bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fibrinogen‐like protein 2 contributes to normal murine cardiomyocyte maturation and heart development
Authors: Fan Cheng , Chen Hong , Liu Kun , Wang Zhaohui 
Published: May 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?
What is the role of fibrinogen‐like protein 2 (FGL2) in murine cardiomyocyte maturation?

What is the main finding and its importance?
This is the first study showing both global Fgl2 knockout and cardiac‐specific FGL2 deletion trigger early death and dilated cardiomyopathy. By using an adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐mediated CRISPR/Cas9‐based somatic mutagenesis system, it was demonstrated that cardiac‐specific FGL2 depletion induces ventricular dilatation and remodelling, and disrupts the normal hypertrophic growth and polyploidization of cardiomyocytes. In addition, it was shown that modulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 and fibroblast growth factor 2 signalling is associated with loss‐of‐FGL2‐mediated cardiac dysfunction. These results suggest FGL2 is an important determinant of cardiomyocyte maturation.

AbstractIn the first few weeks after birth in altricial mammals, postnatal cardiomyocytes (CMs) undergo dramatic changes, including cell volume enlargement, cell cycle withdrawal and polyploidization to become mature CMs. Aberrations in this process could disrupt the essential contractility and synchronization of adult CMs, leading to various heart diseases. However, the mechanism of CM maturation is poorly understood. Fibrinogen‐like protein 2 (FGL2) is an immune coagulant which participates in maturation of multiple cell types. However, little evidence exists regarding a role of FGL2 in CM maturation. In this study, we observed that global Fgl2–/– pups had high lethality and suffered from cardiac dysfunction before P28. To further confirm the phenotype and study the mechanisms upon FGL2 deficiency, we used an adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐mediated CRISPR/Cas9‐based somatic mutagenesis system to generate loss‐of‐function mutations of Fgl2 specifically in CMs. We designed two guide RNAs (gRNAs) exclusively targeting Fgl2 exon1 and produced Fgl2‐gRNA AAV9 to deliver to neonatal Cas9 mice. Here, we demonstrated the efficient FGL2 depletion in the heart after Fgl2‐gRNA AAV9 delivery. Consistent with the findings in global Fgl2–/– mice, we observed AAV9‐mediated FGL2 depletion triggered early death and dilated cardiomyopathy. In addition, FGL2 depletion perturbed the normal hypertrophic growth and polyploidization of maturing CMs. Furthermore, we found modulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 and fibroblast growth factor 2 signalling was associated with FGL2 deficiency‐mediated cardiac dysfunction. Here, we demonstrate the successful depletion of FGL2 in maturing CMs in vivo and show FGL2 is an important determinant for normal CM maturation.
A Method to Reduce the Number of Assembly Tightening Passes in Bolted Flange Joints
Authors: Zhu Linbo , Bouzid Abdel-Hakim , Hong Jun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Bolted flange joints are extensively used in pressure vessels and piping equipment and rotating machinery. Achieving a uniform bolt preload during the assembly process is particularly important to satisfy tightness in applications such as oil, gas, fossil, and nuclear industries. However, this task becomes very difficult due to the need of retightening the bolts because of elastic interaction and bolt cross talk. The risk of leakage failure under service loading is consequently increased because of the scatter of the bolt preload. This article presents an analytical model based on the theory of circular beams on the linear elastic foundation that simulates the elastic interaction present during the tightening of bolted flange joints to reduce the number of passes while achieving bolt load uniformity. As such, a novel methodology that optimizes tightening sequence strategies is suggested to obtain uniform bolt tension while avoiding yield under a minimum number of tightening passes. In this regard, based on the target preload, the load applied to each bolt in each pass is suggested. The developed approach is validated both numerically using finite element method and experimentally on a NPS 4 class 900 welding neck flange joint using the criss-cross tightening and sequential patterns.
A Kinematic Analysis Method of Double Roller Tripod Joints Based on the Principle of Conjugate Surfaces
Authors: Qiu Yinyuan , Shi Baoshu , Lü Hui 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTo systematically investigate the contact constraint relationships and the influences of fit clearances on the kinematic performances of a double roller tripod joint (DRTJ), a method for the kinematic analysis of DRTJs is proposed based on the principle of conjugate surfaces. In the proposed method, the constraint relations between rollers and tracks as well as between rollers and trunnions are first derived based on the principle of conjugate surfaces. Then, according to the constructed constraint relationships, the kinematic analysis model of a DRTJ considering the influences of fit clearances is established. Next, the effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by measuring the relative displacements and angles between rollers and tracks via experiment. Finally, kinematic analyses are carried out and the main results show that the relative pitch angle between rollers and tracks are always kept as zeroes under any working condition by designing the shapes of rollers’ outer surfaces to be semi-toroid. The fit clearances have little influence on the kinematic performances of the DRTJ, thus proper fit clearances between rollers and tracks as well as between rollers and trunnions can be designed to improve the lubricating conditions of the DRTJ.
Effects of a community-driven water, sanitation and hygiene intervention on water and sanitation infrastructure, access, behaviour, and governance: a cluster-randomised controlled trial in rural Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Quattrochi John Paul , Coville Aidan , Mvukiyehe Eric , Dohou Caleb Jeremie , Esu Federica , Cohen Byron , Bokasola Yannick Lokaya , Croke Kevin 
Published: May 2021

IntroductionInadequate water and sanitation is a central challenge in global health. Since 2008, the Democratic Republic of Congo government has implemented a national programme, Healthy Villages and Schools (Villages et Ecoles Assainis(VEA), with support from UNICEF, financed by UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.MethodsA cluster-level randomised controlled trial of VEA was implemented throughout 2019 across 332 rural villages, grouped into 50 treatment and 71 control clusters. Primary outcomes included time spent collecting water; quantity of water collected; prevalence of improved primary source of drinking water; and prevalence of improved primary defecation site. Secondary outcomes included child health, water governance, water satisfaction, handwashing practices, sanitation practices, financial cost of water, school attendance and water storage practices. All outcomes were self-reported. The primary analysis was on an intention-to-treat basis, using linear models. Outcomes were measured October–December 2019, median 5 months post-intervention.ResultsThe programme increased access to improved water sources by 33 percentage points (pp) (95% CI 22 to 45), to improved sanitation facilities by 26 pp (95% CI 14 to 37), and improved water governance by 1.3 SDs (95% CI 1.1 to 1.5), water satisfaction by 0.6 SD (95% CI 0.4 to 0.9), handwashing practices by 0.5 SD (95% CI 0.3 to 0.7) and sanitation practices by 0.3 SD (95% CI 0.1 to 0.4). There was no significant difference in financial cost of water, school attendance, child health or water storage practices.ConclusionVEA produced large increases in access to and satisfaction with water and sanitation services, in self-reported hygiene and sanitation behaviour, and in measures of water governance.Trial registration numberAEARCTR-0004648; American Economic Association RCT registry.
Apnoea–hypopnoea indices determined via continuous positive airway
pressure (AHI-CPAPflow) versus those determined by
polysomnography (AHI-PSGgold): a protocol for a systematic review
and meta-analysis
Authors: Bertelli Fanny , Suehs Carey Meredith , Mallet Jean Pierre , Rotty Marie Caroline , Pepin Jean Louis , Gagnadoux Frédéric , Matzner-Lober Eric , Bourdin A , Molinari Nicolas , Jaffuel Dany 
Published: May 2021

Introduction
To date, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) remains the
cornerstone of obstructive sleep apnoea treatment. CPAP data describing
residual sleep-disordered breathing events (ie, the CPAP-measured
apnoea–hypopnoea indices (AHI-CPAPflow)) is
difficult to interpret because it is an entirely different metric than
the polysomnography (PSG) measured AHI gold standard
(AHI-PSGgold). Moreover, manufacturer
definitions for apnoea and hypopnoea are not only different from those
recommended for PSG scoring, but also different between manufacturers.
In the context of CPAP initiation and widespread telemedicine at home to
facilitate sleep apnoea care, there is a need for concrete evidence that
AHI-CPAPflow can be used as a surrogate for
AHI-PSGgold.

Methods and analysis
No published systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) has compared
the accuracy of AHI-CPAPflow against
AHI-PSGgold and the primary objective of this
study is therefore to do so using published data. The secondary
objectives are to similarly evaluate other sleep disordered breathing
indices and to perform subgroup analyses focusing on the
inclusion/exclusion of central apnoea patients, body mass index levels,
CPAP device brands, pressure titration modes, use of a predetermined and
fixed pressure level or not, and the impact of a 4% PSG desaturation
criteria versus 3% PSG on accuracy. The Preferred Reporting Items for
SRMA protocols statement guided study design. Randomised controlled
trials and observational studies of adult patients (≥18 years old)
treated by a CPAP device will be included. The CPAP intervention and PSG
comparator must be performed synchronously. PSGs must be scored manually
and follow the American Academy of Sleep Medicine guidelines (2007 AASM
criteria or more recent). To assess the risk of bias in each study, the
Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool will be
used.

Ethics and dissemination
This protocol received ethics committee approval on 16 July 2020
(IRB_MTP_2020_07_2020000404) and results will be disseminated via
peer-reviewed publications.

PROSPERO/Trial registration numbers
CRD42020159914/NCT04526366; Pre-results
Asia-Pacific consensus on physical activity and exercise in pregnancy and the postpartum period
Authors: Lee Ryan , Thain Serene , Tan Lay Kok , Teo Terry , Tan Kok Hian 
Published: May 2021

Physical activity and exercise in pregnancy are generally beneficial and enhance the physical and mental health of women. These benefits also prevent excessive weight gain and reduce risks of obesity in pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, higher rates of caesarean delivery, macrosomia and stillbirth. Thus, there is a need to optimise perinatal exercise and physical activity globally. There is currently no consensus recommendation on the role of physical activity and exercise in pregnancy and the postpartum period in the Asia-Pacific region. In this paper, we present seven key consensus recommendations on physical activity and exercise in pregnancy and the postpartum period by 18 key members representing 10 countries in Asia-Pacific regions during an international workshop of the AsiaDiabetes in Pregnancy Conference in Singapore on 11–12 January 2020. Through these consensus recommendations, we hope to improve the metabolic health of pregnant women living in Asia-Pacific regions by educating the public and guiding healthcare professionals on the safety and importance of physical exercise and activity to benefit pregnant women and after childbirth.
Diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive tests for advanced fibrosis in patients with NAFLD: an individual patient data meta-analysis
Authors: Mózes Ferenc Emil , Lee Jenny A , Selvaraj Emmanuel Anandraj , Jayaswal Arjun Narayan Ajmer , Trauner Michael , Boursier Jerome , Fournier Céline , Staufer Katharina , Stauber Rudolf E , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Younes Ramy , Gaia Silvia , Lupșor-Platon Monica , Petta Salvatore , Shima Toshihide , Okanoue Takeshi , Mahadeva Sanjiv , Chan Wah-Kheong , Eddowes Peter J , Hirschfield Gideon M , Newsome Philip Noel , Wong Vincent Wai-Sun , de Ledinghen Victor , Fan Jiangao , Shen Feng , Cobbold Jeremy F , Sumida Yoshio , Okajima Akira , Schattenberg Jörn M , Labenz Christian , Kim Won , Lee Myoung Seok , Wiegand Johannes , Karlas Thomas , Yılmaz Yusuf , Aithal Guruprasad Padur , Palaniyappan Naaventhan , Cassinotto Christophe , Aggarwal Sandeep , Garg Harshit , Ooi Geraldine J , Nakajima Atsushi , Yoneda Masato , Ziol Marianne , Barget Nathalie , Geier Andreas , Tuthill Theresa , Brosnan M. Julia , Anstee Quentin Mark , Neubauer Stefan , Harrison Stephen A. , Bossuyt Patrick M , Pavlides Michael 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveLiver biopsy is still needed for fibrosis staging in many patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The aims of this study were to evaluate the individual diagnostic performance of liver stiffness measurement by vibration controlled transient elastography (LSM-VCTE), Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4) and NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) Fibrosis Score (NFS) and to derive diagnostic strategies that could reduce the need for liver biopsies.DesignIndividual patient data meta-analysis of studies evaluating LSM-VCTE against liver histology was conducted. FIB-4 and NFS were computed where possible. Sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) were calculated. Biomarkers were assessed individually and in sequential combinations.ResultsData were included from 37 primary studies (n=5735; 45% women; median age: 54 years; median body mass index: 30 kg/m2; 33% had type 2 diabetes; 30% had advanced fibrosis). AUROCs of individual LSM-VCTE, FIB-4 and NFS for advanced fibrosis were 0.85, 0.76 and 0.73. Sequential combination of FIB-4 cut-offs (<1.3; ≥2.67) followed by LSM-VCTE cut-offs (<8.0; ≥10.0 kPa) to rule-in or rule-out advanced fibrosis had sensitivity and specificity (95% CI) of 66% (63–68) and 86% (84–87) with 33% needing a biopsy to establish a final diagnosis. FIB-4 cut-offs (<1.3; ≥3.48) followed by LSM cut-offs (<8.0; ≥20.0 kPa) to rule out advanced fibrosis or rule in cirrhosis had a sensitivity of 38% (37–39) and specificity of 90% (89–91) with 19% needing biopsy.ConclusionSequential combinations of markers with a lower cut-off to rule-out advanced fibrosis and a higher cut-off to rule-in cirrhosis can reduce the need for liver biopsies.
Long-term safety and effectiveness of canakinumab therapy in patients with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome: results from the β-Confident Registry
Authors: Walker Ulrich A , Tilson Hugh H , Hawkins Philip N , Poll Tom van der , Noviello Stephanie , Levy Jeremy , Vritzali Eleni , Hoffman Hal M , Kuemmerle-Deschner Jasmin B 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveTo report the long-term safety and effectiveness of canakinumab, a fully human anti-interleukin 1β monoclonal antibody, in patients with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), including familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome (FCAS), Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS) and neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID), in a real-world setting.MethodsFrom December 2009 to December 2015, the β-Confident Registry prospectively enrolled patients with CAPS and non-CAPS conditions who received canakinumab per routine care and were prospectively followed for up to 6 years. The registry protocol did not mandate specific visits or procedures; however, all observed adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) had to be recorded. Canakinumab effectiveness was evaluated by Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA).ResultsOf 288 patients enrolled, 3 were excluded due to missing informed consent. Among the remaining 285 patients, 243 (85.3%) were patients with CAPS and 42 (14.7%) had atypical CAPS (6.3%) or other conditions (8.4%). The median age was 26.6 years. Based on PGA, 58 of 123 (47.2%) patients with CAPS had no disease activity at 48 months, and 65 of 123 (52.8%) experienced mild/moderate disease activity at 48 months. Among CAPS phenotypes, AE incidence rates per 100 patient-years were lowest for FCAS (73.1; 95% CI 60.3 to 87.8) compared with those with MWS (105.0; 95% CI 97.2 to 113.2) or NOMID (104.6; 95% CI 86.6 to 125.2). One hundred twenty-eight SAEs were reported in 68 patients with CAPS (incidence rate/100 patient-years, 14.0; 95% CI 11.6 to 16.6). One death (metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma in a patient with MWS) was reported.ConclusionsThe response to canakinumab was sustained for up to 6 years. Canakinumab demonstrated a favourable safety profile over long-term treatment in patients with CAPS.Trial registration numberNCT01213641.
Voluntary running of defined distances alters bone microstructure in C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Yan Lin , Nielsen Forrest H. , Sundaram Sneha , Cao Jay 
Published: May 2021

Obesity increases the risk for pathological conditions such as bone loss. On the other hand, physical exercise reduces body adiposity. To test the hypothesis that physical activity improves bone quality, we evaluated voluntary running of defined distances on trabecular and cortical microstructure in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Sedentary mice were fed the standard AIN93G diet or the HFD. Mice fed the HFD remained sedentary or were assigned to unrestricted running or 75%, 50%, and 25% of unrestricted running with an average running activity at 8.3, 6.3, 4.2, and 2.1 km per day, respectively. The bone structural differences found in sedentary mice were that HFD, compared with the AIN93G diet, resulted in a lower bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and a higher structure model index (SMI) in vertebrae. Running had a greater effect on trabecular microstructure in femurs than in vertebrae; the decrease in SMI and an increase in trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) were in dose-dependent manners. Running was positively correlated with BV/TV and Tb.Th and inversely correlated with SMI in femurs. The HFD increased plasma concentrations of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b, a marker of bone resorption, in sedentary mice, while running decreased it in a dose-dependent manner. The findings show that voluntary running improves bone quality in young adult mice fed an HFD. Novelty: The high-fat diet alters bone microstructure by increasing bone resorption. Quantitative voluntary running improves bone microstructure through its attenuation of bone resorption in mice fed a high-fat diet.
The scalar field models of Tsallis holographic dark energy with Granda–Oliveros cutoff in modified gravity
Authors: Pradhan Anirudh , Varshney Gunjan , Sharma Umesh Kumar 
Published: May 2021

This research explores the Tsallis holographic quintessence, k-essence, and tachyon models of dark energy in the modified f(R, T) gravity framework with Granda–Oliveros cutoff. We have analyzed the energy density through [Formula: see text]. We study the correspondence between the quintessence, k-essence, and tachyon energy density with the Tsallis holographic dark energy density in a flat FRW Universe. The reconstruction is performed for different values of Tsallis parameter δ in the region of ωΛ > –1 for the EoS parameter. This correspondence allows reconstruction of the potentials and the dynamics for the scalar field models, if we set some constraints for the model parameters, which describe the accelerated expansion of the Universe.
Soil temperature and water contents among vertical tillage, strip tillage, and chisel plowing in the Upper Great Plains
Authors: Alghamdi Rashad S. , Daigh Aaron Lee M. , DeJong-Hughes Jodi , Wick Abbey F. 
Published: May 2021

Long winters in the Red River Valley (RRV) of eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota result in short growing seasons for corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) systems. Historically, producers implement aggressive tillage to warm the soil, which has caused hesitation when considering reduced tillage systems. The association between soil warming–drying and crop yields via research at farmer-operated, production-scale systems practicing reduced tillage is lacking. A two-year study was conducted at three producer-operated, corn–soybean fields in the RRV with five soil series ranging from sandy loams to silty clays. Soil temperature (T), soil volumetric water content (θ), and crop yields were measured to evaluate the effects of soil warming and drying and crop performance under reduced tillage practices of vertical tillage (VT), strip tillage with shanks (STS), strip tillage with coulters (STC), and chisel plow (CP). Results showed that daytime soil T and θ in the tilled strips for STC and STS (i.e., in the plant rows) were similar to CP and significantly different from VT. The ST treatments demonstrated added benefits of higher soil θ between the tilled strips (i.e., between the plant rows) during the mid-growing season when plant water needs are at their highest. However, daily averaged soil T and θ demonstrated little to no significant differences among the tillage treatments. Moreover, crop yields were inconsistent with soil T and θ, indicating weak to no practical association in these on-farm settings.
Magnetorheological elastomer-based variable stiffness flexible coupling for vibration isolation
Authors: Syam Thaer M.I. , Hegazi Ahmed A.A. , Muthalif Asan G.A. , Badri Yousif 
Published: May 2021

Rotating mechanical equipment such as pumps and motors can suffer from unattenuated torsional vibration. The causes of such vibration range from imbalance within the rotating system to misalignment, or even operating at frequencies close to the system’s natural frequency. Smart composite materials are materials for which exposure to external stimuli changes their properties. Magnetorheological elastomers (MRE) are smart composite materials whose mechanical properties, such as stiffness, are changed when exposed to a magnetic field. In this article, we report on the fitting of a variable stiffness coupling (VSC) within a shaft to isolate torsional vibration, which can adapt and change its attenuation frequency range. We experimentally tested the VSC concept for isolating torsional vibration. MRE samples with 40% volume fraction were fabricated and manufactured using a 3D mold design and fixed within a coupling in a shaft to investigate the effects of magnetic fields on the torsional rigidity. Impact hammer tests were conducted in combination with an accelerometer to analyze the transmissibility factor. Our results show that the level of vibration decreased when the magnetic field increased. The first natural frequency of the system happened at 26 Hz and moved to 28 Hz when the applied magnetic field increased from 0 to 12.38 mT. The torsional stiffness of the MRE samples increased from from 37.4 to 61.6 N.m/rad when the magnetic field increased from 0 to 12.38 mT. Variation in the torsional damping coefficient fluctuated as the damping effect of MRE was ignored.