bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical Principles Underlying the Complex Biology of Intracellular Phase Transitions
Authors: Choi Jeong-Mo , Holehouse Alex S. , Pappu Rohit V.
Published: January 2020

Many biomolecular condensates appear to form via spontaneous or driven processes that have the hallmarks of intracellular phase transitions. This suggests that a common underlying physical framework might govern the formation of functionally and compositionally unrelated biomolecular condensates. In this review, we summarize recent work that leverages a stickers-and-spacers framework adapted from the field of associative polymers for understanding how multivalent protein and RNA molecules drive phase transitions that give rise to biomolecular condensates. We discuss how the valence of stickers impacts the driving forces for condensate formation and elaborate on how stickers can be distinguished from spacers in different contexts. We touch on the impact of sticker- and spacer-mediated interactions on the rheological properties of condensates and show how the model can be mapped to known drivers of different types of biomolecular condensates.
Inverse Problem Analysis of Distribution of Power Generation Current inside PEFC Using Magnetic Field around Fuel Cell
Authors: Neki Takeshi , Gotoh Yuji , Izumi Masaaki , Nara Takaaki
Published: January 2020

A PEFC (polymer electrolyte fuel cell) is expected to be used as a power supply of the homes and electric vehicles, since it can generate electricity at low temperatures and the startup speed is fast. Since the power generation efficiency of PEFC is influenced by the mass transfer of hydrogen, oxygen and steam in it, it is important to clarify the current distribution inside MEA that is closely related to the mass transfer. In this paper, the evaluation method of the distribution of the power generation current inside MEA using the distribution of static magnetic field around PEFC is proposed. The generated current distribution in the MEA is calculated by inverse problem analysis using Ampere's law from the distribution of the magnetic field around the fuel cell. The evolutionary strategy method is used by this inverse problem analysis. In addition, the current distribution estimation accuracy inside the MEA has been improved by using the weighting coefficient according to the distance between the magnetic sensor and each position in the MEA.
Electrodeposition of White Bronzes on the Way to CZTS Absorber Films
Authors: Fabbri Lorenzo , Sun Yunkai , Piciollo Emanuele , Salvietti Emanuele , Zangari Giovanni , Passaponti Maurizio , Innocenti Massimo
Published: January 2020

In order to substitute traditional cyanide-based baths and obtain a new eco-compatible route to synthesize via electrodeposition a CZTS (copper-zinc-tin sulfide) absorber films, this paper describes the development of a green electrodeposition bath for Cu–Sn alloys. CZTS, being a p-type semiconducting material could be used in novel and sustainable photovoltaic devices. In this work we analyzed the electrochemical behavior of different methanesulfonic acid-based prototype deposition bath containing tin methanesulfonate as tin precursor, copper sulfate or methanesulfonate as copper precursor, and hydroquinone, nitrilotriacetic acid and 2-picolinic acid as organic additives. Electrodeposition was conducted with different deposition parameters such as deposition potential, current density, potentiostatic or galvanostatic mode. Surface and cross-section morphology as well as composition of the films were characterized using SEM-EDS. The composition of the samples in terms of crystalline phases was analyzed using XRD, highlighting the information obtained by superlattice diffraction peaks based on the crystallography of Cu–Sn intermetallic phases. From prototype bath S4 a uniform composition around Cu:Sn = 2:1 was observed with

η
′

phase as the dominant phase, which could possibly facilitate the synthesis of CZTS due to its aligned body-center vacancies that could serve as sulfur diffusion path during sulfurization within each

η
′

crystal.
Review—Reorientation of Polymers in an Applied Electric Field for Electrochemical Sensors
Authors: LaFreniere Joelle M. J. , Roberge Emma J. , Halpern Jeffrey M.
Published: January 2020

This mini review investigates the relationship and interactions of polymers under an applied electric field (AEF) for sensor applications. Understanding how and why polymers are reoriented and manipulated under an AEF is essential for future growth in polymer-based electrochemical sensors. Examples of polymers that can be manipulated in an AEF for sensor applications are provided. Current methods of monitoring polymer reorientation will be described, but new techniques are needed to characterize polymer response to various AEF stimuli. The unique and reproducible stimuli response of polymers elicited by an AEF has significant potential for growth in the sensing community.
A Nonpediatric Extraosseous Ewing Sarcoma of the Pancreas: Differential Diagnosis and Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Yohannan Binoy , Feldman Mark
Published: January 2020

Extraosseous Ewing’s sarcoma is a rare and aggressive malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. The pancreas is an extremely uncommon primary site, with only 27 cases that have been published worldwide. We report a 26-year-old female who presented with 5 days of left upper quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting. On examination, she was anicteric and had epigastric and left upper quadrant tenderness without guarding, rebound tenderness, or a palpable mass. She had slightly elevated serum aminotransferase and lipase levels. Abdominal computerized tomography revealed a multilobulated tumor arising from the body and tail of the pancreas. A biopsy confirmed a small round cell tumor, and immunohistochemistry was positive for CD99 in approximately 70% of the tumor cells. A fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay showed a 22q12 rearrangement. She was diagnosed with extraosseous Ewing sarcoma of the pancreas and underwent multiagent neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgical resection, but subsequent imaging revealed evidence of systemic disease progression. She chose to go on hospice care and died a few weeks later.
Anticancer Activity of Liquid Treated with Microwave Plasma-Generated Gas through Macrophage Activation
Authors: Lee Chae Bok , Seo Il Hwan , Chae Myoung-Won , Park Jae Woo , Choi Eun Ha , Uhm Han Sup , Baik Ku Youn
Published: January 2020

Reactive nitrogen species (RNS), including nitric oxide (NO⋅) has been known as one of the key regulatory molecules in the immune system. In this study, we generated RNS-containing water treated with microwave plasma-generated gas in which the major component was nitric oxide (PGNO), and the effect on the macrophage polarization was investigated. The RNS-containing water was diluted in complete cell culture media (PGNO-solution) into the concentration that did not induce cell death in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. PGNO-solution upregulates M1-type macrophage activation and downregulates the characteristics of M2-type macrophage at the transcriptional level. In addition, the PGNO-solution-treated M2-like macrophages had higher potential in killing melanoma cells. The anticancer potential was also investigated in a syngeneic mouse model. Our results show that PGNO-solution has the potential to convert the fate of macrophages, suggesting PGNO-solution treatment as a supportive method for controlling the function of macrophages under the tumor microenvironment.
Modifying Mechanical Strength and Capillary Porosity of Portland Cement‐Based Mortar Using a Biosurfactant from Pseudomonas fluorescens
Authors: He Huan , Serres Nicolas , Meylheuc Thierry , Wynns Justin T. , Feugeas Françoise
Published: January 2020

We characterized the effects of a biosurfactant derived from Pseudomonas fluorescens on slump loss, mechanical strength, capillary porosity, and bacterial colonization inside Portland cement‐based mortar samples. Standard tests were used to evaluate the utility of this biosurfactant as an admixture. The addition of 1.5% biosurfactant increased the plasticity and improved the workability of fresh samples. Although compressive and flexural strengths of mortars with biosurfactant were lower than those of mortars without biosurfactant after a short curing period (28 days), the addition of biosurfactant increased the compressive strength of mortar after a long curing period (180 days), with 1% biosurfactant having the highest value. After 180 days, mortar with biosurfactant had significantly lower capillary absorption coefficient A values (P < 0.05) than mortar without biosurfactant. Furthermore, the addition of biosurfactant reduced the relative abundance of the mortar‐deteriorating bacterial genus Pseudomonas (phylum Proteobacteria).
Morphological and Functional Characteristics of Animal Models of Myocardial Fibrosis Induced by Pressure Overload
Authors: Ding Yuejia , Wang Yuan , Jia Qiujin , Wang Xiaoling , Lu Yanmin , Zhang Ao , Lv Shichao , Zhang Junping
Published: January 2020

Myocardial fibrosis is characterized by excessive deposition of myocardial interstitial collagen, abnormal distribution, and excessive proliferation of fibroblasts. According to the researches in recent years, myocardial fibrosis, as the pathological basis of various cardiovascular diseases, has been proven to be a core determinant in ventricular remodeling. Pressure load is one of the causes of myocardial fibrosis. In experimental models of pressure-overload-induced myocardial fibrosis, significant increase in left ventricular parameters such as interventricular septal thickness and left ventricular posterior wall thickness and the decrease of ejection fraction are some of the manifestations of cardiac damage. These morphological and functional changes have a serious impact on the maintenance of physiological functions. Therefore, establishing a suitable myocardial fibrosis model is the basis of its pathogenesis research. This paper will discuss the methods of establishing myocardial fibrosis model and compare the advantages and disadvantages of the models in order to provide a strong basis for establishing a myocardial fibrosis model.
Temperature Sensitivity of Mechanical Properties of Cement Asphalt Mortar with Nanoparticles
Authors: Wu Xi , Fan Xing-Lang , Wang Jin-Feng
Published: January 2020

Cement asphalt mortar (CAM) in high‐speed lines is subjected to varying environmental conditions, which lead to the deterioration of CAM. The nanoparticles of nano‐SiO2 and nano‐TiO2 are added to improve the performance of CAM, and the temperature sensitivity of CAM with nanoparticles is primarily studied in this paper. The flexural strength and compressive strength of CAM with and without nano‐SiO2 and nano‐TiO2 were measured and compared to study the effect of nanoparticles on the performance of CAM subjected to different temperatures. Temperature sensitivity factors of flexural and compressive strength based on Arrhenius model were proposed to evaluate the temperature dependence of CAM by nanoparticles. Furthermore, the microstructure of hardened CAM was studied using scan electronic microscope (SEM) to investigate the mechanism of temperature sensitivity of CAM with and without nanoparticles. The results indicated that the flexural and compressive strength of CAM with and without nanoparticles decreased with the increasing temperature; however, the decreasing rate of strength with temperature was different in CAM with and without nanoparticles. The reduction in the decreasing rate of strength was obtained by using nano‐SiO2 rather than nano‐TiO2 in CAM. Based on the SEM results, the free asphalt was seen to be greatly reduced in the CAM with nano‐SiO2, suggesting a positive effect of nano‐SiO2 on the mitigation of temperature sensitivity of CAM.
Selection and Characterization of CSFV‐Specific Single‐Domain Antibodies and Their Application along with Immunomagnetic Nanobeads and Quantum Dots
Authors: Yang Shunli , Yuan Li , Shang Youjun , Wu Jinyan , Liu Xiangtao , Zhang Jie , Pejsak Zygmunt , Podgórska Katarzyna , Stepniewska Katarzyna , Zafar Khan Muhammad Umar , Cai Jianping , Yin Shuanghui
Published: January 2020

Outbreak of classical swine fever (CSF) results in high mortality and thus causes severe economic losses in the swine industry. Single‐domain antibody (sdAb) is the smallest antigen‐binding molecule derived from camelid heavy‐chain antibodies and has the potential to be used as a molecular probe for detection of CSF virus (CSFV). In this study, two sdAb fragments against the E2 antigen of CSFV were obtained, expressed in vitro. The functional characteristics analysis indicated that the recombinant sdAbE2‐1 and sdAbE2‐2 have excellent binding activity, specificity, and high affinity with equilibrium constant value of 3.34 × 10−7 and 1.35 × 10−8 M to E2 protein. Then, sdAbE2s were conjugated with quantum dots (QD)/AF488 to synthesize two molecular probes for imaging CSFV distribution in cells. The sdAbE2‐1 was also labeled with carboxyl‐magnetic beads to construct immunomagnetic nanobeads (IMNBs) able to capture CSFV virions and recombinant E2 protein. QD/AF455‐sdAbE2s probes colocalised with CSFV virions in swine testis cells, and IMNBs were used as a detection template and proved to bind specifically with CSFV virions and E2 protein. The selected sdAb fragments and sdAb‐based molecular probes may be used for the rapid identification of CSFV during field outbreaks and for research on CSFV and host interactions.
Identification of Sudden Stiffness Change in the Acceleration Response of a Nonlinear Hysteretic Structure
Authors: Ma Sheng-Lan , Jiang Shao-Fei , Wu Chen , Wu Si-Yao
Published: January 2020

The integration of discrete wavelet transform and independent component analysis (DWT-ICA) method can directly identify time-varying changes in linear structures. However, better metrics of structural seismic damage and future performance after an event are related to structural permanent and total plastic deformations. This study proposes a two-stage technique based on DWT-FastICA and improved multiparticle swarm coevolution optimization (IMPSCO) using a baseline nonlinear Bouc–Wen structural model to directly identify changes in stiffness caused by damage as well as plastic or permanent deflections. In the first stage, the measured structural dynamic responses are preprocessed firstly by DWT, and then the Fast ICA is used to extract the feature components that contain the damage information for the purpose of initially locating damage. In the second stage, the structural responses are divided at the identified damage instant into segments that are used to identify the time-varying physical parameters by using the IMPSCO, and the location and extent of damage can accordingly be identified accurately. The efficiency of the proposed method in identifying stiffness changes is assessed under different ground motions using a suite of two different ground acceleration records. Meanwhile, the effect of noise level and damage extent on the proposed method is also analyzed. The results show that in a realistic scenario with fixed filter tuning parameters, the proposed approach identifies stiffness changes within 1.25% of true stiffness within 8.96 s; therefore, it can work in real time. Parameters are identified within 14% of the actual as-modeled value using noisy simulation-derived structural responses. This indicates that, in accordance with different demands, the proposed method can not only locate and quantify damage within a short time with a high precision but also has excellent noise tolerance, robustness, and practicality.
Serum Concentration of Bone Metabolism Biomarkers in Goats during the Transition Period
Authors: Tharwat Mohamed
Published: January 2020

Objective. During the transition period, the animal experiences a series of nutritional, physiological, and social changes. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of the periparturient period in goats on the serum concentrations of the bone biomarkers osteocalcin (OC), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (b-ALP), and pyridinoline cross-links (PYD). Method. Blood samples were collected from fifteen female goats during the periparturient period 3 wk before expected parturition (T −3), within 12 h of parturition (T 0), and 3 wk after parturition (T +3). Results. Compared to a value of 77.67 ± 47.6 ng/mL at T −3, the serum concentrations of OC measured 51.91 ± 22.09 ng/mL at T 0 and 72.61 ± 35.21 ng/mL at T +3. A comparison of OC values at T −3, T 0, and T +3 did not reveal any significant difference (P>0.05). Compared to a value of 42.00 ± 19.50 U/L at T −3, the serum concentration of b-ALP measured 32.49 ± 15.41 U/L at T 0 and 34.31 ± 18.89 U/L at T +3. A comparison of b-ALP values at T −3, T 0, and T +3 did not reveal any significant difference (P>0.05). Compared to a value of 17.86 ± 9.15 nmol/L at T −3, the serum concentration of PYD decreased significantly at T 0 to a value of 7.48 ± 4.50 nmol/L (P<0.0001). At T +3, the PYD serum concentration measured 7.72 ± 2.91 nmol/L, which differed significantly from T −3 values (P<0.05). Conclusion. The results of this study showed that the bone formation biomarkers (OC and b-ALP) did not change significantly during the periparturient period, while the bone resorption biomarker decreased significantly at parturition compared to 3 wk before and 3 wk after parturition. The significantly increased serum estrogen around parturition may have had a role in the increased bone resorption at this time.
Modality-Dependent Cross-Modal Retrieval Based on Graph Regularization
Authors: Wang Guanhua , Ji Hua , Kong Dexin , Zhang Na
Published: January 2020

Nowadays, the heterogeneity gap of different modalities is the key problem for cross-modal retrieval. In order to overcome heterogeneity gaps, potential correlations of different modalities need to be mined. At the same time, the semantic information of class labels is used to reduce the semantic gaps between different modalities data and realize the interdependence and interoperability of heterogeneous data. In order to fully exploit the potential correlation of different modalities, we propose a cross-modal retrieval framework based on graph regularization and modality dependence (GRMD). Firstly, considering the potential feature correlation and semantic correlation, different projection matrices are learned for different retrieval tasks, such as image query text (I2T) or text query image (T2I). Secondly, utilizing the internal structure of original feature space constructs an adjacent graph with semantic information constraints which can make different labels of heterogeneous data closer to the corresponding semantic information. The experimental results on three widely used datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.
Probabilistic Learning Coherent Point Drift for 3D Ultrasound Fetal Head Registration
Authors: Perez–Gonzalez Jorge , Arámbula Cosío Fernando , Huegel Joel C. , Medina-Bañuelos Verónica
Published: January 2020

Quantification of brain growth is crucial for the assessment of fetal well being, for which ultrasound (US) images are the chosen clinical modality. However, they present artefacts, such as acoustic occlusion, especially after the 18th gestational week, when cranial calcification appears. Fetal US volume registration is useful in one or all of the following cases: to monitor the evolution of fetometry indicators, to segment different structures using a fetal brain atlas, and to align and combine multiple fetal brain acquisitions. This paper presents a new approach for automatic registration of real 3D US fetal brain volumes, volumes that contain a considerable degree of occlusion artefacts, noise, and missing data. To achieve this, a novel variant of the coherent point drift method is proposed. This work employs supervised learning to segment and conform a point cloud automatically and to estimate their subsequent weight factors. These factors are obtained by a random forest-based classification and are used to appropriately assign nonuniform membership probability values of a Gaussian mixture model. These characteristics allow for the automatic registration of 3D US fetal brain volumes with occlusions and multiplicative noise, without needing an initial point cloud. Compared to other intensity and geometry-based algorithms, the proposed method achieves an error reduction of 7.4% to 60.7%, with a target registration error of only 6.38 ± 3.24 mm. This makes the herein proposed approach highly suitable for 3D automatic registration of fetal head US volumes, an approach which can be useful to monitor fetal growth, segment several brain structures, or even compound multiple acquisitions taken from different projections.
Comparison of Proangiogenic Effects of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells and Foreskin Fibroblast Exosomes on Artificial Dermis Prefabricated Flaps
Authors: Xiong Jiachao , Liu Zhixiao , Wu Minliang , Sun Mengyan , Xia Yu , Wang Yuchong
Published: January 2020

Large prefabricated flaps often suffer from necrosis or poor healing due to a lack of new blood vessels and related factors that promote angiogenesis. The innovative use of adipose-derived stem cell exosomes (ADSC-Exo) resolves the problem of vascularization of prefabricated flaps. We analyzed the differential microRNA (miRNA) expression in ADSC-Exo using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to explore their potential mechanisms in promoting vascularization. We observed that ADSC-Exo could significantly promote the vascularization of artificial dermis prefabricated flaps compared with human foreskin fibroblast exosomes. NGS indicated that there were some differentially expressed miRNAs in both exosomes. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that significantly upregulated hsa-miR-760 and significantly downregulated hsa-miR-423-3p in ADSC-Exo could regulate the expression of the ITGA5 and HDAC5 genes, respectively, to promote the vascularization of skin flaps. In summary, ADSC-Exo can promote skin-flap vascularization, and thereby resolve the problem of insufficient neovascularization of artificial dermis prefabricated flaps, thus expanding the application of prefabricated skin-flap transplantation.
CD154 Induces Interleukin-6 Secretion by Kidney Tubular Epithelial Cells under Hypoxic Conditions: Inhibition by Chloroquine
Authors: Dewitte Antoine , Villeneuve Julien , Lepreux Sébastien , Bouchecareilh Marion , Gauthereau Xavier , Rigothier Claire , Combe Christian , Ouattara Alexandre , Ripoche Jean
Published: January 2020

Inflammation is a major contributor to tubular epithelium injury in kidney disorders, and the involvement of blood platelets in driving inflammation is increasingly stressed. CD154, the ligand of CD40, is one of the mediators supporting platelet proinflammatory properties. Although hypoxia is an essential constituent of the inflammatory reaction, if and how platelets and CD154 regulate inflammation in hypoxic conditions remain unclear. Here, we studied the control by CD154 of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin- (IL-) 6 secretion in short-term oxygen (O2) deprivation conditions, using the HK-2 cell line as a kidney tubular epithelial cell (TEC) model. IL-6 secretion was markedly stimulated by CD154 after 1 to 3 hours of hypoxic stress. Both intracellular IL-6 expression and secretion were stimulated by CD154 and associated with a strong upregulation of IL-6 mRNA and increased transcription. Searching for inhibitors of CD154-mediated IL-6 production by HK-2 cells in hypoxic conditions, we observed that chloroquine, a drug that has been repurposed as an anti-inflammatory agent, alleviated this induction. Therefore, CD154 is a potent early stimulus for IL-6 secretion by TECs in O2deprivation conditions, a mechanism likely to take part in the deleterious inflammatory consequences of platelet activation in kidney tubular injury. The inhibition of CD154-induced IL-6 production by chloroquine suggests the potential usefulness of this drug as a therapeutic adjunct in conditions associated with acute kidney injury.
Modeling Method of the Grey GM(1,1) Model with Interval Grey Action Quantity and Its Application
Authors: Zeng Bo , Ma Xin , Shi Juanjuan
Published: January 2020

GM(1,1) is a univariate grey prediction model with incomplete structural information, in which the real number form of the simulation or prediction data does not conform to the Nonuniqueness Principle of Grey theoretical solution. In light of the network model of GM(1,1), the connotation of grey action quantity is systematically analyzed and the interval grey number form of grey action quantity is restored under uncertain influencing factors. A novel GM(1,1) model is then constructed. The new model has the basic characteristics of the grey model under incomplete information. Moreover, it can be fully compatible with the traditional GM(1,1) model. The developed model is employed to the natural gas consumption prediction in China, showing that its predicting rationality is much better than that of the traditional GM(1,1) model. It is worth mentioning that, for the first time, the grey property of GM(1,1) has been restored in structure, which is of significance for both academia and industry.
Semi-Supervised Hybrid Local Kernel Regression for Soft Sensor Modelling of Rubber-Mixing Process
Authors: Yu Haiqing , Ji Jun , Li Ping , Shao Fengjing , Wu Shunyao , Sui Yi , Li Shujing , He Fengjiao , Liu Jinming
Published: January 2020

Soft sensor techniques have been widely adopted in chemical industry to estimate important indices that cannot be online measured by hardware sensors. Unfortunately, due to the instinct time-variation, the small-sample condition and the uncertainty caused by the drifting of raw materials, it is exceedingly difficult to model the fed-batch processes, for instance, rubber internal mixing processing. Meanwhile, traditional global learning algorithms suffer from the outdated samples while online learning algorithms lack practicality since too many labelled samples of current batch are required to build the soft sensor. In this paper, semi-supervised hybrid local kernel regression (SHLKR) is presented to leverage both historical and online samples to semi-supervised model the soft sensor using proposed time-windows series. Moreover, the recursive formulas are deduced to improve its adaptability and feasibility. Additionally, the rubber Mooney soft sensor of internal mixing processing is implemented using real onsite data to validate proposed method. Compared with classical algorithms, the performance of SHLKR is evaluated and the contribution of unlabelled samples is discussed.
Image Classification Algorithm Based on Deep Learning-Kernel Function
Authors: Liu Jun-e , An Feng-Ping
Published: January 2020

Although the existing traditional image classification methods have been widely applied in practical problems, there are some problems in the application process, such as unsatisfactory effects, low classification accuracy, and weak adaptive ability. This method separates image feature extraction and classification into two steps for classification operation. The deep learning model has a powerful learning ability, which integrates the feature extraction and classification process into a whole to complete the image classification test, which can effectively improve the image classification accuracy. However, this method has the following problems in the application process: first, it is impossible to effectively approximate the complex functions in the deep learning model. Second, the deep learning model comes with a low classifier with low accuracy. So, this paper introduces the idea of sparse representation into the architecture of the deep learning network and comprehensively utilizes the sparse representation of well multidimensional data linear decomposition ability and the deep structural advantages of multilayer nonlinear mapping to complete the complex function approximation in the deep learning model. And a sparse representation classification method based on the optimized kernel function is proposed to replace the classifier in the deep learning model, thereby improving the image classification effect. Therefore, this paper proposes an image classification algorithm based on the stacked sparse coding depth learning model-optimized kernel function nonnegative sparse representation. The experimental results show that the proposed method not only has a higher average accuracy than other mainstream methods but also can be good adapted to various image databases. Compared with other deep learning methods, it can better solve the problems of complex function approximation and poor classifier effect, thus further improving image classification accuracy.
Platelet‐Rich Plasma for Sport‐Active Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: Limited Return to Sport
Authors: Altamura Sante Alessandro , Di Martino Alessandro , Andriolo Luca , Boffa Angelo , Zaffagnini Stefano , Cenacchi Annarita , Zagarella Maria Stella , Filardo Giuseppe
Published: January 2020

Objective. To evaluate a cohort of sport‐active patients suffering from cartilage degeneration and OA, in terms of clinical outcome and return to sport (RTS) after platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) injective treatment. Design. This study included forty‐seven sport‐active patients ≤50 years old with unilateral symptomatic knee cartilage degeneration or OA. Patients received 3 PRP injections and were prospectively evaluated at baseline and then at 2, 6, 12, and 24 months follow‐up by IKDC subjective EQ‐VAS, and Tegner scores. Furthermore, patients were asked about their RTS, in terms of return to any sport level or to their activity level before symptoms onset. Results. IKDC subjective score improved significantly at all follow‐ups, changing from 59.2 ± 13.6 to 70.6 ± 13 at 12 months and to 76.7 ± 12.5 at 24 months (p < 0.0005). A similar outcome was observed with the EQ‐VAS score. Tegner score improved from 3.6 ± 1.4 to 4.8 ± 0.9 at 24 months (p < 0.0005), but only 76.6% of patients returned to some sport activity and 48.9% to the same activity level. A lower presymptoms Tegner score was associated with a higher RTS rate, both at any level (p = 0.024) and at the same presymptoms level (p < 0.0005). Conclusions. Sport‐active patients affected by knee OA can benefit from PRP injections, with pain and function improvement over time. However, results are less satisfactory in terms of RTS since only half can achieve the same sport level as before the onset of symptoms. Patients undergoing PRP treatment should be made aware of their low chances to go back to high‐impact sport activities.
Phosphorylated Alpha-Synuclein in Red Blood Cells as a Potential Diagnostic Biomarker for Multiple System Atrophy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Li Xu-Ying , Yang Weiwei , Li Xin , Li Xu-Ran , Li Wei , Song Qihan , Sun Linjuan , Lin Feng , Chen Zhigang , Wang Chaodong , Yu Shun
Published: January 2020

Diagnosis of multiple system atrophy (MSA) remains a challenge, due to the complexity and overlapping of its symptoms with other Parkinsonian disorders. The critical role of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in the pathogenesis of MSA makes it an ideal biomarker for the diagnosis of MSA. Although α-syn alterations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood plasma have been extensively assessed for the utility in diagnosing MSA, inconsistent results have been obtained, presumably due to the contamination by hemolysis and other confounding factors. In this study, levels of serine 129-phosphorylated α-syn (pS-α-syn), a major pathologic form of α-syn, in red blood cells (RBCs), were measured using ELISA in a Chinese cohort consisting of 107 MSA patients and 220 healthy controls. A significant increase in the levels of pS-α-syn in RBCs (pS-α-syn-RBC) was observed in MSA patients than in healthy controls (14.02 ± 4.02 ng/mg versus 11.89 ± 3.57 ng/mg; p<0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) indicated that pS-α-syn-RBC discriminated the patients well from the controls with a sensitivity of 80.37% (95% confidence interval (CI): 71.58%–87.42%), a specificity of 88.64% (95% CI: 83.68%–92.51%), and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.87–0.94). The levels of pS-α-syn-RBC were negatively correlated with RBD-HK scores and differed between MSA-P and MSA-C subtypes (13.27 ± 1.91 versus 12.19 ± 3.04; p=0.025). The difference between subtypes was seen at Hoehn and Yahr stages 3 and 4, and the age at onset (AAO) between 60 and 69 years (p=0.016). The results suggest that pS-α-syn-RBC is increased in MSA patients and can be used as a potential diagnostic biomarker for MSA.
Frequently Relapsing Anterior Nodular Scleritis as the Initial Presentation of a Lethal Systemic Infection: Disseminated Tuberculosis with HIV Coinfection
Authors: Kariyawasam A. G. T. A. , Fonseka C. L. , De Silva P. U. T. , Sanjeewa A. D. S. S. , Wijewickrama D. N. , Herath H. M. M. , Weerarathna T. P.
Published: January 2020

Background. Scleritis is a painful inflammatory ocular disease often associated with an underlying systemic illness mostly having an autoimmune aetiology. Tuberculosis usually presents as pulmonary infection, and the ocular presentation is considered to be rare.Case presentation. We present a male who developed prolonged pyrexia following systemic steroids while being investigated for a frequently relapsing anterior scleritis. Biopsy of sclera demonstrated acid-fast bacilli, and histology of sclera and lymph node showed granulomatous inflammation with caseation. Contrast CT demonstrated mediastinal and visceral lymphadenopathy with pulmonary changes suggesting disseminated tuberculosis. Later, Western blot confirmed coinfection with HIV with a CD4 count of 71 cells/mm3. He was treated with antituberculous medications, and then HAART was initiated within two months. He showed good response and showed a partial resolution of scleritis at the end of two months.Conclusion. Tuberculosis tends to occur in unusual sites when coinfected with HIV. Scleritis is a rare extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis. High degree of suspicion is critical in making diagnosis and commencing early treatment.
Estudio exploratorio: Relación entre nivel de pobreza y exposiciones agudas a sustancias potencialmente tóxicas en Chile.
Authors: Medel-Jara Patricio Andrés , Cerda Lorca Jaime , Lopez-Nuñez Alberto Andrés , Silva Silva Lorena , Solari Gajardo Sandra , Ríos Bustamante Juan Carlos
Published: January 2020

Objetivo: explorar la siguiente pregunta de investigación: ¿De qué manera el nivel socioeconómico de una persona, específicamente el nivel de pobreza se asocia a las características de las exposiciones agudas a sustancias con potencial tóxico en Chile? Métodos: estudio epidemiológico, de diseño transversal y semi-ecológico. Se recopiló información proveniente de una muestra de casos atendidos por el Centro de información toxicológica y de medicamentos de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (CITUC). La variable independiente corresponde al índice de pobreza comunal de la Encuesta de Caracterización Socioeconómica Nacional (CASEN). Las variables dependientes fueron las características de las exposiciones registradas por el centro toxicológico de acuerdo con el nivel de pobreza de los casos observados. Se analizó el fenómeno a través de tablas cruzadas, cálculo de Odds Ratio con análisis estratificado. Resultados: se observan diferencias significativas en las circunstancias de las exposiciones: las personas que viven en comunas con mayor porcentaje de pobreza muestran más exposiciones intencionales versus aquellas con menor porcentaje de pobreza. Otro hallazgo significativo es el uso del sistema de salud en casos de exposiciones dependiente de la situación socioeconómica. Para las otras variables no se encuentran diferencias significativas entre los grupos comparados. Conclusiones: se observa una relación entre el nivel de pobreza y las exposiciones a sustancias potencialmente tóxicas. Los resultados abren una línea investigativa y nuevas interrogantes que podrían generar medidas de control de las intoxicaciones en Chile.
Desigualdad y la primavera chilena
Authors: Valdés Rodrigo
Published: January 2020

Señor Editor, Son varias las hipótesis que, ex post, podrían explicar qué está detrás de las revueltas que se iniciaron el 14 de octubre de 2019. Casi con certeza el fenómeno es multicausal, pero vale la pena intentar asignar el grado de relevancia a algunas de las explicaciones. Un primer supuesto que se escucha es que habríamos tenido altas expectativas insatisfechas, producto del bajo crecimiento económico de los últimos 5 años. La idea tiene cierto asidero considerando que el PIB per capita subió apenas 1% por año durante este periodo, muy por debajo si se compara con los 25 años antes del 2015. De hecho, en 2018 fue primera vez que el ingreso mediano de las familias que mide el INE cayó desde que existe la encuesta respectiva. Ni siquiera lo hizo en la recesión de 2009.
Implantation of a Coronary Sinus Reducer to Treat Refractory Angina in a 38-Year-Old with an Anomalous Left Coronary Artery and No Revascularization Options
Authors: Cheng Kevin , de Silva Ranil
Published: January 2020

A 38-year-old female with anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery presented with refractory angina (Canadian Cardiovascular Society [CCS] class 4). Having failed two previous internal mammary artery grafts to the left anterior descending artery and with no percutaneous revascularization options, she underwent coronary sinus reducer implantation, which improved her symptoms (CCS 0), quality of life, and corresponded to an improvement in ischemia on myocardial perfusion scanning. This case report describes an unusual case of refractory angina in the context of congenital heart disease, illustrates the benefit of this novel hourglass-shaped stent in improving ischemia, quality of life, depression and anxiety, and highlights the importance of managing these patients in multidisciplinary teams.
Why Not a Global Postural Reeducation as an Alternative Therapy Applied to Alzheimer’s Patients in Nursing Homes? A Pioneer Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Todri Jasemin , Todri Ardita , Lena Orges
Published: January 2020

Introduction: The classical gymnastics has always given great importance to exercises of ­rachis extension and abduction of the arms during deep inhalation to acquire a greater ­thoracic capacity. Objective: The aim of this study is to organize the concentration and the self-limited capacity of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) thanks to the physical and ­respiratory exercise modalities of global postural reeducation. Design: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Setting: Nursing homes. Participants: Patients with probable AD diagnosis. Intervention:The global postural reeducation method (GPR) was implemented for a total of 72 treatment sessionswith a frequency of 3 times a week, for 24 weeks consecutively. Main Outcome Measures: The Neuropsychiatric Inventory, Mini Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale, Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease and Tinetti Scale and respiratory rate frequency (RSP/F) were applied. Results: Ninety elderly people participated in this study, precisely 50 women and 40 men aged 67–92 years (mean age = 81.17, SD = 5.24). The therapy had a significant effect on the difference between groups in all the outcomes (p < 0.05 in all cases) with a large effect size with exception of the RSP/F (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated a very good tolerance rate on behalf of the significant results achieved.
Effectiveness of Bone Conduction Stimulation Applied Directly to the Otic Capsule Measured at Promontory: Assessment in Cadavers
Authors: Niemczyk Kazimierz , Lachowska Magdalena , Kwacz Monika , Wysocki Jarosław , Borkowski Paweł , Małkowska Maria , Sokołowski Jacek
Published: January 2020

Introduction: The aims of this study included: (a) to develop a method of direct acoustic bone conduction (BC) stimulation applied directly to the otic capsule, (b) to investigate the effect of different stimulation sites on the promontory displacement amplitude, and (c) to find the best stimulation site (among 2 located directly on the otic capsule and 1 standard site approved for clinical use) that provides the greatest transmission of vibratory energy. Methods: Measurements were performed on 9 cadaveric whole human heads. A commercial scanning laser Doppler vibrometer was used. The promontory displacement was recorded in response to BC stimulation delivered by an implant at 3 sites: BC1 on the squamous part of the temporal bone, BC2 on the ampulla of the lateral semicircular canal, and BC3 between the semicircular canals. The displacement of the promontory was analyzed in detail. Results: The results show that BC1 caused an overall smaller promontory displacement than both sites BC2 and 3. BC3 stimulation is more efficient than that at BC2. Conclusions: BC is an effective method of acoustic stimulus delivery into the inner ear, with the effectiveness increasing when approaching closer to the cochlea. Placing the implant directly on the labyrinth and thus applying vibrations directly to the otic capsule is possible and very effective as proved in this study. The results are encouraging and represent the potential of new stimulation sites that could be introduced in the field of BC hearing rehabilitation as the possible future locations for implantable BC hearing devices.
Megataxa for big science questions in taxonomy
Authors: ZHANG ZHI-QIANG
Published: January 2020

I am delighted to announce the inaugural issue of Megataxa, a new journal designed for large monographic reviews and highly significant original papers reporting major advances in taxonomy. Megataxa aims to be a premium journal of high impact to encourage most important works in taxonomy. As a general journal of taxonomy, Megataxa will also include an editorial/correspondence section to allow announcements of major news, debates of highly significant issues, theory/method papers of general taxonomic significance, and biographic profiles for recently passed eminent taxonomists.
Three questions: How can taxonomists survive and thrive worldwide?
Authors: ORR MICHAEL C. C. , ASCHER JOHN S. , BAI MING , CHESTERS DOUGLAS , ZHU CHAO-DONG
Published: January 2020

The science of taxonomy faces many challenges at present. Many questions remain as to how we can best continue the vital practice of describing and understanding biodiversity. Here, we discuss how best to modernize taxonomy, how we might improve taxonomy in developing countries, and how taxonomists can better interface with other fields to better science as a whole.
Navigating the Ship of Theseus from typology to cartography
Authors: LONGINO JOHN T.
Published: January 2020

Taxonomy is the business of describing and naming organismal diversity. What that means exactly must shift as our conceptual framework shifts (as it did during the time of Darwin) and as what we are able to see shifts as a result of technological assists. We are at a moment of profound conceptual and technological change. Here I give some personal thoughts on three top questions in taxonomy. Are traditional naming conventions compatible with massive cryptic genetic discontinuity? Can we agree on what we are delimiting and naming?  Can we excite public interest without typology?
Redescription of Deltamysis holmquistae Bowman & Orsi, 1992 (Crustacea: Mysida: Mysidae), a mysid species new to the Atlantic Ocean with observations on the taxonomic status of Kochimysis Panampunnayil & Biju, 2007
Authors: SCRIPTER MATTHEW J. , PRICE W. WAYNE , HEARD RICHARD W.
Published: January 2020

The first occurrences of the estuarine mysid Deltamysis holmquistae Bowman & Orsi from the Atlantic Ocean are documented from sites on the eastern Florida and northwest Gulf of Mexico (Texas) coasts of North America. Based on examination of type material and specimens from Florida and Texas, considerable morphological variability and additional characters were observed necessitating a rediagnosis of the monotypic genus Deltamysis and a redescription of D. holmquistae. As a result of these new taxonomic criteria, the Indian Ocean species, Kochimysis pillaii Panampunnayil & Biju, described from southwest coastal India, is subsumed as a junior synonym of D. holmquistae. The current distribution of this apparently invasive species is probably due to maritime commerce. The geographical location of the endemic or source populations of D. holmquistae remains undetermined; however, its co-occurrence in California with three introduced Asian mysids suggests a northern Indian Ocean or northwest Pacific origin.
A new genus of chevron cricket (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae: Lutosinae) from the Colombian and Venezuelan Amazon Rainforest
Authors: DE MELLO MENDES DIEGO MATHEUS , CADENA-CASTAÑEDA OSCAR J. , HELEODORO RAPHAEL AQUINO , RAMOS-PASTRANA YARDANY , RAFAEL JOSÉ ALBERTINO
Published: January 2020

Tintiyakus gen. nov., is described based on specimens from the Amazon region, including three species: Tintiyakus piaroa n. comb. (transferred from Hydrolutus Issa & Jaffe), Tintiyakus sexangulus sp. nov. (type-species pres. desig.) and Tintiyakus trewicki sp. nov. After Hydrolutos, this is the second anostostomatid genus described to be known from its semiaquatic behaviors, inhabiting the lowlands of the Amazon rainforest. An identification key for species based on males is provided.
A contribution to taxonomy of the superfamily Grylloidea Laicharting
from Yunnan, China (Orthoptera: Grylloidea)
Authors: WANG PING , ZHANG DONG-XIAO , YUAN LI-LAN , LIU HAO-YU
Published: January 2020

This paper describes four new species of the superfamily Grylloidea from Yunnan, China, including a new species of Gryllidae: Tarbinskiellus sororius Wang, Zhang & Liu sp. nov.; a new species of Mogoplistidae: Ornebius yunnanensis Wang, Zhang & Liu sp. nov.; two new species of Trigonidiidae: Homonemobius curifolis Zhang, Wang & Liu sp. nov. and Pteronemobius (Pteronemobius) truncates Zhang, Wang & Liu sp. nov. In addition, photographs of habitus and genitalia and a distribution map are provided.
Application of CT Imaging in the Analysis of Thigh Muscle Morphology of Athletes
Authors: Lei Xu
Published: January 2020

The objective of the paper is to investigate and explore the effects of progressive muscle relaxation training (PMR) on image qualities of computed tomography (CT) coronary angiography and the relief of anxiety and pain of patients, as well as the improvement of sleep qualities of patients.
The SPSS 16.0 statistics software was applied to respectively obtain the mean number, the standard deviation, and P value, etc. and analyze the variances of each group; the analysis was statistically significant at P < 0 05. The results of the study showed that CT could clearly
indicate the anatomy of the thigh muscles and adjacent organs, and could better distinguish the bone density; however, its partitioning accuracy of the erector spinae was slightly worse. Therefore, it was inferred that morphological parameters such as CT values would provide persuasive data
for clinical diagnosis, intervention therapy, and rehabilitation exercises, etc.
Application of Biomedical Signal Acquisition Equipment in Human Sport Heart Rate Monitoring
Authors: He Le
Published: January 2020

Aiming at exploring biomedical signal acquisition equipment used in human motion heart rate monitoring, the research on the related hardware design and signal processing method was carried out. A biomedical signal acquisition device based on photoplethysmography (PPG) is designed, and
the equipment was applied to acquire PPG signals and acceleration sensor signals under different motion states. The analysis of the experimental data showed that, the fusion method of the acceleration sensing information in the motion artifact removal method is perfected. The effectiveness
of the baseline drift removal algorithm, motion artifact removal algorithm and dynamic heart rate monitoring algorithm was verified by reconstructing the signal quality evaluation index. To sum up, taking MINDRAY VS-800 as a reference device, it is compared with the adaptive filtering technology
in terms of signal quality, BPM detection results and algorithm complexity, and better results are finally obtained.