bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(Pro)renin receptor in the kidney: function and significance
Authors: Arthur Gertrude , Osborn Jeffrey L. , Yiannikouris Frédérique B.
Published: January 2021

(Pro)renin receptor (PRR), a 350-amino acid receptor initially thought of as a receptor for the binding of renin and prorenin, is multifunctional. In addition to its role in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), PRR transduces several intracellular signaling molecules and is a component of the vacuolar H+-ATPase that participates in autophagy. PRR is found in the kidney and particularly in great abundance in the cortical collecting duct. In the kidney, PRR participates in water and salt balance, acid-base balance, and autophagy and plays a role in development and progression of hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, and kidney fibrosis. This review highlights the role of PRR in the development and function of the kidney, namely, the macula densa, podocyte, proximal and distal convoluted tubule, and the principal cells of the collecting duct, and focuses on PRR function in body fluid volume homeostasis, blood pressure regulation, and acid-base balance. This review also explores new advances in the molecular mechanism involving PRR in normal renal health and pathophysiological states.
Analyzing Trio-Anthropometric Predictors of Hypertension: Determining the Susceptibility of Blood Pressure to Sexual Dimorphism in Body Stature
Authors: Kenneth Ezemagu U. , Chinedu Uzomba Godwin , Christian Agbii Okechukwu , Ezeonu P. O. , Obaje S. G.
Published: January 2021

Background. Several studies had suggested that complex body stature could be a risk factor of hypertension. Objectives. We aim to correlate body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-height ratio (WHtR) of rural dwellers in Afikpo community, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, with blood pressure parameters. Furthermore, we aim to ascertain how each of the anthropometric variables affects blood pressure in men and women, respectively. Materials and Methods. A sample of 400 (200 males and 200 females) adults aged 18–89 years were selected for the correlation cross-sectional study. Data for weight, height, waist, and hip circumferences were collected by means of anthropometric measurement protocol with the aid of a calibrated flexible tape and health scale and mercury sphygmomanometer for measurement of blood pressure. A participant was classified as being hypertensive if systolic blood pressure (SBP) was >140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) >90 mmHg. Pulse pressure was recorded as the numeric difference of SBP and DBP. Results. The result revealed that male BMI and WHR were higher than those of females while female WHtR was higher than that of males (

P

 < 0.01). The prevalence of hypertension failed to correlate with sex among participants in the study (χ2 = 0.567;

P

 < 0.05). Variation in SBP and DBP of both sexes was dependent on BMI, WHtR, and waist and hip circumference, but not on WHR. The SBP of both sexes and female pulse pressure did correlate with age (

P

 < 0.001). Waist circumference, BMI, and WHtR correctly predicted the variations in SBP, DBP, and pulse pressure. Conclusion. The strength of association of BMI, WHtR, and waist girth with SBP and DBP of both sexes was robust and similar, but inconsistent with WHR. Thus, a simple estimation of the trio-anthropometric predictors could serve as a means for routine check or preliminary diagnosis of a patient with hypertension.
Topic Relevance of Public Health Emergencies Influence on Internet Public Opinion Resonance: Simulation Based on Langevin’s Equation
Authors: Cheng Quan , Zhang Yan-gang , Li Yi-quan
Published: January 2021

Public health emergencies occurred frequently, which usually result in the negative Internet public opinion events. In the complex network information ecological environment, multiple public opinion events may be aggregated to generate public opinion resonance due to the topic category, the mutual correlation of the subject involved, and the compound accumulation of specific emotions. In order to reveal the phenomenon and regulations of the public opinion resonance, we firstly analyze the influence factors of the Internet public opinion events in the public health emergencies. Then, based on Langevin’s equation, we propose the Internet public opinion stochastic resonance model considering the topic relevance. Furthermore, three exact public health emergencies in China are provided to reveal the regulations of evoked events “revival” caused by original events. We observe that the Langevin stochastic resonance model considering topic relevance can effectively reveal the resonance phenomenon of Internet public opinion caused by public health emergencies. For the original model without considering the topic relevance, the new model is more sensitive. Meanwhile, it is found that the degree of topic relevance between public health emergencies has a significant positive correlation with the intensity of Internet public opinion resonance.
Study on the Accurate Measurement and Quantitative Evaluation Methods of Aggregate Surface Roughness
Authors: Li Luoke , Guo Meng , Zeng Cong
Published: January 2021

In this work, to quantitatively analyze the roughness of the surfaces of road aggregates, the contact measurement technique and contactless scanning technique were, respectively, used to capture the coordinate data of point clouds on the aggregate surface, which were then used to reconstruct the digital elevation models of aggregate particles. Then, the joint roughness coefficient (JRC) was used as an evaluation index, and the quantitative calculation methods of the two‐dimensional (2D) contour line roughness and three‐dimensional (3D) contour surface roughness of aggregate particles were, respectively, studied. Finally, the anisotropic characteristics and size effect of the roughness coefficients of aggregates with different lithologies were, respectively, investigated, based on which the practicability of the 3D roughness coefficient index was proven. The results demonstrate that the roughness of a road aggregate surface can be quantitatively described by the point cloud data. The 2D roughness of aggregate profile lines exhibits anisotropy, while the 3D roughness of the aggregate contour surface indicates the size effect. The subtle morphological changes of the surface textures of aggregates can be accurately described by the 3D joint roughness coefficient (JRC3D) calculated by the feature parameter method.
Dynamic Response and Time‐Frequency Characteristic of Dangerous Rocks under the Combined Action of Rock Cavity Weathering and Earthquake
Authors: Ren Qingyang , Jin Honghua , Ren Xiaokun , Zhang Xingxing
Published: January 2021

In order to further reveal the failure mode and dynamic response law of dangerous rocks with different degree of weathering in the rock cavity under the action of earthquake and to provide early warning and forecast for steep slope of dangerous rocks in similar earthquake areas, a typical steep slope of dangerous rock in earthquake area of Sichuan, China, was taken as the research object, after detailed geological survey, and according to the chain development law of dangerous rock, the steep slope of dangerous rock before the earthquake was restored. Based on the 3D particle flow software PFC3D, the dangerous rock was divided into 3 modes according to the degree of weathering of the mudstone rock cavity, and the three‐dimensional discrete element dangerous rock model under different modes was established. By introducing the horizontal and vertical two‐way coupled seismic waves in Wenchuan, Sichuan, in 2008, the failure evolution process of steep slope of dangerous rock under the action of the horizontal and vertical coupled seismic waves was dynamically simulated, which proved the rationality of the simulation. The frequency spectrum of velocity‐time history signal of each rock block in the dangerous rock model was analyzed by MATLAB programming, and the time‐frequency characteristics of each dangerous rock model under the action of coupled seismic wave were studied. The research results have important scientific guiding significance and practical value for the dynamic stability evaluation and prediction of such steep slope of dangerous rocks under the combined action of rock cavity weathering and earthquake.
Congestion Prediction Based on Dissipative Structure Theory: A Case Study of Chengdu, China
Authors: Sun Xiaoke , Chen Hong , Wen Yahao , Liu Zhizhen , Chen Hengrui
Published: January 2021

With the continuous growth of traffic demand and the mismatch of urban transportation facilities, urban traffic congestion has been caused, leading to various related problems, such as environmental pollution, traffic accidents, and slow economic development. Many cities have implemented relevant measures to improve traffic congestion, but fewer are ideal. This study used the hidden Markov model combined with the dissipative structure theory and entropy theory to predict the congestion more accurately. The temporal and spatial distributions of the online ride-hailing Didi data in Chengdu were analyzed. There are morning peaks, noon peaks, and evening peaks during workdays. During the noon peak and evening peak, travel demand in the city’s central area is relatively stable. It is found that the prediction model has a higher accuracy after combining the dissipative structure theory and entropy theory, which could be used to propose methods to prevent congestion.
Partitioning Control Mechanism and Engineering Practice of Rebuilding Bearing Arch in Surrounding Rock under High Ground Stress
Authors: Xu Mengtang , Li Ke , Xu Youlin
Published: January 2021

The mining of coal seam has a significant influence on the stability of the roadway near it, especially under the condition of high ground stress. To study the control mechanism of the surrounding rock under the influence of high ground stress, a general idea for the partition control of the rebuilding bearing arch (RBA) was proposed in this paper. Based on the basic mechanical performance test of the bearing arch, this paper built a mechanical model of the RBA based on Protodyakonov’s pressure arch theory, analyzed the influence of the strength of the bearing arch on the surrounding rock failure, and obtained the ultimate thickness of the bearing arch failure under high ground stress. The results show that the RBA’s damage is closely related to the overburden load and RBA’s thickness. The tensile stress and shear stress of RBA increase linearly with the overburden load increase and increase sharply with the load‐bearing arch’s thickness, showing a nonlinear relationship. To maintain the surrounding rock’s stability, it is necessary to ensure that the RBA’s thickness is within a specific range. The results are applied to the Wantian coal mine. The theoretically determined load‐bearing thickness is 10 m, which can effectively control the surrounding rock deformation and significantly reduce the roadway’s repair rate.
Development of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease after Ectopic Removal
Authors: Wang Amanda , Hajmurad Sema , Khan Maryam , Villarreal Sarah
Published: January 2021

Although ectopic pregnancy and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are separately commonly seen in practice, development of PID after surgical removal is rare. Here, we present the case of a 41-year-old female who was admitted for pelvic inflammatory disease diagnosed after laparoscopic salpingectomy for a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Treatment required drainage of TOAs with interventional radiology and antibiotic treatment. This case report demonstrates how treatment of PID following ectopic pregnancy is complex and may require surgical- or radiology-guided drainage of infection in addition to common antibiotic treatment. Follow-up and duration of treatment are highlighted.
Analysis of the Progressively Enhanced Mine Pressure in the Fully Mechanized Top Coal Caving Work Face of a 20 m Ultra‐Thick Coal Seam
Authors: Jiulin Shi , Shaohong Yan , Zhuhe Xu , Jisheng Xue , Zhao Kaikai , Jianwei Zheng
Published: January 2021

Considering the large mined area, wide strata moving range, strong mine pressure occurrence, and difficult roof control for the fully mechanized top coal caving in 20 m ultra‐thick coal seams, this study analyzes the strata structure evolution and mine pressure occurrence behavior through field test, numerical simulation, and theoretical analysis. Based on the mine condition of the Tashan Coal Mine in the Datong mining area, mechanical models are established for the compound overlying structures. The following can be demonstrated from this study: (1) The hard strata can form three different compound spatial structures at different positions in the overlying rock strata, including the lower combined cantilever structure I, the middle combined cantilever structure II, and the upper hinged structure. (2) Failure of the higher structure can induce compression on the lower structure, which changed the break span of the lower structure. (3) “Simultaneous and nonsimultaneous structural failures” of the compound spatial structure were caused by the variation of the break span of the multilayered structure. (4) Based on the weighting characteristics, there were three stages during work face weighting, including a gradual pressure increase stage (Stage I), an accelerated pressure increase stage (Stage II), and a fast pressure increase stage (Stage III). (5) The mine pressure occurrence demonstrated a “small to medium and to large” feature. (6) Prefracturing techniques should be additionally incorporated to prevent simultaneous failure of the multilayered structure. Findings of the work can demonstrate the emergence of strong mine pressure in the Datong mining area and have theoretical significance and reference value for maintaining safe mining in similar conditions.
An Optimal Lockdown Relaxation Strategy for Minimizing the Economic Effects of COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Mahasinghe A. C. , Erandi K. K. W. H. , Perera S. S. N.
Published: January 2021

In order to recover the damage to the economy by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many countries consider the transition from strict lockdowns to partial lockdowns through relaxation of preventive measures. In this work, we propose an optimal lockdown relaxation strategy, which is aimed at minimizing the damage to the economy, while confining the COVID-19 incidence to a level endurable by the available healthcare facilities in the country. In order to capture the transmission dynamics, we adopt the compartment models and develop the relevant optimization model, which turns out to be nonlinear. We generate approximate solutions to the problem, whereas our experimentation is based on the data on the COVID-19 outbreak in Sri Lanka.
Point-of-Care Diagnoses and Assays Based on Lateral Flow Test
Authors: Pohanka Miroslav
Published: January 2021

Analytical devices for point-of-care diagnoses are highly desired and would improve quality of life when first diagnoses are made early and pathologies are recognized soon. Lateral flow tests (LFTs) are such tools that can be easily performed without specific equipment, skills, or experiences. This review is focused on the use of LFT in point-of-care diagnoses. The principle of the assay is explained, and new materials like nanoparticles for labeling, new recognition molecules for interaction with an analyte, and new additional instrumentation like signal scaling by a smartphone camera are described and discussed. Advantages of the LFT devices as well as their limitations are described and discussed here considering actual papers that are properly cited.
Excitability and Threshold Mechanism for Enhanced Neuronal Response Induced by Inhibition Preceding Excitation
Authors: Ma Hanqing , Jia Bing , Li Yuye , Gu Huaguang
Published: January 2021

Postinhibitory facilitation (PIF) of neural firing presents a paradoxical phenomenon that the inhibitory effect induces enhancement instead of reduction of the firing activity, which plays important roles in sound location of the auditory nervous system, awaited theoretical explanations. In the present paper, excitability and threshold mechanism for the PIF phenomenon is presented in the Morris-Lecar model with type I, II, and III excitabilities. Firstly, compared with the purely excitatory stimulations applied to the steady state, the inhibitory preceding excitatory stimulation to form pairs induces the firing rate increased for type II and III excitabilities instead of type I excitability, when the interval between the inhibitory and excitatory stimulation within each pair is suitable. Secondly, the threshold mechanism for the PIF phenomenon is acquired. For type II and III excitabilities, the inhibitory stimulation induces subthreshold oscillations around the steady state. During the middle and ending phase of the ascending part and the beginning phase of the descending part within a period of the subthreshold oscillations, the threshold to evoke an action potential by an excitatory stimulation becomes weaker, which is the cause for the PIF phenomenon. Last, a theoretical estimation for the range of the interval between the inhibitory and excitatory stimulation for the PIF phenomenon is acquired, which approximates half of the intrinsic period of the subthreshold oscillations for the relatively strong stimulations and becomes narrower for the relatively weak stimulations. The interval for the PIF phenomenon is much shorter for type III excitability, which is closer to the experiment observation, due to the shorter period of the subthreshold oscillations. The results present the excitability and threshold mechanism for the PIF phenomenon, which provide comprehensive and deep explanations to the PIF phenomenon.
Exploring Ethnic Marginalisation and Indigene-Settler Problems in University Life in Nigeria
Authors: Igbafe E. C.
Published: January 2021

This study investigates ethnic marginalisation and indigene-settler problems at selected universities in Nigeria. Three universities and 12 participants were purposively selected for the study. Face-to-face, semistructured, and individual interviews were utilised to obtain information from the participants regarding their various universities. The data were uploaded on ATLAS.ti 8, qualitative data analysis software for proper management and grouping of transcribed data for further data analysis. Four themes emerged: (a) contextualising ethnic marginalisation and indigene-settler issues; (b) emotional bonds and determination to preserve ancestral land; (c) cultural bonds and determination to preserve traditional practices; and (d) effects of ethnic marginalisation and indigene-settler issues. Further interpretation of the themes revealed that attachment to cultural heritage such as landed properties, cultural life, and practices and economic and indigene dominance were factors driving ethnic marginalisation. The study further found that ethnic marginalisation and indigene-settler problems influenced the emotional and psychological wellbeing and functioning of university lecturers in the selected institutions. The findings also revealed that protests and problems among ethnic groups resulted from the activities of indigenes and settlers when placed in positions of authority (e.g., biased way of recruiting, removing, and promoting ethnic members). The study concludes that there is a need for an integration programme with a practical implementation strategy to ensure peaceful coexistence of ethnic groups within the universities.
Crowd Counting Based on Multiresolution Density Map and Parallel Dilated Convolution
Authors: Tang Jingfan , Zhou Meijia , Li Pengfei , Zhang Min , Jiang Ming
Published: January 2021

The current crowd counting tasks rely on a fully convolutional network to generate a density map that can achieve good performance. However, due to the crowd occlusion and perspective distortion in the image, the directly generated density map usually neglects the scale information and spatial contact information. To solve it, we proposed MDPDNet (Multiresolution Density maps and Parallel Dilated convolutions’ Network) to reduce the influence of occlusion and distortion on crowd estimation. This network is composed of two modules: (1) the parallel dilated convolution module (PDM) that combines three dilated convolutions in parallel to obtain the deep features on the larger receptive field with fewer parameters while reducing the loss of multiscale information; (2) the multiresolution density map module (MDM) that contains three-branch networks for extracting spatial contact information on three different low-resolution density maps as the feature input of the final crowd density map. Experiments show that MDPDNet achieved excellent results on three mainstream datasets (ShanghaiTech, UCF_CC_50, and UCF-QNRF).
Effects of Occupational Exposure to Waste Anesthetic Gas on Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage
Authors: Hua Hai-Xin , Deng Hai-Bo , Huang Xiu-Ling , Ma Chang-Qing , Xu Ping , Cai Ye-Hua , Wang Hai-Tang
Published: January 2021

Objective. The aim of the study was to investigate the potential effects of waste anesthetic gas (WAG) on oxidative stress, DNA damage, and vital organs. Methods. A total of 150 members of the staff at a hospital were assigned to an exposure group or control group. The 68 operating room (OR) staff in the exposure group were exposed to WAG, and the 82 non‐OR staff in the control group were not exposed to WAG. Air samples were collected in the OR, and the sevoflurane concentrations in the samples were determined. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma from the participants were determined to assess oxidative stress. Western blot analysis was used to detect γH2AX in peripheral blood to assess DNA damage. Hematopoietic parameters, liver function, kidney function, and changes in electrophysiology were assessed to identify the effects on the vital organs. Results. The mean (±standard deviation) sevoflurane concentration in 172 air samples from 22 operating rooms was 1.11 ± 0.65 ppm. The superoxide dismutase activity and vital organ parameters (lymphocyte, hemoglobin, and total protein concentrations and heart rate) were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the exposed group than the control group. The malondialdehyde, total bilirubin, and creatinine concentrations and QT and QTc intervals were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the exposed group than the control group. There were no significant differences between the glutathione peroxidase activities and γH2AX concentrations for the exposed and control groups. Conclusions. Long‐term occupational exposure to waste anesthetic gas may affect the antioxidant defense system and probably affects vital organ functions to some extent. No correlation between DNA damage and chronic exposure to WAG was observed.
Pluripotency of Dental Pulp Cells and Periodontal Ligament Cells Was Enhanced through Cell-Cell Communication via STAT3/Oct-4/Sox2 Signaling
Authors: Peng Zhengjun , Liu Lu , Zhang Wenyu , Wei Xi
Published: January 2021

Alternation in culture environment due to cell-cell communications can rejuvenate the biological activity of aged/differentiated cells and stimulate the expression of pluripotency markers. Dental pulp cells (DPCs) and periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) are promising candidates in dental tissue regeneration. However, the molecular network that underlies cell-cell communications between dental-derived cells and the microenvironment remains to be identified. To elucidate the signaling network that regulates the pluripotency of DPCs and PDLCs, proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and the expression of Oct-4/Sox2/c-Myc in DPCs and PDLCs with indirect/direct coculture were examined. PCR arrays were constructed to identify genes that were differentially expressed, and the results were confirmed by a rat model with injury. Further research on the mechanism of the related signaling pathways was investigated by overexpression/silence of STAT3, ChIP, the dual-luciferase reporter assay, and EMSA. We found that the proliferation and apoptosis of DPCs and PDLCs were inhibited, and their cell cycles were arrested at the G0/G1 phase after coculture. Oct-4, Sox2, and STAT3 expression significantly increased and PAX5 expression decreased in the coculture systems. Oct-4/Sox2/STAT3/PAX5 was actively expressed in the rat defect model. Moreover, STAT3 was directly bound to the Oct-4 and Sox2 gene promoter regions and activated the expression of those genes. Our data showed that the pluripotency of DPCs and PDLCs was enhanced through cell-cell communication. STAT3 plays essential roles in regulating the pluripotency of DPCs and PDLCs by targeting Oct-4 and Sox2 both in vitro and in vivo.
Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy: The Road from Promise to Proof
Authors: de Jong Loek A.W. , van Erp Nielka P. , Bijelic Lana
Published: January 2021

Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) is an innovative drug delivery technique invented to be used for the treatment of peritoneal metastasis. Its application gained popularity over the past years. Several prospective clinical trials are being conducted to determine efficacy and safety. At this moment, there remain many challenges to overcome before PIPAC can be widely adopted in clinical practice.

See related article by Kim et al., p. 1875
Morning for Irofulven, What Could be fiNER?
Authors: Jiang Haoyang , Greenberg Roger A.
Published: January 2021

Cancers with DNA repair dysfunction are vulnerable to DNA-damaging agents that invoke a requirement for the disabled repair mechanism. Genome sequencing, coupled with a detailed understanding of mechanisms of DNA repair, has accelerated the discovery of pathway-selective agents that target DNA repair deficiencies in a tumor tissue agnostic manner.

See related articles by Topka et al., p. 1997 and Börcsök et al., p. 2011
Ventilatory Impairments Associated with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: López-López Laura , Rodríguez-Torres Janet Remedios , Cahalin Lawrence Patrick , Cabrera-Martos Irene , Torres Sánchez Irene , Valenza Marie Carmen
Published: January 2021

Background: The peripheral and central repercussions of Parkinson’s disease (PD) affect the neuromuscular system producing a loss of muscle strength that can influence the respiratory system. Although several studies have examined various respiratory aspects of PD, to the best of our knowledge no study to date has systematically reviewed the existing data. Objectives: To examine the available literature related to the respiratory impairment in PD patients. Methods: We used PRISMA guidelines when reporting this review. We searched Pubmed, Cinhal, SciELO, and Cochrane Library, from inception until August 2018. Main variables assessed were forced vital capacity percent predicted (FVC%) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s percent predicted (FEV1%) for PD patients. Results: Six studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The obtained results concluded that PD patients present poorer pulmonary function when compared to healthy controls. When PD patients were compared between ON and OFF states, the results reviewed are in favour of the ON state. In the meta-analysis performed for FVC% and FEV1%, the results fail to find significant differences between PD patients and controls (p = 0.336 and p = 0.281, respectively), and between PD ON and OFF states (p = 0.109 and p = 0.059, respectively). Conclusions: We conclude that PD patients have impaired respiratory capacities that are related to the PD severity, time since diagnosis, and OFF state. Adequate follow-up of the respiratory function and studies focused on PD phenotypes have to be considered in future studies.
Potential Contribution of the Intestinal Microbiome to Phenethylamine-Induced Hyperthermia
Authors: Aburahma Amal , Pachhain Sudhan , Choudhury Sayantan Roy , Rana Srishti , Phuntumart Vipa , Larsen Ray , Sprague Jon E.
Published: January 2021

Phenethylamines (e.g., methamphetamine) are a common source of drug toxicity. Phenethylamine-induced hyperthermia (PIH) can activate a cascade of events that may result in rhabdomyolysis, coagulopathy, and even death. Here, we review recent evidence that suggests a potential link between the gut-brain axis and PIH. Within the preoptic area of the hypothalamus, phenethylamines lead to changes in catecholamine levels, that activate the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and increase the peripheral levels of norepinephrine (NE), resulting in: (1) the loss of heat dissipation through α1 adrenergic receptor (α1-AR)-mediated vasoconstriction, (2) heat generation through β-AR activation and subsequent free fatty acid (FFA) activation of uncoupling proteins (UCPs) in brown and white adipose tissue, and (3) alteration of the gut microbiome and its link to the gut-brain axis. Recent studies have shown that phenethylamine derivatives can influence the composition of the gut microbiome and thus its metabolic potential. Phenethylamines increase the relative level of Proteuswhich has been linked to enhanced NE turnover. Bidirectional fecal microbial transplants (FMT) between PIH-tolerant and PIH-naïve rats demonstrated that the transplantation of gut microbiome can confer phenotypic hyperthermic and tolerant responses to phenethylamines. These phenethylamine-mediated changes in the gut microbiome were also associated with epigenetic changes in the mediators of thermogenesis. Given the significant role that the microbiome has been shown to play in the maintenance of body temperature, we outline current studies demonstrating the effects of phenethylamines on the gut microbiome and how these microbiome changes may mechanistically contribute to alterations in body temperature.
Increased Rates of Hemorrhages after Endovascular Stroke Treatment with Emergency Carotid Artery Stenting and Dual Antiplatelet Therapy
Authors: Hadler Felix , Singh Raveena , Wiesmann Martin , Reich Arno , Nikoubashman Omid
Published: January 2021

Background: While endovascular stroke treatment (EST) of large vessel occlusions in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is proven to be safe and effective, there are subgroups of patients with increased rates of hemorrhages. Our goal was to identify risk factors for intracerebral hemorrhage and to assess whether acute carotid artery stenting (CAS) was associated with increased bleeding rates. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of our monocentric prospective stroke registry in the period from May 2010 to May 2018 and compared AIS patients receiving EST with (n = 73) versus without acute CAS (n = 548). Patients with intracranial stents, intra-arterial thrombolysis, or dissection of the carotid artery were excluded. Results: Parenchymal hemorrhage rates (PH2 according to the ECASS classification) and symptomatic hemorrhage (sICH) rates were increased in EST patients receiving CAS with odds being 6.3 (PH2) and 6.5 (sICH) times higher (PH2 17.8 vs. 3.3%, p < 0.001 and sICH: 16.4 vs. 2.9%, p < 0.001). Additional systemic thrombolysis with rtPA (IVRTPA) was no risk factor for cerebral hemorrhage (p = 0.213). Conclusion: AIS patients receiving EST with acute CAS and consecutive tirofiban or dual antiplatelet therapy suffered from an increased risk of relevant secondary intracranial bleeding. After adjusting for confounders, tirofiban and dual antiplatelet therapy were associated with higher bleeding rates.
Atypical 22q11.2 Microduplication with “Typical” Signs and Overgrowth
Authors: Fischer Matthias , Klopocki Eva
Published: January 2021

The 22q11.2 microduplication syndrome shows variable phenotypes with reduced penetrance compared to the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. We report a woman with overgrowth and macrocephaly, mild mental retardation, heart defect, kidney anomalies, and dysmorphic features. Array-CGH analysis revealed a 246-kb duplication at the 22q11.2 region. No additional clinically significant CNVs were found. The case resembles a previously published case also showing overgrowth and macrocephaly with an almost identical 22q11.2 duplication of 252 kb.
Observed and Modeled Positive Predictive Values Using Cell-free DNA Testing for Fetal Trisomy in a Clinical Laboratory Population
Authors: White Karen , Batey Annette , Schmid Maximilian
Published: January 2021

Introduction: The objective of this study was to explore different approaches to communicating the positive predictive value (PPV) of cell-free DNA screening for fetal trisomy. Methods: PPV was established for 4 maternal age-groups (<30, 30–34, 35–39, and >39 years) from clinical laboratory data and compared to the modeled PPV from an online calculator. In women under 35, PPV was compared between 2 subsets, high risk and low risk, classified based on the diagnosis codes that were provided to the laboratory. Results: In 503 high-probability trisomy 21 results, the observed PPVs in the 4 age-groups were 97.0% (<30), 98.9% (30–34), 99.5% (35–39), and 96.3% (>39), all higher than those from the calculator, which ranged from 53 to 95%. Likewise, PPVs were 77.4–97.0% observed versus 16–78% modeled in 131 trisomy 18 cases and 30.4–80.0% observed versus 6–61% modeled in 80 trisomy 13 cases. In women under 35, PPV for the trisomies combined was 90.4% in the higher-risk group compared to 79.7% in the lower-risk group. Conclusion: Modeling PPV based on maternal age will provide an underestimate in a clinical population. Although the PPV is higher for the samples with higher-risk diagnosis codes, the information that accompanies clinical samples is too general to model PPV for a specific patient.
Acquired Angioedema with C1 Inhibitor Deficiency: Occurrence, Clinical Features, and Management: A Nationwide Retrospective Study in the Czech Republic Patients
Authors: Sobotkova Marta , Zachova Radana , Hakl Roman , Kuklinek Pavel , Kralickova Pavlina , Krcmova Irena , Hanzlikova Jana , Vachova Martina , Bartunkova Jirina
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Acquired angioedema with C1 inhibitor deficiency (AAE-C1-INH) is rare but a potentially life-threatening disease. There are no official prevalence data, nor approved therapies for this condition. Objective: In this study, we aimed to collect and analyze clinical data on patients with AAE-C1-INH in the Czech Republic. Methods: We have conducted a retrospective analysis of AAE-C1-INH patients from Czech referral centers for the treatment of hereditary angioedema with C1 inhibitor deficiency. The inclusion criteria involved recurrent episodes of angioedema with the first manifestation at or after the age of 40, negative family history of angioedema, and C1 inhibitor function 50% or less. Results: A total of 14 patients (7 males and 7 females) met the inclusion criteria for AAE-C1-INH. The median age of the symptom onset was 59.5 years, and the median diagnosis delay was 1 year. The most common clinical manifestation was facial edema (100%) and upper airway swelling (85.7%). All patients responded to the acute attack treatment with icatibant and plasma-derived or recombinant C1 inhibitor concentrate. Lymphoid malignancy was identified in 9 patients (64%), monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance in 3 (21%), and in 1 patient autoimmune disease (ulcerative colitis) was considered causative (7%). We were not able to identify any underlying disease only in 1 patient (7%). In 6 of 7 patients (86%) treated for lymphoma, either a reduction in the frequency of angioedema attacks or both angioedema symptoms’ disappearance and complement parameter normalization was observed. Conclusions: The prevalence of AAE-C1-INH in the Czech Republic is about 1:760,000. This rare condition occurs in approximately 8% of the patients with angioedema with C1 inhibitor deficiency. AAE-C1-INH is strongly associated with lymphoproliferative disorders, and treating these conditions may improve the control of angioedema symptoms.
Globalization, Culture, and Development: Concepts, Clarifications, and Concerns
Authors: Maynard Ashley E. , Chaudhary Nandita
Published: January 2021

Between the time this volume was conceptualized and its publication, the world has seen dramatic changes as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes that have directly impacted international relations and globalization. Because this issue of Human Development deals with insights and alternatives regarding globalization, culture, and development, the consequences of the pandemic are linked to the presentation of four specific articles based on invited addresses given at the 2019 Jean Piaget Society conference on the title topic. Beginning with this article, this volume aims to explore five themes: multiple pathways of development; the importance of understanding context for understanding development; using mixed methods; implications for interventions; and implications for how to engage people in diverse societies, even as those societies are changing.
Impact of ST‐Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction Regionalization Programs on the Treatment and Outcomes of Patients Diagnosed With Non–ST‐Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Montoy Juan Carlos C. , Shen Yu‐Chu , Brindis Ralph G. , Krumholz Harlan M. , Hsia Renee Y.
Published: January 2021

Background

Many communities have implemented systems of regionalized care to improve access to timely care for patients with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction. However, patients who are ultimately diagnosed with non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarctions (NSTEMIs) may also be affected, and the impact of regionalization programs on NSTEMI treatment and outcomes is unknown. We set out to determine the effects of ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction regionalization schemes on treatment and outcomes of patients diagnosed with NSTEMIs.

Methods and Results

The cohort included all patients receiving care in emergency departments diagnosed with an NSTEMI at all nonfederal hospitals in California from January 1, 2005 to September 30, 2015. Data were analyzed using a difference‐in‐differences approach. The main outcomes were 1‐year mortality and angiography within 3 days of the index admission. A total of 293 589 patients with NSTEMIs received care in regionalized and nonregionalized communities. Over the study period, rates of early angiography increased by 0.5 and mortality decreased by 0.9 percentage points per year among the overall population (95% CI, 0.4–0.6 and −1.0 to −0.8, respectively). Regionalization was not associated with early angiography (−0.5%; 95% CI, −1.1 to 0.1) or death (0.2%; 95% CI, −0.3 to 0.8).

Conclusions

ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction regionalization programs were not statistically associated with changes in guideline‐recommended early angiography or changes in risk of death for patients with NSTEMI. Increases in the proportion of patients with NSTEMI who underwent guideline‐directed angiography and decreases in risk of mortality were accounted for by secular trends unrelated to regionalization policies.
Autocrine Signaling in Cardiac Remodeling: A Rich Source of Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Segers Vincent F. M. , De Keulenaer Gilles W.
Published: January 2021

The myocardium consists of different cell types, of which endothelial cells, cardiomyocytes, and fibroblasts are the most abundant. Communication between these different cell types, also called paracrine signaling, is essential for normal cardiac function, but also important in cardiac remodeling and heart failure. Systematic studies on the expression of ligands and their corresponding receptors in different cell types showed that for 60% of the expressed ligands in a particular cell, the receptor is also expressed. The fact that many ligand‐receptor pairs are present in most cells, including the major cell types in the heart, indicates that autocrine signaling is a widespread phenomenon. Autocrine signaling in cardiac remodeling and heart failure is involved in all pathophysiological mechanisms generally observed: hypertrophy, fibrosis, angiogenesis, cell survival, and inflammation. Herein, we review ligand‐receptor pairs present in the major cardiac cell types based on RNA‐sequencing expression databases, and we review current literature on extracellular signaling proteins with an autocrine function in the heart; these include C‐type natriuretic peptide, fibroblast growth factors 2, F21, and 23, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, heparin binding–epidermal growth factor, angiopoietin‐like protein 2, leptin, adiponectin, follistatin‐like 1, apelin, neuregulin 1, vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor β, wingless‐type integration site family, member 1‐induced secreted protein‐1, interleukin 11, connective tissue growth factor/cellular communication network factor, and calcitonin gene‒related peptide. The large number of autocrine signaling factors that have been studied in the literature supports the concept that autocrine signaling is an essential part of myocardial biology and disease.
The Many Fiery Furnaces of Daniel 3: The Evolution of a Literary Model
Authors: Vette Nathanael
Published: January 2021

The fiery furnace episode of Daniel 3 can be described as a martyr legend without a martyrdom. It shares many formal features with other martyr accounts but ends with the deliverance of the three young men. Early on, the episode was used as a model to narrate similar deliverances from fiery furnaces. But with time, the episode became the template for accounts which ultimately end in the death of the martyr. This article traces this development by surveying the use of Daniel 3 as a literary model from the Second Temple period to the present day. By re-working a narrative of deliverance into a narrative of death, Jewish and Christian traditions updated the legend to reflect the reality of a new situation, whilst also responding to a latent story of death already present in Daniel 3.
Neighbours Near and Far: How a Biblical Figure is Used in Recent European Anti-Migration Politics
Authors: Neutel Karin Berber , Kartzow Marianne Bjelland
Published: January 2021

References to the Bible in European politics rarely are the subject of research by biblical scholars. Claims about Christianity and about themes and stories from the Bible, which have made a remarkable appearance in political discourse recently, especially in discussions of migration, have therefore gone unnoticed in our discipline. This paper wants to put this topic on the map by exploring three cases, from the Netherlands, Norway, and Germany, where politicians make an argument against accepting migrants, by appealing to neighbourly love and the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37). We ask whether the Bible appears here in its ‘liberal’ form, which scholars have shown to be a prevalent form of the Bible in US and UK politics, or whether we are seeing the development of a different political Bible.
The Blessing of Ham: Genesis 9:1 in Early African American Biblical Scholarship
Authors: Schipper Jeremy
Published: January 2021

Much of the recent scholarship on Noah’s curse (Genesis 9:20–27) has focused on how the myth of Ham has factored into debates over slavery and other anti-Black biblical interpretations. Yet Sylvester A. Johnson argues convincingly that in the late nineteenth century, the “myth of Ham” was used primarily to explain racial origins rather than to justify or condemn slavery. To provide nuance to Johnson’s point, this article argues that some influential nineteenth-century African American scholars whom Johnson discusses interpreted the story of racial origins in the myth of Ham as an outgrowth of a divine blessing that Ham shared with his brothers in Genesis 9:1–19. This blessing, they argued, was unrelated to Noah’s curse of Canaan in Genesis 9:20–27. This article focuses on the exegetical arguments made by James W. C. Pennington, Alexander Crummell, Benjamin Tucker Tanner, and George Washington Williams.
That Moment Felt Like Forever: Stress Effects on Time Perception in Males
Authors: Bagley Sara L. , Massner Kody , Schneider Clairee , Miller Austin , Moore Kyzer
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this research was to identify if inducing acute stress in males could influence their verbal estimate of a duration of time perception. Thirty-four males between the ages of 18 and 22 years old were recruited to participate by prospectively judging intervals of time at baseline and after a water task. Using an experimental design, participants were randomly assigned to either the stressor water task of the Socially-Evaluative Cold Pressor Task (SECPT; n = 16) or the control water task of the Warm Water Task (WWT; n = 18). Salivary cortisol was collected at baseline and after the assigned water task to measure changes in physiological stress, while positive and negative affect were assessed to measured changes in subjective emotion. The stressor task was effective at increasing salivary cortisol and negative affect while experiencing the SECPT, but not at other time points. The group exposed to the stressor task experienced an overestimation of time when compared to the control group. A path analysis concluded that the grouping for stressor/control task was the only significant contributing factor in the variability of time perception accuracy when mediating paths for cortisol, positive affect, and negative affect. Information gained from this research is basic and may give insights into stress’s impact on the perception of time.
Russula fanjing, a new species of Russula subsect. Russula (Russulaceae, Russulales) from Guizhou province, China

Authors: LI FANG , LI GUO-JIE , ZHANG JING , GAO HUAN , SHI RU-SHU , DENG CHUN-YING
Published: January 2021

Russula fanjing is proposed here as a new species based on morphological and molecular evidence. The new species is described and illustrated with photographs and line drawings and compared to related species. Morphologically, R. fanjing (subgenus Russula, section Russula, subsection Russula) is characterized by a medium-sized basidioma, with a vivid red to pastel red areolate pileus, white lamellae occasionally forked near the stipe with lamellulae, a smooth white stipe, basidiospores ornamented with strongly amyloid warts and ridges interconnected by fine lines in an incomplete or complete reticulum, and a pileipellis a typical trichoderm with suprapellis cells composed of short-celled, claw-like branched, lotus-root-like inflated hyphae and dispersed clavate, septate pileocystidia. The phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region provided further evidence that the described species belongs to subsection Russula and represents a new taxon.
A new species of Potentilla (Potentilleae, Rosaceae) from central China, with reference to molecular and morphological evidence
Authors: ZHANG HUA-JIE , ZHANG DAI-GUI , FENG TAO , LIU QUN , YANG JING-YUAN , CHEN LI , WANG HENG-CHANG , DENG TAO
Published: January 2021

Potentilla sunhangii, a new species of Potentilla, from the Jin-hou-ling Mountains, Shen-nong-jia Forest District of Hubei province, China, is described and illustrated. The wild population of the new species is at an elevation of approximately 2930 m and has leaves palmately 3 foliolate. It is morphologically much similar to P. saundersiana, whilst being easily distinguished by its dense array of glands around the plant and green on both surfaces of leaves. Our molecular phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear and chloroplast confirmed the species belongs to Potentilla, in Argentea clade.
Catalogue of superfamily Pterophoroidea Kuznetsov & Stekolnikov (Lepidoptera) of India
Authors: PATHANIA PRAKASH C. , GIELIS CORNELIS , DAS APURVA , CHANDRA KAILASH
Published: January 2021

A catalogue of the species of superfamily Pterophoroidea from India is presented. The documented fauna comprises 108 species belonging to two families, Macropiratidae (one species), and Pterophoridae (107 species in 38 genera). Four subfamilies of Pterophoridae are recognized: i) Agdistinae (one species), ii) Deuterocopinae (five species in one genus), iii) Ochyroticinae (three species in one genus), and iv) Pterophorinae (98 species in 35 genera). The present catalogue is based primarily on the literatures in which Indian pterophoroids have been mentioned or described. For each species, the type-locality, geographical distribution (within and outside of India), host plants, and synonyms are provided. Pterophorus karmawangdi Gielis & Wangdi, syn. n., is new subjective junior synonym of Pterophorus tinsuki Kovtunovich, 2003.