The Importance of 3D Motion Trajectories for Computer-based Sign Recognition

Computer-based sign language recognition from video is a challenging problem because of the spatiotemporal complexities inherent in sign production and the variations within and across signers. However, linguistic information can help constrain sign recognition to make it a more feasible classification problem. We have previously explored recognition of linguistically significant 3D hand configurations, as start and end handshapes represent one major component of signs; others include hand orientation, place of articulation in space, and movement. Thus, although recognition of handshapes (on one or both hands) at the start and end of a sign is essential for sign identification, it is not sufficient. Analysis of hand and arm movement trajectories can provide additional information critical for sign identification. In order to test the discriminative potential of the hand motion analysis, we performed sign recognition based exclusively on hand trajectories while holding the handshape constant. To facilitate this evaluation, we captured a collection of videos involving signs with a constant handshape produced by multiple subjects; and we automatically annotated the 3D motion trajectories. 3D hand locations are normalized in accordance with invariant properties of ASL movements. We trained time-series learning-based models for different signs of constant handshape in our dataset using the normalized 3D motion trajectories. Results show significant computer-based sign recognition accuracy across subjects and across a diverse set of signs. Our framework demonstrates the discriminative power and importance of 3D hand motion trajectories for sign recognition, given known handshapes

Gene Profiling of Aortic Valve Interstitial Cells under Elevated Pressure Conditions: Modulation of Inflammatory Gene Networks

The study aimed to identify mechanosensitive pathways and gene networks that are stimulated by elevated cyclic pressure in aortic valve interstitial cells (VICs) and lead to detrimental tissue remodeling and/or pathogenesis. Porcine aortic valve leaflets were exposed to cyclic pressures of 80 or 120 mmHg, corresponding to diastolic transvalvular pressure in normal and hypertensive conditions, respectively. Linear, two-cycle amplification of total RNA, followed by microarray was performed for transcriptome analysis (with qRT-PCR validation). A combination of systems biology modeling and pathway analysis identified novel genes and molecular mechanisms underlying the biological response of VICs to elevated pressure. 56 gene transcripts related to inflammatory response mechanisms were differentially expressed. TNF-α, IL-1α, and IL-1β were key cytokines identified from the gene network model. Also of interest was the discovery that pentraxin 3 (PTX3) was significantly upregulated under elevated pressure conditions (41-fold change). In conclusion, a gene network model showing differentially expressed inflammatory genes and their interactions in VICs exposed to elevated pressure has been developed. This system overview has detected key molecules that could be targeted for pharmacotherapy of aortic stenosis in hypertensive patients

Changes in caesarean section rates in China during the period of transition from the one-child to two-child policy era: cross-sectional National Household Health Services Surveys

Objectives: Since 2009, China has introduced policies, principally targeting health professionals, to reduce caesarean section (CS) overuse. In 2016, China endorsed a universal two-child policy. Advanced maternal age and previous CS may indicate changes in obstetric risks, which raise concerns on the need for and safety of CS. This study investigated changes in CS rates in 2008–2018, and factors associated with CS use during the period of transition from the one-child to two-child policy era. Design: We used births data from the cross-sectional National Household Health Services Surveys in 2013 and 2018. Setting: Population-based national survey. Participants: Women who had the last live birth within 5 years before the survey. Primary outcome measure: CS rate. Results: Overall CS use increased from 40.9% in 2008 to 47.2% in 2014 with significant increase in rural areas and the western region, and slightly decreased to 45.2% in 2018 with the greatest decrease among nulliparous women. Maternal request for CS by urban nulliparous women decreased from 36.8% in 2008–2009 to 22.2% in 2016–2018, but this change was not statistically significant in rural areas. Maternal age over 35 years old (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.72 to 3.35) and births that occurred at a private hospital (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.86) were associated with CS use among nulliparous women in 2016–2018. The CS rate among multiparous women increased over time. Individual socioeconomic factors associated with CS use among multiparous women. Conclusions: The CS rate rise in China in 2008–2018 is attributable to increased use in rural areas and the less developed western region. The population policy shift, alongside facility policies for unnecessary CS reduction, are likely factors in CS reduction in urban areas. The challenge remains to reduce unnecessary CS, at the same time as providing safe, universal access to CS for women in need

In situ structure of an intact lipopolysaccharide-bound bacterial surface layer

Most bacterial and all archaeal cells are encapsulated by a paracrystalline, protective, and cell-shape-determining proteinaceous surface layer (S-layer). On Gram-negative bacteria, S-layers are anchored to cells via lipopolysaccharide. Here, we report an electron cryomicroscopy structure of the Caulobacter crescentus S-layer bound to the O-antigen of lipopolysaccharide. Using native mass spectrometry and molecular dynamics simulations, we deduce the length of the O-antigen on cells and show how lipopolysaccharide binding and S-layer assembly is regulated by calcium. Finally, we present a near-atomic resolution in situ structure of the complete S-layer using cellular electron cryotomography, showing S-layer arrangement at the tip of the O-antigen. A complete atomic structure of the S-layer shows the power of cellular tomography for in situ structural biology and sheds light on a very abundant class of self-assembling molecules with important roles in prokaryotic physiology with marked potential for synthetic biology and surface-display applications

PDGFRα reporter activity identifies periosteal progenitor cells critical for bone formation and fracture repair

The outer coverings of the skeleton, which is also known as the periosteum, are arranged in concentric layers and act as a reservoir for tissue-specific bone progenitors. The cellular heterogeneity within this tissue depot is being increasingly recognized. Here, inducible PDGFR alpha reporter animals were found to mark a population of cells within the periosteum that act as a stem cell reservoir for periosteal appositional bone formation and fracture repair. During these processes, PDGFR alpha reporter(+) progenitors give rise to Nestin(+) periosteal cells before becoming osteoblasts and osteocytes. The diphtheria toxin-mediated ablation of PDGFR alpha reporter(+) cells led to deficits in cortical bone formation during homeostasis and a diminutive hard callus during fracture repair. After ossicle transplantation, both mouse PDGFR alpha reporter(+) periosteal cells and human Pdgfr alpha(+) periosteal progenitors expand, ossify, and recruit marrow to a greater extent than their counterpart periosteal cells, whereas PDGFR alpha reporter(-) periosteal cells exhibit a predisposition to chondrogenesis in vitro. Total RNA sequencing identified enrichment of the secreted factors Fermt3 and Ptpn6 within PDGFR alpha reporter(+) periosteal cells, which partly underlie the osteoblastogenic features of this cell population

Incidence of AD in African-Americans, Caribbean Hispanics, and Caucasians in Northern Manhattan

Objective: To compare the incidence rates for AD among elderly African-American, Caribbean Hispanic, and white individuals and to determine whether coincident cerebrovascular disease contributes to the inconsistency in reported differences among ethnic groups. Methods: This was a population-based, longitudinal study over a 7-year period in the Washington Heights and Inwood communities of New York City. Annual incidence rates for AD were calculated and compared by ethnic group, and cumulative incidence adjusted for differences in education, diabetes, cardiovascular risk factors, and stroke was calculated. Results: The age-specific incidence rate for probable and possible AD was 1.3% (95% CI, 0.8 to 1.7) per person-year between the ages of 65 and 74 years, 4.0% (95% CI, 3.2 to 4.8) per person-year between ages 75 and 84 years, and 7.9% (95% CI, 5.5 to 10.5) per person-year for ages 85 and older. Compared to white individuals, the cumulative incidence of AD to age 90 years was increased twofold among African-American and Caribbean Hispanic individuals. Adjustment for differences in number of years of education, illiteracy, or a history of stroke, hypertension, heart disease, or diabetes did not change the disproportionate risks among the three ethnic groups. Conclusion: The incidence rate for AD was significantly higher among African-American and Caribbean Hispanic elderly individuals compared white individuals. The presence of clinically apparent cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease did not contribute to the increased risk of disease. Because the proportion of African-American and Caribbean Hispanic individuals reaching ages 65 and older in the United States is increasing more rapidly than the proportion of white individuals, it is imperative that this disparity in health among the elderly be understood

HCV genotype 6 prevalence, spontaneous clearance and diversity amongst elderly members of the Li ethnic minority in Baisha County, China

The epidemiology of hepatitis C virus varies widely across geographical regions and ethnic groups. Our previous study showed that 6 strains isolated from Baisha County, Hainan Island, China, were all new genotype 6 (gt6) subtypes which differed significantly from subtypes of other regions. In the current study, we conducted a comprehensive epidemiological survey of HCV in the Li ethnic group, native to Baisha County. Anti‐HCV antibodies were detected by 2 independent ELISAs in all participants, and positive results confirmed by the recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) and HCV RNA viral loads were measured. Univariate chi‐square test and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors for HCV infection and spontaneous clearance rates. Indeterminate RIBA results were excluded or included in analyses; consequently, findings were expressed as a range. Direct sequencing of partial regions within NS5B and E1 was employed for genotyping. Among 1682 participants, 117 to 153 were anti‐HCV positive (7.0%‐9.1%), with 42.7%‐52.6% confirmed to have cleared infection. Anti‐HCV positivity was associated with older age (≥60 years) (OR = 0.02, 95% CI 0.01‐0.05, P < 0.01) and surgery (OR = 2.75, 95% CI 1.36‐5.57, P < 0.01), with no significant difference found between the HCV infection group and the HCV spontaneous clearance group. The gt6 subtype distribution characteristics of Baisha County were unique, complex and diverse. The sequences did not cluster with known gt6 subtypes but formed 4 Baisha community‐specific groups. HCV infection in members of the Li minority ethnic group is characterized by high prevalence rates in the elderly, high spontaneous clearance rates and broad gt6 diversity

HER2 Testing and Clinical Decision Making in Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma

CONTEXT: ERBB2 (erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 or HER2) is currently the only biomarker established for selection of a specific therapy for patients with advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA). However, there are no comprehensive guidelines for the assessment of HER2 in patients with GEA. OBJECTIVES: To establish an evidence-based guideline for HER2 testing in patients with GEA, to formalize the algorithms for methods to improve the accuracy of HER2 testing while addressing which patients and tumor specimens are appropriate, and to provide guidance on clinical decision making. DESIGN: The College of American Pathologists, American Society for Clinical Pathology, and American Society of Clinical Oncology convened an expert panel to conduct a systematic review of the literature to develop an evidence-based guideline with recommendations for optimal HER2 testing in patients with GEA. RESULTS: The panel is proposing 11 recommendations with strong agreement from the open-comment participants. RECOMMENDATIONS: The panel recommends that tumor specimen(s) from all patients with advanced GEA, who are candidates for HER2-targeted therapy, should be assessed for HER2 status before the initiation of HER2-targeted therapy. Clinicians should offer combination chemotherapy and a HER2-targeted agent as initial therapy for all patients with HER2-positive advanced GEA. For pathologists, guidance is provided for morphologic selection of neoplastic tissue, testing algorithms, scoring methods, interpretation and reporting of results, and laboratory quality assurance. CONCLUSIONS: This guideline provides specific recommendations for assessment of HER2 in patients with advanced GEA while addressing pertinent technical issues and clinical implications of the results

HER2 Testing and Clinical Decision Making in Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma: Guideline From the College of American Pathologists, American Society for Clinical Pathology, and American Society of Clinical Oncology

-ERBB2 (erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 or HER2) is currently the only biomarker established for selection of a specific therapy for patients with advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA). However, there are no comprehensive guidelines for the as