bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incorporating Autonomous Vehicles in the Traditional Four-Step Model
Authors: Dias Felipe F. , Nair Gopindra S. , Ruíz-Juri Natalia , Bhat Chandra R. , Mirzaei Arash
Published: June 2020

Automated vehicles (AVs) are a concrete possibility in the near future. As AVs may shift transportation paradigms, transportation agencies are eager to update their models to consider them in planning. In this context, the use of advanced models may be challenging, given the uncertainty in the use and deployment of AVs. In this paper, we present a general framework to extend the four-step model to include AVs, and test our extension on North Central Texas Council of Governments’ model. Our approach introduces a module for AV ownership and exogenous parameters into an existing four-step model to account for changes in travel decisions for AV owners, and for the impacts of AVs on network performance. The latter is modeled using the concept of passenger-car-equivalent to avoid imposing network-wide assumptions on AVs’ capacity consumption. We analyze five scenarios, representing different assumptions on the impacts of AVs, and include references to inform the selection of modeling parameters. We compute aggregate metrics that suggest that the model is sensitive to the proposed parameters, with the passenger-car-equivalent assumptions having the largest impact on model outcomes. Results suggest that, even when we assume that AVs can better use network capacity and that trip-making rates do not drastically increase, AVs may lead to an increase of about 2.8% in vehicle-hours traveled while also improving speeds by about 1.8%. If AVs introduce additional friction on traffic, the system performance may deteriorate. The analyses presented here suggest that existing modeling tools may be adjusted to support analyses of a future with AVs.
Replicating Advanced Detection using Low Ping Frequency Probe Vehicle Trajectory Data to Optimize Signal Progression
Authors: Waddell Jonathan M. , Remias Stephen M. , Kirsch Jenna N. , Kamyab Mohsen
Published: June 2020

Probe vehicle trajectory data has the potential to transform the current practice of traffic signal optimization. Current scalable trajectory data is limited in both the penetration rate and the ping frequency, or the length of time between vehicle waypoints. This paper introduces a methodology to create binary vehicle trajectories which can be used in a neural network to predict when vehicles will arrive at a virtual detector. The methodology allows for vehicles with ping frequencies of up to 60 s to be utilized for the optimization of offsets at signalized intersections. A nine-signal corridor in west Michigan was used to test the proposed methodology. The neural network was compared to traditional linear interpolation strategies and found to improve the root mean squared error of the arrival times by up to 6.18 s. Using the virtual detector data stacked over time to optimize the offsets of the corridor resulted in 77% of the benefit of an offset optimization performed with continuously collected high resolution signal controller data. In the era of big data, this alternative approach can assist with the large-scale implementation of traffic signal performance measures for improved operations.
Cluster B Personality Traits and Psychological Intimate Partner Violence: Considering the Mediational Role of Alcohol
Authors: Juarros-Basterretxea Joel , Herrero Juan , Escoda-Menéndez Paula , Rodríguez-Díaz Francisco Javier
Published: June 2020

The study of intimate partner violence (IPV) has evolved into more complex and integrative models to better understand the explanatory mechanisms of IPV perpetration. Nevertheless, integrative models rarely permit an in-depth analysis of a large number of relevant variables, and more specific approximations are required as basis of them. In this sense, the individual approach is the most productive research line. From the individual perspective and using data from imprisoned male offenders, the present study aimed to analyze the potential mediating role of alcohol dependence in the association of Cluster B personality traits and psychological IPV. The sample included 196 male inmates of the Penitentiary Center of Villabona (Asturias, Spain). Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothetical and alternative models. First, model results only showed an indirect effect of antisocial and borderline personalities mediated by alcohol dependence. Nevertheless, fitting of the model to the data was poor. Second, a fully saturated model was calculated, revealing a direct effect of histrionic personality on psychological IPV. Finally, an alternative model was tested adding to first model the direct effect of histrionic personality on psychological IPV. The fitting of the alternative model to the data was good. Antisocial and borderline personalities predicted psychological IPV when mediated by alcohol dependence, while histrionic personality had a direct effect on psychological IPV. Narcissistic personality did not affect psychological IPV. These results support the hypothesis regarding the use of alcohol as a coping mechanism in antisocial and borderline individuals, acting as a disinhibitory factor which increases the likelihood of psychological IPV occurrence. Contrary to previous research, a clear direct effect of histrionic personality and psychological IPV was obtained. This association can be explained by the necessity of attention of histrionic individuals and the type (psychological) of violence studied.
Song Brocade in the Ming and Qing Dynasties
Authors: Chen Kun , Lu Dan , Jin Zimin , Su Miao , Jin Jing
Published: June 2020

Song brocade is Chinese traditional brocade that originated in the Song dynasty but flourished in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its delicate patterns, graceful colors, and exquisite techniques show the unique craftsmanship of ancient China. The fabric structure, pattern, and weaving technique had changed greatly because of the social environment, cultural customs, and other factors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. This article proposed a new series of classification for Song brocade patterns in Ming and Qing dynasties and recurred the fabric weave of Song brocade in Ming and Qing dynasties. Besides, the research provided a concise English-language description of historical background, varieties, and specifications based primarily on Chinese-language research publications.
Long-term follow-up of antiphospholipid syndrome: real-life experience from a single center
Authors: Serrano Rosa , Pons-Estel Guillermo J , Espinosa Gerard , Quintana Rosana M. , Reverter Joan C , Tassies Dolors , Monteagudo Joan , Cervera Ricard
Published: June 2020

Objective

The objective of this paper is to assess the prevalence of the main clinical manifestations and laboratory features at disease onset and during the ensuing 10 years of a large cohort of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) from a single center.

Methods

The study included all consecutive APS patients followed longitudinally in our center from 2003 to 2013. Descriptive statistics for demographics, clinical and laboratory features and mortality were performed.

Results

A total of 160 patients were included. Most of them, 128 (78.8%), were women and the mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 39.1 (14.0) years. The majority of them, 104 (65.0%), had primary APS, 36 (22.5%) had APS associated with systemic lupus erythematous, and 20 (12.5%) had APS associated with other autoimmune disease. During the study period, thrombotic events occurred in 27 (16.9%) patients, the most common being strokes, nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis and deep venous thrombosis. Regarding obstetric morbidity, 18 women (14.3%) became pregnant and 90% of pregnancies succeeded in having live births. The most common obstetric complication was early pregnancy loss (15% of pregnancies). Prematurity (11.1% of live births) and intrauterine growth restriction (5.6% of live births) were the most frequent fetal morbidities. Ten (6.3%) patients died and the most frequent causes of death were severe thrombosis, hemorrhage, and cancer. Three (0.9%) cases of catastrophic APS occurred. The survival probability at 10 years was 93.8%.

Conclusions

Patients with APS develop significant morbidity and mortality despite current treatment. It is imperative to identify prognostic factors and therapeutic measures to prevent these complications.
Moving Contexts Onto New Roads: Clues From Other Disciplines
Authors: Welter Friederike , Baker Ted
Published: June 2020

This article responds to Welter’s (2011) call to pay more attention to the diversity of entrepreneurship in theorizing contexts by examining how places come to be understood as entrepreneurial. We draw briefly and selectively on ideas from a quirky set of disciplines, looking at how topics such as narratives and language, memories of the past, built environments, and constellations of power among groups of people interact to shape the emergence and decline of “everyday entrepreneurship places.” Our discussion illustrates some useful cues our research might draw on to challenge and improve theoretical understanding of place in entrepreneurship.
Synthesis, characterization, crystallinity, mechanical properties, and shape memory behavior of polyurethane/hydroxyapatite nanocomposites
Authors: Jalili Marand Maryam , Rezaei Mostafa , Babaie Amin , Lotfi Reza
Published: June 2020

Herein, polycaprolactone diols with diverse molecular weights were synthesized by ring-opening method. Then, polyurethanes were synthesized through two-step pre-polymerization method by polyaddition of hydroxyl and –NCO groups. Afterward, a set of polyurethanes/hydroxyapatite nanocomposites were synthesized through solution casting as well as in situ polycondensation methods. The exact nominal molecular weights of the synthesized polycaprolactones were determined by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (hydrogen-1 nuclear magnetic resonance). Hydrogen bonding index of ester and urethane carbonyl groups (HBI(C = O)) of samples was determined through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Results showed that the incorporating of the hydroxyapatite nanoparticles has reduced HBI(C = O). X-ray diffraction patterns and differential scanning calorimetry thermographs confirmed the barrierity and nucleation performance of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, and the variation of phase mixing degree of polyurethane’s hard and soft segments has altered the crystals size and degree of crystalline in polyurethane/hydroxyapatite nanocomposites. Field emission scanning electron microscope images showed that hydroxyapatite nanoparticles have been uniformly dispersed through in situ polymerization method. Mechanical properties were studied in the terms of HBI(C = O), hydroxyapatite nanoparticles content, and degree of crystallinity. Two different programming procedures were used to evaluate shape fixity and recovery ratios of samples at room temperature and 60°C.
Identification and characterization of lytic bacteriophages specific to foodborne pathogenic Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Yıldirim Zeliha , Sakin Tuba , Akçelik Mustafa , Akçelik Nefise
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study was to identify and characterize five different lytic bacteriophages specific to Escherichia coli O157:H7. vB_EcoM-P12, vB_EcoM-P13, vB_EcoM-P23, and vB_EcoM-P34 phages belonged to the Myoviridae family and vB_EcoS-P24 phage was in the Siphoviridae family. Their plaque sizes changed between 0.48 ± 0.03 and 0.90 ± 0.03 mm in diameter. stx1 and stx2 virulent gene regions were absent in the genome of five Eco-phages and their genome size was 33 kbp. The protein band profiles of the five phages were found to be different from each other. Their latent period, burst size, and burst time changed between 10–15 min, 72–144 PFU/cell and 20–35 min, respectively. Multiplicity of infection values and mutant frequency of the phages were among 0.1–0.001 and 1.14 × 10−7–3.69 × 10−8, respectively. The phages had strong lytic activity against their host bacteria ( E. coli NCTC 12900, ATCC 43888, and ATCC 35150) at 5–37 ℃ and adsorbed to their host cells by 92.7–97.5% in the first five minutes of incubation. These phages are thought to be good candidates as therapeutic and biocontrol agents against E. coli O157:H7 in the veterinary science and food industry due to short latent period, high burst size, rapid development in host cells, high lytic activity, high adsorption rate, stability over a wide pH range and high temperature, and absence of stx1 and stx2 genes.
Mobility assemblages and lines of flight in women’s narratives of forced displacement
Authors: Tamboukou Maria
Published: June 2020

In this article I take the notion of the mobility assemblage as a theoretical lens through which I consider entanglements between refugee and migrant women on the move, intense experiences of gendered labour, and affective encounters in crossing borders and following lines of flight. The analysis revolves around the life-story of a young refugee woman, who recounts her experiences of travelling to Greece. What emerges from her narrative is a whirl of lines of flight that deterritorialize her from patriarchal regimes, harsh border practices, labour exploitation and the pain of separation on a plane of remaking her present and reimagining her future.
Elasto-hydrodynamic analysis of journal bearing operating with nanolubricants
Authors: Khan Pravez , Dhanola Anil , Garg HC
Published: June 2020

In this study, performance parameters of a rigid and flexible journal bearing using non-Newtonian nanolubricants have been investigated and compared. Krieger-Dougherty viscosity model has been implemented with a non-Newtonian model (power law) to evaluate the effective viscosity of nanolubricants. In order to attain the pressure field of nanolubricants, a numerical solution of the modified Reynolds equation has been derived with initial assumptions and boundary conditions using finite difference method. The static performance parameters for both the bearings have been examined at different values of power law index and eccentricity ratio. The results demonstrate that the load-carrying capacity, maximum pressure and friction force increase significantly using nanolubricant in comparison to base lubricant. Also, the values of these parameters increase with increase of power law index. An insignificant effect of elastic deformation is observed on performance parameters except attitude angle at a particular power law index value.
Experimental study of thermo-fluid boundary conditions, airflow and temperature distributions in a single aisle aircraft cabin mockup
Authors: Wang Congcong , Zhang Jie , Chen Hongbing , Liu Junjie
Published: June 2020

Aircraft cabin mockup has been accepted as a benchmark tool to study the aircraft cabin environment. Some researchers used computational fluid dynamics to predict the cabin environment, but the model always needs to be validated by accurate and comprehensive experimental data obtained from the cabin mockup. This study measured thermo-fluid boundary conditions, airflow and temperature distributions by appropriate instruments in a full-scale seven-row aircraft cabin mockup. We used an improved interpolation method to obtain the airflow and temperature distributions. For airflow fields, the interpolation regions were determined based on the sampling location. For the temperature field, in addition to sampling locations, cabin wall temperatures were also needed to be set as interpolation boundary. Non-uniformity coefficient was applied to evaluate homogeneities of air supply velocities and zonal wall temperatures. The measurement error and uncertainty were quantified in detail to evaluate measurement accuracy. We found that the uncertainty of the air supply velocity measured by hot-sphere anemometers was lower than that of airflow field velocity measured by ultrasonic anemometers.
Back-iron design-based electromagnetic regenerative tuned mass damper
Authors: Kopylov Semen , Chen Zhaobo , Abdelkareem Mohamed AA
Published: June 2020

Implementation of tuned mass dampers is the commonly used approach to avoid excessive vibrations in civil engineering. However, due to the absence of the compact dimension, there are still no practical applications of the tuned mass dampers in automotive industry. Meanwhile, recent investigations showed the benefit of utilizing a tuned mass damper in a vehicle suspension in terms of driving comfort and road holding. Thus, the current investigation aimed to explore a novel compact dimension tuned mass damper, which can provide both sufficient vibration mitigation and energy harvesting. This paper presents a prototype of a back-iron-based design of an electromagnetic regenerative tuned mass damper. The mathematical model of the tuned mass damper system was developed and has been validated by the experimental results of the tuned mass damper prototype implemented in a protected mass test-bench. The indicated results concluded that the attenuation performance dramatically deteriorated under random excitations and a reduction in the root-mean-square acceleration of 18% is concluded compared to the case with undamped tuned mass damper. Under harmonic excitations, the designed tuned mass damper prototype is able to reduce the peak acceleration value of the protected structure by 79%. According to the experimental results, the designed tuned mass damper prototype revealed a peak regenerative power of 0.76 W under a harmonic excitation of 8.1 Hz frequency [Formula: see text]m amplitude. Given the simulated random road profiles from C to E, the back-iron electromagnetic tuned mass damper indicated that root-mean-square harvested power from 0.6 to 6.4 W, respectively.
Acousto-ultrasonics-based health monitoring for nano-engineered composites using a dispersive graphene-networked sensing system
Authors: Li Yehai , Wang Kai , Wang Qiang , Yang Jianwei , Zhou Pengyu , Su Yiyin , Guo Shifeng , Su Zhongqing
Published: June 2020

Sensing is a fundamental yet crucial part of a functional structural health monitoring system. Substantial research has been invested in developing new sensing techniques to enhance sensing efficiency and accuracy. Practical applications of structural health monitoring approaches to real engineering structures require strict criteria for the sensing system (e.g. weight, position, intrusion and endurance), which challenge existing sensing techniques. The boom in nanotechnology has offered promising solutions for the development of new sensing approaches. However, a bottleneck still exists when considering the density of sensors and surface-mounted modality of installation. In this study, graphene nanoparticles are dispersed into a glass fibre/epoxy composite to form a dispersive network sensing system. The piezoresistivity of the graphene-formed network changes locally as a result of the change of inter-nanoparticle distances which triggers the ‘tunnelling effect’ and drives the sensor to respond to propagating elastic waves. Due to the dense graphene network formed within the composite, only a small area is required, functioning as a single sensing element to capture ultrasonic waves. To validate such capability, passive acoustic emission tests and active guided ultrasonic wave tests are performed individually. The graphene-networked sensing system can precisely capture wave signals which contain effective features to identify impact spot or damage location. Integrating passive graphene-formed network and active lead zirconate titanate wafers can form a dense network, capable of fulfilling general structural health monitoring tasks.
MicroRNA-892a regulates laryngocarcinoma cell proliferation via Dicer
Authors: Dong Jinhui , Wang Jianxing , Shan Chunguang , Zhang Haizhong , Xu Ou
Published: June 2020

MicroRNA (miR) plays a critical role in the progression of multiple malignancies. Nevertheless, knowledge of the role it plays in laryngeal cancer is limited. In this study, we explored the role of miR-892a in laryngeal cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis. miR-892a expression was increased in 17 laryngeal cancer samples and cells compared with that in healthy tissues, laryngeal cancer normal surrounding tissues, and the NP69 human nasopharyngeal epithelial cell line. Conversely, Dicer expression was downregulated in human laryngeal cancer samples as well as in the laryngeal cancer cell lines. CCK-8 assays and colony formation assay confirmed that depleted miR-892a expression damaged the proliferation and growth of TU212 and M4E cells. Annexin V/PI flow cytometry displayed that miR-892a inhibition led to increased apoptosis of TU212 and M4E cells. By conducting bioinformatic analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay, it was revealed that that miR-892a targets Dicer 3′-UTR for silencing. Dicer expression inhibition offsets the effect of miR-892a on the growth and apoptosis of laryngeal cancer cells. Dicer overexpression displayed similar phenotype with miR-892a inhibition on the properties of laryngeal cancer cells. Results of in vivo experiments further confirmed that miR-892a silencing suppressed tumor growth in a mouse model. Hence, the results of this study provide new ideas about the biological and molecular mechanisms behind laryngeal cancer progression, thereby obtaining novel laryngeal cancer treatments.

Impact statement

This work expanded the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying LC progression by exploring the role of miR-892a in the viability of TU212 and M4E cells. The results showed that miR-892a, which exhibited elevated expression in LC cells and tissue specimens of patients with LC, exerted an inhibitory effect on Dicer expression, whereas silencing of miR-892a in TU212 and M4E cells hindered cell proliferation and growth and promoted apoptosis. Furthermore, miR-892a was demonstrated to directly target Dicer 3′-UTR and inhibit its expression. These findings demonstrated that miR-892a acted as an LC oncogene via its action on Dicer, which further confirmed that miR-892a can serve as a diagnostic indicator or promising agent for LC treatment.
Examining Students’ and Teachers’ Perceptions of Differentiated Practices, Student Engagement, and Teacher Qualities
Authors: Chandra Handa Manoj
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study was to compare students’ and teachers’ perceptions of differentiated practices, student engagement, and the qualities of an effective teacher by fostering student voice. Participants included 802 students and 867 teachers from Northern Sydney government schools in Australia. The researcher used a convergent parallel mixed methods design, including online questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Years 5 to 12 gifted students ( n = 38) from four schools acted as co-researchers at the methodological level. The student co-researchers co-designed and disseminated the student survey, and interviewed their own teachers. Significant differences were found between the students’ and the teachers’ perceptions of differentiated practices, student engagement, and the qualities of an effective teacher. The study’s findings highlight the need for a shared understanding of perspectives by both teachers and students to foster schoolwide optimal learning and teaching processes.
House Dust Mite Sublingual Immunotherapy in Children Versus Adults With Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Kim Jin Youp , Rhee Chae-Seo , Cho Seong H. , Choe Goun , Kim Dong-Young , Han Doo Hee
Published: June 2020

Background

There are only a few studies in which the clinical efficacy of SLIT has been compared between children and adults. In addition, there is a lack of research on other factors, associated with the treatment, including immunological parameters and quality of life (QOL).

Objective

To compare the effects of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in adults and children on various factors: clinical efficacy, quality of life (QOL), satisfaction, immunological parameters, and adverse events.

Methods

Subjects who were sensitized to house dust mites and treated with SLIT for at least 2 years were enrolled. Seventy patients who completed questionnaires measuring nasal symptoms and Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) scores and underwent serologic tests for immunological parameters at initial, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up were selected and divided into two groups based on age: a child group (age 4–12 years, n = 44) and an adult group (age 19–59 years, n = 26).

Results

The Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) was significantly decreased after 2 years of SLIT in both the child and adult groups ( p < 0.001, both); however, changes in TNSS from baseline did not significantly differ between the two groups ( p = 0.365). More patients in adult group were satisfied with SLIT than those in child group ( p = 0.050), and changes in RQLQ score from baseline tended to be larger in adult group ( p = 0.089). The levels of immunological parameters at baseline were significantly higher in the child group than in the adult group; however, changes in the levels of these parameters were not significantly different.

Conclusion

Although more adult patients were satisfied with SLIT, the clinical effects of SLIT on nasal symptoms were comparable between child and adult groups. Despite different immunological values at baseline between the two groups, changing patterns of immunological parameters did not differ.
Beauty and Elegance: Value Co-Creation in Cosmetic Surgery Tourism
Authors: Majeed Salman , Zhou Zhimin , Ramkissoon Haywantee
Published: June 2020

This study presents an emerging trend in medical tourism, cosmetic surgery tourism (CST). We explore tourists’ perceptions of CST for medical service quality as an antecedent to tourists’ emotional attachment, trust, and intentions to visit, which is underexplored in CST. This study examines the mediating role of value co-creation in influencing behaviors of CST-seeking tourists to experience a better quality of life. Using a sample drawn from 279 tourists, comprised of Australian, Japanese, and Chinese nationalities at two international airports in China, findings show that perceived medical service quality positively influences tourists’ emotional attachment, trust, and intentions to visit directly and through the mediating role of value co-creation across the three nationalities. CST-seeking tourists’ inputs in value co-creation may positively influence their behaviors, which are vital antecedents to promoting CST business. Implications for future research are discussed.
Return to Sport After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in Middle-Aged and Elderly Swimmers
Authors: Shimada Yohei , Sugaya Hiroyuki , Takahashi Norimasa , Matsuki Keisuke , Tokai Morihito , Morioka Takeshi , Ueda Yusuke , Hoshika Shota , Hamada Hiroshige , Inoue Satoshi , Hashimoto Eiko , Ochiai Nobuyasu
Published: June 2020

Background:

No reports have been published on the clinical outcomes, including return to sport, after rotator cuff repair in middle-aged and elderly swimmers with rotator cuff tears.

Purpose:

To retrospectively investigate clinical outcomes and return to sport after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in middle-aged and elderly swimmers.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and met the following criteria were included: (1) age older than 45 years, (2) rotator cuff tears confirmed during surgery, (3) arthroscopic suture bridge rotator cuff repair, (4) primary surgery, and (5) swam more than once a week before surgery. The exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) irreparable large and massive tears, (2) shoulder instability, (3) arthritis or rheumatic disorders, or (4) less than 2-year follow-up. We investigated functional outcomes including range of motion; the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score; the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score; return to swimming; and the return rates for each style of swimming. In addition, the functional outcomes and findings of magnetic resonance imaging were compared between the group with complete return and the group with incomplete or failed return.

Results:

A total of 32 shoulders in 31 middle-aged and elderly swimmers (5 males, 26 females) were included. The mean age was 65 years (range, 47-78 years), and the mean follow-up was 47 months (range, 24-86 months). Return to swimming was achieved in 31 (97%) shoulders at a mean of 8 months (range, 3-24 months), and complete return was achieved in 18 (56%) shoulders at a mean of 12 months (range, 3-24 months). The return rate was 97% for freestyle, 83% for breaststroke, 74% for backstroke, and 44% for butterfly stroke. Postoperative UCLA and ASES scores were significantly higher in the group with complete return than in the group with incomplete or failed return ( P = .001 and .01, respectively). Postoperative forward elevation was significantly better in the complete return group ( P = .01).

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that 97% of elderly swimmers who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair could return to swimming. The complete return rate was 56%; however, the group with incomplete or failed return showed poorer active forward elevation. Freestyle had the highest complete return rate, whereas the butterfly stroke had the lowest return rate. It may be important to achieve good active forward elevation postoperatively to return to swimming.
HIV Knowledge and Preferences for HIV Prevention Among Older Adults Living in the Community
Authors: Davis Tracy E. K. , Elder M. Asope
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study was to explore HIV/AIDS knowledge, perceived HIV susceptibility and severity, as well as barriers and facilitators to HIV prevention in primary care settings. Data were collected through both survey and semi-structured interviews. A total of 145 adults over the age of 50 participated in the study. We found that most older adults are willing to have discussions about HIV with their health care provider, however, they are waiting for their provider to broch the topic. The study findings also indicate that older adults need additional education regarding HIV/AIDS, particularly older adults need education about methods of transmission of HIV. Based on the results of this study, it is clear that changes to HIV-related policies and practices must take place to facilitate HIV prevention in primary care settings for older adults.
Diagnostic assay to assist clinical decisions for unclassified severe combined immune deficiency
Authors: Bifsha Panojot , Leiding Jennifer W. , Pai Sung-Yun , Colamartino Aurelien B. L. , Hartog Nicholas , Church Joseph A. , Oshrine Benjamin R. , Puck Jennifer M. , Markert M. Louise , Haddad Elie
Published: June 2020

Key Points

3D organoid T-cell differentiation from a few hundred peripheral blood CD34+ cells was successfully achieved. 3D organoid T-cell differentiation could help physicians distinguish intrinsic from extrinsic defects underlying a clinical SCID phenotype.
Design of a Passive Gait-based Ankle-foot Exoskeleton with Self-adaptive Capability
Authors: Wang Xiangyang , Guo Sheng , Qu Bojian , Song Majun , Qu Haibo
Published: June 2020

Propulsion during push-off is the key to realizing human locomotion. Humans have evolved a way of walking with high energy utilization, but it can be further improved. Drawing inspiration from the muscle-tendon unit, a passive spring-actuated ankle-foot exoskeleton is designed to assist with human walking and to lengthen walking duration by mechanically enhancing walking efficiency. Detection of the gait events is realized using a smart clutch, which is designed to detect the contact states between the shoe sole and the ground, and automatically switch its working state. The engagement of a suspended spring behind the human calf muscles is hence controlled and is in synchrony with gait. The device is completely passive and contains no external power source. Energy is stored and returned passively using the clutch. In our walking trials, the soleus electromyography activity is reduced by as much as 72.2% when the proposed ankle-foot exoskeleton is worn on the human body. The influence of the exoskeleton on walking habits is also studied. The results show the potential use of the exoskeleton in humans’ daily life.
Potential implications of SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: where are we going from now?
Authors: Torti Carlo , Mazzitelli Maria , Trecarichi Enrico Maria , Darius Owachi
Published: June 2020

The SARS-CoV-2, which emerged from East Asia in December 2019, has rapidly evolved into a global pandemic infecting close to 7 million people. The current uncertainties regarding its impact on Africa calls for critical monitoring of the evolution of the pandemic and correlation of factors that influence the burden of the disease. We herein discuss possible implications of SARS-CoV-2 on the African continent.
Accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is associated with the severity of aortic stenosis in patients with concomitant type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kopytek Magdalena , Ząbczyk Michał , Mazur Piotr , Undas Anetta , Natorska Joanna
Published: June 2020

Background

Accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) leads to chronic glycation of proteins and tissue damage, particularly in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). We aimed to evaluate whether increased accumulation of AGEs in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and concomitant type 2 diabetes (DM) is associated with AS severity.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 76 patients with severe AS (47.1% males; nonDM), aged 68 [66–72] years, and 50 age-matched DM patients with a median blood glucose level of 7.5 [5.9–9.1] mM and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 6.8 [6.3–7.8]%, scheduled for aortic valve replacement. Valvular expression of AGEs, AGEs receptor (RAGE), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction were evaluated ex vivo by immunostaining and calculated as the extent of positive immunoreactive areas/total sample area. Plasma levels of AGEs and soluble RAGE (sRAGE) were assessed by ELISAs.

Results

Subjects with DM had increased valvular expression of both AGEs (6.6-fold higher, 15.53 [9.96–23.28]%) and RAGE (1.8-fold higher, 6.8 [4.9–8.45]%) compared to nonDM patients (2.05 [1.21–2.58]% and 2.4 [1.56–3.02]%, respectively; both p < 0.001). Plasma levels of AGEs (12-fold higher) and sRAGE (1.3-fold higher) were elevated in DM patients, compared to nonDM (both p < 0.0001). The percentage of valvular ROS-positive (2.28 [1.6–3.09] vs. 1.15 [0.94–1.4]%, p < 0.0001) but not IL-6-positive areas was higher within DM, compared to nonDM valves. In DM patients, the percentage of valvular AGEs- and RAGE-positive areas correlated with HbA1c (r = 0.77, p < 0.0001 and r = 0.30, p = 0.034). Similarly, plasma AGEs and sRAGE levels were associated with HbA1c in the DM group (r = 0.32, p = 0.024 and r = 0.33, p = 0.014, respectively). In all DM patients, we found an association between the amount of valvular AGEs and the disease severity measured as aortic valve area (AVA; r = 0.68, p < 0.0001). Additionally, in DM patients with HbA1c > 7% (n = 24, 48%) we found that valvular expression of AGEs correlated with mean transvalvular pressure gradient (PGmean; r = 0.45, p = 0.027). Plasma AGEs levels in the whole DM group correlated with AVA (r = − 0.32, p = 0.02), PGmean (r = 0.31, p = 0.023), and PGmax (r = 0.30, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that poorly-controlled diabetes leads to increased AGEs and RAGE valvular accumulation, which at least partially, might result in AS progression in DM patients.
Identification and characterization of a moonlighting protein-enolase for surface display in Streptococcus thermophilus
Authors: Mu Yingli , Xin Yongping , Guo Tingting , Kong Jian
Published: June 2020

Background

Streptococcus thermophilus is an important food starter and receiving more attention to serve as cell factories for production of high-valued metabolites. However, the low yields of intracellular or extracellular expression of biotechnological and biomedical proteins limit its practical applications.

Results

Here, an enolase EnoM was identified from S. thermophilus CGMCC7.179 with about 94% identities to the surface-located enolases from other Streptococcus spp. strains. The EnoM was used as an anchor to achieve surface display in S. thermophilus using GFP as a reporter. After respectively mixing the GFP-EnoM fusion protein or GFP with S. thermophilus cells in vitro, the relative fluorescence units (RFU) of the S. thermophilus cells with GFP-EnoM was 80-folds higher than that with purified GFP. The sharp decrease in the RFU of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) pretreated cells compared to those of non-pretreated cells demonstrated that the membrane proteins were the binding ligand of EnoM. Furthermore, an engineered β-galactosidase (β-Gal) was also successfully displayed on the cell surface of S. thermophilus CGMCC7.179 and the relative activity of the immobilized β-Gal remained up to 64% after reused 8 times. Finally, we also demonstrated that EnoM could be used as an anchor for surface display in L. casei, L. bulgaricus, L. lactis and Leuconostoc lactis.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, EnoM from S. thermophilus was firstly identified as an anchor and successfully achieved surface display in LAB. The EnoM-based surface display system provided a novel strategy for the enzyme immobilization.
Novel flexible cap for application of transcranial electrical stimulation: a usability study
Authors: Hunold Alexander , Ortega Daniela , Schellhorn Klaus , Haueisen Jens
Published: June 2020

Background

Advances in transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) are hampered by the conventional rubber electrodes manually attached to the head with rubber bands. This procedure limits montages to a few electrodes, is error prone with respect to electrode configurations and is burdensome for participants and operators. A newly developed flexible cap with integrated textile stimulation electrodes was compared to the conventional setup of rubber electrodes inserted into sponges fixated by rubber bands, with respect to usability and reliability. Two operators applied both setups to 20 healthy volunteers participating in the study. Electrode position and impedance measures as well as subjective evaluations from participants and operators were obtained throughout the stimulation sessions.

Results

Our results demonstrated the superiority of the flexible cap by means of significantly higher electrode configuration reproducibility and a more efficient application. Both, operators and volunteers evaluated the flexible cap as easier to use and more comfortable to wear when compared to the conventional setup.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the new cap improves existing and opens new application scenarios for tES.
An in vitro study on sonodynamic treatment of human colon cancer cells using sinoporphyrin sodium as sonosensitizer
Authors: Shen Yuanyuan , Ou Jianquan , Chen Xin , Zeng Xiaojun , Huang Lanhui , Pi Zhaoke , Hu Yaxin , Chen Siping , Chen Tie
Published: June 2020

Background

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is an emerging cancer therapy, and in contrast to photodynamic therapy, could non-invasively reach deep-seated tissues and locally activates a sonosensitizer preferentially accumulated in the tumor area to produce cytotoxicity effects. In comparison with traditional treatments, SDT may serve as an alternative strategy for human colon cancer treatment. Here, we investigated the sonodynamic effect using sinoporphyrin sodium (DVDMS) as a novel sonosensitizer on human colon cancer cells in vitro.

Results

The absorption spectra of DVDMS revealed maximum absorption at 363 nm wavelength and emission peak at 635 nm. Confocal microscopy images revealed the DVDMS was primarily localized in the cytoplasm, while no evident signal was detected within the nuclei. Flow cytometry analysis showed rapid intracellular uptake of DVDMS by two types of human colon cancer cells (HCT116 and RKO). Cell viability of HCT116 was tolerant with the concentration of DVDMS up to 20 µg/mL, while the case of RKO was 5 µg/mL. In comparison with the control group, the SDT-treated groups of these two types of human colon cancer cells showed significant increase in cellular apoptosis and necrosis ratio. Increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was detected, indicating the involvement of ROS in mediating SDT effects.

Conclusion

DVDMS results an effective sonosensitizer for the ultrasound-mediated cancer cell killing, and its anticancer effect seems to rely on its ability to produce ROS under ultrasound exposure.
The association between the seasonality of pediatric pandemic influenza virus outbreak and ambient meteorological factors in Shanghai
Authors: Li Yanbo , Ye Xiaofang , Zhou Ji , Zhai Feng , Chen Jie
Published: June 2020

Background and objectives

The number of pediatric patients diagnosed with influenza types A and B is increasing annually, especially in temperate regions such as Shanghai (China). The onset of pandemic influenza viruses might be attributed to various ambient meteorological factors including temperature, relative humidity (Rh), and PM1 concentrations, etc. The study aims to explore the correlation between the seasonality of pandemic influenza and these factors.

Methods

We recruited pediatric patients aged from 0 to 18 years who were diagnosed with influenza A or B from July 1st, 2017 to June 30th, 2019 in Shanghai Children’s Medical Centre (SCMC). Ambient meteorological data were collected from the Shanghai Meteorological Service (SMS) over the same period. The correlation of influenza outbreak and meteorological factors were analyzed through preliminary Pearson’s r correlation test and subsequent time-series Poisson regression analysis using the distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM).

Results

Pearson’s r test showed a statistically significant correlation between the weekly number of influenza A outpatients and ambient meteorological factors including weekly mean, maximum, minimum temperature and barometric pressure (P < 0.001), and PM1 (P < 0.01). While the weekly number of influenza B outpatients was statistically significantly correlated with weekly mean, maximum and minimum temperature (P < 0.001), barometric pressure and PM1 (P < 0.01), and minimum Rh (P < 0.05). Mean temperature and PM1 were demonstrated to be the statistically significant variables in the DLNM with influenza A and B outpatients through time-series Poisson regression analysis. A U-shaped curve relationship was noted between the mean temperature and influenza A cases (below 15 °C and above 20 °C), and the risks increased for influenza B with mean temperature below 10 °C. PM1 posed a risk after a concentration of 23 ppm for both influenza A and B. High PM1, low and the high temperature had significant effects upon the number of influenza A cases, whereas low temperature and high PM1 had significant effects upon the number of influenza B cases.

Conclusion

This study indicated that mean temperature and PM1 were the primary factors that were continually associated with the seasonality of pediatric pandemic influenza A and B and the recurrence in the transmission and spread of influenza viruses.
Enhanced sensitivity of VEGF detection using catalase-mediated chemiluminescence immunoassay based on CdTe QD/H2O2 system
Authors: Ghavamipour Fahimeh , Rahmani Hossein , Shanehsaz Maryam , Khajeh Khosro , Mirshahi Manouchehr , Sajedi Reza H.
Published: June 2020

Background

Since vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a significant regulator of cancer angiogenesis, it is essential to develop a technology for its sensitive detection. Herein, we sensitized a chemiluminescence (CL) immunoassay through the combination of H2O2-sensitive TGA-CdTe quantum dot (QD) as signal transduction, dextran as a cross-linker to prepare enzyme-labeled antigen and the ultrahigh bioactivity of catalase (CAT) as reporter enzyme.

Results

Under the optimized experimental conditions, the chemiluminescence enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CL-ELISA) method can detect VEGF in the excellent linear range of 2–35,000 pg mL−1, with a detection limit (S/N = 3) of 0.5 pg mL−1 which was approximately ten times lower than the commercial colorimetric immunoassay. This proposed method has been successfully applied to the clinical determination of VEGF in the human serum samples, and the results illustrated an excellent correlation with the conventional ELISA method (R2 = 0.997). The suitable recovery rate of the method in the serum ranged from 97 to 107%, with a relative standard deviation of 1.2% to 13.4%.

Conclusions

The novel immunoassay proposes a highly sensitive, specific, and stable method for very low levels detection of VEGF that can be used in the primary diagnosis of tumors. With the well-designed sensing platform, this approach has a broad potential to be applied for quantitative analysis of numerous disease-related protein biomarkers for which antibodies are available.
Health-related quality of life and associated factors in patients with myocardial infarction after returning to work: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Du Ruofei , Wang Panpan , Ma Lixia , Larcher Leon M. , Wang Tao , Chen Changying
Published: June 2020

Background

Return to work following myocardial infarction (MI) represents an important indicator of recovery. However, MI can cause patients to feel pressure, loneliness and inferiority during work and even detachment from employment after returning to work, which may affect their quality of life. The aims of this study were to identify the influencing factors of Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with MI after returning to work and explore the correlations between these factors and HRQoL.

Method

This was a cross-sectional study. All participants were recruited from tertiary hospitals in China from October 2017 to March 2018. The general data questionnaire, Short-Form Health Survey-8 (SF-8), Health Promoting Lifestyle ProfileII (HPLPII), Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ) and Social Supporting Rating Scale (SSRS) were used to assess 326 patients with myocardial infarction returned to work after discharge. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to explore factors related to HRQoL in patients with MI after returning to work.

Results

The sample consisted of 326 patients. The mean total score of quality of life was 28.03 ± 2.554. According to the multiple linear regression analysis, next factors were associated with better HRQoL: younger age (B = − 0.354, P = 0.039), higher income (B = 0.513, P = 0.000), less co-morbidity (B = − 0.440, P = 0.000), the longer time taken to return to work (B = 0.235, P = 0.003), fewer stents installed (B = − 0.359, P = 0.003), participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) (B = − 1.777, P = 0.000), complete CR (B = − 1.409, P = 0.000), better health behaviors such as more health responsibility (B = 0.172, P = 0.000) and exercise (B = 0.165, P = 0.000), better nutrition (B = 0.178, P = 0.000) and self-realization (B = 0.165, P = 0.000), stress response (B = 0.172, P = 0.000), more social support such as more objective support (B = 0.175, P = 0.000), subjective support (B = 0.167, P = 0.000) and better utilization of social support (B = 0.189, P = 0.028), positive copping strategies such as more coping (B = 0.133, P = 0.000) and less yield (B = − 0.165, P = 0.000).

Conclusions

HRQoL of MI patients after returning to work is not satisfactory. Health behavior, coping strategies, social support are factors which can affect HRQoL. A comprehensive and targeted guide may be a way to improve HRQoL and to assist patients’ successful return to society.