bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shanghai Preconception Cohort (SPCC) for the association of periconceptional parental key nutritional factors with health outcomes of children with congenital heart disease: a cohort profile
Authors: Wang Dingmei , Zhang Yi , Jiang Yuang , Ye Ying , Ji Mi , Dou Yalan , Chen Xiaotian , Li Mengru , Ma Xiaojing , Sheng Wei , Huang Guoying , Yan Weili
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The Shanghai Preconception Cohort (SPCC) was initially established to investigate the associations of parental periconceptional nutritional factors with congenital heart disease (CHD) but has further analysed child growth and development and paediatric diseases.

Participants

Preparing-for-pregnancy couples who presented at Shanghai preconception examination clinics and early-pregnancy women before 14 gestational weeks were enrolled to comprise the periconceptional baseline study population. General characteristics, routine clinical data and consumption of diet supplements, such as folic acid and multivitamins, were collected. Blood samples were obtained at preconception and early, middle and late gestations using standard procedures. Multiple nutritional factors, including folate, homocysteine, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and metals, in the blood samples of participants selected using a case–control design were examined. Genomic DNA was extracted.

Findings to date

The baseline population included 8045 preconception couples, 3054 single women and 15 615 early-pregnancy women. Data from 12 402 births were collected, and follow-up of the cohort for other outcomes is ongoing. Currently, 151 cases of CHD were identified after birth. The pilot analysis in a small subgroup showed that approximately 20.0% of preconception women and 44.9% of early-pregnancy women had red blood cell (RBC) folate levels that met the international recommendation for preventing neural tube defects.

Future plans

Once a sufficient number of CHD cases are achieved, we will investigate the quantitative association of preconception RBC folate levels with CHD using a nested case–control design. The SPCC will be followed up for 18 years to investigate extensive outcomes of growth, development, obesity, and common and rare diseases during childhood and adolescence according to our plan. Blood nutritional factors will be examined in participants selected for specific aims. The SPCC will also allow for prospective cohort studies on extensive research questions.

Trial registration number

NCT 02737644
Cost-effectiveness and value-based prices of the 9-valent human papillomavirus vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer in China: an economic modelling analysis
Authors: Jiang Y , Ni Weiyi , Wu Jing
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the 9-valent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer in China.

Design

Health economic modelling using the Papillomavirus Rapid Interface for Modelling and Economics (PRIME) model populated with China-specific data.

Setting

Individual cervical cancer prevention in China using the 9-valent HPV vaccine from the perspective of private sector purchasers in relation to receiving other HPV vaccines and not receiving vaccination for 16-year-old girls in China who had not been previously infected with HPV.

Participants

Not applicable.

Interventions

Vaccination using the 9-valent, the quadrivalent and the bivalent vaccines.

Primary outcome measure

Incremental costs per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) prevented.

Results

In the base case, the incremental costs per DALY prevented were, respectively, US$35 000 and US$50 455 compared with the quadrivalent and the bivalent vaccines, both of which were above the cost-effective threshold of US$25 920/DALY prevented. To be cost-effective in these comparisons, the 9-valent vaccine should be priced at $550 and $450 for the full doses, respectively. To be highly cost-effective, the price thresholds were $435 and $335. The incremental costs per DALY prevented in relation to no vaccination was US$23 012, making the 9-valent vaccine marginally cost-effective. The results were robust in most one-way sensitivity analyses including changing vaccination age to 13 and 26 years.

Conclusions

At the current price, the 9-valent HPV vaccine is not cost-effective compared with the quadrivalent and the bivalent vaccines for young girls in China who had not been previously infected with HPV. Policymakers and clinicians should keep potential vaccine recipients informed about the economic profile of the 9-valent vaccine and carefully consider expanding its use in China at the current price.
Enhancing communication and social engagement among clinicians and research teams to improve reliability of research recruitment
Authors: Chang Joyce C , Buckley Lisa H , Goldberg Taylor , Nolan Brian E , Peterson Rosemary , Liebling Emily J , Waqar Lindsay N , Burnham Jon M
Published: November 2019

The success of rare disease research relies heavily on robust partnerships with clinicians to help identify new patients and collect samples. Many studies for paediatric rheumatic diseases requiring pretreatment samples have suffered from slow enrolment rates due to the low incidence of disease and relative urgency to treat. Therefore, timely identification of all potentially eligible patients is crucial. The objective of this project was to apply quality improvement methods to increase the frequency and timeliness of identification of eligible patients with new paediatric rheumatic diagnoses to approach for research studies. A retrospective chart review was undertaken in our paediatric rheumatology clinic to measure the number of eligible patients identified for potential research recruitment between missed recruitment opportunities. Improvement methodology was used to integrate standardised communication between clinicians and the research team into clinic workflow, to leverage social feedback as positive reinforcement for good communication and to measure change in response to the interventions. The number of eligible patients identified between missed recruitment opportunities increased from every 0–1 patient to every 14 patients during the project period, corresponding to an increase in the overall identification rate from 32% to 91% of all eligible patients. Quality improvement methods can be used to successfully integrate research recruitment into routine clinical care and accelerate advances necessary to improve health outcomes.
Jejunal feeding: when is it the right thing to do?
Authors: Paine Peter , McMahon Marie , Farrer Kirstine , Overshott Ross , Lal Simon
Published: November 2019

The decision to commence jejunal feeding in patients with structural abnormalities, which prevent oral or intragastric feeding, is usually straightforward. However, decisions surrounding the need for jejunal feeding can be more complex in individuals with no clear structural abnormality, but rather with foregut symptoms and pain-predominant presentations, suggesting a functional origin. This appears to be an increasing issue in polysymptomatic patients with multi-system involvement. We review the differential diagnosis together with the limitations of available functional clinical tests; symptomatic management options to avoid escalation where possible including for patients on opioids; tube feeding options where necessary; and an approach to weaning from established jejunal feeding in the context of a multidisciplinary approach to minimise iatrogenesis.
Analysis of the impacts of risk factors on teenage and older driver injury severity using random-parameter ordered probit
Authors: Darban Khales Sina , Kunt Mehmet Metin , Dimitrijevic Branislav
Published: November 2019

The study analyzed injury severity of teenage and older drivers using 2015–2016 crash data from New Mexico. The fitness of the random-parameter ordered probit models developed for each age group was tested using likelihood ratio, comparing them to a unified model that combines both age groups, as well as comparing the random-parameter to fixed-parameter ordered probit for each age group. In both cases separate random-parameter ordered probit provided better results. It was found that vehicle type and age, lighting condition, alcohol or drug use, speeding, and seatbelt use were significant both for the teenage and older driver injury severity. The weather condition and gender were significant only in the teenage driver model, while driver inattention was significant for older drivers. The impacts of crash factors on injury severity was analyzed using marginal effects. The results indicate notable differences in the effects of contributing factors on driver injury severity between teenage and older drivers, including the sensitivity to changes in the mutual predictor parameter values.
Mixed convection analysis of cilia-driven flow of a Jeffrey fluid in a vertical tube
Authors: Sadaf Hina , Kiani Adnan , Mir Nazir Ahmad
Published: November 2019

In this article, effects of cilia-driven flow of a Jeffrey fluid in a vertical tube are discussed. Mixed convection effects are also considered. Jeffrey fluid equations are simplified by the well-known assumptions of small Reynolds number and large wavelength. An exact solution has been managed for the simplified equations. The ciliated motion features are investigated by plots and are discussed in detail. The consequences show that the pumping machinery functions more competently drive forward Jeffrey fluid than Newtonian fluid. The results may help us better understand the transportation of bio-fluids in the human body.
Perspective and Opportunities of Modulo 2n−1 Multipliers in Residue Number System: A Review
Authors: Kumar Raj , Jaiswal Ritesh Kumar , Mishra Ram Awadh
Published: November 2019

Modulo multiplier has been attracting considerable attention as one of the essential components of residue number system (RNS)-based computational circuits. This paper contributes a comprehensive review in the design of modulo [Formula: see text] multipliers for the first time. The modulo multipliers can be implemented using ROM (look-up-table) as well as VLSI components (memoryless); however, the former is preferable for lower word-length and later for larger word-length. The modular and parallelism properties of RNS are used to improve the performance of memoryless multipliers. Moreover, a Booth-encoding algorithm is used to speed-up the multipliers. Also, an advanced modulo [Formula: see text] multiplier based on redundant RNS (RRNS) could be further chosen for very high dynamic range. These perspectives of modulo [Formula: see text] multipliers have been extensively studied for recent state-of-the-art and analyzed using Synopsis design compiler tool.
Generalized Newton complementary duals of monomial ideals
Authors: Ansaldi Katie , Lin Kuei-Nuan , Shen Yi-Huang
Published: November 2019

Given a monomial ideal in a polynomial ring over a field, we define the generalized Newton complementary dual of the given ideal. We show good properties of such duals including linear quotients and isomorphism between the special fiber rings. We construct the cellular free resolutions of duals of strongly stable ideals generated in the same degree. When the base ideal is generated in degree two, we provide an explicit description of cellular free resolution of the dual of a compatible generalized stable ideal.
Conjugate points for systems of second-order ordinary differential equations
Authors: Hajdú S. , Mestdag T.
Published: November 2019

We recall the notion of Jacobi fields, as it was extended to systems of second-order ordinary differential equations. Two points along a base integral curve are conjugate if there exists a nontrivial Jacobi field along that curve that vanishes on both points. Based on arguments that involve the eigendistributions of the Jacobi endomorphism, we discuss conjugate points for a certain generalization (to the current setting) of locally symmetric spaces. Next, we study conjugate points along relative equilibria of Lagrangian systems with a symmetry Lie group. We end the paper with some examples and applications.
Classification of hyperspectral images for detection of hepatic carcinoma cells based on spectral–spatial features of nucleus
Authors: Chen Yao , Zhu Siqi , Fu Shenhe , Li Zhen , Huang Furong , Yin Hao , Chen Zhenqiang
Published: November 2019

A distinguishing characteristic of normal and cancer cells is the difference in their nuclear chromatin content and distribution. This difference can be revealed by the transmission spectra of nuclei stained with a pH-sensitive stain. Here, we used hematoxylin–eosin (HE) to stain hepatic carcinoma tissues and obtained spectral–spatial data from their nuclei using hyperspectral microscopy. The transmission spectra of the nuclei were then used to train a support vector machine (SVM) model for cell classification. Especially, we found that the chromatin distribution in cancer cells is more uniform, because of which the correlation coefficients for the spectra at different points in their nuclei are higher. Consequently, we exploited this feature to improve the SVM model. The sensitivity and specificity for the identification of cancer cells could be increased to 99% and 98%, respectively. We also designed an image-processing method for the extraction of information from cell nuclei to automate the identification process.
The one about resilience, energy, culture, and crafting
Authors: Kirabo Lynn
Published: November 2019

Joreen Arigye, a data analyst at Fenix International, shares her perspective on the importance of culture in the workplace. Having grown up directly connected to the typical Fenix customer, she has the ability to contribute knowledgeably to validating results from models, analysis, recommendations, and intervention strategies.
Acquired Resistance in Lung Cancer
Authors: Tulpule Asmin , Bivona Trever G.
Published: November 2019

The last decade has witnessed a transformation in the treatment of advanced-stage lung cancer from a largely palliative approach to one where long-term durable remissions and even cures might be within reach. In this review, we discuss the current state of oncogene-directed precision medicine therapies in lung cancer and focus on the major cause of mortality for lung cancer patients: acquired resistance. We consider the multifaceted resistance mechanisms tumors utilize, often simultaneously. We then present areas for future scientific and clinical investigation with an emphasis on population dynamics, early detection, combinatorial therapies targeting resistance mechanisms, and understanding the drug-tolerant persister state.
Toward Targeting Antiapoptotic MCL-1 for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Kelly Gemma L. , Strasser Andreas
Published: November 2019

Apoptosis is critical for embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, and the removal of infected or otherwise dangerous cells. It is controlled by three subgroups of the BCL-2 protein family—the BH3-only proteins that initiate cell death; the effectors of cell killing, BAX and BAK; and the antiapoptotic guardians, including MCL-1 and BCL-2. Defects in apoptosis can promote tumorigenesis and render malignant cells refractory to anticancer therapeutics. Activation of cell death by inhibiting antiapoptotic BCL-2 family members has emerged as an attractive strategy for cancer therapy, with the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax leading the way. Large-scale cancer genome analyses have revealed frequent amplification of the locus encoding antiapoptotic MCL-1 in human cancers, and functional studies have shown that MCL-1 is essential for the sustained survival and expansion of many types of tumor cells. Structural analysis and medicinal chemistry have led to the development of three distinct small-molecule inhibitors of MCL-1 that are currently undergoing clinical testing.
The Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Development and Cancer
Authors: Francou Alexandre , Anderson Kathryn V.
Published: November 2019

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) are complex cellular processes where cells undergo dramatic changes in signaling, transcriptional programming, and cell shape, while directing the exit of cells from the epithelium and promoting migratory properties of the resulting mesenchyme. EMTs are essential for morphogenesis during development and are also a critical step in cancer progression and metastasis formation. Here we provide an overview of the molecular regulation of the EMT process during embryo development, focusing on chick and mouse gastrulation and neural crest development. We go on to describe how EMT regulators participate in the progression of pancreatic and breast cancer in mouse models, and discuss the parallels with developmental EMTs and how these help to understand cancer EMTs. We also highlight the differences between EMTs in tumor and in development to arrive at a broader view of cancer EMT. We conclude by discussing how further advances in the field will rely on in vivo dynamic imaging of the cellular events of EMT.
Propranolol Treatment for Infantile Hemangiomas: Short-Term Adverse Effects and Follow-Up to Age Two
Authors: Li Xueqing , Yang Kun , Li Hongwen , Huo Ran
Published: November 2019

Objective. To analyse the short-term adverse effects (AEs) of propranolol in the treatment of infantile hemangiomas (IHs) and their relevant factors, as well as the relationship between child growth and propranolol. Methods. A total of 506 patients with confirmed or suspected IHs were enrolled, and a total of 439 cases were included in the study. Short-term AEs were analysed using single-factor analysis and binary logistic regression. Out of 439 patients, 292 were enrolled to examine the effect of propranolol on 2-year-olds’ height and body weight (BW), by comparison with reference range and among groups. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between BW, height, and duration of propranolol treatment. Results. Among 439 patients, 70 (16.0%) experienced AEs. Among them, 48 had gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, 23 had central nervous system (CNS) symptoms, 8 had both symptoms above, and 7 had other symptoms. Most of the AEs occurred on the starting day (day 0), and 6 children’s AEs were transient. Starting age of no older than 3 months led to more CNS symptoms, and starting age of older than 3 months was a protective factor against CNS symptoms, with an OR value of 0.303 (0.117–0.783). Height and BW of 292 two-year-old children were no less than the reference levels, although those of 3 females and 1 male were less than the average −2 standard deviation (−2SD). The height and BW of the children at the age of two was not related to the length of time of propranolol treatment. Conclusion. Oral propranolol has a good tolerance in the treatment of IHs. Oral propranolol exerts more adverse effects on the CNS of lower age children, and it has exhibited no effect on the growth of two-year-old children.
Cardiac Chagas Disease: MMPs, TIMPs, Galectins, and TGF-βas Tissue Remodelling Players
Authors: da Costa Arthur Wilson Florencio , do Carmo Neto Jose Rodrigues , Braga Yarlla Loyane Lira , Silva Beatriz Aquino , Lamounier Amanda Borges , Silva Bárbara Oliveira , dos Reis Marlene Antônia , de Oliveira Flávia Aparecida , Celes Mara Rúbia Nunes , Machado Juliana Reis
Published: November 2019

A century after the discovery of Chagas disease, studies are still needed to establish the complex pathophysiology of this disease. However, it is known that several proteins and molecules are related to the establishment of this disease, its evolution, and the appearance of its different clinical forms. Metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors, galectins, and TGF-βare involved in the process of infection and consequently the development of myocarditis, tissue remodeling, and fibrosis upon infection withTrypanosoma cruzi. Thus, considering that the heart is one of the main target organs in Chagas disease, knowledge regarding the mechanisms of action of these molecules is essential to understand how they interact and trigger local and systemic reactions and, consequently, determine whether they contribute to the development of Chagas’ heart disease. In this sense, it is believed that the inflammatory microenvironment caused by the infection alters the expression of these proteins favoring progression of the host-parasite cycle and thereby stimulating cardiac tissue remodeling mechanisms and fibrosis. The aim of this review was to gather information on metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors, galectins, and TGF-βand discuss how these molecules and their different interrelationships contribute to the development of Chagas’ heart disease.
An Overview of the Intrinsic Role of Citrullination in Autoimmune Disorders
Authors: Alghamdi Mohammed , Alasmari Doaa , Assiri Amjad , Mattar Ehab , Aljaddawi Abdullah A. , Alattas Sana G. , Redwan Elrashdy M.
Published: November 2019

A protein undergoes many types of posttranslation modification. Citrullination is one of these modifications, where an arginine amino acid is converted to a citrulline amino acid. This process depends on catalytic enzymes such as peptidylarginine deiminase enzymes (PADs). This modification leads to a charge shift, which affects the protein structure, protein-protein interactions, and hydrogen bond formation, and it may cause protein denaturation. The irreversible citrullination reaction is not limited to a specific protein, cell, or tissue. It can target a wide range of proteins in the cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, and mitochondria. Citrullination is a normal reaction during cell death. Apoptosis is normally accompanied with a clearance process via scavenger cells. A defect in the clearance system either in terms of efficiency or capacity may occur due to massive cell death, which may result in the accumulation and leakage of PAD enzymes and the citrullinated peptide from the necrotized cell which could be recognized by the immune system, where the immunological tolerance will be avoided and the autoimmune disorders will be subsequently triggered. The induction of autoimmune responses, autoantibody production, and cytokines involved in the major autoimmune diseases will be discussed.
Changes in the Linear Relationship between Muscle Contraction Intensity and Muscle Hardness after Rectus Femoris Muscle Strain
Authors: Inami Takayuki , Shimizu Takuya , Osuga Tomoaki , Narita Takaya , Hirose Norikazu , Murayama Mitsuyoshi
Published: November 2019

Objective. Joint torque differences between healthy and rehabilitated legs are often measured as a clinical index of recovery from muscle strain injury. Unfortunately, it should be noted that this is a questionable evaluation measure of the muscle after injury because it is a composite value including related cooperating muscles. Meanwhile, the use of ultrasound elastography for the measurement of individual muscle mechanical properties (i.e., muscle hardness) has recently expanded. The purpose of this study was to examine, using ultrasound elastography, the differences in the linear relationship between muscle contraction intensity and muscle hardness during knee extension in athletes who had recovered from grade II rectus femoris muscle strain injury through comparison of the healthy and rehabilitated legs. Methods. Six athletes participated. Rectus femoris muscle hardness, determined during isometric contraction at 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% of maximum voluntary contraction, was evaluated using ultrasound strain elastography. Results and Conclusion. The results indicated that for the healthy legs, the strain ratios, as indicated by muscle hardness, decreased linearly (became harder) with contraction intensity, but the strain ratios for the rehabilitated legs decreased nonlinearly. These results show the danger of judging the recovery period using only the difference between healthy and rehabilitated muscle strengths and the importance of evaluating individual muscles.
Modeling Influencing Factors for Passenger Flow Growth of Modern Trams Using System Dynamics Method
Authors: Ye Mao , Yang Ninghui , Li Zhibin , Ma Lingling , Chen Yajing
Published: November 2019

Modern trams have been widely used around the world, especially in China. This paper explores the main influencing factors of modern trams’ passenger flow at the early operational stage. The system dynamics model is adopted for dealing with the problem on hand. Tram Line 1 in Huai’an, Jiangsu Province, China is selected as the case study. Data are collected using the RP and SP survey. The sensitivity test and extreme condition test are performed. The simulation results demonstrate that four variables (i.e., land development intensity, fares, service level, and transfer efficiency) significantly affect passenger flow. Land development intensity is the most significant factor, and the effect of service level on passenger flow is higher than that of the fares. The departure interval of 10 minutes is the maximum psychological limit that passengers can bear, and 2 RMB is a reasonable price. Such conclusions can provide guidance for the planning and design of modern trams and address the problem of shortage of passengers at an early stage.
A Novel Three-Gene Model Predicts Prognosis and Therapeutic Sensitivity in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zeng Fa-Min , He Jian-Zhong , Wang Shao-Hong , Liu De-kai , Xu Xiu-E. , Wu Jian-Yi , Li En-Min , Xu Li-Yan
Published: November 2019

To precisely predict the clinical outcome and determine the optimal treatment options for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains challenging. Prognostic models based on multiple molecular markers of tumors have been shown to have superiority over the use of single biomarkers. Our previous studies have identified the crucial role of ezrin in ESCC progression, which prompted us to hypothesize that ezrin-associated proteins contribute to the pathobiology of ESCC. Herein, we explored the clinical value of a molecular model constructed based on ezrin-associated proteins in ESCC patients. We revealed that the ezrin-associated proteins (MYC, PDIA3, and ITGA5B1) correlated with the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of patients with ESCC. High expression of MYC was associated with advanced pTNM-stage (P=0.011), and PDIA3 and ITGA5B1 were correlated with both lymph node metastasis (PDIA3: P<0.001; ITGA5B1: P=0.001) and pTNM-stage (PDIA3: P=0.001; ITGA5B1: P=0.009). Furthermore, we found that, compared with the current TNM staging system, the molecular model elicited from the expression of MYC, PDIA3, and ITGA5B1 shows higher accuracy in predicting OS (P<0.001) or DFS (P<0.001) in ESCC patients. Moreover, ROC and regression analysis demonstrated that this model was an independent predictor for OS and DFS, which could also help determine a subgroup of ESCC patients that may benefit from chemoradiotherapy. In conclusion, our study has identified a novel molecular prognosis model, which may serve as a complement for current clinical risk stratification approaches and provide potential therapeutic targets for ESCC treatment.
ПРОБЛЕМНІ ПИТАННЯ ПРИ ПОВОДЖЕННІ З МЕДИЧНИМИ ВІДХОДАМИ В УКРАЇНІ
Authors: Brezytska D. M. , Guschuk I. V.
Published: November 2019

Мета: провести аналіз проблем, які виникають при поводженні з медичними відходами, та визначити основні гігієнічні підходи щодо безпечного поводження з ними.

Матеріали і методи. У процесі дослідження використано такі методи: описовий, медико-статистичний, бібліографічний, епідеміологічний, санітарно-гігієнічний.

Результати. Проведено аналіз проблем, які виникають при поводженні з медичними відходами, та визначено основні гігієнічні підходи щодо безпечного поводження з ними. На сьогодні в нашій країні немає досконалої законодавчої бази у вирішенні цього питання. Медичні відходи мають різний ступінь епідеміологічної та екологічної безпеки залежно від їх складу та ступеня контамінації біологічними, хімічними та радіоактивними агентами. Відходи та побічні продукти їх розкладу спричиняють та завдають шкоду не тільки довкіллю, а й життю та здоров’ю населення. Виділено основні ризики, спричинені відходами медичних закладів (інфекційні, хімічні, радіаційні), та ризики, пов’язані з утилізацією відходів. Нині єдиним шляхом подолання цих проблем є впровадження Національної стратегії управління відходами в Україні до 2030 р. Це – перший стратегічний документ державного рівня, який визначає політику управління всіма видами відходів до 2030 р. Стратегія визначає головні напрями державного регулювання у сфері поводження з відходами в найближче десятиліття з урахуванням європейських підходів із питань управління відходами, що ґрунтуються на положеннях Директив ЄС.

Висновки. Основними завданнями, які постають на сьогодні при поводженні з медичними відходами (МВ), є створення основи для впровадження апробованих методів і технологій управління МВ та розробка загальнонаціональної мережі з їх подальшої утилізації, вдосконалення стандартів поводження з відходами з метою зменшення забруднення навколишнього середовища.  Впровадження та дотримання цих вимог не тільки вирішить проблему поводження з МВ, а й буде сприяти поліпшенню екологічної ситуації в країні.
Experimental study of grout defect identification in precast column based on wavelet packet analysis
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Zhou Deyuan , Tang Hesheng , Han Xiao
Published: November 2019

Grout defects always exist in sleeves of precast structures, but studies on grout defect identification are rarely performed. This article proposes a combination method of dynamic excitation technique and wavelet packet analysis for sleeve defect identification in the precast structure. Hammer excitation on a 1/2-scaled two-floor precast concrete frame structure with column rebar splicing by grout sleeves is conducted to collect column acceleration responses. Moreover, the corresponding energy spectrum is obtained by the wavelet packet analysis. Furthermore, three defect identification indices, that is, percentage of energy transfer, energy ratio variation deviation, and energy spectrum average deviation, are calculated and compared. Robustness analysis of the energy ratio variation deviation is carried out by adding white noise in the original acceleration response signals. The results show that (1) the percentage of energy transfer, the energy ratio variation deviation, and the energy spectrum average deviation are positively correlated with the grout defect degree where the energy ratio variation deviation is more sensitive in the identification of defects; (2) the energy ratio variation deviation robustness of the original signal with the inputted multiplicative white Gaussian noises is better than that with the inputted additive white Gaussian noise; and (3) the proposed defect identification method can characterize the sleeve grout defect degree in column.
Results of CoALL 07-03 study childhood ALL based on combined risk assessment by in vivo and in vitro pharmacosensitivity
Authors: Schramm Franziska , zur Stadt Udo , Zimmermann Martin , Jorch Norbert , Pekrun Arnulf , Borkhardt Arndt , Imschweiler Thomas , Christiansen Holger , Faber Jörg , Schmid Irene , Feuchtinger Tobias , Beron Gerhard , den Boer Monique L. , Pieters Rob , Horstmann Martin A. , Janka-Schaub Gritta E. , Escherich Gabriele
Published: November 2019

Key Points

Report of the long-term outcome of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia upon risk-adapted therapy accrued in trial CoALL 07-03. Lack of correlation between in vitro and in vivo drug response as well as a lower predictive value of in vitro drug testing.
Risk of disease transformation and second primary solid tumors in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Hong Junshik , Lee Ju Hyun , Byun Ja Min , Lee Ji Yun , Koh Youngil , Shin Dong-Yeop , Lee Jeong-Ok , Hwang Sang Mee , Choi Hyoung Soo , Kim Inho , Yoon Sung-Soo , Bang Soo-Mee
Published: November 2019

Key Points

South Korean MPN patients had a significantly higher risk of developing second primary solid tumors than that of the general population. Patients with SMF had an overall survival comparable to those with PMF with less risk of developing SAML.
Real-life effectiveness of omalizumab in difficult-to-treatversussevere asthma: a national cohort study in Belgium
Authors: Verhamme Katia M.C. , Lucet Catherine , Van Meerhaeghe Alain , Brusselle Guy G.O. , Lambert Marie-Laurence
Published: November 2019

Background

Guidelines recommend omalizumab in patients with uncontrolled severe allergic asthma. We investigated real-life use of omalizumab, the proportion of patients fulfilling eligibility criteria, its costs and its effectiveness.

Method

In a cohort of asthma patients initiating treatment with omalizumab in Belgium between 2010 and 2016, we investigated fulfilment of eligibility criteria (chronic use of high-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) plus long-acting β2-agonists (LABAs) and ≥2 severe asthma exacerbations in previous year), and compared hospitalisations and systemic corticosteroid consumption in the year before and after omalizumab initiation. We computed healthcare costs in the respective time periods and compared the cost per prevented hospitalisation in patients fulfilling eligibility criteriaversusthose who did not.

Results

Between 2010 and 2016, omalizumab treatment was initiated in 2068 patients with asthma; only 24% fulfilled the eligibility criteria, mainly due to nonadherence to high-dose ICSs + LABAs. The proportion of patients hospitalised for asthma decreased from 41% to 21% in eligible patients (absolute risk reduction, 20%), whereas the absolute risk reduction was 5% (from 19% to 14%) in noneligible patients. The cost per prevented hospitalisation was €44 238versus€139 495, respectively. Chronic use of systemic corticosteroids was discontinued in 35% of eligible patientsversus15% of noneligible patients.

Conclusion

In Belgium, omalizumab is mostly initiated in uncontrolled asthma patients who are nonadherent to ICSs + LABAs. Omalizumab decreases hospitalisations and the use of systemic corticosteroids, but at a high cost. Careful management of patients with difficult-to-treat asthma should be a priority before prescribing omalizumab.
Identifying Cancer genes by combining two-rounds RWR based on multiple biological data
Authors: Zhang Wenxiang , Lei (IEEE member) Xiujuan , Bian Chen
Published: November 2019

Background

It’s a very urgent task to identify cancer genes that enables us to understand the mechanisms of biochemical processes at a biomolecular level and facilitates the development of bioinformatics. Although a large number of methods have been proposed to identify cancer genes at recent times, the biological data utilized by most of these methods is still quite less, which reflects an insufficient consideration of the relationship between genes and diseases from a variety of factors.

Results

In this paper, we propose a two-rounds random walk algorithm to identify cancer genes based on multiple biological data (TRWR-MB), including protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, pathway network, microRNA similarity network, lncRNA similarity network, cancer similarity network and protein complexes. In the first-round random walk, all cancer nodes, cancer-related genes, cancer-related microRNAs and cancer-related lncRNAs, being associated with all the cancer, are used as seed nodes, and then a random walker walks on a quadruple layer heterogeneous network constructed by multiple biological data. The first-round random walk aims to select the top score k of potential cancer genes. Then in the second-round random walk, genes, microRNAs and lncRNAs, being associated with a certain special cancer in corresponding cancer class, are regarded as seed nodes, and then the walker walks on a new quadruple layer heterogeneous network constructed by lncRNAs, microRNAs, cancer and selected potential cancer genes. After the above walks finish, we combine the results of two-rounds RWR as ranking score for experimental analysis. As a result, a higher value of area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) is obtained. Besides, cases studies for identifying new cancer genes are performed in corresponding section.

Conclusion

In summary, TRWR-MB integrates multiple biological data to identify cancer genes by analyzing the relationship between genes and cancer from a variety of biological molecular perspective.
Comparison of health-related quality of life between the Han and Yi ethnicity elderly in the Yi autonomous areas of Yunnan Province
Authors: Ran Lingyun , Kong Hongqian , Du Mengqi , He Jianhui , Zhong Qiong , Ran Yuanyuan , Si Yanping , Zhang Jiang , Yao Cheng , Luo Huineng , Ye Qin
Published: November 2019

Background

The purpose of this research was to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and functional abilities of Yi and Han elderly who resided in Yi Autonomous prefecture or Counties in Yunnan Province, as well as to compare their differences in HRQOL, functional abilities and other factors.

Methods

A total of 1636 older subjects, which included 863 Han and 773 Yi, were recruited from 10 Yi Autonomous regions. Their HRQOL and functional capabilities were assessed by the MOS 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), activities of daily living (ADL), and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scales.

Results

The Han elderly performed better in every domain of SF-36 than the Yi elderly. Both of the two ethnic groups could perform their ADL independently but the Yi elderly showed greater dependency in IADL abilities. The HRQOL was positively associated with their ADL, IADL, and education levels. Moreover, age, health insurance status, and living arrangement were negatively correlated with HRQOL.

Conclusion

The HRQOL and IADL capabilities of the Han elderly were higher than that of the Yi counterparts in the Yi Autonomous regions. The HRQOL of both the two ethnic groups was positively connected with ADL, IADL abilities as well as education levels, whereas it was negatively correlated with age and health insurance. The elderly-care policy on the Yi autonomous areas should focus more on the HRQOL, ADL improvement, education background, age needs, and health insurance, etc.
Association between atopic disease and anemia in pediatrics: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rhew Kiyon , Oh Jung Mi
Published: November 2019

Background

Atopic diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma, are inflammatory diseases common in pediatric patients. This study investigated whether these inflammatory atopic diseases were associated with anemia in pediatrics.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a pediatric dataset from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) of South Korea in 2016. Multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for demographic covariates was used for analyse the association between atopic disease and iron deficiency anemia (IDA).

Results

A total of 846,718 pediatric patients were included in the study. Of these, 19,594 (2.31%) had a diagnosis of IDA. The logistic regression analyses including covariates revealed there were association between atopic disease and IDA. The adjusted OR (aOR) of IDA was 1.42 (95% CI, 1.37–1.47) for atopic dermatitis, 1.25 (95% CI, 1.21–1.29) for allergic rhinitis, and 1.71 (95% CI, 1.65–1.76) for asthma. IDA was more prevalent in patients with multiple comorbid atopic diseases, with aOR of 1.30 (95% CI, 1.25–1.35), 1.81 (95% CI, 1.73–1.89), and 2.58 (95% CI, 2.43–2.73) for 1, 2, or 3 atopic diagnoses. There was no evidence of multicollinearity among covariates.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that atopic disease was associated with IDA. Further study is needed to clarify the distinction between IDA and/or AI to better understand the cause of anemia in patients with inflammatory diseases.
Mettl14 inhibits bladder TIC self-renewal and bladder tumorigenesis through N6-methyladenosine of Notch1
Authors: Gu Chaohui , Wang Zhiyu , Zhou Naichun , Li Guanru , Kou Yiping , Luo Yang , Wang Yidi , Yang Jinjian , Tian Fengyan
Published: November 2019

Background

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) emerges as one of the most important modification of RNA. Bladder cancer is a common cancer type in developed countries, and hundreds of thousands of bladder cancer patients die every year.

Materials and methods

There are various cells in bladder tumor bulk, and a small population cells defined as tumor initiating cells (TIC) have self-renewal and differentiation capacities. Bladder TICs drive bladder tumorigenesis and metastasis, and their activities are fine regulated. However, the role of N6-methyladenosine in bladder TIC self-renewal is unknown.

Results

Here, we found a decrease of N6-methyladenosine in bladder tumors and bladder TICs. N6-methyladenosine levels are related to clinical severity and outcome. Mettl14 is lowly expressed in bladder cancer and bladder TICs. Mettl14 knockout promotes the proliferation, self-renewal, metastasis and tumor initiating capacity of bladder TICs, and Mettl14 overexpression exerts an opposite role. Mettl14 and m6A modification participate in the RNA stability of Notch1 mRNA. Notch1 m6A modification inhibits its RNA stability. Notch1 plays an essential role in bladder tumorigenesis and bladder TIC self-renewal.

Conclusion

This work reveals a novel role of Mettl14 and N6-methyladenosine in bladder tumorigenesis and bladder TICs, adding new layers for bladder TIC regulation and N6-methyladenosine function.
Evaluation of the value of preoperative CYFRA21-1 in the diagnosis and prognosis of epithelial ovarian cancer in conjunction with CA125
Authors: Jin Chunjing , Yang Minfeng , Han Xueqiao , Chu Haidan , Zhang Yan , Lu Meihong , Wang Zhonghui , Xu Xinxin , Liu Wenwen , Wang Feng , Ju Shaoqing
Published: November 2019

Growing evidence indicates that the tumor biomarker cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA21-1) is significant for a variety of cancers. However, its role in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has rarely been reported. In this study, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was utilized to estimate the diagnostic efficiency of CYFRA21-1. The correlation between the CYFRA21-1 level and prognosis was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and univariable and multivariable analyses. The relationship between serum CYFRA21-1 levels and different clinicopathological variables was also analyzed. At the same time, the standard serum marker cancer antigen 125 (CA125) was measured. The results demonstrated that CYFRA21-1 expression was significantly increased in EOC compared with expression in benign ovarian diseases and healthy controls, which was similar to CA125 (P < 0.001). CYFRA21-1 expression was positively correlated with CA125 (r = 0.201; P = 0.0032). CYFRA21-1 expression was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and ascites (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the median survival time of EOC patients with high CYFRA21-1 expression was 42 months, compared with 54 months in the low CYFRA21-1 expression patients by Kaplan-Meier analysis (P < 0.05), while the high and low CA125 expression groups had no difference in median survival time. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that CYFRA21-1 was a poor prognostic factor associated with overall survival (OS), while CA125 was not. Our study indicates that CYFRA21-1 acts as a good complementary diagnostic biomarker and may be superior to CA125 as a prognostic indicator in EOC.
Geospatial mapping and resource utilization tool in support of a national smoke-free public housing rule
Authors: Tetlow Sonia , Gurbaxani Brian , Graffunder Corinne , Owen Connor , Tran Diem , Zhao Jiali , Rodriguez Jose A. , Ahn Aaron , Choe Kristie , Mummigatti Vishal , Vedula Divya , Hayes Kathleen , Kelly Miriam , McNabb Simon , Swann Julie
Published: November 2019

Objective

To advance public health support for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s smoke-free rule, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collaborated with the Georgia Institute of Technology to develop a geospatial mapping tool. The objective was to create a tool state and local public health agencies could use to tailor smoke-free educational materials and cessation interventions for specific public housing development resident populations.

Results

The resulting “Extinguish Tool” includes an interactive map of U.S. public housing developments (PHDs) and healthcare facilities that provides detailed information on individual PHDs, their proximity to existing healthcare facilities, and the demographic characteristics of residents. The tool also estimates the number of PHD residents who smoke cigarettes and calculates crude estimates of the potential economic benefits of providing cessation interventions to these residents. The geospatial mapping tool project serves as an example of a collaborative and innovative public health approach to protecting the health and well-being of the nation’s two million public housing residents, including 760,000 children, from the harms of tobacco smoking and secondhand smoke exposure in the places where they live, play, and gather.
Pleural effusion as an atypical presentation of Kawasaki disease: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Arslanoglu Aydin Elif , Demir Selcan , Aydin Orkun , Bilginer Yelda , Ozen Seza
Published: November 2019

Background

Kawasaki disease is an acute, febrile vasculitis of childhood that affects medium-sized arteries, predominantly the coronary arteries. It is a multisystem disease; therefore, it may present with non-cardiac findings of disease.

Case presentation

Here, we report the case of 7-year-old Turkish girl who presented with symptoms of fever, chest pain, and vomiting, who was diagnosed as having Kawasaki disease. We also present a literature review on pulmonary involvement due to Kawasaki disease.

Conclusion

Pediatricians should consider the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease in the presence of pneumonia and pleural effusion that is nonresponsive to antibiotic therapy. This will prevent delay in diagnosis and the adverse consequences of the disease.
Effect of Nano-SiO2, Nano-TiO2 and Nano-Al2O3 Addition on Fluid Loss in Oil-Well Cement Slurry
Authors: Maagi Mtaki Thomas , Lupyana Samwel Daud , Gu Jun
Published: November 2019

In this article, incorporation of nano-SiO2 (NS), nano-TiO2 (NT) and nano-Al2O3 (NA) particles and their binary and ternary blends on water filtration in oil-well cement slurry was examined. The nanoparticle contents were chosen at proportions corresponding to 1, 2, 3 and 4% based on the weight of cement. The experimental specimens were tested at three various temperatures of 70, 80 and 90 °C using a gas pressure of 1000 psi. The quantity of water filtrate collected was measured in milliliter (mL) at 30 min after the test begins. The results consistently indicate that an additional of NS, NT and NA particles independently, reduced the loss of liquid in cement, and its performance varies with temperature and the nanoparticle dosages. The 3% NS usage delivered strong evidence in lessening fluid loss compared to the other results by reducing the loss up to 72%. When collective impact of nanomaterials was determined, the fluid retainment was also improved. The replacement of 4% NST reduced fluid loss by the most compared to NSA and NTA binary groups. In-case of ternary combination, NSTA showed a highest reduction of the water loss by 58–60% likened to the plain samples at the concentration of 4%. The key investigation of this paper clearly suggested that the efficacy of Class G cement having nanoparticles to trap its water is dependent on the nanoparticle contents. The lessening of water filtration might be explicated by the filling capability of nano-scale particles. Nanoparticles can plug the openings within the oil-well cement slurry matrix, thus promoting the retainability of water. Besides, nanoparticles quickens the hydration products by creating dense interlocking C–S–H gels for bridging cement grains and forming enclosed structure which can stop the liquid from escaping the slurry.