Sierra Leone is the most severely affected country by an unprecedented outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa. Although successfully contained, the transmission dynamics of EVD and the ...impact of interventions in the country remain unclear. We established a database of confirmed and suspected EVD cases from May 2014 to September 2015 in Sierra Leone and mapped the spatiotemporal distribution of cases at the chiefdom level. A Poisson transmissionmodel revealed that the transmissibility at the chiefdom level, estimated as the average number of secondary infections caused by a patient per week, was reduced by 43% 95% confidence interval (CI): 30%, 52% after October 2014, when the strategic plan of the United Nations Mission for Emergency Ebola Response was initiated, and by 65% (95% CI: 57%, 71%) after the end of December 2014, when 100% case isolation and safe burials were essentially achieved, both compared with before October 2014. Population density, proximity to Ebola treatment centers, cropland coverage, and atmospheric temperature were associated with EVD transmission. The household secondary attack rate (SAR) was estimated to be 0.059 (95% CI: 0.050, 0.070) for the overall outbreak. The household SAR was reduced by 82%, from 0.093 to 0.017, after the nationwide campaign to achieve 100% case isolation and safe burials had been conducted. This study provides a complete overview of the transmission dynamics of the 2014–2015 EVD outbreak in Sierra Leone at both chiefdom and household levels. The interventions implemented in Sierra Leone seem effective in containing the epidemic, particularly in interrupting household transmission.
A three-dimensional (3-D) metal-organic framework (MOF) with 3-D channels, i.e. Cu3(BTC)2 (HKUST-1, BTC = benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate), was synthesized by using ultrasonic method for the first time. ...The reaction of cupric acetate and H3BTC in a mixed solution of DMF/EtOH/H2O (3:1:2, v/v) under ultrasonic irradiation at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure for short reaction times (5-60min) gave Cu3(BTC)2 in high yields (62.6-85.1%). These Cu3(BTC)2 nano-crystals have dimensions of a size range of 10-200 nm, which are much smaller than those synthesized using conventional solvothermal method. There were no significant differences in physicochemical properties, e.g. BET surface area, pore volume, and hydrogen storage capacity, between Cu3(BTC)2 nano-crystals prepared using ultrasonic method and the microcrystals obtained by using improved solvothermal method. Compared with traditional synthetic techniques, such as solvent diffusion technique, hydrothermal and solvothermal methods, ultrasonic method for the construction of porous MOFs was found to be highly efficient and environmentally friendly.
We conducted a 3-year longitudinal serologic survey on an open cohort of poultry workers, swine workers, and general population controls to assess avian influenza A virus (AIV) seroprevalence and ...seroincidence and virologic diversity at live poultry markets (LPMs) in Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province, China. Of 964 poultry workers, 9 (0.93%) were seropositive for subtype H7N9 virus, 18 (1.87%) for H9N2, and 18 (1.87%) for H5N1. Of 468 poultry workers followed longitudinally, 2 (0.43%), 13 (2.78%), and 7 (1.5%) seroconverted, respectively; incidence was 1.27, 8.28, and 4.46/1,000 person-years for H7N9, H9N2, and H5N1 viruses, respectively. Longitudinal surveillance of AIVs at 9 LPMs revealed high co-circulation of H9, H7, and H5 subtypes. We detected AIVs in 726 (23.3%) of 3,121 samples and identified a high diversity (10 subtypes) of new genetic constellations and reassortant viruses. These data suggest that stronger surveillance for AIVs within LPMs and high-risk populations is imperative.
Aim
To assess the neural and non‐neural contributions to spasticity in the impaired ankle of children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Method
Instrumented tapping of the Achilles tendon was done ...isometrically to minimize non‐neural contributions and elicit neural contributions. Robot‐controlled ankle stretching was done at various velocities, including slow stretching, with minimized neural contributions. Spasticity was assessed as having neural (phasic and tonic stretch reflex torque, tendon reflex gain, contraction rate, and half relaxation rate) and non‐neural origin (elastic stiffness and viscous damping) in 17 children with CP (six females and 11 males; mean age SD 10y 8mo 3y 11mo, range 4y–18y) and 17 typically developing children (six females and 11 males; mean age SD 12y 7mo 2y 9mo, range 7y–18y). All torques were normalized to weight×height.
Results
Children with CP showed increased phasic and tonic stretch reflex torque (p=0.004 and p=0.001 respectively), tendon reflex gain (p=0.02), contraction rate (p=0.038), half relaxation rate (p=0.02), elastic stiffness (p=0.01), and viscous damping (p=0.01) compared to typically developing children.
Interpretation
Controlled stretching and instrumented tendon tapping allow the systematic quantification of various neural and non‐neural changes in CP, which can be used to guide impairment‐specific treatment.
What this paper adds
Ankle spasticity is associated with increased phasic and tonic stretch reflexes, tendon reflex gain, and contraction and half relaxation rates.
Ankle spasticity is also associated with increased elastic stiffness and viscous damping.
Resumen
Contribuciones neuronales y no neuronales a la espasticidad del tobillo en niños con parálisis cerebral
Objetivo
Evaluar las contribuciones neurales y no neurales a la espasticidad en el tobillo comprometido de niños con parálisis cerebral (PC).
Método
La percusión instrumentada en el tendón de Aquiles se realizó de forma isométrica para minimizar las contribuciones no neurales y un tirón del tendón exagerado, para obtener contribuciones neurales. El estiramiento del tobillo controlado por robot se realizó a varias velocidades, incluido el estiramiento lento, con contribuciones neurales minimizadas. Se evaluó la espasticidad como neural (torque reflejo de estiramiento fásico y tónico, ganancia del reflejo tendinoso, tasa de contracción y media tasa de relajación) y origen no neural (rigidez elástica y amortiguación viscosa) en 17 niños con PC (seis mujeres y 11 varones; edad media DE 10a 8m 3a 11m, rango 4a‐18a) y 17 niños con desarrollo típico (seis mujeres y 11 hombres; edad media SD 12a 7m 2a 9m, rango 7a‐18a). Todos los pares de torsion se normalizaron al peso × altura.
Resultados
Los niños con PC mostraron un aumento del torque reflejo de estiramiento fásico y tónico (p = 0,004 y p = 0,001 respectivamente), ganancia refleja del tendón (p = 0,02), tasa de contracción (p = 0,038), tasa de relajación media (p = 0,02), rigidez elastica (p = 0,01) y amortiguación viscosa (p = 0,01) en comparación con los niños con desarrollo normal.
Interpretación
El estiramiento controlado y la percusión instrumentada del tendón, permiten la cuantificación sistemática de varios cambios neuronales y no neuronales en la PC, que pueden usarse para guiar el tratamiento específico de la discapacidad.
Resumo
Contribuições neurais e não neurais para a espasticidade do tornozelo em crianças com paralisia cerebral
Objetivo
Avaliar as contribuições neurais e não‐neurais para a espasticidade no tornozelo comprometido de crianças com paralisia cerebral (PC).
Método
O golpeamento instrumentalizado do tendão de Aquiles foi realizado isometricamente para minimizar as contribuições não‐neurais e um desvio exagerado do tendão, e assim eliciar as contribuições neurais. O alongamento do tornozelo controlado por um robô foi realizado em várias velocidades, incluindo alongamento lento, com contribuições neurais limitadas. A espasticidade foi avaliada como tendo origem neural (torque do reflexo fásico e tônico, ganho do reflexo tendinoso, taxa de contração, e taxa de meio relaxamento) e não‐neural (rigidez elástica e amortecimento viscoso) em 17 crianças com PC (seis do sexo feminino e 11 do sexo masculino; média de idade DP 10a 8m 3 11m, variação 4a–18a) e 17 crianças com desenvolvimento típico (seis do sexo feminino e 11 do sexo masculino; média de idade DP 12a 7m 2a 9m, variação 7a–18a). Todos os torques foram normalizados para peso x altura.
Resultados
Crianças com PC mostraram aumento do torque do reflexo tônico e fásico e (p=0,004 e p=0,001 respectivamente), ganho do reflexo tendinoso (p=0,02), taxa de contração (p=0,038), taxa de meio relaxamento (p=0,02), rigidez elástica (p=0,01), e amortecimento viscoso (p=0,01) em comparação com as crianças com desenvolvimento típico.
Interpretação
O alongamento controlado e o golpeamento instrumentalizado do tendão permitem quantificação sistemática de várias mudanças neurais e não‐neurais em PC, as quais podem ser usadas para guiar tratamento específico para a deficiência observada.
What this paper adds
Ankle spasticity is associated with increased phasic and tonic stretch reflexes, tendon reflex gain, and contraction and half relaxation rates.
Ankle spasticity is also associated with increased elastic stiffness and viscous damping.
This article is commented on by Meskers and Kwakkel on page 1008 of this issue.
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Natural killer (NK) cells play essential roles in the tumor development, diagnosis, and prognosis of tumors. In this study, we aimed to establish a reliable signature based on marker genes in NK ...cells, thus providing a new perspective for assessing immunotherapy and the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer (GC). We analyzed a total of 1560 samples retrieved from the public database. We performed a comprehensive analysis of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of gastric cancer and identified 377 marker genes for NK cells. By performing Cox regression analysis, we established a 12-gene NK cell-associated signature (NKCAS) for the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort, that assigned GC patients into a low-risk group (LRG) or a high-risk group (HRG). In the TCGA cohort, the areas under curve (AUC) value were 0.73, 0.81, and 0.80 at 1, 3, and 5 years. External validation of the predictive ability for the signature was then validated in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) cohorts (GSE84437). The expression levels of signature genes were measured and validated in GC cell lines by real-time PCR. Moreover, NKCAS was identified as an independent prognostic factor by multivariate analysis. We combined this with a variety of clinicopathological characteristics (age, M stage, and tumor grade) to construct a nomogram to predict the survival outcomes of patients. Moreover, the LRG showed higher immune cell infiltration, especially CD8+ T cells and NK cells. The risk score was negatively associated with inflammatory activities. Importantly, analysis of the independent immunotherapy cohort showed that the LRG had a better prognosis and immunotherapy response when compared with the HRG. The identification of NK cell marker genes in this study suggests potential therapeutic targets. Additionally, the developed predictive signatures and nomograms may aid in the clinical management of GC.
A rapid nutritional transition has caused greater childhood obesity prevalence in many countries, but the repertoire of effective preventive interventions remains limited.
To determine the ...effectiveness of a novel multifaceted intervention for obesity prevention in primary school children.
A cluster randomized clinical trial was conducted during a single school year (from September 11, 2018, to June 30, 2019) across 3 socioeconomically distinct regions in China according to a prespecified trial protocol. Twenty-four schools were randomly allocated (1:1) to the intervention or the control group, with 1392 eligible children aged 8 to 10 years participating. Data from the intent-to-treat population were analyzed from October 1 to December 31, 2019.
A multifaceted intervention targeted both children (promoting healthy diet and physical activity) and their environment (engaging schools and families to support children's behavioral changes). The intervention was novel in its strengthening of family involvement with the assistance of a smartphone app. The control schools engaged in their usual practices.
The primary outcome was the change in body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in square meters) from baseline to the end of the trial. Secondary outcomes included changes in adiposity outcomes (eg, BMI z score, prevalence of obesity), blood pressure, physical activity and dietary behaviors, obesity-related knowledge, and physical fitness. Generalized linear mixed models were used in the analyses.
Among the 1392 participants (mean SD age, 9.6 0.4 years; 717 boys 51.5%; mean SD BMI, 18.6 3.7), 1362 (97.8%) with follow-up data were included in the analyses. From baseline to the end of the trial, the mean BMI decreased in the intervention group, whereas it increased in the control group; the mean between-group difference in BMI change was -0.46 (95% CI, -0.67 to -0.25; P < .001), which showed no evidence of difference across different regions, sexes, maternal education levels, and primary caregivers (parents vs nonparents). The prevalence of obesity decreased by 27.0% of the baseline figure (a relative decrease) in the intervention group, compared with 5.6% in the control group. The intervention also improved other adiposity outcomes, dietary, sedentary, and physical activity behaviors, and obesity-related knowledge, but it did not change moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity, physical fitness, or blood pressure. No adverse events were observed during the intervention.
The multifaceted intervention effectively reduced the mean BMI and obesity prevalence in primary school children across socioeconomically distinct regions in China, suggesting its potential for national scaling.
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03665857.
Over two decades, social influence researchers have called for a study that would examine how, why, and when influence tactics are effective. Informed by balance theory, the present study proposes ...that subordinate and supervisor political skill impacts the effectiveness of ingratiation attempts. The results from a survey of 228 supervisor–subordinate dyads in Chinese firms indicated that subordinates with high political skill are less likely to have their exhibited ingratiation behaviour perceived by their supervisors; however, supervisors with high political skill are likely to perceive ingratiation behaviour demonstrated by their subordinates. Moreover, the most successful condition for enabling subordinates to hide ingratiation from their supervisors is when the subordinates are politically astute and the supervisors are not. Furthermore, when supervisors perceive ingratiation behaviour, they rate low on the job performance and promotability of their subordinates; these low ratings are explained by the undermined personal reputation of the subordinates due to their ingratiation detected.
Optimal treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) involving portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) remains controversial.
A total of 627 HCC patients with PVTT after initial treatment with one of the ...following at Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University: liver resection (LR, n = 225), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE, n = 298) or sorafenib (n = 104) were recruited and randomly divided into the training cohort (n = 314) and internal validation cohort (n = 313). Survival analysis were repeated after stratifying patients by Cheng PVTT type.
Resection led to significantly higher OS than the other two treatments among patients with type I or II PVTT. TACE worked significantly better than the other two treatments for patients with type III. All three treatments were associated with similar OS among patients with type IV. These findings were supported by the internal validation cohort.
Our results suggest that the optimal treatment for HCC involving PVTT depends on the type of PVTT. LR may be more appropriate for type I or II PVTT; TACE, for type III Sorafenib may be more appropriate than invasive treatments for patients with type IV PVTT.
•Blade tracking system, overcoming rotational interference.•Developed computer vision system for motion vibration tracking.•Rotation center identification markers optimize optical flow ...tracking.•Center markers optimize “small displacement” assumption with phase mapping.•Enhances speed and accuracy of blade target point detection.
Based on the computer vision, optical non-contact measurement has been widely applied in the field of mechanical vibration measurement. However, existing computer vision methods are primarily suitable for on-site vibration scenarios, which pose significant technical challenges for combined scenarios involving both rotation and vibration. When measuring high-speed test points, the simplest and most direct approach is to use high-frame-rate image acquisition devices. This paper adopts a gradient-based optical flow tracking and measurement technique to track points of interest on rotating structures. In order to overcome the limitation of optical flow method's “spatial continuity assumption” on the measurement speed of rotating structures, a novel optical tracking and measurement method for periodically rotating blades based on center marker recognition in reorganized videos is proposed. Building upon the optical flow-based target tracking and detection algorithm, an improved method based on Quick Response Code（QR Code） marker tracking and Phase Mapping Method (PMM) is proposed. The optical flow method for rotating structures achieves an increased maximum detection speed, thereby reducing the cost of image sampling devices. In theory, the maximum detectable rotational speed that can be increased depends on the ratio of the length of the blade (R) to the adopted two-dimensional side length (r), denoted as R/r. In this paper, the theoretical maximum value for the increased rotational speed is R/r≈4. Compared to high-frame-rate cameras with costs ranging from tens of thousands to even several hundred thousand dollars, the commercial camera devices used in this paper are priced at around a few thousand dollars. On the other hand, the use of QR Code for marking and tracking improves the accuracy of the detection algorithm and allows for the inclusion of more information within the QR Code. The paper introduces and analyzes the fundamentals and principles of this algorithm, conducts experimental measurements, and verifies the proposed improvement through theoretical calculations.
Camptothecins (CPTs) are cytotoxic natural alkaloids that specifically target DNA topoisomerase I. Research on CPTs has undergone a significant evolution from the initial discovery of CPT in the late ...1960s through the study of synthetic small‐molecule derivatives to investigation of macromolecular constructs and formulations. Over the past years, intensive medicinal chemistry efforts have generated numerous CPT derivatives. Three derivatives, topotecan, irinotecan, and belotecan, are currently prescribed as anticancer drugs, and several related compounds are now in clinical trials. Interest in other biological effects, besides anticancer activity, of CPTs is also growing exponentially, as indicated by the large number of publications on the subject during the last decades. Therefore, the main focus of the present review is to provide an ample but condensed overview on various biological activities of CPT derivatives, in addition to continued up‐to‐date coverage of anticancer effects.
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