bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CmBBX8 accelerates flowering by targeting CmFTL1 directly in summer chrysanthemum
Authors: Wang Lijun , Sun Jing , Ren Liping , Zhou Min , Han Xiaoying , Ding Lian , Zhang Fei , Guan Zhiyong , Fang Weimin , Chen Sumei , Chen Fadi , Jiang Jiafu
Published: December 2019

For a flowering plant, the transition from vegetative stage to reproductive growth is probably the most critical developmental switch. In the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, the product of BBX7, group II member of BBX family, acts to delay floral transition. In this study, a presumed chrysanthemum homolog of a second group gene AtBBX8, designated CmBBX8, had been isolated and characterized. The transcription of CmBBX8 followed a diurnal rhythm as the chrysanthemum floral transition regulator. Overexpression of CmBBX8 accelerated flowering, while its (artificial microRNAs) amiR‐enabled knockdown delayed flowering in plants grown under both long‐ and short‐day conditions. Global expression analysis revealed that genes associated with photoperiod were down‐regulated in amiR‐CmBBX8 lines compared with the wild type, which were verified to be up‐regulated in overexpressing lines (OX‐CmBBX8) by RT‐PCR. A number of in vitro assays were used to show that CmBBX8 targets CmFTL1. Furthermore, the function of CmFTL1 as a floral inducer under long‐day conditions was confirmed by the behaviour of engineered summer‐flowering chrysanthemum plants. The conclusion is that the BBX8‐FT regulatory module is an important determinant of reproductive development in summer‐flowering chrysanthemum.
Current situation and comparison of school mental health in ASEAN countries
Authors: Nishio Akihiro , Kakimoto Machi , Bermardo Tempongko Ma. Sandra , Kobayashi Jun
Published: December 2019

School‐based mental health interventions are considered to have potential for the promotion of mental health in developing countries. We held a workshop to discuss the promotion of mental health in schools in southeast Asian countries. This review report aimed to summarize the current situation of school mental health in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries as reported by their representatives in this workshop. To summarize the current situation of ASEAN countries in relation to school mental health, we qualitatively analyzed the content of the discussions from four perspectives: (i) laws and regulations: (ii) mental health services; (iii) teacher training on mental health; (iv) mental health education for students. With regard to school mental health laws and regulations, this report could not provide clear conclusions because the laws were reported through the personal understanding of the public officers. Our results show that mental health services in schools are centered on professionals such as guidance counselors, although the coverage varied among the different ASEAN countries. Only Singapore conducted mental health training for teachers in a comprehensive way, and the number of people who were actually trained in other countries was very limited. Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand included mental health education for students in health education or life skills subjects.
Theories of whistleblowing
Authors: Ceva Emanuela , Bocchiola Michele
Published: December 2019

“Whistleblowing” has entered the scholarly and the public debate as a way of describing the exposure by the member of an organization of episodes of corruption, fraud, or general abuses of power within the organization. We offer a critical survey of the main normative theories of whistleblowing in the current debate in political philosophy, with the illustrative aid of one of the epitomic figures of a whistleblower of our time: Edward Snowden. After conceptually separating whistleblowing from other forms of wrongdoing disclosures, we introduce and discuss two families of normative views of this practice: the “Extrema Ratio” and the “Deontic” views. We show how the two views can be usefully considered in tandem to offer an all‐round assessment of the moral justification of whistleblowing either as an extraordinary individual conscientious act of indictment or as an ordinary dutiful organizational practice of answerability that enables the capacity of self‐correction of an organization.
Local and Systemic Antitumor Effects of Photo‐activatable Paclitaxel Prodrug on Rat Breast Tumor Models
Authors: Subramaniyan Bharathiraja , Rajaputra Pallavi , Nguyen Luong , Li Mengjie , Peer Cody J. , Kindrick Jessica , Figg William D. , Woo Sukyung , You Youngjae
Published: December 2019

We demonstrated that a large primary and a small untreated distant breast cancer could be controlled by local treatment with our light‐activatable paclitaxel (PTX) prodrug. We hypothesized that the treated tumor would be damaged by the combinational effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and locally released PTX and that the distant tumor would be suppressed by systemic antitumor effects. Syngeneic rat breast cancer models (single‐ and two‐tumor models) were established on Fischer 344 rats by subcutaneous injection of MAT B III cells. The rats were injected with PTX prodrug (dose: 1 umole kg−1, i.v.), and tumors were treated with illumination using a 690‐nm laser (75 or 140 mW cm−1 for 30 min, cylindrical light diffuser, drug‐light interval [DLI] 9 h). Larger tumors (~16 mm) were effectively ablated (100%) without recurrence for >90 days. All cured rats rejected rechallenged tumor for up to 12 months. In the two‐tumor model, the treatment of the local large tumor (~16 mm) also cured the untreated tumor (4–6 mm) through adaptive immune activation. This is our first demonstration that local treatment with our PTX prodrug produces systemic antitumor effects. Further investigations are warranted to understand mechanisms and optimal conditions to achieve clinically translatable systemic antitumor effects.
Does high‐speed rail connection really promote local economy? Evidence from China’s Yangtze River Delta
Authors: Gao Yanyan , Song Shunfeng , Sun Jun , Zang Leizhen
Published: December 2019

High‐speed rail (HSR) has led to a transportation revolution in China. This paper uses the county‐level panel data of China’s Yangtze River Delta to investigate the effect of HSR connection on local economy. To address the issue of endogenous HSR route placement, we use a straight‐line strategy to construct potential HSR connection variables as instrumental variables of the actual HSR connection. Both the difference‐in‐differences and instrumental variable methods show that HSR connection impedes local economy, especially in peripheral regions. The impediment effect is channeled through population reallocation from peripheral to core areas and the restructuring of industries.
Just Because We Don't See It, Doesn't Mean It's Not There: Everyday Resistance in Psychology
Authors: Rosales Christine , Langhout Regina Day
Published: December 2019

This article outlines some contentions within conventional Western psychology and across the social sciences to define what counts as legitimate forms of “resistance” amongst members of historically marginalized groups (e.g. people of Color, working class/poor groups) in efforts to push back against injustice and foment social change. Without an expansion of what is understood as resistance, the discipline risks imposing narrow models and reifying deficit narratives about marginalized groups' capacity for resistance. In contexts where overt forms of resistance (e.g. marches), may lead to incarceration, deportation, death, or other egregious punishments, people located in “tight spaces” of oppression may engage in everyday off‐stage practices of resistance that are covert and not observable to those in positions of privilege or who exercise state power. This article encourages psychologists to take a political stance in solidarity with marginalized groups to acknowledge that not all forms of resistance are observable or measurable. This stance can allow psychologists to begin to dismantle deficit narratives of people mistakenly understood as being passive in the face of oppression and instead observe agency, aspirations for change, and resistance.
Multiple features within the syntaxin Sed5p mediate its Golgi localization
Authors: Gao Guanbin , Banfield David K.
Published: December 2019

Protein retention and the transport of proteins and lipids into and out of the Golgi is intimately linked to the biogenesis and homeostasis of this sorting hub of eukaryotic cells. Of particular importance are membrane proteins that mediate membrane fusion events with and within the Golgi—the Soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs). In the Golgi of budding yeast cells, the syntaxin SNARE Sed5p oversees membrane fusion events. Determining how Sed5p is localized to and trafficked within the Golgi is critical to informing our understanding of the mechanism(s) of biogenesis and homeostasis of this organelle. Here we establish that the steady‐state localization of Sed5p to the Golgi appears to be primarily conformation‐based relying on intra‐molecular associations between the Habc domain and SNARE‐motif while its tribasic COPI‐coatomer binding motif plays a role in intra‐Golgi retention.
Survival of a dog with accidental colchicine overdose
Authors: Goodman Ingrid Henrietta
Published: December 2019

Objective

To describe the treatment and clinical course of a dog accidentally prescribed 10 times the recommended dose of colchicine (0.3 mg/kg/d instead of 0.03 mg/kg/d).

Case Summary

After glaucoma surgery, a 1‐year‐old male neutered Pomeranian weighing 6.8 kg was prescribed 1,000 μg colchicine twice a day per os. The dog presented to the emergency department after the first dose with vomiting and was treated as an outpatient. Two colchicine doses later, the dog represented with vomiting, ocular pain, and increased intraocular pressure. The dog's vital signs were normal, and the dog was admitted for rehydration, analgesia, and revision glaucoma surgery the next day. Two hours after revision surgery, the dog developed vomiting and diarrhea. Postoperatively, the dog was hypothermic (36.3°C), persistently hypertensive (227 mm Hg), and bradycardic (60/min). Biochemistry revealed metabolic acidosis and increased hepatic enzyme activities. Mannitol was administered for presumed cerebral edema. Later, the dog developed bradycardia due to second‐degree atrioventricular heart block, which responded to atropine. Total hospitalization was 9 days. Treatment included IV fluids, IV lipid emulsion, N‐acetylcysteine, activated charcoal, gastroprotectants, antiemetics, opioids, antimicrobials, and barrier nursing due to transient neutropenia.

New or Unique Information Provided

This is the first report to describe the successful treatment of a dog with colchicine overdose. The systemic effects were presumed to be secondary to colchicine toxicosis rather than diet, infection, or other drug reaction, and may have been compounded by a second anesthetic episode. Gastrointestinal signs, symptoms of cerebral edema, cardiac arrhythmias, and neutropenia were documented. One other report of colchicine overdose in a dog exists, and that patient was euthanized. This report demonstrates that complete recovery with intensive care is possible; however, the prognosis remains guarded.
Admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions on rural islands and their association with patient experience: a multicentred prospective cohort study
Authors: Kaneko Makoto , Aoki Takuya , Funato Masafumi , Yamashiro Keita , Kuroda Kaku , Kuroda Moe , Saishoji Yusuke , Sakai Tatsuya , Yonaha Syo , Motomura Kazuhisa , Inoue Machiko
Published: December 2019

Objectives

The rate of admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) is a key outcome indicator for primary care, and patient experience (PX) is a crucial process indicator. Studies have reported higher rates of admission for ACSCs in rural areas than in urban areas. Whether there is an association between admissions for ACSCs and PX in rural areas has not been examined. This study aimed to document admissions for ACSCs on Japanese rural islands, and assess whether there was an association between the rate of admissions for ACSCs and PX.

Design

Multicentred, prospective, cohort study

Setting

This study was conducted on five rural islands in Okinawa, Japan.

Participants

The study participants were all island inhabitants aged 65 years or older.

Primary outcome measures

This study examined the association between ACSCs and PX assessed by a questionnaire, the Japanese Version of Primary Care Assessment Tool. ACSCs were classified using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, and the rate of admissions for ACSCs in 1 year.

Results

Of 1258 residents, 740 completed the questionnaire. This study documented 38 admissions for ACSCs (29 patients, males/females: 15/14, median age 81.9) that included congestive heart failure (11), pneumonia (7) and influenza (5). After adjusting for covariates and geographical clustering, admissions for ACSCs had a significant positive association with each patient’s PX scores (OR per 1 SD increase=1.62, 95% CI 1.02–2.61).

Conclusions

Physicians serving rural areas need to stress the importance of preventive interventions for heart failure, pneumonia and influenza to reduce the number of admissions for ACSCs. Contrary to previous studies, our findings might be explained by close patient–doctor relationships on the rural islands.
Which public health interventions are effective in reducing morbidity, mortality and health inequalities from infectious diseases amongst children in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs): protocol for an umbrella review
Authors: Besnier Elodie , Thomson Katie , Stonkute Donata , Mohammad Talal , Akhter Nasima , Todd Adam , Jensen Magnus Rom , Kilvik Astrid , Bambra Clare
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Despite significant progress in the last few decades, infectious diseases remain a significant threat to children’s health in low-income and middle-income countries. Effective means of prevention and control for these diseases exist, making any differences in the burden of these diseases between population groups or countries inequitable. Yet, gaps remain in our knowledge of the effect these public health interventions have on health inequalities in children, especially in low-income and middle-income countries. This umbrella review aims to address some of these gaps by exploring which public health interventions are effective in reducing morbidity, mortality and health inequalities from infectious diseases among children in low-income and middle-income countries.

Methods and analysis

An umbrella review will be conducted to identify systematic reviews or evidence synthesis of public health interventions that reduce morbidity, mortality and/or health inequalities due to infectious diseases among children (aged under 5 years) in low-income and middle-income countries. The interventions of interest are public health interventions targeting infectious diseases or associated risk factors in children. We will search for reviews reporting health and health inequalities outcomes in and between populations. The literature search will be undertaken using the Cochrane Library, Medline, EMBASE, the CAB Global Health database, Health Evidence, the Campbell Collaboration Library of Systematic Reviews, International Initiative for Impact Evaluation Systematic review repository, Scopus, the Social Sciences Citation Index and PROSPERO. Additionally, a manual search will be performed in Google Scholar and three international organisations websites (UNICEF Office of Research—Innocenti, UNICEF, WHO) to capture grey literature. Data from the records meeting our inclusion/exclusion criteria will be collated using a narrative synthesis approach.

Ethics and dissemination

This review will exclusively work with anonymous group-level information available from published reviews. No ethical approval was required.

The results of the review will be submitted for publication in academic journals and presented at international public health conferences. Additionally, key findings will be summarised for dissemination to a wider policy and general public audience as part of the Centre for Global Health Inequalities Research’s policy work.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019141673
HbA1c variability in adults with type 1 diabetes on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy compared to multiple daily injection (MDI) treatment
Authors: Scott Emma S , McGrath Rachel T , Januszewski Andrzej S , Calandro Daniel , Hardikar Anandwardhan A , O'Neal David N , Fulcher Gregory , Jenkins Alicia J
Published: December 2019

Objective

To determine if continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy is associated with lower glycated
haemoglobin (HbA1c) variability (long-term glycaemic variability; GV) relative to multiple daily injection (MDI) treatment in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Design

Retrospective audit.

Setting and participants

Clinic records from 506 adults with T1DM from two tertiary Australian hospitals.

Outcome measures

Long-term GV was assessed by HbA1c SD and coefficient of variation (CV) in adults on established MDI or CSII therapy, and in a subset changing from MDI to CSII.

Results

Adults (n=506, (164 CSII), 50% women, mean±SD age 38.0±15.3 years, 17.0±13.7 years diabetes, mean HbA1c 7.8%±1.2% (62±13 mmol/mol) on CSII, 8.0%±1.5% (64±16 mmol/mol) on MDI) were followed for 4.1±3.6 years. CSII use was associated with lower GV (HbA1c SD: CSII vs MDI 0.5%±0.41% (6±6 mmol/mol) vs 0.7%±0.7% (9±8 mmol/mol)) and CV: CSII vs MDI 6.7%±4.6% (10±10 mmol/mol) vs 9.3%±7.3% (14±13 mmol/mol), both p<0.001. Fifty-six adults (73% female, age 36±13 years, 16±13 years diabetes, HbA1c 7.8%±0.8% (62±9 mmol/mol)) transitioned from MDI to CSII. Mean HbA1c fell by 0.4%. GV from 1 year post-CSII commencement decreased significantly, HbA1c SD pre-CSII versus post-CSII 0.7%±0.5% (8±5 mmol/mol) vs 0.4%±0.4% (5±4 mmol/mol); p<0.001, and HbA1c CV 9.2%±5.5% (13±8 mmol/mol) vs 6.1%±3.9% (9±5 mmol/mol); p<0.001.

Conclusions

In clinical practice with T1DM adults relative to MDI, CSII therapy is associated with lower HbA1c GV.
Cash transfer scheme for people with tuberculosis treated by the National TB Programme in Western India: a mixed methods study
Authors: Patel Bharatkumar Hargovandas , Jeyashree Kathiresan , Chinnakali Palanivel , Vijayageetha Mathavaswami , Mehta Kedar Gautambhai , Modi Bhavesh , Chavda Paragkumar Dhirajlal , Dave Paresh V , Zala Chintu Chhitabhai , Shewade Hemant Deepak , Solanki Dipak M , Kumar Ajay M V
Published: December 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the coverage and explore enablers and challenges in implementation of direct benefit transfer (DBT) cash incentive scheme for patients with tuberculosis (TB).

Design

This is a mixed methods study comprising a quantitative cohort and descriptive qualitative study.

Setting

The study was conducted in City TB Centre, Vadodara, Western India.

Participants

We used routinely collected data under the National TB Programme (NTP) on patients with TB notified between April and September 2018 and initiated on first-line anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT) to assess the coverage of DBT. We interviewed NTP staff and patients to understand their perceptions.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The study outcomes are receipt of DBT (primary), time to receipt of first instalment of DBT and treatment outcome.

Results

Among 1826 patients, 771 (42.2%) had received at least one instalment. Significantly more patients from the public sector had received DBT (at least one instalment) compared with those from private sector (adjusted relative risk (adjRR)=16.3; 95% CI 11.6 to 23.0). Among public sector patients, 7.3% (49/671) had received first instalment within 2 months of treatment initiation. Median (IQR) time to receipt of first instalment was 5.2 (3.4, 7.4) months. Treatment in private sector, residing outside city limits and being HIV non-reactive were significantly (p<0.001) associated with longer time to receipt. Timely and sufficient fund release, adequate manpower and adequate logistics in TB centre were the enablers. Inability of patients to open bank accounts due to lack of identity/residence proof, their reluctance to share personal information and inadequate support from private providers were the challenges identified in implementation.

Conclusion

During the early phase of DBT implementation, the coverage was low and there were delays in benefit transfer. Facilitating opening of bank accounts for patients by NTP staff and better support from private providers may improve DBT coverage. Repeat assessment of DBT coverage after streamlining of implementation is recommended.
Perceived burden in dealing with different rare diseases: a qualitative focus group study
Authors: Uhlenbusch Natalie , Löwe Bernd , Depping Miriam K
Published: December 2019

Objectives

There are more than 6000 heterogeneous rare diseases and little is known about shared experiences of affected individuals in everyday life and healthcare. Objective of this study was to explore perceived burden of patients with rare chronic diseases and identify commonalities and differences in the experiences of patients with four heterogeneous conditions.

Design

A qualitative focus group study.

Setting

In four separate and diagnostically homogeneous focus groups, we asked patients about the perceived burden of living with their rare disease. The focus groups took place at a university medical centre in Germany.

Participants

Individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (n=4), primary sclerosing cholangitis (n=5), pulmonary arterial hypertension (n=4) and Marfan syndrome (n=5).

Results

We identified five main themes: medical problems, psychological burden, problems with the healthcare system, constraints and interpersonal problems. While medical problems differed widely between the diagnostic groups, patients with different conditions independently reported many common problems including psychological burden, constraints in professional, personal and daily life, stigmatisation and others lacking understanding. Shared problems pertaining to the healthcare system seem related to the rarity of the conditions (eg, limited access to adequate care, lack of knowledge).

Conclusions

Despite clinical heterogeneity of rare diseases, affected individuals have many common experiences. Some of these experiences may resemble the burden of living with a chronic disease. However, patients reported aspects, which seem to be specific for rare chronic diseases. Generic interventions targeting shared burdens among patients with different diseases could provide adequate treatment in light of finite healthcare resources.
Understanding the factors that influence the quality of paid disability support for adults with acquired neurological disability and complex needs: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Topping Megan , Douglas Jacinta , Winkler Di
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Adults with disability as the result of an acquired neurological disorder often have varying and complex support needs. Consequently, adults with complex needs often require paid support to enable them to exercise choice and control and participate fully and effectively in society. Given support is so critical for this population, this scoping review aims to further understand the factors that influence the quality of paid disability support for adults with acquired neurological disability and complex needs.

Methods and analysis

The methodology proposed by Arksey and O’Malley, with the modifications recommended by Levac and O’Brien and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis: extension for Scoping Reviews will be used. Systematic and comprehensive electronic database searches will be conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus and Embase. The review will follow a six-stage framework including (1) identifying the research question/s, (2) identifying the relevant studies, with (3) study selection and (4) charting of data by two independent coders, (5) collating, summarising and reporting data and (6) expert consultation which will be sought from people with lived experience, as well as clinical and academic experts. Work on this scoping review began in June 2019 and will be completed by June 2020.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval will not be required to conduct the scoping review. However, the consultation with people with lived experience will be conducted via codesign workshops. The codesign workshops have received ethical approval from La Trobe University Ethics Committee (reference number: HEC19232). It is intended that review findings will be made available to relevant stakeholders through a peer-reviewed publication, conference presentations and workshops.
Is there a causal relationship between acute stage sensorimotor cortex activity and the development of chronic low back pain? a protocol and statistical analysis plan
Authors: Jenkins Luke , Chang Wei-ju , Buscemi Valentina , Cunningham Chelsea , Cashin Aidan , McAuley James H , Liston Matthew , Schabrun Siobhan M
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Why some people develop chronic pain following an acute episode of low back pain is unknown. Recent cross-sectional studies have suggested a relationship between aberrant sensorimotor cortex activity and pain persistence. The UPWaRD (Understanding persistent Pain Where it ResiDes) cohort study is the first prospective, longitudinal investigation of sensorimotor cortex activity in low back pain. This paper describes the development of a causal model and statistical analysis plan for investigating the causal effect of sensorimotor cortex activity on the development of chronic low back pain.

Methods and analysis

Sensorimotor cortex activity was assessed within 6 weeks of low back pain onset using somatosensory evoked potentials and transcranial magnetic stimulation mapping techniques. Chronic low back pain is defined as ongoing pain (Numerical Rating score ≥1) or disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire score ≥3) at 6 months follow-up. Variables that could confound the relationship between sensorimotor cortex activity and chronic low back pain were identified using a directed acyclic graph and content expertise was used to specify known causal paths. The statistical model was developed ‘a priori’ to control for confounding variables identified in the directed acyclic graph, allowing an unbiased estimate of the causal effect of sensorimotor activity in acute low back pain on the development of chronic pain. The statistical analysis plan was finalised prior to follow-up of all participants and initiation of analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from Western Sydney University Human Research Ethics Committee (H10465) and from Neuroscience Research Australia (SSA: 16/002). Dissemination will occur through presentations at national and international conferences and publications in international peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12619000002189 (retrospectively registered)
Average medical cost of fatal and non-fatal injuries by type in the USA
Authors: Peterson Cora , Xu Likang , Florence Curtis
Published: December 2019

Objective

To estimate the average medical care cost of fatal and non-fatal injuries in the USA comprehensively by injury type.

Methods

The attributable cost of injuries was estimated by mechanism (eg, fall), intent (eg, unintentional), body region (eg, head and neck) and nature of injury (eg, fracture) among patients injured from 1 October 2014 to 30 September 2015. The cost of fatal injuries was the multivariable regression-adjusted average among patients who died in hospital emergency departments (EDs) or inpatient settings as reported in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Emergency Department Sample and National Inpatient Sample, controlling for demographic (eg, age), clinical (eg, comorbidities) and health insurance (eg, Medicaid) factors. The 1-year attributable cost of non-fatal injuries was assessed among patients with ED-treated injuries using MarketScan medical claims data. Multivariable regression models compared total medical payments (inpatient, outpatient, drugs) among non-fatal injury patients versus matched controls during the year following injury patients’ ED visit, controlling for demographic, clinical and insurance factors. All costs are 2015 US dollars.

Results

The average medical cost of all fatal injuries was approximately $6880 and $41 570 per ED-based and hospital-based patient, respectively (range by injury type: $4764–$10 289 and $31 912–$95 295). The average attributable 1-year cost of all non-fatal injuries per person initially treated in an ED was approximately $6620 (range by injury type: $1698–$80 172).

Conclusions and relevance

Injuries are costly and preventable. Accurate estimates of attributable medical care costs are important to monitor the economic burden of injuries and help to prioritise cost-effective public health prevention activities.
Strong Kac’s chaos in the mean-field Bose–Einstein Condensation
Authors: Albeverio Sergio , De Vecchi Francesco C. , Romano Andrea , Ugolini Stefania
Published: December 2019

A stochastic approach to the (generic) mean-field limit in Bose–Einstein Condensation is described and the convergence of the ground-state energy as well as of its components are established. For the one-particle process on the path space, a total variation convergence result is proved. A strong form of Kac’s chaos on path-space for the [Formula: see text]-particles probability measures is derived from the previous energy convergence by purely probabilistic techniques notably using a simple chain-rule of the relative entropy. Fisher’s information chaos of the fixed-time marginal probability density under the generic mean-field scaling limit and the related entropy chaos result are also deduced.
Activin type II receptor ligand signaling inhibition after experimental ischemic heart failure attenuates cardiac remodeling and prevents fibrosis
Authors: Castillero Estibaliz , Akashi Hirokazu , Najjar Marc , Ji Ruiping , Brandstetter Lea Maria , Wang Catherine , Liao Xianghai , Zhang Xiaokan , Sperry Alexandra , Gailes Marcia , Guaman Karina , Recht Adam , Schlosberg Ira , Sweeney H. Lee , Ali Ziad A. , Homma Shunichi , Colombo Paolo C. , Ferrari Giovanni , Schulze P. Christian , George Isaac
Published: December 2019

Myostatin (MSTN) is a transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily member that acts as a negative regulator of muscle growth and may play a role in cardiac remodeling. We hypothesized that inhibition of activin type II receptors (ACTRII) to reduce MSTN signaling would reduce pathological cardiac remodeling in experimental heart failure (HF). C57BL/6J mice underwent left anterior descending coronary artery ligation under anesthesia to induce myocardial infarction (MI) or no ligation (sham). MI and sham animals were each randomly divided into groups ( n ≥ 10 mice/group) receiving an ACTRII or ACTRII/TGFβ receptor-signaling inhibiting strategy: 1) myo-Fc group (weekly 10 mg/kg Myo-Fc) or 2) Fol + TGFi group (daily 12 µg/kg follistatin plus 2 mg/kg TGFβ receptor inhibitor), versus controls. ACTRII/TGFBR signaling inhibition preserved cardiac function by echocardiography and prevented an increase in brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). ACTRII/TGFBR inhibition resulted in increased phosphorylation (P) of Akt and decreased P-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in MI mice. In vitro, Akt contributed to P-SMAD2,3, P-p38, and BNP regulation in cardiomyocytes. ACTRII/TGFBR inhibition increased sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2a) levels and decreased unfolded protein response (UPR) markers in MI mice. ACTRII/TGFBR inhibition was associated with a decrease in cardiac fibrosis and fibrosis markers, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), type I collagen, fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-12 in MI mice. MSTN exerted a direct regulation on the UPR marker eukaryotic translation initiation factor-2α (eIf2α) in cardiomyocytes. Our study suggests that ACTRII ligand inhibition has beneficial effects on cardiac signaling and fibrosis after ischemic HF.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Activin type II receptor ligand inhibition resulted in preserved cardiac function, a decrease in cardiac fibrosis, improved SERCA2a levels, and a prevention of the unfolded protein response in mice with myocardial infarction.
Changes in left and right ventricular longitudinal function after pulmonary valve replacement in patients with Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Sjöberg Pia , Ostenfeld Ellen , Hedström Erik , Arheden Håkan , Gustafsson Ronny , Nozohoor Shahab , Carlsson Marcus
Published: December 2019

Timing and indication for pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) in patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (rToF) and pulmonary regurgitation (PR) are uncertain. To improve understanding of pumping mechanics, we investigated atrioventricular coupling before and after surgical PVR. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance was performed in patients ( n = 12) with rToF and PR > 35% before and after PVR and in healthy controls ( n = 15). Atrioventricular plane displacement (AVPD), global longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLS), atrial and ventricular volumes, and caval blood flows were analyzed. Right ventricular (RV) AVPD and RV free wall GLS were lower in patients before PVR compared with controls ( P < 0.0001; P < 0.01) and decreased after PVR ( P < 0.0001 for both). Left ventricular AVPD was lower in patients before PVR compared with controls ( P < 0.05) and decreased after PVR ( P < 0.01). Left ventricular GLS did not differ between patients and controls ( P > 0.05). Right atrial reservoir volume and RV stroke volume generated by AVPD correlated in controls ( r = 0.93; P < 0.0001) and patients before PVR ( r = 0.88; P < 0.001) but not after PVR. In conclusion, there is a clear atrioventricular coupling in patients before PVR that is lost after PVR, possibly because of loss of pericardial integrity. Impaired atrioventricular coupling complicates assessment of ventricular function after surgery using measurements of longitudinal function. Changes in atrioventricular coupling seen in patients with rToF may be energetically unfavorable, and long-term effects of surgery on atrioventricular coupling is therefore of interest. Also, AVPD and GLS cannot be used interchangeably to assess longitudinal function in rToF.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY There is a clear atrioventricular coupling in patients with Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) and pulmonary regurgitation before surgical pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) that is lost after operation, possibly because of loss of pericardial integrity. The impaired atrioventricular coupling complicates assessment of ventricular function after surgery when using measurements of longitudinal function. Left ventricular atrioventricular plane displacement (AVPD) found differences between patients and controls and changes after PVR that longitudinal strain could not detect. This indicates that AVPD and strain cannot be used interchangeably to assess longitudinal function in repaired ToF.
Several phosphate transport processes are present in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Hortells Luis , Guillén Natalia , Sosa Cecilia , Sorribas Víctor
Published: December 2019

We have studied inorganic phosphate (Pi) handling in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) using32P-radiotracer assays. Our results have revealed a complex set of mechanisms consisting of 1) well-known PiT1/PiT2-mediated sodium-dependent Pitransport; 2) Slc20-unrelated sodium-dependent Pitransport that is sensitive to the stilbene derivatives 4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulphonic acid (DIDS) and 4-acetamido-4-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2-disulfonate (SITS); 3) a sodium-independent Piuptake system that is competitively inhibited by sulfate, bicarbonate, and arsenate and is weakly inhibited by DIDS, SITS, and phosphonoformate; and 4) an exit pathway from the cell that is partially chloride dependent and unrelated to the known anion-exchangers expressed in VSMC. The inhibitions of sodium-independent Pitransport by sulfate and of sodium-dependent transport by SITS were studied in greater detail. The maximal inhibition by sulfate was similar to that of Piitself, with a very high inhibition constant (212 mM). SITS only partially inhibited sodium-dependent Pitransport, but the Kiwas very low (14 µM). Nevertheless, SITS and DIDS did not inhibit Pitransport in Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing PiT1 or PiT2. Both the sodium-dependent and sodium-independent transport systems were highly dependent on VSMC confluence and on the differentiation state, but they were not modified by incubating VSMC for 7 days with 2 mM Piunder nonprecipitating conditions. This work not only shows that the Pihandling by cells is highly complex but also that the transport systems are shared with other ions such as bicarbonate or sulfate.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In addition to the inorganic phosphate (Pi) transporters PiT1 and PiT2, rat vascular smooth muscle cells show a sodium-dependent Pitransport system that is inhibited by DIDS and SITS. A sodium-independent Piuptake system of high affinity is also expressed, which is inhibited by sulfate, bicarbonate, and arsenate. The exit of excess Piis through an exchange with extracellular chloride. Whereas the metabolic effects of the inhibitors, if any, cannot be discarded, kinetic analysis during initial velocity suggests competitive inhibition.
Assessment of resistance vessel function in human skeletal muscle: guidelines for experimental design, Doppler ultrasound, and pharmacology
Authors: Limberg Jacqueline K. , Casey Darren P. , Trinity Joel D. , Nicholson Wayne T. , Wray D. Walter , Tschakovsky Michael E. , Green Daniel J. , Hellsten Ylva , Fadel Paul J. , Joyner Michael J. , Padilla Jaume
Published: December 2019

The introduction of duplex Doppler ultrasound almost half a century ago signified a revolutionary advance in the ability to assess limb blood flow in humans. It is now widely used to assess blood flow under a variety of experimental conditions to study skeletal muscle resistance vessel function. Despite its pervasive adoption, there is substantial variability between studies in relation to experimental protocols, procedures for data analysis, and interpretation of findings. This guideline results from a collegial discussion among physiologists and pharmacologists, with the goal of providing general as well as specific recommendations regarding the conduct of human studies involving Doppler ultrasound-based measures of resistance vessel function in skeletal muscle. Indeed, the focus is on methods used to assess resistance vessel function and not upstream conduit artery function (i.e., macrovasculature), which has been expertly reviewed elsewhere. In particular, we address topics related to experimental design, data collection, and signal processing as well as review common procedures used to assess resistance vessel function, including postocclusive reactive hyperemia, passive limb movement, acute single limb exercise, and pharmacological interventions.

Listen to this article’s corresponding podcast at https://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/guidelines-for-doppler-ultrasound-and-resistance-vessel-function/ .
Unusual Mechanisms of Penile Amputation
Authors: Fazi Julian , Adkins David , Knight Jennifer , Luchey Adam
Published: December 2019

Penile amputation is an uncommon and highly morbid injury. Many mechanisms have been reported ranging from self-mutilation and domestic violence to traumatic circumcisions. We present two unusual cases of traumatic penile amputation. An older gentleman endured extensive perineal trauma after being trapped underneath an industrial-sized lawnmower, and a young adolescent was bitten by an English bulldog and suffered amputation of the glans of his penis. These unique and very different cases of penile amputation highlight differences in operative managements, complications, and reconstructive possibilities.
Effects of Continuous Laydown and Compaction on Interlayer Shear Bonding of Asphalt Layers
Authors: Zhang Haitao , Gong Mingyang , Wu Jian , Sun Quansheng
Published: December 2019

Traditional discontinuous paving technology of asphalt pavement is to pave and compact with two different gradation asphalt mixtures in the upper and lower layers, respectively, so the interlayer contact state of asphalt mixture is the major issue of pavement structure. Meanwhile, the continuous paving technology is to pave and compact with two different gradation asphalt mixtures in the upper and lower layers simultaneously, which can solve the issue of interlayer contact appropriately. In order to contrast the shear performance of the structural layer based on continuous and discontinuous paving technology, in this project, through simulating site construction, the double-deck Marshall and rut specimens are prepared based on two different gradation asphalt mixtures simultaneously, and the mechanical and interlayer shear performances of asphalt mixtures under continuous and discontinuous paving technology are tested at room temperature, low temperature, and freeze-thaw. The test results show that the mechanical and interlayer shear performance of continuous paving asphalt mixtures is better than that of discontinuous paving asphalt mixture. The findings can provide a certain technical basis for the design of continuous paving asphalt pavement.
Durability of GFRC Modified by Calcium Sulfoaluminate Cement under Elevated Curing Temperatures
Authors: Song Meimei , Wu Ke , Dou Yihua
Published: December 2019

CSA/GFRC is an advanced composite material possessed with great ductility and durability. However, its bending performance and fibre condition, as well as intrinsic microstructural changes, under elevated temperature have not been understood so far. XRD was applied in this study to investigate the hydration mechanism of CSA cement under 50°C, 70°C, and 80°C. Bending performance was carried out to test the toughness of CSA/GFRC. SEM was applied to observe the underlying microstructural changes of CSA/GFRC under different curing regimes. It was found out that there was a gradual degradation of both ultimate tensile strength and ultimate strain of CSA/GFRC with elevated curing temperature and curing age, but glass fibre still shows considerable ability to carry stress alone by bridging cracks. Microstructural studies showed that, at accelerated temperatures of 50°C and 70°C, the space between fibres remained empty in general only with some hydration products adhering to the fibre surface occasionally. At a higher accelerated curing temperature of 80°C, densification of the interfilamentary spaces by larger and clustered hydration products can be observed at longer curing ages, causing the fibres to lose parts of the flexibility. Therefore, it can be concluded that densification of interfilamentary spaces may have a greater role to play in the strength degradation of CSA/GFRC than mechanisms associated with fibre weakening caused by chemical corrosion.
A Case of Type I Sirenomelia Complicated by Severe Oligohydramnios in the First Trimester
Authors: Yoshida Atsushi , Okumura Asumi , Nakao Masahiro , Suzuki Ryo
Published: December 2019

Sirenomelia is a very rare congenital anomaly. Type I is the mildest type, and the long bone structures are all normally present with only soft tissue fusion. We experienced a case of type I sirenomelia complicated by severe oligohydramnios. Because of severe oligohydramnios, ultrasonographic images were not very clear. The associated findings with sirenomelia (single umbilical artery and bilateral renal agenesis) were helpful for the prenatal diagnosis of this disease. Detailed sonographic examination of the fetus was thought to be necessary for the accurate prenatal diagnosis of sirenomelia.
A Missed Diagnosis of Bilateral Simultaneous Spontaneous Intracapsular Neck of Femur Fractures in a Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient
Authors: Rajeev Aysha , Jabbar Faizan , Zourob Emadeldeen , Devalia Kailash
Published: December 2019

Bilateral spontaneous simultaneous fractures of the neck of femurs are extremely rare, and only a few cases have been reported in literature. They are usually following high-energy trauma or may be due to an underlying pathological process such as frailty, osteomalacia, rickets, and chronic renal disease. They can also occur following epilepsy and electric shock. We report a 79-year-old gentleman who presented with sudden onset of bilateral hip pain with a background of rheumatoid arthritis and long-term steroid treatment. The bilateral hip fractures were missed initially and later presented with completely displaced fractures of the neck of femurs. He underwent a single-stage bilateral cemented hemiarthroplasty and made a good recovery. Bilateral simultaneous fractures of the hip in patients with rheumatoid arthritis have not been reported in literature so far, and the diagnosis can be easily overlooked. In patients with bilateral hip pain, one should have a high index of suspicion. Further appropriate cross-sectional imaging in the form of CT or MRI should also be considered.
Acceptance of Anxiety through Art Therapy: A Case Report Exploring How Anthroposophic Art Therapy Addresses Emotion Regulation and Executive Functioning
Authors: Abbing A. C. , Baars E. W. , Van Haastrecht O. , Ponstein A. S.
Published: December 2019

Anxiety is a major problem for many individuals, causing impairment in daily life. Art therapy is often deployed and although positive results are communicated in clinical practice, its effectiveness and working mechanisms have hardly been studied. Therefore, it is important to systematically describe the intervention process and to detect the working mechanisms to be able to evaluate them. Narrative case studies help to understand the intervention in more depth. A typical case file was selected for case reporting according to scientific (CARE & CARE-AAT) guidelines, with the aim to explore the therapeutic elements that contributed to the reduction of anxiety. The report describes the intervention process of a 54-year-old female, suffering from anxiety since childhood and diagnosed with panic disorder, agoraphobia, claustrophobia and hypochondria. After 14 sessions of anthroposophic art therapy, reduction of anxiety was shown, as well as improvements of emotion regulation and executive functioning. The client indicated that she became more tolerant and accepting towards her anxiety. She noted a softened attitude towards herself and her complaints, even one year after art therapy. The course of treatment suggests that aspects of emotion regulation and executive functioning were addressed through implicit learning processes in different art therapy assignments.