bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Christmas, national holidays, sport events, and time factors as triggers of acute myocardial infarction: SWEDEHEART observational study 1998-2013
Authors: Mohammad Moman A , Karlsson Sofia , Haddad Jonathan , Cederberg Björn , Jernberg Tomas , Lindahl Bertil , Fröbert Ole , Koul Sasha , Erlinge David
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To study circadian rhythm aspects, national holidays, and major sports events as triggers of myocardial infarction.

Design

Retrospective observational study using the nationwide coronary care unit registry, SWEDEHEART.

Setting

Sweden.

Participants

283 014 cases of myocardial infarction reported to SWEDEHEART between 1998 and 2013. Symptom onset date was documented for all cases, and time to the nearest minute for 88%.

Interventions

Myocardial infarctions with symptom onset on Christmas/New Year, Easter, and Midsummer holiday were identified. Similarly, myocardial infarctions that occurred during a FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, and winter and summer Olympic Games were identified. The two weeks before and after a holiday were set as a control period, and for sports events the control period was set to the same time one year before and after the tournament. Circadian and circaseptan analyses were performed with Sunday and 24:00 as the reference day and hour with which all other days and hours were compared. Incidence rate ratios were calculated using a count regression model.

Main outcome measures

Daily count of myocardial infarction.

Results

Christmas and Midsummer holidays were associated with a higher risk of myocardial infarction (incidence rate ratio 1.15, 95% confidence interval 1.12 to 1.19, P<0.001, and 1.12, 1.07 to 1.18, P<0.001, respectively). The highest associated risk was observed for Christmas Eve (1.37, 1.29 to 1.46, P<0.001). No increased risk was observed during Easter holiday or sports events. A circaseptan and circadian variation in the risk of myocardial infarction was observed, with higher risk during early mornings and on Mondays. Results were more pronounced in patients aged over 75 and those with diabetes and a history of coronary artery disease.

Conclusions

In this nationwide real world study covering 16 years of hospital admissions for myocardial infarction with symptom onset documented to the nearest minute, Christmas, and Midsummer holidays were associated with higher risk of myocardial infarction, particularly in older and sicker patients, suggesting a role of external triggers in vulnerable individuals.
Parachute use to prevent death and major trauma when jumping from aircraft: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yeh Robert W , Valsdottir Linda R , Yeh Michael W , Shen Changyu , Kramer Daniel B , Strom Jordan B , Secemsky Eric A , Healy Joanne L , Domeier Robert M , Kazi Dhruv S , Nallamothu Brahmajee K
Published: December 2018

Objective

To determine if using a parachute prevents death or major traumatic injury when jumping from an aircraft.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Private or commercial aircraft between September 2017 and August 2018.

Participants

92 aircraft passengers aged 18 and over were screened for participation. 23 agreed to be enrolled and were randomized.

Intervention

Jumping from an aircraft (airplane or helicopter) with a parachute versus an empty backpack (unblinded).

Main outcome measures

Composite of death or major traumatic injury (defined by an Injury Severity Score over 15) upon impact with the ground measured immediately after landing.

Results

Parachute use did not significantly reduce death or major injury (0% for parachute
v
0% for control; P>0.9). This finding was consistent across multiple subgroups. Compared with individuals screened but not enrolled, participants included in the study were on aircraft at significantly lower altitude (mean of 0.6 m for participants
v
mean of 9146 m for non-participants; P<0.001) and lower velocity (mean of 0 km/h
v
mean of 800 km/h; P<0.001).

Conclusions

Parachute use did not reduce death or major traumatic injury when jumping from aircraft in the first randomized evaluation of this intervention. However, the trial was only able to enroll participants on small stationary aircraft on the ground, suggesting cautious extrapolation to high altitude jumps. When beliefs regarding the effectiveness of an intervention exist in the community, randomized trials might selectively enroll individuals with a lower perceived likelihood of benefit, thus diminishing the applicability of the results to clinical practice.
AAC Warman Canada Western Red Spring wheat
Authors: Kumar S. , Fox S.L. , Mitchell Fetch J. , Green D. , Fetch T. , McCallum B. , Aboukhaddour R. , Henriquez M.-A.
Published: December 2018

AAC Warman (BW1025) is a high-yielding Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) wheat adapted to production in western Canada. AAC Warman was 3% higher yielding than Unity, the highest yielding check in the Central Bread Wheat Cooperative registration trials (2014–2016). Within the same test, AAC Warman was 11% higher yielding than Carberry, a popular CWRS wheat variety across the Canadian prairies. AAC Warman matured 3 d earlier than Carberry and a day later than Unity, the earliest maturing check. AAC Warman was shorter than Unity and had better stem strength compared with Unity; however, the lodging score for AAC Warman was higher than the mean of the checks. Over 3 yr of testing (2014–2016), the test weight and thousand-kernel weight of AAC Warman was similar to Carberry. The grain protein content of AAC Warman was 0.3% lower than both Unity and Carberry. AAC Warman was rated moderately resistant to Fusarium head blight (Fusarium graminearum Schwabe) and loose smut [Ustilago tritici (Pers.) Rostr.], resistant to leaf rust (Puccinia triticina Erikss.) and stem rust (Puccinia graminis Pers. f. sp. tritici Erikss. & E. Henn), moderately susceptible to stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis Westend.) and common bunt [Tilletia caries (DC.) Tul. & C. Tul.], and intermediately resistant to leaf spot complex. AAC Warman was resistant to orange wheat blossom midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana Géhin). Based on its milling and baking performance over 3 yr (2014–2016), as evaluated by the Grain Research Laboratory, Canadian Grain Commission, AAC Warman was registered under the CWRS market class.
A study of shell structure in normal to exotic nuclides within relativistic Hartree–Bogoliubov approximation
Authors: Thakur Smriti , Dhiman Shashi K.
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this work is to study theoretically the shell structure of even–even isotopes in Si, S, Ar and Ca and isotones at neutron number N = 0, 28, 50 and 82. We employed Covariant Relativistic self-consistent mean field models analogous to Kohn–Sham density functional theory to construct the Nuclear Density Functionals from Lagrangian densities based on meson exchange and point coupling models. The pairing correlations of nucleons are considered by the relativistic Hartree–Bogoliubov functional based on quasi-particle operators of Bogoliubov transformations. The theoretical calculations of shell closure parameter [Formula: see text](N) and the differential variation of the two-neutron separation energy [Formula: see text](Z, N) provide recognizable signature of shell closure at N = 14 and 20 in case of Si, N = 14, 20 and 28 in S, Ar and Ca isotopes and are consistent with recent experimental investigations of new sub-shell gaps.
Structure and growth behavior of intermediate phase in Cu–Zr diffusion couple heated by pulse current
Authors: Liu Fei , Wu Mingfang , Pu Juan , Wang Yuxin
Published: December 2018

In this research, Cu–Zr diffusion couples were heated by pulse current and a conventional heating method, respectively. Comparative analyses on the diffusion behavior of Zr and Cu atoms, interfacial structure and growth behavior of diffusion reaction area were carried out. The results show that applying pulse current can accelerate the migration rate of atoms, promote the diffusion of Zr atoms to the copper substrate in a short holding time, achieve a metallurgical bonding and form a continuous, dense reaction layered structure with a two-layer interface. The pulse current heating can induce the formation of lamellar ZrCu phase in the copper substrate interface. After holding for a relatively short period of time, a large number of Zr atoms crossed through the ZrCu phase, formed ZrCu3 phase in the copper rich phase side and grew gradually along the depth direction of copper substrate. Meanwhile, the growth rate of ZrCu phase was relatively slow due to the weak diffusion ability of Cu atom to in zirconium matrix.
Optimization of current parameters during variable polarity GMAW of magnesium alloy
Authors: Wang Zhenmin , Wei Junhao , Wang Leilei
Published: December 2018

Magnesium alloy welding suffers from problems such as burn through and loss of alloying elements during conventional welding process due to high heat input. Variable polarity gas metal arc welding (VP-GMAW) features low heat input. Therefore, it is an attractive method for welding of magnesium alloy. However, the principles governing the correlations among welding current parameters, metal transfer modes, and bead formation are not well understood. Identifying optimal welding current parameters by trial and error is unrealistic. Therefore, peak current, base current, and negative current were selected as independent variables. Their impact mechanism on metal transfer and bead formation were investigated by experiments with high-speed photographs. Then, weld quality evaluation was conducted by a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation. A mathematical method was proposed to calculate optimal current parameters for VP-GMAW of magnesium alloy. In addition, a significant sequence of current parameters is obtained. The results indicate that almost defect-free weld joint is produced by the optimal welding current parameters. The significance sequence of current parameters on weld quality is negative current, peak current, and base current.
Optimized decoherence suppression of tripartite entanglement in finite temperature environments using weak measurement and quantum measurement reversal
Authors: Wu He-Jin , Jin Zhao , Zhu Ai-Dong
Published: December 2018

In practical application, since quantum entanglement is inevitably destroyed by thermal noise resulted from environment, protecting entanglement from decoherence in thermal bath environment becomes a critically important issue in the field of quantum information. In this work, we propose a scheme to protect the tripartite Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger (GHZ) entanglement state subjected to the generalized amplitude damping (GAD) channel based on the quantum technique of weak measurement (WM) and quantum measurement reversal (QMR). By optimizing the strengths of WM and QMR, the decoherence caused by the channel can be effectively suppressed. The results show that after performing the optimal pre- and post-channel weak measurement, the negativity of the GHZ state can be effectively improved with a certain probability, and the phenomenon of sudden death can be delayed to a certain degree. This scheme can be applied to the decoherence suppression of GAD channel at finite temperature.
Nanomechanics Modeling of Interface Interactions in Asphalt Concrete: Traction and Shearing Failure Study
Authors: Lu Yang , Wang Linbing
Published: December 2018

The interface bonding strength is critical for asphalt concrete performance under external load applications. A thorough understanding of the load transfer mechanism bridging the nanoscale interfacial details and the macroscale properties is required to accurately predict the performance of asphalt concrete. This research presents a multiscale analysis procedure for the modeling of interface behaviors, in which material properties are evaluated by atomic scale interactions, emphasizing the complex shearing and separation mechanisms under various loading modes. The representative model system was established based on multiscale experimental characterization of the tight-bonding interface between asphalt and aggregate. Interfacial load transfer and failure studies were conducted for investigating the effect of tension and compression on shearing mode separation. The cohesive zone model parameters, such as peak traction and energy of separation were evaluated for each loading mode. Different boundary conditions were applied to obtain the representative volume element (RVE) and connection to continuum level properties. Results indicated that depending on the various loading modes, the failure of the nanoscale interface system may occur within the asphalt phase or at the interface. These results set the basis for continuum length-scale micromechanical models which may be used to determine the bulk material response, incorporating interfacial phenomena. The findings presented in this paper are consistent with observations reported in previous studies and expand on the understanding of the relationship between molecular structures and combined shearing separation failure properties of asphalt concrete interfaces.
Facile and Eco-Friendly Preparation of GO/BIIR Composite for Gas Barrier Applications
Authors: Wu Jie , He Qin , Li Yingjun , Liu Dongliang , Zhou Yuanlin
Published: December 2018

Owing to weak interfacial bonding and incompatibility between graphene and polymer, there are several challenges in the fabrication of graphene-based polymer composites with an effective gas barrier. Hence, it is necessary to enhance the affinity between polymers and graphene. We selected graphene oxide (GO) as filler and brominated butyl rubber (BIIR) as a substrate to prepare GO/BIIR composites via the simple latex mixed route. The tortuous path of diffusion of helium molecules is extended after insertion of GO nanosheets, thus improving the gas barrier of composites. GO/BIIR composite with the GO content of 0.3[Formula: see text]wt.% exhibits favorable barrier efficiency to helium with a helium gas transmission rate of 12.79[Formula: see text]cm3 cm m[Formula: see text] day[Formula: see text] bar[Formula: see text].
Responding to Sensitive Disclosures on Social Media
Authors: Andalibi Nazanin , Forte Andrea
Published: December 2018

When people disclose information on social media that is sensitive or potentially stigmatized (e.g., mental illness, pregnancy loss), how do others decide to respond? We use interviews and vignettes to provide a response decision-making framework (RDM) that explains factors informing whether and how individuals respond to sensitive disclosures from their social media connections. The RDM framework includes factors related to the self, poster, and disclosure context (i.e., relational, temporal, social). Our findings include how people's decisions are complicated by balancing their own needs (e.g., privacy, wellbeing) as well as the posters’ (e.g., support) when seeing what they consider sensitive posts on social media. We identify empirically grounded insights and information that social media designs could surface to support both potential disclosers and responders. We argue that social media sites should provide privacy controls for both disclosers and responders, and facilitate the visibility of network-level support.
MPEG column
Authors: Timmerer Christian
Published: December 2018

The original blog post can be found at the Bitmovin Techblog and has been modified/updated here to focus on and highlight research aspects.
MMP-9-induced increase in intestinal epithelial tight permeability is mediated by p38 kinase signaling pathway activation of MLCK gene
Authors: Al-Sadi Rana , Youssef Moustafa , Rawat Manmeet , Guo Shuhong , Dokladny Karol , Haque Mohammad , Watterson Martin D. , Ma Thomas Y.
Published: December 2018

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) has been implicated as being an important pathogenic factor in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). MMP-9 is markedly elevated in intestinal tissue of patients with IBD, and IBD patients have a defective intestinal tight-junction (TJ) barrier manifested by an increase in intestinal permeability. The loss of intestinal epithelial barrier function is an important contributing factor in the development and prolongation of intestinal inflammation; however, the role of MMP-9 in intestinal barrier function remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of MMP-9 on the intestinal epithelial TJ barrier and to delineate the intracellular mechanisms involved by using in vitro (filter-grown Caco-2 monolayers) and in vivo (mouse small intestine recycling perfusion) systems. MMP-9 caused a time- and dose-dependent increase in Caco-2 TJ permeability. MMP-9 also caused an increase in myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK) gene activity, protein expression, and enzymatic activity. The pharmacological MLCK inhibition and siRNA-induced knockdown of MLCK inhibited the MMP-9-induced increase in Caco-2 TJ permeability. MMP-9 caused a rapid activation of the p38 kinase signaling pathway and inhibition of p38 kinase activity prevented the MMP-9-induced increase in MLCK gene activity and the increase in Caco-2 TJ permeability. MMP-9 also caused an increase in mouse intestinal permeability in vivo, which was accompanied by an increase in MLCK expression. The MMP-9-induced increase in mouse intestinal permeability was inhibited in MLCK-deficient mice. These data show for the first time that the MMP-9-induced increase in intestinal TJ permeability in vitro and in vivo was mediated by the p38 kinase signal transduction pathway upregulation of MLCK gene activity and that therapeutic targeting of these pathways can prevent the MMP-9-induced increase in intestinal TJ permeability.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY MMP-9 is highly elevated in patients with IBD. IBD patients have compromised intestinal TJ barrier function manifested by an increase in intestinal permeability and intestinal inflammation. This study shows that MMP-9, at clinically achievable concentrations, causes an increase in intestinal TJ permeability in vitro and in vivo. In addition, a MMP-9-induced increase in intestinal TJ permeability was mediated by an increase in MLCK gene and protein expression via the p38 kinase pathway.
Intestinal renewal across the animal kingdom: comparing stem cell activity in mouse and Drosophila
Authors: Zwick Rachel K. , Ohlstein Benjamin , Klein Ophir D.
Published: December 2018

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract renews frequently to sustain nutrient digestion and absorption in the face of consistent tissue stress. In many species, proliferative intestinal stem cells (ISCs) are responsible for the repair of the damage arising from chemical and mechanical aspects of food breakdown and exposure to pathogens. As the cellular source of all mature cell types of the intestinal epithelium throughout adulthood, ISCs hold tremendous therapeutic potential for understanding and treating GI disease in humans. This review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of ISC identity, behavior, and regulation during homeostasis and injury-induced repair, as revealed by two major animal models used to study regeneration of the small intestine: Drosophila melanogaster and Mus musculus. We emphasize recent findings from Drosophila that are likely to translate to the mammalian GI system, as well as challenging topics in mouse ISC biology that may be ideally suited for investigation in flies. For context, we begin by reviewing major physiological similarities and distinctions between the Drosophila midgut and mouse small intestine.
Functional interaction between PDGFβ and GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors in smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Quatredeniers Marceau , Nakhleh Morad K. , Dumas Sébastien J. , Courboulin Audrey , Vinhas Maria C. , Antigny Fabrice , Phan Carole , Guignabert Christophe , Bendifallah Imane , Vocelle Matthieu , Fadel Elie , Dorfmüller Peter , Humbert Marc , Cohen-Kaminsky Sylvia
Published: December 2018

In this study, we explored the complex interactions between platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and their effect on the excessive proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells leading to obstructed arteries in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We report lower expression of glutamate receptor NMDA-type subunit 2B (GluN2B), a subunit composing NMDARs expected to affect cell survival/proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), in PAH patient lungs. PASMC exposure to PDGF-BB stimulated immediate increased levels of phosphorylated Src family kinases (SFKs) together with increased phosphorylated GluN2B (its active form) and cell surface relocalization, suggesting a cross talk between PDGFR-recruited SFKs and NMDAR. Selective inhibition of PDGFR-β or SFKs with imatinib or A-419259, respectively, on one hand, or with specific small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) on the other hand, aborted PDGF-induced phosphorylation of GluN2B, thus validating the pathway. Selective inhibition of GluN2B using Rö25-6981 and silencing with specific siRNA, in the presence of PDGF-BB, significantly increased both migration and proliferation of PASMCs, thus strengthening the functional importance of the pathway. Together, these results indicate that GluN2B-type NMDAR activation may confer to PASMCs antiproliferative and antimigratory properties. The decreased levels of GluN2B observed in PAH pulmonary arteries could mediate the excessive proliferation of PASMCs, thus contributing to medial hyperplasia and PAH development.
Delayed myonuclear addition, myofiber hypertrophy, and increases in strength with high-frequency low-load blood flow restricted training to volitional failure
Authors: Bjørnsen Thomas , Wernbom Mathias , Løvstad Amund , Paulsen Gøran , D’Souza Randall F. , Cameron-Smith David , Flesche Alexander , Hisdal Jonny , Berntsen Sveinung , Raastad Truls
Published: December 2018

The purpose of the present study was to investigate muscle hypertrophy, strength, and myonuclear and satellite cell (SC) responses to high-frequency blood flow-restricted resistance exercise (BFRRE). Thirteen individuals [24 ± 2 yr (mean ± SD), 9 men] completed two 5-day blocks of 7 BFRRE sessions, separated by a 10-day rest period. Four sets of unilateral knee extensions to voluntary failure at 20% of one repetition maximum (1RM) were conducted with partial blood flow restriction (90–100 mmHg). Muscle samples obtained before, during, 3 days, and 10 days after training were analyzed for muscle fiber area (MFA), myonuclei, SC, and mRNA and miRNA expression. Muscle size was measured by ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging and strength with 1RM knee extension. With the first block of BFRRE, SC number increased in both fiber types (70%–80%, P < 0.05), whereas type I and II MFA decreased by 6 ± 7% and 15 ± 11% ( P < 0.05), respectively. With the second block of training, muscle size increased by 6%–8%, whereas the number of SCs (type I: 80 ± 63%, type II: 147 ± 95%), myonuclei (type I: 30 ± 24%, type II: 31 ± 28%), and MFA (type I: 19 ± 19%, type II: 11 ± 19%) peaked 10 days after the second block of BFRRE, whereas strength peaked after 20 days of detraining (6 ± 6%, P < 0.05). Pax7- and p21 mRNA expression were elevated during the intervention, whereas myostatin, IGF1R, MyoD, myogenin, cyclinD1 and -D2 mRNA did not change until 3–10 days postintervention. High-frequency low-load BFRRE induced robust increases in SC, myonuclei, and muscle size but modest strength gains. Intriguingly, the responses were delayed and peaked 10–20 days after the training intervention, indicating overreaching.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In line with previous studies, we demonstrate that high-frequency low-load blood flow-restricted resistance exercise (HF-BFRRE) can elicit robust increases in satellite cell and myonuclei numbers, along with gains in muscle size and strength. However, our results also suggest that these processes can be delayed and that with very strenuous HF-BFRRE, there may even be transient muscle fiber atrophy, presumably because of accumulated stress responses. Our findings have implications for the prescription of BFR exercise.
Differences in micro-RNA expression profile between vastus lateralis samples and myotubes in COPD cachexia
Authors: Barreiro Esther , Sancho-Muñoz Antonio , Puig-Vilanova Ester , Salazar-Degracia Anna , Pascual-Guardia Sergi , Casadevall Carme , Gea Joaquim
Published: December 2018

Quadriceps muscle weakness and wasting are common comorbidities in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Micro-RNA expression upregulation may favor muscle mass growth and differentiation. We hypothesized that the profile of muscle-enriched micro-RNAs in cultured myotubes differs between patients with COPD of a wide range of body composition and healthy controls and that expression levels of those micro-RNAs from patients with COPD and controls differ between in vivo and in vitro conditions. Twenty-nine patients with COPD [ n = 15 with muscle wasting and fat-free mass index (FFMI) 15 kg/m2 and n = 14 with normal body composition and FFMI 18 kg/m2] and 10 healthy controls (FFMI 19 kg/m2) were consecutively recruited. Biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle were obtained in all study subjects. A fragment of each biopsy was used to obtain primary cultures, in which muscle cells were first proliferated to be then differentiated into actual myotubes. In both sets of experiments (in vivo biopsies and in vitro myotubes) the following muscle-enriched micro-RNAs from all the study subjects were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR amplification: micro-RNA (miR)-1, miR-133a, miR-206, miR-486, miR-29b, miR-27a, and miR-181a. Whereas the expression of miR-1, miR-206, miR-486, and miR-29b was upregulated in the muscle biopsies of patients with COPD compared with those of healthy controls, levels of none of the studied micro-RNAs in the myotubes (primary cultured cells) significantly differed between patients with COPD and the controls. We conclude from these findings that environmental factors (blood flow, muscle metabolism, and inflammation) taking place in vivo (biopsies) in muscles may account for the differences observed in micro-RNA expression between patients with COPD and controls. In the myotubes, however, the expression of the same micro-RNAs did not differ between the study subjects as such environmental factors were not present. These findings suggest that therapeutic strategies should rather target environmental factors in COPD muscle wasting as the profile of micro-RNA expression in myotubes was similar in patients to that observed in the healthy controls.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Environmental factors taking place in vivo (biopsies) in the muscles may explain differences observed in micro-RNA expression between patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and controls. In the myotubes, however, the expression of the same micro-RNAs did not differ between the study subjects as such environmental factors were not present. These findings suggest that therapeutic strategies should rather target environmental factors in COPD muscle wasting and cachexia as micro-RNA expression profile in myotubes was similar between patients and controls.
Tetrahydroxystilbene Glucoside (TSG) Restores the Effect of Transient Hypoxia on Reperfusion Injury in Senescent H9c2 Cells by Regulating Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism
Authors: Cheng Yin , Song Jia , Hu Pengfei , Zhu Yun
Published: December 2018

Tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside (TSG) is extracted from a famous Chinese herbal medicine which is widely used as an antiaging agent in history. Lots of studies gave evidence that TSG exhibited benefits to brain, like improvement of learning and memory and synaptic plasticity. Moreover, the polyphenolic structure of TSG enables its capability to prevent cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) by reducing apoptosis and ROS/RNS generation. Due to its antioxidant profile, TSG had been demonstrated to alleviate cardiac toxicity by regulating biochemical indexes and ROS. However, whether TSG exhibited cardioprotective effects via mitochondrial energy metabolic functions, which played crucial role in IRI, remained unclear. Here, we used an in vitro aging model of cardiomyocytes to evaluate the effects of TSG on transient hypoxia‐pretreated hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury and mitochondrial energy metaolism. Our results showed that TSG enhanced cardioprotective effect of transient hypoxia on H/R by reducing excessive ROS production and calcium overloading. Significant improvements of mitochondrial respiratory functions and ketone body metabolism elucidated that TSG restored the effect of transient hypoxia on H/R injury in aging cardiomyocytes via upregulating mitochondrial energy metabolism.
Epigenetic Modification Mechanisms Involved in Inflammation and Fibrosis in Renal Pathology
Authors: Morgado-Pascual Jose Luis , Marchant Vanessa , Rodrigues-Diez Raul , Dolade Nuria , Suarez-Alvarez Beatriz , Kerr Bredford , Valdivielso Jose M. , Ruiz-Ortega Marta , Rayego-Mateos Sandra
Published: December 2018

The growing incidence of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, coupled with the aging of the population, is increasing the prevalence of renal diseases in our society. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by persistent inflammation, fibrosis, and loss of renal function leading to end-stage renal disease. Nowadays, CKD treatment has limited effectiveness underscoring the importance of the development of innovative therapeutic options. Recent studies have identified how epigenetic modifications participate in the susceptibility to CKD and have explained how the environment interacts with the renal cell epigenome to contribute to renal damage. Epigenetic mechanisms regulate critical processes involved in gene regulation and downstream cellular responses. The most relevant epigenetic modifications that play a critical role in renal damage include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and changes in miRNA levels. Importantly, these epigenetic modifications are reversible and, therefore, a source of potential therapeutic targets. Here, we will explain how epigenetic mechanisms may regulate essential processes involved in renal pathology and highlight some possible epigenetic therapeutic strategies for CKD treatment.
Numerical Simulation of Fractional Control System Using Chebyshev Polynomials
Authors: Zhang Jun , Li Yugui , Xie Jiaquan
Published: December 2018

In the current study, a numerical scheme based on Chebyshev polynomials is proposed to solve the problem of fractional control system. The operational matrix of fractional derivative is derived and that is used to transform the original problem into a system of linear equations. Lastly, several numerical examples are presented to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the given method.
A Novel Concentric Annular-Ring Slot Dual-Band Circularly Polarized Microstrip Antenna
Authors: Cheng Yong , Liu Hui
Published: December 2018

A simple structure concentric annular-ring slot dual-band circularly polarized (CP) microstrip antenna operating at ISM band (2.45 GHz) and 5G band (3.5 GHz) is proposed in this paper. The antenna achieves dual-band operation by digging two concentric annular-ring slots on the ground. And on the angular positions with 45 degrees inclined of each annular slot, two bent structures are loaded to generate circularly polarized radiation. The radiation of this antenna is bidirectional, and the directions of rotation are opposite. The measured results of the annular-ring slot microstrip antenna show good performance of dual-band circularly polarized characteristics.
ShenShuai II Recipe Attenuates Apoptosis and Renal Fibrosis in Chronic Kidney Disease by Increasing Renal Blood Flow and Improving Oxygen Consumption
Authors: Wang Meng , Yang Jing , Zhou Yuan , Wang Chen
Published: December 2018

Background. Hypoxia plays a significant role in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and renal fibrosis. In China, Chinese herbal medicine has been widely used to treat CKD. ShenShuai II Recipe (SSR) is a commonly used prescription which has shown good results against CKD. However, the exact mechanisms of SSR are still unknown. In this study, chronic renal failure (CRF) was induced in rats by the 5/6 renal ablation/infarction (A/I) surgery; we investigated the efficacy and mechanisms of SSR on CKD in the current study. Male Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats were divided into the four groups: (1) sham operation group, (2) 5/6 (A/I) model group, (3) 5/6 (A/I) +SSR group, and (4) 5/6 (A/I) +Losartan group (5/6 (A/I) +Los). After 8 weeks of treatment, we evaluated renal blood flow (RBF) and oxygen consumption along with renal function, apoptosis, and renal fibrosis. Our results showed that SSR significantly improved RBF and reduced intrarenal oxygen consumption and apoptosis. Moreover, SSR markedly attenuated interstitial fibrosis, accompanied by decreased levels of serum creatinine (Scr), serum uric acid (UA), increased hemoglobin (HB), and evaluated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs). These results suggest that SSR could mediate renal protection by improving intrarenal hypoxia and, furthermore, participate in the antiapoptotic effects by downregulating apoptosis markers (cleaved caspase‐3 and the ratio of Bax/Bcl2) in 5/6 (A/I) model with CRF rats.
Multitransmission Zero Dual-Band Bandpass Filter Using Nonresonating Node for 5G Millimetre-Wave Application
Authors: Shi Liyun , Gao Jianjun
Published: December 2018

A planer millimetre-wave dual-band bandpass filter with multitransmission zeros is proposed for 5G application. This filter includes two dual-mode open-loop resonators. The U-shape nonresonating node is employed to generate an extra coupling path. Finally, a dual-band bandpass filter with five transmission zeros is obtained. The filter is fabricated and measured. Good agreement between simulation and measurement is obtained.
Speed Control for a Marine Diesel Engine Based on the Combined Linear-Nonlinear Active Disturbance Rejection Control
Authors: Wang Runzhi , Li Xuemin , Zhang Jiguang , Zhang Jian , Li Wenhui , Liu Yufei , Fu Wenjie , Ma Xiuzhen
Published: December 2018

In this paper, a compound control scheme with linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) and nonlinear active disturbance rejection control (NLADRC) is designed to stabilize the speed control system of the marine engine. To deal with the high nonlinearity and the complex disturbance and noise conditions in marine engines, the advantages of both LADRC and NLADRC are employed. As the extended state observer (ESO) is affected severely by the inherent characteristics (cyclic speed fluctuation, cylinder-to-cylinder deviations, etc.) of the reciprocating engines, a cycle-detailed hybrid nonlinear engine model is adopted to analyze the impact of such characteristics. Hence, the controller can be evaluated based on the modified engine model to achieve more reliable performance. Considering the mentioned natural properties in reciprocating engines, the parameters of linear ESO (LESO), nonlinear ESO (NLESO), and the switching strategy between LADRC and NLADRC are designed. Finally, various comparative simulations are carried out to show the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme and the superiority of switching strategy. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control scheme has prominent control effects both under the speed tracking mode and the condition with different types and levels of load disturbance. This study also reveals that when ADRC related approaches are employed to the reciprocating engine, the impact of the inherent characteristics of such engine on the ESO should be considered well.
Mulberry Fruit Extract Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) through Inhibition of Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress in Rats
Authors: Yang Dong Kwon , Jo Dong-Gyu
Published: December 2018

Mulberry is known to have pharmacological effects against cholesterol, obesity, and dyslipidemia. Many studies have revealed that mulberry leaf possesses hepatoprotective properties against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, mulberry fruit is less studied in this context. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the preventive effects of mulberry fruit against high fat diet‐ (HFD‐) induced NAFLD. To evaluate the effects of mulberry fruit on NAFLD, two doses of mulberry fruit ethanol extracts [MB, 100, and 200 mg/kg BW (body weight)] were given to HFD‐fed rats for 10 weeks. MB dramatically prevented liver damage as shown by biochemical analysis of the liver injury markers, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase. MB treatment significantly inhibited the increased levels of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol but restored the level of high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol in HFD‐fed rats. Notably, histological analysis of liver tissues demonstrated that MB substantially ameliorated lipid accumulation. Expression of cholesterol‐regulating genes was also suppressed by MB treatment. For its underlying mechanisms, MB suppressed hepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction and mitochondrial oxidative stress in HFD‐fed rats. MB potentially protects liver tissue against NAFLD by inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative stress, suggesting its possible use as a therapeutic agent for treatment of NAFLD.
Recognition of Emotions Using Multichannel EEG Data and DBN-GC-Based Ensemble Deep Learning Framework
Authors: Chao Hao , Zhi Huilai , Dong Liang , Liu Yongli
Published: December 2018

Fusing multichannel neurophysiological signals to recognize human emotion states becomes increasingly attractive. The conventional methods ignore the complementarity between time domain characteristics, frequency domain characteristics, and time-frequency characteristics of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals and cannot fully capture the correlation information between different channels. In this paper, an integrated deep learning framework based on improved deep belief networks with glia chains (DBN-GCs) is proposed. In the framework, the member DBN-GCs are employed for extracting intermediate representations of EEG raw features from multiple domains separately, as well as mining interchannel correlation information by glia chains. Then, the higher level features describing time domain characteristics, frequency domain characteristics, and time-frequency characteristics are fused by a discriminative restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM) to implement emotion recognition task. Experiments conducted on the DEAP benchmarking dataset achieve averaged accuracy of 75.92% and 76.83% for arousal and valence states classification, respectively. The results show that the proposed framework outperforms most of the above deep classifiers. Thus, potential of the proposed framework is demonstrated.
Calcium Intake and Survival after Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Yang Wanshui , Ma Yanan , Smith-Warner Stephanie , Song Mingyang , Wu Kana , Wang Molin , Chan Andrew T. , Ogino Shuji , Fuchs Charles S. , Poylin Vitaliy , Ng Kimmie , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Giovannucci Edward L. , Zhang Xuehong
Published: December 2018

Purpose:

Although evidence suggests an inverse association between calcium intake and colorectal cancer incidence, the influence of calcium on survival after colorectal cancer diagnosis remains unclear.

Experimental Design: We prospectively assessed the association of postdiagnostic calcium intake with colorectal cancer–specific and overall mortality among 1,660 nonmetastatic colorectal cancer patients within the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Patients completed a validated food frequency questionnaire between 6 months and 4 years after diagnosis and were followed up for death. Multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results:

Comparing the highest with the lowest quartile intake of postdiagnostic total calcium, the multivariable HRs were 0.56 (95% CI, 0.32–0.96; P trend = 0.04) for colorectal cancer–specific mortality and 0.80 (95% CI, 0.59–1.09; P trend = 0.11) for all-cause mortality. Postdiagnostic supplemental calcium intake was also inversely associated with colorectal cancer–specific mortality (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.42–1.06; P trend = 0.047) and all-cause mortality (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.54–0.94; P trend = 0.008), although these inverse associations were primarily observed in women. In addition, calcium from diet or dairy sources was associated with lower risk in men.

Conclusions:

Higher calcium intake after the diagnosis may be associated with a lower risk of death among patients with colorectal cancer. If confirmed, these findings may provide support for the nutritional recommendations of maintaining sufficient calcium intake among colorectal cancer survivors.
White Piedra: Clinical, Mycological, and Therapeutic Experience of Fourteen Cases
Authors: Bonifaz Alexandro , Tirado-Sánchez Andrés , Araiza Javier , Rodríguez-Leviz Alejandra , Guzmán-Sánchez Daniela , Gutiérrez-Mendoza Selene , Castrejón Laura
Published: December 2018

Background: White piedra (WP) is an asymptomatic superficial mycosis that affects the hair stems, forming whitish nodules caused by various species of the genus Trichosporon. Objective: To present a case series of WP of the head, its epidemiological data, as well as clinical, mycological, and therapeutic experience. Methods: We conducted a 12-year retrospective and observational study of WP cases tested by dermoscopy, mycological study, and the identification of species through morphology, biochemistry, and proteomics (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry). The treatment was based on ketoco­nazole shampoo as well as keratolytics. Results: We included 14 cases of WP, all located in the head and 1 case with both head and scrotum affected. Nine cases (64.3%) presented in children aged < 15 years. The majority of the cases (13/14, 92.8%) were women. Two cases were associated with hyperkeratosis and intertrigo. Most patients had long hair and excessive moisture. In all cases hair nodules were observed and Trichosporon inkin (11/14, 78.6%) was usually isolated. Eleven cases (78.6%) were cured by administering 2% ketoconazole shampoo. Conclusion: WP was observed in school-age girls. The diagnosis was based on the observation of hair nodules and its main etiologic agent was T. inkin, with good response to treatment in most cases.
The Short- and Long-Term Outcomes in Elderly Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Curative Surgery: A Case-Controlled Study with Propensity Score Matching
Authors: Okamura Yukiyasu , Sugiura Teiichi , Ito Takaaki , Yamamoto Yusuke , Ashida Ryo , Uesaka Katsuhiko
Published: December 2018

Background: With aging populations increasing in developed countries, the prevalence of elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is expected to rise. The aim of this study was to determine the short- and long-term outcomes of HCC surgery in elderly patients (≥75 years) using propensity score matching. Methods: The study group included 421 patients who underwent hepatectomy as their initial treatment with curative intent. The patients were divided into elderly (n = 111) and non-elderly (n = 310) groups. We applied propensity score matching – taking into consideration patient background, blood examination, and tumor factors – to minimize the effect of potential confounders. We then compared the results before and after the propensity matching. Results: Before propensity matching, the elderly group included significantly more patients with a high American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (p < 0.001). In addition, they were taking antihypertensive drugs or an anticoagulant (both p < 0.001). The severe postoperative complications and the overall survival rates for these elderly patients were significantly poorer than for the non-elderly patients (p = 0.015 and p = 0.030, respectively). We then chose 70 patients from each group for whom the preoperative confounding factors were balanced and compared the two groups. The factors identified before matching (severe complications and overall survival rates) were no longer relevant, i.e. there were no significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion: Hepatectomy for HCC in elderly patients is justified.
The Effect of Citrate on Clot Formation, Dialyzer Reuse, and Anemia in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Trakarnvanich Thananda , Thirathanakul Saowanee , Sriphueng Nongnaphat , Thumrongthongjaroon Pathitta , Kurathong Sathit , Ngamvichchukorn Tanun , Trakarnvanich Thananda
Published: December 2018

Background: Citrate anticoagulation is increasingly favored for preventing extracorporeal circuit clotting during renal replacement therapy. This study tested the effect of citrate compared with acetate on heparin avoidance and other parameters. Methods: Sixty-one chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients were switched from conventional dialysis fluid (acetate) to citrate dialysis fluid and were treated in 3 phases, each lasting 4 weeks: 50%, 25%, and no heparin. Visual clotting score, erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA) dose, and laboratory parameters were measured. Results: Except for 2 episodes of clotting, the same dialyzers were used throughout each citrate phase. The mean visual clotting scores were comparable across study periods. Hemoglobin decreased slightly in phase 2 despite the constant ESA dose. The ionized calcium levels rose after HD in most sessions. No adverse events occurred during citrate dialysis. Conclusion: During citrate dialysis in chronic HD patients, heparin can be completely avoided. The electrolyte levels, the adequacy of dialysis, and hemoglobin can be maintained without significant adverse events.
Increased Mortality Associated with Higher Pre-Dialysis Serum Sodium Variability: Results of the International MONitoring Dialysis Outcome Initiative
Authors: Ye Xiaoling , Kooman Jeroen P. , van der Sande Frank M. , Canaud Bernard , Stuard Stefano , Etter Michael , Xu Xiaoqi , Marelli Cristina , Guinsburg Adrian , Power Albert , Usvyat Len A. , Wang Yuedong , Kotanko Peter , Raimann Jochen G. ,   for the MONDO Initiative
Published: December 2018

Background: Low serum sodium (SNa) is associated with an increased mortality in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients. Dialysis patients are thought to have an individual pre-dialysis SNa set-point, yet there is evidence for variability of pre-dialysis SNa in individual patient. In this study, we explored the association of several SNa variability metrics with all-cause mortality in a large patient population from the international MONitoring Dialysis Outcomes (MONDO) Initiative. Methods: All adult incident patients from the MONDO database with more than 5 SNa measurements during the first year on HD were included. All patients were required to survive the first year on HD (defined as the baseline). During the subsequent 2 years of follow-up, all-cause mortality was recorded. The following variability indicators were calculated during baseline: mean SNa and its SD; average real variability (ARV, average the absolute distance of the 2 consecutive SNa measurements), and average directional range (DR, the difference between minimum and maximum values). We used Cox Proportional hazard model with bivariate spline terms to analyze the joint association of SNa and SD, ARV and DR, respectively, with all-cause mortality. While conducting the multivariate Cox regression analyses, patients were stratified into 3 groups of DR (Negative DR: –20≤ DR ≤ –6, Null DR: –6< DR < 6 and Positive DR: 6≤ DR ≤20) with the Null DR as the reference group. Results: We included 20,216 patients in the study. A SNa ≤135 mEq/L was observed to be the strongest predictor of evaluated mortality risk. Higher SNa variability (quantified as SD, ARV, and DR) was also associated with an increased mortality irrespective of SNa levels. When compared with higher SD or ARV, greater DR showed a stronger association with an elevated risk of death. Controlling the Cox Proportional hazard models for additional parameters showed consistent results. Conclusion: Higher SNa variability associated with increased all-cause mortality at all levels of SNa. DR of SNa showed the strongest association with mortality and may constitute a Simple and novel prognostic indicator, easily applicable at the bedside.