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Background and objectives: Haemovigilance involves surveillance of the whole chain of blood transfusion with the aim of identifying adverse events and errors and improving outcomes for patients. The Chinese Haemovigilance Network, founded in August 2017, has witnessed a rapid development in the last three years. Materials and methods: Based on the 1,022 cases in 2019, we analysed the adverse reactions (ARs) by blood component, clinical outcome severity and demography of recipients in an effort to publish the first annual Chinese haemovigilance report. Results: The AR rate associated with blood transfusion in 2019 was 0·2% in China. Allergic reactions and FNHTR were the two most common adverse symptoms, accounting for 97·7% of the reports. Two‐thirds of the TAD, AHTR and TACO and all of the HTR and DHTR resulted in hospitalization or prolongation of hospitalization. Plasma and AP were usually associated with allergic reaction (81·1%), whereas red cells more commonly cause FNHTR (68·8%) and all the AHTR, HTR, DSTR and DHTR. 84·1% of patients were aged 16 years or over, and the majority of the TAD, AHTR, TACO and HTR involved patients aged 60 and above. The ratio of serious adverse reactions (SARs) was 8·2%. Allergic reaction and FNHTR were top two (85·7%) SARs. The first case related to anti‐D immunoglobulin was detected in a DHTR report. Conclusion: This report provides the world's first overview of transfusion‐related adverse reactions in China. This report is useful for better understanding transfusion risks in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The random neural network (RNN) is a mathematical model for an "integrate and fire" spiking network that closely resembles the stochastic behavior of neurons in mammalian brains. Since its proposal in 1989, there have been numerous investigations into the RNN's applications and learning algorithms. Deep learning (DL) has achieved great success in machine learning. Recently, the properties of the RNN for DL have been investigated, in order to combine their power. Recent results demonstrate that the gap between RNNs and DL can be bridged and the DL tools based on the RNN are faster and can potentially be used with less energy expenditure than existing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of Energy Packet Network (EPN) proposed by Gelenbe, is a new framework for modeling power grids that takes distributed energy generation such as renewable energy sources into consideration, and which contributes to modeling the smart grid. Based on G-network theory, this paper presents a simplified model of EPN and formulates energy-distribution as an optimization problem. We analyze it theoretically, and detail its optimal solutions. In addition to using existing optimization algorithms, a heuristic algorithm is proposed to solve for EPN optimization. The optimal solutions and efficacy of the algorithm are illustrated with numerical experiments. Further, we present an EPN with disconnections and a similar optimization problem is investigated. Optimal solutions are presented, and numerical results using the analytic optimal solutions, random solutions, a cooperative particle swarm optimizer and a heuristic algorithm illustrate the power of different approaches for solving energy-distribution problems using the EPN formalism. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: This paper first proposes a new type of single-output Chebyshev-polynomial feed-forward neural network (SOCPNN) for pattern classification. A new type of multi-output Chebyshev-polynomial feed-forward neural network (MOCPNN) is then proposed based on such an SOCPNN. Compared with multi-layer perceptron, the proposed SOCPNN and MOCPNN have lower computational complexity and superior performance, substantiated by both theoretical analyses and numerical verifications. In addition, two weight-and-structure-determination (WASD) algorithms, one for the SOCPNN and another for the MOCPNN, are proposed for pattern classification. These WASD algorithms can determine the weights and structures of the proposed neural networks efficiently and automatically. Comparative experimental results based on different real-world classification datasets with and without added noise prove that the proposed SOCPNN and MOCPNN have high accuracy, and that the MOCPNN has strong robustness in pattern classification when equipped with WASD algorithms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

G-Networks and their simplified version known as the Random Neural Network have often been used to classify data. In this paper, we present a use of the Random Neural Network to the early detection of potential of toxicity chemical compounds through the prediction of their bioactivity from the compounds' physico-chemical structure, and propose that it be automated using machine learning (ML) techniques. Specifically the Random Neural Network is shown to be an effective analytical tool to this effect, and the approach is illustrated and compared with several ML techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a Neurocomputing application that reorders the Web results obtained from different Web Search Engines emulating the way our brain takes decisions. The proposed application is based on the Random Neural Network with Deep Learning Clusters that evaluates and adapts Web result relevance by associating independently each Deep Learning Cluster to a specific Web Search Engine. In addition, this paper presents a Deep Learning Cluster to perform as a Management Cluster that decides the final result relevance based on the inputs from each independent Deep Learning cluster. The performance of the proposed Management Cluster is evaluated when included as an additional layer to the Deep Learning Clusters. On average; the proposed Deep Learning cluster structure improves Smart Search performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is an important cause of death associated with transfusion, and no specific clinical treatments are available. Endothelial cells are believed to play an important role in the development of TRALI. This study investigated whether IL-35, an endothelial stabilizing cytokine could regulate the severity of antibody-mediated TRALI in vivo.Study Design and Methods: Human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs) were cultured in vitro, rIL-35(2 μg/mL) was added before HMVECs activation, and HMVECs were fully activated by LPS (0.5 μg/mL). Then cells were collected for flow cytometry analysis. We used a previously established "two-event" mouse model of TRALI with naive and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-injected mice as controls. rIL-35(100 μg/kg) was injected into the tail vein for 3 consecutive days before the induction of the TRALI model. Samples were collected 2 hours after TRALI induction and tested for lung tissue myeloperoxidase activity, total protein levels, lung tissue histology, endothelial cell activation assay, and cytokine assay.Results: In vitro culture of HMVECs with rIL-35 verified that rIL-35 inhibited endothelial cells. In a mouse model, prophylactic administration of rIL-35 prevented pulmonary edema, increased lung protein levels, and reduced polymorphonuclear neutrophil accumulation in the lung.Conclusions: This work suggests that antibody-mediated murine TRALI can be prevented by rIL-35, and that rIL-35 appears to work by inhibiting the activation of lung endothelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hepatitis E virus is one of new threats to blood safety which was usually considered to be transmitted via fecal-oral route. China is one of the hyperendemic regions where frequent outbreaks of hepatitis E are noted. However, the overall prevalence of HEV infection among mainland Chinese blood donors is not clear until now. Method: The peer-reviewed literatures reporting the prevalence of HEV in Chinese blood donors were identified by systematic searching of five electronic databases. The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement issued in 2009. Data manipulation and statistical analyses were performed by Stata 12.0. Results: Fourteen eligible articles involving 22 independent studies were included. Pooled prevalence of HEV infection biomarkers (anti-HEV IgG, anti-HEV IgM, RNA and antigen) among mainland Chinese blood donors were 29.2%, 1.1%, 0.1% and 0.1%, respectively which were higher than the data reported in other countries. The analysis of HEV genotypes indicated that the most prevalent strains in Chinese blood donors were genotype 1 and 4. Conclusions: Mainland China is indicated with a relatively higher risk of transmission of hepatitis E through transfusion and the screening of blood donors for HEV RNA, especially in HEV-endemic areas, might reduce the potential risk of HEV infection via transfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CD36 is a multifunctional receptor expressed on the surface of many cell types. Among healthy individuals, CD36 may be absent on platelets and monocytes (type I deficiency) or platelets alone (type II deficiency). However, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying CD36 deficiency remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to identify individuals with CD36 deficiency and investigate the molecular basis underlying it. Blood samples were collected from platelet donors at Kunming Blood Center. Platelets and monocytes were isolated and CD36-expression levels were analyzed using flow cytometry. DNA from whole blood and mRNA isolated from monocytes and platelets of individuals with CD36 deficiency were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. The PCR products were cloned and sequenced. Among the 418 blood donors,7 (1.68%) were CD36 deficient: 1 (0.24%) with type I deficiency and 6(1.44%) with type II deficiency. Six heterozygous mutations occurred, including c.268C>T (in type I individuals), c.120 + 1 G>T, c.268C>T, c.329_330del/AC, c.1156 C>T, c.1163A>C, and c.1228_1239del/ATTGTGCCTATT (in type II individuals). Mutations were not detected in one type II individual. At the cDNA level, only mutant, but not wild-type, transcripts were detected in the platelets and monocytes of type I individual. In type II individuals, only mutant transcripts were found in platelets, whereas monocytes possessed wild-type and mutant transcripts. Interestingly, only alternative splicing transcripts were observed in the individual without mutation. We report the incidence rates of type I and II CD36 deficiencies among platelet donors in Kunming. Molecular genetic analyses of DNA and cDNA demonstrated that homozygous mutations on the cDNA level in platelets and monocytes or platelets alone identified type I and II deficiencies, respectively. Furthermore, alternatively spliced products also potentially contribute to the mechanism of CD36 deficiency. What is the context? Healthy individuals may lack CD36 on platelets and (or) monocytes, which are defined as Type I and Type II CD36 deficiency. These individuals could develop anti-CD36 antibodies associated with immune-mediated disorders. However, the mechanism underlying the CD36 deficiency is still unclear. In this study, we reported the incidence of CD36 deficiency in Kunming platelet donors and found the new molecular basis of CD36 deficiency individuals. What's new? Molecular genetic analysis of cDNA derived from type I subjects showed the presence of mutant transcript only, both in platelets and monocytes. In type II subjects, platelets only carry mutant transcript, whereas monocytes possessed both wild-type and mutant transcripts. Furthermore, we found that alternatively spliced product of CD36 transcript could also contribute to the mechanism of CD36 deficiencies. What's the impact? Our finding indicates that analysis of CD36 at cDNA level is mandatory to verify different forms of CD36 deficiencies. This information may help us to understand the development of anti-CD36 antibodies in CD36 deficient individuals [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Renal anemia is an important complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In addition to insufficient secretion of erythropoietin (EPO) and erythropoiesis disorders, the impact of eryptosis on renal anemia demands attention. However, a systemic analysis concerning the pathophysiology of eryptosis has not been expounded. Summary: The complicated conditions in CKD patients, including oxidative stress, osmotic stress, metabolic stress, accumulation of uremic toxins, and iron deficiency, affect the normal skeleton structure of red blood cells (RBCs) and disturbs ionic homeostasis, causing phosphatidylserine to translocate to the outer lobules of the RBC membrane that leads to early elimination and/or shortening of the RBC lifespan. Inadequate synthesis of RBCs cannot compensate for their accelerated destruction, thus exacerbating renal anemia. Meanwhile, EPO treatment alone will not reverse renal anemia. A variety of eryptosis inhibitors have so far been found, but evidence of their effectiveness in the treatment of CKD remains to be established. Key Messages: In this review, the pathophysiological processes and factors influencing eryptosis in CKD were elucidated. The aim of this review was to underline the importance of eryptosis in renal anemia and determine some promising research directions or possible therapeutic targets to correct anemia in CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients have a high risk of suffering adverse reactions after receiving platelet products stored for 5 days. Bioactive exosomes in platelet products can be accumulated during storage, which is associated with adverse reactions. MicroRNAs are one of the critical cargoes in exosomes, which participate in cell differentiation, metabolism, and immunomodulation. This study intends to elucidate and analyze the differential expression of exosomal microRNAs in apheresis platelet concentrates during storage and predict the potential functions of target genes. Apheresis platelet concentrates were used to isolate exosomes by ultracentrifugation. Exosomes were phenotyped by western blot, transmission electron microscopy, and nano flow cytometry. The differential expression of the exosomal microRNAs was obtained by a microarray test using four bags of apheresis platelets stored for 5 days compared with 1 day. The differentially expressed microRNAs between the two time points were identified, and their target genes were analyzed by miRWalk and miRDB. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to predict the target genes' functions. Fifteen bags of apheresis platelet concentrates stored for 1 day and 5 days were used to verify the microarray results by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions (qRT-PCR). There were 134 microRNAs in total expressed differently in the two groups (day 1 and day 5), with 57 microRNAs up-regulated and 77 down-regulated (|fold change| > 2.0 and P <.05). Thirteen up-regulated microRNAs (hsa-miR-22-3p, hsa-miR-223-3p, hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-23a-3p, hsa-miR-320b, hsa-let-7a-5p, hsa-miR-25-3p, hsa-miR-126-3p, hsa-miR-320c, hsa-miR-342-3p, hsa-miR-320d, hsa-miR-328-3p, and hsa-miR-320e) detected in all samples were selected to validate the results. The qRT-PCR results showed that five (hsa-miR-22-3p, hsa-miR-223-3p, hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-23a-3p, and hsa-miR-320b) of them were increased more than 10-fold (P <.001); four (hsa-let-7a-5p, hsa-miR-25-3p, hsa-miR-126-3p, hsa-miR-320c) more than five-fold (P <.001); two (hsa-miR-342-3p and hsa-miR-320d) more than two-fold (P <.05); and two (hsa-miR-328-3p and hsa-miR-320e) more than two-fold (P >.05). Specifically, hsa-miR-22-3p increased 14.6-fold; hsa-miR-223-3p increased 13.0-fold; and hsa-miR-21-5p increased 12.0-fold. Based on bioinformatics functional analysis, target genes of top nine microRNAs (hsa-miR-22-3p, hsa-miR-223-3p, hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-23a-3p, hsa-miR-320b, hsa-let-7a-5p, hsa-miR-25-3p, hsa-miR-126-3p, and hsa-miR-320c) were annotated with positive regulation of cell proliferation and nervous system development, and mainly enriched in regulating pluripotency of stem cells signaling pathway, prolactin signaling pathway, and FoxO signaling pathway, etc. The prolactin, FoxO, ErbB, and TNF signaling pathway were relevant to immunomodulation. In particular, hsa-miR-22-3p expression was the most different during storage, with a fold change of 14.6, which might be a key mediator. What is the context? Platelet transfusion is a widely used clinical treatment, but it is not totally safe. Side effects may happen to patients who receive the "older" platelet products. Exosomes in platelet products can be transfused to patients while receiving blood. Exosomes are accumulated in platelet products during storage. MicroRNAs are one of the important cargoes in exosomes, which can be delivered to the target cells, thus affecting their functions. This study aims to investigate and analyze the differential expression profiling of exosomal microRNAs in apheresis platelet concentrates during storage, and predict the potential function of the target genes. We found out the top nine differentially expressed microRNAs got involved in positive regulation of cell proliferation and nervous system development, and mainly enriched in regulating pluripotency of stem cells signaling pathway, prolactin signaling pathway, and FoxO signaling pathway, etc. What's new? Our study is the first one to test the exosomal microRNAs in the apheresis platelet concentrates. The apheresis platelet concentrates were stored for 1 day and 5 days. Compared the two time points, we obtained the differential expression profiling of exosomal microRNAs. Based on bioinformatics analyses and qRT-PCR results, we provided nine up-regulated microRNAs which might be critical mediators to communicate with target cells after transfusing. What's the impact? This study expands our knowledge of exosomal microRNA expression profiling from apheresis platelet concentrates along different storage periods. This might be relevant to immunomodulation in post transfusion situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With wider investigations and applications of autonomous robotics and intelligent vehicles, the inverted pendulum on a cart (IPC) system has become more attractive for numerous researchers due to its concise and representative structure. In this article, the tracking-control problem of the IPC system is considered and investigated. Based on Zhang dynamics (ZD) and gradient dynamics (GD), a novel kind of ZG controllers are developed and investigated for achieving the tracking-control purpose, which contains controllers of z2g0 and z2g1 types according to the number of times of using the ZD and GD methods. Besides, theoretical analyses are presented to guarantee the global and exponential convergence performance of both z2g0 and z2g1 controllers. Computer simulations are further performed to substantiate the feasibility and effectiveness of ZG controllers. More importantly, comparative simulation results demonstrate that controllers of z2g1 type can conquer the singularity problem (i.e. the division-by-zero problem). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A novel controller is proposed for output tracking of nonlinear system of a class. [•] The novel controller is based on gradient dynamics (GD) method. [•] The proposed GD controller can achieve the tracking-control task successfully. [•] The novel GD controller can also conquer the singularity problem. [•] Simulative results show the superiority of the proposed novel GD controller. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Input–output linearisation (IOL) may encounter a singularity problem when applied to the tracking control of affine-form nonlinear system (AFNS), which may not have a well-defined relative degree. The singularity problem has occurred in the area of control for decades. In this paper, we incorporate the gradient dynamics (GD) into IOL, which leads to the GD-aided IOL method to solve the singularity problem, with the proposition of the loose condition on relative degree. Moreover, detailed theoretical analyses on tracking-error bound and convergence performance of the corresponding GD-aided IOL controller are presented. Simulations and comparisons substantiate that the proposed GD-aided IOL method is capable of completing the tracking-control task and conquering the singularity encountered in the AFNS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the tracking‐control problems of the Lorenz, Chen and Lu chaotic systems. Note that the input–output linearisation method cannot solve these tracking‐control problems because of the existence of singularities, at which such chaotic systems fail to have a well‐defined relative degree. By combining Zhang dynamics and gradient dynamics, an effective controller‐design method, termed Zhang‐gradient (ZG) method, is proposed for tracking control of the three chaotic systems. This ZG method, with singularities conquered, is capable of solving the tracking‐control problems of the chaotic systems. Both theoretical analyses and simulative verifications substantiate that the tracking controllers based on the ZG method can achieve satisfactory tracking accuracy and successfully conquer singularities encountered during the tracking‐control process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differing from conventional improvements on backpropagation (BP) neural network, a novel neural network is proposed and investigated in this paper to overcome the BP neural-network weaknesses, which is called the multiple-input feed-forward neural network activated by Chebyshev polynomials of Class 2 (MINN-CP2). In addition, to obtain the optimal number of hidden-layer neurons and the optimal linking weights of the MINN-CP2, the paper develops an algorithm of weights and structure determination (WASD) via cross-validation. Numerical studies show the effectiveness and superior abilities (in terms of approximation and generalization) of the MINN-CP2 equipped with the algorithm of WASD via cross-validation. Moreover, an application to gray image denoising demonstrates the effective implementation and application prospect of the proposed MINN-CP2 equipped with the algorithm of WASD via cross-validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Chinese shrew mole,Uropsilus soricipes(Soricomorpha: Talpidae) was determined (GenBank accession no. JQ658979). The mitogenome is 16,575 base pairs and contains 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes and one control region. Phylogenetic relationship analysis based on 12 concatenated protein-coding genes revealed thatUropsilusoccupies a basal position within Talpidae, which is consistent with previous studies. Additionally, low nucleotide diversity (0.0028) and high haplotype diversity (0.936) ofU. soricipesin the Jiajin Mountains and the neutrality test statistics (D=−1.59491,p=0.045; Fs=−4.171,p=0.016) suggest that this population experienced a demographic expansion at about 46,600 years ago. The phylogenetic analysis of the combined data (cytochromeband D-loop) revealed two clades. Divergence of these clades occurred in the middle Pleistocene 0.986 million years ago. Mountains played a substantial role in shaping the geographical populations of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Gracile shrew mole ( Uropsilus gracilis) belongs to the family Talpidae, which distributes in southwestern China, extending to northern Myanmar. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of U. gracilis was sequenced. It was determined to be of 16,533 bases. The nucleotide sequence data of 12 heavy-strand protein-coding genes of U. gracilis and other 12 insectivores were used for phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetic trees were constructed by using Bayesian and maximum likelihood methods, which showed that U. gracilis was clustered together with U. soricipes, and Urotrichus should be prior to Galemys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]