bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resveratrol Attenuates Oxidative Stress-Induced Intestinal Barrier Injury through PI3K/Akt-Mediated Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhuang Yu , Wu Huirong , Wang Xiangxiang , He Jieyu , He Shanping , Yin Yulong
Published: December 2019

Oxidative stress is implicated in a wide range of intestinal disorders and closely associated with their pathological processes. Resveratrol (RSV), a plant extract, plays a vital role in protecting various organs in vitro and in vivo. However, the benefits of RSV are controversial, and underlying mechanisms for its antioxidant effects on intestinal epithelial cells remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of RSV on oxidative stress induced by H2O2 in IPEC-J2 cells. We found that pretreatment with RSV significantly increased cell viability; increased expression levels of tight junction (TJ) proteins (claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1); improved activities of superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px); and decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and apoptosis induced by H2O2 (P<0.05). In addition, RSV upregulated Akt phosphorylation, Nrf2 phosphorylation, and expression levels of antioxidant genes HO-1, SOD-1, and CAT in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05) under oxidative stress. Knockdown of Nrf2 by short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) abrogated RSV-mediated protection against H2O2-induced apoptosis, RSV-induced increase of TJ protein levels, and antioxidant gene expression (SOD-1, CAT, and GSH-Px) (P<0.05). Consistent with Nrf2 knockdown, the PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002 significantly suppressed RSV-induced Nrf2 phosphorylation and RSV-induced increase of TJ protein levels and antioxidant gene expression under H2O2 treatment (P<0.05). Collectively, these results demonstrate that RSV can directly protect IPEC-J2 cells against oxidative stress through the PI3K/Akt-mediated Nrf2 signaling pathway, suggesting that RSV may be an effective feed additive against intestinal damage in livestock production.
A Pilot Study of Echinocandin Combination with Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole and Clindamycin for the Treatment of AIDS Patients with Pneumocystis Pneumonia
Authors: Wang Mengyan , Lang Guanjing , Chen Ying , Hu Caiqin , Guo Yongzheng , Tao Ran , Dong Xiaotian , Zhu Biao
Published: December 2019

Background and Objectives. Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a common opportunistic infection in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients that continues to result in a high mortality rate. To develop a better treatment strategy and improve PCP prognosis, a cohort study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic potential of echinocandin treatment for AIDS patients with PCP (AIDS-PCP). Methods. The AIDS-PCP patients were analyzed in our retrospective cohort study that were hospitalized in The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University during 2013–2018. The antifungal effects of echinocandins were evaluated in two subgroups that were classified by oxygenation as a proxy for the disease state: PaO2/FiO2>200 mmHg and PaO2/FiO2≤200 mmHg. Intergroup comparisons and survival curves were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the two AIDS-PCP treatment regimens. Results. During the follow-up, 182 AIDS-PCP patients were diagnosed and analyzed in the study. After excluding 55 patients with other superinfections and five patients that were treated with HAART, the remaining 122 patients were enrolled in the study. The group treated with echinocandins combined with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) and clindamycin exhibited a lower mortality rate (9.62%, 5/52) than did the group with TMP-SMZ and clindamycin treatment (20%, 14/70). For AIDS-PCP patients in the PaO2/FiO2>200 mmHg subgroup, treatment with echinocandins combined with TMP-SMZ and clindamycin significantly reduced their mortality rate (4.44% (2/45) vs. 18.18% (10/55), P=0.035). Conclusion. The results of this study indicate that treatment with echinocandins in combination with the standard TMP-SMZ and clindamycin regimen can improve the prognosis and reduce the mortality rate in patients with mild to moderate AIDS-PCP disease.
Indoxyl Acetate as a Substrate for Analysis of Lipase Activity
Authors: Valek Tomas , Kostelnik Adam , Valkova Pavla , Pohanka Miroslav
Published: December 2019

Lipases play a crucial role in metabolism of microbes, fungi, plants, and animals, and in analytical chemistry, they are often used in detection of fats and triglycerides. Determination of lipase activity is also important in toxicology, when lipase activity can be both increased and decreased by organophosphates and other pesticides and in medicine for diagnosis of heart diseases. The standard method for lipase activity determination is based on cleaving ester bonds in lipase buffer containing Tween. Our aim was to find a method with faster and more sensitive response. It is known that acetylcholinesterase belongs to the same group of hydrolases enzymes as lipases and it cleaves indoxyl acetate, so we assume indoxyl acetate could report a similar reaction with lipase. Our method is based on indoxyl acetate as a substrate for lipase, where indoxyl acetate is cleaved by lipase to indoxyl and acetate moiety and blue indigo is created. The method was optimized for different times and amount of enzyme and compared with the standard Tween assay. The calibration curve measured in reaction time 20 minutes with 10 μl of lipase exhibited the best analytical parameters, and it showed Michaelis–Menten response with the Michaelis–Menten constant equal to 8.72 mmol/l. The indoxyl acetate-based method showed faster and more sensitive response than the standard method for lipase activity determination, so it has great potential in biosensor construction and it could be used in industry, medicine, toxicology, and common practice where the activity of lipases is need to be measured.
Clinicopathological Characteristics and Prognosis of Upper Gastric Cancer Patients in China: A 32-Year Single-Center Retrospective Clinical Study
Authors: Gong Yingbo , Wang Pengliang , Zhu Zhi , Zhang Junyan , Huang Jinyu , Xu Huimian
Published: December 2019

Purpose. Upper or proximal gastric cancer occurs in the upper third of the stomach between the cardia and a line connecting the greater and lesser curvatures. As it differs from other gastric cancers in pathology and prognosis, we evaluated patient and disease characteristics that might guide improved treatment and survival of upper gastric cancer. Methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 649 patients with upper gastric cancer and 1551 patients with lower gastric cancer and R0 radical surgery at our institution between January 1980 and December 2012. Results. Survival after radical surgery for upper gastric cancer was 77.8% at 1 year, 49.6% at 3 years, and 41.1% at 5 years. The corresponding rates for lower gastric cancer were 85.9%, 60.0%, and 57.2% (p<0.001). Upper gastric cancer had a poor prognosis. Sex (p=0.036), tumor diameter (p=0.001), macroscopic type (p<0.001), pTM stage (p<0.001), tissue differentiation type (p=0.003), and serosal invasion (p=0.034) were independently associated with lymph node metastasis. The macroscopic type (p=0.045), lymphovascular tumor emboli (p=0.021), and pTNM stage were independently associated with recurrence and metastasis. Survival of 333 patients with D2 total gastrectomy was 81.3% at 1 year, 54.4% at 3 years, and 45.2% at 5 years. The corresponding rates for 316 proximal gastrectomy patients were 75.4%, 44.9%, and 36.7%. Radical total gastrectomy had better survival than radical proximal resection. Conclusions. Upper gastric cancers were more aggressive, had a worse prognosis, and were more prone to recurrence and metastasis compared with lower gastric cancers. Survival was better after total gastrectomy than after proximal resection.
Intraoperative Kirschner Wire Migration during Robotic Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Authors: Peterson Ashley , Ngai Lynn K. , Burbridge Mark A.
Published: November 2019

We present the case of a 58-year-old woman who underwent a minimally invasive robotic-assisted L4-S1 instrumentation and fusion which was complicated by a Kirschner wire (K-wire) fracture and migration into the abdominal cavity necessitating emergent exploratory laparotomy. Retrieval of the K-wire proceeded without incident, and the patient had an otherwise uneventful surgery and recovery. This is the first such case description reported in the literature. As minimally invasive robotic-assisted spine procedures become more common, it is essential for the anesthesiologist to be familiar with potential complications to manage such patients in the perioperative period optimally.
Alcohol Consumption, Cigarette Smoking, and Risk of Breast Cancer for BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutation Carriers: Results from The BRCA1 and BRCA2 Cohort Consortium
Authors: Li Hongyan , Terry Mary Beth , Antoniou Antonis C. , Phillips Kelly-Anne , Kast Karin , Mooij Thea M. , Engel Christoph , Noguès Catherine , Stoppa-Lyonnet Dominique , Lasset Christine , Berthet Pascaline , Mari Veronique , Caron Olivier ,   for the GENEPSO study, Barrowdale Daniel , Frost Debra , Brewer Carole , Evans D. Gareth , Izatt Louise , Side Lucy , Walker Lisa , Tischkowitz Marc , Rogers Mark T. , Porteous Mary E. , Snape Katie ,   for the EMBRACE study, Meijers-Heijboer Hanne E.J. , Gille Johan J.P. , Blok Marinus J. , Hoogerbrugge Nicoline ,   for the HEBON Investigators, Daly Mary B. , Andrulis Irene L. , Buys Saundra S. , John Esther M. , McLachlan Sue-Anne , Friedlander Michael ,   for the kConFab Investigators, Tan Yen Y. , Osorio Ana , Caldes Trinidad , Jakubowska Anna , Simard Jacques , Singer Christian F. , Olah Edith , Navratilova Marie , Foretova Lenka , Gerdes Anne-Marie , Roos-Blom Marie-José , Arver Brita , Olsson Håkan , Schmutzler Rita K. , Hopper John L. , Milne Roger L. , Easton Douglas F. , Van Leeuwen Flora E. , Rookus Matti A. , Andrieu Nadine , Goldgar David E.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption have been intensively studied in the general population to assess their effects on the risk of breast cancer, but very few studies have examined these effects in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers. Given the high breast cancer risk for mutation carriers and the importance of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in DNA repair, better evidence on the associations of these lifestyle factors with breast cancer risk is essential.

Methods:

Using a large international pooled cohort of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers, we conducted retrospective (5,707 BRCA1 mutation carriers and 3,525 BRCA2 mutation carriers) and prospective (2,276 BRCA1 mutation carriers and 1,610 BRCA2 mutation carriers) analyses of alcohol and tobacco consumption using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results:

For both BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers, none of the smoking-related variables was associated with breast cancer risk, except smoking for more than 5 years before a first full-term pregnancy (FFTP) when compared with parous women who never smoked. For BRCA1 mutation carriers, the HR from retrospective analysis (HRR) was 1.19 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02–1.39] and the HR from prospective analysis (HRP) was 1.36 (95% CI, 0.99–1.87). For BRCA2 mutation carriers, smoking for more than 5 years before an FFTP showed an association of a similar magnitude, but the confidence limits were wider (HRR = 1.25; 95% CI, 1.01–1.55 and HRP = 1.30; 95% CI, 0.83–2.01). For both carrier groups, alcohol consumption was not associated with breast cancer risk.

Conclusions:

The finding that smoking during the prereproductive years increases breast cancer risk for mutation carriers warrants further investigation.

Impact:

This is the largest prospective study of BRCA mutation carriers to assess these important risk factors.
Double Autosomal/Gonosomal Mosaic Trisomy 47,XXX/47,XX,+14 in a Newborn with Multiple Congenital Anomalies
Authors: Massara Lucía S. , Delea Marisol , Espeche Lucía , Bruque Carlos D. , Oliveri Jaen , Brun Paloma , Furforo Lilian , Dain Liliana , Rozental Sandra
Published: December 2019

Chromosomal trisomies are the most frequent major chromosomal anomalies in humans and can be present in a mosaic or a non-mosaic constitution. We report the first case of a newborn girl presenting with multiple congenital anomalies and a double mosaic trisomy involving chromosome 14 and the X chromosome detected by array CGH. Karyotype analysis revealed a double mosaic with 2 independent abnormal cell lines and the absence of 46,XX and 48,XXX,+14 cell lineages. The patient showed most of the clinical characteristics of mosaic trisomy 14. Analysis of autosomal DNA markers in the proband's blood sample did not support the presence of chimerism. Further analysis of chromosome X DNA markers suggests that the extra X chromosome most probably arose as a consequence of nondisjunction in meiosis II in the maternal lineage.
Nutrition Assessment and Intervention in a Pediatric Patient with Angelman Syndrome: A Case Presentation Highlighting Clinical Challenges and Evidence-Based Solutions
Authors: Fisher Kelly , Keng Jane , Ziegler Jane
Published: December 2019

Background: Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare disorder of genetic imprinting which results in intellectual and developmental disability. It meets criteria of a disorder of neurologic impairment. A deletion in the long arm of chromosome 15 (del 15q11.2–q13) is responsible for about 70% of cases of AS (deletion genotype). Summary: There is a paucity of evidence to allow algorithmic nutrition assessment and intervention in pediatric patients with AS. Therefore, our objective is to use a case presentation to provide an example of nutrition assessment and intervention in a pediatric patient with the deletion genotype of AS and then highlight common challenges to providing evidenced-based nutrition care. For the highlighted challenges, we suggest evidence-based solutions to provide a resource for clinicians who may encounter similar challenges in clinical practice. Key Messages: There are genotype-phenotype correlations in AS that can help guide clinicians regarding nutritionally relevant clinical characteristics and corresponding interventions that are patient specific. The deletion genotype in AS is associated with multiple characteristics that are relevant to nutrition care and may also be different and/or more severe than characteristics seen in other AS genetic mechanisms. There is also overlap in certain nutritionally relevant clinical characteristics between AS and other conditions, including Prader-Willi syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and disorders of neurological impairment like cerebral palsy. Clinicians can utilize nutrition resources related to these conditions to expand the scope of relevant resources available.
Study of the Psychometric Properties of the Diabetes Empowerment Scale Short Form (DES-SF)
Authors: Sousa Maria Rui , Almeida Matilde , Loureiro Helena , Martins Teresa
Published: December 2019

Introduction: The control of diabetes mellitus type 2 implies that people are actively engaged in self-care behaviours and self-efficacy is one of the variables involved in this process. Based on the Model of Behavioural Change, the Diabetes Empowerment Scale assesses the psychosocial self-efficacy of people with this disease. The aim of this study is to analyse the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Diabetes Empowerment Scale (DES-SF), namely its reliability and validity. Method: A methodological nature study was conducted, with a convenience sample comprising 123 participants with diabetes mellitus type 2. In a primary health care context, the participants were asked to fill the DES-SF, the Diabetes Self-care Scale, and a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire. Four weeks later and in order to evaluate stability over time, the self-efficacy scale was administered to a sub-sample comprised of 23 of these participants. Results: The study showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.83) and stability over time (r = 0.532, p = 0.009) of the DES-SF. The adjustment indices of the confirmatory factor analysis suggested the unidimensional nature of the scale. A positive association was found between self-efficacy and schooling (r = 0.209, p = 0.020), and self-care behaviours, in particular dietary (r = 0.221, p = 0.023) and physical exercise (r = 0.296, p = 0.002). Conclusion: Reliability and validity of the DES-SF was confirmed, which demonstrates its usefulness in the context of clinical practice or in research studies involving the Portuguese population.
ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕНІСТЬ ВІТАМІНОМ D ПАЦІЄНТІВ З ХРОНІЧНИМ ГЕПАТИТОМ С
Authors: Nikolaychuk M. A. , Shostakovych-Koretska L. R. , Budayeva I. V. , Shevchenko-Makarenko O. P.
Published: December 2019

Мета роботи – вивчити забезпеченість вітаміном D (25 гідроксикальциферол (25(OH)D) хворих на хронічний гепатит С (ХГС) перед початком противірусної терапії (ПВТ).

Матеріали і методи. Досліджено 100 осіб, які перебували у реєстрі хворих на хронічний вірусний гепатит у Дніпропетровському регіоні, яким у сироватці крові визначали метаболіт вітаміну D, що синтезується печінкою – 25 гідроксикальциферол (25(OH)D), який на сьогодні є індикатором забезпеченості вітаміном D організму людини. Оцінка вітамін D-статусу проводилась відповідно до класифікації (M.F. Holick, 2011), згідно з якою рівень 25(OH)D у сироватці крові від 75-200 нмоль/л або 30-85 нг/мл є оптимальним, рівень 25-гідроксикальциферолу від 75 нмоль/л до 50 нмоль/л або 29-20 нг/мл у крові – суб­оптимальним рівнем вітаміну D, а показник нижчий 50 нмоль/л або менше 20 нг/мл відповідає дефіциту вітаміну D. Пацієнти були розподілені залежно від рівня вітаміну D на 3 групи (пацієнти з оптимальним рівнем, субоптимальним рівнем і дефіцитом вітаміну D).

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Результати дослідження продемонстрували, що лише 18 (18,0 %) пацієнтів мали оптимальний рівень вітаміну D, у 38 хворих (38,0 %) виявлено субоптимальний рівень вітаміну D, у більшості хворих – 44 (44,0 %) діагностовано дефіцит вітаміну D, що вказує на певну закономірність між рівнем вітаміну D та ХГС. Було встановлено, що дефіцит вітаміну D переважав у хворих у вікових межах 45-59 років (61,4 %) і 25-44 років (22,7 %). З’ясовано, що вміст вітаміну D при ХГС не залежав від статі й був знижений у більшості хворих жінок і чоловіків.
ВИПАДОК ЗАДАВНЕНОГО ДИФІЛОБОТРІОЗУ ЛЮДИНИ, УСКЛАДНЕНОГО ФУНІКУЛЯРНИМ МІЄЛОЗОМ
Authors: Kopcha V. S. , Andreychyn M. A. , Shkrobot S. I. , Klymnyuk S. I. , Korodyuk V. I. , Boronilova V. V. , Kulak O. V. , Nevistiuk V. H.
Published: December 2019

Описано випадок задавненого дифілоботріозу людини, який, незважаючи на характерну клінічну картину й поглиблене лабораторне та інструментальне обстеження, залишався нерозпізнаним до моменту прицільного дообстеження на предмет виявлення яєць гельмінта у випорожненнях. Ефективне етіотропне лікування забезпечило цілковиту дегельмінтизацію, однак через розвиток незворотного демієлінізуючого ускладнення прогноз стосовно повного одужання залишився несприятливим.
ЕНЦЕФАЛОМІЄЛІТ ЯК УСКЛАДНЕННЯ ШИГЕЛЬОЗУ
Authors: Prokopiv O. V. , Prykuda N. M.
Published: December 2019

Мета роботи – проаналізувати клінічний випадок шигельозу, ускладненого енцефаломієлітом у дитини віком 6 років.

Наведено опис клінічного випадку шигельозу, ускладненого енцефаломієлітом. Неврологічні порушення у вигляді лівобічного геміпарезу, дисфункції органів малого тазу виникли на 3-ю добу хвороби. При бактеріологічному дослідженні випорожнень виділено культуру S. sonnei.

Висновок. Наведений клінічний випадок ілюструє труднощі диференційної діагностики шигельозу з інфекційними хворобами, при яких клінічні прояви ураження нервової системи є закономірною складовою патологічного процесу.
Evolution of a New Class of Antihypertensive Drugs
Authors: Llorens-Cortes Catherine , Touyz Rhian M.
Published: December 2019

In addition to the circulating renin-angiotensin system, activation of the brain renin-angiotensin system plays an important role in the pathophysiology of hypertension. One of the major components of the brain renin-angiotensin system implicated in the development of hypertension is Ang III (angiotensin III). Brain Ang III, produced from Ang II (angiotensin II) by APA (aminopeptidase A), exerts a tonic stimulatory control over blood pressure in hypertensive rats. Targeting Ang III by inhibiting brain APA is now considered a potentially important target in the management of hypertension. This has led to development of RB150, an orally active prodrug of the specific and selective APA inhibitor, EC33. Orally administered RB150 crosses the gastrointestinal and blood-brain barriers, enters the brain where it generates 2 active molecules of EC33 that block brain APA activity. This results in decreased brain Ang III formation and reduced blood pressure in hypertensive rats. The RB150-induced blood pressure decrease is due to a reduced vasopressin release, which increases diuresis, reducing extracellular volume, a decrease in sympathetic tone, leading to a reduction of vascular resistances, and the improvement of the baroreflex function. RB150 was renamed firibastat by the World Health Organization. Phase Ia/Ib clinical trials showed that firibastat is clinically and biologically well tolerated in healthy volunteers. Clinical efficacy of firibastat in hypertensive patients was, therefore, demonstrated in 2 phase II studies. Accordingly, firibastat could represent the first drug of a novel class of antihypertensive drugs targeting the brain renin-angiotensin system.
Biopolymer-Delivered, Maternally Sequestered NF-κB (Nuclear Factor-κB) Inhibitory Peptide for Treatment of Preeclampsia
Authors: Eddy Adrian C. , Howell John Aaron , Chapman Heather , Taylor Erin , Mahdi Fakhri , George Eric M. , Bidwell Gene L.
Published: December 2019

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that causes significant acute and long-term risk to the mother and the baby. The multifaceted maternal syndrome is driven by overproduction of circulating anti-angiogenic factors, widespread inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is a transcription factor that plays a central role in the inflammatory response. Its activity is increased in the preeclamptic placenta, and it promotes the systemic endothelial dysfunction present in preeclampsia. There is an acute need for new therapeutics targeted to the causative pathways of preeclampsia. Our group has developed a drug delivery system based on the bioengineered protein ELP (elastin-like polypeptide) that is capable of stabilizing therapeutics in the maternal circulation and preventing their placental transfer. Here we used the ELP carrier system to deliver a peptide known to inhibit the NF-κB pathway. This polypeptide, containing a cell-penetrating peptide and an NF-κB inhibitory peptide derived from the p50 nuclear localization sequence (abbreviated SynB1-ELP-p50i), blocked NF-κB activation and prevented TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha)–induced endothelin production in vitro. Fusion of the p50i peptide to the SynB1-ELP carrier slowed its plasma clearance and prevented its placental transfer in pregnant rats, resulting in increased deposition in the maternal kidney, liver, and placenta relative to the free peptide. When administered in a rat model of placental ischemia, SynB1-ELP-p50i partially ameliorated placental ischemia-induced hypertension and reduced placental TNF-α levels with no signs of toxicity. These data support the continued development of ELP-delivered NF-κB inhibitors as maternally sequestered anti-inflammatory agents for preeclampsia therapy.
Severity of Hypertension Mediates the Association of Hyperuricemia With Stroke in the REGARDS Case Cohort Study
Authors: Chaudhary Ninad S. , Bridges S. Louis , Saag Kenneth G. , Rahn Elizabeth J. , Curtis Jeffrey R. , Gaffo Angelo , Limdi Nita A. , Levitan Emily B. , Singh Jasvinder A. , Colantonio Lisandro D. , Howard George , Cushman Mary , Flaherty Matthew L. , Judd Suzanne , Irvin Marguerite R. , Reynolds Richard J.
Published: December 2019

Previous studies do not widely support hyperuricemia as a risk factor for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. We assessed the relationship between hyperuricemia and ischemic stroke (≈900 cases) using a large data set from the REGARDS study (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke). We employed a case-cohort design (incident stroke cases and randomly selected cohort participants) and weighted Cox-proportional hazard models to estimate the association of serum urate level ≥6.8 mg/dL (ie, hyperuricemia) and 6.0 to <6.8 mg/dL versus <6.0 mg/dL (reference) with incident stroke. Analyses were stratified by race, gender, and age. Mediation of cardiovascular disease comorbidities on the serum urate-stroke association was tested. Hyperuricemia was associated with stroke (hazard ratio, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.10–1.78]) after adjustment for demographic variables and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This association was substantially attenuated (hazard ratio, 1.17 [95% CI, 0.90–1.51]) by additional covariate adjustment. In particular, apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg on 3 antihypertensive medications or use of ≥4 antihypertensive medications) and the count of antihypertensive medication classes significantly reduced the effect of hyperuricemia on ischemic stroke. Specifically, apparent treatment-resistant hypertension and number of antihypertensive, respectively, mediate 45% and 43% of the association. There was no effect modification in the association between hyperuricemia and stroke by age, race, or gender. We conclude that hyperuricemia may be a risk factor for stroke. The substantial attenuation of this association by apparent treatment-resistant hypertension and number of antihypertensive suggests that severe hypertension may be a mediator.
Attenuation of Angiotensin II–Induced Hypertension in BubR1 Low‐Expression Mice Via Repression of Angiotensin II Receptor 1 Overexpression
Authors: Aoyagi Yukihiko , Furuyama Tadashi , Inoue Kentaro , Matsuda Daisuke , Matsubara Yutaka , Okahara Arihide , Ago Tetsuro , Nakashima Yutaka , Mori Masaki , Matsumoto Takuya
Published: December 2019

Background

Angiotensin
II
(Ang
II
) can cause hypertension and tissue impairment via
AGTR
1 (Ang
II
receptor type 1), particularly in renal proximal tubule cells, and can cause
DNA
damage in renal cells via nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase. BubR1 (budding uninhibited by benzimidazole‐related 1) is a multifaceted kinase that functions as a mitotic checkpoint. BubR1 expression can be induced by Ang
II
in smooth muscle cells in vitro, but the relationship between systemic BubR1 expression and the Ang
II
response is unclear.

Methods and Results

Twenty 24‐week‐old male BubR1 low‐expression mice (BubR1
L/L
mice) and age‐matched BubR1
+/+
mice were used in this study. We investigated how Ang
II
stimulation affects BubR1
L/L
mice. The elevated systolic blood pressure caused by Ang
II
stimulation in BubR1
+/+
mice was significantly attenuated in BubR1
L/L
mice. Additionally, an attenuated level of Ang
II
–induced perivascular fibrosis was observed in the kidneys of BubR1
L/L
mice. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the overexpression of
AGTR
1 induced by Ang
II
stimulation was repressed in BubR1
L/L
mice. We evaluated
AGTR
1 and Nox‐4 (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase‐4) levels to determine the role of BubR1 in the Ang
II
response. Results from in vitro assays of renal proximal tubule cells suggest that treatment with small interfering
RNA
targeting BubR1 suppressed Ang
II
‐induced overexpression of
AGTR
1. Similarly, the upregulation in Nox4 and Jun N‐terminal kinase induced by Ang
II
administration was repressed by treatment with small interfering
RNA
targeting BubR1.

Conclusions

Ang
II
–induced hypertension is caused by
AGTR
1 overexpression in the kidneys via the upregulation of BubR1 and Nox4.
Bursaphelenchus dietrichi sp. n. (Tylenchina: Aphelenchoididae) – a new species of the sexdentati-group from southern Europe
Authors: Gu Jianfeng , Fang Yiwu , Liu Lele , Braasch Helen , Hoppe Björn
Published: November 2019

Based on earlier investigations, Bursaphelenchus sexdentati sensu lato consists of two distinct forms, a central European and a southern European type. In this paper we recognise these forms at species level and propose B. dietrichi sp. n. for the southern European type, regarding it as distinct from B. sexdentati sensu stricto. The relatively long (733-881 μm) and slender (a = 34.7-43.3) females of the new species have a small vulval flap, a long post-uterine sac extending for 46.6-75.3% of the vulva to anus distance, and a mostly conical tail with a more or less bluntly rounded terminus. The male spicules are strongly ventrally arcuate, measuring 13-17 μm along the arc, and have a bluntly pointed rostrum ca 2-3 μm long in the proximal part and a small cucullus at their distal end. The capitulum is slightly concave and the condylus is ca 2-3 μm long, truncated and slightly hooked. The oval bursa and the disposition of the male caudal papillae, as well as the presence of four lateral lines, justify the assignment of this taxon to the sexdentati-group. Bursaphelenchus dietrichi sp. n. can be distinguished from B. sexdentati s.s. and other related species by morphological characters and sequencing results. Bursaphelenchus sexdentati s.s. is also recorded from China for the first time.
Barde/askan, the City of Gardens
Authors: Asatrian Garnik
Published: November 2019

The article is an attempt to interpret the toponym Bardeskan/Bardaskan, which is the name of a city and a šahrestān (“county”) located in the south of the Khorasan-e Razavi province in Iran, on the northern edge of the Great Salt desert (Kavīr-e namak). Parallelly, the author discusses also the origin of a number of other place-names from the same area.
Typology of Nominalisation of Adjectives in East Caucasian
Authors: Fedorenko Anastasia
Published: November 2019

Traditionally, functioning of major classes of lexical items is described as follows. Nouns prototypically function as arguments, but can also serve as predicates and attributes; verbs are normally used as predicates, but can also appear for arguments and attributes; and adjectives are categorically attributes, while secondary they can be used as predicates. The question arises, whether adjectives can serve as arguments (and how). The answer is, undoubtedly, “yes”, they can. When an adjective is used without a head, it begins to function as a noun. The current research aims to describe the morphological behaviour of such nominalised adjectives in the East Caucasian languages. The study of 31 grammatical descriptions of these languages, based on the analysis of nominalised adjectives, reveals 5 groups of the East Caucasian languages.
Notes on Language Affinity and Imagined Kinships
Authors: Arakelova Victoria
Published: November 2019

The paper is an attempt to analyse the emergence of virtual “alliances” based on imagined kinship between some ethnic groups and peoples of the Irano-Caucaso-Anatolian region. It focuses on several illustrative examples, particularly the case of the Talysh-Zaza rapprochement, which has been developed recently as a result of popular interpretation of the postulated theory of the Caspian-Aturpatakan language union, implying a close symbiosis, in the historical past, of the ancestors of the present-day speakers of several New Iranian dialects.
Salafism in Azerbaijan: Changing the Sunni-Shiite Balance from Within
Authors: Cohen Ronen A. , Lisnyansky Dina
Published: November 2019

The main effort of the Azerbaijani government regarding the historical conflict between the Shiites and the Sunnis in the state, is to keep the status quo between these factions. However, the Arab Spring’s regional impact and the emergence of ISIS (ISIL and IS) led to waves of religious radicalisation, especially in the Sunnite part of Azerbaijan, which is more Turkic aligned, yet far territorially from the immediate influence of the Islamic radicalism. The article’s main conclusion is that the Islamic radicalisation in Azerbaijan could emerge only as a result of the structurally unbalanced status quo, which the Sunnis view as favouring more the Shiites.
Explaining the Character “jin 銫” in Zi Gao 子羔: with a Discussion Concerning Shang Obtaining the Virtue of Metal
Authors: Xigui Qiu
Published: November 2019

This paper proposes that the character in the sentence 生乃呼曰 “was born and called out: ‘Jin!’” in the Shanghai Museum manuscript Zi Gao 子羔 should be transcribed as 銫, pronounced jin, and was a special way of writing the word jin 金 “metal.” The myth of Xie in Zi Gao may be related to the virtue of Metal of the Shang dynasty, which can still be seen in a story in the Shiyi ji 拾遺記 in which the divine mother asks Jian Di 簡狄 to give birth to Xie to “succeed the Virtue of Metal.” This paper also traces the myths of Shaohao 少皞 and Xie in order to show that Shaohao and Xie derive from the same mythical source. This paper argues that the association of Shang with the virtue of Metal already existed prior to the time that Zou Yan 鄒衍 systematized the Five Virtues.
Time Notations and Methods for Timekeeping in the Liye Qin Strips
Authors: Kanli Chen
Published: November 2019

Among the Liye Qin strips published to date (March 2017), there are in total 138 records that tell the time. These records utilize both descriptive names for phases of the day (shicheng 時稱) and clepsydra (water clock, lou 漏) gradations as methods for timekeeping. Both methods appear, for the most part, evenly distributed across the entire range of years found in the Liye strips. Local climatic conditions may account for this simultaneous use of descriptive names and clepsydra gradations. Furthermore, both of these methods for timekeeping, as they appear on the Liye Qin strips, are relatively imprecise. This suggests that government work in Qianling County during the Qin period proceeded in a less-regulated fashion, particularly when it comes to the precision of deadlines imposed on administrative activities.
Governing the “Constitutional Vacuum” – Federalism, Rule of Law, and Politburo Politics in China
Authors: Li Ling , Zhou Wenzhang
Published: November 2019

By focusing on the underlit corners of authoritarian governance in China, this article challenges the thesis that constitutions matter to authoritarian regimes because they provide solutions for problems of governance. We argue to the contrary: the constitution appeals to the Chinese Communist Party (the Party or the ccp) because it does
not
provide solutions to fundamental issues of governance. Instead, such issues are kept out of the constitution so that they can be addressed by the Party through other regulatory mechanisms outside of the constitutional realm. In support of our thesis, we provide a unique review of the most up-to-date authoritative research on three key constitutional issues: central-local relations, party-state relations and power relations in the Politburo. These three issues correspond to three distinctive fields in China studies that were treated only in isolation but here we consider them together under the single framework of authoritarian constitutional governance.
Hidden in plain sight—a new Strigula species segregated from Strigula novae-zelandiae (Lichenized Ascomycota: Strigulaceae)

Authors: FORD MARLEY , BLANCHON DAN J. , VEALE ANDREW , DOYLE ERIN J. , ROLFE JEREMY R. , DE LANGE PETER J.
Published: November 2019

A new species, Strigula oleistrata, segregated from S. novae-zelandiae is described. The new species is widely sympatric with Strigula novae-zelandiae from which it is separated by a range of morphological characters and also by its nrDNA ITS sequence. As a result of this segregation, a new circumscription of S. novae-zelandiae is also provided. Comments on the ecology and conservation status of both species, and a revised key to the foliicolous Strigula species of New Zealand are provided.
Amylosporus annosus sp. nov. (Wrightoporiaceae, Basidiomycota) from Southeast Asia

Authors: DU PING , WANG LI , CHEN QIAN , JI XIAO-HONG
Published: November 2019

Amylosporus annosus sp. nov. sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Malaysia, tropical Asia. It is characterized by perennial, resupinate basidiocarps which are leathery when fresh, woody hard when dry, with white fresh pores which become cream to buff-yellow up on drying, distinct receding sterile margin, a dimitic hyphal structure with dextrinoid skeletal hyphae, generative hyphae bring simple septa only, basidia bearing eight sterigmata, and ellipsoid, fairly thick-walled, finely asperulate, strongly amyloid basidiospore measuring 3–3.7 × 2.4–3 μm. A molecular study based on the combined ITS (internal transcribed spacer region) and nLSU (the large nuclear ribosomal RNA subunit) dataset demonstrated the studied samples formed a new lineage in Amylosporus.
Two new species of Phyllachora (Phyllachoraceae, Phyllachorales) on bamboo from China

Authors: LI XIAO-LING , WU SU-RUI , WANG CHUN-LI , FENG YUN-LI , ZHAO CHUN-YAN , CHEN ZHENG-QI , YU JIN-FENG , LUO RUI , PROMPUTTHA ITTHAYAKORN , SUN DA-FENG
Published: December 2019

The genus Phyllachora is the largest genus in the family Phyllachoraceae. Phyllachora species are obligate biotrophic fungi with a tropical distribution. During our field surveys in Yunnan province of China, fifteen graminicolous Phyllachora species were collected. Multi-locus phylogenetic analyses of ITS and LSU together with morphological characteristics, two new species, Phyllachora dendrocalami-membranacei sp. nov. on Dendrocalamus membranaceus and P. dendrocalami-hamiltonii sp. nov. on D. hamiltonii are described and illustrated. Phyllachora dendrocalami-membranacei is characterized by its dump-bell to ellipsoidal to ovoid ascospores (15–25 × 5–11 μm) while P. dendrocalami-hamiltoniicola is distinguished by its dump-bell to ellipsoidal ascospores (15–30 × 8–12 μm).
Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of Biomass Derived 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural into 2,5-Dimethylfuran in a Methanol Medium
Authors: Zhang Kaili , Li Danni , Liu Ying , Wu Shubin
Published: December 2019

The hydrogenation of HMF has been conducted in a methanol medium, which served as hydrogen donor and solvent. Without any additive, HMF was hydrogenated to 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) with complete conversion and selectivity (64%) using well-ordered mesoporous MCM-41 with high nickel content
as catalyst at 190 °C in 5 h. Two kinds of mesoporous molecular sieve catalysts were prepared by impregnation and in-situ synthesis. Different reaction parameters such as the amount of Ni, reaction time and temperature were optimized to achieve the highest catalytic activity. Moreover,
the plausible reasons for the difference in catalytic effects between the two types of catalysts were also discussed.
Investigation of Multiple Pathogens in Black-Spotted Dendrobium officinale Based on Culture-Independent and Dependent Methods
Authors: Han Xiaoying , Dai Yihong , Hu Miao , Xiao Rong , Zhang Shuaishuai , Li Jin , Wang Zhanqi , Hu Xiufang , Gu Zhouhang
Published: December 2019

Black spot disease which significantly reduces the quality of medicine plants is quite common in Dendrobium officinale fields. In this study, GXDF33, a strain of Alternaria, together with the reported pathogen Cladosporium, was isolated from symptomatic leaves.
The in vitro pathogenicity tests on seedlings showed GXDF33 can cause black spot disease. Based on quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) result, it was found that the biomass of both Cladosporium and Alternaria increased as the symptom went severer. According
to amplicon sequencing data for the symptomatic samples from Guangxi and Zhejiang Provinces in China, Cladosporium and Alternaria were both common genera in symptomatic plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report unveiling the relationship between black spot disease of
D. officinale and Cladosporium as well as Alternaria.
Nonuniqueness in a Single-Column Model for Moist Convection
Authors: Turner M. R. , Norbury J.
Published: December 2019

We investigate a moist atmospheric column convection model by considering the atmosphere as a single vertical column of air parcels, each of which contains water vapor. The moist convective adjustment of both air and water mass in the column is considered from an (unstable) initial state to a statically stable final configuration of parcels. Two variations of an algorithm based upon swapping neighboring parcels are compared: after swapping, no parcels remain supersaturated. The results of these algorithms are compared directly with those of the adjustment algorithm of Cheng et al., which adjusts an atmospheric column to achieve the global maximum of a relevant cost functional. Two examples are considered: in the first, the algorithms adjust to similar arrangements, showing that the global maximum of the functional is the dynamically preferred state, while in the second, the algorithms adjust to significantly different states. Thus, we identify a nonuniqueness to the solution to the adjustment problem in terms of local and global cost functional maximizers. We then discuss the relevance of this nonuniqueness to numerical prediction in weather and climate models.
GRACE Improves Seasonal Groundwater Forecast Initialization over the United States
Authors: Getirana Augusto , Rodell Matthew , Kumar Sujay , Beaudoing Hiroko Kato , Arsenault Kristi , Zaitchik Benjamin , Save Himanshu , Bettadpur Srinivas
Published: December 2019

We evaluate the impact of Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment data assimilation (GRACE-DA) on seasonal hydrological forecast initialization over the United States, focusing on groundwater storage. GRACE-based terrestrial water storage (TWS) estimates are assimilated into a land surface model for the 2003–16 period. Three-month hindcast (i.e., forecast of past events) simulations are initialized using states from the reference (no data assimilation) and GRACE-DA runs. Differences between the two initial hydrological condition (IHC) sets are evaluated for two forecast techniques at 305 wells where depth to water table measurements are available. Results show that using GRACE-DA-based IHC improves seasonal groundwater forecast performance in terms of both RMSE and correlation. While most regions show improvement, degradation is common in the High Plains, where withdrawals for irrigation practices affect groundwater variability more strongly than the weather variability, which demonstrates the need for simulating such activities. These findings contribute to recent efforts toward an improved U.S. drought monitoring and forecast system.
Tests of Acoustic Target Strength and Bubble Dissolution Models Using a Synthetic Bubble Generator
Authors: Rychert Kevin M. , Weber Thomas C.
Published: December 2019

To test methods used for converting observations of acoustic backscatter to estimates of the volume and transport of free gas escaping the seabed, a bubble generator has been constructed and used at sea. The bubble generator creates individual bubbles of the sizes commonly associated with methane seeps, 1–5-mm radii, which can be released at preplanned rates. The bubble generator was deployed off the coast of New Hampshire at a depth of 55 m, and acoustic backscatter between 16 and 24 kHz was collected from a shipboard echo sounder while transiting over the rising bubbles. Bubble sizes and compositions (either Ar or N2) were known at the source. A model for bubble evolution, accounting for changes in bubble size and composition due to hydrostatic pressure and gas diffusion across the gas–liquid boundary, was coupled with an acoustic target strength (TS) model to generate predictions of the acoustic backscatter from bubbles that had risen to different depths. These predictions were then compared with experimental observation. Good agreement between prediction and observation was found in most cases, with the exception of the largest (4 mm) gas bubbles at depths of 30 m or less. The exact cause of this bias is unknown, but may be due to incorrect assumptions in models for the bubble TS, rise velocity, or mass transfer rate.
Optimal North Pacific Blocking Precursors and Their Deterministic Subseasonal Evolution during Boreal Winter
Authors: Breeden Melissa L. , Hoover Brett T. , Newman Matthew , Vimont Daniel J.
Published: December 2019

Atmospheric blocking is associated with sensible weather impacts such as anomalous precipitation and flooding, cold air outbreaks, and heat waves. Given the asymmetry in the persistence characteristics of anticyclones and cyclones, many studies have emphasized the role of nonlinearities in blocking onset and maintenance. However, previous studies have demonstrated that both linear and nonlinear dynamics can amplify blocks. In this paper the structure and evolution of North Pacific blocking on weekly time scales is investigated using two methods: statistical analysis not requiring linearity, and a linear inverse model (LIM) composed of tropical outgoing longwave radiation and extratropical streamfunction, which relies on purely linear (and linearly parameterized) dynamics. Both approaches produce a similar evolution of North Pacific blocking. Using the LIM, the optimal precursors to blocking are determined, which at a 14-day lead time include an upper-level east Pacific anticyclone and suppressed convection over the central tropical Pacific. The tropics and extratropics both contribute to the deterministic evolution of blocking, with the tropics acting on longer time scales but imposing a weaker response than that contributed by the extratropics. The tropical contribution was driven by La Niña–like conditions that produce a hemispheric anticyclonic anomaly, while the extratropical initial conditions produce an equivalent barotropic, wavelike pattern. The LIM’s ability to reproduce the observed blocking evolution suggests the predictable evolution of blocking on weekly time scales can be modeled in a linear framework, and that subseasonal forecasting of North Pacific blocking needs to consider both tropical and extratropical conditions.
Transformation and decline of Sawng: The socio-cultural effects of migration and the changes in intercommunity relations in Calcutta c.1870–1930
Authors: Sur Rajat Kanti
Published: December 2019

Sawng, one of the famous street performances of nineteenth-century Calcutta, was later used as one of the ‘weapons’ of the nationalist movement in the early twentieth century. The leaders of the nationalist movement appointed songwriters or playwrights from elite and educated communities, but the people who performed sawng on the streets of Calcutta came from slum areas. Though these people were from different labouring communities, sawng was known as Kansariparar Sawng (the sawng of the bell metal workers) or Jeleparar Sawng (the sawng of the fishermen). This article focusses on the effects of demographic changes on the socio-cultural world of nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century Calcutta. It also focusses on the impact of migration from 1876 to 1931 to understand the reasons behind the decline in the performance of sawng. The article also tries to unpack the complexity of different caste groups which took part in these popular street performances.