AGConv: Adaptive Graph Convolution on 3D Point Clouds.

Convolution on 3D point clouds is widely researched yet far from perfect in geometric deep learning. The traditional wisdom of convolution characterises feature correspondences indistinguishably among 3D points, arising an intrinsic limitation of poor distinctive feature learning. In this article, we propose Adaptive Graph Convolution (AGConv) for wide applications of point cloud analysis. AGConv generates adaptive kernels for points according to their dynamically learned features. Compared with the solution of using fixed/isotropic kernels, AGConv improves the flexibility of point cloud convolutions, effectively and precisely capturing the diverse relations between points from different semantic parts. Unlike the popular attentional weight schemes, AGConv implements the adaptiveness inside the convolution operation instead of simply assigning different weights to the neighboring points. Extensive evaluations clearly show that our method outperforms state-of-the-arts of point cloud classification and segmentation on various benchmark datasets. Meanwhile, AGConv can flexibly serve more point cloud analysis approaches to boost their performance. To validate its flexibility and effectiveness, we explore AGConv-based paradigms of completion, denoising, upsampling, registration and circle extraction, which are comparable or even superior to their competitors.

A phase I dose-escalation study of SYHA1813, a VEGFR and CSF1R inhibitor, in patients with recurrent High-Grade Gliomas or Advanced Solid Tumors.

SYHA1813 is a potent multikinase inhibitor that targets vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs)/colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R). This study aimed to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and antitumor activity of escalating doses of SYHA1813 in patients with recurrent high-grade gliomas (HGGs) or advanced solid tumors. This study adopted a combination of accelerated titration and a 3 + 3 design for dose escalation, with a starting dose of 5 mg once daily. The dose escalation continued at successive dose levels until the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was determined. A total of 14 patients were enrolled and treated, including 13 with WHO grade III or IV gliomas and 1 with colorectal cancer. Two patients experienced dose-limiting toxicities (grade 4 hypertension and grade 3 mucositis oral) at 30 mg SYHA1813. The MTD was defined as 15 mg once daily. Hypertension (n = 6, 42.9%) was the most frequent treatment-related adverse event. Among evaluable patients (n = 10), 2 (20%) patients achieved partial response, and 7 (70%) had stable disease. The exposure increased with increasing doses within the studied dose range of 5 to 30 mg. Biomarker assessments demonstrated significant reductions in the levels of soluble VEGFR2 (P = .0023) and increases in the levels of VEGFA (P = .0092) and placental growth factor (P = .0484). The toxicities of SYHA1813 were manageable, and encouraging antitumor efficacy was observed in patients with recurrent malignant glioma. This study is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx ; identifier ChiCTR2100045380).

Effect of Dietary Fiber (Oat Bran) Supplement in Heart Rate Lowering in Patients with Hypertension: A Randomized DASH-Diet-Controlled Clinical Trial.

(1) Background: The management goal for patients with essential hypertension (HTN) is not only to lower blood pressure (BP), but also to control increased heart rate (HR). In a previous study, it was found that dietary fiber (DF) supplementation can effectively reduce BP in patients with HTN. The aim of this study was to determine whether a DF supplement can lower HR in patients with HTN. (2) Methods: Seventy patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly allocated into the control group (n = 34) and the intervention group (n = 36). The regular DASH dietary care was delivered to both groups of patients. In addition, one bag of oat bran (30 g/d, containing DF 8.9 g) was delivered to the intervention group. The 24 h ambulatory heart rate was measured at baseline and 3 months. (3) Results: At 3 months, the 24 h maximum heart rate (24h maxHR) in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group. After the intervention, within-group comparisons in the intervention group revealed that there were significant reductions in the 24 h average heart rate (24h aveHR), 24h maxHR, average heart rate during day time (D-aveHR), minimum heart rate during day time (D-minHR), and maximum heart rate during day time (D-maxHR). Similar differences were not found in the control group. (4) Conclusions: Dietary fiber (oat bran) supplementation might be beneficial in lowering HR in patients with HTN.

Early-pregnancy maternal heart rate is related to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

OBJECTIVE: The study examined the association between resting heart rate (RHR) of early pregnancy and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Chinese population. METHODS: As retrospective study, medical data of 15,092 pregnant women gave birth in 2019 was collected and analyzed. The pregnant women's age, educational level, pre-pregnancy body weight, height, parity, family history of diabetes, lipid profile, blood pressure and RHR were recorded during 11 âˆ¼ 13+6 weeks. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between maternal characteristics and RHR and GDM. And we further evaluated the predictive roll of RHR in different sub-groups defined by their body mass index (BMI), age, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol and triglyceride. RESULTS: 2313 women (15.33%) were diagnosed as GDM according to 75 g OGTT. According to the quartile value of RHR, the subjects were divided into four groups. Risk of GDM increased significantly as RHR increased. In the fully adjusted model, ORs(95%CI) for the lowest vs highest quartiles of heart rate were 1(as reference), 1.14(0.97 âˆ¼ 1.33), 1.25(1.05 âˆ¼ 1.40), 1.41(1.21 âˆ¼ 1.62), respectively. In the subgroup's analysis, we found the relationship between RHR and risk of GDM was evident in women with low and normal BMI; with normal fasting plasma; and normal serum lipid level. CONCLUSION: The current study shows early-pregnancy maternal RHR is associated with potential risk of developing GDM.

Assessing the accuracy of visual blood loss estimation in postpartum hemorrhage in Shanghai hospitals: A web-based survey for nurses and midwives.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at evaluating the accuracy of visual estimated blood loss in postpartum haemorrhage by midwives and nurses, as well as exploring its influencing factors. BACKGROUND: Timely recognition of postpartum haemorrhage is critical in saving maternal lives. Yet midwives and nurses can barely distinguish whether the blood loss has reached a life-threatening amount without precise measurement. Understanding their ability to accurately estimate the amount of blood loss and the influencing factors can help improve this ability with effective measures. DESIGN: This research was a multicenter cross-sectional survey with convenient sampling. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using a modified online visual estimation questionnaire of blood loss, the QR code of this survey was sent to midwives and obstetrical nurses engaged in clinical practice in secondary and tertiary hospitals in Shanghai. A descriptive analysis was performed with demographics and the responses of visual estimated blood loss of each volume. The difference and consistency of the responses of each volume were evaluated. The relationship between each demographic characteristic and accuracy was explored. STROBE statement checklist was chosen for reporting the study process. RESULTS: A total of 361 midwives and nurses participated in the survey. The finding showed an overall accuracy of 30.52% (1763/5776), with 25.3% and 18.0% subjects distinguishing postpartum haemorrhage (500 ml) and severe postpartum haemorrhage (1000 ml), respectively. The Kappa coefficients were slight to moderate (0.037-0.590). There were no differences among the categories of gender, age, academic degree, position, title, working experience in years, working department and reported methods of blood loss estimation with regard to accuracy. However, having institutional guidance for blood loss calculation showed a significant relationship with higher accuracy. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: While representing a relatively well-developed area in China, the accuracy of visual estimated blood loss was not satisfactory, as suggested in other developed countries around the world. Training and institutional guidance on blood loss quantification should be provided in midwifery settings, regardless of how the level of medical development is advanced. CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of VEBL was low even with a visual aid, especially when the volume exceeds 500 ml. To improve accuracy, institutions should make standardadized assessment guidance and provide regular training for blood loss quantification.

Blood Glucose Level, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Maternal Birth Season: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Previous evidence indicates that birth season is associated with type 2 diabetes in adults. However, information on the association of birth with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is lacking. The present study explores the association between birth seasonality and GDM in East China. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the International Peace Maternal and child health hospital between 2014 and 2019. A total of 79, 292 pregnant women were included in the study after excluding participants with previous GDM, stillbirth, polycystic ovary syndrome, and lack of GDM laboratory records. The multivariate logistic regression model was employed to estimate the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. After log transformation of blood glucose level, the percentage change and 95% confidence interval were estimated by a multivariate linear model. Results: The risk of GDM among pregnant women born in spring, autumn, and winter was not significantly different compared to that among participants born in summer. Pregnant women born in autumn had significantly higher 1-hour postprandial blood glucose (PBG-1h) and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (PBG-2h) levels than pregnant women born in summer. Compared to pregnant women born in August, the PBG-1h level of pregnant women born in October, November, and December increased significantly, whereas the PBG-2h levels of pregnant women born in November and December increased significantly. Conclusion: Pregnant women born in autumn exhibit higher postprandial blood glucose levels during pregnancy than in those born in summer. The findings provide evidence that exposure to seasonal changes in early life may influence blood glucose metabolism during pregnancy.

Comparison of Effectiveness of Routine Antenatal Care with a Midwife-Managed Clinic Service in Prevention of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Early Pregnancy at a Hospital in China.

BACKGROUND Women with normal fasting glucose (FPG) range (5.1 ≤FPG <6.09 mmol/L) in early pregnancy are at high risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of routine antenatal care with a midwife-managed clinic service in the prevention of GDM in early pregnancy at a hospital in China. MATERIAL AND METHODS We designed a prospective observational clinical study among pregnancy women with normal fasting glucose (FPG) range (5.1 ≤FPG <6.09 mmol/L) in early pregnancy. Routine antenatal care was compared with a midwife-managed clinic service providing diet and exercise education before week 16. A 75-g OGTT was performed at weeks 24-28 for both groups. Results of OGTT and gestational weight gain were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS Of the 592 eligible women, 296 women received the antenatal nursing clinic service and 296 were enrolled in a control group. Thirty-three women were lost to follow-up during the study, leaving 279 in the intervention group and 280 in the control group. Baseline demographic characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. GDM was diagnosed in 115 participants (41.2%) in the intervention group and 141 (50.4%) in the control group. Subgroup analysis showed a significantly lower rate of GDM in the intervention group among the No-IVF population (37.8% vs. 49.0%, P=0.01%). For pre-pregnancy BMI, significant differences were found in the incidence of GDM and maternal hypertension between the different groups, showing that the overweight group benefited most from the midwife-managed antenatal clinic service. CONCLUSIONS The midwife-managed clinic service was feasible and effective in the prevention of GDM.

Quantification of febuxostat polymorphs using powder X-ray diffraction technique.

Febuxostat is a pharmaceutical compound with more than 20 polymorphs of which form A is most widely used and usually exists in a mixed polymorphic form with form G. In the present study, a quantification method for polymorphic form A and form G of febuxostat (FEB) has been developed using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). Prior to development of a quantification method, pure polymorphic form A and form G are characterized. A continuous scan with a scan rate of 3° min(-1) over an angular range of 3-40° 2θ is applied for the construction of the calibration curve using the characteristic peaks of form A at 12.78° 2θ (I/I0100%) and form G at 11.72° 2θ (I/I0100%). The linear regression analysis data for the calibration plots shows good linear relationship with R(2)=0.9985 with respect to peak area in the concentration range 10-60 wt.%. The method is validated for precision, recovery and ruggedness. The limits of detection and quantitation are 1.5% and 4.6%, respectively. The obtained results prove that the method is repeatable, sensitive and accurate. The proposed developed PXRD method can be applied for the quantitative analysis of mixtures of febuxostat polymorphs (forms A and G).

Reduction of heart failure rehospitalization using a weight management education intervention.

BACKGROUND: Previous investigators have demonstrated that patient adherence to optimal weight monitoring resulted in fewer heart failure (HF)-related rehospitalizations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether a weight management (WM) intervention can improve patients' WM ability and cardiac function and reduce HF-related rehospitalizations. METHODS: Heart failure patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 32) or a control group (n = 34). The intervention group received the WM intervention, including education about regular daily weight monitoring and coping skills when detecting sudden weight gain, with a WM booklet and scheduled telephone visits. Patients' WM ability was measured by the Weight Management Questionnaire (WMQ). We compared scores on the WMQ, New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, and HF-related rehospitalizations between the 2 groups at enrollment and at 6 months. We also analyzed the association of adherence to weight monitoring and rehospitalization in the intervention group during the 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in weight monitoring adherence, WM ability, and NYHA classification between the 2 groups at baseline. At 6 months, scores on all 4 subscales of the WMQ significantly increased within the intervention group, and the WM-practice subscale significantly improved within the control group. Adherence to weight monitoring was significantly improved in the intervention group compared with the control group (81.25% vs 11.76%; P < .01). At 6 months, there was a significant improvement in NYHA class in the intervention group compared with the control group (P = .03). Rehospitalizations related to HF were also fewer in the intervention group (0.28 ± 0.63 vs 0.79 ± 1.18; P = .03) during the follow-up duration. In the intervention group, those who weighed themselves regularly reported less HF-related rehospitalizations than did those who did not (0.23 ± 0.43 vs 0.50 ± 1.23; P = .62). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the WM intervention had a positive impact on patients' adherence to weight monitoring, WM ability, and NYHA classification and reduced HF-related rehospitalization.

Establishment of a Weight Management Scale for Patients with Congestive Heart Failure.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to develop a rating scale for the weight management of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). METHODS: The original pool of items was created through in-depth interviews and a literature review. Scale validity was analyzed based on face validity, content validity, and structure validity. The content validity and structure validity were evaluated. The overall internal consistency reliability were assessed by using Cronbach's alpha and retest reliability test. RESULTS: A total of 190 CHF patients were enrolled but 5 refused. The original 19 items were then refined to a scale of 16 items. The final scale included four factors (weight monitoring, knowledge, confidence, and behaviours related to weight management), which accounted for 58.7% of the variance. Content validity ratio on the content validity was 0.88. The Cronbach's alpha was 0.843 and the retest reliability was 0.833. CONCLUSIONS: The Chinese CHF-related weight management scale developed has high reliability and validity. KEY WORDS: Congestive heart failure; Reliability; Scale; Validity; Weight management.

The effect of a sweet potato, footbath, and acupressure intervention in preventing constipation in hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndromes.

Constipation is a common health problem that adversely affects quality of life and the prognosis of hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The purpose of this study was to develop and test the sweet potato/footbath/acupressure massage (SFA) intervention as a safe treatment for prevention of constipation and to increase satisfaction with bowel emptying in hospitalized patients with ACS. The study was a prospective, randomized controlled trial with a sample of 93 patients (SFA group, n = 44; usual care group, n = 49). Patients in the SFA group received SFA intervention combined with usual care. The results showed that there were statistical differences between the two groups in terms of (1) the incidence of constipation; (2) the use of laxatives and enemas; (3) patients' subjective satisfaction with their bowel emptying during hospitalization; and (4) sensation of incomplete evacuation and anorectal obstruction/blockade. The SFA intervention was more effective, economical, and practical than usual care alone in managing constipation and satisfaction with defecation in patients hospitalized with ACS.

4-(Diethyl-amino)-salicyl-aldehyde azine.

The title compound, C(22)H(30)N(4)O(2), has a crystallographic inversion center located at the mid-point of the N-N single bond. Apart from the four ethyl C atoms, the non-H atoms are nearly coplanar with a mean deviation of 0.0596 (2) Å. An intra-molecular O-H⋯N hydrogen bond occurs. In the crystal, weak inter-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into layers parallel to (100).