Real-Time Monitoring System of Automobile Driver Status and Intelligent Fatigue Warning Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerator

To improve automobile safety, identifying driver fatigue is considerably crucial because it is one of the main causes of traffic accidents. In this research, smart systems based on a triboelectric nanogenerator are designed, which can provide driver status monitoring and fatigue warning in real time. The smart system consists of a self-powered steering-wheel angle sensor (SSAS) and a signal processing unit. The SSAS, which comprises a stator, a rotor, and a sleeve, is mounted on the steering rod, and the electrodes are designed with a phase difference to improve the resolution of the sensor. The turning angle of the steering wheel operated by the driver is recorded by the SSAS; meanwhile, the number of rotations, the average angle, and other parameters in the driver's recorded data are analyzed by the signal processing unit from which a warning threshold for each parameter is determined. The system assesses the status of the driver in real-time by comparing these parameters and threshold values, and experimental results demonstrate that driver status is accurately judged. This work has important potential applications in the fields of traffic safety and intelligent driving.

Adverse childhood experiences and co-occurring psychological distress and substance abuse among juvenile offenders: the role of protective factors

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to estimate associations between cumulative exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), protective factors, and co-occurrence among male and female juvenile offenders.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Validated measures of ACEs, internal resilience, external youth assets, psychological distress, and substance abuse were collected from 429 youths involved in the juvenile justice system in Nevada. A three-level outcome variable was created using the psychological distress and substance use measures: no problems, one problem, or co-occurring problems. Hierarchical multinomial logistic regression models were used to determine the independent, direct, and moderating impact of the protective factors on ACEs and the outcome.

RESULTS

Internal resilience, family communication, school connectedness, peer role models, and non-parental adult role models were associated with lower odds of co-occurrence compared to having no problems (adjusted odds ratios [AORs] ranged from 0.11 to 0.33). When ACEs were added to the model, internal resilience and all assets except for one (non-parental adult role models) continued to offer protection against co-occurrence. Internal resilience was the only protective factor that significantly moderated the association between ACEs and co-occurrence (AOR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.06, 0.99).

CONCLUSION

Most protective factors decreased co-occurring mental health and substance abuse problems in the presence of ACE exposure and internal resilience moderated the relationship between ACEs and co-occurrence. Juvenile justice systems should use positive youth development approaches to help prevent co-occurrence among youths.

LncRNA APPAT regulated miR-328a/Pkp1 signal pathway to participate in breast cancer

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies indicated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is involved in the development of breast cancer, which is the pathological basis of breast cancer. Here, we reported the molecular mechanisms by which lncRNA APPAT regulated in the progression of breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

QPCR was used to inspect the expression of lncRNA APPAT and miR-328a in breast cancer cell lines. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed the direct target effect of APPAT and miR-328a. Western blot was used to check Pkp1 protein expression in breast cancer cell lines.

RESULTS

The expressions of lncRNA APPAT, Pkp1 protein levels and miR-328a were commonly expressed in breast cancer cells. The inhibition of lncRNA APPAT expression repressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion in breast cancer and reverse results were found after lncRNA APPAT overexpressing. Mechanistically, the binding targets of lncRNA APPAT vs. miR-328a and Pkp1 vs. miR-328a were checked in breast cancer. Meanwhile, miR-328a silencing enhanced the proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Moreover, the effect caused by Pkp1 silencing on cell proliferation, migration and invasion was reversed by miR-328a inhibitor in MCF-7 and BT594 cells. Additionally, Pkp1 knockout reversed the effect of cell proliferation, migration and invasion triggered by APPAT elevated. Taken together, these results showed miR-328a as a downstream target of lncRNA APPAT linking lncRNA APPAT to Pkp1.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNA APPAT regulated the proliferation, migration, invasion of breast cancer by regulating miR-328a/Pkp1 signaling pathway, providing a novel possible strategy for the treatment of breast cancer.

Circular RNA-ABCB10 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression through upregulating NRP1/ABL2 via sponging miR-340-5p/miR-452-5p

OBJECTIVE

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common liver malignancies worldwide with a high rate of recurrence and mortality. Circular RNA-ABCB10 (circ-ABCB10), 724 nucleotides in length, plays a pro-oncogenic role in tumor progression. However, the role of circ-ABCB10 in HCC is still unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the role of circ-ABCB10 in HCC progression in vitro and in vivo and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Tumor tissues from patients with HCC and multiple HCC cell lines were used for in vitro experiments and a mouse xenograft model was used for in vivo experiments. Quantitative Real Time-PCR, Western blots, lentivirus transfection, cell proliferation assays, cloning formation, migration, and invasion assays, flow cytometry, Luciferase reporter assays, and biotin-coupled probe pull-down assays were performed to investigate the mechanism underlying the effect of circ-ABCB10 on HCC.

RESULTS

The results revealed that the expression of circ-ABCB10 was downregulated in both HCC tissues and cell lines and was positively correlated with histological grade and tumor size. The overexpression of circ-ABCB10 exerted inhibitory effects on HCC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Mechanistic and functional evidence together showed that circ-ABCB10 elevated expressions of neuropilin-1 (NRP1) and ABL related gene (ABL2) by sponging miR-340-5p and miR-452-5p, which inhibited the progression of HCC. Furthermore, the in vivo study suggests that circ-ABCB10 inhibited tumor growth in nude mice.

CONCLUSIONS

In brief, the results demonstrate that circ-ABCB10 exerts anti-tumor roles via miR-340-5p/miR-452-5p-NRP1/ABL2 signaling axis, providing a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.

Genomic scan revealed KIT gene underlying white/gray plumage color in Chinese domestic geese

Goose is an important type of domesticated poultry. The wild geese that are regarded as the ancestors of modern domestic geese present gray plumage. Domesticated, geese have both white and gray feathers. To elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying the formation of white and gray plumage in geese, we resequenced the whole genome of 18 geese from six populations including white and gray goose breeds. The average sequencing depth per individual was 9.81× and the average genome coverage was 96.8%. A total of 346 genes were detected in the top 1% of F_ST scores of gray- and white-feathered geese, and a significant F_ST site was located in the intron region within the KIT gene, the 18 bp deletion in KIT having the strongest potential association with white feathers. It has been reported that a number of genes are associated with plumage colors in birds. However, no studies have identified the relationship between KIT and plumage color in birds at present, although the white coat can be attributed to mutations in KIT in some mammals. Our study showed that that KIT is a plausible candidate gene for white/gray plumage color in Chinese domestic geese.

Design of Geiger Muller detector system for searching lost γ-ray source

If a radiation source is lost, it will do harm to human being, especially for the searching person. In order to find the lost radiation source easily, a detector system, including 3 detectors, was designed to search the lost c-ray radiation source autonomously in any environment. First, based on GEANT4 simulation, the radiation dose rates in 3 Geiger Muller (GM) counters were simulated at the different source-detector distances, distances between detectors and angles. Various analyses were performed by experimentally and verified the simulated detector designed system. A Mono-energetic 137Cs c-ray source with energy 662 keV and activity of 1.11 GBq was used for the observation. The simulated results were compared with the experimental dose rate values and obtained good agreements for various cases. Only based on the dose rates in three detectors, the radiation source was searched in a different location at a specific source activity and angle. The corresponding angles of deviation and detection limit were calculated for sensitivity and ability of detector designed system. The proposed detector designed system can be used to navigate radiation sources in the low level and high radiation environments.

Tumor-Associated Microbiota in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Important evidence indicates the microbiota plays a key role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The esophageal microbiota was prospectively investigated in 18 patients with ESCC and 11 patients with physiological normal (PN) esophagus by 16S rRNA gene profiling, using next-generation sequencing. The microbiota composition in tumor tissues of ESCC patients were significantly different from that of patients with PN tissues. The ESCC microbiota was characterized by reduced microbial diversity, by decreased abundance of Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, and Spirochaetes. Employing these taxa into a microbial dysbiosis index demonstrated that dysbiosis microbiota had good capacity to discriminate between ESCC and PN esophagus. Functional analysis characterized that ESCC microbiota had altered nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase functions compared with PN group. These results suggest that specific microbes and the microbiota may drive or mitigate ESCC carcinogenesis, and this study will facilitate assigning causal roles in ESCC development to certain microbes and microbiota.

Neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade in combination with chemotherapy for patients with resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

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Background: Programmed death-1 (PD-1) blockade may induce tumor regression in patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but little is known about the efficacy of PD-1 blockade in neoadjuvant therapy of resectable ESCC. Methods: Under an approved clinical trial protocol, a pilot study was conducted by enrolling patients with untreated, resectable (stage II or IIIA) ESCC. After written informed consent, each patient received two 21-day cycles of neoadjuvant treatment with camrelizumab (200mg), albumin-paclitaxel (260mg/m2) and carboplatin (area under the curve = 5) followed by surgical resection about 6 weeks after the first dose. The primary end points were safety and feasibility. We also reported the objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR) and tumor pathological response. Results: Between January 19, 2020, and July 21, 2020, we assessed 35 patients for screening, of whom 20 patients were enrolled. Neoadjuvant combination of camrelizumab, carboplatin and albumin-paclitaxel had an acceptable side-effect profile, and was not associated with delays in surgery. The ORR was 85%, and the DCR was 100%. Eighteen (90%) patients were taken into the surgery, and all of them successfully underwent R0 resection. Five (5/18 = 27.8%) patients had a pathological complete response (pCR), and eight (44.4%) patients had major pathological responses (MPR).The most common treatment-related grade 1–2 adverse events were leukopenia (12, 60%), neutropenia (11, 55%) and nausea (8, 40%). Two (10%) patients suffered grade 3 neutropenia. There was no grade 4 adverse events and treatment-related deaths. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant camrelizumab plus carboplatin and albumin-paclitaxel had manageable treatment-related toxic effects, did not delay surgery. This regimen induced pCR or MPR in 72.2% of resected tumor, demonstrating its antitumor efficacy in resectable ESCC. Clinical trial information: ChiCTR2000028900.

Effect of Polyphenols on Cognitive Function: Evidence from Population-Based Studies and Clinical Trials

Due to progressive population aging, a new dementia case occurs at every 3 seconds, placing a heavy burden of disease. Identifying potential risk or preventive factors is emphasized owing to a lack of effective treatment for dementia. There has been emerging evidence on the link of certain dietary components, particularly polyphenols, to brain wellness and cognitive outcomes. Findings from animal and in vitro studies appear more consistent and conclusive. However, such an association has not been investigated in depth in human beings. In this review, we examined studies on the effect of dietary polyphenols (including flavonoids, curcumin, and resveratrol) on cognitive function. Intervention in early stages of dementia/Alzheimer's disease might be a target to slow down age-related cognitive decline before disease onset. We summarized 28 epidemiological studies (8 cross-sectional and 20 cohort studies) and 55 trials in this review. Preliminary evidence from epidemiological data provides the necessity for intervention trials, even though the measures of polyphenol intake tend to be less precise. Clinical trials are in favor of the role of some polyphenols in benefiting specific domains of cognition. This review also describes the divergence of results and current limitations of research in this field.

Prognostic Role of ABO Blood Type in Operable Esophageal Cancer: Analysis of 2179 Southern Chinese Patients

Background

The prognostic value of ABO blood types is not well clarified for esophageal carcinoma (EC). This study attempted to elucidate the associations between different ABO blood types and disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of EC.

Methods

This study was a retrospective review of the records of 2179 patients with EC who received surgery from December 2000 to December 2008. The prognostic impact of ABO blood group on DFS and OS were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Univariate analyses found significant differences in DFS and OS among the four blood types. Multivariate analyses showed ABO blood type independently predicted DFS (P=0.001) and OS (P=0.002). Furthermore, patients with non-B blood types had a significantly shorter DFS (HR=1.22, 95%CI:1.07–1.38, P=0.002) and OS (HR=1.22, 95%CI:1.07–1.38, P=0.003) than patients with blood type B, and patients with non-O blood types had a significantly better DFS (HR=0.86, 95%CI:0.77–0.96, P=0.006) and OS (HR=0.86, 95%CI:0.77–0.96, P=0.007) than patients with blood type O. Subgroup analyses found that blood type B had a better DFS and OS than non-B in patients who were male, younger, early pathological stages and had squamous-cell carcinomas (ESCC). Blood type O had a worse DFS and OS than non-O in patients who were male, younger, and had ESCC (P<0.05).

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that ABO blood group is an independent prognostic factor of survival, and that type B predicts a favorable prognosis, whereas type O predicts an unfavorable prognosis for survival in patients with EC, especially those with ESCC.

A Modified VATS Procedure for Treating Adult Intralobar Pulmonary Sequestration

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) makes it possible to treat intralobar sequestration (ILS) more minimally invasive compared with conventional open surgery. However, this procedure is challenging to expose and isolate the aberrant arteries of ILS and the risk of bleeding is high. Herein, we developed a modified VATS procedure in which the aberrant vessels are treated in the last step of lobectomy, rather than at the beginning. In this way, we can expose the aberrant vessels easier and reduce the risk of massive blood loss, also simplifying the surgical procedure.

A review of current progress in triple-negative breast cancer therapy

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a particularly aggressive subtype known for its extremely high drug resistance, progression, poor prognosis, and lack of clear therapeutic targets. Researchers are aiming to advance TNBC treatment worldwide. In the past 2–3 years, more positive results have emerged in the clinical research on TNBC treatment. Based on the results, several impressive drugs have been approved to benefit patients with TNBC, including the PARP inhibitors olaparib and talazoparib for germline BRCA mutation-associated breast cancer (gBRCAm-BC) and immunotherapy using the checkpoint inhibitor atezolizumab in combination with nab-paclitaxel for programmed cell death-ligand 1-positive (PD-L1+) advanced TNBC. Although neoadjuvant therapy has focused on combinations of systemic agents to optimize pathologically complete response, metastatic TNBC still has a poor prognosis. Innovative multidrug combination systemic therapies based on neoadjuvants and adjuvants have led to significant improvements in outcomes, particularly over the past decade.

Analysis of adoption trends of in-parlor technologies over a 10-year period for labor saving and data capture on pasture-based dairy farms

The use of precision technology is increasingly seen as an option to improve productivity, animal welfare, resource use efficiency, and workplace features on dairy farms. There is limited research related to longitudinal adoption patterns of precision dairy technologies and reasons for any patterns. The aim of this analysis was to investigate trends in technology adoption regarding both the amount (number of farms with a technology) and intensity (number of technologies per farm) of adoption. Surveys of parlor technology adoption were conducted on New Zealand dairy farms in 2008, 2013, and 2018, with 532, 500, and 500 respondents, respectively. Technologies were grouped into labor-saving (LS, such as automatic cluster removers) or data-capture (DC, such as in-line milk meters) categories. Trends were examined for farms that had only LS, only DC, or LS+DC technologies. Technology adoption increased over time; the likelihood of technology adoption in 2018 (and 2013 in parentheses) increased by 21 (22), 7 (68), and 378% (165) for LS, DC, and LS+DC technology groups, respectively, compared to 2008. Farms with LS+DC technologies also had a greater proportion of LS technologies compared to non-LS+DC farms, although this relationship declined over the 10-yr period. The use of a rotary versus herringbone parlor was estimated to be associated with 356 and 470% increase in the likelihood of adopting LS technologies and LS+DC, respectively, from 2008 to 2018. Regional differences in adoption were also found, with the likelihood of adopting DC and LS+DC technologies found to be 46 and 59% greater, respectively, in the South Island of New Zealand, compared to the base region of Waikato. The results highlight the importance of understanding spatial and temporal farm characteristics when considering future effect and adoption of precision dairy technologies. For example, the analysis indicates the occurrence of 2 trajectories to technology investment on farms, where larger farms are able to take advantage of technology opportunities, but smaller farms may be constrained by factors such as lack of economies of scale, limited capital to invest, and inability to retrofit technology into aging parlor infrastructure.

Implications of new-onset atrial fibrillation for in-hospital and long-term prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction: the CBD Bank study

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) often coexists with coronary artery disease. Data on the incidence and prognostic impact of new-onset AF following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with current optimal therapy are insufficient, especially in Asian populations.

Purpose

To investigate the incidence of new-onset AF following AMI and to assess its impact on in-hospital and long-term prognosis.

Methods

We included consecutive AMI patients between December 2012 and July 2019, and excluded those with prior known AF on presentation. New-onset AF was defined as newly detected AF during the index hospitalization following AMI. The primary outcomes comprised of all-cause death and cardiovascular death occurred during hospitalization; and all-cause death and cardiovascular death during long-term follow-up among those AMI survivors. Follow-up visits were routinely scheduled after discharge, at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and every 12 months thereafter.

Results

Of 3686 patients enrolled, new-onset AF was documented in 138 (3.7%) patients during a mean duration of hospitalization of 8.8±5.8 days. Independent risk factors of new-onset AF were age ≥75 years, left atrial diameter ≥40mm, high levels of cardiac troponin-I or high sensitive C reactive protein. During hospitalization, all-cause death occurred in 22 (15.9%) new-onset AF patients and 67 (1.9%) non-AF patients (p&lt;0.001); cardiovascular death occurred in 19 (13.8%) new-onset AF patients and 58 (1.6%) non-AF patients (p&lt;0.001). On multivariable logistic analysis, new-onset AF was an independent predictor of in-hospital all-cause death (OR 5.85, 95% CI: 3.24–10.55) and cardiovascular death (OR 5.44, 95% CI: 2.90–10.20). Apart from the in-hospital deaths, another 265 (7.7%) were lost to follow-up; thus, 3332 patients were included in the long-term follow-up analysis: 106 new-onset AF and 3226 non-AF patients. After a mean follow-up period of 1096.7±682.0 days, all-cause death occurred in 19 new-onset AF patients and 249 non-AF patients; corresponding rates were 8.08 (95% CI: 5.15–12.67) vs. 2.55 (95% CI: 2.25, 2.88) per 100 person-years, respectively (p&lt;0.001). Cardiovascular death occurred in 11 new-onset AF patients and 150 non-AF patients; corresponding rates were 4.68 (95% CI: 2.59–8.45) vs. 1.53 (95% CI: 1.31–1.80) per 100 person-years, respectively (p=0.002). After multivariable Cox adjustment, there was no significant association between new-onset AF and long-term all-cause death (HR 1.45, 95% CI: 0.90–2.35) or cardiovascular death (HR 1.21, 95% CI: 0.65–2.26).

Conclusion

New-onset AF following AMI was an independent predictor of increased risk of in-hospital mortality, but had no independent association with long-term death.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None