bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yixin‐Shu Capsules Ameliorated Ischemia‐Induced Heart Failure by Restoring Trx2 and Inhibiting JNK/p38 Activation
Authors: Xiang Changpei , Zhang Fangbo , Gao Jinhuan , Guo Feifei , Zhang Mao , Zhou Rui , Wei Junying , Wang Ping , Zhang Yi , Zhang Jingjing , Yang Hongjun
Published: February 2021

Traditional Chinese medicine has shown great safety and efficacy in the treatment of heart failure (HF), whereas the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the protective effect of Yixin‐shu (YXS) capsules, a conventional medicine for various cardiovascular diseases, against myocardial ischemia‐induced HF in rats was systematically investigated by RNA‐seq technology. HF rats treated with YXS (0.8 or 1.6 g/kg/d, ig) for 6 weeks had significantly decreased brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and collagen III and attenuated cardiac structure rupture and collagen deposition. Additionally, YXS treatment decreased the levels of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and TUNEL‐positive rate and the nitrotyrosine staining, but increased levels of glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) activity, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Further experiments demonstrated that YXS restored Trx2 and inhibited the phosphorylation of JNK and p38, thereby improving cardiac function in the rats with HF. Silencing Trx2 decreased the protection of YXS in the response to H2O2 as evidenced by the increase of caspase‐3 activity and decrease of GSH level. Thus, YXS enhanced heart function and decreased myocardial damage through restoring Trx2 and inhibiting JNK and p38 activation in ischemia‐induced HF.
Nonsingular Integral Sliding Mode Attitude Control for Rigid‐Flexible Coupled Spacecraft with High‐Inertia Rotating Appendages
Authors: Zhang Gaowang , Chen Xueqin , Xi Ruichen , Li Huayi
Published: February 2021

This study addresses the challenge of attitude tracking control for a rigid‐flexible spacecraft with high‐inertia rotating appendages. The Lagrange method was used to establish the kinematic and dynamic models of the spacecraft. The translation and rotation of the spacecraft, vibrations of solar panels, and imbalance caused by the rotating appendages, which cause a complex control problem, were considered. To address the complex control problem, a novel, fast nonsingular integral sliding mode control method is proposed to perform the attitude tracking function of spacecraft. A sliding mode control law was established for the high‐inertia appendages to maintain an appropriate angular velocity during rotation. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed attitude control law was verified by numerical simulations for a spacecraft with high‐inertia rotating appendages and symmetrical flexible solar panels.
Automatic Impervious Surface Area Detection Using Image Texture Analysis and Neural Computing Models with Advanced Optimizers
Authors: Hoang Nhat-Duc
Published: February 2021

Up‐to‐date information regarding impervious surface is valuable for urban planning and management. The objective of this study is to develop neural computing models used for automatic impervious surface area detection at a regional scale. To achieve this task, advanced optimizers of adaptive moment estimation (Adam), a variation of Adam called Adamax, Nesterov‐accelerated adaptive moment estimation (Nadam), Adam with decoupled weight decay (AdamW), and a new exponential moving average variant (AMSGrad) are used to train the artificial neural network models employed for impervious surface detection. These advanced optimizers are benchmarked with the conventional gradient descent with momentum (GDM). Remotely sensed images collected from Sentinel‐2 satellite for the study area of Da Nang city (Vietnam) are used to construct and verify the proposed approach. Moreover, texture descriptors including statistical measurements of color channels and binary gradient contour are employed to extract useful features for the neural computing model‐based pattern recognition. Experimental result supported by statistical test points out that the Nadam optimizer‐based neural computing model has achieved the most desired predictive accuracy for the data collected in the studied region with classification accuracy rate of 97.331%, precision = 0.961, recall = 0.984, negative predictive value = 0.985, and F1 score = 0.972. Therefore, the model developed in this study can be a helpful tool for decision‐makers in the task of urban land‐use planning and management.
Dendrimers: A New Race of Pharmaceutical Nanocarriers
Authors: Mittal Pooja , Saharan Anjali , Verma Ravinder , Altalbawy Farag M. A. , Alfaidi Mohammed A. , Batiha Gaber El-Saber , Akter Wahida , Gautam Rupesh K. , Uddin Md. Sahab , Rahman Md. Sohanur
Published: February 2021

Dendrimers are nanosized, symmetrical molecules in which a small atom or group of atoms is surrounded by the symmetric branches known as dendrons. The structure of dendrimers possesses the greatest impact on their physical and chemical properties. They grow outwards from the core‐shell which further reacts with monomers having one reactive or two dormant molecules. Dendrimers’ unique characteristics such as hyperbranching, well‐defined spherical structure, and high compatibility with the biological systems are responsible for their wide range of applications including medical and biomedical areas. Particularly, the dendrimers’ three‐dimensional structure can incorporate a wide variety of drugs to form biologically active drug conjugates. In this review, we focus on the synthesis, mechanism of drug encapsulations in dendrimers, and their wide applications in drug delivery.
Finite Element Simulations of Mechanical Behaviour of Endothelial Cells
Authors: Jakka Veera Venkata Satya Varaprasad , Bursa Jiri
Published: February 2021

Biomechanical models based on the finite element method have already shown their potential in the simulation of the mechanical behaviour of cells. For instance, development of atherosclerosis is accelerated by damage of the endothelium, a monolayer of endothelial cells on the inner surface of arteries. Finite element models enable us to investigate mechanical factors not only at the level of the arterial wall but also at the level of individual cells. To achieve this, several finite element models of endothelial cells with different shapes are presented in this paper. Implementing the recently proposed bendotensegrity concept, these models consider the flexural behaviour of microtubules and incorporate also waviness of intermediate filaments. The suspended and adherent cell models are validated by comparison of their simulated force‐deformation curves with experiments from the literature. The flat and dome cell models, mimicking natural cell shapes inside the endothelial layer, are then used to simulate their response in compression and shear which represent typical loads in a vascular wall. The models enable us to analyse the role of individual cytoskeletal components in the mechanical responses, as well as to quantify the nucleus deformation which is hypothesized to be the quantity decisive for mechanotransduction.
Effectiveness of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty Applied to 360° vs. 180° of the Angle
Authors: Nirappel Abraham , Klug Emma , Ye Rebecca , Hall Nathan , Chachanidze Marika , Chang Ta C. , Solá-Del Valle David
Published: February 2021

Purpose. To compare the effectiveness and safety of 360° and 180° of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods. Retrospective cohort study. The main outcome measure was the Kaplan–Meier analysis comparing the cumulative probabilities of survival between the 360° and 180° SLT groups in terms of IOP reduction. Success was defined as ≥20% IOP reduction from baseline with an IOP between 5–18 mmHg and ≤1 glaucoma medication added postoperatively. Additional outcome measures included changes in average IOP, number of glaucoma medications, and the incidence of postoperative IOP spikes. Measurements were obtained at 6 weeks, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. Results. Two hundred and fifty-eight eyes of 258 patients were included in the 360° group, and 196 eyes of 196 patients were included in the 180° group. The mean IOP reductions at 2 years were 2.21 ± 2.02 mmHg and 2.43 ± 1.81 mmHg (

p
=
0.33

) in the 180° and 360° groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative IOP spikes between the two groups. There was a significant difference in the survival curves of the two groups (

p
=
0.035

). The Cox proportional-hazard model indicated that 360° of SLT application was a significant predictor of long-term success (

p
=
0.030

). Conclusions. 360° of SLT application seems to provide for greater long-term IOP control than 180° of application without putting patients at an elevated risk for postoperative IOP spikes.
Chimeras and Clusters Emerging from Robust‐Chaos Dynamics
Authors: Cosenza M. G. , Alvarez-Llamoza O. , Cano A. V.
Published: February 2021

We show that dynamical clustering, where a system segregates into distinguishable subsets of synchronized elements, and chimera states, where differentiated subsets of synchronized and desynchronized elements coexist, can emerge in networks of globally coupled robust‐chaos oscillators. We describe the collective behavior of a model of globally coupled robust‐chaos maps in terms of statistical quantities and characterize clusters, chimera states, synchronization, and incoherence on the space of parameters of the system. We employ the analogy between the local dynamics of a system of globally coupled maps with the response dynamics of a single driven map. We interpret the occurrence of clusters and chimeras in a globally coupled system of robust‐chaos maps in terms of windows of periodicity and multistability induced by a drive on the local robust‐chaos map. Our results show that robust‐chaos dynamics does not limit the formation of cluster and chimera states in networks of coupled systems, as it had been previously conjectured.
Allelopathic Effects of Sphaeranthus suaveolens on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Phaseolus vulgaris and Oryza sativa
Authors: Laizer Hudson C. , Chacha Musa N. , Ndakidemi Patrick A.
Published: February 2021

Weeds with allelopathic effect have been reported to cause significant damage in agriculture particularly in smallholder farming systems. This study assessed the allelopathic effects of different concentrations of crude extract of a noxious weed Sphaeranthus suaveolens on seed germination and seedling growth of Phaseolus vulgaris and Oryza sativa by examining germination, seedling height, and total chlorophyll content after seven and fourteen days of crude extract treatment, respectively. Results showed that seed germination and seedling growth were significantly (

p
<
0.001

) decreased with increase in concentration of crude extract, signifying concentration dependency. Highest concentration (100%) of S. suaveolens crude extracts resulted in 90% and 100% inhibition of P. vulgaris and O. sativa seed germination, respectively. Chlorophyll content, fresh weight, and root and shoot length of both P. vulgaris and O. sativa were also significantly (

p
<
0.001

) affected by highest concentration (100%) of S. suaveolens crude extracts. Results from this study suggest that the extract of S. suaveolens contains water-soluble allelochemicals which significantly reduce growth and productivity of P. vulgaris and O. sativa.
Concurrent Central Diabetes Insipidus and Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Pritzl Stephanie L. , Matson Daniel R. , Juckett Mark B. , Ciske David J.
Published: February 2021

Central diabetes insipidus (CDI) is a rare reported complication of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The onset of AML-associated CDI often precedes the diagnosis of AML by weeks or months and is considered an adverse prognostic indicator in this setting. The mechanism of AML-associated CDI is not known; however, it is often reported in the setting of cytogenetic events resulting in MDS1 and EVI1 complex locus protein (MECOM) gene overexpression. Here, we describe a case of new onset CDI which preceded a diagnosis of AML by 1 month. We detail the clinical and laboratory evaluation of the patient’s CDI, and we describe the pathological and laboratory workup of their AML, which ultimately yielded a diagnosis of AML with myelodysplasia-related changes. Additional cytogenetic findings included the identification of the t (2;3)(p23;q27), which leads to MECOM gene overexpression and which to our knowledge has not previously been reported in the setting of AML-associated CDI. The patient received induction chemotherapy followed by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation but experienced disease relapse and passed away nine months after initial diagnosis. We emphasize that new onset CDI can occur as a rare complication of AML where it portends a poor prognosis and may be related to AML subtypes displaying MECOM gene dysregulation.
A Novel Method for Constructing Main‐Aftershock Sequences and Its Application in the Global Damage Accumulation Effects Analysis of Gravity Dams
Authors: Zhang Liaojun , Zhai Yafei , Cui Binghui , Tang Yujie , Bi Zhonghui
Published: February 2021

The traditional linear elastic and Drucker–Prager (DP) models cannot truly reflect the strong nonlinear characteristics of the concrete and rock foundation of the dam under earthquake. Therefore, for comprehensive evaluation of the cumulative damage of the gravity dam structure caused by aftershock, the dynamic damage of the dam body concrete is analyzed by many scholars through the plastic damage mechanics method, but there is little research on rock material at the dam foundation with the method utilized; thus, the simulation of the whole dynamic damage evolution is worthy of investigation of the dam body and dam foundation. According to the randomness of ground motion, the transcendental probability (P) is introduced to express the statistical characteristics of aftershock intensity, and a new method for constructing main‐aftershock sequences of ground motion is proposed in this paper. And then, the law of the damage evolution and energy characteristics of the concrete gravity dam under the combined action of the main shock and aftershock sequences is studied. The results are shown as follows: the smaller aftershocks do not cause further damage to the dam; as the aftershock intensity increases, the energy characteristics of the dam body and foundation have shown different changing rules; when the ratio of peak aftershock acceleration to peak main shock acceleration (∇PGA) approximately equals 0.68, the aftershock will cause larger secondary damage to the dam.
Low Transverse versus Midline Abdominal Skin Incisions for in utero Spina Bifida Repair
Authors: Fishel Bartal Michal , Bergh Eric P. , Tsao Kuojen , Austin Mary T. , Moise Kenneth J. , Fletcher Stephen A. , Sibai Baha M. , Papanna Ramesha
Published: February 2021

Objective: The 2 types of maternal skin incisions for in utero spina bifida repair are low transverse (LT) incision perceived to be cosmetic benefit and midline longitudinal (ML) incision, typically associated with a reduction in surgical time and lower blood loss. Our objective was to compare short- and long-term outcomes associated with these 2 types of skin incisions following in utero spina bifida repair. Methods: Prospective observational cohort of 72 patients undergoing fetal spina bifida repair at a single institution between September 2011 and August 2018. The decision for the type of incision was at the discretion of the surgeons. The primary outcome was total operative time. Secondary outcomes included an analog scale of wound pain score on postoperative day 3, duration of postoperative stay, and postoperative wound complications within the first 4 weeks. The Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire, a validated questionnaire, was obtained for all patients (≥6 months from delivery) using 4 categories (appearance, consciousness, satisfaction with appearance and with symptoms), with higher scores reflecting a poorer perception of the scar. Results: There were 43 women (59.7%) in the LT group and 29 (40.3%) in the ML group. In all patients, the same incision was used during cesarean delivery. The total operative time was higher in the LT group by 33 min (p < 0.001), primarily due to abdominal wall incision time (open and closure). No significant differences were found between the groups in pain score, length of postoperative stay, or the rate of wound complications. Fifty-three patients (73.6%) responded to the questionnaire, 36/43 from the LT group and 17/29 from the ML group. There was no difference in the scores of appearance, consciousness, and satisfaction with appearance and symptoms between the groups. Conclusion: ML incisions shorten operative times without altering long-term incision-related satisfaction when compared to LT incisions.
Identification of Two Novel Frameshift Mutations in Exostosin 1 in Two Families with Multiple Osteochondromas
Authors: Wang Chen-Yu , Yu Fang , Jin Jie-Yuan , He Ji-Qiang , Fan Liang-Liang , Tang Ju-Yu , Xiang Rong
Published: February 2021

Multiple osteochondromas (MO) is an autosomal dominant hereditary disorder, which typically manifests as skeletal dysplasia, mainly involving long bones and knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, shoulders, and pelvis. Previous studies have demonstrated that mutations in exostosin glycosyl transferase-1 (EXT1) and exostosin glycosyl transferase-2 (EXT2) were the main cause of MO. In this study, we enrolled 2 families with MO. Sanger sequencing revealed 2 novel frameshift mutations – c.1432_1433insCCCCCCT; p.Lys479Profs*44 and c.1431_1431delC; p.S478PfsX10 – in the EXT1 gene detected in 2 families, respectively. Both novel mutations, located in the conserved domain of EXT1 and predicted to be disease causing by informatics programs, were absent in our 200 control cohorts and other public databases. Our study expanded the spectrum of EXT1 mutations and contributed to genetic diagnosis and counseling of patients with MO.
Effects of Transplacental Dexamethasone Therapy on Fetal Immune-Mediated Complete Heart Block
Authors: Saito Mika , Silverman Earl , Golding Fraser , Guerra Vitor , Hiraki Linda , Thakur Varsha , Jaeggi Edgar
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Antibody-mediated complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) is considered irreversible. We sought to examine the effects of transplacental steroids on fetal AV conduction. Methods: Fifty-nine fetuses diagnosed with CAVB at our center from 1996 to 2018 were reviewed. Routine dexamethasone administration to birth was used to limit cardiac inflammatory damage. Restoration of fetal AV conduction was classified as “unexpected” treatment response. Results: CAVB resolved in 5/29 (17%) fetuses first treated ≤24-week gestation with 8 mg/day of dexamethasone, when compared with 0/30 (0%) when treatment was initiated later and/or at a starting dose of 4 mg/day (odds ratio 13.69; 95% confidence interval 0.72–260.13; p = 0.024). Treatment response was also associated with a faster ventricular rate at diagnosis (median [range]: 80 [60–97] beats per minute [bpm] vs. 58 [38–92] bpm; p = 0.0036). CAVB reappeared in all 5 responders either prenatally (n = 1) or postnatally before (n = 3) or after (n = 1) the first year of life. When compared with infants with treatment-resistant CAVB (median follow-up 10.3 years), responders (median follow-up 12.3 years) required postnatal pacing less frequent (2/5 [40%] vs. 45/49 [92%]; p = 0.013). Conclusions: In a subgroup of CAVB fetuses, dexamethasone transiently restored AV conduction. This was associated with a lower rate of postnatal pacing when compared with nonresponders.
Glucocorticoid Receptor Beta and Its Prognostic Value on Treatment Response in Chronic Vulvar Dermatitis
Authors: Bernays Valerie , Kowalewski Mariusz Pawel , Dedes Ioannis , Kerl French Katrin , Fink Daniel , Kolm Isabel , Betschart Cornelia
Published: February 2021

Background: Chronic vulvar dermatitis (CVD) is the most prevalent disease in gynecologic dermatology. The treatment mainly depends on topical glucocorticoids (TGC) but is challenged by insufficient treatment response. On a histological level, the upregulation of the glucocorticoid receptor β (GRβ), an inhibitor of the active glucocorticoid receptor α (GRα), is discussed as mechanism of glucocorticoid insensitivity. Objectives: To analyze whether the expression of GRβ protein at baseline in keratinocytes may predict responsiveness to TGC in patients with CVD. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, clinical and biological data of 25 women with a histological diagnosis of chronic vulvar eczema were analyzed. Randomization was done according to the responsiveness to TGC treatment (responsive vs. nonresponsive). Clinical data and the expression of GRβ in the immunohistochemical stained biopsies were examined. Results: Fifty-two percent of women with CVD were nonresponsive to TGC. GRβ was abundantly expressed in the cytoplasma of keratinocytes of the vulvar epithelium, but no difference in the level of expression was found among GC responsive and nonresponsive patients in the semiquantitative (p = 0.376) and quantitative analysis (p = 0.894). Conclusion: GRβ is highly expressed in keratinocytes of the vulvar epidermis affected by CVD, but GRβ expression was not increased in patients nonresponsive to TGC compared to responsive patients. Thus, the failure mechanism in nonresponders still remains to be elucidated.
HLA Profile of Kami Population Refutes the Earlier Proposition of Exclusive Closer Genetic Affinity of All the Gorkhas to Mongoloids
Authors: Singh Bisu , Chamlagai Dependra , Gurung Jiwan
Published: February 2021

Objective: Based on the HLA profile of Indian Gorkhas, Debnath and Chaudhuri (2006) proposed that Gorkhas are genetically closer to Mongoloids, and they may have originated from Mongolians or Tibetan stocks. However, the major limitation of the earlier study was that Gorkhas comprise 2 broad groups, i.e. Tibeto-Burmans and Indo-Aryans. Besides, Gorkhas have an assemblage of many sociocultural and linguistically distinct populations such as Rai, Magar, Limbu, Tamang, Newar, Bahun, Kami, and so on. Thus, the generalization of the findings on Gorkhas by considering them as a single homogenous population may not be free from biases. Therefore, the present study aims to understand the genetic affinity of a constituent population from the Gorkha community, i.e. Kami, based on HLA polymorphism. Methods: First field HLA typing was performed among 158 Kami individuals by PCR-SSP methods. Results: The most frequent genes observed were HLA-A*11, HLA-B*15, HLA-DRB1*15. The frequency of HLA-DRB1*15 reported here is the highest recorded among the North Indian population to date, which is a noteworthy finding of the study. The hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis showed that the Kami population lies within the cluster of the Indian subcontinental population. Conclusion: The study refutes the earlier proposition of exclusive belongingness of all the Gorkhas to Mongoloids.
miR-33 Silencing Reprograms the Immune Cell Landscape in Atherosclerotic Plaques
Authors: Afonso Milessa Silva , Sharma Monika , Schlegel Martin , van Solingen Coen , Koelwyn Graeme J. , Shanley Lianne C. , Beckett Lauren , Peled Daniel , Rahman Karishma , Giannarelli Chiara , Li Huilin , Brown Emily J. , Khodadadi-Jamayran Alireza , Fisher Edward A. , Moore Kathryn J.
Published: February 2021

Rationale:

MicroRNA-33 (miR-33 [post-transcriptionally in the rationale]) post-transcriptionally represses genes involved in lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis. Targeted inhibition of miR-33 increases plasma HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and promotes atherosclerosis regression, in part, by enhancing reverse cholesterol transport and dampening plaque inflammation. However, how miR-33 reshapes the immune microenvironment of plaques remains poorly understood.

Objective:

To define how miR-33 inhibition alters the dynamic balance and transcriptional landscape of immune cells in atherosclerotic plaques.

Methods and Results:

We used single-cell RNA-sequencing of aortic CD45
+
cells, combined with immunohistologic, morphometric, and flow cytometric analyses to define the changes in plaque immune cell composition, gene expression, and function following miR-33 inhibition. We report that anti–miR-33 treatment of
Ldlr
–/–
mice with advanced atherosclerosis reduced plaque burden and altered the plaque immune cell landscape by shifting the balance of proatherosclerotic and antiatherosclerotic macrophage and T-cell subsets. By quantifying the kinetic processes that determine plaque macrophage burden, we found that anti–miR-33 reduced levels of circulating monocytes and splenic myeloid progenitors, decreased macrophage proliferation and retention, and promoted macrophage attrition by apoptosis and efferocytotic clearance. Single-cell RNA-sequencing of aortic arch plaques showed that anti–miR-33 reduced the frequency of MHCII
hi
(major histocompatibility complex II) inflammatory and Trem2
hi
(Triggering Receptor Expressed On Myeloid Cells 2) metabolic macrophages, but not tissue-resident macrophages. Furthermore, anti–miR-33 led to derepression of distinct miR-33 target genes in the different macrophage subsets: in resident and Trem2
hi
macrophages, anti–miR-33 relieved repression of miR-33 target genes involved in lipid metabolism (eg,
Abca1
,
Ncoa1, Ncoa2
,
Crot
), whereas in MHCII
hi
macrophages, anti–miR-33 upregulated target genes involved in chromatin remodeling and transcriptional regulation. Anti–miR-33 also reduced the accumulation of aortic CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T-helper 1 cells, and increased levels of FoxP3+ (Forkhead Box P3) regulatory T cells in plaques, consistent with an immune-dampening effect on plaque inflammation.

Conclusions:

Our results provide insight into the immune mechanisms and cellular players that execute anti–miR-33’s atheroprotective actions in the plaque.
Loss of CASK Accelerates Heart Failure Development
Authors: Mustroph Julian , Sag Can M. , Bähr Felix , Schmidtmann Anna-Lena , Gupta Shamindra N. , Dietz Alexander , Islam M.M. Towhidul , Lücht Charlotte , Beuthner Bo Eric , Pabel Steffen , Baier Maria J. , El-Armouche Ali , Sossalla Samuel , Anderson Mark E. , Möllmann Julia , Lehrke Michael , Marx Nikolaus , Mohler Peter J. , Bers Donald M. , Unsöld Bernhard , He Tao , Dewenter Matthias , Backs Johannes , Maier Lars S. , Wagner Stefan
Published: February 2021

Rationale:

Increased myocardial activity of CaMKII (Ca/calmodulin-dependent kinase II) leads to heart failure and arrhythmias. In
Drosophila
neurons, interaction of CaMKII with CASK (Ca/CaM-dependent serine protein kinase) has been shown to inhibit CaMKII activity, but the consequences of this regulation for heart failure and ventricular arrhythmias are unknown.

Objective:

We hypothesize that CASK associates with CaMKII in human and mouse hearts thereby limiting CaMKII activity and that altering CASK expression in mice changes CaMKII activity accordingly, with functional consequences for contractile function and arrhythmias.

Methods and Results:

Immunoprecipitation revealed that CASK associates with CaMKII in human hearts. CASK expression is unaltered in heart failure but increased in patients with aortic stenosis. In mice, cardiomyocyte-specific knockout of CASK increased CaMKII-autophosphorylation at the stimulatory T287 site, but reduced phosphorylation at the inhibitory T305/306 site. Knockout of CASK mice showed increased CaMKII-dependent sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca leak, reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca content, increased susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias, greater loss of ejection fraction, and increased mortality after transverse aortic constriction. Intriguingly, stimulation of the cardiac glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor with exenatide increased CASK expression resulting in increased inhibitory CaMKII T305 phosphorylation, reduced CaMKII activity, and reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca leak in wild type but not CASK-KO.

Conclusions:

CASK associates with CaMKII in the human heart. Knockout of CASK in mice increases CaMKII activity, leading to contractile dysfunction and arrhythmias. Increasing CASK expression reduces CaMKII activity, improves Ca handling and contractile function.
The Documents Classic as Guide to Political Philosophy in the Early Empires
Authors: Nylan Michael
Published: February 2021

This essay provides an overview of the prescriptions advanced by the Han-era Documents classic, since it was indisputably the Documents that served as the chief guide to political philosophy in the early empires for members of the elite with the requisite high cultural learning. It presents the authoritative pronouncements of the Documents on a number of key issues, such as, Who has the legitimacy to rule? How shall the good ruler and his officials act to retain legitimacy? What is the best form of government? How are punishments to be applied? How are taxes and tribute, domestic and foreign policy, to be administered? It prescribes actions to further the virtues of foresightedness, compassion, and fairness.
The physiology of Venezillo arizonicus (Isopoda, Armadillidae): metabolism and thermal tolerance
Authors: Harris Zechariah C. , Wright Jonathan C.
Published: February 2021

Venezillo arizonicus (Mulaik & Mulaik, 1942) is the only oniscidean isopod native to the Southwest Desert Province of North America. In accordance with its desert habitat, we hypothesized that V. arizonicus would have a higher upper lethal temperature than mesic oniscideans. If oniscidean thermal tolerance is limited by an oxygen consumption-uptake mismatch (physiological hypoxia), as indicated by recent work with other land isopods, we further hypothesized that V. arizonicus would possess highly efficient pleopodal lungs, as defined by its capacity for metabolic regulation in reduced . Other adaptations to counter oxygen limitation at high temperatures could include reduced temperature sensitivity of metabolism (low ) and an overall reduction in metabolic rate. Thermal tolerance was measured using the progressive method of Cowles & Bogert and the catabolic rate of animals () was measured as a function of temperature and . The critical thermal maximum (CTmax) of winter-acclimatized animals was 43.0 ± 0.85°C, 1.6-2.6°C higher than published values for summer-acclimatized mesic oniscideans. The catabolic rate at 25°C was 1.50 ± 0.203 μl min−1 g−1, markedly lower than values determined for mesic Oniscidea (4-6 μl min−1 g−1) and was unaffected by hypoxia as low as 2% O2 (ca. 2 kPa). Catabolism was, however, quite sensitive to temperature, showing a mean of 2.58 over 25-42°C. The efficient pleopodal lungs and low metabolic rate of V. arizonicus will both tend to mitigate physiological hypoxia, consistent with the species’ high CTmax. A low catabolic rate may also be an adaptation to low habitat productivity and seasonally constrained activity patterns.
In the Name of Equality: The ‘Bengal Rule’
Authors: De Herdt Sandrine W.
Published: February 2021

Following a call for equal treatment from the Sri Lankan delegation, the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea recognized that the provision on sedimentary thickness in Article 76(4) of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea would result in inequity for States in the southern part of the Bay of Bengal, as more than half of the margin would be cut off. Accordingly, the Conference adopted a ‘Statement of Understanding Concerning a Specific Method to Be Used in Establishing the Outer Edge of the Continental Margin’ that specifically applies to States in this area. This geographical limitation poses a question of equality: Are other States with a continental shelf with similar characteristics excluded? This article addresses this issue with reference to four States that have referred to the Statement in their submissions to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.
Ethiopia Before The United Nations Treaty Monitoring Bodies
Authors: Brems Eva
Published: February 2021

Ethiopia before the United Nations Treaty Monitoring Bodies

Among the many human rights conventions adopted by the UN, seven are known – together with their additional protocols – as the core international human rights instruments:

‒ The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination;

‒ The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;

‒ The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights;

‒ The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women;

‒ The Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment;

‒ The Convention on the Rights of the Child;

‒ The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families.

The main international control mechanism under these conventions is what may be considered the standard mechanism in international human rights protection: state reporting before an international committee. An initial report is due usually one year after joining the treaty and afterwards, reports are due periodically (every four or five years). The international committees examine the reports submitted by the state parties. In the course of this examination they include information from other sources, such as the press, other United Nations materials or NGO information. They also hold a meeting with representatives of the state submitting the report. At the end of this process the committee issues 'concluding observations' or 'concluding comments'. This paper focuses on the experience of one state – Ethiopia – with the seven core human rights treaties. This should allow the reader to gain insights both into the human rights situation in Ethiopia and in the functioning of the United Nations human rights protection system.
State and non-state regulation in African protracted crises: governance without government?
Authors: Raeymaekers Timothy , Menkhaus Ken , Vlassenroot Koen
Published: February 2021

This article introduces a collection of papers that treat the question of governance in conditions of protracted crises in Subsahara Africa. Contrary to the widespread belief that African conflicts are little more than (undoubtedly complex and intractable) instances of anarchy and chaos, the authors present the reader with tangible evidence of the existence of non-state governance processes by constituencies attempting to manage the perils of long periods of violent strife and state failure. Their aim is to move beyond the purely empirical and to theorize and situate such phenomena of non-state governance in the broader context of political and social change that is currently reshaping Africa.
The rise of a mediated state in northern Kenya: the Wajir story and its implications for state-building
Authors: Menkhaus Ken
Published: February 2021

In an anarchic corner of northern Kenya in the mid-1990s, a collection of local non-state actors led by a women’s market group created an umbrella movement that came to establish an impressive level of peace and security across an entire region. The Kenyan government forged a formal relationship with this group in Wajir, essentially sub-contracting out important functions of local government to local civic leaders, and using its partnership with the Wajir group as a template for similar state-sanctioned governance arrangements in other troubled border areas of the country. The Wajir story is examined in this article as an example of a “mediated state” approach to rebuilding rule of law through non-state actors in a conflict and post-conflict setting.
Cocconeis tsara sp. nov., C. santandrea sp. nov. and allied taxa pertaining to the new section Loculatae
Authors: RIAUX-GOBIN CATHERINE , FRANKOVICH THOMAS , WITKOWSKI ANDRZEJ , SAENZ-AGUDELO PABLO , ESTEVE PETER , ECTOR LUC , BEMIASA JOHN
Published: February 2021

The genus Cocconeis is highly diverse and composed of several groups with distinctive morphologies. Several Cocconeis, characterized by complex areola occlusions, are here grouped under the new section Loculatae. The complex loculate areolae are either present on both valves, or most often only on the sternum valve (SV). Among the Loculatae taxa, some were described as varieties of Cocconeis scutellum, whereas others were assigned species rank. Critical SEM examination is required to correctly discriminate members of this section. Cocconeis tsara sp. nov. and C. santandrea sp. nov. are marine tropical benthic diatoms with loculate areolae justifying their membership to the proposed section. Based on ultrastructure, a cladistic analysis is performed to determine the relationships between these taxa. A traditional dichotomous tree based on the most particular features encountered on this group is constructed to aid in species determination. Several of the Loculatae taxa are epiphytic, one was observed as epizoic. The necessity of high resolution SEM to discern details of the SV areola occlusions and the raphe valve valvocopula (RVVC), and the nomenclatural descriptive terms used by authors, are discussed to better compare recent and historical descriptions.
Gerhardtia yunnanensis (Agaricales, Lyophyllaceae), a new species from southwest China
Authors: MU MAN , HUANG HONG-YAN , HUANG TING , YANG SHU-DA , TANG LI-PING
Published: February 2021

Gerhardtia yunnanensis is described as a new species from southwestern China. The species is characterized by its medium to large basidiomata with a yellow-brown to reddish brown pileus with a translucent-striate pale margin, weakly curved stipe, basidia with both cyanophilic and siderophilic reactions, basidiospore walls having a cyanophilic reaction, basidiospores with minute granular or verruculose ornamentation under SEM, narrowly clavate to irregular or curved clavate cheilocystidia and pleurocystidia, and absence of clamp connections. A comparison of all taxa of the genus was performed based on morphological and ITS and LSU molecular data. Furthermore, we provide a key to the known species of Gerhardtia worldwide.
Inocybe cervenianensis (Agaricales, Inocybaceae), a new species in the I. flavoalbida clade from Italy

Authors: DOVANA FRANCESCO , BIZIO ENRICO , GARBELOTTO MATTEO , FERISIN GIULIANO
Published: February 2021

The authors describe the macro- and microscopic features of Inocybe cervenianensis, a new taxon belonging to the genus Inocybe sensu stricto. The description is illustrated with photographs of the basidiomes in their natural habitat and photographs of the main microscopic features. Molecular data (nrITS and RPB2) support the recognition of this new species.
Mouretia oblanceolata (Rubiaceae), a new species from central Vietnam
Authors: ANH TRAN THI PHUONG , NGUYEN KHANG SINH , BINH TRAN DUC , QUANG BUI HONG , WU LEI
Published: February 2021

Mouretia oblanceolata, discovered in central Vietnam, is described as a new species of the tribe Argostemmateae in the family Rubiaceae. The new species is most similar to Mouretia tonkinensis and M. vietnamensis but differs from them by the following traits: erect to sub-erect habit, abaxially glabrous, obcordate stipules, oblanceolate leaves, 12–16 pairs of lateral veins, terminal, umbrella-like, cymose inflorescences, deltoid calyx lobes, and revolute, deltoid to ovate corolla lobes. The formal description, including color illustrations and basic information of ecology, phenology and conservation status, and a key to all currently known species of the genus are provided here.
Revision of Nephochaetopteryx Townsend, 1934 (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)
Authors: CARVALHO-FILHO FERNANDO DA SILVA , ESPOSITO MARIA CRISTINA , DE MELLO-PATIU CÁTIA ANTUNES
Published: February 2021

Nephochaetopteryx Townsend, 1934 is a genus of flesh flies predominantly Neotropical in distribution, which comprises small species (4.0–7.3 mm) characterized mainly by vein R1 fully setulose dorsally and wing usually fumose between apical part of vein R2+3 and vein C. The taxonomic revision of the genus resulted in 39 valid species, of which 12 are new to science: N. boruca sp. nov., N. canga sp. nov., N. coendu sp. nov., N. cuzco sp. nov., N. equatoriana sp. nov., N. inca sp. nov., N. lamasi sp. nov., N. matinta sp. nov., N. psittacocercus sp. nov., N. sofiae sp. nov., N. similis sp. nov. and N. tembe sp. nov. Nephochaetopteryx shannoni Dodge, 1968 is a junior synonym of N. flavipalpis Lopes, 1936, syn. nov. and N. linharensis Tibana & Santos 1997 is a junior synonym of N. pallidifacies Lopes 1975, syn. nov. A key to the males of all valid species is given, as well as detailed illustrations of the male terminalia.
An annotated and illustrated checklist of the Indian cuckoo wasps (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae)
Authors: ROSA PAOLO , ASWATHI POKKATTU GOPI , BIJOY CHENTHAMARAKSHAN
Published: February 2021

An illustrated and updated checklist of the Indian Chrysididae is presented, including synonyms and distributional summaries. The list includes 105 species in 20 genera. Six species are described as new: Elampus gladiator Rosa, sp. nov. (Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh), Chrysis aswathiae Rosa, sp. nov. (Tamil Nadu, elegans species group), Chrysis baldocki Rosa, sp. nov. (Tamil Nadu, smaragdula group), Chrysis bernasconii Rosa, sp. nov. (Tamil Nadu, subsinuata group), Chrysis polita Rosa, sp. nov. (West Bengal, Uttaranchal, Myanmar, ignita group), and Chrysis travancoriana Rosa, sp. nov. (Kerala and Tamil Nadu, praecipua group). Six species are newly recorded: Chrysis hecate Mocsáry, 1889; Chrysis jalala Nurse, 1902; Chrysis obscura Smith, 1860; Istiochrysis ziliolii Rosa & Xu, 2016; Praestochrysis furcifera (Bingham, 1903); Primeuchroeus siamensis (Bischoff, 1910). Two new synonymies are proposed: Chrysis abuensis Nurse, 1902, syn. nov. of Chrysis wroughtoni du Buysson, 1896b; Chrysis nursei Bingham, 1903 syn. nov. of Chrysis gujaratica Nurse, 1903a. Holopyga (Hedychridium) virescens Mocsáry, 1914 is transferred to the genus Hedychridium Abeille de Perrin, 1878; the name Hedychridium virescens (Mocsáry, 1914) results a secondary homonym of Hedychridium virescens du Buysson, 1908 and it is here replaced with the new name Hedychridium mocsaryi Rosa, nom. nov. Chrysis cotesi du Buysson, 1893, sp. resurr. is here revalidated from the previous synonymy with Chrysis palliditarsis Spinola, 1838. Chrysis bahadur Nurse, 1903a is transferred from the ignita group to the splendidula group, Chrysis bhavanae Bingham, 1903 is transferred from the ignita group to the maculicornis group, and Chrysis thakur is transferred from the smaragdula group to the oculata group. Chrysis nila Bingham, 1903 and Chrysis variipes Mocsáry, 1911 are included in the newly established nila group. Spinolia kashmirae Kimsey in Kimsey & Bohart, 1991 is classified as unnecessary replacement name. The name Parnopes oberthuri du Buysson, 1904 is here emendated into Parnopes oberthueri (currently Cephaloparnops oberthueri). Potential erroneous data, misidentifications and dubious distributional records that may exist in the literature are also identified. We examined almost all type specimens, excluding taxa described by Cameron and Smith. We provide a key to Indian genera, including those expected for the country and not yet recorded, and colour images of type and non-type specimens belonging to 82 species.
Umbilical Fascial Defects are Common and Predict Trocar Site Hernias After Laparoscopic Appendectomy
Authors: Hernandez Steven M. , Kiselak Elizabeth A. , Zielonka Tania , Tucker Scarlett , Blatt Melissa , Perez Javier M. , Kaul Sanjeev , Dayal Saraswati , Sharma Jyoti , Dalal Setu , Rippey Kelly , Kuo Yen-Hong , Cohn Stephen M.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Investigations have demonstrated that trocar site hernia (TSH) is an under-appreciated complication of laparoscopic surgery, occurring in as many as 31%. We determined the incidence of fascial defects prior to laparoscopic appendectomy and its impact relative to other risk factors upon the development of TSH.

Methods

TSH was defined as a fascial separation of ≥ 1 cm in the abdominal wall umbilical region on abdominal computerized tomography scan (CT) following laparoscopic appendectomy. Patients admitted to our medical center who had both a preoperative CT and postoperative CT for any reason (greater than 30 days after surgery) were reviewed for the presence of TSH from May 2010 to December 2018. CT scans were measured for fascial defects, while investigators were blinded to film timing (preoperative or postoperative) and patient identity. Demographic information was collected.

Results

241 patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy had both preoperative and late postoperative CT. TSH was identified in 49 (20.3%) patients. Mean preoperative fascial gap was 3.3 ± 4.3 mm in those not developing a postoperative hernia versus 14.8 ± 7.3 mm in those with a postoperative hernia ( P < .0001). Preoperative fascial defect on CT was predictive of TSH ( P < .001, OR = 1.44), with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of .921 (95%CI: .88–.92). Other major risk factors for TSH were: age greater than 59 years ( P < .031, OR = 2.48); and obesity, BMI > 30 ( P < .012, OR = 2.14).

Conclusions

The incidence of trocar site hernia was one in five following laparoscopic appendectomy. The presence of a pre-existing fascial defect, advanced age, and obesity were strong predictors for the development of trocar site hernia.
A psychoeducational mental health promotion intervention in a comprehensive schools: Recognising problems and reducing stigma
Authors: Onnela Anna , Hurtig Tuula , Ebeling Hanna
Published: February 2021

Objective:

Adolescence is a vulnerable age for emerging mental health problems, but also a time at which the foundations for a healthy lifestyle are established. Attitudes towards mental health problems and the ability to recognise them can be affected at this age. The aim of this study was to describe a psychoeducative intervention aimed at increasing knowledge of mental health problems and decreasing the stigma of mental health disorders among eighth-grade students in Finland.

Design:

Mixed-methods exploration of how a universal psychoeducation delivered in the classroom can affect attitudes towards, and recognition of, mental health disorders and how young people perceive the psychoeducation received.

Setting:

The study involved 162 eighth-grade students in two comprehensive schools in Finland.

Method:

The intervention consisted of four lessons on the topics of anxiety, eating disorders, conduct disorder, and depression and substance use.

Results:

Students in both the intervention and non-intervention groups recognised the symptoms of mental health disorders well before and after the intervention, and the intervention improved boys’ ability to recognise conduct disorder. Following the intervention, students saw mental health disorders as real medical conditions. Students experienced the intervention as beneficial, increasing their knowledge, understanding and open-mindedness with regards to mental health.

Conclusion:

Mental health promotion interventions have the goal of increasing the ability of individuals to understand mental health issues and engage in self-care of mental health. Providing mental health promotion interventions to young people has the potential to increase knowledge and skills in maintaining a healthy lifestyle in adulthood.