Rapid bacterial detection and gram-identification using bacterially activated, macrophage-membrane-coated nanowired-si surfaces in a microfluidic device

Bacterially induced sepsis requires rapid bacterial detection and identification. Hours count for critically ill septic patients, while current culture-based detection requires at least 10 h up to several days. Here, we apply a microfluidic device equipped with a bacterially activated, macrophage-membrane-coating on nanowired-Si adsorbent surfaces for rapid, bacterial detection and Gram-identification in bacterially contaminated blood. Perfusion of suspensions of Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacteria through a microfluidic device equipped with membrane-coated adsorbent surfaces detected low (<10 CFU/mL) bacterial levels. Subsequent, in situ fluorescence-staining yielded Gram-identification for guiding antibiotic selection. In mixed Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus suspensions, Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria were detected in the same ratios as those fixed in suspension. Results were validated with a 100% correct score by blinded evaluation (two observers) of 15 human blood samples, spiked with widely different bacterial strains or combinations of strains, demonstrating the potential of the platform for rapid (1.5 h in total) diagnosis of bacterial sepsis

Identification of crucial modules and genes associated with backfat tissue development by WGCNA in Ningxiang pigs

Fat deposition is an economically important trait in pigs. Ningxiang pig, one of the four famous indigenous breeds in China, is characterized by high fat content. The underlying gene expression pattern in different developmental periods of backfat tissue remains unclear, and the purpose of this investigation is to explore the potential molecular regulators of backfat tissue development in Ningxiang pigs. Backfat tissue (three samples for each stage) was initially collected from different developmental stages (60, 120, 180, 240, 300, and 360 days after birth), and histological analysis and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) were then conducted. Fragments per kilobase of transcript per million (FPKM) method was used to qualify gene expressions, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Furthermore, strongly co-expressed genes in modules, which were named by color, were clustered by Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) based on dynamic tree cutting algorithm. Gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment were subsequently implemented, and hub genes were described in each module. Finally, QPCR analysis was employed to validate RNA-seq data. The results showed that adipocyte area increased and adipocyte number decreased with development of backfat tissue. A total of 1,024 DEGs were identified in five comparison groups (120 days vs. 60 days, 180 days vs. 120 days, 240 days vs. 180 days, 300 days vs. 240 days, and 360 days vs. 300 days). The turquoise, red, pink, paleturquoise, darkorange, and darkgreen module had the highest correlation coefficient with 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, and 360 days developmental stage, while the tan, black and turquoise module had strong relationship with backfat thickness, adipocyte area, and adipocyte number, respectively. Thirteen hub genes (ACSL1, ACOX1, FN1, DCN, CHST13, COL1A1, COL1A2, COL6A3, COL5A1, COL14A1, OAZ3, DNM1, and SELP) were recognized. ACSL1 and ACOX1 might perform function in the early developmental stage of backfat tissue (60 days), and FN1, DCN, COL1A1, COL1A2, COL5A1, COL6A3, and COL14A1 have unignorable position in backfat tissue around 120 days developmental stage. Besides, hub genes SELP and DNM1 in modules significantly associated with backfat thickness and adipocyte area might be involved in the process of backfat tissue development. These findings contribute to understand the integrated mechanism underlying backfat tissue development and promote the progress of genetic improvement in Ningxiang pigs

Design of Neural Network-based Backstepping Controller for the Folding-Boom Aerial Platform Vehicle

Abstract—In this paper, the robust trajectory tracking problem is addressed for the work platform of folding-boom aerial platform vehicle in the presence of uncertainties and disturbances. The control objective is to make the work platform move along a desired reference trajectory and make the vibration inhibit at the same time. Since neural network system can approximate any nonlinear function with arbitrary accuracy over a compact set in the light of the universal approximation theorem, a neural network-based backstepping controller, which composed of backstepping control and neural network, is proposed for the trajectory tracking control of the work platform in the case of modeling uncertainties and disturbances. According to Lyapunov stability theorem, the stability and convergence of the overall system can be guaranteed by the derived control law. In addition, simulation results demonstrate that the proposed controller is effective for suppressing the vibration and reducing trajectory tracking error of the work platform. Keywords-aerial platform vehicle; model uncertainties; trajectory tracking control; backstepping controller; neural network Folding-boom aerial platform vehicle is a kind of device which can lift people to the height for installation or maintenance [1], the scheme of which is shown i

Laparoscopic Nephrectomy versus Open Nephrectomy for Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

<div><p>Objective</p><p>To compare efficacy and safety of laparoscopicnephrectomy (LN) versusopen nephrectomy (ON) in the management of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis.</p><p>Methods</p><p>A systematic search of the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library was performed up to October 2014.This systematic review was performed based on observational comparative studies that assessed the two techniques. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and risk ratio (RR), with their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI), were calculated to compare continuous and dichotomous variables, respectively.</p><p>Results</p><p>Seven studies were identified, including 195 cases (118 LN / 77 ON). Although LN was associated with longer operative time (WMD 30.236, 95%CI 14.541 −45.932, P<0.001) and the specimen might not have been resected as heavy as the ON group (WMD -986.516, 95%CI -1883.24–-89.795, P = 0.031), patients in this group might benefit from a shorter length of hospital stay (WMD -3.576, 95%CI 4.976–-2.176, P <0.001), less estimated blood loss (WMD -180.245, 95%CI -317.939–-42.556, P = 0.010), and lower need of transfusion (RR 0.345, 95%CI 0.183–0.650, P = 0.001). The LN group also had less overall complications (RR 0.545, 95%CI 0.329–0.903, P = 0.018). The need of narcotic analgesics between the two groups might have no significant difference (WMD -54.66, 95%CI -129.76–20.44, P = 0.154).</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>LN for giant symptomatic ADPKD was feasible, safe and efficacious. Morbidity was significantly reduced compared with the open approach. For an experienced laparoscopist, LN might be a better alternative.</p></div

PRISMA flow chart of studies identified, included, and excluded in meta-analysis.

<p>PRISMA flow chart of studies identified, included, and excluded in meta-analysis.</p

Forest plots of overall complicationsusing a fixed-effect model.

<p>Studies are sub-grouped according to pure laparoscopic nephrectomy and hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy. Squares indicate study-specific risk estimates (size of the square reflects the study-specific statistical weight, i.e., the inverse of the variance); horizontal lines indicate 95% confidence intervals (CIs); diamonds indicate summary risk estimate with its corresponding 95% confidence interval.</p

Forest plots of operative time using a fixed-effect model.

<p>Squares indicate study-specific risk estimates (size of the square reflects the study-specific statistical weight, i.e., the inverse of the variance); horizontal lines indicate 95% confidence intervals (CIs); diamonds indicate summary risk estimate with its corresponding 95% confidence interval.</p

Characteristics of included studies.

<p>Matching factors:1,age; 2,gender; 3,body mass index; 4,American Society of Anesthesiology score; 5,operative side; 6,preoperative dialysis; 7,Indication for surgery; 8, kidney size; 9, previous pelvic/abdominal surgery; Variables:1,operative time; 2,length of hospital stay; 3, specimen weight; 4,overall complications; 5,estimated blood loss; 6, Analgesic requirement; 7, Transfusion. BMI: Body Mass Index, NA: data not available.</p><p>*Level of evidence: according to criteria by the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine[<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0129317#pone.0129317.ref028" target="_blank">28</a>].</p><p>^# Quality scores: according to criteria by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale[<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0129317#pone.0129317.ref029" target="_blank">29</a>].</p><p>Characteristics of included studies.</p

Forest plots of length of hospital stay using a random-effect model.

<p>Squares indicate study-specific risk estimates (size of the square reflects the study-specific statistical weight, i.e., the inverse of the variance); horizontal lines indicate 95% confidence intervals (CIs); diamonds indicate summary risk estimate with its corresponding 95% confidence interval.</p

Sensitive analysis of all the studies using Metaninf function in Stata 12.0.

<p>Sensitive analysis of all the studies using Metaninf function in Stata 12.0.</p