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Unusual states of manhole covers (MCs), such as being tilted, lost or flooded, can present substantial safety hazards and risks to pedestrians and vehicles on the roadway. Most MCs are still being managed through manual regular inspections and have limited information technology integration. This leads to time-consuming and labor-intensive identification with a lower level of accuracy. In this paper, we propose an edge computing-based intelligent monitoring system for manhole covers (EC-MCIMS). Sensors detect the MC and send status and positioning information via LoRa to the edge gateway located on the nearby wisdom pole. The edge gateway utilizes a lightweight machine learning model, trained on the edge impulse (EI) platform, which can predict the state of the MC. If an abnormality is detected, the display and voice device on the wisdom pole will respectively show and broadcast messages to alert pedestrians and vehicles. Simultaneously, the information is uploaded to the cloud platform, enabling remote maintenance personnel to promptly repair and restore it. Tests were performed on the EI platform and in Dongguan townships, demonstrating that the average response time for identifying MCs is 4.81 s. Higher responsiveness and lower power consumption were obtained compared to cloud computing models. Moreover, the system utilizes a lightweight model that better reduces read-only memory (ROM) and random-access memory (RAM), while maintaining an average identification accuracy of 94%.

Edge intelligence refers to a novel operation mode in which intelligent algorithms are implemented in edge devices to break the limitation of computing power. In the context of big data, mobile computing has been an effective assistive tool in many cross-field areas, in which quantitative assessment of implicit working gain is typical. Relying on the strong ability of data integration provided by the Internet of Things (IoT), intelligent algorithms can be equipped into terminals to realize intelligent data analysis. This work takes the assessment of working gain in universities as the main problem scenario, an edge intelligence-enhanced quantitative assessment model for implicit working gain under mobile IoT. Based on fundamental data acquisition from deployed mobile IoT environment, all the distributed edge terminals are employed to implement machine learning algorithms to formulate a quantitative assessment model. The dataset collected from a real-world application is utilized to evaluate the performance of the proposed mobile edge computing framework, and proper performance can be obtained and observed.

Abstract Background There have been few studies focused on the prevalence, bacterial etiology, antibiotic resistance, and genetic background of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in children with acute otitis media (AOM) in China. Methods A retrospective study was conducted in Liuzhou Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital. Patients younger than 18 years diagnosed with AOM were enrolled in the study. Middle ear fluid specimens were collected and cultured for bacterial pathogens. The antibiotic susceptibility, virulence genes, macrolide resistant genes and sequence types of S. aureus were identified. Results From January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015, a total of 228 cases of AOM were identified. Pathogenic bacteria were positive in 181 (79.4%) of 228 specimens. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common bacteria (36.4%), followed by S. aureus (16.2%). Among the 37 S. aureus isolates, 12 (23.5%) were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and 25 (77.5%) were methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). A total of 23 isolates (62.2%) were resistant to erythromycin, 40.5% of isolates were resistant to clindamycin, and 37.8% isolates were resistant to tetracycline. Twenty-three isolates were multi-drug resistant (MDR) S. aureus. Eighteen isolates carried the pvl gene. Up to 22 (59.4%) isolates expressed ermA gene, 8 (21.6%) isolates expressed both ermA and ermC genes, and only 8.1% expressed ermB. Among all S.aureus isolates, 7 sequence types (STs) were identified by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The most common ST was ST59 (16/37, 43.2%), followed by ST45 (7/37, 18.9%) and ST30 (7/37, 18.9%). The predominant MSSA isolates were ST59-t437-MSSA (5/25, 20.0%), the prevailing MRSA isolates were Taiwan related strains ST59-SCCmec-IVa/V (5/12, 41.6%). Conclusions S. aureus was the second most common cause for AOM in children in Liuzhou. Most of the S. aureus was MDR which carried a high proportion of ermA and ermC gene. CA-MRSA (ST59-SCCmec-IV/V-t437) is circulating in children with AOM. These findings support continued surveillance of S. aureus infections in children with AOM in both communities and hospitals.

In recent years, adverse health effects of chemicals from electronic waste (e-waste) have been reported. However, little is known about the genotoxic effects of chemicals in e-waste. In the present study, air concentrations of the toxic metals at e-waste and control sites were analyzed using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Levels of toxic metals (lead, copper and cadmium) in blood and urine were detected using atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 48 exposed individuals and 56 age- and sex-matched controls. The frequencies of lymphocytic micronucleated binucleated cells (MNBNCs) were determined using a cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay. Results indicated that blood lead levels were significantly higher in the exposed group (median: 11.449 μg/dL, 1st/3rd quartiles: 9.351-14.410 μg/dL) than in the control group (median: 9.104 μg/dL, 1st/3rd quartiles: 7.275-11.389 μg/dL). The exposed group had higher MNBNCs frequencies (median: 4.0ˆ, 1st/3rd quartiles: 2.0-7.0ˆ) compared with the controls (median: 1.0ˆ, 1st/3rd quartiles: 0.0-2.0ˆ). Additionally, MNBNCs frequencies and blood lead levels were positively correlated (r = 0.254, p<0.01). Further analysis suggested that a history of working with e-waste was a predictor for increased blood lead levels and MNBNCs frequencies in the subjects. The results suggest that both the living and occupational environments at the e-waste site may be risk factors for increased MNBNCs frequencies among those who are exposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, sensitive and convenient ion chromatography(IC) method was established for the simultaneous determination of twelve water-soluble inorganic anions(F- , Cl- , NO2-, NO3-, SO32-, SO42-, PO43-), and fifteen water-soluble organic ions(formate, acetate. MSA, oxalate, malonate, succinate, phthalates, etc.) in atmospheric aerosols. The linear concentrations ranged from 0.005 μg/m³ to 500 μg/m³ (r = 0.999-0.9999). The relative standard deviation (RSD) were 0.43%-2.00% and the detection limits were from 2.7 ng/m³ to 88 ng/m³. The proposed method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of those inorganic ions and organic ions in PM2,5 of Beijing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background This study tested the hypothesis that autologous transplantation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) can effectively attenuate acute pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Methods Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (n = 24) were equally randomized into group 1 (sham control), group 2 (IR plus culture medium only), and group 3 (IR plus intravenous transplantation of 1.5 × 106 autologous ADMSCs at 1h, 6h, and 24h following IR injury). The duration of ischemia was 30 minutes, followed by 72 hours of reperfusion prior to sacrificing the animals. Blood samples were collected and lungs were harvested for analysis. Results Blood gas analysis showed that oxygen saturation (%) was remarkably lower, whereas right ventricular systolic pressure was notably higher in group 2 than in group 3 (all p < 0.03). Histological scoring of lung parenchymal damage was notably higher in group 2 than in group 3 (all p < 0.001). Real time-PCR demonstrated remarkably higher expressions of oxidative stress, as well as inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers in group 2 compared with group 3 (all p < 0.005). Western blot showed that vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, oxidative stress, tumor necrosis factor-α and nuclear factor-κB were remarkably higher, whereas NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 and heme oxygenase-1 activities were lower in group 2 compared to those in group 3 (all p < 0.004). Immunofluorescent staining demonstrated notably higher number of CD68+ cells, but significantly fewer CD31+ and vWF+ cells in group 2 than in group 3. Conclusion ADMSC therapy minimized lung damage after IR injury in a rodent model through suppressing oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction.

Abstract Background We investigated whether myocardium-derived conditioned medium (MDCM) is effective in preserving left ventricular (LV) function in a rat acute myocardial infarction (AMI) model. Methods Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (n = 36) randomized to receive either left coronary artery ligation (AMI induction) or thoracotomy only (sham procedure) were grouped as follows (n = 6 per group): Group I, II, and III were sham-controls treated by fresh medium, normal rat MDCM, and infarct-related MDCM, respectively. Group IV, V, and VI were AMI rats treated by fresh medium, normal MDCM, and infarct-related MDCM, respectively. Either 75 μL MDCM or fresh medium was administered into infarct myocardium, followed by intravenous injection (3 mL) at postoperative 1, 12, and 24 h. Results In vitro studies showed higher phosphorylated MMP-2 and MMP-9, but lower α-smooth muscle actin and collagen expressions in neonatal cardiac fibroblasts treated with MDCM compared with those in the cardiac fibroblasts treated with fresh medium (all p < 0.05). Sirius-red staining showed larger collagen deposition area in LV myocardium in Group IV than in other groups (all p < 0.05). Stromal cell-derived factor-1α and CXCR4 protein expressions were higher in Group VI than in other groups (all p < 0.05). The number of von Willebrand factor- and BrdU-positive cells and small vessels in LV myocardium as well as 90-day LV ejection fraction were higher, whereas oxidative stress was lower in Group VI than in Group IV and Group V (all p < 0.05). Conclusion MDCM therapy reduced cardiac fibrosis and oxidative stress, enhanced angiogenesis, and preserved 90-day LV function in a rat AMI model.

Abstract Background We investigated whether early combined autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADMSC) and sildenafil therapy offers an additive benefit in preserving heart function in rat dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Methods Adult Lewis rats (n = 8 per group) were divided into group 1 (normal control), group 2 (saline-treated DCM rats), group 3 [2.0 × 106 ADMSC implanted into left ventricular (LV) myocardium of DCM rats], group 4 (DCM rats with sildenafil 30 mg/kg/day, orally), and group 5 (DCM rats with combined ADMSC-sildenafil). Treatment was started 1 week after DCM induction and the rats were sacrificed on day 90. Results The results showed that mitochondrial protein expressions of connexin43 and cytochrome-C were lowest in group 2, and lower in groups 3 and 4 than in group 5 (p < 0.002). Conversely, oxidative index was highest in group 2, and also higher in groups 3 and 4 than in group 5 (p < 0.0003). The mRNA expressions of interleukin (IL)-10, Gro/IL-8, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and Bcl-2 were lowest in group 2, and lower in groups 3 and 4 compared with group 5 (p < 0.0001). The mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-9, Bax, caspase 3, and stromal-cell derived factor-1α were highest in group 2, and higher in groups 3 and 4 than in group 5 (p < 0.0004). Apoptosis and fibrosis in LV myocardium were most prominent in group 2 and higher in groups 3 and 4 than in group 5, whereas angiogenesis and LV ejection fraction were lowest in group 2 and lower in groups 3 and 4 than in group 5 (p < 0.003). Conclusion Early combined ADMSC/sildenafil is superior to either treatment alone in preserving LV function.

Foshan is a ceramics manufacturing center in the world and the most polluted city in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) in southern China measured by the levels of atmospheric heavy metals. PM2.5 samples were collected in Foshan in winter 2008. Among the 22 elements and ions analyzed, 7 heavy metals (Zn, V, Mn, Cu, As, Cd and Pb) were studied in depth for their levels, spatiotemporal variations and sources. The ambient concentrations of the heavy metals were much higher than the reported average concentrations in China. The levels of Pb (675.7 ± 378.5 ng/m³), As (76.6 ± 49.1 ng/m³) and Cd (42.6 ± 45.2 ng/m³) exceeded the reference values of NAAQS (GB3095-2012) and the health guidelines of the World Health Organization. Generally, the levels of atmospheric heavy metals showed spatial distribution as: downtown site (CC, Chancheng District) > urban sites (NH and SD, Nanhai and Shunde Districts) > rural site (SS, Shanshui District). Two sources of heavy metals, the ceramic and aluminum industries, were identified during the sampling period. The large number of ceramic manufactures was responsible for the high levels of atmospheric Zn, Pb and As in Chancheng District. Transport from an aluminum industry park under light north-west winds contributed high levels of Cd to the SS site (Shanshui District). The average concentration of Cd under north-west wind was 220 ng/m³, 20.5 times higher than those under other wind directions. The high daily maximum enrichment factors (EFs) of Cd, Pb, Zn, As and Cu at all four sites indicated extremely high contamination by local emissions. Back trajectory analysis showed that the heavy metals were also closely associated with the pathway of air mass. A positive matrix factorization (PMF) method was applied to determine the source apportionment of these heavy metals. Five factors (industry including the ceramic industry and coal combustion, vehicle emissions, dust, transportation and sea salt) were identified and industry was the most important source of atmospheric heavy metals. The present paper suggests a control policy on the four heavy metals Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu, and suggests the inclusion of As in the ceramic industry emission standard in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Number concentration and distribution of airborne particles in the size range 5.6 to 560 nm diameter were measured in Beijing for a 15-d period in winter 2005. Daily average number concentrations of nucleation mode (5.6–20 nm), Aitken mode (20–100 nm), and accumulation mode (100–560 nm) particles, and total particles were 17500, 32000, 4000, and 53500 cm-3, respectively. Average particle size distribution was monomodal with a mode diameter of about 40 nm at night and bimodal with mode diameters of about 10 and about 40 nm during the daytime. New particle formation events, which were connected to diurnal variation of nucleation mode particles, were observed in more than half of the observation days. The events often started around 10:00–11:00 Chinese Standard Time (CST) and ended up after 3–4 h. Concentrations of Aitken and accumulation mode particles increased from midnight and reached their maxima at about 10:00 CST, and then decreased and became the lowest in the afternoon. Analysis of diurnal cycles in traffic volume and meteorological parameters revealed that the accumulation of the particles in Aitken and accumulation modes in the morning was influenced by formation of an inversion and increase in vehicle emission, and dispersion of such particles in the afternoon was associated with more effective vertical mixing and higher wind speed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Humanistic care pertains to the abilities, attitudes, and behaviors central to patient-centered care, contributing to patients' sense of safety and wellbeing. This study aimed to assess the satisfaction of patients with humanistic nursing care in Chinese secondary and tertiary public hospitals., Methods: A national cross-sectional survey was conducted across 30 provinces and 83 hospitals in China. Patient satisfaction with humanistic care was assessed using the Methodist Health Care System Nurse Caring Instrument (NCI), which encompasses 20 items across 12 dimensions. Each item was rated on a 7-point Likert scale, yielding a total score of 140. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with patients' satisfaction., Results: Moderate satisfaction (mean score 91.26 ± 13.14) with humanistic nursing care was observed among the 17,593 participants. Factors significantly associated with patient satisfaction included age, hospital type, presence of children, educational attainment, place of residence, family monthly income, and medical insurance type., Conclusion: The study findings highlight the importance of tailored interventions, evidence-based practice guidelines, and patient-centered care in improving patients' satisfaction with humanistic nursing care. Continuous emphasis on nursing education and professional development is crucial for enhancing humanistic care and patient satisfaction., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Liu, Zhang, Guan, Song, Zhang, Fu, Wang, Tang, Chen, Guo, Fan, Hou, Wang, Wu, Shan, Zhang, Yu, Lou, Xie, Zhou, Lu, Xin, Pan and Guo.)

Foshan is a ceramics manufacturing center in the world and the most polluted city in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) in southern China measured by the levels of atmospheric heavy metals. PM2.5 samples were collected in Foshan in winter 2008. Among the 22 elements and ions analyzed, 7 heavy metals (Zn, V, Mn, Cu, As, Cd and Pb) were studied in depth for their levels, spatiotemporal variations and sources. The ambient concentrations of the heavy metals were much higher than the reported average concentrations in China. The levels of Pb (675.7 ± 378.5 ng/m(3)), As (76.6 ± 49.1 ng/m(3)) and Cd (42.6 ± 45.2 ng/m(3)) exceeded the reference values of NAAQS (GB3095-2012) and the health guidelines of the World Health Organization. Generally, the levels of atmospheric heavy metals showed spatial distribution as: downtown site (CC, Chancheng District)>urban sites (NH and SD, Nanhai and Shunde Districts)>rural site (SS, Shanshui District). Two sources of heavy metals, the ceramic and aluminum industries, were identified during the sampling period. The large number of ceramic manufactures was responsible for the high levels of atmospheric Zn, Pb and As in Chancheng District. Transport from an aluminum industry park under light north-west winds contributed high levels of Cd to the SS site (Shanshui District). The average concentration of Cd under north-west wind was 220 ng/m(3), 20.5 times higher than those under other wind directions. The high daily maximum enrichment factors (EFs) of Cd, Pb, Zn, As and Cu at all four sites indicated extremely high contamination by local emissions. Back trajectory analysis showed that the heavy metals were also closely associated with the pathway of air mass. A positive matrix factorization (PMF) method was applied to determine the source apportionment of these heavy metals. Five factors (industry including the ceramic industry and coal combustion, vehicle emissions, dust, transportation and sea salt) were identified and industry was the most important source of atmospheric heavy metals. The present paper suggests a control policy on the four heavy metals Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu, and suggests the inclusion of As in the ceramic industry emission standard in the future., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)