standard dose clopidogrel, low dose ticagrelor significantly reduced MACEs (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.26, 0.58) and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.01). No difference was noted for major bleeding events (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.43, 3.08) between the two agents (p=0.77). In addition, low dose ticagrelor showed lower platelet aggregation rate than clopidogrel (standardised mean difference (SMD) −0.68, 95% CI −0.83 to 0.53) (p<0.01). Platelet reaction units for low dose ticagrelor were much lower than those for standard dose clopidogrel (SMD −2.46, 95% CI −2.85 to −2.07) (p<0.01). In comparison with standard dose clopidogrel, low dose ticagrelor significantly lowered the incidence of MACEs, improved left ventricular ejection fraction, decreased left ventricular end diastolic dimension and did not expand the risk of major bleeding events or minor or minimal bleeding events in ACS patients with a considerable safety and efficacy profile. In addition, low dose ticagrelor was associated with dramatically lower platelet aggregation compared with standard dose clopidogrel.
Spinal versus general anesthesia for outpatient joint arthroplasty: can the evidence keep up with the patients?
Authors: Schwenk Eric S , Johnson Rebecca L
Published: June 2020

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is transitioning to be an outpatient rather than an inpatient procedure under national and institutional pressures to increase volumes while reducing hospital costs and length of stay. Innovative surgical and anesthesia techniques have allowed for earlier ambulation and physical therapy participation, maximizing the chance that an appropriately selected patient may be discharged within a day of surgery. The choice of anesthesia type is a modifiable factor that has a major impact on both surgical outcomes and discharge readiness. Recent large database studies have provided evidence for improved outcomes, including decreased mortality, with the use of spinal anesthesia. However, few randomized, controlled trials exist and database studies have limitations. Modern general anesthesia techniques, including total intravenous anesthesia and infusions targeted to anesthetic depth, may make some of these differences insignificant, especially when newer regional anesthesia and local infiltration analgesia techniques are incorporated into TJA enhanced recovery protocols. Multimodal analgesia for all TJA patients may also help minimize differences in pain. Perhaps even more important than anesthesia technique is the proper selection of patients likely to meet the necessary milestones for early discharge. In this article, we provide two contrasting viewpoints on the optimal primary anesthetic for outpatient TJA.
Constant magnetic field in treating congenital esophageal and anorectal malformation: a review
Authors: Liu Shiqi , Lv Yi
Published: June 2020

Background

Congenital esophageal and anorectal malformation are common in neonates. Refractory esophageal anastomotic stricture and abnormal defecation after surgical correction in infants are challenging surgical problems. Magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) using mated magnets with their interposed compressed tissue may result in serosa-to-serosa apposition.

Data sources

A literature search was performed to establish an algorithm for these accidents by the authors to identify relevant articles published from 1977 to 2019 in Google, Medline, ISI Web of Knowledge Ovid, CNKI and library document delivery, using search terms “magnetics”, “esophageal malformation”, “anorectal” and “perforation”. A total of 24 literatures were collected.

Results

Magnamosis is technically feasible for alimentary tract anastomoses in pediatric patients. The magnets are most commonly made of neodymium–iron–boron and samarium–cobalt alloys, which have been employed to create solid anastomosis for long-gap esophageal atresia and refractory esophageal stricture without thoracotomy in children in recent years. Furthermore, magnamosis can be used for the functional undiversion of ileostomy. In anorectal malformations with favorable anatomy, this procedure may avoid an operative repair such as posterior sagittal reconstruction.

Conclusion

Translumenal anastomosis of digestive tract using the MCA is a reliable, minimally invasive and feasible method to treat congenital esophageal and anorectal malformation.
A short overview of the CRISPR-Cas adaptation stage
Authors: Mosterd Cas , Rousseau Geneviève M. , Moineau Sylvain
Published: June 2020

CRISPR research began over 30 years ago with the incidental discovery of an unusual nucleotide arrangement in the Escherichia coli genome. It took 20 years to find the main function of CRISPR-Cas systems as an adaptive defence mechanism against invading nucleic acids, and our knowledge of their biology has steadily increased ever since. In parallel, the number of applications derived from CRISPR-Cas systems has risen spectacularly. The CRISPR-based genome editing tool is arguably the most exciting application in both basic and applied research. Lately, CRISPR-Cas research has partially shifted to the least understood aspect of its biology: the ability of CRISPR-Cas systems to acquire new immunities during the so-called adaptation step. To date, the most efficient natural system to readily acquire new spacers is the type II-A system of the gram-positive dairy bacterium Streptococcus thermophilus. The discovery of additional systems able to acquire new spacers will hopefully draw more attention to this step of CRISPR-Cas biology. This review focuses on the breakthroughs that have helped to unravel the adaptation phase and on questions that remain to be answered.
Numerical analysis of factors influencing thermal effects generated by cavitation flow of cryogenic fluids
Authors: Shi Suguo , Wang Guoyu
Published: June 2020

Thermal effects dramatically impact on the cavitation dynamics of cryogenic fluids. Thus, to study the thermal effect factors influencing cryogenic cavitation, numerical simulations were conducted considering an axisymmetric ogive and a 2D quarter caliber hydrofoil in liquid nitrogen and hydrogen, respectively. The modified Merkle cavitation model and filter-based turbulence model were applied to account for the thermodynamic properties of the fluid. The energy equation was modified considering the cavitation phase change effects. Compared to the experimental data, the numerical method satisfactorily predicts the cryogenic cavitation flows. Based on the numerical results, the thermal effect characteristics in the cavitation flow of cryogenic fluids were investigated. The thermal effects in cryogenic cavitation is obvious when vapor content in constant location is considerably low, where the cavity becomes more porous and the interface becomes less distinct. The factors influencing the thermal effects in cavitation such as the temperature, fluid type and velocity were analyzed. Findings showed that thermal effects of cavitation were prominent around the critical temperature of cryogenic liquids. Compared to the thermal effects in liquid nitrogen, those in liquid hydrogen were more distinct because of the changes in the density ratio, vapor pressure and other fluid properties. When the flow velocity is higher, the thermal effects of cavitation are suppressed as the pressure depression caused by evaporation is much smaller than the dynamic pressure.
REFLECTED BSDES WITH STOCHASTIC MONOTONE GENERATOR AND APPLICATION TO VALUING AMERICAN OPTIONS
Authors: MARZOUGUE MOHAMED
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we prove the existence and uniqueness of the solution to backward stochastic differential equations with lower reflecting barrier in a Brownian setting under stochastic monotonicity and general increasing growth conditions. As an application, we study the fair valuation of American options.
Structure of unit group of FpnD60
Authors: Bhatt Suchi , Chandra Harish
Published: June 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite field with characteristic [Formula: see text] having [Formula: see text] elements and [Formula: see text] be the dihedral group of order [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we have obtained the structure of unit groups of group algebra [Formula: see text], for any prime [Formula: see text].
Operating EC-based Electrolytes with Li- and Mn-Rich NCMs: The Role of O2-Release on the Choice of the Cyclic Carbonate
Authors: Teufl Tobias , Pritzl Daniel , Krieg Patrick , Strehle Benjamin , Mendez Manuel A. , Gasteiger Hubert A.
Published: June 2020

Li- and Mn-rich layered oxides are a promising class of cathode active materials (CAMs) for future lithium-ion batteries. However, they suffer from fast capacity fading in standard EC-containing electrolytes, and therefore fluorinated alternatives, such as FEC, are required to improve their full-cell performance, which unfortunately increases the cost of the electrolyte. In this study, we will analyze the reasons for the poor cycling performance of EC-containing electrolytes with CAMs that release lattice oxygen at high degrees of delithiation, i.e., either of Li- and Mn-rich NCMs (LMRNCMs) during activation or of NCMs at high cutoff voltages. By on-line electrochemical mass spectrometry (OEMS), we will show that the stability of EC towardselectrochemicaloxidation is sufficient up to potentials of ≈4.7 V vs Li+/Li, but that itschemicalreaction with lattice oxygen released from CAMs negatively affects cycle-life. Furthermore, we will show that the use of EC-based electrolytes above the onset potential for oxygen release leads to a resistance build-up causing a rapid “rollover” fading, while FEC does not show such a dramatic impedance increase. Last, we will demonstrate that the lattice oxygen release from NCM-622 above ≈4.5 V vs Li+/Li requires the use of EC-free electrolytes for stable cycling.
Highly Sensitive Operando Pressure Measurements of Li-ion Battery Materials with a Simply Modified Swagelok Cell
Authors: Ryall Niamh , Garcia-Araez Nuria
Published: June 2020

A new cell design has been developed using a standard Swagelok cell for Li-ion battery material characterisation, which has been modified by replacing one of the electrode cylindrical plungers with an adaptor to a pressure sensor. By simplifying the cell design (no valves or unnecessary connectors have been included), the cell headspace volume is kept at a minimum (ca. 1.9 ml for a one-inch-diameter cell) which produces a dramatic increase in sensitivity of the measurements with respect to conventional set-ups. Changes in pressure induced by Li-ion battery materials processes (gas evolution, structural changes in volume of the battery material due to Li-ion insertion/extraction) are monitored with unprecedented sensitivity. Here we illustrate the application of this novel cell design for the operando pressure measurements of LiFePO4 and graphite in Li half-cell configurations, and detailed procedures of cell calibration, protocols for cell preparation and assembly and technical drawings of the cell parts are provided to facilitate the adoption of this technique for testing new battery materials. We also demonstrate the high sensitivity of this new set-up to study the corrosion of cell materials in contact with LiPF6-containing electrolytes, which had not been explored before with operando pressure measurements.
Cardiovascular adaptations to particle inhalation exposure: molecular mechanisms of the toxicology
Authors: Kunovac Amina , Hathaway Quincy A. , Pinti Mark V. , Taylor Andrew D. , Hollander John M.
Published: June 2020

Ambient air, occupational settings, and the use and distribution of consumer products all serve as conduits for toxicant exposure through inhalation. While the pulmonary system remains a primary target following inhalation exposure, cardiovascular implications are exceptionally culpable for increased morbidity and mortality. The epidemiological evidence for cardiovascular dysfunction resulting from acute or chronic inhalation exposure to particulate matter has been well documented, but the mechanisms driving the resulting disturbances remain elusive. In the current review, we aim to summarize the cellular and molecular mechanisms that are directly linked to cardiovascular health following exposure to a variety of inhaled toxicants. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the biochemical changes in the cardiovascular system following particle inhalation exposure and to highlight potential biomarkers that exist across multiple exposure paradigms. We attempt to integrate these molecular signatures in an effort to provide direction for future investigations. This review also characterizes how molecular responses are modified in at-risk populations, specifically the impact of environmental exposure during critical windows of development. Maternal exposure to particulate matter during gestation can lead to fetal epigenetic reprogramming, resulting in long-term deficits to the cardiovascular system. In both direct and indirect (gestational) exposures, connecting the biochemical mechanisms with functional deficits outlines pathways that can be targeted for future therapeutic intervention. Ultimately, future investigations integrating “omics”-based approaches will better elucidate the mechanisms that are altered by xenobiotic inhalation exposure, identify biomarkers, and guide in clinical decision making.
The hERG channel activator, RPR260243, enhances protective IKr current early in the refractory period reducing arrhythmogenicity in zebrafish hearts
Authors: Shi Yu Patrick , Pang ZhaoKai , Venkateshappa Ravichandra , Gunawan Marvin , Kemp Jacob , Truong Elson , Chang Cherlene , Lin Eric , Shafaattalab Sanam , Faizi Shoaib , Rayani Kaveh , Tibbits Glen F , Claydon Victoria E. , Claydon Thomas W.
Published: June 2020

hERG channel dysfunction causes long QT syndrome and arrhythmia. Activator compounds have been of significant interest due to their therapeutic potential. We used the whole organ zebrafish heart model to demonstrate the antiarrhythmic benefit of the hERG activator, RPR260243. The activator abbreviated APD and increased refractoriness, the combined effect of which rescued induced ventricular arrhythmia. Our findings show that the targeted slowing of hERG channel deactivation and enhancement of protective currents caused by the RPR260243 activator may provide an effective antiarrhythmic approach.
Study on Energy Acquisition Scheme and Parameter Optimization for Double-Insulated Ground Wire of Overhead Transmission Lines
Authors: He Lifu , Li Bo , Zhang Guoyong , Zhou Xiudong , Luo Jing
Published: June 2020

An energy acquisition system for the ground wire of an overhead transmission line can provide a continuous and stable power supply for an on-line monitoring device. Its key issue is how to obtain enough power. To solve this problem, an energy acquisition scheme based on the double-insulated ground wire of an overhead transmission line has been investigated in this study. Three energy acquisition schemes were proposed, equivalent circuit analysis models of the three energy acquisition schemes were established, and the maximum power acquired was theoretically analyzed. The energy acquisition power of the three energy acquisition schemes for different tower-type sizes was also analyzed. A simulation model was built in PSCAD. The effects of load impedance, length of energy acquisition wire, grounding resistance, and load current on the power acquired were analyzed. The research results of this paper provide theoretical guidance for choosing an energy acquisition scheme and for designing key parameters in practice.
Role of Gender and Physical Activity Level on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in the Elderly
Authors: Raberin Antoine , Connes Philippe , Barthélémy Jean-Claude , Robert Pia , Celle Sébastien , Hupin David , Faes Camille , Rytz Chantal , Roche Frédéric , Pialoux Vincent
Published: June 2020

Background. Cardiovascular diseases remain as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries. Ageing and gender strongly modulate the risk to develop cardiovascular diseases but very few studies have investigated the impact of gender on cardiovascular diseases in the elderly, which represents a growing population. The purpose of this study was to test the impact of gender and physical activity level on several biochemical and clinical markers of cardiovascular risk in elderly individuals. Methods. Elderly individuals (318 women (75.8±1.2 years-old) and 227 men (75.8±1.1 years-old)) were recruited. Physical activity was measured by a questionnaire. Metabolic syndrome was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel’s definition. Polysomnography and digital tonometry were used to detect obstructive sleep apnea and assess vascular reactivity, respectively. Blood was sampled to measure several oxidative stress markers and adhesion molecules. Results. The frequency of cardiovascular diseases was significantly higher in men (16.4%) than in women (6.1%) (p<0.001). Body mass index (25.0±4.3 vs. 25.8±3.13 kg.m−2) and glycaemia (94.9±16.5 vs. 101.5±22.6 mg.dL−1) were lower, and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) (74.6±17.8 vs. 65.0±17.2 mg.dL−1) was higher in women compared to men (p<0.05). Oxidative stress was lower in women than in men (uric acid: 52.05±13.78 vs. 59.84±13.58, advanced oxidation protein products: 223±94 vs. 246±101 μmol.L−1, malondialdehyde: 22.44±6.81 vs. 23.88±9.74 nmol.L−1). Physical activity was not associated with lower cardiovascular risk factors in both genders. Multivariate analyses showed an independent effect of gender on acid uric (β=0.182; p=0.020), advanced oxidation protein products (β=0.257; p<0.001), and HDL concentration (β=−0.182; p=0.026). Conclusion. These findings suggest that biochemical cardiovascular risk factors are lower in women than men which could explain the lower cardiovascular disease proportion observed in women in the elderly.
Xiao‐Yao‐San Formula Improves Cognitive Ability by Protecting the Hippocampal Neurons in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Liu Lina , Ge Fei , Yang Haoran , Shi Huilian , Lu Weiting , Sun Zhiguang , Yan Jing , Qiao Fei
Published: June 2020

Xiao‐Yao‐San (XYS) decoction is a traditional Chinese medicine formula. This study aimed to investigate the effect of XYS on cognitive abilities and its underlying mechanism in ovariectomized rats. Female Sprague‐Dawley rats were ovariectomized and treated with XYS (3 g/kg or 9 g/kg) by gavage, with subcutaneous injection of 17‐β estradiol (E2, 2 μg/kg) as a positive drug control and gavage of 1 ml saline (0.9%) as a placebo control. After 6 weeks of treatment, rats were examined using the Morris water maze test. The estradiol level in the serum and hippocampus was measured by ELISA. Golgi staining was performed to observe neuronal morphology in the hippocampus. Apoptosis of hippocampal cells was observed by TUNEL staining. The protein content of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) 2A and 2B in the hippocampal CA1 region was determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Expression of estrogen receptor (ER) and PI3K signaling was detected by Western blot. Compared with the sham group, both learning and memory were impaired in ovariectomized rats. Rats treated with E2 or high‐dose XYS showed better learning and memory compared with the saline‐treated rats. High‐dose XYS significantly reduced escape latency in the spatial acquisition trial; meanwhile, the cross times and duration in the probe quadrant were increased in the spatial probe trial. High‐dose XYS promoted the de novo synthesis of E2 content in the hippocampus but had no significant effect on the serum E2 level. Golgi staining indicated that high‐dose XYS could increase the branch number and density of dendritic spines in the hippocampal CA1 area. TUNEL staining showed that high‐dose XYS alleviated ovariectomy‐induced neuronal apoptosis. The expression level of NMDAR2A and NMDAR2B in hippocampal CA1 was upregulated by XYS treatment. The beneficial effect of XYS was through activating ERα‐PI3K signaling. In conclusion, high‐dose XYS treatment can improve the cognitive abilities of ovariectomized rats by protecting the hippocampal neurons and restoring the hippocampal E2 level.
Simulation Method of Borehole Trajectory Based on Vector Similarity
Authors: Hu Zhongzhi , Song Wei , Hou Yi , Zhu Kuanliang , Xu Xiaofeng , Wang Zaiming , Zhou Yan
Published: June 2020

For the well planning stage, the application of the designed borehole trajectory (DBT) predicts that the torque and drag is low, and it is impossible to accurately analyze the difficulty and risk of drilling construction. This paper proposes a method for comparing and selecting borehole trajectory control parameters based on the vector cosine similarity. The database for borehole trajectories has been established, and two vectors were designed to represent the control state of the actual borehole trajectory (ABT) and the simulation position of the simulated borehole trajectory (SBT), respectively, and the similarities of them were used as the reference standard for simulating the behavior of engineers to determine the control parameters. Random selection of control parameters was set to further simulate the behavior of the engineer. The feasibility of the method was evaluated by using the control deviation and torque and prediction deviation. The case well experiment results show that the control deviations of the SBT and the ABT relative to the DBT are close, and the fluctuation law is similar. In rotary drilling conditions, the torque calculated using SBT is slightly higher than the actual drilling torque, and the maximum deviation is less than 10%. In tripping out condition, the hook loads are slightly higher, and the maximum deviation is less than 9%. In additional operating conditions, the hook loads calculated by the SBT are the same as the actual hook loads, and the maximum deviation is less than 4%. This work provides a feasible method to simulate ABT in the well planning stage and enhances the reliability of the predicted torque and drag results.
High Incidence of Burst Suppression during Propofol Sedation for Outpatient Colonoscopy: Lessons Learned from Neuromonitoring
Authors: Bloom Jamie , Wyler David , Torjman Marc C. , Trinh Tuan , Li Lucy , Mehta Amy , Fitchett Evan , Kastenberg David , Mahla Michael , Romo Victor
Published: June 2020

Background. Although anesthesia providers may plan for moderate sedation, the depth of sedation is rarely quantified. Using processed electroencephalography (EEG) to assess the depth of sedation, this study investigates the incidence of general anesthesia with variable burst suppression in patients receiving propofol for outpatient colonoscopy. The lessons learned from neuromonitoring can then be used to guide institutional best sedation practice. Methods. This was a prospective observational study of 119 outpatients undergoing colonoscopy at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH). Propofol was administered by CRNAs under anesthesiologists’ supervision. The Patient State Index (PSi™) generated by the Masimo SedLine® Brain Root Function monitor (Masimo Corp., Irvine, CA) was used to assess the depth of sedation. PSi data correlating to general anesthesia with variable burst suppression were confirmed by neuroelectrophysiologists’ interpretation of unprocessed EEG. Results. PSi values of <50 consistent with general anesthesia were attained in 118/119 (99.1%) patients. Of these patients, 33 (27.7%) attained PSi values <25 consistent with variable burst suppression. The 118 patients that reached PSi <50 spent a significantly greater percentage (53.1% vs. 42%) of their case at PSi levels <50 compared to PSi levels >50 (p=0.001). Mean total propofol dose was significantly correlated to patient PSi during periods of PSi <25 (R=0.406, p=0.021). Conclusion. Although providers planned for moderate to deep sedation, processed EEG showed patients were under general anesthesia, often with burst suppression. Anesthesiologists and endoscopists may utilize processed EEG to recognize their institutional practice patterns of procedural sedation with propofol and improve upon it.
Defining the Ideal Patient with Hepatocellular Carcinoma for Second-Line Treatment
Authors: Roviello Giandomenico , Casadei-Gardini Andrea , Nobili Stefania , Mini Enrico , Fancelli Sara
Published: June 2020

Background. Second line of treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has notably changed in recent years as three novel drugs with a different mechanism of action have demonstrated to improve survival compared to placebo; thus, there is a need to better define the profile of optimal candidates to second-line treatment with these drugs in order to maximize clinical benefit. Materials and Methods. We performed a pooled analysis from the subgroup analysis of all published phase III trials for approved targeted therapy in the second line of treatment for HCC, with the aim to discover possible clinical-pathological predictive factors. Results. Four studies were included in the analysis for a total of 2137 cases whose results supported the use of these novel agents in male patients with ECOG: 0, extrahepatic metastases, and HBV infection. Conclusions. Future studies are awaited to define best candidates for novel agents approved in the second line of treatment for HCC.
High-Efficiency Dynamic Modeling of a Helical Spring Element Based on the Geometrically Exact Beam Theory
Authors: Zhang Jian , Qi Zhaohui , Wang Gang , Guo Shudong
Published: June 2020

This paper presents a modeling study of the dynamics of a helical spring element with variable pitch and radius considering both the static stiffness and dynamic response by using the geometrically exact beam theory. The geometrically exact beam theory based on the Euler–Bernoulli beam hypothesis is described, of which the shear deformations are ignored. Unlike the traditional spliced curved beam element method, the helical spring element is described with curvature vector and axial strain by establishing and spline-interpolating a function of the radius, the height, the polar angle, and the torsion angle of the whole spring. In addition, a model smoothing method is developed and applied in the numerical analysis to filter the high-frequency oscillation component of the flexible multibody systems, so as to correct the system dynamic equations and improve the calculation efficiency when solving the static equilibrium of the spring. This study also carries out five numerical trials to validate the above dynamic procedure of the helical spring element. The example of the spring static stiffness design shows that the proposed helical spring procedure enables one to deal with practical engineering applications.
Red Blood Cell Distribution Width, Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, and In-Hospital Mortality in Dyspneic Patients Admitted to the Emergency Department
Authors: Yan Li , Hu Zhi-De
Published: June 2020

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have shown a prognostic value in various clinical settings. We aimed to investigate the association between RDW, NLR, and in-hospital mortality in patients with dyspnea. In this retrospective study with the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database (version 1.4), adult patients who came to the emergency department with dyspnea were included. Patients’ comorbidities, hematological parameters within the first 48 hours after admission to the emergency department, and in-hospital mortality were extracted. The relationships between RDW, NLR, and in-hospital mortality were analyzed with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and multivariate logistic regression model. We found that hospital survivors had significantly lower NLR than those who died. However, RDW was not significantly increased in patients who died during the hospitalization. The area under the ROC curve of NLR for predicting in-hospital mortality was 0.62. On multivariate analysis, NLR was not independently associated with in-hospital mortality. On further analysis, lymphocyte percentage was independently associated with in-hospital mortality, with an odds ratio of 0.56. Therefore, we concluded that RDW and NLR are not reliable parameters to predict in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients admitted to the emergency department with dyspnea.
Fast Traffic Sign Detection Approach Based on Lightweight Network and Multilayer Proposal Network
Authors: Nguyen Hoanh
Published: June 2020

Vision-based traffic sign detection plays a crucial role in intelligent transportation systems. Recently, many approaches based on deep learning for traffic sign detection have been proposed and showed better performance compared with traditional approaches. However, due to difficult conditions in driving environment and the size of traffic signs in traffic scene images, the performance of deep learning-based methods on small traffic sign detection is still limited. In addition, the inference speed of current state-of-the-art approaches on traffic sign detection is still slow. This paper proposes a deep learning-based approach to improve the performance of small traffic sign detection in driving environments. First, a lightweight and efficient architecture is adopted as the base network to address the issue of the inference speed. To enhance the performance on small traffic sign detection, a deconvolution module is adopted to generate an enhanced feature map by aggregating a lower-level feature map with a higher-level feature map. Then, two improved region proposal networks are used to generate proposals from the highest-level feature map and the enhanced feature map. The proposed improved region proposal network is designed for fast and accuracy proposal generation. In the experiments, the German Traffic Sign Detection Benchmark dataset is used to evaluate the effectiveness of each enhanced module, and the Tsinghua-Tencent 100K dataset is used to compare the effectiveness of the proposed approach with other state-of-the-art approaches on traffic sign detection. Experimental results on Tsinghua-Tencent 100K dataset show that the proposed approach achieves competitive performance compared with current state-of-the-art approaches on traffic sign detection while being faster and simpler.
Clinical Features of Patients with Exfoliation Glaucoma Requiring Surgical Intervention
Authors: Nakano Hideyuki , Togano Tetsuya , Sakaue Yuta , Suetaka Aki , Iikawa Ryu , Nakano Rieko , Fukuchi Takeo
Published: June 2020

Purpose. To clarify the clinical features of patients with exfoliation glaucoma (XFG) requiring surgical intervention.Study Design. Retrospective study.Methods. The study included 46 eyes from 36 XFG patients, 85 eyes from 53 primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients, and 54 eyes from 35 normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) patients. Age, duration of previous glaucoma treatment, intraocular pressure, medication scores, visual function, and surgical procedure were compared among the three patient groups.Results. The XFG group had the highest mean age (XFG: 75.7 ± 8.3 years, POAG: 65.8 ± 12.8 years, and NTG: 53.3 ± 12.8 years;p<0.001) and the shortest mean duration of previous treatment with glaucoma medication (XFG: 5.1 ± 3.5 years, POAG: 8.9 ± 6.9 years, and NTG: 8.9 ± 5.9 years;p<0.001). Intraocular pressure and medication scores were slightly higher in the XFG group than in the POAG group, although the differences were not significant. Among XFG patients, trabeculectomy was performed in 20 eyes from 16 patients (55.6%) and trabeculotomy was performed in 16 eyes from 14 patients (44.4%). Both trabeculectomy (3 eyes) and trabeculotomy (14 eyes) were performed in combination with cataract surgery.Conclusions. The XFG patients referred to our department for initial examination were older than the POAG and NTG patients, and their duration of treatment before referral was shorter. Moreover, intraocular pressure and the eye drop medication score were higher in the XFG patients. A significantly higher percentage of XFG patients required surgical intervention compared to patients with other disease types.
Extracellular-Regulated Protein Kinase 5-Mediated Control of p21 Expression Promotes Macrophage Proliferation Associated with Tumor Growth and Metastasis
Authors: Giurisato Emanuele , Lonardi Silvia , Telfer Brian , Lussoso Sarah , Risa-Ebrí Blanca , Zhang Jingwei , Russo Ilaria , Wang Jinhua , Santucci Annalisa , Finegan Katherine G. , Gray Nathanael S. , Vermi William , Tournier Cathy
Published: June 2020

The presence of immunosuppressive macrophages that become activated in the tumor microenvironment constitutes a major factor responsible for tumor growth and malignancy. In line with this knowledge, we report here that macrophage proliferation is a significant feature of advanced stages of cancer. Moreover, we have found that a high proportion of proliferating macrophages in human tumors express ERK5. ERK5 was required for supporting the proliferation of macrophages in tumor grafts in mice. Furthermore, myeloid ERK5 deficiency negatively impacted the proliferation of both resident and infiltrated macrophages in metastatic lung nodules. ERK5 maintained the capacity of macrophages to proliferate by suppressing p21 expression to halt their differentiation program. Collectively, these data provide insight into the mechanism underpinning macrophage proliferation to support malignant tumor development, thereby strengthening the value of ERK5-targeted therapies to restore antitumor immunity through the blockade of protumorigenic macrophage activation.

Significance:

These findings offer a new rationale for anti-ERK5 therapy to improve cancer patient outcomes by blocking the proliferative activity of tumor macrophages.