bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic consequences of ileal interruption of the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids
Authors: van de Peppel Ivo P. , Verkade Henkjan J. , Jonker Johan W.
Published: September 2020

The enterohepatic circulation of bile acids comprises a tightly regulated process of hepatic bile acid secretion, intestinal reabsorption and transport back to the liver. Disruption of this process has significant consequences for gastrointestinal, liver and whole body homeostasis and therefore offers opportunities for therapeutic intervention. In this review we discuss the effects of (pharmacological) interruption of the enterohepatic circulation at different levels. Recently, several studies have been published on ileal interruption of the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids, targeting the apical-sodium dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT, SLC10A2), as therapy for various diseases. However, ambiguous results have been reported and in-depth mechanistic insights are lacking. Here we discuss these novel studies and review the current knowledge on the consequences of ASBT inhibition and its potential effects on physiology and metabolism.
Reproducibility of the neurocardiovascular responses to common laboratory-based sympathoexcitatory stimuli in young adults
Authors: Dillon Gabrielle A. , Lichter Zachary S. , Alexander Lacy M. , Vianna Lauro C. , Wang Jing , Fadel Paul J. , Greaney Jody L.
Published: September 2020

The magnitude of the increases in blood pressure and muscle sympathetic nerve activity in response to sympathoexcitatory stimuli such as static handgrip, postexercise ischemia, and the cold pressor test are commonly used to assess neurocardiovascular responsiveness. However, limited studies have comprehensively examined the reproducibility of these responses. We demonstrate that the reproducibility of the pressor response to these perturbations was very good within an individual, whereas the reproducibility of the MSNA response was less consistent.
Cardiovascular responses to rhythmic handgrip exercise in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Ratchford Stephen M. , Clifton Heather L. , La Salle D. Taylor , Broxterman Ryan M. , Lee Joshua F. , Ryan John J. , Hopkins Paul N. , Wright Josephine B. , Trinity Joel D. , Richardson Russell S. , Wray D. Walter
Published: September 2020

The current study identified, for the first time, an attenuation in exercising muscle blood flow during handgrip exercise in individuals with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) compared with overweight individuals with hypertension, two of the most common comorbidities associated with HFpEF. These decrements in exercise hyperemia cannot be attributed to disease-related changes in central hemodynamics or endothelial function, providing additional evidence for disease-related vascular dysregulation, which may be a predominant contributor to exercise intolerance in individuals with HFpEF.
Defective corticomuscular connectivity during walking in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Yokoyama Hikaru , Yoshida Takashi , Zabjek Karl , Chen Robert , Masani Kei
Published: September 2020

Mechanisms behind how Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects cortical control of muscles during walking remain unclear. As PD typically develops in the elderly, investigation of aging effects is important to examine deficits regarding PD. Here, we demonstrated that PD causes weak corticomuscular synchronization during walking, but aging does not. This lower-than-normal corticomuscular communication may cause impaired muscle control during walking.
Study on the Preparation of Biohydrocarbon Fuel by Catalytic Hydrogenation of Swida wilsoniana Pyrolysis Products
Authors: Zhang Aihua , Tang Juan , Lie Jilie , He Yidan , Xiao Zhihong
Published: September 2020

The Ni‐ZSM‐5 catalyst, under four different factors of Swida wilsoniana pyrolysis products of catalytic hydrogenation, GC‐MS, FI‐IR, and elemental analyzers, was used to identify the elements, carbon chain distribution, and composition of the products. The effects of reaction temperature, reaction pressure, and catalyst hydrogenation level on the conversion rate were investigated. The reaction pressure and the amount of catalyst are the main factors that affect the conversion of the pyrolysis products into biofuels. Using 1.05 wt.% Ni‐ZSM‐5 catalyst, the highest conversion rate was 98.10% at 173°C and 2.00 MPa. The results show that Swida wilsoniana‐decomposed products can be converted to high‐quality biofuels by catalytic hydrogenation of Ni‐ZSM‐5 and can be used as an alternative energy source.
Evaluation of the Combined Application of AFP, AFP‐L3%, and DCP for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Diagnosis: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Xueying , Zhang Yangyu , Yang Na , He Hua , Tao Xuerong , Kou Changgui , Jiang Jing
Published: September 2020

The role of α‐fetoprotein (AFP) in the surveillance and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been questioned in recent years due to its low sensitivity and specificity. In addition to AFP, several new serum biomarkers, such as lens culinaris agglutinin‐reactive fraction of AFP (AFP‐L3) and des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin (DCP), have also been identified as useful HCC serological markers. However, the exact diagnostic value of the combinations of these biomarkers for detecting HCC in patients with liver disease remains unclear. Thus, we performed the current meta‐analysis to assess performance of AFP+AFP‐L3%+DCP for diagnosing HCC. Studies were systematically searched in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, and WanFang Data databases. After full‐text evaluation, 13 studies from 11 articles focusing on the combination of the three serum biomarkers for HCC detection were enrolled. Random‐effects models were used due to the presence of heterogeneity. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for AFP+AFP‐L3%+DCP were 88% and 79%, respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curve was 0.91, and the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was 28.33 (95% CI 16.78‐47.83). Subgroup analysis showed that the pooled sensitivity and specificity of AFP+AFP‐L3%+DCP in the diagnosis of HCC versus cirrhosis patients were 0.81 and 0.82, respectively. In conclusion, the combination of AFP, AFP‐L3%, and DCP may prove to be useful in the diagnosis and screening of HCC.
Evaluation of the Antimalarial Activity of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Leaf of Leonotis ocymifolia (Burm. f.) Iwarsson (Lamiaceae) against Plasmodium berghei in Mice
Authors: Teklu Tewolde , Engidawork Ephrem , Nedi Teshome , Teklehaymanot Tilahun , Gebremeskel Leake
Published: September 2020

Malaria’s global impact, fueled by resistance to several antimalarial drugs, has necessitated a quest to new antimalarial drugs from several sources with traditional medicinal plants being one of them. This study was conducted to assess the antimalarial activity of a traditionally used medicinal plant, Leonotis ocymifolia, against Plasmodium berghei. The plant has been extracted using maceration technique, and doses ranging from 100–800 mg/kg of Leonotis ocymifolia were used to test its antimalarial activity. Tween 80 (2% in water) and chloroquine 25 mg/kg were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. The antimalarial activities of the plant were determined by measuring parasitemia, survival time, packed cell volume, temperature, and weight. The plant’s hydroalcoholic extract, as compared to negative control, maximally decreased parasite load by 41.4% at 800 mg/kg (p < 0.001). This parasite suppression was followed by longer survival time in the groups taking 400 mg/kg (p < 0.05) and 800 mg/kg (p < 0.05) in a four‐day suppressive test and in those taking 800 mg/kg (p < 0.05) in Rane’s test. The plant did not prevent weight and PCV reduction but prevented temperature reduction at 400 mg/kg (p < 0.05) and 800 mg/kg (p < 0.05) in a four‐day suppressive model, and at 800 mg/kg (p < 0.05) in Rane’s model. The average but consistent antimalarial activity of the plant across the test models corroborates the folkloric antimalarial use of the plant. The study recommends further pharmacological screenings, isolation, and identification of active compound(s) of the plant Leonotis ocymifolia.
Controlling the Spread of COVID-19: Optimal Control Analysis
Authors: Madubueze Chinwendu E. , Dachollom Sambo , Onwubuya Isaac Obiajulu
Published: September 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2). It was declared on March 11, 2020, by the World Health Organization as pandemic disease. The disease has neither approved medicine nor vaccine and has made governments and scholars search for drastic measures in combating the pandemic. Regrettably, the spread of the virus and mortality due to COVID-19 has continued to increase daily. Hence, it is imperative to control the spread of the disease particularly using nonpharmacological strategies such as quarantine, isolation, and public health education. This work studied the effect of these different control strategies as time-dependent interventions using mathematical modeling and optimal control approach to ascertain their contributions in the dynamic transmission of COVID-19. The model was proven to have an invariant region and was well-posed. The basic reproduction number and effective reproduction numbers were computed with and without interventions, respectively, and were used to carry out the sensitivity analysis that identified the critical parameters contributing to the spread of COVID-19. The optimal control analysis was carried out using the Pontryagin’s maximum principle to figure out the optimal strategy necessary to curtail the disease. The findings of the optimal control analysis and numerical simulations revealed that time-dependent interventions reduced the number of exposed and infected individuals compared to time-independent interventions. These interventions were time-bound and best implemented within the first 100 days of the outbreak. Again, the combined implementation of only two of these interventions produced a good result in reducing infection in the population. While, the combined implementation of all three interventions performed better, even though zero infection was not achieved in the population. This implied that multiple interventions need to be deployed early in order to reduce the virus to the barest minimum.
Resistant Maltodextrin Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium‐Induced Intestinal Inflammatory Injury by Increasing Butyric Acid to Inhibit Proinflammatory Cytokine Levels
Authors: Wang Shilan , Zhang Shiyi , Huang Shimeng , Wu Zhenhua , Pang Jiaman , Wu Yujun , Wang Junjun , Han Dandan
Published: September 2020

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), one kind of intestinal chronic inflammatory disease, is characterized by colonic epithelial barrier injury, overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines, and fewer short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The present study is aimed at testing the hypothesis that resistant maltodextrin (RM), a soluble dietary fiber produced by starch debranching, alleviated dextran sulfate sodium‐ (DSS‐) induced colitis in mice. Female C57BL/6 mice with or without oral administration of 50 mg/kg RM for 19 days were challenged with 3% DSS in drinking water to induce colitis (from day 14 to day 19). Although RM could not reverse DSS‐induced weight loss or colon shortening, it reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and epithelial damage in colon tissue, as well as the transfer of intestinal permeability indicators including serum diamine oxidase (DAO) and D‐lactic acid (D‐LA). ELISA analysis indicated that RM significantly suppressed the increase of Th1 cytokines induced by DSS in the colon such as tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ). The levels of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐17, and IL‐8 in the DSS group were significantly higher than those in the control group and RM group, but no significant difference was observed in the RM‐DSS group compared with the RM group. Interestingly, IL‐10 levels of the DSS group were significantly higher than those of the other groups. With respect to SCFAs, DSS administration significantly decreased the concentration of faecal butyric acid while the RM‐DSS group showed a tendency to increase (P = 0.08). In general, RM alleviated dextran sulfate sodium‐induced intestinal inflammation through increasing the level of butyric acid and subsequently inhibiting the expression of proinflammatory cytokines.
Investigating the Combined Effects of Inherent and Stress-Induced Anisotropy on the Mechanical Behavior of Granular Materials Using Three-Dimensional Discrete Element Method
Authors: Chen Xinran , Qian Jinsong , Zhang Lei , Ling Jianming
Published: September 2020

The three-dimensional discrete element method (DEM) was employed to investigate the combined effects of inherent and stress-induced anisotropy of granular materials. The particles were modeled following real particle shapes. Both isotropic and inherently anisotropic specimens were prepared, and then true triaxial numerical tests were conducted using different intermediate principle stress ratios (b). The results indicate that the oriented particles in the anisotropic specimens form strong contacts in their long axis direction in the early stages of shearing, which restrains the contraction of the specimens. As the strain increases, the oriented particles start to rotate and slide, which results in shorter contraction stages and fewer number of interparticle contacts with peak values compared to the isotropic specimens. In addition, the increase inbvalues aggravates the rotating and sliding of particles in the inherently anisotropic specimens and restrains the contraction of the granular and the increase of contact forces. As a result, the inherent anisotropy reduces the effects of stress-induced anisotropy on the mechanical behavior of granular materials.
Actual Management of Anterior Calyceal Diverticular Calculi: A Challenging Flexible Retrograde Endoscopic Approach
Authors: Barki Ali , El Moudane Anouar
Published: September 2020

Calyceal diverticula is a cavity that communicates with the collecting system through a narrow isthmus of the kidney. The incidence of the formation of stones in calyceal diverticula is 10-50%. This paper reports three cases of two females and one male who presented with calyceal diverticular calculi; the patients have been, arbitrarily, selected between August and February 2019 at the urology department of our university hospital. A minimally invasive treatment includes extracorporeal lithotripsy (ESWL), and F-URS (flexible ureteroscopy) was performed. We report this case series.
Dose Analysis of Photobiomodulation Therapy in Stomatology
Authors: Su Chuan-Tsung , Chen Chung-Ming , Chen Chun-Cheng , Wu Jih-Huah
Published: September 2020

The penetration depth and the power density of photobiomodulation (PBM) in human tissue under real conditions remain unclear to date. A novel quantitative measurement method was proposed in this study. This study aimed to design a noninvasive measurement system for the quantitative calculation of PBM dose on the attached gingiva. A flexible facial fixture appliance (FFFA) and nine piece detectors were mounted on the retainer to detect the real dose of 660 and 830 nm lasers on the attached gingiva. In addition, the angular distribution of light scattering and the light propagation in the biotissue were obtained. Two cases (a female and a male) are presented in this study. Experimental results demonstrated that the real power density of laser in the target tissue can be measured exactly after the laser light penetrates the orbicularis oris. Simulation results match with real conditions. Conversely, slight differences in power density are observed in the tissue radiated with collimated and uncollimated laser. The proposed method can be used to calculate the real dose in the target tissue for stomatology and deep acupoint stimulation.
Dynamics Parametrization and Calibration of Flexible-Joint Collaborative Industrial Robot Manipulators
Authors: Madsen Emil , Timm Simon Aagaard , Ujfalusi Norbert Andras , Rosenlund Oluf Skov , Brandt David , Zhang Xuping
Published: September 2020

Many collaborative robots use strain-wave-type transmissions due to their desirable characteristics of high torque capacity and low weight. However, their inherent complex and nonlinear behavior introduces significant errors and uncertainties in the robot dynamics calibration, resulting in decreased performance for motion and force control tasks and lead-through programming applications. This paper presents a new method for calibrating the dynamic model of collaborative robots. The method combines the known inverse dynamics identification model with the weighted least squares (IDIM-WLS) method for rigid robot dynamics with complex nonlinear expressions for the rotor-side dynamics to obtain increased calibration accuracy by reducing the modeling errors. The method relies on two angular position measurements per robot joint, one at each side of the strain-wave transmission, to effectively compensate the rotor inertial torques and nonlinear dynamic friction that were identified in our previous works. The calibrated dynamic model is cross-validated and its accuracy is compared to a model with parameters obtained from a CAD model. Relative improvements are in the range of 16.5% to 28.5% depending on the trajectory.
Turing Universality of Weighted Spiking Neural P Systems with Anti-spikes
Authors: Ren Qianqian , Liu Xiyu , Sun Minghe
Published: September 2020

Weighted spiking neural P systems with anti-spikes (AWSN P systems) are proposed by adding anti-spikes to spiking neural P systems with weighted synapses. Anti-spikes behave like spikes of inhibition of communication between neurons. Both spikes and anti-spikes are used in the rule expressions. An illustrative example is given to show the working process of the proposed AWSN P systems. The Turing universality of the proposed P systems as number generating and accepting devices is proved. Finally, a universal AWSN P system having 34 neurons is proved to work as a function computing device by using standard rules, and one having 30 neurons is proved to work as a number generator.
Perceptions and Practices towards Anthrax in Selected Agricultural Communities in Arua District, Uganda
Authors: Kungu Joseph M. , Nsamba Peninah , Wejuli Alfred , Kabasa John D. , Bazeyo William
Published: September 2020

Background. Anthrax is globally recognized as an important public health and economic challenge in many agricultural communities. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three subcounties in Arua district to assess the community’s awareness, cultural norm, and practices regarding anthrax. This followed a report of active cases of human cutaneous anthrax in the district. Methods. The study was conducted in subcounties of Pawor, Rigbo, and Rhino Camp, Arua district, using focus group discussion. Results. The affected communities had limited knowledge about anthrax, especially its clinical manifestation and modes of transmission both in humans and animals. The community also had no knowledge of the anthrax vaccine or treatment and where they can be accessed from. Poor practices associated with anthrax outbreaks included poor disposal of carcasses and ruminal wastes, occupational hazards (butchers, slaughter men, and herdsmen), consumption of meat from infected animals, communal herding, and cultural norms encouraging consumption of dead animals. Conclusion. This study shows that there is a knowledge gap about anthrax among the people in the affected communities. Key drivers for the anthrax outbreak such as poor cultural beliefs and practices and wildlife-livestock-human interactions were observed in all the three subcounties studied. All these findings could imply a high risk of outbreak of anthrax in Arua and Ugandan agricultural communities where the public health programs are less standardized and less effective.
Monomelic Amyotrophy (Hirayama Disease): A Rare Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Al-Hashel Jasem Y. , Abdelnabi Ehab A. , Ibrahim Ismail Ismail
Published: September 2020

Hirayama disease is a rare neurological entity that is characterized by initial progressive muscular wasting and weakness of the distal upper limb in young men, followed by a spontaneous arrest within several years. The disease is believed to be a result of forward displacement of the cervical dural sac and spinal cord induced by neck flexion. It is commonly seen in Asia and rarely encountered in the Middle East countries. We report a rare case of a 20-year-old Kuwaiti patient presenting with a 10-month duration of gradual left upper limb weakness and wasting. We describe his electrophysiological and radiological findings that confirmed the diagnosis, and conducted a literature review. Hirayama disease is rarely encountered in clinical settings and should be suspected in male patients presenting with unilateral or asymmetrical bilateral lower motor weakness of hands and forearms. It is a benign entity, and cervical collar is usually the only treatment needed in most cases.
Toward a Neo-Nietzschean Theory of Human Development
Authors: Eustice-Corwin Alexander Christopher
Published: September 2020

The 19th century philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche placed great emphasis on the notion of becoming and although contemporary Nietzsche scholars have paid considerable attention to Nietzsche’s psychology, little attention has been paid to Nietzsche’s notion of becoming as a theory of human development. This is not surprising given the aphoristic and unsystematic presentation of Nietzsche’s ideas. Drawing on his own familiarity with Nietzsche’s work, the author explores the literature on Nietzsche’s conception of becoming, placing particular emphasis on the notion of becoming what one is. In lieu of philosophical analysis of the primary texts, the author consults contemporary scholarship on Nietzsche’s psychology to develop a neo-Nietzschean theory of human development and argues that Nietzsche does indeed have an inchoate theory. The author further relates the neo-Nietzschean theory of human development to other theories within the discipline, such as possible selves, dynamic integration, self-actualization, self-creation, and additional metatheoretical concerns.
Biomarkers of Inflammation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: How Long before Abandoning Single-Marker Approaches?
Authors: Dragoni Gabriele , Innocenti Tommaso , Galli Andrea
Published: September 2020

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronically relapsing disease with a continuous need for proactive monitoring to decide appropriate treatments and follow-up strategies. To date, gastrointestinal endoscopy with histologic examination of biopsies and contrast-enhanced imaging are mandatory techniques for the diagnosis and the activity assessment of IBD. Summary: In recent decades, many research efforts in the IBD field have been placed on finding non-invasive and reliable biomarkers of disease burden that can be easily tested in body fluids without impacting the quality of life of patients. Unfortunately, the ideal biomarker is yet to be discovered and recent studies have investigated the possibility to increase the accuracy of such measurements by combining different markers. In this review, we provide an update about the current knowledge on biomarkers of intestinal inflammation in IBD, focussing on disease diagnosis, correlation with endoscopic findings, and prediction of relapse. We also summarize composite scores of clinical and laboratory markers that have been recently proposed in various scenarios of disease activity. Key Messages: To date, only C-reactive protein and faecal calprotectin can be considered reliable markers of disease activity with demonstrated utility in IBD management. The combination of different parameters has recently shown higher accuracy and might substitute single-marker approaches in the future of research and clinical practice.
A new flesh fly species of Oxysarcodexia Townsend from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and redescription of Oxysarcodexia xon (Dodge, 1968)
Authors: Menezes Marco Antônio , Santos Josenilson Rodrigues dos , Mello-Patiu Cátia Antunes de
Published: September 2020

A new Neotropical species of Oxysarcodexia Townsend (Diptera, Sarcophagidae) from Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil, Oxysarcodexia digitata sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on male and female specimens. This new species resembles O. fraterna Lopes, O. nitida Soares & Mello-Patiu, O. notata Soares & Mello-Patiu, O. vittata (Walker), and O. xon (Dodge), but can be distinguished based on differences in phallic elements. Additionally, the male of Oxysarcodexia xon (Dodge, 1968) is redescribed and illustrated, its female is described for the first time, and new records is presented.
Pelidnota granulata (Gory, 1834) (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Rutelinae): description of the pupa and new records from Amazonas state, Brazil
Authors: Bento Matheus , Fonseca Claudio Ruy Vasconcelos da
Published: September 2020

The Neotropical ruteline genus Pelidnota MacLeay currently includes 194 species and subspecies with a few described preimaginal stages. Here we describe the pupa of Pelidnota granulata (Gory, 1834), provide illustrations, comparative notes on other known pupae of Rutelini and comments on its geographical distribution. The key to known pupae of Rutelini is updated.
A Política do silêncio: Mário de Andrade, o teatro musicado e a presença estrangeira na São Paulo dos anos 1920 e 1930
Authors: Bessa Virginia De Almeida
Published: September 2020

O artigo analisa o silêncio de Mário de Andrade em relação ao teatro musicado. Como entender que o mesmo autor que dedicou tanta atenção a outros importantes veículos culturais da época, como o disco, o cinema mudo e a partitura impressa, tenha se calado diante do teatro de operetas, burletas e revistas, um dos principais divertimentos públicos de São Paulo nas décadas de 1920 e 1930? A análise de textos jornalísticos, poéticos e programáticos do autor, um deles um autógrafo inédito, revela que tal silêncio só se configurou a partir do final dos anos 1920, quando a estruturação de um mercado de bens culturais e a forte presença italiana na vida musical e teatral da cidade passaram a ser vistas como uma ameaça ao projeto de construção de uma música a um só tempo artística e nacional.
Free Thiol β2-GPI (β-2-Glycoprotein-I) Provides a Link Between Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Weaver James C. , Ullah Inaam , Qi Miao , Giannakopoulos Bill , Rye Kerry Anne , Kockx Maaike , Kritharides Leonard , Krilis Steven A.
Published: September 2020

Objective:

Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease is well recognised as an inflammatory disorder that is also influenced by oxidative stress. β2-GPI (β-2-glycoprotein-I) is a circulating plasma protein that undergoes post-translational modification and exists in free thiol as well as oxidized forms. The aim of this study was to assess the association between these 2 post-translational redox forms of β2-GPI and atherosclerotic coronary artery disease.

Approach and Results:

Stable patients presenting for elective coronary angiography or CT coronary angiography were prospectively recruited. A separate group of patients after reperfused ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction formed an acute coronary syndrome subgroup. All patients had collection of fasting serum and plasma for quantification of total and free thiol β2-GPI. Coronary artery disease extent was quantified by the Syntax and Gensini scores. A total of 552 patients with stable disease and 44 with acute coronary syndrome were recruited. While total β2-GPI was not associated with stable coronary artery disease, a higher free thiol β2-GPI was associated with its presence and extent. This finding remained significant after correcting for confounding variables, and free thiol β2-GPI was a better predictor of stable coronary artery disease than hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein). Paradoxically, there were lower levels of free thiol β2-GPI after ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction.

Conclusions:

Free thiol β2-GPI is a predictor of coronary artery disease presence and extent in stable patients. Free thiol β2-GPI was a better predictor than high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.
Hypoxia-Mediated Regulation of Histone Demethylases Affects Angiogenesis-Associated Functions in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Liu Oscar Hsin-Fu , Kiema Miika , Beter Mustafa , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo , Laakkonen Johanna P. , Kaikkonen Minna U.
Published: September 2020

Objective:

Previous studies have demonstrated that the expression of several lysine (K)-specific demethylases (KDMs) is induced by hypoxia. Here, we sought to investigate the exact mechanisms underlying this regulation and its functional implications for endothelial cell function, such as angiogenesis.

Approach and Results:

We analyzed the expression changes of KDMs under hypoxia and modulation of HIF (hypoxia-inducible factor) expression using GRO-Seq and RNA-Seq in endothelial cells. We provide evidence that the majority of the KDMs are induced at the level of nascent transcription mediated by the action of HIF-1α and HIF-2α. Importantly, we show that transcriptional changes at the level of initiation represent the major mechanism of gene activation. To delineate the epigenetic effects of hypoxia and HIF activation in normoxia, we analyzed the genome-wide changes of H3K27me3 using chromosome immunoprecipitation-Seq. We discovered a redistribution of H3K27me3 at ≈2000 to 3000 transcriptionally active loci nearby genes implicated in angiogenesis. Among these, we demonstrate that vascular endothelial growth factor A (
VEGFA
) expression is partly induced by KDM4B- and KDM6B-mediated demethylation of nearby regions. Knockdown of KDM4B and KDM6B decreased cell proliferation, tube formation, and endothelial sprouting while affecting hundreds of genes associated with angiogenesis. These findings provide novel insights into the regulation of KDMs by hypoxia and the epigenetic regulation of VEGFA-mediated angiogenesis.

Conclusions:

Our study describes an additional level of epigenetic regulation where hypoxia induces redistribution of H3K27me3 around genes implicated in proliferation and angiogenesis. More specifically, we demonstrate that KDM4B and KDM6B play a key role in modulating the expression of the major angiogenic driver VEGFA.
Secreted Factors From Proinflammatory Macrophages Promote an Osteoblast-Like Phenotype in Valvular Interstitial Cells
Authors: Grim Joseph C. , Aguado Brian A. , Vogt Brandon J. , Batan Dilara , Andrichik Cassidy L. , Schroeder Megan E. , Gonzalez-Rodriguez Andrea , Yavitt F. Max , Weiss Robert M. , Anseth Kristi S.
Published: September 2020

Objective:

Resident valvular interstitial cells (VICs) activate to myofibroblasts during aortic valve stenosis progression, which further promotes fibrosis or even differentiate into osteoblast-like cells that can lead to calcification of valve tissue. Inflammation is a hallmark of aortic valve stenosis, so we aimed to determine proinflammatory cytokines secreted from M1 macrophages that give rise to a transient VIC phenotype that leads to calcification of valve tissue.

Approach and Results:

We designed hydrogel biomaterials as valve extracellular matrix mimics enabling the culture of VICs in either their quiescent fibroblast or activated myofibroblast phenotype in response to the local matrix stiffness. When VIC fibroblasts and myofibroblasts were treated with conditioned media from THP-1-derived M1 macrophages, we observed robust reduction of αSMA (alpha smooth muscle actin) expression, reduced stress fiber formation, and increased proliferation, suggesting a potent antifibrotic effect. We further identified TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-α and IL (interleukin)-1β as 2 cytokines in M1 media that cause the observed antifibrotic effect. After 7 days of culture in M1 conditioned media, VICs began differentiating into osteoblast-like cells, as measured by increased expression of RUNX2 (runt-related transcription factor 2) and osteopontin. We also identified and validated IL-6 as a critical mediator of the observed pro-osteogenic effect.

Conclusions:

Proinflammatory cytokines in M1 conditioned media inhibit myofibroblast activation in VICs (eg, TNF-α and IL-1β) and promote their osteogenic differentiation (eg, IL-6). Together, our work suggests inflammatory M1 macrophages may drive a myofibroblast-to-osteogenic intermediate VIC phenotype, which may mediate the switch from fibrosis to calcification during aortic valve stenosis progression.
Smoking Causes Fatal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Rautalin Ilari , Korja Miikka , Kaprio Jaakko
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose:

One of the largest twin studies to date suggested that subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is mainly of nongenetic origin, but the causal effect of environmental factors on SAH is yet unknown. We hypothesized that if only one of the twins experience fatal SAH, they do not share the most important environmental risk factor for SAH, namely smoking. If true, such finding would suggest that smoking causes SAH.

Methods:

Through the nationwide cause-of-death register, we followed 16 282 same-sex twin pairs of Finnish origin from the older Finnish Twin Cohort between 1976 and 2018 and identified all participants who died from SAH. For the baseline, we collected risk factor information about smoking, hypertension, physical activity, body mass index, alcohol consumption, and education. We classified the pairs as monozygotic, dizygotic, or of unknown zygosity. We examined the within-pair risk factor differences in the pairs discordant for SAH, that is, where one twin died from SAH and the other did not. We computed both individual (whole cohort) and pairwise (discordant pair) hazard ratios and 95% CIs.

Results:

During the 869 469 person-years of follow-up, we identified 116 discordant and 2 concordant (both died from SAH) twin pairs for fatal SAH. Overall, 25 of the discordant twin pairs were monozygotic. For the whole cohort, smoking (occasional/current) was associated with increased risk of SAH death (hazard ratio, 3.33 [CI, 2.24–4.95]) as compared with nonsmokers (never/former). In the pairwise analyses for discordant twin pairs, we found that the twin who smoked had an increased risk of fatal SAH (hazard ratio, 6.33 [CI, 1.87–21.4]) as compared with the nonsmoking twin. The association remained consistent regardless of the twin pairs’ zygosity or sex.

Conclusions:

Our results provide strong evidence for a causal, rather than associative, role of smoking in SAH.
A new species of Cyrtodactylus Gray (Squamata; Gekkonidae) from the Thai Highlands with a discussion on the evolution of habitat preference
Authors: GRISMER L. LEE , RUJIRAWAN ATTAPOL , TERMPRAYOON KORKHWAN , AMPAI NATEE , YODTHONG SIRIPORN , WOOD PERRY L. JR , OAKS JAMIE R. , AOWPHOL ANCHALEE
Published: September 2020

A new gekkonid lizard, Cyrtodactylus maelanoi sp. nov., from Mae Hong Son Province of the Thai Highlands is described using an integrative taxonomic analysis based on morphology, color pattern, and the mitochondrial gene NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) and its flanking tRNAs. Phylogenetic analyses place the new species within clade 1 of the C. sinyineensis group and as the sister species to C. inthanon with an uncorrected pairwise sequence divergence of 3.9%. Collection data gathered in the field indicate that C. maelanoi sp. nov. is a habitat generalist. Reconstruction of the ancestral habitat preference for the C. sinyineensis group by way of stochasitc character mapping (SCM) indicates that karstic environments were the ancestral condition out of which the general habitat preference of the ancestor of C. maelanoi sp. nov. and C. inthanon and that of C. amphipetreaus and C. doisuthep evolved three times independently. Additionally, SCM demonstrated that the evolution of a granitic habitat preference from a karst-adapted ancestor happened in C. aequalis. The discovery of a new upland species in the Thai Highlands brings into focus the understudied nature of the mountain systems of western Thailand and the need for their continued exploration and conservation.
Skill and Potential Economic Value of Forecasts of Ice Accretion on Wind Turbines
Authors: Strauss Lukas , Serafin Stefano , Dorninger Manfred
Published: September 2020

In this paper, a verification study of the skill and potential economic value of forecasts of ice accretion on wind turbines is presented. The phase of active ice formation on turbine blades has been associated with the strongest wind power production losses in cold climates; however, skillful icing forecasts could permit taking protective measures using anti-icing systems. Coarse- and high-resolution forecasts for the range up to day 3 from global (IFS and GFS) and limited-area (WRF) models are coupled to the Makkonen icing model. Surface and upper-air observations and icing measurements at turbine hub height at two wind farms in central Europe are used for model verification over two winters. Two case studies contrasting a correct and an incorrect forecast highlight the difficulty of correctly predicting individual icing events. A meaningful assessment of model skill is possible only after bias correction of icing-related parameters and selection of model-dependent optimal thresholds for ice growth rate. The skill of bias-corrected forecasts of freezing and humid conditions is virtually identical for all models. Hourly forecasts of active ice accretion generally show limited skill; however, results strongly suggest the superiority of high-resolution WRF forecasts relative to other model variants. Predictions of the occurrence of icing within a period of 6 h are found to have substantially better accuracy. Probabilistic forecasts of icing that are based on gridpoint neighborhood ensembles show slightly higher potential economic value than forecasts that are based on individual gridpoint values, in particular at low cost-loss ratios, that is, when anti-icing measures are comparatively inexpensive.
Therapeutic Jurisprudence in Swift and Certain Probation
Authors: Frailing Kelly , Alfonso Brandi , Taylor Rae
Published: September 2020

While the manifestation of therapeutic jurisprudence in specialty courts such as mental health and drug courts has received attention in the literature, there is little scholarship on the manifestation and function of therapeutic jurisprudence in probation settings. This study examines therapeutic jurisprudence in the context of a HOPE-based probation program called Swift and Certain probation. We observed status hearings and surveyed participants on their perceptions of the program for over 2 years. We found that therapeutic jurisprudence was manifested in the judge’s liberal use of praise during status hearings, which appeared to be an important part of participants’ positive perceptions of him and of procedural justice more generally. It was also manifested, though less directly, in interactions and relationships participants have with their probation officers. We conclude with suggestions for the implementation of therapeutic justice practices in Swift and Certain and similar probation programs.
Actually existing managerialism: Planning, politics and property development in post-1945 Britain
Authors: Kefford Alistair
Published: September 2020

This article engages a long-established paradigm within urban studies: that of the transition from managerialism to entrepreneurialism in late 20th-century urban governance and the associated process of neoliberalisation. It begins from a fundamental intellectual problem; although we are well served with studies of urban entrepreneurialism and neoliberalism, we know surprisingly little of the detailed workings of the ‘pre-neoliberal’, managerial era from the 1940s to the 1970s. In the absence of sustained investigation of this period, many chronologies and critiques of urban transformation rest upon a set of assumptions which – as this article shows – are not always accurate. The article focuses upon Britain, tracing the installation of a modern planning regime in the 1940s and surveying some key features of the UK urban redevelopment regime as it evolved over the ensuing decades. It shows that much of what is held to be paradigmatic of neoliberal urbanism (public–private partnerships, urban entrepreneurialism, financialisation) was already powerfully present within British urbanism in the earlier, managerial era. I highlight in particular the dramatic post-war rise of the UK property development industry, and the new urban forms and norms it generated, as a key product of the era of urban managerialism in Britain. I relate these surprising findings to Britain’s distinctive history and political economy but I also advance arguments that are of wider relevance; around the nature and aims of governance from the 1940s to the 1970s, and how we should best conceptualise and explain processes of neoliberalisation.
Evaluation of the Implementation of a Risk-Need-Responsivity Service in Community Supervision in Sweden
Authors: Starfelt Sutton Louise C. , Dynevall Marcus , Wennerholm Johan , Åhlén Sarah , Rugge Tanya , Bourgon Guy , Robertsson Charlotte
Published: September 2020

The effective use of the core treatment principles from the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model has the potential to reduce criminal recidivism significantly. A pilot trial of the RNR-based model Krimstics in the Swedish probation service showed increased RNR adherence but no effects on recidivism. The subsequent implementation of Krimstics involved the training and clinical support of more than 700 probation officers working with community supervision. In parallel, an implementation evaluation examining RNR adherence was undertaken, collecting and coding audio-recorded supervision sessions and case file data. Findings showed that Krimstics-trained probation officers ( N = 96) used cognitive behavioral therapy-based techniques in supervision sessions while demonstrating moderate-to-high levels of relationship building skills. However, adherence to the risk principle was lacking and key cognitive behavioral techniques showed poor quality. Although Krimstics has increased RNR adherence in a Swedish context, challenges with implementing theory into practice may obscure the assessment of the service’s effectiveness.
“Even If the Policy Changes, the Culture Remains the Same”: A Mixed Methods Analysis of LGBT Service Members’ Outness Patterns
Authors: McNamara Kathleen A. , Lucas Carrie L. , Goldbach Jeremy T. , Castro Carl A. , Holloway Ian W.
Published: September 2020

Despite repeal of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy in 2011 and the ban on open transgender service from 2016 to 2019, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) service members may be reluctant to disclose their identities to fellow military personnel. This study used data collected through the Department of Defense–funded mixed methods research study conducted from 2016 to 2018. A sample of 248 active duty LGBT service members completed a survey, while a sample of 42 LGBT active duty service members participated in an in-depth interview. Regression analyses tested for differences in outness by demographic and military traits; a thematic analysis of qualitative data contextualizes these findings. Outness to fellow service members varied greatly by rank, military branch, education level, sexual orientation, gender identity, and marital status. The lowest outness was to chaplains (38%), while the highest outness was to LGBT unit friends (93%). Implications for military leadership and service providers are discussed.
Factors influencing researchers’ journal selection decisions
Authors: Rowley Jennifer , Sbaffi Laura , Sugden Martin , Gilbert Anna
Published: September 2020

The scholarly publication landscape continues to grow in complexity, presenting researchers with ever-increasing dilemmas regarding journal choice. However, research into the decision-making processes associated with journal choice is limited. This article contributes by reporting on an international survey of researchers in various disciplines and with varying levels of experience. The study examines the extent to which various journal characteristics affect journal selection, perceptions of the extent to which university and national research policies impact on their journal choice, and the influence of academics’ familiarity, confidence and objectives on journal choice. The most important factors influencing journal choice were as follows: reliability of reviewing, usefulness of reviewers’ feedback, the reputation of the journal and confidence that their article is in scope for the journal. Publishing productivity, publishing experience, researcher role and discipline had little impact on the ranking of journal choice factors, suggesting that the research community is homogeneous.
Bronchogenic cyst in an unusual location
Authors: Gutiérrez Guillermo S , Gutiérrez Franco G , Bastianelli Gustavo A , Vaccarino Guillermo N
Published: September 2020

Bronchogenic cysts are congenital anomalies of the respiratory tract, which can affect children or adults. In adults, these cysts may be asymptomatic or present with symptoms, most often pain or cough. Intrapericardial cysts are rare and represent 27% of bronchogenic cysts. We present the case of a symptomatic adult with an intrapericardial bronchogenic cyst, who underwent surgical resection of the cyst, which successfully relieved his symptoms.
Multipronged approach to a patient with ventricular tachycardia storm
Authors: Sai Satish Oruganti , Vavilala Satish Kumar Rao , Kaladhar Bomma , Surya Satya Gopal Palanki
Published: September 2020

Management of ventricular tachycardia storm requires multimodal aggressive therapeutic interventions for a successful outcome. A 39-year-old man with dilated cardiomyopathy and severe left ventricular dysfunction presented with refractory ventricular tachycardia unresponsive to conventional treatment. He underwent an electrophysiology study and radiofrequency ablation with 3-dimensional mapping with partial control of the ventricular tachycardia. Further left sympathetic ganglion block followed by left cardiac sympathetic denervation also did not totally control the ventricular tachycardia. Right cardiac sympathetic denervation resulting in bilateral cardiac sympathetic denervation controlled the ventricular tachycardia.
Comparison of transradial coronary intervention for left main bifurcation disease using the new Braidin® slender 7 Fr sheath and a standard 6 Fr sheath
Authors: Xu Yingkai , Li Yingkai , Yu Jiancai , Wang Deguang , Zhao Qi , Cheng Yujing , Zhou Yujie
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To compare the effectiveness and safety of the Braidin® slender 7 Fr sheath with a standard 6 Fr sheath for treating left main bifurcation disease.

Methods

From January 2017 to March 2019, 277 patients with left main bifurcation disease who underwent the transradial approach for percutaneous coronary intervention were divided into the slender 7 Fr sheath group (Braidin® slender 7 Fr sheath, n = 154) and standard 6 Fr sheath group (n = 123). Pathological features, surgical effect, and complications were evaluated.

Results

The rate of using the classic crush technique was significantly higher in the slender 7 Fr sheath group than in the standard 6 Fr sheath group. The slender 7 Fr sheath group had a significantly shorter operation time than the standard 6 Fr sheath group. There were no significant differences in the radial artery occlusion rate after surgery and at 1 month of follow-up between the groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that 6 Fr and Braidin slender 7 Fr sheaths did not predict radial artery occlusion.

Conclusion

The Braidin slender 7 Fr sheath has a superior operative process and similar safety for the radial artery as that of the standard 6 Fr sheath for treating left main bifurcation disease.