bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Mechanism of a Chinese Classic Prescription of Yueju in Treating Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Protecting Hepatocytes from Apoptosis
Authors: He Xiao-Li , He Yan-Ming , Zhang Dan , Li Hong-Shan , Zhang Qiang , Yuan Sha-Sha , Zhang Zeng , Wang Yan-Yan , Liu Cheng-Hao , Fan Chao-Hua , Li Yun-Hao , Zheng Min , Yang Hong-Jie , Zhou Ping
Published: October 2020

Yueju, a famous classic Chinese prescription, has been extensively used in treating depression syndromes for hundreds of years. Recent studies have reported that Yueju showed good effects in treating metabolic diseases, such as obesity and hyperlipidemia. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which leads to cirrhosis and severe cardiovascular diseases, is closely linked to obesity and abnormal lipid metabolism. In this study, Yueju could decrease the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, triglyceride, cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein‐C but increase the high‐density lipoprotein‐C in the serum of the NASH rat model induced by high‐fat and high‐cholesterol diet. Yueju could alleviate hepatosteatosis by increasing the phosphorylation of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase and inhibiting the expression of fatty acid synthase and stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1. Yueju downregulated the expression of α‐smooth muscle actin and collagen type 1A1, ameliorating the liver fibrilization. Yueju could also protect the hepatocytes from apoptosis by upregulating antiapoptosis protein Bcl‐2 and X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein and downregulating apoptotic proteins Bax and cleaved poly ADP‐ribose polymerase. Thus, Yueju could improve liver function, regulate lipid metabolism, alleviate hepatosteatosis and fibrosis, and protect hepatocytes from apoptosis against NASH. Yueju may be used as an alternative effective medicine for NASH treatment.
Effect and Comparison of Luteolin and Its Derivative Sodium Luteolin‐4′‐sulfonate on Adipogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells through AMPK‐Mediated PPARγ Signaling
Authors: Oh Jung Hwan , Karadeniz Fatih , Lee Jung Im , Seo Youngwan , Jang Mi-Soon , Kong Chang-Suk
Published: October 2020

Luteolin is a common phytochemical from the flavonoid family with a flavone structure. Studies reported several bioactivities for luteolin and similar flavones. Attenuating the increased adipogenesis of bone marrow cells (hBM‐MSCs) has been regarded as a therapeutic target against osteoporotic bone disorders. In the present study, the potential roles of luteolin and its sulfonic acid derivative luteolin‐OSO3Na in regulating adipogenic differentiation of hBM‐MSCs were investigated. Adipo‐induced cells were treated with or without compounds, and their effect on adipogenesis was evaluated by adipogenic marker levels such as lipid accumulation and PPARγ pathway activation. Luteolin hindered the adipogenic lipid accumulation in adipo‐induced hBM‐MSCs. Immunoblotting and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis results indicated that luteolin downregulated PPARγ and downstream factors of C/EBPα and SREBP1c expression which resulted in inhibition of adipogenesis. Luteolin‐OSO3Na showed similar effects; however, it was significantly less effective compared to luteolin. Investigating p38, JNK, and ERK MAPKs and AMPK activation indicated that luteolin suppressed the MAPK phosphorylation while stimulating AMPK phosphorylation. On the other hand, luteolin‐OSO3Na was not able to notably affect the MAPK and AMPK activation. In conclusion, this study suggested that luteolin inhibited adipogenic differentiation of hBM‐MSCs via upregulating AMPK activation. Replacing its 4′‐hydroxyl group with sulfonic acid sodium salt diminished its antiadipogenic effect indicating its role in regulating AMPK activation. The general significance is that luteolin is a common phytochemical with various health‐beneficial effects. The current study suggested that luteolin may serve as a lead compound for developing antiosteoporotic substances with antiadipogenic properties.
Chinese Veterinary Medicine B307 Promotes Cardiac Performance and Skeletal Muscle Contraction via Enhancing Intracellular Calcium Levels and Neural Electrical Activity in Animal and Cell Models
Authors: Lien Chia-Ying , Lu Chen-Wen , Hsu Chih-Hsiang , Chuang Tai-Yuan , Su Li-Yu , Wu Wan-Jhen , Jheng Yong-Sin , Lee Ming-Chung , Wu Chung-Hsin
Published: October 2020

The study mainly investigated the effects of Chinese veterinary medicine B307 in cardiac and motor functions in animal models of pigeons and mice. Related cellular mechanisms were also studied in the neuroblastoma cell model of SH‐SY5Y. Cardiac functions of pigeons and mice were examined by using moorFLPI Laser color Doppler imager and M‐mode echocardiography, and motor functions were examined by using muscle electrical stimulation and force recording in the isolated breast muscle. Intracellular calcium levels and electrical activity of SH‐SY5Y cells were examined by using Fura 2‐AM fluorescence and MED64 system separately. Our results in vivo found that those pigeons under oral B307 treatment obviously enhanced subcutaneous microcirculation and contractile force and prolonged fatigue time in their breast muscles. Those mice under oral B307 treatment obviously elevated ejection fraction and cardiac output in their hearts. Our results in vitro showed that those SH‐SY5Y cells under B307 treatment obviously increased intracellular calcium mobilization and electrical activities. These results revealed that improvement of cardiac and motor functions under B307 treatments may be caused by increasing electrical activities and intracellular calcium levels in neuromuscular cells and a similar mechanism may also occur in muscle cells. Thus, we suggested that B307 can be a functional Chinese veterinary medicine for flying pigeons.
Lipopolysaccharide-Mediated Chronic Inflammation Promotes Tobacco Carcinogen–Induced Lung Cancer and Determines the Efficacy of Immunotherapy
Authors: Liu Chia-Hsin , Chen Zhong , Chen Kong , Liao Fu-Tien , Chung Chia-En , Liu Xiaoping , Lin Yu-Chun , Keohavong Phouthone , Leikauf George D. , Di Yuanpu Peter
Published: October 2020

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disease that is associated with increased risk of lung cancer. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infections are frequent in patients with COPD, which increase lung inflammation and acute exacerbations. However, the influences of PA-induced inflammation on lung tumorigenesis and the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade remain unknown. In this study, we initiated a murine model of lung cancer by treating FVB/NJ female mice with tobacco carcinogen nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) alone or in combination with PA-lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS-mediated chronic inflammation induced T-cell exhaustion, increased the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) axis, and enhanced NNK-induced lung tumorigenesis through an immunosuppressive microenvironment characterized by accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSC) and regulatory T cells. Anti–PD-1 antibody treatment reduced tumors in NNK/LPS-treated mice with a 10-week LPS treatment but failed to inhibit tumor growth when LPS exposure was prolonged to 16 weeks. Anti-Ly6G antibody treatment coupled with depletion of MDSC alone reduced tumor growth; when combined with anti–PD-1 antibody, this treatment further enhanced antitumor activity in 16-week NNK/LPS-treated mice. Immune gene signatures from a human lung cancer dataset of PD-1 blockade were identified, which predicted treatment responses and survival outcome and overlapped with those from the mouse model. This study demonstrated that LPS-mediated chronic inflammation creates a favorable immunosuppressive microenvironment for tumor progression and correlates with the efficacy of anti–PD-1 treatment in mice. Immune gene signatures overlap with human and mouse lung tumors, providing potentially predictive markers for patients undergoing immunotherapy.

Significance:

This study identifies an immune gene signature that predicts treatment responses and survival in patients with tobacco carcinogen–induced lung cancer receiving immune checkpoint blockade therapy.
Measures of Loop Diuretic Efficiency and Prognosis in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Verbrugge Frederik Hendrik , Martens Pieter , Testani Jeffrey M. , Tang W.H. Wilson , Kuypers Dirk , Bammens Bert
Published: October 2020

Background: The evolution and prognostic impact of loop diuretic efficiency according to chronic kidney disease (CKD) severity is unclear. Methods: This retrospective cohort study includes 783 CKD patients on oral loop diuretic therapy with a 24-h urine collection available. Acute kidney injury and history of renal replacement therapy were exclusion criteria. Patients were stratified according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) glomerular filtration rate class. Loop diuretic efficiency was calculated as urine output, natriuresis, and chloruresis, each adjusted for loop diuretic dose, and compared among strata. Risk for onset of dialysis and all-cause mortality was evaluated. Results: Loop diuretic efficiency metrics decreased from KDIGO class IIIB to IV in furosemide users and from KDIGO class IV to V with all loop diuretics (p value <0.05 for all comparisons). The correlation between loop diuretic efficiency and creatinine clearance was moderate at best (Spearman’s ρ 0.298–0.436; p value <0.001 for all correlations). During median follow-up of 45 months, 457 patients died (58%) and 63 received kidney transplantation (8%), while dialysis was started before in 328 (42%). All loop diuretic efficiency metrics were significantly and independently associated with both the risk for dialysis and all-cause mortality. In KDIGO class IV/V patients, low loop diuretic efficiency (i.e., urine output adjusted for loop diuretic dose ≤1,000 mL) shortened median time to dialysis with 24 months and median time to all-cause mortality with 23 months. Conclusion: Low loop diuretic efficiency is independently associated with a shorter time to dialysis initiation and a higher risk for all-cause mortality in CKD.
TKTL1 as a Prognostic Marker in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Its Correlation with FDG-PET-CT
Authors: Ahopelto Kaisa , Saukkonen Kapo , Hagström Jaana , Kauhanen Saila , Seppänen Hanna , Böckelman Camilla , Haglund Caj
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Glucose metabolism in cancer cells differs from noncancerous cells. The expression of transketolase-like protein 1 (TKTL1), a key enzyme in the glucose metabolism of cancer cells, predicts poor prognosis in several cancer types. We studied TKTL1 as a prognostic tool and whether TKTL1 expression correlates with 18F-FDG-PET-CT among patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods: This retrospective study examined two PDAC patient cohorts: 168 patients operated on at Helsinki University Hospital between 2001 and 2011, and 20 patients with FDG-PET-CT results available from the Auria Biobank. We used immunohistochemistry for TKTL1 expression, combining results with clinicopathological data. Results: Five-year disease-specific survival (DSS) was slightly but not significantly better in patients with a high versus low TKTL1 expression, with DSS of 28.0 versus 17.3%, respectively (p = 0.123). TKTL1 served as a marker of a better prognosis in patients over 65 years old (p = 0.012) and among those with TNM class M1 (p = 0.018), stage IV disease (p = 0.027), or perivascular invasion (p = 0.008). Conclusions: Our study shows that TKTL1 cannot be used as a prognostic factor in PDAC with the exception of elderly patients and those with advanced disease. The correlation of TKTL1 with 18F-FDG-PET-CT requires further study in a larger patient cohort.
Compulsive Health-Related Internet Use and Cyberchondria
Authors: Khazaal Yasser , Chatton Anne , Rochat Lucien , Hede Vincent , Viswasam Kirupamani , Penzenstadler Louise , Berle David , Starcevic Vladan
Published: October 2020

Background: Cyberchondria denotes excessive and repeated online health-related searches associated with an increase in health anxiety. Such searches persist in those with cyberchondria, despite the negative consequences, resembling a pattern of compulsive Internet use. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess compulsive health-related Internet use in relation to cyberchondria while controlling for related variables. Method: Adult participants (N = 749) were recruited from an online platform. They completed questionnaires assessing the severity of cyberchondria (via the Cyberchondria Severity Scale [CSS]), compulsive Internet use adapted for online health-related seeking (via the adapted Compulsive Internet Use Scale [CIUS]), and levels of intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety, as well as depressive, somatic, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. A logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify predictors of scores above a cutoff value on the CIUS, indicating compulsive health-related Internet use. Results: The regression output showed that only the CSS total score and sex made a unique, statistically significant contribution to the model, leading to the correct classification of 78.6% of the cases. Of the CSS subscales, compulsion and distress were the most strongly associated with compulsive health-related Internet use. Conclusions: The finding that the adapted CIUS scores are associated with cyberchondria indicates that cyberchondria has a compulsive component, at least in terms of health-related Internet use. It also suggests that compulsive health-related Internet use persists despite the distress associated with this activity. Males may engage in cyberchondria more compulsively than females. These findings have implications for research and clinical practice.
Evaluation of Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium plus Glycerin (Optive®) in Ocular Discomfort after Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Intravitreal Injection Therapy: A Prospective Study
Authors: Karcenty Mickael , Jung Camille , Souied Eric H. , Delacour Celine , Miere Alexandra , Gueunoun Sacha , Capuano Vittorio , Semoun Oudy
Published: October 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a mix of carboxymethylcellulose and glycerin (Optive®) after intravitreal injection therapy (IVT) with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor for reducing ocular discomfort in patients. Methods: We prospectively included patients who were naïve to any IVT. No artificial tear treatment was prescribed after the first IVT. After the second IVT, all patients instilled 3 drops per day of Optive® for 3 days. Every patient answered a questionnaire concerning the ocular discomfort at 72 h after both IVTs and a questionnaire about tolerance to treatment after the second IVT. Results: We included 45 patients (mean age 72.3 years [range 23–94], 25 females); 14 (34.1%) reported a feeling of grittiness after the first IVT but not after the second (p = 0.01); 12 (29.3%) complained of global discomfort after the first IVT but not after the second (p = 0.14); and 11 (26.8%) reported a watery eye after the first IVT but not after the second (p = 0.21); 37/45 (82%) patients felt ocular discomfort after IVT. Conclusion: Most patients felt ocular discomfort after IVT. Instillation of Optive® significantly alleviated the feeling of grittiness for more than half of the patients.
Sickle Cell Maculopathy: Prevalence, Associations and Impact on Visual Acuity
Authors: Sahak Haroen , Saqalain Mohammed , Lott Pooi Wah , McKibbin Martin
Published: October 2020

Aims: To investigate the prevalence of sickle cell maculopathy (SCM), and associations with age, sex, genotype, proliferative sickle cell retinopathy (PSR) stage, and the impact on visual acuity. Methods: Age, sex, and visual acuity were recorded and spectral domain OCT and ultra-wide-field images of the macula and retina were reviewed in a consecutive series of 74 adults with sickle cell disease. Results: The median age was 37 years (range 19–73 years) and 36 cases (48.6%) were male. SCM was present in at least 1 eye of 40 cases (54.1%) or in 67 of all eyes (42.3%). SCM prevalence was 54.8%, 62.5%, and 25% for the HbSS, HbSC, and HbS/BThal or other genotypes, respectively. SCM was observed in 41 (39.4%) of the eyes with PSR stages 0, 1, and 2, and in 21 (51.2%) of the eyes with PSR stages 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Mild visual impairment or worse was present in 3 eyes (4.8%) with SCM but this was secondary to other pathology. Conclusion: SCM is a frequent finding in the eyes of adults with sickle cell disease. The prevalence is similar for the HbSS and HbSC genotypes and is not related to the PSR stage. High-contrast distance visual acuity is typically preserved.
Effect of Phacoemulsification on Outcomes after Vitrectomy with Membrane Peeling regarding New Intraretinal Cystoid Changes and Transient Macular Edema
Authors: Leisser Christoph , Hirnschall Nino , Findl Oliver
Published: October 2020

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of phacoemulsification on outcomes among patients undergoing vitrectomy with membrane peeling for idiopathic epiretinal membranes, with respect to new postoperative intraretinal cystoid changes and early transient macular edema. Procedures: This retrospective analysis included patients from 6 prospective studies, examining outcomes of 23G pars plana vitrectomy with membrane peeling due to idiopathic epiretinal membranes. Phacovitrectomy with membrane peeling was performed only in the case of coexisting vision affecting cataract. Optical coherence tomography was performed prior to surgery, in the first week, and 3 months after surgery. Results: In total, 183 patients were included. The occurrence of new postoperative intraretinal cystoid changes and early transient macular edema showed a trend toward being higher among patients undergoing phacovitrectomy with membrane peeling, compared to vitrectomy with membrane peeling alone, but it did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.5 and p = 0.186). The final best corrected distance visual acuity (BCVA) 3 months after surgery was significantly lower among patients with new postoperative intraretinal cystoid changes compared to patients without (with a median difference of 1 line between groups; p = 0.016). Conclusions: New postoperative intraretinal cystoid changes and early transient macular edema are more frequent among patients undergoing phacovitrectomy with membrane peeling compared to patients with vitrectomy with membrane peeling alone.
Investigating the Convergent Mechanisms between Major Depressive Disorder and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Tran Angela A. , De Smet Myra , Grant Gary D. , Khoo Tien K. , Pountney Dean L.
Published: October 2020

Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects more than cognition, having a temporal relationship with neuroinflammatory pathways of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Although this association is supported by epidemiological and clinical studies, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Microglia and astrocytes play crucial roles in the pathophysiology of both MDD and PD. In PD, these cells can be activated by misfolded forms of the protein α-synuclein to release cytokines that can interact with multiple different physiological processes to produce depressive symptoms, including monoamine transport and availability, the hypothalamus-pituitary axis, and neurogenesis. In MDD, glial cell activation can be induced by peripheral inflammatory agents that cross the blood-brain barrier and/or c-Fos signalling from neurons. The resulting neuroinflammation can cause neurodegeneration due to oxidative stress and glutamate excitotoxicity, contributing to PD pathology. Astrocytes are another major link due to their recognized role in the glymphatic clearance mechanism. Research suggesting that MDD causes astrocytic destruction or structural atrophy highlights the possibility that accumulation of α-synuclein in the brain is facilitated as the brain cannot adequately clear the protein aggregates. This review examines research into the overlapping pathophysiology of MDD and PD with particular focus on the roles of glial cells and neuroinflammation.
Hyaloid Vasculature as a Major Source of STAT3
+
(Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3) Myeloid Cells for Pathogenic Retinal Neovascularization in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy
Authors: Hombrebueno Jose R. , Lynch Aisling , Byrne Eimear M. , Obasanmi Gideon , Kissenpfennig Adrien , Chen Mei , Xu Heping
Published: October 2020

Objective:

Myeloid cells are critically involved in inflammation-induced angiogenesis, although their pathogenic role in the ischemic retina remains controversial. We hypothesize that myeloid cells contribute to pathogenic neovascularization in retinopathy of prematurity through STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) activation.

Approach and Results:

Using the mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy, we show that myeloid cells (CD45
+
IsolectinB4 [IB4]
+
) and particularly M2-type macrophages (CD45
+
Arg1
+
), comprise a major source of STAT3 activation (pSTAT3) in the immature ischemic retina. Most of the pSTAT3-expressing myeloid cells concentrated at the hyaloid vasculature and their numbers were strongly correlated with the severity of pathogenic neovascular tuft formation. Pharmacological inhibition of STAT3 reduced the load of IB4
+
cells in the hyaloid vasculature and significantly reduced the formation of pathogenic neovascular tufts during oxygen-induced retinopathy, leading to improved long-term visual outcomes (ie, increased retinal thickness and scotopic b-wave electroretinogram responses). Genetic deletion of SOCS3 (suppressor of cytokine signaling 3), an endogenous inhibitor of STAT3, in myeloid cells, enhanced pathological and physiological neovascularization in oxygen-induced retinopathy, indicating that myeloid-STAT3 signaling is crucial for retinal angiogenesis.

Conclusions:

Circulating myeloid cells may migrate to the immature ischemic retina through the hyaloid vasculature and contribute to retinal neovascularization via activation of STAT3. Understanding how STAT3 modulates myeloid cells for vascular repair/pathology may provide novel therapeutic options in pathogenic angiogenesis.
2020 Jeffrey M. Hoeg Award Lecture
Authors: Aikawa Elena , Blaser Mark C.
Published: October 2020

Cardiovascular calcification is an insidious form of ectopic tissue mineralization that presents as a frequent comorbidity of atherosclerosis, aortic valve stenosis, diabetes, renal failure, and chronic inflammation. Calcification of the vasculature and heart valves contributes to mortality in these diseases. An inability to clinically image or detect early microcalcification coupled with an utter lack of pharmaceutical therapies capable of inhibiting or regressing entrenched and detectable macrocalcification has led to a prominent and deadly gap in care for a growing portion of our rapidly aging population. Recognition of this mounting concern has arisen over the past decade and led to a series of revolutionary works that has begun to pull back the curtain on the pathogenesis, mechanistic basis, and causative drivers of cardiovascular calcification. Central to this progress is the discovery that calcifying extracellular vesicles act as active precursors of cardiovascular microcalcification in diverse vascular beds. More recently, the omics revolution has resulted in the collection and quantification of vast amounts of molecular-level data. As the field has become poised to leverage these resources for drug discovery, new means of deriving relevant biological insights from these rich and complex datasets have come into focus through the careful application of systems biology and network medicine approaches. As we look onward toward the next decade, we envision a growing need to standardize approaches to study this complex and multifaceted clinical problem and expect that a push to translate mechanistic findings into therapeutics will begin to finally provide relief for those impacted by this disease.
Association Between Hepatic Triglyceride Content and Coagulation Factors
Authors: Morelli Vânia M. , de Mutsert Renée , de Roos Albert , Lamb Hildo J. , van Hylckama Vlieg Astrid , Bos Mettine H.A. , Rosendaal Frits R. , Lijfering Willem M. , Cannegieter Suzanne C.
Published: October 2020

Objective:

Whether hepatic triglyceride content (HTGC) contributes to hypercoagulability beyond total body fat (TBF) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is unclear. We, therefore, aimed to investigate the association between HTGC and coagulation factors (F)I (fibrinogen), VIII, IX, and XI while adjusting for TBF and VAT.

Approach and Results:

In this cross-sectional analysis of the NEO study (Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity; n=6671), a random subset of participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy to assess VAT and HTGC (n=2580). We excluded participants without complete imaging and coagulation assessment, and with history of liver disease, venous thrombosis, or on anticoagulation. Mean differences in coagulation factor levels across HTGC quartiles were estimated by linear regression adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, education, alcohol intake, physical activity, smoking, estrogen, and menopause, in addition to TBF and VAT. Among the 1946 participants included, median HTGC was 2.66% (interquartile range: 1.34%–6.27%). Coagulation factor levels increased dose-dependently across HTGC quartiles. Mean differences between the fourth and first quartiles were 14.7 mg/dL (95% CI, 2.1–27.2) for fibrinogen, 6.7 IU/dL (95% CI, 0.5–12.9) for FVIII, 26.1 IU/dL (95% CI, 22.4–29.8) for FIX, and 8.6 IU/dL (95% CI, 4.6–12.6) for FXI. With further adjustment for TBF and VAT, the dose-response association of HTGC with FIX persisted, whereas associations with other factors disappeared.

Conclusions:

HTGC was associated with various coagulation factors, of which FIX remained associated with HTGC after adjustment for TBF and VAT. HTGC might contribute to venous thrombosis risk beyond total body and visceral fat through FIX levels.
Abnormal Pulmonary Venous Filling: An Adjunct Feature in the Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiogram Assessment of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Gopalan Deepa , Nordgren‐Rogberg Anna , Le Elizabeth Phuong Vi , Pavey Holly , Tarkin Jason , Nyrén Sven , Auger William , Lindholm Peter
Published: October 2020

Background

Hypodense filling defects within the pulmonary veins on computed tomography described as pulmonary vein sign (PVS) have been noted in acute pulmonary embolism and shown to be associated with poor prognosis. We evaluated venous flow abnormalities in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) to determine its usefulness in the computed tomography assessment of CTEPH.

Methods and Results

Blinded retrospective computed tomography analysis of 50 proximal CTEPH cases and 3 control groups—50 acute pulmonary embolism, 50 nonthromboembolic cohort, and 50 pulmonary arterial hypertension. Venous flow reduction was assessed by the following: (1) presence of a filling defect of at least 2 cm in a pulmonary vein draining into the left atrium, and (2) left atrium attenuation (>160 Hounsfield units). PVS was most prevalent in CTEPH. Compared with all controls, sensitivity and specificity of PVS for CTEPH is 78.0% and 85.3% (95% CI, 64.0–88.5 and 78.6–90.6, respectively) versus 34.0% and 70.7% (95% CI, 21.2−48.8 and 62.7–77.8) in acute pulmonary embolism, 8.0% and 62% (95% CI, 2.2–19.2 and 53.7–69.8) in nonthromboembolic and 2.0% and 60% (95% CI, 0.1−10.7 and 51.7−67.9) in pulmonary arterial hypertension. In CTEPH, lobar and segmental arterial occlusive disease was most commonly associated with corresponding absent venous flow. PVS detection was highly reproducible (Kappa=0.96, 95% CI, 0.90–1.01,
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

PVS is easy to detect with higher sensitivity and specificity in CTEPH compared with acute pulmonary embolism and is not a feature of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Asymmetric enhancement of pulmonary veins may serve as an additional parameter in the computed tomography assessment of CTEPH and can be used to differentiate CTEPH from pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Utility of Apical Lung Assessment on Computed Tomography Angiography as a COVID-19 Screen in Acute Stroke
Authors: Esenwa Charles , Lee Ji-Ae , Nisar Taha , Shmukler Anna , Goldman Inessa , Zampolin Richard , Hsu Kevin , Labovitz Daniel , Altschul David , Haramati Linda B.
Published: October 2020

Background and Purpose:

Evaluation of the lung apices using computed tomography angiography of the head and neck during acute ischemic stroke (AIS) can provide the first objective opportunity to screen for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods:

We performed an analysis assessing the utility of apical lung exam on computed tomography angiography for COVID-19–specific lung findings in 57 patients presenting with AIS. We measured the diagnostic accuracy of apical lung assessment alone and in combination with patient-reported symptoms and incorporate both to propose a COVID-19 era AIS algorithm.

Results:

Apical lung assessment when used in isolation, yielded a sensitivity of 0.67, specificity of 0.93, positive predictive value of 0.19, negative predictive value of 0.99, and accuracy of 0.92 for the diagnosis of COVID-19, in patients presenting to the hospital for AIS. When combined with self-reported clinical symptoms of cough or shortness of breath, sensitivity of apical lung assessment improved to 0.83.

Conclusions:

Apical lung assessment on computed tomography angiography is an accurate screening tool for COVID-19 and can serve as part of a combined screening approach in AIS.
Humanitarian Diplomatic Practices
Authors: Turunen Salla
Published: October 2020

Humanitarian diplomacy is a new term, yet an old practice, and has received relatively little academic attention. This contrasts with the reality of humanitarian practitioners’ work, which has shown increasing interest in and use of the term humanitarian diplomacy from the millennium onwards. Humanitarian diplomacy covers humanitarian action and its intricacies in catering for humanitarian needs, which sets it distinctively apart from other forms of diplomacy. In contributing to this underexplored area, in a theoretically driven discussion this article uses practice theory to propose an analytical framework for humanitarian diplomatic practices. The article suggests that humanitarian diplomacy, as currently led by practitioners, can be best understood by examining its characteristics at the level of its practices. This understanding produces a systematisation of the meaning of the term for scholarly audiences and assists practitioners themselves to identify their humanitarian diplomatic engagement as a self-standing practice.
Small State Diplomacy after the Corona Crisis
Authors: Pedi Revecca , Wivel Anders
Published: October 2020

The aim of this essay is to discuss and assess the effects of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic on small state diplomacy. The essay identifies the characteristics of successful small state crisis diplomacy and unpacks the implications for small state diplomacy in general. Small states crave stability and predictability and seek shelter from international institutions and great powers. International crises are understood as particularly acute for small states because the limited capacity and capabilities of these states leave them with a small margin of time and error and vulnerable to risks and threats. However, small state diplomacy in the spring 2020 corona crisis illustrates the potential of activist small state diplomacy using smart and entrepreneurial policies to forge plurilateralist small- and middle-power co-operation.
Tackling COVID-19 Disinformation: Internal and External Challenges for the European Union
Authors: Vériter Sophie L. , Bjola Corneliu , Koops Joachim A.
Published: October 2020

The corona crisis is also a disinformation crisis for the global community in general, and for the European Union (EU) in particular. What is less clear is how adequate the EU’s response to the ‘infodemic’ has been. This essay exposes the dangers of disinformation for the EU, which have intensified in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and reviews relevant EU responses. It then zooms in on two challenges exacerbated by the corona crisis: one internal, revolving around the toxic effect of conspiracy theories, particularly the corona-5G hoax; and one external, relating to the public diplomacy campaigns of competing geopolitical actors, especially China. The essay argues that the future of European stability will rest not only on ensuring societal resilience to disinformation and conspiracy theories but also on designing ethically guided pre-emptive mechanisms and confronting external sources of disinformation which jeopardise European health provisions, economic recovery and geoeconomic strength.
Huangilene, a new genus for the Miltochrista alikangiae (Strand, 1917)
species-group, with descriptions of three new species from Indochina,
continental China and Taiwan (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini)
Authors: VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , ČERNÝ KAREL
Published: October 2020

The new genus Huangilene Volynkin & Černý, gen. n. is erected for the Miltochrista alikangiae (Strand, 1917) species-group with Lyclene kepica Dubatolov & Bucsek, 2013 as the type species. Three new species are described: H. odontotilepida Volynkin & Černý, sp. n. (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos), H. kutzscheri Volynkin & Černý, sp. n. (continental China and Taiwan Isl.) and H. apoklinousa Volynkin & Černý, sp. n. (Vietnam). Four new combinations are established: Huangilene kepica (Dubatolov & Bucsek, 2013), comb. n., H. pseudolutara (N. Singh & Kirti, 2016), comb. n., H. alikangiae alikangiae (Strand, 1917), comb. n. H. alikangiae intermedia (Marumo, 1923), comb. n. The lectotype is designated for Asura obsoleta Form alikangiae Strand, 1917, the species’ type locality is fixed as “Karapin” (Taiwan, Chiayi County, Chaoliping).
A new species of the genus Sulcohumpacris Yin, Yin et Cao, 2017 (Orthoptera, Acridoidea, Pamphagidae) from China
Authors: LI XIN-JIANG , ZHI YONG-CHAO , YIN ZHAN
Published: October 2020

A new species of the genus Sulcohumpacris Yin, Yin et Cao, 2017 i.e. Sulcohumpacris wuanensis sp. nov. is described in this paper from China. The new species is similar to Sulcohumpacris hebeiensis Yin, Yin et Cao, 2017 but differs from latter by median keel of pronotum cut by hind sulcus slightly, tegmen of male cover 2/3 tympanum, length of Krauss’ organ 1.8 times of width in female, apex of subgenital plate of male point, cercus of male narrow at base, lower margin of Epiphallus with large projection in the middle and hind knee of female not curved at lower margin. Type specimens are deposited in the College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China.
Identification of Tropopause Height with Atmospheric Refractivity
Authors: Xia Pengfei , Shan Yingying , Ye Shirong , Jiang Weiping
Published: October 2020

Investigation of the structure and variation of the tropopause is crucial for the development of an in-depth understanding of water-vapor exchange processes, the concentrations and nature of chemicals within the tropopause, and their role in climate change and the ecosphere. At present, the common methods used for the estimation of tropopause height are limited by their reliance on area, an overdependence on atmospheric temperature, and the use of many different data types, and thus lack strong generality. Therefore, this study used atmospheric refractivity data from multiple sources to determine the tropopause height. An objective covariance transform method was applied to identify transitions in a refractivity profile. The refractivity tropopause height was compared with the bending angle tropopause (BAT)/cold point tropopause (CPT)/lapse rate tropopause (LRT) height derived from radio occultation (RO) and radiosonde data and revealed a good agreement. An initial analysis of tropopause structure and seasonal changes derived from refractivity method afforded results that were consistent with existing research results, which proved the validity of the method. The refractivity method was also used to analyze various types of data downloaded from the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC) Data Analysis and Archive Center (CDAAC), and show that this method is suitable for the analysis of RO data, radiosonde, reanalysis and analysis/forecast data. A series of experiments were used to verify the generality and utility of the refractivity covariance transform method to determine tropopause height, which will be useful for the analysis of long-term variations in tropopause height.
Core Dynamics of the MJO
Authors: Kim Ji-Eun , Zhang Chidong
Published: October 2020

The Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is a large-scale eastward-moving system that dominates tropical subseasonal perturbations with far-reaching impacts on global weather–climate. For nearly a half century since its discovery, there has not been a consensus on the most fundamental dynamics of the MJO, despite intensive studies with a number of theories proposed. In this study, using a simple analytical approach, we found a solution to the linear equatorial shallow-water equations with momentum damping that resembles a harmonic oscillator. This solution exhibits the key characteristics of the observed MJO: its intraseasonal periodicity at the planetary scale and eastward propagation. In contrast to theories that interpret the MJO as a new mode of variability emerging from the evolution in moisture, our solution emphasizes that the core of the MJO resides in the dynamics without explicit fluctuations in moisture. Moisture still plays a role in supplying energy to the core dynamics of the MJO, and determining the value of the equivalent depth required by the theory. The energy source may come from stochastic forcing in the tropics or from the extratropics. The scale selection for the MJO comes from scale-dependent responses to scale-independent Rayleigh damping. We also demonstrate that the MJO solution introduced here reproduces the observed swallowtail structure and the phase relation between zonal wind and geopotential of the MJO, and the continuum nature of the transition between the MJO and Kelvin waves. Roles of feedback mechanisms in the MJO are also discussed using the same simple mathematical framework.
The Replacements: The Effect of Incarcerating Drug Offenders on First-Time Drug Sales Offending
Authors: Torres Christopher E. , D’Alessio Stewart J. , Stolzenberg Lisa
Published: October 2020

It is proffered that incarcerating offenders will not attenuate criminal activity because new offenders are readily available to supplant those who are imprisoned. This situation, referred to as offender replacement, is mostly applicable for drug selling crimes where a market for illegal drugs exists. We hypothesize that if the incarceration of established drug offenders attenuates competition and creates a fertile environment for novice drug dealers to enter the market, a rise in the drug incarceration rate should increase the likelihood of first-time drug selling behavior. Using a multilevel modeling procedure, we find that a one-unit increase in the drug incarceration rate results in a 15% rise in the odds of a first-time offender being prosecuted for a drug-selling crime.
Multifunctional structural supercapacitor based on cement/PVA-KOH composite and graphene
Authors: Xu Chang , Zhang Dong
Published: October 2020

Multifunctional structural supercapacitor based on the structural electrolyte of cement/PVA-KOH composite and the structural electrode of highly electrically graphene was fabricated with sandwich structure. A bicontinuous microstructure composed of PVA and hardened cement paste is formed. Flexible PVA in cement/PVA-KOH composite increases ions’ accessibility with graphene at the interface between the structural electrode and the structural electrolyte. The addition of KOH changes the structure of PVA from crystalline state to amorphous state. So PVA can complex and discomplex with KOH to realize ionic conduction. The effects of PVA’s content, polymerization degree and hydrolysis degree on the electrochemical properties and mechanical properties were analyzed. The composite’s ionic conductivity increases with PVA’s content and hydrolysis degree, and it shows a tendency of decreasing after increasing with PVA’s polymerization degree. Similarly, the specific capacitance of the structural supercapacitor also increases with PVA’s content and hydrolysis degree, but decreases with PVA’s polymerization degree. Compared with the polymerization degree, the hydrolysis degree plays a more prominent part in affecting the specific capacitance of the structural supercapacitors. For mechanical properties of cement/PVA-KOH composite, the compressive strength is mostly improved by PVA at a content of 2%. It decreases with PVA’s polymerization degree and increases with PVA’s hydrolysis degree. The conflict between the power density and energy density in structural energy storage is eased remarkably and the electrical and mechanical properties can be improved simultaneously. The two chief obstacles are tackled in the PVA1799-based structural supercapacitor.
The Effect of Hospice on End-of-Life Costs for Terminal Medicare Patients With HIV
Authors: Leibowitz Arleen A. , Tan Diane , Gildner Jennifer L.
Published: October 2020

One-quarter of annual Medicare expenses in the traditional program (non-Medicare Advantage) are expended for 5% of Medicare enrollees, with much of this expenditure occurring in the last year of life. Hospice use may reduce end-of-life costs. However, evidence has been inconclusive due to sample selection and differences in insurance coverage for hospice. Claims data for HIV-positive Californians enrolled in Medicare who died in the period 2008 to 2010 were used to examine the relationship between hospice use and costs in the last 6 months of life. Logit estimates related hospice use to sickness levels and demographics. Inpatient and outpatient costs were analyzed separately. Logit regressions examined hospitalization probability. Robust regressions were used to examine the determinants of conditional inpatient costs and non-inpatient costs. Bootstrapped post-estimates were then used to determine the marginal probability of costs for the sample by hospice use. Hospice users have greater disease burden and are less likely to be African American. Controlling for disease burden, hospice users would have non-inpatient costs that were $14 771 greater than hospice non-users, but inpatient costs that were $20 522 lower. Thus, hospice reduces costs on net. Hospice is chosen by patients with more comorbidities. Controlling for these comorbidities, hospice use is associated with lower inpatient costs, greater non-inpatient costs and reduced end-of-life costs.
Understanding the Consequences of Migration for Asset Accumulation: A Multi-Site and Intergenerational Perspective
Authors: Eroğlu Şebnem
Published: October 2020

This article is the first to explore the consequences of migration for asset accumulation from a multi-site and intergenerational perspective that moves beyond the prevailing migrant versus “native” comparisons performed within single destination-country contexts. It specifically investigates the non-financial investments (i.e., house, land, and business-related asset holdings) made in the country of residence by three family generations of migrants with origins in Turkey: those who resided in Europe (i.e., settlers), those who moved to Turkey (i.e., returnees), and those who remained in the origin country (i.e., stayers). The data are drawn from the 2000 Families Survey, which involved personal interviews with 5,980 individuals nested within 1,770 families. The analysis shows that migration’s greatest economic beneficiaries are returnees, who display a significant tendency to accumulate the most assets across all generations and asset types. Across all three groups, intergenerational family transfers are found to make a positive difference to younger generations’ non-financial investments. The chances of reaping the benefits of such transfers, however, is shown to be particularly limited for the descendants of settlers, given this group’s propensity to accumulate the fewest (especially house and land type) non-financial assets in European destinations where they reside. Through these unique multi-site and intergenerational comparisons between migrants and stayers, this article sheds new light upon the little-explored relationship between international migration and asset accumulation, and the economic dis/benefits of migration.
Permanent pacemaker implantation associated tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Niazi Gul Zaman Khan , Masood Arslan , Ahmed Nisar , Qadir Irfan , Akhtar Ammar , Saleemi Muhammad Sohail , Ahmed Ijaz
Published: October 2020

Objective

To determine the prevalence of tricuspid regurgitation in patients with dual-chamber permanent pacemaker implantation.

Methods

This study included 153 patients undergoing permanent pacemaker implantation. All eligible candidates had baseline transthoracic echocardiography to rule out preexisting tricuspid regurgitation. Echocardiography across the tricuspid valve was repeated one month after permanent pacemaker implantation, and the frequency of significant tricuspid regurgitation was determined. The associations of potential effect modifiers (age, sex, height, body mass index categories, diabetes, and hypertension) with tricuspid regurgitation were assessed individually using simple and multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

After dual-chamber permanent pacemaker implantation, significant tricuspid regurgitation was present in 22 (15.8%) patients. Tricuspid regurgitation was significantly associated with body mass index >30 kg·m−2 (odds ratio = 32.84, 95% confidence interval: 1.26–853.82, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Significant tricuspid regurgitation was present in substantial number of patients after dual-chamber pacemaker implantation and was independently associated with body mass index >30 kg·m−2.
Examining calorie undernourishment in India: Is it due to choice or inadequacy?
Authors: Mishra Udaya S , Padhi Balakrushna , Rinju
Published: October 2020

Background:

Calorie undernourishment is often associated with poverty but India presents a unique scene of decline in money-metric poverty and rise in calorie deprivation. Existing literature has varied explanation towards this effect. However, neither are the poor entirely calorie compromised nor do all the non-poor qualify calorie compliance.

Aim:

This is an attempt at verifying whether calorie undernourishment is a result of choice of food basket or the inadequacy of food expenditure.

Method:

An answer to this question is attempted with the exploration of data obtained from the National Sample Survey Organization’s Consumption Expenditure of Indian households for the periods 2004–2005 and 2011–2012.

Results:

Findings reveal that over the last one decade, the average per capita per day calorie intakes have slightly increased from 2040.55 Kcal in 2004–2005 to 2087.33 Kcal in 2011–2012, which has led to the increased share of well-nourished households from 20.21% in the 61st round to 22.78% in the 68th round of survey in rural areas, whereas the similar increase in urban areas is from 36.1% to 40.65%.

Conclusions:

Calorie undernourishment among the non-poor is observed that calorie undernourishment, if any, among the non-poor is entirely due to choice but the same among the poor has a divide between choice and inadequacy. The urban poor are calorie compromised more due to choice rather than inadequacy as against their rural counterparts. With higher poverty, calorie, non-compliance among the poor is more due to choice when compared with lower magnitude of poverty. These observations form a basis for contesting the common understanding that calorie compromise is entirely driven by inadequacy/incapacity of food expenditure. could be viewed in terms of the food choices made, especially among the poor while setting the minimum threshold of food expenditure to be calorie compliant.