bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gelatin improves peroxidase‐mediated alginate hydrogel characteristics as a potential injectable hydrogel for soft tissue engineering applications
Authors: Morshedloo Fatemeh , Khoshfetrat Ali Baradar , Kazemi Davoud , Ahmadian Mehri
Published: April 2020

To develop an efficient injectable alginate‐based hydrogel for soft tissue engineering applications, phenol moiety (Ph) was introduced into alginate (Alg‐Ph), and the influence of gelatin as cell adhesive molecule was evaluated on the peroxidase‐mediated alginate hydrogel properties and cultured chondrocytic cell behavior. Addition of gelatin (1.5% w/v) to Alg‐Ph (1.5% w/v) hydrogels (Alg‐Ph/gelatin) regulated characteristics of the enzymatically gellable alginate hydrogel with increasing gelation time to 5.1 min (76%). Swelling ratio and degradation rates of the Alg‐Ph/gelatin hydrogel also increased 60 and 100%, respectively, while the mechanical strength value was 35% less than the Alg‐Ph hydrogel. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the addition of gelatin could also increase uniformity of pore sizes inside the Alg‐Ph/gelatin hydrogels. The chondrocyte cells maintained their original phenotype and revealed statistically more metabolic activities in the Alg‐Ph/gelatin hydrogel. Hydrogels subscutaneously implanted in rats could also be identified readily without complete absorption and signs of toxicity or any untoward reactions after 1 month. Viable chondrocyte cells inside globular aggregates were seen as red colored areas in the cell‐laden hydrogels. The study demonstrates that enzymatically gellable alginate/gelatin hydrogel has fair potential as a natural‐based injectable hydrogel for soft tissue engineering applications.
The effector cells and cellular mediators of immune system involved in cardiac inflammation and fibrosis after myocardial infarction
Authors: Liu Yihai , Xu Jiamin , Wu Mingyue , Kang Lina , Xu Biao
Published: April 2020

The cardiac repair after myocardial infarction (MI) involves two phases, namely, inflammatory response and proliferative response. The former is an inflammatory reaction, evoked by different kinds of pro‐inflammatory leukocytes and molecules stimulated by myocardial necrosis, while the latter is a repair process, predominated by a magnitude of anti‐inflammatory cells and cytokines, as well as fibroblasts. Cardiac remodeling post‐MI is dependent on the balance of individualized intensity of the post‐MI inflammation and subsequent cardiac fibrosis. During the past 30 years, enormous studies have focused on investigating immune cells and mediators involved in cardiac inflammation and fibrosis, which are two interacting processes of post‐MI cardiac repair. These results contribute to revealing the mechanism of adverse cardiac remodeling after MI and alleviating the impairment of cardiac function. In this study, we will broadly discuss the role of immune cell subpopulation and the involved cytokines and chemokines during cardiac repair post‐MI, particular in cardiac inflammation and fibrosis.
Outcome measures reported in abstracts of randomized controlled trials in leading clinical journals: A bibliometric study
Authors: Seta Takeshi , Takahashi Yoshimitsu , Yamashita Yukitaka , Hiraoka Masahiro , Nakayama Takeo
Published: April 2020

Backgrounds

The CONSORT for Abstracts checklist published in 2008 recommends that authors report effect size for their studies. Meanwhile, the FDA strongly recommends reporting both ratio and difference measures. However, the measures of effect used in recent clinical trial reports remain unknown. This study is aimed to reveal trends regarding the measures of effect of interventions described in abstracts of recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in leading journals.

Methods

A bibliometric analysis of data was obtained by electronic searches. Human RCTs published in 2016 in the following five journals were searched using PubMed: Annals of Internal Medicine, British Medical Journal, Journal of American Medical Association, The Lancet, and New England Journal of Medicine. Main outcome is numbers of studies reporting each measure in their abstracts.

Results

Among abstracts of 334 articles, measures most frequently used were relative risk alone (n = 169), followed by absolute risk alone (n = 92), and raw data alone (n = 58). Reporting of the following measures was relatively limited: both ratio and difference measures (n = 8), raw data with ratio measures (n = 5), and raw data with difference measures (n = 2). None of the studies reported raw data with both ratio and difference measures. Only 15 articles described multiple measures of effect in their abstracts.

Conclusions

More than half of the RCT abstracts published in the five leading journals in 2016 reported risk ratio alone to indicate effect size. Even abstracts in the five leading journals did not adhere fully to the CONSORT for Abstracts or FDA recommendations.
Nonuniform variations of precipitation and temperature across China over the period 1960–2015
Authors: Zhao Dongsheng , Gao Xuan , Wu Shaohong
Published: April 2020

“Warm season rainfall” is an important feature of China's climate, dominated by the East Asian Monsoon. In the context of climate change, this seasonal connection between precipitation and temperature may be altered. However, few studies have investigated the nonuniform variations in precipitation and temperature. This study examines nonuniform variations between precipitation and temperature in China, based on four indicators: precipitation concentration degree (PCD), precipitation concentration period (PCP), temperature concentration degree (TCD) and temperature concentration period (TCP). The results suggest that PCD and TCD experienced decreasing trends during the period from 1960 to 2015, respectively. Spatially, PCD and TCD exhibited asymmetrical change, with half of all stations in the humid subtropical region showing increasing trends in PCD and decreasing trends in TCD. Meanwhile, PCP and TCP exhibited decreasing trends, respectively. Increasing trends in PCP and decreasing trends in TCP, were found in 27% of all stations, mainly in the eastern humid subtropical region, whereas 20% showed decreasing trends in PCP and increasing trends in TCP, mostly across the southern humid subtropical, northern temperate humid/semi‐humid and temperate semi‐arid regions. In general, precipitation and temperature showed a nonuniform variation, indicating that annual feature of precipitation and temperature are changing.
Effects of Movement Improvisation and Aerobic Dancing on Motor Creativity and Divergent Thinking
Authors: Richard Veronique , Ben‐Zaken Sigal , Siekańska Małgorzata , Tenenbaum Gershon
Published: April 2020

Creativity is considered to be an embodied concept, where internal psychological and external behavioral processes are intertwined. Creativity enhancement programs often target the cognitive side of this bi‐dimensionality leaving the impact of motor interventions underexplored. To address this gap in the literature, we tested the effectiveness of two motor programs on motor creativity and divergent thinking (verbal and figural). A total of 92 college students (Mage = 25.36, SD = 2.66) were randomly allocated to a movement improvisation, an aerobic dance, or a control condition. Participants in both motor programs took part in ten 30‐minute classes twice a week over a period of 5 weeks. The findings revealed a significant effect of the motor programs on motor fluency and flexibility. Movement improvisation yielded the greatest effects on those variables, followed by aerobic dancing and control condition. Movement improvisation also impacted significantly more figural originality than the control condition. However, the effects were limited to the motor domain and failed to transfer into other divergent thinking variables. The findings highlighted the contribution of movement programs to creative potential development, and the imperative role of a non‐judgmental environment, where individuals are free to move spontaneously.
Hinge location and apical drill holes in opening wedge high tibial osteotomy: A finite element analysis
Authors: Boström Anna , Amin Anish K. , Macpherson Gavin J. , Pankaj Pankaj , Scott Chloe E. H.
Published: April 2020

At the time of medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) to realign the lower limb and offload medial compartment knee osteoarthritis, unwanted fractures can propagate from the osteotomy apex. The aim of this study was to use finite element (FE) analysis to determine the effect of hinge location and apical drill holes on cortical stresses and strains in HTO. A monoplanar medial opening wedge HTO was created above the tibial tuberosity in a composite tibia. Using the FE method, intact lateral hinges of different widths were considered (5, 7.5, and 10 mm). Additional apical drill holes (2, 4, and 6 mm diameters) were then incorporated into the 10 mm hinge model. The primary outcome measure was the maximum principal strain in the cortical bone surrounding the hinge axis. Secondary outcomes included the force required for osteotomy opening, minimum principal strain, and mean cortical bone stresses (maximum principal/minimum principal/von Mises). Larger intact hinges (10 mm) were associated with higher cortical bone maximum principal strain and stress, lower minimum principal strain/stress, and required greater force to open. Lateral cortex strain concentrations were present in all scenarios, but extended to the joint surface with the 10 mm hinge. Apical drill holes reduced the mean cortical bone maximum principal strain adjacent to the hinge axis: 2 mm hole 6% reduction; 4 mm 35% reduction; and 6 mm 55% reduction. Incorporating a 4‐mm apical drill hole centered 10 mm from the intact lateral cortex maintains a cortical bone hinge, minimizes cortical bone strains and reduces the force required to open the HTO; thus improving control.
Application of pH‐Responsive Viscoelastic Surfactant as Recyclable Fluid at High Temperature
Authors: Wu Xuepeng , Zhen Jianwu , Song Bitao , Gao Shuyang , Song Zhaohui , Jin Junbin
Published: April 2020

A pH‐responsive amphiphilic surfactant stearic amide 3‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)propylamide (SAA) was synthesized and served as a thickener in aqueous solution to construct a switchable viscoelastic surfactant fluid (VES fluid). The structure of SAA was studied by 1H NMR, and the viscoelastic behavior of VES fluid was studied in detail by rheological measurements. The viscosity of this VES fluid can be switched reversibly from low to high immediately by adjusting system pH value. Even at high shear rate (170 s−1) and high temperature (90 °C), excellent viscoelastic behavior of this VES fluid can be observed, which is a key performance for fracturing applications. Meanwhile, the recycled VES fluid can still maintain good pH‐responsive behavior even after more than three cycles. These unique performances of this VES fluid not only enhanced our understanding of the transformation of wormlike micelles at high temperature, but also enriched a large potential of VES fracturing fluid in the development of oil and gas reservoirs.
Inhibition of Human Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation by Low‐Intensity Ultrasound Stimulation
Authors: Katiyar Amit , Osborn Jenna , DasBanerjee Malaya , Zhang Lijie Grace , Sarkar Kausik , Sarker Krishna Pada
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation, which makes novel therapies highly desired. In this study, the effects of near‐field low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) stimulation on T47D human breast cancer cell and healthy immortalized MCF‐12A breast epithelial cell proliferation were investigated in monolayer cultures.

Methods

A customized ultrasound (US) exposure setup was used for the variation of key US parameters: intensity, excitation duration, and duty cycle. Cell proliferation was quantified by 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine and alamarBlue assays after LIPUS excitation.

Results

At a 20% duty cycle and 10‐minute excitation period, we varied LIPUS intensity from to 100 mW/cm2 (spatial‐average temporal‐average) to find a gradual decrease in T47D cell proliferation, the decrease being strongest at 100 mW/cm2. In contrast, healthy MCF‐12A breast cells showed an increase in proliferation when exposed to the same conditions. Above a 60% duty cycle, T47D cell proliferation decreased drastically. Effects of continuous wave US stimulation were further explored by varying the intensity and excitation period.

Conclusions

These experiments concluded that, irrespective of the waveform (pulsed or continuous), LIPUS stimulation could inhibit the proliferation of T47D breast cancer cells, whereas the same behavior was not observed in healthy cells. The study demonstrates the beneficial bioeffects of LIPUS on breast cancer cells and offers the possibility of developing novel US‐mediated cancer therapy.
Effect of magnetic field on sodium arsenate metastable zone width and crystal nucleation kinetics for crystallization
Authors: Guan Qian , Liu Yong , Ling Bo , Zeng Guisheng , Ji Haiyan , Zhang Jiefei , Zhang Qiang
Published: April 2020

Sodium arsenate, the main component of arsenic‐containing solid waste pollutants, causes serious environmental health threats. Crystallization is one of the effective methods for separating and purifying sodium arsenate from arsenic‐alkali residue lixivium. However, the crystallization process is limited for its low observability and the lack of separation and purification data. In this work, a laser detection system with a magnetic field generator was designed, and the solubility, metastable zone width, interfacial tension, interfacial entropy factor, crystal nucleation, and growth rate of sodium arsenate were investigated in a constant composition environment. The results showed that the solubility, metastable zone width, interfacial tension, and interfacial entropy factor decreases with the presence of a magnetic field. The magnetic field shortened the crystallization induction time and changed the nucleation and growth rate of sodium arsenate. Under the magnetic field, the nucleation rate increased from 2.43 × 1016 to 8.98 × 1017 (s m3)−1, and the growth rate decreased from 4.94 × 10−8 to 2.73 × 10−8 (s m3)−1, the growth mechanism of sodium arsenate as a continuous growth mode was unchanged. In addition, the X‐ray diffraction and infrared showed that the crystal structure of sodium arsenate is unaffected by the magnetic field, indicating that the enhancement of the crystallization process of sodium arsenate with the magnetic field could be a feasible method in engineering application.
Resection of Mixed Hepatocellular‐Cholangiocarcinoma, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, and Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Holzner Matthew L. , Tabrizian Parissa , Parvin‐Nejad Fatemeh P. , Fei Kezhen , Gunasekaran Ganesh , Rocha Chiara , Facciuto Marcelo E. , Florman Sander , Schwartz Myron E.
Published: April 2020

Mixed hepatocellular‐cholangiocarcinoma (HCC‐CC) is a biphenotypic liver cancer thought to have unfavorable tumor biology and a poor prognosis. Surgical outcomes of HCC‐CC remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of HCC‐CC. We analyzed a series of patients undergoing resection for HCC‐CC (n = 47), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; n = 468), and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC; n = 108) at a single Western center between 2001 and 2015. Patients with HCC‐CC were matched to patients with HCC and ICC on important clinical factors including tumor characteristics (size, vascular invasion, and differentiation) and underlying cirrhosis. Patients with HCC‐CC had rates of viral hepatitis comparable to patients with HCC (78.7% versus 80.0%), and 42.5% had underlying cirrhosis. When matched on tumor size, HCC‐CC was more poorly differentiated than HCC (68.3% versus 27.3%; P < 0.001) and ICC (68.3% versus 34.8%; P = 0.01) but had similar postresection survival (5‐year survival: HCC‐CC 49.7%, HCC 54.8%, ICC 68.7%; P = 0.61) and recurrence (3‐year recurrence: HCC‐CC 57.9%, HCC 61.5%, and ICC 56%; P = 0.58). Outcomes were similar between HCC‐CC and HCC when matched on underlying cirrhosis and tumor size. Cancer type was not predictive of survival or tumor recurrence. Survival after resection of HCC‐CC is similar to HCC when matched for tumor size, despite HCC‐CC tumors being more poorly differentiated. Exclusion of HCC‐CC from management strategies recommended for HCC, including consideration for liver transplantation, may not be warranted.
Assessment of microbiota present on a Portuguese historical stone convent using high‐throughput sequencing approaches
Authors: Rosado Tânia , Dias Luís , Lança Mónica , Nogueira Carla , Santos Rita , Martins Maria Rosário , Candeias António , Mirão José , Caldeira Ana Teresa
Published: April 2020

The study performed on the stone materials from the Convent of Christ revealed the presence of a complex microbial ecosystem, emphasizing the determinant role of microorganisms on the biodecay of this built cultural heritage. In this case study, the presence of Rubrobacter sp., Arthrobacter sp., Roseomonas sp., and Marinobacter sp. seems to be responsible for colored stains and biofilm formation while Ulocladium sp., Cladosporium sp., and Dirina sp. may be related to structural damages. The implementation of high‐throughput sequencing approaches on the Convent of Christ's biodecay assessment allowed us to explore, compare, and characterize the microbial communities, overcoming the limitations of culture‐dependent techniques, which only identify the cultivable population. The application of these different tools and insights gave us a panoramic view of the microbiota thriving on the Convent of Christ and signalize the main biodeteriogenic agents acting on the biodecay of stone materials. This finding highlighted the importance of performing metagenomic studies due to the improvements and the reduced amount of sample DNA needed, promoting a deeper and more detailed knowledge of the microbiota present on these dynamic repositories that support microbial life. This will further enable us to perform prospective studies in quarry and applied stone context, monitoring biogenic and nonbiogenic agents, and also to define long‐term mitigation strategies to prevent biodegradation/biodeterioration processes.
A Possible Modifying Effect of the G2019S Mutation in the LRRK2 Gene on GBA Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Omer Nurit , Giladi Nir , Gurevich Tanya , Bar‐Shira Anat , Gana‐Weisz Mali , Goldstein Orly , Kestenbaum Meir , Cedarbaum Jesse M. , Orr‐Urtreger Avi , Mirelman Anat , Thaler Avner
Published: April 2020

Background

The phenotype of Parkinson's disease (PD) is milder among patients with LRRK2‐PD and more severe among patients with GBA‐PD; however, whether an additive phenotypical effect occurs among dual‐mutation carriers requires validation.

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore the phenotypic expression of patients with PD who carry mutations in both genes compared with a single‐mutation presentation.

Methods

Patients with PD were genotyped for the G2019S‐LRRK2 mutation and 9 mutations in the GBA gene. Subjects were classified into 5 groups: idiopathic PD, mild GBA‐PD, severe GBA‐PD, LRRK2‐PD, and LRRK2+GBA‐PD. Clinical symptoms were evaluated using performance‐based measures.

Results

A total of 1090 patients with idiopathic PD, 155 patients with LRRK2‐PD, 155 patients with mild GBA‐PD, 56 patients with severe GBA‐PD, and 27 patients with LRRK2+GBA‐PD participated in this study. The patients with LRRK2‐PD and LRRK2+GBA‐PD exhibited lower scores on total Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (P < 0.01) and better olfaction (P < 0.01) compared with GBA‐PD.

Conclusions

Patients with LRRK2+GBA‐PD were symptomatically similar to patients with LRRK2‐PD, suggesting a dominant effect of LRRK2 over GBA in the phenotypic presentation. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
CCN6 mutation detection in Chinese patients with progressive pseudo‐rheumatoid dysplasia and identification of four novel mutations
Authors: Wang Yingjie , Xiao Ke , Yang Yuemei , Wu Zhihong , Jin Jin , Qiu Guixing , Weng Xisheng , Zhao Xiuli
Published: April 2020

Background

No formal diagnostic criteria for progressive pseudo‐rheumatoid dysplasia (PPD) are available because of insufficient clinical data, which results in that PPD is often misdiagnosed with other diseases. Whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing were employed to reveal the novel mutations on CCN6 of five patients with PPD from China in order to increase the clinical data of PPD.

Methods

Four suspected PPD pedigrees containing five patients in total were collected from 1998 to 2018 in our medical center. The phenotypes of each suspected PPD case were recorded in detail, and peripheral blood samples were collected for subsequent sequencing. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples, and Agilent liquid phase chip capture system was utilized for efficient enrichment of whole exome region DNA. After acquiring raw sequenced reads of whole exome region, bioinformatics analysis was completed in conjunction with reference or genome sequence (GRCh37/hg19). Sanger sequencing was performed to identify the results of WES.

Results

In total, four novel PPD‐related mutation sites in CCN6 gene were identified including (CCN6):c.643 + 2T>C, (CCN6):c.1064_1065dupGT(p.Gln356ValfsTer33), (CCN6):c.1064G > A), and exon4:c.670dupA:p.W223fs.

Conclusion

Our findings increase the clinical data of PPD including the CCN6 mutation spectrum, the clinical symptoms and signs. Moreover, the study highlights the utility of WES in reaching definitive diagnoses for PPD.
The Ability of Quercetin and Ferulic Acid to Lower Stored Fat is Dependent on the Metabolic Background of Human Adipocytes
Authors: Little Robert , Houghton Michael J. , Carr Ian M. , Wabitsch Martin , Kerimi Asimina , Williamson Gary
Published: April 2020

Scope

Dietary flavonoids and phenolic acids can modulate lipid metabolism, but effects on mature human adipocytes are not well characterized.

Materials and methods

Human adipocytes are differentiated, and contain accumulated lipids, mimicking white adipocytes. They are then cultured either under conditions of actively synthesizing and accumulating additional lipids through lipogenesis (“ongoing lipogenic state”) or under conditions of maintaining but not increasing stored lipids (“lipid storage state”). Total lipid, lipidomic and transcriptomics analyses are employed to assess changes after treatment with quercetin and/or ferulic acid.

Results

In the “lipid storage state,” a longer‐term treatment (3 doses over 72 h) with low concentrations of quercetin and ferulic acid together significantly lowered stored lipid content, modified lipid composition, and modulated genes related to lipid metabolism with a strong implication of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPARα)/retinoid X receptor (RXRα) involvement. In the “ongoing lipogenic state,” the effect of quercetin and ferulic acid is markedly different, with fewer changes in gene expression and lipid composition, and no detectable involvement of PPARα/RXRα, with a tenfold higher concentration required to attenuate stored lipid content.

Conclusions

Multiple low‐dose treatment of quercetin and ferulic acid modulates lipid metabolism in adipocytes, but the effect is dramatically dependent on the metabolic state of the cell.
Circularly polarized microstrip Yagi antenna array with tilted beam for improved monopulse characteristics
Authors: Kong Deok Kyu , Woo Daewoong , Kim Jaesik , Yoon Young J.
Published: April 2020

An antenna array composed of four inclined microstrip Yagi antennas is proposed for a direction finding (DF) system operated in L band. Each element antenna is designed to have a tilted beam toward a central array axis in order to have high gain in the boresight axis of the antenna array. In comparison to a patch antenna array, having the same structure, antenna array gain is improved by a 2.3 dB maximum around the array axis, monopulse slope is increased by 72% and the linearity of the slope is improved significantly. Also, axial ratio is improved by 3 dB max within ±25° from boresight.
Deep complex convolutional network for fast reconstruction of 3D late gadolinium enhancement cardiac MRI
Authors: El‐Rewaidy Hossam , Neisius Ulf , Mancio Jennifer , Kucukseymen Selcuk , Rodriguez Jennifer , Paskavitz Amanda , Menze Bjoern , Nezafat Reza
Published: April 2020

Several deep‐learning models have been proposed to shorten MRI scan time. Prior deep‐learning models that utilize real‐valued kernels have limited capability to learn rich representations of complex MRI data. In this work, we utilize a complex‐valued convolutional network (ℂNet) for fast reconstruction of highly under‐sampled MRI data and evaluate its ability to rapidly reconstruct 3D late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) data. ℂNet preserves the complex nature and optimal combination of real and imaginary components of MRI data throughout the reconstruction process by utilizing complex‐valued convolution, novel radial batch normalization, and complex activation function layers in a U‐Net architecture. A prospectively under‐sampled 3D LGE cardiac MRI dataset of 219 patients (17 003 images) at acceleration rates R = 3 through R = 5 was used to evaluate ℂNet. The dataset was further retrospectively under‐sampled to a maximum of R = 8 to simulate higher acceleration rates. We created three reconstructions of the 3D LGE dataset using (1) ℂNet, (2) a compressed‐sensing‐based low‐dimensional‐structure self‐learning and thresholding algorithm (LOST), and (3) a real‐valued U‐Net (realNet) with the same number of parameters as ℂNet. LOST‐reconstructed data were considered the reference for training and evaluation of all models. The reconstructed images were quantitatively evaluated using mean‐squared error (MSE) and the structural similarity index measure (SSIM), and subjectively evaluated by three independent readers. Quantitatively, ℂNet‐reconstructed images had significantly improved MSE and SSIM values compared with realNet (MSE, 0.077 versus 0.091; SSIM, 0.876 versus 0.733, respectively; p < 0.01). Subjective quality assessment showed that ℂNet‐reconstructed image quality was similar to that of compressed sensing and significantly better than that of realNet. ℂNet reconstruction was also more than 300 times faster than compressed sensing. Retrospective under‐sampled images demonstrate the potential of ℂNet at higher acceleration rates. ℂNet enables fast reconstruction of highly accelerated 3D MRI with superior performance to real‐valued networks, and achieves faster reconstruction than compressed sensing.
Association of Obesity with Disease Severity Among Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Kalligeros Markos , Shehadeh Fadi , Mylona Evangelia K. , Benitez Gregorio , Beckwith Curt G. , Chan Philip A. , Mylonakis Eleftherios
Published: April 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the potential association of obesity and other chronic diseases with severe outcomes, such as intensive care unit (ICU) admission and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19).

Methods

This study analyzed a retrospective cohort of 103 patients hospitalized with COVID‐19. Demographic data, past medical history, and hospital course were collected and analyzed. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was implemented to examine associations.

Results

From February 17 to April 5, 103 consecutive patients were hospitalized with COVID‐19. Among them, 44 patients (42.7%) were admitted to the ICU, and 29 (65.9%) required IMV. The prevalence of obesity was 47.5% (49 of 103). In a multivariate analysis, severe obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) was associated with ICU admission (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 5.39, 95% CI: 1.13‐25.64). Moreover, patients who required IMV were more likely to have had heart disease (aOR: 3.41, 95% CI: 1.05‐11.06), obesity (BMI = 30‐34.9 kg/m2; aOR: 6.85, 95% CI: 1.05‐44.82), or severe obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2; aOR: 9.99, 95% CI: 1.39‐71.69).

Conclusions

In our analysis, severe obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) was associated with ICU admission, whereas history of heart disease and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) were independently associated with the use of IMV. Increased vigilance and aggressive treatment of patients with obesity and COVID‐19 are warranted.
Explore and Exploit with Heterotic Line Bundle Models
Authors: Larfors M. , Schneider R.
Published: April 2020

We use deep reinforcement learning to explore a class of heterotic GUT models constructed from line bundle sums over Complete Intersection Calabi Yau (CICY) manifolds. We perform several experiments where A3C agents are trained to search for such models. These agents significantly outperform random exploration, in the most favourable settings by a factor of 1700 when it comes to finding unique models. Furthermore, we find evidence that the trained agents also outperform random walkers on new manifolds. We conclude that the agents detect hidden structures in the compactification data, which is partly of general nature. The experiments scale well with h(1, 1), and may thus provide the key to model building on CICYs with large h(1, 1).
Incorporating dynamic correlation into the variational determination method of the second‐order reduced density matrix in the doubly occupied configuration interaction space
Authors: Alcoba Diego R. , Torre Alicia , Lain Luis , Oña Ofelia B. , Ríos Elías , Massaccesi Gustavo E.
Published: April 2020

The variational determination of the second‐order reduced density matrices arising from N‐electron doubly occupied configuration interaction wave functions has recently been proposed as a method to describe systems possessing static correlation in their ground states. In this work, we propose to combine this approach with the on‐top pair density functional theory in order to incorporate dynamic correlations and improve the description of systems possessing both types of electron correlation. The procedure requires ensuring that the second‐order reduced density matrix elements satisfy determined N‐representability variational conditions, as well as other constraints arising from the doubly‐occupied configuration interaction wave function features. An analysis of the results obtained through this method, in studies of strongly correlated many‐electron systems, shows the usefulness of our proposals.
Fault‐tolerant control of singularly perturbed systems with actuator faults and disturbances
Authors: Yang Wu , Wang Yan‐Wu , Morˇrescu Irinel‐Constantin , Liu Zhi‐Wei , Huang Yuehua
Published: April 2020

The article proposes several fault‐tolerant control (FTC) laws for singularly perturbed systems (SPS) with actuator faults and disturbances. One of the main challenges in this context is that the fast‐slow decomposition is not available for actuator faults and disturbances. In view of this, some conditions for the asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop dynamics are investigated by amending the composite Lyapunov approach. On top of this, a closed‐form expression of the upper bound of singular perturbation parameter (SPP) is provided. Moreover, we design several SPP‐independent composite FTC laws, which can be applied when this parameter is unknown. Finally, the chattering phenomenon is eliminated by using the continuous approximation technique. We also emphasize that, for linear SPSs, the FTC design can be formulated as a set of linear matrix inequalities, while the SPP upper bound can be obtained by solving a convex optimization problem. Two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Gradation effect of cleaned quarry waste to improve size distributions of concrete constituents
Authors: Gao Furong , Ji Yongsheng , Xue Qi , Xu Zhishan , Zhou Yangmei
Published: April 2020

A specially designed cleaning system was adopted to wash away mud but keep coarse particles and stone powders in quarry waste. Then the cleaned quarry waste was used as concrete fine aggregate. Size distributions of all concrete constituents were analyzed, and workability and compressive strength of concrete were determined to evaluate gradation effect of cleaned quarry waste to improve size distributions of concrete constituents, thus improving concrete properties. Results showed that the designed cleaning system can wash away mud and keep stone powders and coarse particles in quarry waste. The particle sizes of stone powders were between 0.075 mm and 0.15 mm, and those of coarse particles were between 0.15 mm and 4.75 mm. When the cleaned quarry waste was used, continuous size distributions of all concrete constituents were formed, which solved discontinuous size distribution problems among cement, fine, and coarse aggregates. Therefore, concrete workability was improved and compressive strengths at different ages were increased.
Management of urinary incontinence in men
Authors: Mangir Naside , Chapple Christopher
Published: April 2020

Urinary incontinence has a significant psychosocial impact in men, reducing their quality of life. It has been less thoroughly investigated than incontinence in women; nevertheless, a detailed history and physical examination to classify the type of incontinence are key to guiding management.
Single‐molecule quantification of 5‐methylcytosine and 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine in cancer genome
Authors: Du Yang , Wang Yongyao , Hu Xiao , Liu Jiyan , Diao Jiajie
Published: April 2020

Epigenetic modifications present a great influence on tumorigenesis, and have attracted a growing body of researchers’ interests. They deal with genomic information to regulate biological pathways related to tumorigenesis and cancer development, without changing the primary base sequence of DNA. As the most important epigenetic modifications, 5‐methylcytosine (5mC) and 5‐hydroxmethylcytosine (5hmC) are the ones most widely investigated in human cancers. To expand our understanding of the roles of 5mC and 5hmC in cancers, multiple methods have been developed to detect and quantify 5mC and 5hmC. While various detection methods having been reviewed, here we focus on ultrasensitive single‐molecule techniques used in quantifying 5mC and 5hmC, including nanopore sequencing, single‐molecule real‐time sequencing, optical mapping, and single‐molecule fluorescent imaging.
Bacterial Epigenomics: Epigenetics in the Age of Population Genomics
Authors: Chen Poyin , Bandoy D. J. Darwin , Weimer Bart C.
Published: April 2020

Genome methylation in bacteria is an area of intense interest because it has broad implications for bacteriophage resistance, replication, genomic diversity via replication fidelity, response to stress, gene expression regulation, and virulence. Increasing interest in bacterial DNA modification is coming about with investigation of host/microbe interactions and the microbiome association and coevolution with the host organism. Since the recognition of DNA methylation being important in Escherichia coli and bacteriophage resistance using restriction/modification systems, more than 43,600 restriction enzymes have been cataloged in more than 3600 different bacteria. While DNA sequencing methods have made great advances there is a dearth of method advances to examine these modifications in situ. However, the large increase in whole genome sequences has led to advances in defining the modification status of single genomes as well as mining new restriction enzymes, methyltransferases, and modification motifs. These advances provide the basis for the study of pan-epigenomes, population-scale comparisons among pangenomes to link replication fidelity and methylation status along with mutational analysis of mutLS. Newer DNA sequencing methods that include SMRT and nanopore sequencing will aid the detection of DNA modifications on the ever-increasing whole genome and metagenome sequences that are being produced. As more sequences become available, larger analyses are being done to provide insight into the role and guidance of bacterial DNA modification to bacterial survival and physiology.
Eukaryotic Pangenomes
Authors: Richard Guy-Franck
Published: April 2020

The first eukaryotes emerged from their prokaryotic ancestors more than 1.5 billion years ago and rapidly spread over the planet, first in the ocean, later on as land animals, plants, and fungi. Taking advantage of an expanding genome complexity and flexibility, they invaded almost all known ecological niches, adapting their body plan, physiology, and metabolism to new environments. This increase in genome complexity came along with an increase in gene repertoire, mainly from molecular reassortment of existing protein domains, but sometimes from the capture of a piece of viral genome or of a transposon sequence. With increasing sequencing and computing powers, it has become possible to undertake deciphering eukaryotic genome contents to an unprecedented scale, collecting all genes belonging to a given species, aiming at compiling all essential and dispensable genes making eukaryotic life possible.

In this chapter, eukaryotic core- and pangenomes concepts will be described, as well as notions of closed or open genomes. Among all eukaryotes presently sequenced, ascomycetous yeasts are arguably the most well-described clade and the pangenome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida glabrata, Candida albicans as well as Schizosaccharomyces species will be reviewed. For scientific and economical reasons, many plant genomes have been sequenced too and the gene content of soybean, cabbage, poplar, thale cress, rice, maize, and barley will be outlined. Planktonic life forms, such as Emiliana huxleyi, a chromalveolate or Micromonas pusilla, a green alga, will be detailed and their pangenomes pictured. Mechanisms generating genetic diversity, such as interspecific hybridization, whole-genome duplications, segmental duplications, horizontal gene transfer, and single-gene duplication will be depicted and exemplified. Finally, computing approaches used to calculate core- and pangenome contents will be briefly described, as well as possible future directions in eukaryotic comparative genomics.
Pangenomes and Selection: The Public Goods Hypothesis
Authors: McInerney James O. , Whelan Fiona J. , Domingo-Sananes Maria Rosa , McNally Alan , O’Connell Mary J.
Published: April 2020

The evolution and structure of prokaryotic genomes are largely shaped by horizontal gene transfer. This process is so prevalent that DNA can be seen as a public good—a resource that is shared across individuals, populations, and species. The consequence is a network of DNA sharing across prokaryotic life, whose extent is becoming apparent with increased availability of genomic data. Within prokaryotic species, gene gain (via horizontal gene transfer) and gene loss results in pangenomes, the complete set of genes that make up a species. Pangenomes include core genes present in all genomes, and accessory genes whose presence varies across strains. In this chapter, we discuss how we can understand pangenomes from a network perspective under the view of DNA as a public good, how pangenomes are maintained in terms of drift and selection, and how they may differ between prokaryotic groups. We argue that niche adaptation has a major impact on pangenome structure. We also discuss interactions between accessory genes within genomes, and introduce the concepts of ‘keystone genes’, whose loss leads to concurrent loss of other genes, and ‘event horizon genes’, whose acquisition may lead to adaptation to novel niches and towards a separate, irreversible evolutionary path.
Erratum to: Superboost transitions, refraction memory and super-Lorentz charge algebra
Authors: Compère Geoffrey , Fiorucci Adrien , Ruzziconi Romain
Published: April 2020

Hereby, we bring to your attention the following typos and mistakes in [1].
A light scalar explanation of (g − 2)μ and the KOTO anomaly
Authors: Liu Jia , McGinnis Navin , Wagner Carlos E.M. , Wang Xiao-Ping
Published: April 2020

Abstract

The KOTO experiment has recently performed a search for neutral Kaons decaying into neutral pions and a pair of neutrinos. Three events were observed in the KOTO signal region, with an expected background of about 0.05. Since no clear signal of systematic errors have been found, the excess of events in the decay K

L

→ π
0
ν

$$ \overline{v} $$

v
¯

is quite intriguing. One possibility to explain this anomaly would be the presence of a scalar 𝜙 with mass of the order of the pion mass and inducing decays K

L

→ π
0
𝜙 which mimic the observed signal. A scalar with mass of the order of the pion mass and a coupling to muons of the order of the Standard Model Higgs coupling could also explain the muon anomalous magnetic moment anomaly (g − 2)μ. We built on these facts to show that a light singlet scalar with couplings to the leptons and quarks as the ones induced by mixing with Higgs states in two Higgs doublet models may lead to an explanation of both anomalies. More specifically, we show that this is the case in the so-called type-X models in which leptons and quarks couple to two different Higgs doublets, and for scalar masses that are in the range between 40 and 70 MeV. Due to the relatively large coupling to leptons required to fit (g − 2)μ, the scalar lifetime accidentally falls into the sub-nanosecond range which is essential to evade the severe proton beam dump experiments and astrophysical constraints, though it becomes sensitive to constraints from electron beam dump experiments. The additional phenomenological properties of this model are discussed.
Jackiw-Teitelboim model coupled to conformal matter in the semi-classical limit
Authors: Moitra Upamanyu , Sake Sunil Kumar , Trivedi Sandip P. , Vishal V.
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We analyse the Jackiw-Teitelboim model of 2D gravity coupled to N massless free scalar fields in the semi-classical limit. Two systems are studied which essentially differ in the boundary conditions that are imposed. We find that the thermodynamics has interesting differences. We also analyse the response to additional infalling matter which satisfies the null energy condition. The second law is shown to be valid in both systems for the generalised entropy which takes into account the entanglement across the event horizon due to the matter fields. Similarly we find that the generalised entropy increases along future Q-screens in both systems.
Modelling 2018 Anak Krakatoa Flank Collapse and Tsunami: Effect of Landslide Failure Mechanism and Dynamics on Tsunami Generation
Authors: Zengaffinen Thomas , Løvholt Finn , Pedersen Geir Kleivstul , Muhari Abdul
Published: April 2020

The 2018 Anak Krakatoa volcano flank collapse generated a tsunami that impacted the Sunda Strait coastlines. In the absence of a tsunami early warning system, it caused several hundred fatalities. There are ongoing discussions to understand how the failure mechanism of this event affected landslide dynamics and tsunami generation. In this paper, the sensitivity to different failure scenarios on the tsunami generation is investigated through numerical modelling. To this end, the rate of mass release, the landslide volume, the material yield strength, and orientation of the landslide failure plane are varied to shed light on the failure mechanism, landslide evolution, and tsunami generation. We model the landslide dynamics using the depth-averaged viscoplastic flow model BingClaw, coupled with depth-averaged long wave and shallow water type models to simulated tsunami propagation. We are able to match fairly well the observed tsunami surface elevation amplitudes and inundation heights in selected area with the numerical simulations. However, as observed by other authors, discrepancies in simulated and observed arrival times for some of the offshore gauges are found, which raises questions related to the accuracy of the available bathymetry. For this purpose, further sensitivity studies changing the bathymetric depth near the source area are carried out. With this alteration we are also able to match better the arrival times of the waves.
Increased levels of inflammatory markers in the subscapularis tendon and joint capsule in patients with subacromial impingement
Authors: Farfaras Stefanos , Roshani Leyla , Mulder Jan , Mitsios Nicholas , Hallström Erling K. , Kartus Jüri-Toomas
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To analyze biopsy samples from the subscapularis tendon and from the joint capsule from male patients with subacromial impingement syndrome and compare them with samples from male patients with post-traumatic recurrent shoulder instability, to detect increased inflammatory activity that might be present inside the humeroscapular joint.

Methods

Twenty male patients scheduled for surgery for either subacromial decompression or Bankart reconstruction were included. Four biopsies from each patient were obtained during surgery from the capsule and the subscapularis tendon. Each specimen was analyzed for TNF-α, IL-6, CD-3 and CD-72. Multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry was performed on histological samples from the capsule and tendon to demonstrate the level of inflammatory markers. Fluorescence microscope images were acquired using an automated scanning system. On each slide, the number of pixels was registered and used in the analyses.

Results

The subacromial impingement syndrome group comprised eight patients, median age 53 (45–74) years, while the instability group 12, median age 27 (22–48) years (p < 0.00001). The amount of IL-6 and TNF-α was significantly higher in the subscapularis tendon of the patients with subacromial impingement syndrome compared with instability patients (p = 0.0015 andp = 0.0008 respectively). In the capsular samples, significantly higher amount of TNF-α and CD-72 was found in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome compared with instability patients (p < 0.0001 for both). On the other hand, the amount of CD-3 was significantly higher in the instability group (p = 0.0013).

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that an extended inflammatory process is present, not only in the subacromial bursa but also in the glenohumeral joint in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.

Level of evidence

Level III.

Clinical relevance

To develop a treatment targeted towards intra-articular inflammatory cytokines appears appealing.
The ankle ligament reconstruction-return to sport after injury (ALR-RSI) is a valid and reproducible scale to quantify psychological readiness before returning to sport after ankle ligament reconstruction
Authors: Sigonney François , Lopes Ronny , Bouché Pierre-Alban , Kierszbaum Elliott , Moslemi Aymane , Anract Philippe , Stein Alexandra , Hardy Alexandre
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Chronic ankle instability is the main complication of ankle sprains and requires surgery if non-operative treatment fails. The goal of this study was to validate a tool to quantify psychological readiness to return to sport after ankle ligament reconstruction.

Methods

The form was designed like the anterior cruciate ligament-return to sport after injury scale and “Knee” was replaced by the term “ankle”. The ankle ligament reconstruction-return to sport after injury (ALR-RSI) scale was filled by patients who underwent ankle ligament reconstruction and were active in sports. The scale was then validated according to the international COSMIN methodology. The AOFAS and Karlsson scores were used as reference questionnaires.

Results

Fifty-seven patients (59 ankles) were included, 27 women. The ALR-RSI scale was strongly correlated with the Karlsson score (r = 0.79 [0.66–0.87]) and the AOFAS score (r = 0.8 [0.66–0.87]). A highly significant difference was found in the ALR-RSI between the subgroup of 50 patients who returned to playing sport and the seven who did not: 68.8 (56.5–86.5) vs 45.0 (31.3–55.8), respectively,p = 0.02. The internal consistency of the scale was high (α = 0.96). Reproducibility of the test–retest was excellent (ρ = 0.92; 95% CI [0.86–0.96]).

Conclusion

The ALR-RSI is a valid, reproducible scale that identifies patients who are ready to return to the same sport after ankle ligament reconstruction. This scale may help to identify athletes who will find sport resumption difficult.

Level of evidence

III.