Recent Development in Intelligent Compaction for Asphalt Pavement Construction: Leveraging Smart Sensors and Machine Learning.

Intelligent compaction (IC) has emerged as a breakthrough technology that utilizes advanced sensing, data transmission, and control systems to optimize asphalt pavement compaction quality and efficiency. However, accurate assessment of compaction status remains challenging under real construction conditions. This paper reviewed recent progress and applications of smart sensors and machine learning (ML) to address existing limitations in IC. The principles and components of various advanced sensors deployed in IC systems were introduced, including SmartRock, fiber Bragg grating, and integrated circuit piezoelectric acceleration sensors. Case studies on utilizing these sensors for particle behavior monitoring, strain measurement, and impact data collection were reviewed. Meanwhile, common ML algorithms including regression, classification, clustering, and artificial neural networks were discussed. Practical examples of applying ML to estimate mechanical properties, evaluate overall compaction quality, and predict soil firmness through supervised and unsupervised models were examined. Results indicated smart sensors have enhanced compaction monitoring capabilities but require robustness improvements. ML provides a data-driven approach to complement traditional empirical methods but necessitates extensive field validation. Potential integration with digital construction technologies such as building information modeling and augmented reality was also explored. In conclusion, leveraging emerging sensing and artificial intelligence presents opportunities to optimize the IC process and address key challenges. However, cooperation across disciplines will be vital to test and refine technologies under real-world conditions. This study serves to advance understanding and highlight priority areas for future research toward the realization of IC's full potential.

Advances in IL-7 Research on Tumour Therapy.

Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is a versatile cytokine that plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system's homeostasis. It is involved in the development, proliferation, and differentiation of B and T cells, as well as being essential for the differentiation and survival of naïve T cells and the production and maintenance of memory T cells. Given its potent biological functions, IL-7 is considered to have the potential to be widely used in the field of anti-tumour immunotherapy. Notably, IL-7 can improve the tumour microenvironment by promoting the development of Th17 cells, which can in turn promote the recruitment of effector T cells and NK cells. In addition, IL-7 can also down-regulate the expression of tumour growth factor-ß and inhibit immunosuppression to promote anti-tumour efficacy, suggesting potential clinical applications for anti-tumour immunotherapy. This review aims to discuss the origin of IL-7 and its receptor IL-7R, its anti-tumour mechanism, and the recent advances in the application of IL-7 in tumour therapy.

Temporal trend in hospitalizations for malignant neoplasm and benign neoplasm: a nationwide study, China, 2004-2020.

The increasing cancer burden calls for reliably assessed changes in the hospitalizations for tumors over time and space in China. This study evaluated trends in hospitalization rate, in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), and medical costs for malignant and benign neoplasms. Data were derived from China Health Statistical Yearbooks from 2004 to 2020. Temporal trends in hospitalization rates and in-hospital mortality rates were assessed through the Cochran-Armitage Test. We used the linear model with continuous variables to test for the trend. The malignant neoplasm hospitalization rate increased from 1.1‰ to 5.8‰ and the benign neoplasm increased from 1.0‰ to 2.0‰. The in-hospital mortality rate due to malignant neoplasm and benign neoplasm decreased from 5.11 to 2.87% (P for trend < 0.001) and 0.14-0.01% (P for trend < 0.001), respectively. Among all patients hospitalized with malignant neoplasm, the average cost per hospitalization significantly increased during the study period (P for trend < 0.001), adjusted for the Consumer Price Index. However, the average LOS gradually decreased (P for trend < 0.001). In line with the trend of malignant neoplasm, the average cost per hospitalization increased significantly among all patients hospitalized for benign neoplasm (P for trend < 0.001), and the average LOS showed a steady downward trend (P for trend < 0.001). We found upward trends in hospitalization rates, and medical costs in neoplasms. By contrast, substantial decreases in in-hospital mortality and LOS. The hospitalization rate gap between urban and rural areas is narrowed.

Advantages of IMRT optimization with MCO compared to IMRT optimization without MCO in reducing small bowel high dose index for cervical cancer patients-individualized treatment options.

Background: Traditional intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning for cervical cancer is time-consuming and require iterative repeated optimization. In this study, we focused on leveraging multi-criteria optimization (MCO) to reduce the impact of small bowel high-dose indices on other optimization targets, thereby providing a rapid approach to individualized IMRT for cervical cancer patients. Methods: Our research involved a cohort of 25 cervical cancer patients who underwent IMRT radiotherapy. The patient inclusion criteria were as follows: (I) histopathological confirmation of cervical cancer, (II) underwent IMRT radiation therapy, and (III) a prescribed dose of 180 cGy/28 fractions for the patient. All plans were replanned by an experienced dosimetrist without the MCO (W-IMRT). On the basis of the W-IMRT plan, the individualized IMRT (I-IMRT) plan was generated under the priority trade-off of reducing the D2cc (D2cc is the minimal dose to the 2 cm3 of the small bowel receiving the maximal dose) index of the small bowel using the MCO method, maintaining target coverage and protecting other organs at risk (OARs) as much as possible. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signature rank test. Results: When the MCO method was applied to the IMRT plan, the high dose index decreased in the overlapping area between the small bowel and the planning treatment volume (PTV) (P<0.001, respectively). The D2cc index of the small bowel decreased to below 5,200 cGy in all I-IMRT plans. On the other hand, in PTV, the I-IMRT plan achieved a better homogeneity index (HI) compared to the W-IMRT plan. Significant dose reductions were also observed in the bladder (Dmean 144.8 cGy and V40 1.45%) (P<0.001, respectively), rectum (Dmean 43.9 cGy and V40 2.7%) (P<0.001, respectively) and bilateral femur heads (Dmean 150 cGy) (P<0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Dosimetric differences suggest that the I-IMRT plan using the MCO method provides better protection of other OARs and equivalently in PTV coverage, while lowering the high-dose index in the small bowel as much as possible for patients with cervical cancer, thus providing a rapid approach to achieving individualized IMRT for cervical cancer patients.

Study on the feasibility of quality improvement for automatic plans based on rapid plan model.

Objective: To study whether an interactive improved internal feedback system with the model can be established, we compared the plans generated by two automatic planning models. Methods: Seventy cases of pelvic patients were selected. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plans (P0) generated by the clinical model (M0) were imported into the Rapid plan model to establish a dose-volume histogram. The predicted model through automatic planning model in clinical, and the new rapid plan model (M1) was generated by training and structure matching settings. The 70 new IMRT plans (P1) were generated by M1, and the new rapid plan model (M2) was trained by P1. In this same method, 70 IMRT plans (P2) were generated by M2. Dosimetric differences between P1 and P2 were then compared and analyzed. Results: For the model parameters, R2 and X2 in P2 were higher than those in P1, and the CD values of the bladder, right femoral head, and rectum in P1 were higher than those of corresponding organs in P2. The studentized residual (SR) value of the bladder and SR and difference of estimate values of the left femoral head and right femoral head in P1 were lower than P2. In planning, (D2, D98, and HI) P1 were better than P2 (P < 0.01); the bladder V10 and left femoral head V40 in P2 were lower than in P1 by 0.08% and 0.15%, respectively (P < 0.05); others in P2 were higher than those in P1 (P < 0.05) except the bladder V20, Dmean, rectum V10, V20, V30, right femoral head V10, and V40; and the MUs of P2 was lower than that of P1 for 132.2 (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The stability of M2 is stronger than that of M1. Therefore, the interactive improved internal feedback system within the model of "plan-model-plan-model" is feasible and meaningful.

RT-LAMP assay for rapid detection of the R203M mutation in SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant.

The highly infectious Delta variant strain of SARS-CoV-2 remains globally dominant and undermines COVID-19 vaccines. Rapid detection of the Delta variant is crucial for the identification and quarantine of infected individuals. In this study, our aim was to design and validate a genotyping RT-LAMP method to detect Delta variants specifically. R203M in the N gene of SARS-CoV-2 was chosen as the Delta variant-specific mutation for genotyping. To target the R203M-harboring region and the conserved sequence of the N gene, two sets of primers were designed, and a Cq (quantification cycle) ratio-based RT-LAMP for SARS-CoV-2 and R203M detection was developed by analyzing the significant discrepancy in amplification efficiency of the two sets of primers. We validated the RT-LAMP method on 498 clinical specimens in parallel with RT-qPCR, and 84 Delta variants from 198 positive samples were determined by sequencing. Compared with traditional RT-qPCR analyses, RT-LAMP appears to be 100% accurate in detecting SARS-CoV-2 clinical samples. RT-LAMP has a good ability to distinguish between Delta and non-Delta variants under a Cq ratio threshold of 1.80. Furthermore, the AUC (area under the curve) of this method was 1.00; the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were all 100%. In summary, we have proposed a rapid, accurate and cost-effective RT-LAMP method to detect SARS-CoV-2 and Delta variants, which may facilitate the surveillance of COVID-19.

Metagenome-Assembled Viral Genomes Analysis Reveals Diversity and Infectivity of the RNA Virome of Gerbillinae Species.

Rodents are a known reservoir for extensive zoonotic viruses, and also possess a propensity to roost in human habitation. Therefore, it is necessary to identify and catalogue the potentially emerging zoonotic viruses that are carried by rodents. Here, viral metagenomic sequencing was used for zoonotic virus detection and virome characterization on 32 Great gerbils of Rhombomys opimus, Meriones meridianus, and Meiiones Unguiculataus species in Xinjiang, Northwest China. In total, 1848 viral genomes that are potentially pathogenic to rodents and humans, as well as to other wildlife, were identified namely Retro-, Flavi-, Pneumo-, Picobirna-, Nairo-, Arena-, Hepe-, Phenui-, Rhabdo-, Calici-, Reo-, Corona-, Orthomyxo-, Peribunya-, and Picornaviridae families. In addition, a new genotype of rodent Hepacivirus was identified in heart and lung homogenates of seven viscera pools and phylogenetic analysis revealed the closest relationship to rodent Hepacivirus isolate RtMm-HCV/IM2014 that was previously reported to infect rodents from Inner Mongolia, China. Moreover, nine new genotype viral sequences that corresponded to Picobirnaviruses (PBVs), which have a bi-segmented genome and belong to the family Picobirnaviridae, comprising of three segment I and six segment II sequences, were identified in intestines and liver of seven viscera pools. In the two phylogenetic trees that were constructed using ORF1 and ORF2 of segment I, the three segment I sequences were clustered into distinct clades. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis showed that PBV sequences were distributed in the whole tree that was constructed using the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene of segment II with high diversity, sharing 68.42-82.67% nucleotide identities with other genogroup I and genogroup II PBV strains based on the partial RdRp gene. By RNA sequencing, we found a high degree of biodiversity of Retro-, Flavi-, Pneumo-, and Picobirnaridae families and other zoonotic viruses in gerbils, indicating that zoonotic viruses are a common presence in gerbils from Xinjiang, China. Therefore, further research is needed to determine the zoonotic potential of these viruses that are carried by other rodent species from different ecosystems and wildlife in general.

Comparative evaluation of BACTEC FX, BacT/ALERT 3D, and BacT/ALERT VIRTUO automated blood culture systems using simulated blood cultures.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the performance of BACTEC FX, BacT/ALERT 3D, and VIRTUO systems using simulated blood culture (BC). METHODS: Two experimental designs based on 'with' or 'without' added trough antibiotic concentrations in bottles were implemented. RESULTS: For the experiment A, A shorter time to detection (TTD) was observed for most of organisms (17/22) in VIRTUO system. VIRTUO system was also faster than 3D and FX systems no matter in aerobic and anaerobic bottles. The anaerobic bottles had faster detection than aerobic bottles in 3D system (13.68 h vs 15.36 h, P < 0.001) and VIRTUO system (10.30 h vs 12.46 h, P = 0.001) but not in FX system (P = 0.38). When antibiotics were present, the bacterial recovery rate (RR) of FX, 3D and VIRTUO systems were 64.10% (50/78), 58.97% (46/78) and 43.59% (34/78), respectively (P = 0.027). the bacterial RR of various bottles were as follows: BPA vs. FA vs. SA [84.44%(38/45) vs. 55.56%(25/45) vs. 42.22(19/45), P < 0.001]; BFN vs. FN vs. SN [36.36%(12/33) vs. 63.64%(21/33) vs.45.45%(15/33), P = 0.078]. CONCLUSIONS: The VIRTUO system allowed faster growth detection for most of organisms compared with FX and 3D systems. When antibiotics were present, the bottles containing antibiotic-binding agent showed better bacterial RR, especially in BACTEC Plus Aerobic/F bottles.

Incidence of and risk factors for surgical site infection after colorectal surgery: A multiple-center prospective study of 3,663 consecutive patients in China.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) after colorectal surgery (CRS) remains a significant problem for its negative clinical outcomes. However, it is poorly understood in China. This study aims to investigate the incidence, risk factors and microbiology of SSI after CRS. METHODS: A nationwide prospective multicenter design was applied. Patients in 19 Chinese hospitals from 2015 to 2018 were prospectively monitored for SSI after CRS. Demographic data, hospital characteristics, and potential perioperative risk factors were collected and analyzed, using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: Among 3,663 study participants, 134(3.66%) episodes of SSI were identified. The incidence rate of SSI decreased from 5.9 infections per 100 procedures in 2015 to 3.1 infections per 100 procedures in 2018 (incidence rate ratio, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.28-0.94). The SSI rates were 1.88, 4.15, 6.27 and 11.58 per 100 operations for the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance system (NNIS) risk index categories of 0, 1, and 2 or 3, respectively. Escherichia coli (54/134, 40.3%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (10/134, 7.5%) were the most frequently isolated microorganisms. A high prevalence of antibiotic resistance were observed in our study, with rates of extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing or carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia of 50.0%(27/54) and 30.0%(3/10) respectively. Preoperative hospital stay ≥ 48h (OR=2.28, 95% CI: 1.03-5.02, P=0.042) and contaminated or dirty wound (OR=3.38, 95% CI: 1.88-6.06, P=4.50×10-5) were significantly associated with increasing risk of SSI after CRS. CONCLUSION: A statistically significant but modest decrease in the incidence rate of CRS SSI over the 4-year study period was observed in this study. Noticeably, the relatively high rates of multidrug-resistant pathogens causing SSI after CRS should be alert, while more studies with large population are needed due to the small number of isolates identified in our survey.

Genetic Characterization of ST195 and ST365 Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Harboring blaOXA-23 in Guangzhou, China.

We investigated the distribution of resistance genes and the clonal relationships among carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from the intensive care unit wards of two hospitals in Guangzhou, China. From 2012 to 2013, 57 A. baumannii isolates were obtained from blood cultures from two hospitals in Guangzhou. The antibiotic resistance profiles were determined by using the Vitek2 system and Etest strips. PCR was used to detect the genes encoding OXA-type carbapenemases and metallo-ß-lactamases and the presence of ISAba1 upstream of the bla(OXA-51-like) gene and the bla(OXA-23-like) gene. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and sequence-based typing of bla(OXA-51-like) genes (SBT-bla(OXA-51-like )genes) were performed to analyze the genetic relationship of the isolates. Among the 57 isolates, 46 were carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) isolates. The bla(OXA-51-like) gene was identified in all 57 isolates, while the bla(OXA-23-like) gene was present in all 46 CRAB isolates. The MLST analysis grouped the A. baumannii isolates into five existing sequence types (STs) and five new STs. Fifty-two isolates belonged to the worldwide spread of clonal complex 92 (CC92), among which ST195 and ST365 were the most common STs. The MLST data and SBT-bla(OXA-51-like) genes showed that all isolates harboring the major bla(OXA-51-like) alleles, such as bla(OXA-66), belonged to CC92.

[Application of pulse-field gel electrophoresis analysis in source-tracking of food-borne disease caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus].

OBJECTIVE: To apply pulse-field gel electrophoresis analysis(PFGE) in analysing a case of food poisoning caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus. METHODS: PFGE using restriction enzyme Not I was employed in molecular subtyping of thirty strains of V. parahaemolyticus isolated from a case of food poisoning in Guangzhou city and PFGE patterns were analyzed by using BioNumerics Version 4.0 software to perform cluster analysis. Pattern profiles were compared by using the Dice coefficient and unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA). RESULTS: Thirty strains were of the same type of pulsotype. CONCLUSIONS: Molecular subtyping by PFGE might disclose the epidemiological relationships of the strains from humans, food and the environment, giving a strong molecular epidemiological evidence and a support for the source-tracking of outbreak events.

[Molecular subtyping of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from a severe food-poisoning].

OBJECTIVE: To study the molecular types of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from a severe food-poisoning and to trace the possible strains. METHODS: Real-time PCR was applied to detect nuc gene as a specific marker for S. aureus, mecA gene encoding methicillin resistance and 5 other genes encoding staphylococcal enterotoxins (sea, seb, see, sed, see). Isolates were also performed with 16S rRNA oligonucleotide sequence analyzing by DNAStar MegAlign 5.0 software and pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) by BioNumerics Version 4.0 software. RESULTS: The nuc gene was detected from the 10 isolated strains, sea and seb genes were detected from 7 strains. There were 4 16 S rRNA types and 5 PFGE types found from all the strains. CONCLUSIONS: Three relative S. aureus strains were involved in the severe food-poisoning at least. Molecular subtyping might give a molecular epidemiological evidence and support the source tracing of an outbreak.

[Application of pulse-field gel electrophoresis analysis in the source-tracking of cholera epidemics].

OBJECTIVE: To apply pulse-field gel electrophoresis analysis(PFGE) in the analysis of cholera outbreak events and to determine the molecular epidemiological characteristics of Vibrio cholerae ( V. cholerae) isolates. METHODS: PFGE using restriction enzyme Not I was employed in the molecular subtyping of forty-one strains of V. cholerae isolated in cholera outbreak events from 2003 to 2005 in Guangzhou area and PFGE patterns were analyzed by BioNumerics Version 4.0 software to perform cluster analysis. Pattern profiles were compared by utilizing of Dice coefficient and UPGMA(unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averages). Comparison of PFGE typing results was performed with phage-biological typing and pathogenicity-associated genes typing. RESULTS: In cholera outbreak events, PFGE could discriminate epidemiologically related and unrelated strains, having more discriminatory power than phage-biological typing and pathogenicity-associated genes-typing. CONCLUSIONS: Molecular sub-typing by PFGE could disclose the epidemiological relationships of strains from humans and the environment, providing molecular epidemiological evidence and support for the source-tracking of cholera outbreak events.

[Analysis of characteristics of major pathogenicity-related genes of Vibrio cholerae isolated in Guangzhou area from 2001 to 2005].

OBJECTIVE: To apply multiplex polymerase chain reaction (MPCR) assay and sequencing in study of the carrying status of four pathogenicity-related genes of Vibrio cholerae (V.cholerae) and the variation of ctxA. METHODS: Primers targeting cholera toxin sub-unit A gene (ctxA), toxin-coregulated pilus gene (tcpA), accessory cholera enterotoxin gene (ace), zonula occludens toxin gene (zot) were designed and the MPCR method was applied to detect the pathogenicity-related genes of 276 strains of V.cholerae isolates. The amplified fragments of ctxA gene were sequenced and the genetic homology of the amplified fragments of ctxA was analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 276 strains of V.cholerae, 93.9% strains from human sources belong to the pathogenicity-related genes type A (ctxA(+)tcpA(+)ace(+)zot(+) type) and 6.1% belong to pathogenicity-related genes type C (ctxA(-)tcpA(-)ace(-)zot(-) type). Type A strains from clinical sources were isolated from patients with mild to severe symptom and carriers, among which 68.5% were isolated from patients with mild symptom and 21.9% from carriers. All 63.6% of type C strains from clinical sources were isolated from patients with mild symptom and 36.4% from carriers. The proportion of type C strains that caused mild symptom was higher than that of type A strains. Of the 78 strains isolated from the environment, 9.0% strains belong to pathogenicity-related type A and 35.9% belong to the pathogenicity-related genes type B (ctxA(-)tcpA(-)ace(+)zot(+) type), while 55.1% belong to pathogenicity-related genes type C. The sequencing results showed little genetic variation among the amplified fragments for ctxA. CONCLUSION: MPCR disclosed the polymorphic status of pathogenicity-related gene patterns in V.cholerae isolates of Guangzhou, providing effective means for further study on evolution of pathogenicity-related genes among V.cholerae isolates from human and environmental sources. This study also offers significant guidance for effective prevention, control and warning against cholera epidemic in local area.

Cloning and expression of cyt2Ba7 gene from a soil-isolated Bacillus thuringiensis.

Bacillus thuringiensis ( Bt) cyt genes coding hemolytic and cytolytic toxins constitute a gene family, which are divided into two groups: cyt1 and cyt2. A novel cyt2 gene was detected from a soil-isolated Bt strain T301, which was highly homologous to cyt2Ba1 and finally designated cyt2Ba7. Until now, Cyt2Ba has not been expressed alone in Bt or other hosts. In this study, the cyt2Ba7 gene was cloned into the vector pQE30 and expressed as a fusion protein with 6xHistidine residues in Escherichia coli. Unlike cyt1A, cyt2Ba7 was freely expressed and formed cytoplasmic inclusions without the need for a "helper" protein. The 6xHis-tagged Cyt2Ba7 was purified in one step by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography, examined cytolytic activity on Sf9 cells, and developed as an antigen to obtain the antiserum against Cyt2Ba by subcutaneous injection into rabbits. This gene was also cloned into the Bt-E. coli shuttle vector pHT3101 and expressed in Bt strain 4Q7. Immunoblotting analysis revealed that the antiserum was remarkably selective and specific to Cyt2Ba.