bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aetiology and incidence of sudden cardiac arrest and death in young competitive athletes in the USA: a 4-year prospective study
Authors: Peterson Danielle F , Kucera Kristen , Thomas Leah Cox , Maleszewski Joseph , Siebert David , Lopez-Anderson Martha , Zigman Monica , Schattenkerk Jared , Harmon Kimberly G , Drezner Jonathan A
Published: November 2020

Objective

To investigate the aetiology and incidence of sudden cardiac arrest and death (SCA/D) in US competitive athletes.

Methods

Prospective surveillance was conducted from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2018 through the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research in collaboration with national sports organisations. Autopsy reports, death certificates, and medical records were reviewed by an expert panel to determine aetiology. Athlete participation statistics from the National Federation of State High School Associations and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) were used to calculate incidence rates per athlete-years (AY). Comparisons of incidence rates were calculated using incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% CIs.

Results

331 cases of confirmed SCA/D (158 survivors; 173 fatalities) were identified; 15.4% in middle school, 61.6% in high school and 16.6% in college and professional athletes. Average age was 16.7 (11–29) years, and the majority were in male (83.7%), basketball (28.7%) or American football (25.4%) athletes. Common causes included hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (20.6%), idiopathic left ventricular hypertrophy (13.4%), coronary artery anomalies (12.0%) and autopsy-negative sudden unexplained death (9.6%). Coronary anomalies were more common in middle school athletes (28%), while cardiomyopathies (hypertrophic, arrhythmogenic, dilated, non-compaction or restricted) accounted for 47% of cases in college and professional athletes. Incidence was higher in male versus female athletes at the high school (1:43 932 AY (95% CI 1:38 101 to 1:50 907) vs 1:203 786 AY (95% CI 1:145 251 to 1:293 794); IRR 4.6 (95% CI 3.1 to 7.2)) and NCAA (1:34 906 AY (95% CI 1:25 385 to 1:49 173) vs 1:123 278 AY (95% CI 1:66 078 to 1:249 853); IRR 3.5 (95% CI 1.5 to 9.5)) levels. African American male NCAA Division I basketball players had the highest annual incidence rate of SCA/D (1:2087 AY (95% CI 1:1073 to 1:4 450)).

Conclusions

Cardiomyopathies account for nearly half of SCA/D cases in college and professional athletes, while coronary artery anomalies play a more prominent role than expected in middle school athletes. Over half of SCA cases in athletes result in sudden death, calling for improved prevention strategies.
Athlete health and safety at large sporting events: the development of consensus-driven guidelines
Authors: Mountjoy Margo , Moran Jane , Ahmed Hosny , Bermon Stephane , Bigard Xavier , Doerr Dominik , Lacoste Alain , Miller Stuart , Weber Alexis , Foster Jeremy , Budgett Richard , Engebretsen Lars , Burke Louise M , Gouttebarge Vincent , Grant Marie-Elaine , McCloskey Brian , Piccininni Paul , Racinais Sebastien , Stuart Mark , Zideman David
Published: November 2020

All sport events have inherent injury and illness risks for participants. Healthcare services for sport events should be planned and delivered to mitigate these risks which is the ethical responsibility of all sport event organisers. The objective of this paper was to develop consensus-driven guidelines describing the basic standards of services necessary to protect athlete health and safety during large sporting events. By using the Knowledge Translation Scheme Framework, a gap in International Federation healthcare programming for sport events was identified. Event healthcare content areas were determined through a narrative review of the scientific literature. Content experts were systematically identified. Following a literature search, an iterative consensus process was undertaken. The outcome document was written by the knowledge translation expert writing group, with the assistance of a focus group consisting of a cohort of International Federation Medical Chairpersons. Athletes were recruited to review and provide comment. The Healthcare Guidelines for International Federation Events document was developed including content-related to (i) pre-event planning (eg, sport medical risk assessment, public health requirements, environmental considerations), (ii) event safety (eg, venue medical services, emergency action plan, emergency transport, safety and security) and (iii) additional considerations (eg, event health research, spectator medical services). We developed a generic standardised template guide to facilitate the planning and delivery of medical services at international sport events. The organisers of medical services should adapt, evaluate and modify this guide to meet the sport-specific local context.
Serum granzyme B is associated with otorhinolaryngological, pulmonary, and renal involvement of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis
Authors: Yoon Taejun , Yoo Juyoung , Ahn Sung Soo , Song Jason Jungsik , Park Yong-Beom , Lee Sang-Won
Published: November 2020

We investigated whether serum granzyme B (GrB) can reflect the inflammatory burden such as cross-sectional disease activity and organ-specific involvement in immunosuppressive drug-naïve patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). Seventy-eight immunosuppressive drug-naïve patients with AAV were included in this study. At the time of the first classification, whole blood was obtained from each patient and sera was immediately isolated and stored at – 80°C. On the day of the blood sampling, we performed routine laboratory tests including antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody tests and collected both clinical and laboratory data. AAV-specific indices included Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) and Five-Factor Score (FFS). The median age of patients with AAV was 62 years and 26 patients were men. Serum GrB was not associated with the cross-sectional BVAS; however, patients with serum GrB positivity exhibited higher frequencies of otorhinolaryngological manifestation than those without (p=0.037). When serum GrB levels were compared after dividing the patients into two groups based on the presence of organ-specific involvement, patients with pulmonary involvement exhibited a significantly higher serum GrB than those without (p=0.042). On the other hand, patients with renal involvement showed a significantly lower serum GrB than those without (p=0.023). In addition, serum GrB was inversely correlated with the cross-sectional FFS (r=−0.249, p=0.028). Even though serum GrB could not reflect the inflammatory burden of AAV, serum GrB was associated with otorhinolaryngological, pulmonary, and renal involvement in immunosuppressive drug-naïve patients with AAV.
Yield of the Fricke dosimeter irradiated with the recoil α and Li ions of the 10B(n,α)7Li nuclear reaction: effects of multiple ionization and temperature
Authors: Zakaria Abdullah Muhammad , Lertnaisat Phantira , Islam Muhammad Mainul , Meesungnoen Jintana , Katsumura Yosuke , Jay-Gerin Jean-Paul
Published: November 2020

Monte Carlo track chemistry simulations were used to investigate the effects of multiple ionization (MI) of water on the yields (G values) of the ferrous sulfate (Fricke) dosimeter, which was irradiated with low-energy α and lithium ion recoils from the 10B(n,α)7Li nuclear reaction as a function of temperature from 25 to 350 °C. Calculations were performed individually for 1.47 MeV α-particles and 0.84 MeV lithium nuclei with dose-average linear energy transfer (LET) values of ∼196 and 225 keV/µm at 25 °C, respectively. The total yields were obtained by summing the G values for each recoil α and Li ion weighted with its fraction of the total energy absorbed. At room temperature, our G(Fe3+) values calculated under aerated and deaerated conditions only agreed well with the experimental results, provided the MI of water was incorporated in the simulations. This strongly supports the importance of the role of MI of water in the high-LET radiolysis of water. We also simulated the effects of MI of water on G-values for the primary species of the radiolysis of deaerated 0.4 M H2SO4 aqueous solutions by 10B(n,α)7Li recoils. As with the Fricke dosimeter, the best agreement between experiment and simulation was found at 25 °C when the MI of water was included in the simulations. It was also shown that G(Fe3+) decreases slightly as a function of temperature over the range of 25–350 °C. However, at elevated temperatures, no experimental data were available with which to compare our results.
The Kodaira dimension and singularities of moduli of stable sheaves on some elliptic surfaces
Authors: Yamada Kimiko
Published: November 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be an elliptic surface over [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] be the moduli scheme of rank-two stable sheaves [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]. We look into defining equations of [Formula: see text] at its singularity [Formula: see text], partly because if [Formula: see text] admits only canonical singularities, then the Kodaira dimension [Formula: see text] can be calculated. We show the following:

(A)[Formula: see text] is at worst canonical singularity of [Formula: see text] if the restriction of [Formula: see text] to the generic fiber of [Formula: see text] has no rank-one subsheaf, and if the number of multiple fibers of [Formula: see text] is a few.(B)We obtain that [Formula: see text] and the Iitaka program of [Formula: see text] can be described in purely moduli-theoretic way for [Formula: see text], when [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] has just two multiple fibers, and one of its multiplicities equals [Formula: see text].(C)On the other hand, when [Formula: see text] has a rank-one subsheaf, it may be insufficient to look at only the degree-two part of defining equations to judge whether [Formula: see text] is at worst canonical singularity or not.
Modified Floating Electrode Apparatus for Advanced Characterization of Oxygen Reduction Reaction Electrocatalysts
Authors: Hrnjić Armin , Ruiz-Zepeda Francisco , Gaberšček Miran , Bele Marjan , Suhadolnik Luka , Hodnik Nejc , Jovanovič Primož
Published: November 2020

Herein a modified floating electrode (MFE) approach for investigating the electrochemical phenomena at a gas/electrode/liquid reaction interface is introduced. Such investigation is in sharp contrast to conventional electrochemical techniques, which measure the properties of electrode/liquid interfaces. MFE is based on an apparatus that enables electrocatalytic conversion under enhanced mass transport of reactant gas. This is enabled by the floating regime of the working electrode that presents a low mass transport barrier for the gas. The present MFE is designed to take the advantage of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) grids with a deposited electrocatalyst of choice, to be used as working electrodes. The applicability of MFE is demonstrated on the example of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), an essential segment in the sector of electrochemical energy conversion. The approach is validated on two state-of-the-art industrial benchmarks ORR electrocatalysts, a carbon-supported platinum (Pt/C) nanoparticulated electrocatalyst and an alloyed counterpart (Pt-Co/C). It is shown that MFE enables acquisition of the two most vital catalyst features in one measurement sequence. Firstly, it allows for rapid electrochemical performance measurements of potential ORR electrocatalysts under high oxygen transport, specifically high current densities. Secondly, it enables the local characterization of nanostructural events via identical location transmission electron microscopy (IL-TEM).
Heat therapy improves body composition and muscle function but does not affect capillary or collateral growth in a model of obesity and hindlimb ischemia
Authors: Kim Kyoungrae , Ro Bohyun , Damen Frederick W. , Gramling Daniel P. , Lehr Trevor D. , Song Qifan , Goergen Craig J. , Roseguini Bruno T.
Published: November 2020

The epidemic of obesity-related dyslipidemia and diabetes is a central cause of the increasing burden of peripheral artery disease (PAD), but few accessible therapies exist to mitigate the metabolic and functional abnormalities in these patients. We report that daily exposure to heat therapy (HT) in the form of lower-body immersion in water heated to 39 °C for 3 weeks attenuates fat accumulation and weight gain, and improves muscle strength in obese mice with femoral artery occlusion.
Hyperthermia reduces electromechanical delay via accelerated electrochemical processes
Authors: Mornas Adèle , Racinais Sébastien , Brocherie Franck , Alhammoud Marine , Hager Robin , Desmedt Yanis , Guilhem Gaël
Published: November 2020

Hyperthermia (targeted core temperature: 38.5°C) reduces the time between gastrocnemius medialis stimulation and the onset of plantar flexor force production in vivo. This reduction in electromechanical delay is concomitant to an earlier motion of muscle fascicle compared with thermoneutral environment. However, hyperthermia has no impact on the duration of force transmission along aponeurosis and tendon, thereby reflecting different effects of heat exposure on contractile and elastic properties of the muscle-tendon unit.
Barriers in translating preclinical rodent exercise metabolism findings to human health
Authors: Fuller Kelly N. Z. , Thyfault John P.
Published: November 2020

Physical inactivity and low aerobic capacity are primary drivers of chronic disease pathophysiology and are independently associated with all-cause mortality. Conversely, increased physical activity and exercise are central to metabolic disease prevention and longevity. Although these relationships are well characterized in the literature, what remains incompletely understood are the mechanisms by which physical activity/exercise prevents disease. Given methodological constraints of clinical research, investigators must often rely on preclinical rodent models to investigate these potential underlying mechanisms. However, there are several key barriers to applying exercise metabolism findings from rodent models to human health. These barriers include housing temperature, nutrient metabolism, exercise modality, exercise testing, and sex differences. Increased awareness and understanding of these barriers will enhance the ability to impact human health through more appropriate experimental design and interpretation of data within the context of these factors.
Sex determination, gonadal sex differentiation, and plasticity in vertebrate species
Authors: Nagahama Yoshitaka , Chakraborty Tapas , Paul-Prasanth Bindhu , Ohta Kohei , Nakamura Masaru
Published: November 2020

A diverse array of sex determination ( SD) mechanisms, encompassing environmental to genetic, have been found to exist among vertebrates, covering a spectrum from fixed SD mechanisms (mammals) to functional sex change in fishes (sequential hermaphroditic fishes). A major landmark in vertebrate SD was the discovery of the SRY gene in 1990. Since that time, many attempts to clone an SRY ortholog from nonmammalian vertebrates remained unsuccessful, until 2002, when DMY/dmrt1by was discovered as the SD gene of a small fish, medaka. Surprisingly, however, DMY/dmrt1by was found in only 2 species among more than 20 species of medaka, suggesting a large diversity of SD genes among vertebrates. Considerable progress has been made over the last 3 decades, such that it is now possible to formulate reasonable paradigms of how SD and gonadal sex differentiation may work in some model vertebrate species. This review outlines our current understanding of vertebrate SD and gonadal sex differentiation, with a focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved. An impressive number of genes and factors have been discovered that play important roles in testicular and ovarian differentiation. An antagonism between the male and female pathway genes exists in gonads during both sex differentiation and, surprisingly, even as adults, suggesting that, in addition to sex-changing fishes, gonochoristic vertebrates including mice maintain some degree of gonadal sexual plasticity into adulthood. Importantly, a review of various SD mechanisms among vertebrates suggests that this is the ideal biological event that can make us understand the evolutionary conundrums underlying speciation and species diversity.
Compound Mutations of the COL4A3 including a Novel Allele Identified in a Patient with Alport Syndrome
Authors: Wang Zhendong , Jiang Baichun , Jin Shiqi , Hu Zhao , Liu Guangyi
Published: November 2020

Alport syndrome (AS) is a hereditary nephropathy which is characterized by molecular abnormalities in collagen IV. Here, we report compound mutations of the COL4A3 gene including a novel allele identified in a patient with Alport syndrome. The patient was a 25‐year‐old Chinese woman. She has a history of proteinuria and hematuria with cleft lip and palate. The pathologic results were consistent with Alport syndrome. The patient received ACEI treatment but did not respond well to the treatment. Sequencing results revealed that the patient carried two heterozygous mutations in the COL4A3 gene, including a known mutation (c.4243G>C, p.G1415R), which was inherited from her father, and a previously undescribed allele (c.4216G>A, p.G1406R) inherited from her mother. To date, at least 294 different variants of COL4A3 have been reported according to the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD). Identification of c.4216G>A as a new AS‐related mutation may contribute to both genetic diagnosis of AS and further functional study of COL4A3.
Terahertz Sensor Study Based on Spoof Surface Plasmon Polaritons
Authors: Zhao Ruiqi , Lu Guizhen , Yin Hongcheng , Liang Jingjing , Zeng Dongdong , Xiao Huaibao
Published: November 2020

The spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) structure can be used as a sensor in THz region for the biosensing. The accuracy of resonance and amplitude for sensor is very important for biosensing. The momentum matching of SSPPs determines the resonance position and the gap distance determines the amplitude. For the biomolecular sensing, the sample is positioned between the prism base and the SSPPs structure. The momentum matching condition at the current study does not consider the effect of sample refractive index and the resonance position has a significant error. Here the correction is made to the momentum matching condition which considers the effect of the sample refractive index. A comparative study of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensing performance based on frequency and angle variations shows that the sensing sensitivity for frequency region is superior to that of angle region; in the meanwhile, as an application of biosensors, we have detected different types of brain lesions in the frequency range. Furthermore, the reflection amplitude is related to gap size between the prism and SSPPs. The relationship of gap size and reflection amplitude is studied. By using the relationship between gap size and reflection amplitude, the amplitudes at different frequencies or incident angles for different refractivities have the same reflection dips compared to the other published results. The simulation is performed and the results proved the theory.
The Regenerative Potential of Donkey and Human Milk on the Redox-Sensitive and Proliferative Signaling Pathways of Skin Fibroblasts
Authors: Kocic H. , Langerholc T. , Kostic M. , Stojanovic S. , Najman S. , Krstic M. , Nesic I. , Godic A. , Wollina U.
Published: November 2020

The influence of milk bioactive peptides on skin regenerative potential and rejuvenation is very often limited because of allergic reactions. The current study is aimed at exploring the influence of donkey colostrum and mature milk, human colostrum and mature milk, and β-casein and β-casomorphine-7, on the growth and inflammatory response of the culture of cultured skin fibroblasts exposed to these conditions for twenty-four hours. Their effects on the growth-regulatory kinases and redox-sensitive, proinflammatory transcriptional factor NF-κB were detected by using specific primary antibodies against NF-κB p65, Akt-1, phospho-Akt-1, Erk-1, phospho-Erk-1, JNK, phospho-JNK, phospho-STAT-1, and CD26, while logarithmic integrated fluorescence intensity patterns were recorded by flow cytometry. The downregulation of NF-κB p65 was observed after the exposure of skin fibroblasts to donkey milk and human colostrum, while β-casein and β-casomorphine-7 exerted the opposite effect, which suggests that noncasein bioactive peptides of donkey and human milk may be responsible for anti-inflammatory properties. The exposure to all milk species examined and β-casein leads to the activation of growth-regulatory kinases (Akt1/2/3 kinase, Erk kinase, JNK kinase, and Stat-1 kinase), especially for the p-Erk pathway, which suggests that essential amino acids of casein may be responsible for Erk-induced cell cycle activation and proliferation. The opposite effect was observed when cells were exposed to β-casomorphine-7, which may affect the skin fibroblast survival and their proliferative and regenerative potential. Donkey milk did not significantly change the CD26 antigen expression. In conclusion, our results suggest that among cell signaling molecules, the most sensitive but nonspecific downstream effector is p-Erk kinase, which may point to donkey milk usefulness in wound healing, regenerative, and aesthetic dermatology. The noncasein bioactive peptides of donkey milk may be responsible for the anti-inflammatory property of donkey milk and colostrum, which may indicate the usefulness in the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.
High‐Temperature Performance of Asphalt Mixtures: Preliminary Analysis for the Standard Technical Index Based on Gray Relational Analysis Method
Authors: Xu Jian , Gong Yan , Chen Li-Biao , Ma Tao , Zeng Jun-Cheng , Yan Er-Hu , Xiao Guang-Shu
Published: November 2020

Aiming to evaluate the high‐temperature performance of asphalt binders and asphalt mixtures and to investigate the reliability of the standard technical indexes to evaluate the performance of the asphalt, six typically used asphalt types were employed in this study. The standard high‐temperature rheological test, the multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) test, and the zero‐shear viscosity (ZSV) test were employed to characterize the high‐temperature performance and non‐Newtonian fluid properties of the asphalt. Meanwhile, the high‐temperature performance of the asphalt mixture was evaluated through the rutting tests based on the mixture design of AC‐13. In general, the modified asphalt performed better than the unmodified asphalt according to the high‐temperature rheological properties tests. The ranking of the six kinds of asphalt was confirmed to be different in various laboratory tests. The test results of the asphalt binders showed that the Tafpack Super‐ (TPS‐) modified asphalt performed best in the MSCR and ZSV tests, while the low‐grade asphalt PEN20 had the best technical indexes in the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) test. Besides, the relation between the asphalt and the asphalt mixture was analyzed by gray relational analysis (GRA) method. The present rutting indicator (G∗/sin δ and G∗/(1 − (sin δ ·  tan δ)−1)) for evaluating the asphalt mixtures’ high‐temperature performance might no longer be suitable. The Cross/Williamson model was the most suitable for calculating and fitting the ZSV, which could be used as the key indicator of the high‐temperature performance evaluation of the asphalt. This work lays a foundation for the further study of the high‐temperature performance evaluation of asphalt binders.
A Comparison Study of Chaihu Shugan San and Fluoxetine on Antidepression and Regulating Blood Rheology Effects with Chronic Restrained Stress Rats
Authors: Qian Meng , Peng Rongyan , Yue Chen , Yang Zongchun , Zhu Haoru , Liu Biyuan , Xie Ming
Published: November 2020

Chaihu Shugan San (CHSGS) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula that is often used in clinical practice to treat live Qi stagnation syndrome and depression. Fluoxetine is one of the commonly used drugs for the clinical treatment of depression. This study involved a comparison of CHSGS and fluoxetine on antidepression and regulating blood rheology effects with chronic restraint stress‐ (CRS‐) induced depression rat models. Rats were induced depression models by CRS for 4 weeks. Upon successful induction of depression in the rats, the animal was administered CHSGS at 0.6 g/kg/d, 1.2 g/kg/d, or fluoxetine 1.8 mg/kg/d to corresponding groups by gavage for 2 weeks. The changes of CRS rats were determined by behavior observations and sucrose preference test and hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal cortex (HPA) axis functional status. The changes in monoamine neurotransmitters and related indicators of blood status were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), blood rheometer, and other methods. The outcome shows that CHSGS is superior to fluoxetine in regulating the appearance and HPA axis function of model rats. In addition, CHSGS and fluoxetine have similar effects in improving blood rheology, and both can alleviate the hypercoagulable state of blood via the platelet 5‐hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (5‐HT2A) pathway in rats of depression. It was also observed that CHSGS can improve the blood state of depressed rats by restoring liver coagulation‐anticoagulation balance and endothelium‐related functions.
Increased Levels of Serum Neuregulin 1 Associated with Cognitive Impairment in Vascular Dementia
Authors: Wang Xiaoling , Zhang Fengyu , Ma Weibin , Feng Depeng , Zhang Jingjing , Xu Jialei
Published: November 2020

Objective. Neuregulin 1 (NRG 1) is a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family and is believed to play an important role in neuroplasticity. However, the relationship between NRG 1 and vascular dementia (VaD) is poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to explore the correlation between neuregulin 1 and VaD. Patients and Methods. From October 2018 to September 2020, 93 VaD patients and 79 control populations who attended Liaocheng People’s Hospital were included in the study. Baseline characteristics including age, gender, years of education, HDL, LDL, FBG, SBP, and DBP are collected. At the same time, peripheral blood was collected, and the concentration of serum NRG 1 was detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All research subjects received professional cognitive function assessment. Results. A total of 93 VaD patients and 79 controls were enrolled. There was no significant difference in age, gender, years of education, HDL, LDL, FBG, SBP, and DBP between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, compared with the control group, VaD patients have lower MoCA and higher serum NRG 1 levels, and the difference is statistically significant (p < 0.001). The correlation analysis of MoCA and baseline characteristics showed that the MoCA score in VaD was significantly negatively correlated with serum NRG 1 (r = −0.374, p = 0.036). The results of multivariate regression showed that the MoCA score of VaD patients was only associated with NRG 1 (β = 0.258, p = 0.012). Conclusions. The concentration of serum NRG 1 in VaD patients is significantly increased, which may be an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment in VaD patients.
Development and Field Application of a New Ultralow Guar Gum Concentration Weighted Fracturing Fluid in HPHT Reservoirs
Authors: Liu Yi , Liu Jing , Li Yunzi , Yang Hui , Yan Fei , Zheng Jiapeng , Wu Jun , Huang Jianyi , Wu Zuohao , Luo Cheng , Lu Junkai
Published: November 2020

A weighted fracturing fluid with superlow guar gum concentration was developed by synthesizing a polyboric acid cross-linker. The density of this fluid is 1.365 g/cm3 and can withstand very high temperature up to 175°C. In this study, a weighting agent was selected, and crosslinking ligands and boric acid were optimized. The crosslinking performance, base fluid viscosity, rheology, and gel-breaking performance of this fracturing fluid were studied. Compared with the conventional weighted fracturing fluid, the concentration of guar gum in the new weighted fracturing fluid can be reduced by 30% at the same temperature condition; moreover, crosslinking can be delayed by 2 minutes. The concentration of gel breaker used in this fluid can be significantly reduced to 0.005%∼0.01%. Two field tests were conducted in Jidong oil field, and both of them achieved great success.
Effect of the Initial Air Content in Fresh Slurry on the Compressive Strength of Hardened Cemented Paste Backfill
Authors: Zhang Youzhi , Gan Deqing , Xue Zhenlin , Chen Xun , Hu Sheng
Published: November 2020

Filling mining method can dispose of the tailings into filling slurry, which can be transported to the stope through pipelines to manage the ground pressure and protect the environment. To improve the flowability of filling slurry, additives are used more and more widely. However, some additives can increase the air content in the slurry. The air in the slurry will become pores in the hardened cemented paste backfill (CPB). Therefore, it is necessary to explore the influence of initial air content in fresh slurry on the compressive strength of CPB. In this paper, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was used to regulate the air content in the fresh slurry. After measuring the initial air content, the slurry was made into test blocks. Then, the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of CPB at 28 d age was tested, and the distribution of CPB microscopic pores was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that as the initial air content in fresh slurry increases, the UCS of CPB first increases and then decreases. Before the initial air content in fresh slurry is 6.03%, the CPB pores distribution is relatively uniform. However, after exceeding this value, “discontinuous contact” structures, pore groups, and macropores occur in CPB. Through the CPB microscopic force analysis, the mathematical model describing the effect of initial air content on UCS of CPB should be a combination of logarithmic function and quadratic polynomial. This work can provide a supplement to the theory of CPB strength.
The Role of T Helper 17 (Th17) and Regulatory T Cells (Treg) in the Pathogenesis of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis among HIV-Infected Women
Authors: Apalata Teke , Longo-Mbenza Benjamin
Published: November 2020

Background. The study sought to describe relationships between 20 cytokines and chemokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, MCP-1, MIP-1β, TNF-α, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3) and the presence of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) in women, stratified by HIV status. Methods. Plasma and genital samples were obtained from 51 clinic attendees in KwaZulu-Natal between June 2011 and December 2011. Cytokine and chemokine concentrations were measured by Luminex® multiplex immunoassays. Multiple comparisons of means of cytokine/chemokine levels displaying significant differences in univariate analyses across the study groups were performed using post hoc Bonferroni pairwise tests considering a type I error rate of 0.05. A discriminant analysis (DA) was carried out to identify linear combinations of variates that would maximally discriminate group memberships. Results. Of the 51 participants, 16/26 HIV-infected and 15/25 HIV-uninfected women were diagnosed with VVC. DA identified 2 variables (MIP-1β and TGF-β3) in plasma (Box’s M (5.49),p(0.57) > α (0.001); Wilks’ lambda = 0.116,p<0.0001) and 1 variable (IL-13) in vaginal secretions (Box’s M (2.063),p(0.37) > α (0.001); Wilks’ lambda = .677,p<0.0001) as able to discriminate the HIV + VVC + group, whilst TGF-β1 in plasma discriminated the HIV + VVC − group. Mean concentrations of genital IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, and TGF-β3 were significantly higher in HIV infected women coinfected with VVC. Conclusions. In HIV-infected women, VVC might be explained by a decline of Th17 cells, hence a decrease of Th17/Treg ratio.
Design and Analysis of a Flexible, Elastic, and Rope-Driven Parallel Mechanism for Wrist Rehabilitation
Authors: Pang Zaixiang , Wang Tongyu , Yu Junzhi , Liu Shuai , Zhang Xiyu , Jiang Dawei
Published: November 2020

This paper proposes a bionic flexible wrist parallel mechanism to simulate human wrist joints, which is characterized by a rope-driven, compression spring-supported hybrid mechanism. Specifically, to realize the movement of the wrist mechanism, a parallel structure is adopted to support the mobile platform and is controlled by a cable, which plays the role of wrist muscles. Because the compression spring is elastic, it is difficult to directly solve inverse kinematics. To address this problem, the external force acting on the moving platform is firstly equivalent to the vector force and torque at the center of the moving platform. Then, based on inverse kinematic and static analyses, the inverse motion of the robot model can be solved according to the force and torque balance conditions and the lateral spring bending equation of the compression spring. In order to verify the proposed method, kinematics, statics, and parallel mechanism workspace are further analyzed by the software MATLAB. The obtained results demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the designed parallel mechanism. This work offers new insights into the parallel mechanism with flexible joints in replicating the movements of the human wrist, thus promoting the development of rehabilitation robots and rope-driven technology to some extent.
Thermophilic Solid-State Anaerobic Digestion of Corn Straw, Cattle Manure, and Vegetable Waste: Effect of Temperature, Total Solid Content, and C/N Ratio
Authors: Su Lianghu , Sun Xu , Liu Chenwei , Ji Rongting , Zhen Guangyin , Chen Mei , Zhang Longjiang
Published: November 2020

Thermophilic solid-state anaerobic digestion (SS-AD) of agricultural wastes, i.e., corn straw, cattle manure, and vegetable waste, was carried out in this study. The effects of temperature (40-60°C), initial solid content (ISC, 17.5-32.5%), and C/N ratio (15-32 : 1) on biogas production were evaluated using a Box-Behnken experimental design (BBD) combined with response surface methodology (RSM). The results showed that optimization of process parameters is important to promote the SS-AD performance. All the factors, including interactive terms (except the ISC), were significant in the quadratic model for biogas production with SS-AD. Among the three operation parameters, the C/N ratio had the largest effect on biogas production, followed by temperature, and a maximum biogas yield of 241.4 mL gVS-1 could be achieved at 47.3°C,

ISC
=
24.81
%

, and

C
/
N
=
22.35

. After 20 d of SS-AD, the microbial community structure under different conditions was characterized by high-throughput sequencing, showing that Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Synergistetes, and Proteobacteria dominated the bacterial community, and that Firmicutes had a competitive advantage over Bacteroidetes at elevated temperatures. The biogas production values and relative abundance of OPB54 and Bacteroidia after 20 d of SS-AD can be fitted well using a quadratic model, implying that OPB54 and Bacteroidia play important roles in the methanogenic metabolism for agricultural waste thermophilic SS-AD.
Spectral-Spatial Hyperspectral Image Classification Based on Homogeneous Minimum Spanning Forest
Authors: Poorahangaryan F. , Ghassemian H.
Published: November 2020

The combination of spectral and spatial information is known as a suitable way to improve the accuracy of hyperspectral image classification. In this paper, we propose a spectral-spatial hyperspectral image classification approach composed of the following stages. Initially, the support vector machine (SVM) is applied to obtain the initial classification map. Then, we present a new index called the homogeneity order and, using that with K-nearest neighbors, we select some pixels in feature space. The extracted pixels are considered as markers for Minimum Spanning Forest (MSF) construction. The class assignment to the markers is done using the initial classification map results. In the final stage, MSF is applied to these markers, and a spectral-spatial classification map is obtained. Experiments performed on several real hyperspectral images demonstrate that the classification accuracies obtained by the proposed scheme are improved when compared to MSF-based spectral-spatial classification approaches.
Maximization of Site-Specific Solar Photovoltaic Energy Generation through Tilt Angle and Sun-Hours Optimization
Authors: Makenzi Macben , Muguthu Joseph , Murimi Evan
Published: November 2020

Many photovoltaic solar projects do not achieve optimum energy and power outputs due to poor technical sizing and system design approaches. Concerns on low-conversion rates, high intermittencies, and high-capital costs still haunt PV projects. The establishment of design methodologies that would result in increased outputs from solar arrays is crucial in addressing the aforementioned issues. The tilt angles of installed PV modules are critical factors that influence the power output of solar modules. Several resources are available that provide generic linear fits and estimation of tilt angles for various global regions. However, very few are capable of determining precise, location-specific tilt angles that would allow for optimal power output and energy generation. This paper presents a methodology developed to establish the optimum tilt angles for solar panels installed at specific locations, thus ensuring maximum energy generation. The modeling is based on the maximization of the solar irradiation incident on the surface of a PV panel by considering multiple site-specific variables. Different sets of transcendent equations have been derived which were used to calculate optimum tilt angles and the subsequent energy generation from specific configurations of photovoltaic arrays. The resulting algorithms were used to determine optimum tilt angles and energy generation for solar PV installations in Athi River, Kenya. Dynamic and static optimal tilt angles were compared with the region’s baseline industry practice of using a fixed tilt angle of 15◦. It was observed that the dynamic tilt angles improved the daily solar energy output by up to 6.15%, while the computed optimal static tilt angle provided a 2.87% output increment. This improvement presents a significant impact on the technical specification of the PV system with a consequent reduction in the investment and operational cost of such installations. It further demonstrated that the use of the optimum static tilt angle results in cost and space savings of up to 2.8% as compared to the standard industry practice. Additionally, 5.8% cost and space savings were attained by the utilization of dynamic tilt angles.
Fufang Xueshuantong for Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Tan Yu-meng , Hu Jun , Wu Qian , Zhang Yi , Suo Wen-dong , Zhou Yu-tong , Guo He , Ni Qing
Published: November 2020

Objective. The objective of this meta‐analysis was to systematically assess the efficacy and safety of patented Chinese medicine Fufang Xueshuantong (FFXST) for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of FFXST for DKD treatment were searched until May 31, 2020, in seven electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and Chinese Biomedical Literature. The Cochrane risk test from the Cochrane Handbook was used as a bias tool to assess the methodological quality, and Review Manager (RevMan) 5.3 was used to analyze the results. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria were used to classify the quality of evidence. Results. Thirteen RCTs involving 1,186 patients were included. The meta‐analysis revealed that the efficacy of FFXST in treatment of DKD was significantly superior to that of the control treatment (P = 0.0006). The urinary albumin excretion rate (P < 0.01), urinary albumin creatinine ratio (P < 0.0001), and microalbumin (P < 0.0001) were lower in the treatment groups than in the control group. There was also a decrease in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.0001), serum triglyceride (P = 0.001), and C‐reactive protein (P < 0.0001) in the treatment groups compared with those in the control group. No significant difference in hemoglobin A1c level (P = 0.76) and systolic blood pressure (P = 0.34) was noted between the treatment and control groups. Three studies reported adverse events, including dizziness and intolerance. In the other 10 trials, adverse events were not mentioned. Conclusion. FFXST appears to be effective in the treatment of DKD. However, the low methodological quality of the RCTs suggests that larger, better‐designed RCTs are required to verify the clinical eﬀectiveness and safety of FFXST.
GSK3β-Mediated Expression of CUG-Translated WT1 Is Critical for Tumor Progression
Authors: Yoshitomi Hisae , Lee Kun Y. , Yao Ke , Shin Seung Ho , Zhang Tianshun , Wang Qiushi , Paul Souren , Roh Eunmiri , Ryu Joohyun , Chen Hanyong , Aziz Faisal , Chakraborty Abhijit , Bode Ann M. , Dong Zigang
Published: November 2020

The Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) gene is well known as a chameleon gene. It plays a role as a tumor suppressor in Wilms' tumor but also acts as an oncogene in other cancers. Previously, our group reported that a canonical AUG starting site for the WT1 protein (augWT1) acts as a tumor suppressor, whereas a CUG starting site for the WT1 protein (cugWT1) functions as an oncogene. In this study, we report an oncogenic role of cugWT1 in the AOM/DSS-induced colon cancer mouse model and in a urethane-induced lung cancer model in mice lacking cugWT1. Development of chemically-induced tumors was significantly depressed in cugWT1-deficient mice. Moreover, glycogen synthase kinase 3β promoted phosphorylation of cugWT1 at S64, resulting in ubiquitination and degradation of the cugWT1 associated with the F-box−/− WD repeat-containing protein 8. Overall, our findings suggest that inhibition of cugWT1 expression provides a potential candidate target for therapy.

Significance:

These findings demonstrate that CUG-translated WT1 plays an oncogenic role in vivo, and GSK3β-mediated phosphorylation of cugWT1 induces its ubiquitination and degradation in concert with FBXW8.
Calcium Ion Chelation Preserves Platelet Function During Cold Storage
Authors: Xiang Binggang , Zhang Guoying , Zhang Yan , Wu Congqing , Joshi Smita , Morris Andrew J. , Ware Jerry , Smyth Susan S. , Whiteheart Sidney W. , Li Zhenyu
Published: November 2020

Objective:

Platelet transfusion is a life-saving therapy to prevent or treat bleeding in patients with thrombocytopenia or platelet dysfunction. However, for >6 decades, safe and effective strategies for platelet storage have been an impediment to widespread use of platelet transfusion. Refrigerated platelets are cleared rapidly from circulation, precluding cold storage of platelets for transfusion. Consequently, platelets are stored at room temperature with an upper limit of 5 days due to risks of bacterial contamination and loss of platelet function. This practice severely limits platelet availability for transfusion. This study is to identify the mechanism of platelet clearance after cold storage and develop a method for platelet cold storage.

Approach and Results:

We found that rapid clearance of cold-stored platelets was largely due to integrin activation and apoptosis. Deficiency of integrin β3 or caspase-3 prolonged cold-stored platelets in circulation. Pretreatment of platelets with EGTA, a cell impermeable calcium ion chelator, reversely inhibited cold storage-induced platelet activation and consequently prolonged circulation of cold-stored platelets. Moreover, transfusion of EGTA-treated, cold-stored platelets, but not room temperature-stored platelets, into the mice deficient in glycoprotein Ibα significantly shortened tail-bleeding times and diminished blood loss.

Conclusions:

Integrin activation and apoptosis is the underlying mechanism of rapid clearance of platelets after cold storage. Addition of a cell impermeable calcium ion chelator to platelet products is potentially a simple and effective method to enable cold storage of platelets for transfusion.
Sex-Specific Platelet Activation Through Protease-Activated Receptors Reverses in Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Soo Kim Beom , Auerbach David S. , Sadhra Hamza , Godwin Matthew , Bhandari Rohan , Ling Frederick S. , Mohan Amy , Yule David I. , Wagner Larry , Rich David Q. , Ture Sara , Morrell Craig N. , Timpanaro-Perrotta Livia , Younis Arwa , Goldenberg Ilan , Cameron Scott J.
Published: November 2020

Objective:

The platelet phenotype in certain patients and clinical contexts may differ from healthy conditions. We evaluated platelet activation through specific receptors in healthy men and women, comparing this to patients presenting with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction.

Approach and Results:

We identified independent predictors of platelet activation through certain receptors and a murine MI model further explored these findings. Platelets from healthy women and female mice are more reactive through PARs (protease-activated receptors) compared with platelets from men and male mice. Multivariate regression analyses revealed male sex and non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction as independent predictors of enhanced PAR1 activation in human platelets. Platelet PAR1 signaling decreased in women and increased in men during MI which was the opposite of what was observed during healthy conditions. Similarly, in mice, thrombin-mediated platelet activation was greater in healthy females compared with males, and lesser in females compared with males at the time of MI.

Conclusions:

Sex-specific signaling in platelets seems to be a cross-species phenomenon. The divergent platelet phenotype in males and females at the time of MI suggests a sex-specific antiplatelet drug regimen should be prospectively evaluated.
Hereditary Disorders of Cardiovascular Calcification
Authors: Rutsch Frank , Buers Insa , Nitschke Yvonne
Published: November 2020

Arterial calcification is a common phenomenon in the elderly, in patients with atherosclerosis or renal failure and in diabetes. However, when present in very young individuals, it is likely to be associated with an underlying hereditary disorder of arterial calcification. Here, we present an overview of the few monogenic disorders presenting with early-onset cardiovascular calcification. These disorders can be classified according to the function of the respective disease gene into (1) disorders caused by an altered purine and phosphate/pyrophosphate metabolism, (2) interferonopathies, and (3) Gaucher disease. The finding of arterial calcification in early life should alert the clinician and prompt further genetic work-up to define the underlying genetic defect, to establish the correct diagnosis, and to enable appropriate therapy.