bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology and risk factors for heat illness: 11 years of Heat Stress Monitoring Programme data from the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour
Authors: Racinais Sebastien , Alhammoud Marine , Nasir Nada , Bahr Roald
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To analyse 11 years of FIVB heat stress-monitoring data to determine the relative influence of the different environmental parameters in increasing the likelihood of a heat-related medical time-out (MTOheat).

Methods

A total of 8530 matches were recorded. The referee measured air temperature, black globe temperature, relative humidity and wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) before the matches, and registered the MTOheat. The absolute humidity was computed at posteriori.

Results

There were 20 MTOheat cases, but only 3 resulted in forfeiting the match. MTOheat incidence was not statistically impacted by sex (p=0.59). MTOheat cases were more prevalent during the games played in Asia during the 4th quarter of the year (p<0.001). Two cases of MTOheat experienced diarrhoea or gastroenteritis during the 5 preceding days; both of them forfeited the match. A principal component analysis showed a specific environmental profile for the matches with MTOheat. They occurred at higher WBGT, temperatures and absolute humidity (p<0.001), but with a lower relative humidity (p=0.027).

Conclusions

The current data showed that an increase in ambient or black globe temperature, but not relative humidity, increased the risk of a MTOheat; but that the absolute risk remained low in elite beach volleyball players. However, suffering or recovering from a recent illness may represent a risk factor for a MTOheat to lead to player forfeit.
Assessing differential item functioning for the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale: a Scleroderma atient-centred Intervention Network (SPIN) Cohort Study
Authors: Sommer Sophia J , Harel Daphna , Kwakkenbos Linda , Carrier Marie-Eve , Gholizadeh Shadi , Gottesman Karen , Leite Catarina , Malcarne Vanessa L , Thombs Brett D
Published: October 2020

Objectives

The Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS) is a 16-item questionnaire developed to evaluate fear of appearance-based evaluation by others. The primary objective of this research was to investigate the existence of differential item functioning (DIF) for the 16 SAAS items, comparing patients who completed the SAAS in English and French, either to confirm that scores are comparable or provide guidance on calculating comparable scores. A secondary research objective was to investigate the existence of DIF based on sex and disease status. A tertiary research objective was to assess DIF related to language, sex, and disease status on the recently developed SAAS-5.

Design

This was a cross-sectional analysis using baseline data from patients enrolled in the Scleroderma Patient-centred Intervention Network (SPIN).

Setting

SPIN patients included in the present study were enrolled at 43 centres in Canada, USA, UK, France and Australia, with questionnaires completed in April 2014 to July 2019.

Participants

1640 SPIN patients completed the SAAS in French (n=600) or English (n=1040).

Primary and secondary measures

The SAAS was collected along with demographic and disease characteristics.

Results

Six items were identified with statistically significant language-based DIF, four with sex-based DIF and one with disease type-based DIF. However, factor scores before and after accounting for DIF were similar (Pearson correlation >0.99), and individual score differences were small. This was true for both the full and shortened versions of the SAAS.

Conclusion

SAAS and SAAS-5 scores are comparable across language, sex, and disease-type, despite small differences in how patients respond to some items.
Incidence and associated factors of extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) in preterm infants, a cross-sectional study in selected NICUs in Ethiopia
Authors: Gidi Netsanet Workneh , Goldenberg Robert L , Nigussie Assaye K , McClure Elizabeth , Mekasha Amha , Worku Bogale , Siebeck Matthias , Genzel-Boroviczeny Orsolya , Muhe Lulu M
Published: October 2020

Background

Preterm infants have high risk of developing growth restriction and long-term complications. Enteral feeding is often delayed in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) for the fear of feeding intolerance and the associated necrotising enterocolitis, and recent advances in nutritional support are unavailable in low-income countries.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and associated factors of extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) among preterm infants in selected NICUs in Ethiopia.

Method

This was a cross-sectional study involving a subgroup analysis of preterm infants admitted to hospitals, from a multicentre descriptive study of cause of illness and death in preterm infants in Ethiopia, conducted from 2016 to 2018. EUGR was defined as weight at discharge Z-scores <−1.29 for corrected age. Clinical profiles of the infants were analysed for associated factors. SPSS V.23 software was used for analysis with a significance level of 5% and 95% CI.

Result

From 436 preterm infants included in the analysis, 223 (51%) were male, 224 (51.4%) very low birth weight (VLBW) and 185 (42.4%) small for gestational age (SGA). The mean (SD) of weight for corrected age Z-score at the time of discharge was −2.5 (1.1). The incidence of EUGR was 86.2%. Infants who were SGA, VLBW and longer hospital stay over 21 days had increased risk of growth restriction (p-value<0.01). SGA infants had a 15-fold higher risk of developing EUGR at the time of discharge from hospital than those who were appropriate or large for gestational age (OR (95% CI)=15.2 (4.6 to 50.1).

Conclusion

The majority of the infants had EUGR at the time of discharge from the hospital, which indicates suboptimal nutrition. Revision of national guidelines for preterm infants feeding and improvement in clinical practice is highly required.
What is the impact of clinically assisted hydration in the last days of life? A systematic literature review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Kingdon Arjun , Spathis Anna , Brodrick Robert , Clarke Gemma , Kuhn Isla , Barclay Stephen
Published: October 2020

Background

Clinically assisted hydration (CAH) can be provided in the last days of life as drinking declines. The impact of this practice on quality of life or survival in the last days of life is unclear. Practice varies worldwide concerning this emotive issue.

Method

Systematic literature review and narrative synthesis of studies evaluating the impact of, or attitudes toward, CAH in the last days of life. Databases were searched up to December 2019. Studies were included if the majority of participants were in the last 7 days of life, and were evaluated using Gough’s 'Weight of Evidence' framework. Review protocol registered with PROSPERO, registration number CRD42019125837.

Results

Fifteen studies were included in the synthesis. None were judged to be both of high quality and relevance. No evidence was found that the provision of CAH has an impact on symptoms or survival. Patient and family carer attitudes toward assisted hydration were diverse.

Conclusion

There is currently insufficient evidence to draw firm conclusions on the impact of CAH in the last days of life. Future research needs to focus on patients specifically in the last days of life, include those with non-malignant diagnoses, and evaluate best ways to communicate effectively about this complex topic with patients and their families.
Changes in quality of life, cognition and functional status following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Piccini Jonathan P , Todd Derick M , Massaro Tyler , Lougee Aimee , Haeusler Karl Georg , Blank Benjamin , de Bono Joseph Paul , Callans David J , Elvan Arif , Fetsch Thomas , Van Gelder Isabelle , Gentlesk Philip , Grimaldi Massimo , Hansen Jim , Hindricks Gerhard , Al-Khalidi Hussein , Mont Lluis , Nielsen Jens Cosedis , Noelker Georg , De Potter Tom , Scherr Daniel , Schotten Ulrich , Themistoclakis Sakis , Vijgen Johan , Di Biase Luigi , Kirchhof Paulus
Published: October 2020

Objective

To investigate changes in quality of life (QoL), cognition and functional status according to arrhythmia recurrence after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation.

Methods

We compared QoL, cognition and functional status in patients with recurrent atrial tachycardia (AT)/AF versus those without recurrent AT/AF in the AXAFA–AFNET 5 clinical trial. We also sought to identify factors associated with improvement in QoL and functional status following AF ablation by overall change scores with and without analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).

Results

Among 518 patients who underwent AF ablation, 154 (29.7%) experienced recurrent AT/AF at 3 months. Patients with recurrent AT/AF had higher mean CHA2DS2-VASc scores (2.8 vs 2.3, p<0.001) and more persistent forms of AF (51 vs 39%, p=0.012). Median changes in the SF-12 physical (3 (25th, 75th: −1, 8) vs 1 (−5, 8), p=0.026) and mental scores (2 (−3, 9) vs 0 (−4, 5), p=0.004), EQ-5D (0 (0,2) vs 0 (−0.1, 0.1), p=0.027) and Karnofsky functional status scores (10 (0, 10) vs 0 (0, 10), p=0.001) were more favourable in patients without recurrent AT/AF. In the overall cohort, the proportion with at least mild cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment <26) declined from 30.3% (n=157) at baseline to 21.8% (n=113) at follow-up. ANCOVA identified greater improvement in Karnofsky functional status (p<0.001) but not SF-12 physical (p=0.238) or mental scores (p=0.065) in those without recurrent AT/AF compared with patients with recurrent AT/AF.

Conclusions

Patients without recurrent AT/AF appear to experience greater improvement in functional status but similar QoL as those with recurrent AT/AF after AF ablation.
Fair and equitable subject selection in concurrent COVID-19 clinical trials
Authors: Jansen Maud O. , Angelos Peter , Schrantz Stephen J. , Donington Jessica S. , Madariaga Maria Lucia L. , Zakrison Tanya L.
Published: October 2020

Clinical trials emerged in rapid succession as the COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented need for life-saving therapies. Fair and equitable subject selection in clinical trials offering investigational therapies ought to be an urgent moral concern. Subject selection determines the distribution of risks and benefits, and impacts the applicability of the study results for the larger population. While Research Ethics Committees monitor fair subject selection within each trial, no standard oversight exists for subject selection across multiple trials for the same disease. Drawing on the experience of multiple clinical trials at a single academic medical centre in the USA, we posit that concurrent COVID-19 trials are liable to unfair and inequitable subject selection on account of scientific uncertainty, lack of transparency, scarcity and, lastly, structural barriers to equity compounded by implicit bias. To address the critical gap in the current literature and international regulation, we propose new ethical guidelines for research design and conduct that bolsters fair and equitable subject selection. Although the proposed guidelines are tailored to the research design and protocol of concurrent trials in the COVID-19 pandemic, they may have broader relevance to single COVID-19 trials.
Research priorities in cardiovascular imaging
Authors: Yong Guo Liang , Weir-McCall Jonathan , Wilson Michael , Roditi Giles H , Bull Russell , Williams Michelle Claire , Schmitt Matthias
Published: October 2020

Aim

A modified Delphi approach was used to develop consensus opinion among British Society for Cardiac Imaging/British Society of Cardiac CT (BSCI/BSCCT) members in order to prioritise research questions in cardiovascular imaging.

Methods

All members of the BSCI/BSCCT were invited to submit research questions that they considered to be of the highest clinical and/or academic priority in the field of cardiovascular imaging (phase 1). Subsequently a steering committee removed duplicate questions and combined questions of a similar theme by consensus agreement where appropriate. BSCI/BSCCT members were invited to rank the resulting research questions in two further iterative rounds (phases 2 and 3) to determine a final list of high-priority research questions.

Results

A total of 111 research questions were submitted in phase 1 by 30 BSCI/BSCCT members. While there was a broad range of topics, from determining the optimal features/markers of the vulnerable plaque to investigating how cardiac imaging can best be used to maximise clinical outcomes and economic costs, multimodality imaging-related (n=44, 40%) questions dominated the categories and coronary artery imaging (n=40, 36%) was the most common topic. Over two iterative rounds of prioritisation of these research questions, the original 111 were reduced to 75 questions in round 2, and 25 in round 3. From these 25 a finalTop 10 listwas distilled by consensus grouping.

Conclusion

This study has identified and ranked the top research priorities in cardiovascular imaging, as identified by the BSCI/BSCCT membership. This is a first step towards identifying the cardiovascular imaging research priorities within the UK and may assist researchers and funding bodies alike in setting priorities.
Ultrathin-strut biodegradable polymer versus durable polymer drug-eluting stents: a meta-analysis
Authors: Monjur Mohammad Riashad , Said Christian F , Bamford Paul , Parkinson Michael , Szirt Richard , Ford Thomas
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Determine whether an ultrathin biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent (‘Orsiro’—BP-SES) has clinical benefits over second-generation durable polymer drug-eluting stents (DP-DES).

Methods

We conducted a prospective systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials comparing Orsiro BP-SES against DP-DES (PROSPERO Registration: CRD42019147136). The primary outcome was target lesion failure (TLF): composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (TVMI) and clinically indicated target lesion revascularisation (TLR)) evaluated at the longest available follow-up.

Results

Nine trials randomised 11 302 patients to either Orsiro BP-SES or DP-DES. At mean weighted follow-up of 2.8 years, the primary outcome (TLF) occurred in 501 of 6089 (8.2%) participants with BP-SES compared with 495 of 5213 (9.5%) participants with DP-DES. This equates to an absolute risk reduction of 1.3% in TLF in favour of Orsiro BP-SES (OR 0.82; 95% CI 0.69 to 0.98; p=0.03). This was driven by a reduction in TVMI (OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.65 to 0.98; p=0.03). There were no significant differences in other clinical endpoints: cardiac death, TLR and stent thrombosis.

Conclusion

The Orsiro BP-SES shows promising clinical outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention compared with contemporary second-generation DES at a short to medium term follow-up. More research is warranted to evaluate performance over a longer follow-up period and in different clinical and lesion subsets.
Inferences beyond a claim: a typology of potential halo effects related to modified risk tobacco product claims
Authors: Seidenberg Andrew B. , Popova Lucy , Ashley David L. , Wackowski Olivia A.
Published: October 2020

When tobacco products are marketed with modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) claims, consumers may infer additional health benefits not directly stated in the claims. We propose a typology of seven potential ‘halo effects’ (ie, an unintended generalisation) that may occur with MRTP marketing. Evidence currently exists that some of these types of halo effects occur after exposure to MRTP claims. These generalisations are likely unavoidable in certain situations and may sometimes produce accurate inferences. However, some halo effects may be problematic if they mislead consumers into false inferences and result in unintended consequences that have a negative public health impact (eg, reinitiation, dual tobacco product use). To help mitigate unintended consequences and guide regulatory decisions about MRTP claims, we encourage researchers studying MRTP claims to test for halo effects. Regulatory agencies should include potential unintended consequences associated with halo effects when assessing individual-level and population-level health impacts of MRTP claims. Moreover, tobacco manufacturers should be required to report both premarket and postmarket surveillance of halo effects to relevant regulatory agencies. If MRTP claims are to play a role in tobacco harm reduction, it is imperative that they be communicated and interpreted in ways that minimise harms and maximise public health benefits.
Influencer prevalence and role on cigar brand Instagram pages
Authors: Navarro Mario Antonio , O'Brien Erin Keely , Ganz Ollie , Hoffman Leah
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Influencers market products for tobacco companies on social media. This is the first study to systematically examine leading cigar brands’ use of influencers on their brand Instagram pages.

Methods

We identified 24 leading cigar brands, using July 2017–June 2018 US retail data. We identified cigar brands that had official appearing Instagram pages, with at least one influencer in the past 20 posts. We coded characteristics of the past three posts from each of five brand pages that contained influencers, such as setting and what the influencer was doing. Finally, we described influencer characteristics.

Results

Approximately one-third of the 24 brands had official Instagram accounts with at least one influencer in the past 20 posts. We identified 28 influencers, typically people of colour from the hip-hop music industry, some with millions of followers. Influencers included Bella Thorne (@bellathorne), Shaquille O’Neal (@shaq) and T.I. (@troubleman31). Brands’ posts that contained influencers showed the influencer using/holding a product, wearing branded merchandise or appearing in photos with a brand watermark. Three brands’ pages posted sponsored event photos (ie, concerts and events using branded backgrounds).

Discussion

Cigar brands commonly use influencers to market their products on brand Instagram pages. Results are consistent with previous findings that cigar companies’ marketing may target younger African Americans and highlight the potential utility of education campaigns that similarly engage influencers.
Erratum to: Rephasing invariance and permutation symmetry in flavor physics
Authors: Kuo T. K. , Chiu S. H.
Published: October 2020

This erratum concerns the corrections of Equations (49) and (52).
Enhanced CP asymmetries in $$B \rightarrow K \mu ^+ \mu ^-$$
Authors: Bečirević Damir , Fajfer Svjetlana , Košnik Nejc , Smolkovič Aleks
Published: October 2020

We show that the current values of $$R_K^\mathrm {exp}$$

R
K
exp

and $$R_{K^*}^\mathrm {exp}$$

R

K
∗

exp

can be accommodated by allowing a nonzero New Physics coupling $$\delta C_9^{\mu \mu }$$

δ

C
9

μ
μ

to be complex, both in the scenario in which only $$\delta C_9^{\mu \mu }$$

δ

C
9

μ
μ

is affected, and in the scenario with complex $$\delta C_{9,10}^{\mu \mu }$$

δ

C

9
,
10

μ
μ

satisfying $$\delta C_{9}^{\mu \mu }=-\delta C_{10}^{\mu \mu }$$

δ

C

9

μ
μ

=
-
δ

C

10

μ
μ

. A presence of the weak CP-violating phase can then be tested by measuring the CP-asymmetry, $$\mathcal {A}_\mathrm {CP}$$

A
CP

. We show that this asymmetry is enhanced around the peak of each $$c\bar{c}$$

c

c

¯

-resonance, and in fact more pronounced in the close vicinity of $$J/\psi $$

J
/
ψ

and $$\psi (2S)$$

ψ
(
2
S
)

. Therefore, measuring $$\mathcal {A}_\mathrm {CP}$$

A
CP

before and after the resonances’ peak could be revelatory of the CP-violation that originates from beyond the Standard Model, or to be a significant constrain when building a realistic scenario of New Physics.
Additive Number Theory via Approximation by Regular Languages
Authors: Bell Jason , Lidbetter Thomas F. , Shallit Jeffrey
Published: October 2020

We prove some new theorems in additive number theory, using novel techniques from automata theory and formal languages. As an example of our method, we prove that every natural number [Formula: see text] is the sum of at most three natural numbers whose base-[Formula: see text] representation has an equal number of [Formula: see text]’s and [Formula: see text]’s.
Charge-dependent flow as evidence of strong electromagnetic fields in heavy-ion collisions
Authors: Dubla Andrea , Gürsoy Umut , Snellings Raimond
Published: October 2020

The extremely large electromagnetic fields generated in heavy-ion collisions provide access to novel observables that are expected to constrain various key transport properties of the quark-gluon plasma and could help solve one of the outstanding puzzles in QCD: the strong CP problem. In this review we present a brief overview of the theoretical and experimental characterization of these electromagnetic fields. After reviewing the current state, emphasizing one of the observables — the charge-dependent flow — we discuss the various discrepancies between the measurements and theoretical predictions. Finally, to help resolve the discrepancies, we suggest new measurements and theoretical ideas.
PAYING FOR LEGITIMACY? THE SIGNALLING EFFECT OF MONETARY REWARDS IN INNOVATION CONTESTS
Authors: IHL CHRISTOPH , VOSSEN ALEXANDER
Published: October 2020

Monetary rewards have become widely used to compensate user engagement in innovation contests. Building on literature on social judgement of organisations, we provide evidence on another important effect of monetary rewards in innovation contests, namely a signalling effect that may either enhance or lower a contest host’s legitimacy and subsequently users’ willingness to participate in the contest. Along three studies, we show that the signalling effect is especially beneficial for the innovation contest purposes that are incongruent with the host’s organisational stereotype, i.e., in cases where she lacks specific organisational traits that constitute users’ perception of organisational legitimacy. Offering a higher monetary reward in such a scenario allows hosts to overcome a lack of legitimacy and consequently foster user participation.
Effect of Fluid–Structure Interaction on Vibration of Moving Sandwich Plate With Balsa Wood Core and Nanocomposite Face Sheets
Authors: Haghparast Elham , Ghorbanpour-Arani Amirabbas , Arani Ali Ghorbanpour
Published: October 2020

This research presents theoretical investigation to analyze vibration of axially moving sandwich plate floating on fluid. This plate is composed of balsa wood core and two nanocomposite face sheets where the three layers vibrated as an integrated sandwich. The fluid–structure interaction (FSI) effects on the stability of moving plate are considered for both ideal and viscous fluid. Halpin–Tsai model is utilized to determine the material properties of two-phase composite consist of uniformly distributed and randomly oriented carbon nanotubes (CNTs) through the PmPV (poly{(m-phenylenevinylene)-co-[(2,5-dioctoxy-p-phenylene)vinylene]}) matrix. The governing equations are derived based on sinusoidal shear deformation plate theory (SSDT) which is more accurate than the conventional theories, and significantly, it does not require a shear correction factor. Employing Hamilton’s principle, the equations of motion are obtained and solved by the semi-analytical method. Results indicated that the dimensionless frequencies of moving sandwich plate decrease rapidly with increasing the water level and they are almost independent of fluid level when it is higher than 50% of the plate length. The results of this investigation can be used in design and manufacturing of marine vessels and aircrafts.
Genetic Improvement @ ICSE 2020
Authors: Langdon William B. , Weimer Westley , Petke Justyna , Fredericks Erik , Lee Seongmin , Winter Emily , Basios Michail , Cohen Myra B. , Blot Aymeric , Wagner Markus , Bruce Bobby R. , Yoo Shin , Gerasimou Simos , Krauss Oliver , Huang Yu , Gerten Michael
Published: October 2020

Following Prof. Mark Harman of Facebook's keynote and formal presentations (which are recorded in the proceed- ings) there was a wide ranging discussion at the eighth inter- national Genetic Improvement workshop, GI-2020 @ ICSE (held as part of the International Conference on Software En- gineering on Friday 3rd July 2020). Topics included industry take up, human factors, explainabiloity (explainability, jus- tifyability, exploitability) and GI benchmarks. We also con- trast various recent online approaches (e.g. SBST 2020) to holding virtual computer science conferences and workshops via the WWW on the Internet without face to face interac- tion. Finally we speculate on how the Coronavirus Covid-19 Pandemic will a ect research next year and into the future.
Remarkably Improved Durability of Ni–Co Dispersed Samaria-Doped Ceria Hydrogen Electrodes by Reversible Cycling Operation of Solid Oxide Cells
Authors: Uchida Hiroyuki , Nishino Hanako , Puengjinda Pramote , Kakinuma Katsuyoshi
Published: October 2020

We have examined the durability of a double-layer hydrogen electrode, consisting of a samaria-doped ceria (SDC) scaffold with highly dispersed Ni–Co nanoparticles as the catalyst layer and a thin current collecting layer of Ni–yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) cermet for a reversible solid oxide cell (R-SOC). When steam electrolysis was performed continuously (solid oxide electrolysis cell, SOEC) at 800 °C, a rapid, large increase in the ohmic resistance of the hydrogen electrode side was observed. In contrast, the durability of the hydrogen electrode was found to be improved remarkably by reversible cycling operation between SOEC and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) modes, i.e., virtually no degradation over 1200 h. This could be ascribed to a stabilization of the microstructure of the hydrogen electrode. It was also found that the durability of the oxygen electrode, which was based on a composite of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ
(LSCF) and SDC with an SDC interlayer, was also improved by the reversible cycling operation, compared with a slight degradation in the continuous SOEC operation.
Communication—Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy Analysis of Interleukin-6 in Oral Cancer
Authors: Lin Yen-Tzu , Preet Anant , Chiu Yi-Pin , Yip Bak-Sau , Girault Hubert H. , Darvishi Sorour , Wang Ligang , Lin Tzu-En
Published: October 2020

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) offers a highly sensitive and convenient approach for electrochemical mapping of interleukin-6 (IL-6), an oral cancer protein biomarker. In this study, we utilized the SECM to map the distribution of IL-6 for imaging different cancer stages on the tissue sections. The SECM results indicated that IL-6 was expressed higher in cancer tissues as compared to normal tissue and hence, SECM can be employed to improve oral cancer diagnosis. Also, IL-6 analysis can be beneficial for predicting the severity of COVID-19 at an early stage to eliminate the potential risks of serious respiratory complications in affected patients.
A Highly Sensitive Mercury Ion Sensor Based on Solid-Liquid Contact Electrification
Authors: Pal Arnab , Chatterjee Subhodeep , Saha Subhajit , Barman Snigdha Roy , Choi Dukhyun , Lee Sangmin , Lin Zong-Hong
Published: October 2020

In recent years, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are proved to be as the prime backbone for developing a self-powered sensing system. However, solid-solid contact electrification based nanogenerators suffer mostly due to inefficient contact which poses a major bottleneck for the development of long term durable and stable nanosensors. In this regard, we have reported a strategic methodology to develop a highly sensitive mercury ion sensor based on solid-liquid contact electrification, which has prime importance for the self-powered monitoring of mercury ion due to its high health risk and environmental pollution toxicity. In this work, 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) capped Au nanoparticles (NPs) are employed as the solid friction layer as well as the recognition element for mercury ion detection. In addition, volatile organic solvent acetone is utilized as the contact liquid instead of water. The developed nanosensor exhibits long term stability and contact frequency independent sensing performance compared to previously reported solid-solid triboelectric nanosensors (TENS) for mercury ion detection. The large binding affinity of Hg2+ and the carboxylic groups results in the increase of transferred charges and enhanced surface potential. It is interesting to observe that the work function reduces after the binding of Hg2+ ions onto MPA molecules, which is also favorable for electron transfer during the contact electrification process. The developed nanosensor can provide a wide linear detection range from 10 nM to 1 μM as well as a low detection limit of 10 nM. As a whole, this work demonstrates a novel paradigm for designing a rapid, low-cost, and portable self-powered sensing system for real time highly selective monitoring of mercury ion from complex environmental samples.
Mesenchymal stem cells alleviate palmitic acid-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition by suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Luo Ruixi , Li Linzhao , Liu Xiaohong , Yuan Yujia , Zhu Wuzheng , Li Lan , Liu Jingping , Lu Yanrong , Cheng Jingqiu , Chen Younan
Published: October 2020

High levels of plasma free fatty acids (FFAs) lead to endothelial dysfunction (ED), which is involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) are demonstrated to be mechanistically related to endothelial dysfunction. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have exhibited an extraordinary cytoprotective effect on cellular lipotoxicity and vasculopathy. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been clearly defined. In the present study, we investigated whether MSCs could ameliorate palmitic acid (PA)-induced endothelial lipotoxicity by reducing ER stress and EndMT. We observed that MSC cocultures substantially alleviated PA-induced lipotoxicity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). MSCs were able to restore the cell viability, increase tubule formation and migration ability, and decrease inflammation response and lipid deposition. Furthermore, PA caused endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in HUVECs, which was abrogated by MSCs possibly through inhibiting ER stress. In addition, PA stimulated MSCs to secrete more stanniocalcin-1 (STC-1). Knocking down of STC-1 in MSCs attenuated their effects on PA-induced lipotoxicity in HUVECs. In vivo, MSC transplantation alleviated dyslipidemia and endothelial dysfunction in high-fat diet-fed Sprague–Dawley rats. MSC-treated rats showed reduced expressions of ER stress-related genes in aortas and suppressed expressions of EndMT-related proteins in rat aortic endothelial cells. Overall, our findings indicated that MSCs were able to attenuate endothelial lipotoxicity through inhibiting ER stress and EndMT, in which STC-1 secreted from MSCs may play a critical role.
A new mechanism for the sex differences in angiotensin II-induced hypertension: the role of macula densa NOS1β-mediated tubuloglomerular feedback
Authors: Zhang Jie , Qu Larry , Wei Jin , Jiang Shan , Xu Lan , Wang Lei , Cheng Feng , Jiang Kun , Buggs Jacentha , Liu Ruisheng
Published: October 2020

Females are protected against the development of angiotensin II (ANG II)-induced hypertension compared with males, but the mechanisms have not been completely elucidated. In the present study, we hypothesized that the effect of ANG II on the macula densa nitric oxide (NO) synthase 1β (NOS1β)-mediated tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) mechanism is different between males and females, thereby contributing to the sexual dimorphism of ANG II-induced hypertension. We used microperfusion, micropuncture, clearance of FITC-inulin, and radio telemetry to examine the sex differences in the changes of macula densa NOS1β expression and activity, TGF response, natriuresis, and blood pressure (BP) after a 2-wk ANG II infusion in wild-type and macula densa-specific NOS1 knockout mice. In wild-type mice, ANG II induced higher expression of macula densa NOS1β, greater NO generation by the macula densa, and a lower TGF response in vitro and in vivo in females than in males; the increases of glomerular filtration rate, urine flow rate, and Na+ excretion in response to an acute volume expansion were significantly greater and the BP responses to ANG II were significantly less in females than in males. In contrast, these sex differences in the effects of ANG II on TGF, natriuretic response, and BP were largely diminished in knockout mice. In addition, tissue culture of human kidney biopsies (renal cortex) with ANG II resulted in a greater increase in NOS1β expression in females than in males. In conclusion, macula densa NOS1β-mediated TGF is a novel and important mechanism for the sex differences in ANG II-induced hypertension.
Identification of a peripheral blood gene signature predicting aortic valve calcification
Authors: MacGrogan Donal , Martínez-Poveda Beatriz , Desvignes Jean-Pierre , Fernandez-Friera Leticia , Gomez Manuel José , Gil Vilariño Eduardo , Callejas Alejano Sergio , Garcia-Pavia Pablo , Solis Jorge , Lucena Joaquín , Salgado David , Collod-Béroud Gwenaelle , Faure Emilie , Théron Alexis , Torrents Julia , Avierinos Jean-François , Montes Lorena , Dopazo Ana , Fuster Valentín , Ibañez Borja , Sánchez-Cabo Fátima , Zaffran Stephane , de la Pompa José Luis
Published: October 2020

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a significant cause of illness and death worldwide. Identification of early predictive markers could help optimize patient management. RNA-sequencing was carried out on human fetal aortic valves at gestational weeks 9, 13, and 22 and on a case-control study with adult noncalcified and calcified bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valves. In dimension reduction and clustering analyses, diseased valves tended to cluster with fetal valves at week 9 rather than normal adult valves, suggesting that part of the disease program might be due to reiterated developmental processes. The analysis of groups of coregulated genes revealed predominant immune-metabolic signatures, including innate and adaptive immune responses involving lymphocyte T-cell metabolic adaptation. Cytokine and chemokine signaling, cell migration, and proliferation were all increased in CAVD, whereas oxidative phosphorylation and protein translation were decreased. Discrete immune-metabolic gene signatures were present at fetal stages and increased in adult controls, suggesting that these processes intensify throughout life and heighten in disease. Cellular stress response and neurodegeneration gene signatures were aberrantly expressed in CAVD, pointing to a mechanistic link between chronic inflammation and biological aging. Comparison of the valve RNA-sequencing data set with a case-control study of whole blood transcriptomes from asymptomatic individuals with early aortic valve calcification identified a highly predictive gene signature of CAVD and of moderate aortic valve calcification in overtly healthy individuals. These data deepen and broaden our understanding of the molecular basis of CAVD and identify a peripheral blood gene signature for the early detection of aortic valve calcification.
Mining miRNAs’ Expressions in Glioma Based on GEO Database and Their Effects on Biological Functions
Authors: Li Ke , Zhang Qi , Niu Duan , Xing Hailong
Published: October 2020

Purpose. To mine miR expression in glioma based on the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and to explore its effects on biological functions. Methods. Differentially expressed miRs in glioma‐related chips were found out based on the GEO database. Fifty patients with glioma treated in our hospital from February 2012 to July 2013 (observation group, OG) and a further 50 healthy people undergoing physical examinations (control group, CG) were enrolled. miR‐873‐5p expression in serum and in U87, T98G, U251, LN‐229, and HEK‐293T cells was tested by qRT‐PCR. T98G and U251 cells were transfected with miR‐873‐5p‐mimics and miR‐NC sequences. The expression in the two cells was also tested by qRT‐PCR. The proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of the transfected cells were, respectively, tested by MTT assay, Transwell, and flow cytometry. The patients were followed up for 5 years to observe their survival. Results. miR‐873‐5p expression in OG was remarkably higher than that in CG (p < 0.001). miR‐873‐5p was closely correlated with the tumor diameter, lymph node metastasis, and TNM staging of the patients (p < 0.05). According to the plotted receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the areas under the curves (AUCs) of miR‐873‐5p for diagnosing the disease, tumor diameter, lymph node metastasis, and TNM staging were 0.842, 0.706, 0.865, and 0.793, respectively. The 5‐year and recurrence‐free survival rates in the low expression group were lower than those in the high expression group. According to multivariate Cox regression analysis, tumor diameter, lymph node metastasis, and miR‐873‐5p were independent prognostic factors for the disease. After transfection, compared with those in the miR‐NC group, T98G and U251 cells in the miR‐873‐5p‐mimic group had remarkably higher miR‐873‐5p expression (p < 0.05), remarkably lower proliferation and invasion rates (p < 0.05), and a remarkably higher apoptotic rate (p < 0.05). Conclusions. miR‐873‐5p can inhibit glioma cells to proliferate and invade, and promote their apoptosis, so it is expected to become a potential diagnostic index and therapeutic target for glioma.
CDKN2A Polymorphism in Melanoma Patients in Colombian Population: A Case‐Control Study
Authors: Tovar-Parra Jose D. , Gutiérrez-Castañeda Luz D. , Gil-Quiñones Sebastián R. , Nova Jhon A. , Pulido Leonardo
Published: October 2020

Introduction. Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer, with poor prognosis in advanced stages. The incidence and mortality rates have increased in recent years. Single nucleotide polymorphisms p.R24P, p.M53I, p.G101W, p.V126D, and p.A148T in the CDKN2A (HGNC ID: 1787) gene have been associated with the development of melanoma in different populations; however, this association has not been studied in Colombia. Methods. Cutaneous melanoma patients and healthy controls (85 cases and 166 controls) were included in this study. These subjects were screened through HRM‐qPCR assay and detected variants in exon 1 and 2 of CDKN2A gene and confirmed with Sanger sequencing. Chi‐square test was used to compare allele and genotype distributions between cases and controls. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to determine the association between polymorphisms and haplotypes with melanoma susceptibility. Statistical and haplotype analyses were performed using Stata® and R‐Studio®. Results. Fifty‐four percent of women were identified both in cases and controls. The frequencies of melanoma subtypes were 36,47% lentigo maligna, 24,71% acral lentiginous, 23,53% superficial extension, and 15,29% nodular. Variants in the CDKN2A gene were 11.76% in cases and 8.43% in controls. The most frequent was p.A148T in 5.88% of cases and in 4.82% of controls. GGTTG haplotype showed statistically significant differences between cases and controls (p value = 0.04). Conclusion. CDKN2A polymorphisms p.G101W, p.R24P, p.M53I, and A148T are not associated with melanoma susceptibility in the Colombian population; further studies regarding genetic interaction and additive effects between more variants are required.
A Time-Domain Explicit Integration Algorithm for Fast Overvoltage Computation of High-Voltage Transmission Line
Authors: Zhang Lei , Xu Zhongyi , Ye Jing
Published: October 2020

This paper presents a multiple time-step solver based on a time-domain explicit integration algorithm for improving the computational speed of high-voltage transmission line electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation. For weakly rigid EMT models of high-voltage transmission lines, the previous precise Runge-Kutta integration method with a small time step is adopted; for strongly rigid nonlinear EMT models of high-voltage transmission lines, a an improved precise integration method using a large time step is used for the solver of EMT simulation. Practical simulations for overvoltages of high-voltage transmission line show that multiple time-step EMT solver can be applied to different cases of EMT simulation for transmission line.
The Impact of Energy Cooperation and the Role of the One Belt and Road Initiative in Revolutionizing the Geopolitics of Energy among Regional Economic Powers: An Analysis of Infrastructure Development and Project Management
Authors: Hao Wu , Shah Syed Mehmood Ali , Nawaz Ahsan , Asad Ali , Iqbal Shahid , Zahoor Hafiz , Maqsoom Ahsen
Published: October 2020

This paper examines how the latest mega plan and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will impact the geopolitics of energy and infrastructural development. With a massive change in the supply and demand of global energy and its infrastructure, the transition of international energy order is in the making. While the US is going towards a more isolationist path from its traditional superpower role, there are rising economies such as China, India, Japan, and Russia which are undoubtedly playing a vital role in the geopolitical stage and the other development endeavors. Several regions such as Central Asia, the Arctic, Eastern Mediterranean, and the South China Sea are offering substantial natural gas and oil reserves and drawing global attention to develop energy cooperation. This situation is profoundly influencing the transition of energy order. In this transition, BRI is supposed to play an important role. As a mega development strategy with a robust geostrategic dimension, it purposes to advocate interconnectivity collaboration in framework, exchange, and advancement among the partaking nations. This super arrangement offers a lot of ventures, foundation developments, and modern reconciliation in the energy sector. The country is trying to establish a multilateral platform for endorsing and shielding energy cooperation under BRI. This paper, therefore, attempts to observe how this mega plan will contribute to reshaping the existing energy order as well as the geopolitics of energy with motivation on multifaceted energy collaboration.
SIRT1-Mediated Expression of CD24 and Epigenetic Suppression of Novel Tumor Suppressor miR-1185-1 Increases Colorectal Cancer Stemness
Authors: Wang Teh-Wei , Chern Edward , Hsu Chao-Wei , Tseng Kuo-Chang , Chao Hsiao-Mei
Published: October 2020

NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) is a class III histone deacetylase that positively regulates cancer-related pathways such as proliferation and stress resistance. SIRT1 has been shown to promote progression of colorectal cancer and is associated with cancer stemness, yet the precise mechanism between colorectal cancer stemness and SIRT1 remains to be further clarified. Here we report that SIRT1 signaling regulates colorectal cancer stemness by enhancing expression of CD24, a colorectal cancer stemness promoter. A novel miRNA, miR-1185-1, suppressed the expression of CD24 by targeting its 3′UTR (untranslated region) and could be inhibited by SIRT1 via histone deacetylation. Targeting SIRT1 by RNAi led to elevated H3 lysine 9 acetylation on the promoter region of miR-1185-1, which increased expression of miR-1185-1 and further repressed CD24 translation and colorectal cancer stemness. In a mouse xenograft model, overexpression of miR-1185-1 in colorectal cancer cells substantially reduced tumor growth. In addition, expression of miR-1185-1 was downregulated in human colorectal cancer tissues, whereas expression of CD24 was increased. In conclusion, this study not only demonstrates the essential roles of a SIRT1–miR-1185-1–CD24 axis in both colorectal cancer stemness properties and tumorigenesis but provides a potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer treatment.

Significance:

A novel tumor suppressor miR-1185-1 is involved in molecular regulation of CD24- and SIRT1-related cancer stemness networks, marking it a potential therapeutic target in colorectal cancer.
PI3K Driver Mutations: A Biophysical Membrane-Centric Perspective
Authors: Zhang Mingzhen , Jang Hyunbum , Nussinov Ruth
Published: October 2020

Ras activates its effectors at the membrane. Active PI3Kα and its associated kinases/phosphatases assemble at membrane regions enriched in signaling lipids. In contrast, the Raf kinase domain extends into the cytoplasm and its assembly is away from the crowded membrane surface. Our structural membrane-centric outlook underscores the spatiotemporal principles of membrane and signaling lipids, which helps clarify PI3Kα activation. Here we focus on mechanisms of activation driven by PI3Kα driver mutations, spotlighting the PI3Kα double (multiple) activating mutations. Single mutations can be potent, but double mutations are stronger: their combination is specific, a single strong driver cannot fully activate PI3K, and two weak drivers may or may not do so. In contrast, two strong drivers may successfully activate PI3K, where one, for example, H1047R, modulates membrane interactions facilitating substrate binding at the active site (km) and the other, for example, E542K and E545K, reduces the transition state barrier (ka), releasing autoinhibition by nSH2. Although mostly unidentified, weak drivers are expected to be common, so we ask here how common double mutations are likely to be and why PI3Kα with double mutations responds effectively to inhibitors. We provide a structural view of hotspot and weak driver mutations in PI3Kα activation, explain their mechanisms, compare these with mechanisms of Raf activation, and point to targeting cell-specific, chromatin-accessible, and parallel (or redundant) pathways to thwart the expected emergence of drug resistance. Collectively, our biophysical outlook delineates activation and highlights the challenges of drug resistance.
Role of Tumor Mutation Burden Analysis in Detecting Lynch Syndrome in Precision Medicine: Analysis of 2,501 Japanese Cancer Patients
Authors: Kiyozumi Yoshimi , Matsubayashi Hiroyuki , Higashigawa Satomi , Horiuchi Yasue , Kado Nobuhiro , Hirashima Yasuyuki , Shiomi Akio , Oishi Takuma , Ohnami Sumiko , Ohshima Keiichi , Urakami Kenichi , Nagashima Takeshi , Yamaguchi Ken
Published: October 2020

Background:

Tumor mutation burden (TMB) is the total exonic mutation count per megabase of tumor DNA. Recent advances in precision medicine occasionally detect Lynch syndrome (LS) by germline sequencing for mismatch-repair (g.MMR) genes but not using TMB. The current study analyzes the utility of TMB in detecting LS.

Methods:

Whole-exome sequencing (ion-semiconductor sequencing) was performed for somatic and germline DNA from 2,501 various cancer patients to detect TMB and g.MMR sequencing. MMR IHC was conducted when high TMB (≥10) was detected in LS-related cancers with an additional condition of wild-type BRAF in colorectal cancers. Target sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) were further performed for g.MMR genes in MMR-deficient cancers (TMB-based g.MMR target sequencing). We compared universal sequencing and TMB-based target sequencing in their sensitivity for detecting LS.

Results:

LS was detected in 16 (0.6%) of the 2,501 patients: 1.1% (9/826) of colorectal cancer patients, 16.2% (6/37) of endometrial cancer patients, and 14.3% (1/7) of small intestine cancer patients. TMB-based g.MMR target sequencing (81.3%) showed superior sensitivity for detecting LS than universal g.MMR sequencing (56.3%; P = 0.127) but missed 3 LS patients (1 with a low-TMB cancer, 1 with a BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer, and 1 with an MMR-proficient cancer). Ion-semiconductor sequencing could detect single-nucleotide substitutions but not large deletions. POL-mutated cancers showed extremely high TMBs (48.4–749.2).

Conclusions:

g.MMR target sequencing, combined with TMB, somatic BRAF mutation, and MMR IHC is an effective strategy for detecting LS.

Impact:

TMB can be a biomarker for detecting LS in precision medicine.