bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Locally Regularized Collaborative Representation and an Adaptive Low-Rank Constraint for Single Image Superresolution
Authors: Gao Rui , Cheng Deqiang , Chen Liangliang , Kou Qiqi
Published: July 2022

Learning-based superresolution reconstruction is an efficient image processing technique that has become a popular topic in recent years. Since superresolution is an ill-conditioned problem, appropriate image priors or examples are the key factors for recovering high-quality images with rich details. However, in some current advanced superresolution methods, the mappings established using dictionaries of low- and high-resolution examples cannot effectively reflect the relationship between the low- and high-resolution spaces. Therefore, we introduce a local structure prior to the collaborative representation to constrain the projection matrix; this structure can better represent the nonlinear mapping between the low- and the high-resolution feature spaces. Then, based on the redundancy of similar image patches, a shape-adaptive low-rank constraint is utilized to explore the images’ nonlocal self-similarity, and the local and nonlocal priors complement each other to enhance the recovered image quality. Finally, an iterative optimization algorithm is adopted to solve our proposed superresolution model. Numerous experiments were performed to verify the proposed method, and the results demonstrate its superiority to some state-of-the-art methods both quantitatively and qualitatively.
Comparison of Cognitive Function in Children with Stunting and Children with Undernutrition with Normal Stature
Authors: Handryastuti Setyo , Pusponegoro Hardiono D. , Nurdadi Surastuti , Chandra Anita , Pramita Feka A. , Soebadi Amanda , Widjaja Ivan R. , Rafli Achmad
Published: July 2022

Background. Stunting is the impaired growth and development that children experience from poor nutrition, repeated infection, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation. Children are defined as stunted if their height-for-age is more than two standard deviations below the WHO Child Growth Standards median. According to the Indonesia Basic National Health Survey 2013, Indonesia’s stunting prevalence reached 37.2%. Various studies have shown that impaired cognitive development is found in children with stunting and undernutrition. This study aims to determine cognitive development in stunted and undernutrition with normal stature children using the Bayley Scale of Infant Development III (Bayley-III). Methods. A cross-sectional study on 51 children aged one month to 3 years who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and who visited the outpatient clinic of Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital from June 2017 to January 2018 was performed. Cognitive development was assessed using the Bayley Scale of Infant Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III). Results. 26 children with stunting and 25 children with undernutrition with normal stature participated in this study. There was a statistically nonsignificant trend toward lower median score percentiles in the stunted group compared to that in the undernourished with normal stature group in the motor (median (range) 1 (0.1–75) vs. 4 (0–79);

p
=
0.183

), cognitive (12.5 (0.1–75) vs. 16 (0.1–99.9);

p
=
0.550

), and adaptive behavior (7 (0.1–75) vs. 12 (0.1–58);

p
=
0.657

) domains. Conclusions. There is a trend toward lower cognitive, motor, and adaptive behavior abilities in stunted children compared to undernourished children with normal stature which needs further study. In addition, children with undernutrition have below-average abilities across all domains even before stunting has occurred.
Prediction of Coronary Artery Disease and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Using Clinical and Genetic Risk Scores for Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Ramírez Julia , van Duijvenboden Stefan , Young William J. , Tinker Andrew , Lambiase Pier D. , Orini Michele , Munroe Patricia B.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) are the leading causes of death in the general population, but risk stratification remains suboptimal. CAD genetic risk scores (GRSs) predict risk independently from clinical tools, like QRISK3. We assessed the added value of GRSs for a variety of cardiovascular traits (CV GRSs) for predicting CAD and MACE and tested their early-life screening potential by comparing against the CAD GRS only.

Methods:

We used data from 379 581 participants in the UK Biobank without known cardiovascular conditions (follow-up, 11.3 years; 3.3% CAD cases and 5.2% MACE cases). In a training subset (50%) we built 3 scores: QRISK3; QRISK3 and an established CAD GRS; and QRISK3, the CAD GRS and the CV GRSs. In an independent subset (50%), we evaluated each score’s performance using the concordance index, odds ratio and net reclassification index. We then repeated the analyses without considering QRISK3.

Results:

For CAD, the combination of QRISK3 and the CAD GRS had a better performance than QRISK3 alone (concordance index, 0.766 versus 0.753; odds ratio, 5.47 versus 4.82; net reclassification index, 7.7%). Adding the CV GRSs did not significantly improve risk stratification. When only looking at genetic information, the combination of CV GRSs and the CAD GRS had a better performance than the CAD GRS alone (concordance index, 0.637 versus 0.625; odds ratio, 2.17 versus 2.07; net reclassification index, 3.3%). Similar results were obtained for MACE.

Conclusions:

In individuals without known cardiovascular disease, the inclusion of CV GRSs to a clinical tool and an established CAD GRS does not improve CAD or MACE risk stratification. However, their combination only with the CAD GRS increases prediction performance indicating potential use in early-life screening before the advanced development of conventional cardiovascular risk factors.
Intestinal Gastrin/CCKBR (Cholecystokinin B Receptor) Ameliorates Salt-Sensitive Hypertension by Inhibiting Intestinal Na
+
/H
+
Exchanger 3 Activity Through a PKC (Protein Kinase C)-Mediated NHERF1 and NHERF2 Pathway
Authors: Jiang Xiaoliang , Liu Yunpeng , Zhang Xin-Yang , Liu Xue , Liu Xing , Wu Xianxian , Jose Pedro A. , Duan Shun , Xu Fu-Jian , Yang Zhiwei
Published: July 2022

Background:

The present study directly tested the crucial role of intestinal gastrin/CCKBR (cholecystokinin B receptor) in the treatment of salt-sensitive hypertension.

Methods:

Adult intestine-specific
Cckbr
-knockout mice (
Cckbr
fl/fl
villin-Cre
) and Dahl salt-sensitive rats were studied on the effect of high salt intake (8% NaCl, 6–7 weeks) on intestinal Na
+/
H
+
exchanger 3 expression, urine sodium concentration, and blood pressure. High-salt diet increased urine sodium concentration and systolic blood pressure to a greater extent in
Cckbr
fl/fl
villin-Cre
mice and Dahl salt-sensitive rats than their respective controls,
Cckbr
fl/fl
villin
mice and SS13
BN
rats. We constructed gastrin-SiO
2
microspheres to enable gastrin to stimulate specifically and selectively intestinal CCKBR without its absorption into the circulation.

Results:

Gastrin-SiO
2
microspheres treatment prevented the high salt-induced hypertension and increase in urine Na concentration by inhibiting intestinal Na
+/
H
+
exchanger 3 trafficking and activity, increasing stool sodium without inducing diarrhea. Gastrin-mediated inhibition of intestinal Na
+/
H
+
exchanger 3 activity, related to a PKC (protein kinase C)-mediated activation of NHERF1 and NHERF2.

Conclusions:

These results support a crucial role of intestinal gastrin/CCKBR in decreasing intestinal sodium absorption and keeping the blood pressure in the normal range. The gastrointestinal administration of gastrin-SiO
2
microspheres is a promising and safe strategy to treat salt-sensitive hypertension without side effects.
MANP Activation Of The cGMP Inhibits Aldosterone Via PDE2 And CYP11B2 In H295R Cells And In Mice
Authors: Chen Yang , Iyer Seethalakshmi R. , Nikolaev Viacheslav O. , Naro Fabio , Pellegrini Manuela , Cardarelli Silvia , Ma Xiao , Lee Hon-Chi , Burnett John C.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Aldosterone is a critical pathological driver for cardiac and renal diseases. We recently discovered that mutant atrial natriuretic peptide (MANP), a novel atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) analog, possessed more potent aldosterone inhibitory action than ANP in vivo. MANP and natriuretic peptide (NP)-augmenting therapy sacubitril/valsartan are under investigations for human hypertension treatment. Understanding the elusive mechanism of aldosterone inhibition by NPs remains to be a priority. Conflicting results were reported on the roles of the pGC-A (particulate guanylyl cyclase A receptor) and NP clearance receptor in aldosterone inhibition. Furthermore, the function of PKG (protein kinase G) and PDEs (phosphodiesterases) on aldosterone regulation are not clear.

Methods:

In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of aldosterone regulation in a human adrenocortical cell line H295R and in mice.

Results:

We first provided evidence to show that pGC-A, not NP clearance receptor, mediates aldosterone inhibition. Next, we confirmed that MANP inhibits aldosterone via PDE2 (phosphodiesterase 2) not PKG, with specific agonists, antagonists, siRNA silencing, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiments. Further, the inhibitory effect is mediated by a reduction of intracellular Ca2+ levels. We then illustrated that MANP directly reduces aldosterone synthase CYP11B2 (cytochrome p450 family 11 subfamily b member 2) expression via PDE2. Last, in PDE2 knockout mice, consistent with in vitro findings, embryonic adrenal CYP11B2 is markedly increased.

Conclusions:

Our results innovatively explore and expand the NP/pGC-A/3',5', cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)/PDE2 pathway for aldosterone inhibition by MANP in vitro and in vivo. In addition, our data also support the development of MANP as a novel ANP analog drug for aldosterone excess treatment.
Reshaping the Preterm Heart: Shifting Cardiac Renin-Angiotensin System Towards Cardioprotection in Rats Exposed to Neonatal High-Oxygen Stress
Authors: Bertagnolli Mariane , Dartora Daniela R. , Lamata Pablo , Zacur Ernesto , Mai-Vo Thuy-An , He Ying , Beauchamp Léonie , Lewandowski Adam J. , Cloutier Anik , Sutherland Megan R. , Santos Robson A.S. , Nuyt Anne Monique
Published: July 2022

Background:

Approximately 10% of infants are born preterm. Preterm birth leads to short and long-term changes in cardiac shape and function. By using a rat model of neonatal high-oxygen (80%O
2
) exposure, mimicking the premature hyperoxic transition to the extrauterine environment, we revealed a major role of the renin-angiotensin system peptide Angio II (angiotensin II) and its receptor AT1 (angiotensin receptor type 1) on neonatal O
2
-induced cardiomyopathy. Here, we tested whether treatment with either orally active compounds of the peptides Angio-(1–7) or alamandine included in cyclodextrin could prevent postnatal cardiac remodeling and the programming of cardiomyopathy induced by neonatal high-O
2
exposure.

Methods:

Sprague-Dawley pups were exposed to room air or 80% O
2
from postnatal day 3 (P3) to P10. Neonatal rats were treated orally from P3 to P10 and assessed at P10 and P28. Left ventricular (LV) shapes were characterized by tridimensional computational atlases of ultrasound images in addition to histomorphometry.

Results:

At P10, high O
2
-exposed rats presented a smaller, globular and hypertrophied LV shape versus controls. Treatment with cyclodextrin–Angio-(1–7) significantly improved LV function in the O
2
-exposed neonatal rats and slightly changed LV shape. Cyclodextrin-alamandine and cyclodextrin–Angio-(1–7) treatments similarly reduced hypertrophy at P10 as well as LV remodeling and dysfunction at P28. Both treatments upregulated cardiac angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in O
2
-exposed rats at P10 and P28.

Conclusions:

Our findings demonstrate LV remodeling changes induced by O
2
-stress and the potential benefits of treatments targeting the cardioprotective renin-angiotensin system axis, supporting the neonatal period as an important window for interventions aiming at preventing cardiomyopathy in people born preterm.
Dapagliflozin Attenuates Sympathetic and Pressor Responses to Stress in Young Prehypertensive Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Kim Han-Kyul , Ishizawa Rie , Fukazawa Ayumi , Wang Zhongyun , Bezan Petric Ursa , Hu Ming Chang , Smith Scott A. , Mizuno Masaki , Vongpatanasin Wanpen
Published: July 2022

Background:

SGLT2i (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor), a class of anti-diabetic medications, is shown to reduce blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes. Mechanisms underlying this action are unknown but SGLT2i-induced sympathoinhibition is thought to play a role. Whether SGLT2i reduces BP and sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) in a nondiabetic prehypertension model is unknown.

Methods:

Accordingly, we assessed changes in conscious BP using radiotelemetry and alterations in mean arterial pressure and renal SNA during simulated exercise in nondiabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats during chronic administration of a diet containing dapagliflozin (0.5 mg/kg per day) versus a control diet.

Results:

We found that dapagliflozin had no effect on fasting blood glucose, insulin, or hemoglobin A
1C
levels. However, dapagliflozin reduced BP in young (8-week old) spontaneously hypertensive rats as well as attenuated the age-related rise in BP in adult spontaneously hypertensive rat up to 17-weeks of age. The rises in mean arterial pressure and renal SNA during simulated exercise (exercise pressor reflex activation by hindlimb muscle contraction) were significantly reduced after 4 weeks of dapagliflozin (Δmean arterial pressure: 10±7 versus 25±14 mm Hg, Δrenal SNA: 31±17% versus 68±39%,
P
<0.05). Similarly, rises in mean arterial pressure and renal SNA during mechanoreflex stimulation by passive hindlimb stretching were also attenuated by dapagliflozin. Heart weight was significantly decreased in dapagliflozin compared with the control group.

Conclusions:

These data demonstrate a novel role for SGLT2i in reducing resting BP as well as the activity of skeletal muscle reflexes, independent of glycemic control. Our study may have important clinical implications for preventing hypertension and hypertensive heart disease in young prehypertensive individuals.
Inverse Association of Skin Temperature With Ambulatory Blood Pressure and the Mediation of Skin Temperature in Blood Pressure Responses to Ambient Temperature
Authors: Tai Yoshiaki , Obayashi Kenji , Yamagami Yuki , Saeki Keigo
Published: July 2022

Background:

The inverse association between ambient temperature and blood pressure (BP) has been investigated in the context of excess cardiovascular mortality in winter. However, the role of skin temperature (ST), which reflects our external and internal thermal environments, in BP regulation remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the association between ST and ambulatory BP and the mediation of ST in BP responses to ambient temperature in real-life settings.

Methods:

We conducted a longitudinal analysis using repeated measurements of ambulatory BP and ST for 48 hours (30 711 daytime readings and 17 382 nighttime readings) among 584 older adults between October and March (2012–2014). Linear mixed-effect models were used to examine the association of distal (mean of wrist and ankle) and proximal (abdomen) ST with systolic BP. The mediation of ST in BP responses to ambient temperature was examined using path analysis.

Results:

Distal and proximal STs were significantly associated with systolic BP during the daytime (regression coefficients: −4.27 mm Hg [95% CI, −4.58 to −3.96] and −2.74 mm Hg [95% CI, −3.14 to −2.56] per SD of ST, respectively), independent of potential confounders. The significant associations also existed during nighttime. The mediation effect of distal ST was 7.1 times higher than that of proximal ST during daytime, while those of distal and proximal STs during nighttime were almost identical.

Conclusions:

ST, especially in distal regions, was inversely associated with ambulatory BP. Our results have the potential for application to interventional studies targeting ST regulation to reduce excess cardiovascular deaths in winter.
Uric Acid Expression in Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque and Serum Uric Acid Are Associated With Cerebrovascular Events
Authors: Nardi Valentina , Franchi Federico , Prasad Megha , Fatica Erica M. , Alexander Mariam P. , Bois Melanie C. , Lam Josephine , Singh Ravinder J. , Meyer Fredric B. , Lanzino Giuseppe , Xiong Yuning , Lutgens Esther , Lerman Lilach O. , Lerman Amir
Published: July 2022

Background:

Uric acid (UA) concentration within carotid plaque and its association with cerebrovascular events have not been detected or quantified. Systemically, serum UA is a marker of inflammation and risk factor for atherosclerosis. However, its association with carotid plaque instability and stroke pathogenesis remains unclear. In patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, we aimed to determine whether UA is present differentially in symptomatic versus asymptomatic carotid plaques and whether serum UA is associated with cerebrovascular symptoms (stroke, transient ischemic attack, or amaurosis fugax).

Methods:

Carotid atherosclerotic plaques were collected during carotid endarterectomy. The presence of UA was assessed using Gomori methenamine silver staining as well as anti-UA immunohistochemical staining and its quantity measured using an enzymatic colorimetric assay. Clinical information was obtained through a retrospective review of data.

Results:

UA was more commonly detected in symptomatic (n=23) compared with asymptomatic (n=9) carotid plaques by Gomori methenamine silver (20 [86.9%] versus 2 [22.2%];
P
=0.001) and anti-UA immunohistochemistry (16 [69.5%] versus 1 [11.1%];
P
=0.004). UA concentration was higher in symptomatic rather than asymptomatic plaques (25.1 [9.5] versus 17.9 [3.8] µg/g;
P
=0.021). Before carotid endarterectomy, serum UA levels were higher in symptomatic (n=341) compared with asymptomatic (n=146) patients (5.9 [interquartile range, 4.6–6.9] mg/dL versus 5.2 [interquartile range, 4.6–6.2] mg/dL;
P
=0.009).

Conclusions:

The current study supports a potential role of UA as a potential tissue participant and a systemic biomarker in the pathogenesis of carotid atherosclerosis. UA may provide a mechanistic explanation for plaque instability and subsequent ischemic cerebrovascular events.
Control of Blood Pressure and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in Elderly Chinese: A Real-World Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Anxin , Tian Xue , Zuo Yingting , Chen Shuohua , Zhang Yijun , Zhang Xiaoli , Deng Xuan , Xu Qin , Wang Penglian , Wu Shouling , Zhou Yong
Published: July 2022

Background:

The STEP trial (Strategy of Blood Pressure Intervention in the Elderly Hypertensive Patients) showed that older hypertensive patients might benefit from a target systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 110 to <130 mm Hg. We examined whether this target SBP is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality among elderly Chinese in real-world settings.

Methods:

This prospective study included 13 383 CVD-free participants aged 60 to 80 years and with SBP within 110 to <150 mm Hg at baseline. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to adjust for baseline differences. Weighted Cox proportional hazards models yielded adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs of CVD and all-cause mortality associated with normalized SBP (110 to <130 mm Hg).

Results:

During a median follow-up of 13.01 years, we identified 1727 cases of CVD and 3742 deaths. After inverse probability of treatment weighting, compared with non-normalized SBP, normalized SBP was associated with a decreased risk of CVD (HR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.76–0.87]) and all-cause mortality (HR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.85–0.93]). Beneficial effects of longitudinal normalized SBP presented by the updated mean SBP were also observed for CVD (HR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.78–0.93]) and all-cause mortality (HR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.88–0.97]). Multiple sensitivity analyses yielded similar results.

Conclusions:

The SBP target of 110 to <130 mm Hg recommended by the STEP trial was associated a lower risk of CVD and all-cause mortality than was SBP of 130 to <150 mm Hg among elderly Chinese in real-world settings.
Candidate Plasma Biomarkers to Detect Anthracycline‐Related Cardiomyopathy in Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Case Control Study in the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Leerink Jan M. , Feijen Elizabeth A. M. , Moerland Perry D. , de Baat Esmee C. , Merkx Remy , van der Pal Helena J. H. , Tissing Wim J. E. , Louwerens Marloes , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry M. , Versluys A. Birgitta , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Sammani Arjan , Teske Arco J. , van Dalen Elvira C. , van der Heiden‐van der Loo Margriet , van Dulmen‐den Broeder Eline , de Vries Andrica C. H. , Kapusta Livia , Loonen Jacqueline , Pinto Yigal M. , Kremer Leontien C. M. , Mavinkurve‐Groothuis Annelies M. C. , Kok Wouter E. M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Plasma biomarkers may aid in the detection of anthracycline‐related cardiomyopathy (ACMP). However, the currently available biomarkers have limited diagnostic value in long‐term childhood cancer survivors. This study sought to identify diagnostic plasma biomarkers for ACMP in childhood cancer survivors.

Methods and Results

We measured 275 plasma proteins in 28 ACMP cases with left ventricular ejection fraction <45%, 29 anthracycline‐treated controls with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥53% matched on sex, time after cancer, and anthracycline dose, and 29 patients with genetically determined dilated cardiomyopathy with left ventricular ejection fraction <45%. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify differentially expressed proteins. Elastic net model, including clinical characteristics, was used to assess discrimination of proteins diagnostic for ACMP. NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide) and the inflammatory markers CCL19 (C‐C motif chemokine ligands 19) and CCL20, PSPD (pulmonary surfactant protein‐D), and PTN (pleiotrophin) were significantly upregulated in ACMP compared with controls. An elastic net model selected 45 proteins, including NT‐proBNP, CCL19, CCL20 and PSPD, but not PTN, that discriminated ACMP cases from controls with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.78. This model was not superior to a model including NT‐proBNP and clinical characteristics (AUC=0.75;
P
=0.766). However, when excluding 8 ACMP cases with heart failure, the full model was superior to that including only NT‐proBNP and clinical characteristics (AUC=0.75 versus AUC=0.50;
P
=0.022). The same 45 proteins also showed good discrimination between dilated cardiomyopathy and controls (AUC=0.89), underscoring their association with cardiomyopathy.

Conclusions

We identified 3 specific inflammatory proteins as candidate plasma biomarkers for ACMP in long‐term childhood cancer survivors and demonstrated protein overlap with dilated cardiomyopathy.
Preclinical Aortic Atherosclerosis in Adolescents With Chronic Disease
Authors: Ververs Francesca A. , Eikendal Anouk L. M. , Kofink Daniel , Nuboer Roos , Westenberg Jos J. M. , Hovenkamp Gijs T. , Kemps Jitske J.A. , Coenen Iris C. J. , Daems Joëlle J. N. , Claus Laura R. , Ju Yillie , Wulffraat Nico M. , van der Ent Cornelis K. , Monaco Claudia , Boes Marianne , Leiner Tim , Grotenhuis Heynric B. , Schipper Henk S.
Published: July 2022

Background

Adolescents with chronic disease are often exposed to inflammatory, metabolic, and hemodynamic risk factors for early atherosclerosis. Since postmortem studies have shown that atherogenesis starts in the aorta, the CDACD (Cardiovascular Disease in Adolescents with Chronic Disease) study investigated preclinical aortic atherosclerosis in these adolescents.

Methods and Results

The cross‐sectional CDACD study enrolled 114 adolescents 12 to 18 years old with chronic disorders including juvenile idiopathic arthritis, cystic fibrosis, obesity, corrected coarctation of the aorta, and healthy controls with a corrected atrial septal defect. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance was used to assess aortic pulse wave velocity and aortic wall thickness, as established aortic measures of preclinical atherosclerosis. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance showed a higher aortic pulse wave velocity, which reflects aortic stiffness, and higher aortic wall thickness in all adolescent chronic disease groups, compared with controls (
P
<0.05). Age (β=0.253), heart rate (β=0.236), systolic blood pressure (β=−0.264), and diastolic blood pressure (β=0.365) were identified as significant predictors for aortic pulse wave velocity, using multivariable linear regression analysis. Aortic wall thickness was predicted by body mass index (β=0.248) and fasting glucose (β=0.242), next to aortic lumen area (β=0.340). Carotid intima‐media thickness was assessed using ultrasonography, and was only higher in adolescents with coarctation of the aorta, compared with controls (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Adolescents with chronic disease showed enhanced aortic stiffness and wall thickness compared with controls. The enhanced aortic pulse wave velocity and aortic wall thickness in adolescents with chronic disease could indicate accelerated atherogenesis. Our findings underscore the importance of the aorta for assessment of early atherosclerosis, and the need for tailored cardiovascular follow‐up of children with chronic disease.
Left Ventricular Strain Analysis During Submaximal Semisupine Bicycle Exercise Stress Echocardiography in Childhood Cancer Survivors
Authors: von Scheidt Fabian , Pleyer Christine , Kiesler Verena , Bride Peter , Bartholomae Stephan , Krämer Johannes , Kaestner Michael , Apitz Christian
Published: July 2022

Background

Childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) show relevant cardiac morbidity and mortality throughout life. Early detection is key for optimal support of patients at risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate 2‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography strain analysis during semisupine exercise stress in CCSs for detection of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction after cancer treatment.

Methods and Results

Seventy‐seven CCSs ≥1‐year postchemotherapy were prospectively examined at rest, low, and submaximal stress level and compared with a cohort of healthy adolescents and young adults (n=50). Global longitudinal strain (GLS), short axis circumferential strain, and corresponding strain rates were analyzed using vendor‐independent software. CCSs at median 7.8 years postchemotherapy showed comparable left ventricular GLS, circumferential strain, and strain rate values at all stress stages to healthy controls. Yet, prevalence of abnormal GLS (defined as <2 SD of controls reference) in CCSs was 1.3% at rest, 2.7% at low, and 8.6% at submaximal stress. In CCSs, relative change of circumferential strain from rest to submaximal stress was lower than in healthy controls, median 16.9 (interquartile range [IQR], 3.4; 28.8) % versus 23.3 (IQR, 11.3; 33.3) %,
P
=0.03, most apparent in the subgroups of CCSs after high‐dose anthracycline treatment and cancer diagnosis before the age of 5 years.

Conclusions

In this prospective 2‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography strain study, prevalence of abnormal left ventricular GLS increased with stress level reflecting impaired cardiac adaptation to exercise stress in some CCSs. However, relatively early after last chemotherapy, this did not result in significant differences of mean GLS‐, circumferential strain‐, and strain rate values between CCSs and controls at any stress level.
Cost-Effectiveness of Mobile Stroke Unit Care in Norway
Authors: Lund Ulrikke Højslev , Stoinska-Schneider Anna , Larsen Karianne , Bache Kristi G. , Robberstad Bjarne
Published: July 2022

Background:

Acute ischemic stroke treatment in mobile stroke units (MSUs) reduces time-to-treatment and increases thrombolytic rates, but implementation requires substantial investments. We wanted to explore the cost-effectiveness of MSU care incorporating novel efficacy data from the Norwegian MSU study, Treat-NASPP (the Norwegian Acute Stroke Prehospital Project).

Methods:

We developed a Markov model linking improvements in time-to-treatment and thrombolytic rates delivered by treatment in an MSU to functional outcomes for the patients in a lifetime perspective. We estimated incremental costs, health benefits, and cost-effectiveness of MSU care as compared with conventional care. In addition, we estimated a minimal MSU utilization level for the intervention to be cost-effective in the publicly funded health care system in Norway.

Results:

MSU care was associated with an expected quality-adjusted life-year-gain of 0.065 per patient, compared with standard care. Our analysis suggests that about 260 patients with ischemic stroke need to be treated with MSU annually to result in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of about NOK385 000 (US$43 780) per quality-adjusted life-year for MSU compared with standard care. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio varies between some NOK1 000 000 (US$113 700) per quality-adjusted life-year if an MSU treats 100 patients per year and to about NOK340 000 (US$38 660) per quality-adjusted life-year if 300 patients with acute ischemic stroke are treated.

Conclusions:

MSU care in Norwegian settings is potentially cost-effective compared with conventional care, but this depends on a relatively high annual number of treated patients with acute ischemic stroke per vehicle. These results provide important information for MSU implementation in government-funded health care systems.
Girolamo Cardano’s Meteorological Predictions: Hippocratism, Weather Signs, Winds, and the Limits of Astrology
Authors: Martin Craig
Published: July 2022

The subject of meteorology was central to Girolamo Cardano’s thought. It held together his encyclopedism by tying the celestial realm to the sublunary world and human action. Meteorology, for Cardano, links abstract knowledge to the practical and operative. While many of his Aristotelian predecessors understood weather prediction as distinct from meteorology as a natural philosophical field, Cardano’s profound interest in conjectural arts and probabilistic reasoning led him to tie causal explanations to methods of forecasting future conditions of the air and their effects on humans, especially regarding health and disease. While it might be expected that Cardano would have emphasized astrological tools for weather forecasting, instead he went in a different direction, namely, embracing the ancient tradition of weather signs and revising Aristotelian theories of winds. At the end of his career, which he mostly spent writing commentaries on Hippocratic writings, he integrated his understanding of weather signs with Hippocratic rules of prognosis, revising traditional understandings of the causes of winds.
“Trust No One But Yourself”: William Gilbert’s Use of Experiment and Rejection of Authority, Reconsidered
Authors: Luggin Johanna
Published: July 2022

One of the most important components of early modern science was the experiment. Advocates of the “new sciences” used experiments as indisputable evidence in controversies with their opponents and as powerful arguments against authoritative texts. Among the first early modern scientific works to systematically and successfully use experiments as parts of the central argumentation is William Gilbert’s treatise De magnete (1600), in which the author sought to present a completely new theory of magnetism as an explanation of phenomena on earth as well as of the movements of heavenly bodies. Gilbert goes to great lengths to persuade his readers of the innovation of his nova et inaudita physiologia. For this, however, it did not suffice to present a startling number of experiments and advocate empirical investigation. This contribution will shed light on the surprising literary and rhetorical tools employed in the De magnete in questions of authority, which aided Gilbert in presenting his powerful and highly successful “New Physiology.”
Constructing Authority in the Paratext: The Poems to Johannes Hevelius’ Selenographia
Authors: Tautschnig Irina
Published: July 2022

When Johannes Hevelius’ Selenographia, sive Lunae descriptio (Selenography, or A Description of The Moon) was printed in 1647, its rich paratext featured a portrait epigram and a collection of nine Neo-Latin poems praising the first book of the Danzig (Gdańsk) astronomer. The present article examines these ten poems as a place where Hevelius’ authority as an author and astronomer is being constructed, focusing on the fictionalized and fictional relationships between Hevelius and other authorities depicted in the text. In a sort of kaleidoscope, the poems relate Hevelius to prominent astronomers like Galileo and Copernicus, to Columbus, the paragon of the discoverer, to figures from ancient myth, and even, in the form of anagrams, to his own name. Moreover, they highlight Hevelius’ personal qualities as an astronomer, as a member of the realm of literature, and as a citizen of Danzig. The image of the author that emerges from the poems asserts Hevelius’ place in the public space of literature and fashions him into an authoritative figure at the threshold of his text.
The effector MJ-10A08 of Meloidogyne javanica is required for parasitism that suppressed programmed cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Hu Lili , Lin Borong , Chen Jiansong , Song Handa , Zhuo Kan , Liao Jinling
Published: July 2022

Effectors synthesised in the pharyngeal glands are important in the successful invasion of root-knot nematodes. Meloidogyne javanica is among the nematodes that cause the most damage to various crops. In this study, an effector named MJ-10A08 of M. javanica was identified and investigated. Mj-10A08 was exclusively expressed in the dorsal pharyngeal gland cell and highly expressed in the parasitic second-juvenile stage of M. javanica. Transgenic tobaccos that over-expressed Mj-10A08 were more susceptible to M. javanica; however, host delivered RNAi of Mj-10A08 in tobacco significantly decreased the expression level of Mj-10A08 and the infection efficiency of M. javanica. Transient expression in tobacco leaves demonstrated that MJ-10A08 suppressed programmed cell death caused by BAX and Gpa2/RBP-1. Our results indicated that MJ-10A08 is implicated in the suppression of plant defence response during nematode infection and plays an important role in the parasitism of M. javanica.
A catalogue of Indian Lecithoceridae (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea)
Authors: DAS APURVA , PATHANIA PRAKASH C. , SINGH NAVNEET
Published: July 2022

We present a catalogue of Indian Lecithoceridae with an account of 180 species in 38 genera and two subfamilies, Lecithocerinae (111 species in 21 genera, 61.67%) and Torodorinae (69 species in 17 genera, 38.33%). The analysis of biogeographic zone wise and state wise distribution reveals the maximum percentage of Lecithoceridae species in Western Ghats (28.63%) and the least diversity is recorded from Deserts and Gangetic Plains (0.8%) whereas, the North eastern state, Meghalaya dominates with 45 species (25%) and Andhra Pradesh is the least diverse state. For each species, type-locality, geographical distribution (within and outside India) and synonyms are provided in this manuscript.
The primary types of Bisaltes (Bisaltes) Thomson of the Museu de Zoologia, Universidade de São Paulo, with notes and synonymies regarding other species of this subgenus and Bisaltes (Craspedocerus) Aurivillius (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae)
Authors: SANTOS-SILVA ANTONIO , BEZARK LARRY G.
Published: July 2022

Photographs of the primary type (holotype or syntype) of eleven species of Bisaltes are provided for the first time: Bisaltes buquetii Thomson, 1868; Bisaltes flaviceps Breuning, 1940; Bisaltes fuscoapicalis Breuning, 1950; Bisaltes fuscodiscalis Breuning, 1943; Bisaltes fuscomarmoratus Breuning, 1966; Bisaltes pictus Breuning, 1940; Bisaltes strandi Breuning, 1940; Bisaltes subreticulatus Aurivillius, 1920; Bisaltes triangularis Breuning, 1940; Bisaltes (Craspedocerus) ptericoptoides Breuning, 1942 and Craspedocerus poecilus Aurivillius, 1900. Bisaltes (Bisaltes) picticornis Galileo & Martins, 2003 is synonymized with Bisaltes (Bisaltes) spegazzinii Bruch, 1911; Bisaltes (Bisaltes) petilus Galileo & Martins, 2009 is synonymized with Bisaltes (Bisaltes) pulvereus (Bates, 1866); Bisaltes (Bisaltes) argentiniensis Breuning, 1971 is synonymized with Bisaltes (Bisaltes) adustus (Burmeister, 1865); and Bisaltes (Bisaltes) columbianus Breuning, 1971 is synonymized with Bisaltes (Craspedocerus) poecilus Aurivillius, 1900. Photographs of the four primary types of species of Bisaltes (Bisaltes) at the Museu de Zoologia, Universidade de São Paulo are provided. The inclusion of Bisaltes venezuelensis in this genus is questioned. The difference between Bisaltes (Bisaltes) and Bisaltes (Craspedocerus) is discussed and questioned.
Three new Hymedesmia Bowerbank, 1864 (Demospongiae, Poecilosclerida, Hymedesmiidae) from the Southeast Pacific (Peru and Chile)
Authors: SALANI SULA , WILLENZ PHILIPPE , FERNANDEZ JULIO C.C. , HAJDU EDUARDO
Published: July 2022

Despite its 2000 km long shoreline, to date less than 50 sponge species have been reported from the entire Peruvian coast. A large collecting effort targeting marine sponges was undertaken between 2007 and 2009, yielding a comprehensive collection of nearly 900 samples, whose taxonomic study is underway. Three new species of Hymedesmiidae are presently described from the Peruvian coast, all belonging in Hymedesmia (Hymedesmia), one of which also found in Chile. Hymedesmia (H.) santarositae sp. nov., from Isla Santa Rosa (Paracas), is characterized by the presence of microstrongyles next to sigmas. Hymedesmia (H.) peruana sp. nov., from Isla Foca (Piura), is diagnosed  by its three categories of acanthostyles, and single categories of tornotes and arcuate isochelae. Hymedesmia (H.) humboldti sp. nov., from Moquega and Arequipa regions in Peru, and Antofagasta and Atacama regions in Chile, is diagnosed by its two categories of acanthostyles, and single categories of (aniso)strongyles and arcuate isochelae, the latter abundant at the surface. An identification key for Hymedesmia spp. from the South-eastern Pacific, South-western Atlantic, the Sub-Antarctic and the Antarctic is provided.
Influence of Vegetation on Simulation of the Water Balance and Hydrological Response to El Niño–Southern Oscillation in Western Tropical South America
Authors: Recalde-Coronel G. Cristina , Zaitchik Benjamin , Pan William , Getirana Augusto
Published: July 2022

Land surface models (LSMs) rely on vegetation parameters for use in hydrological and energy balance analysis, monitoring, and forecasting. This study examines the influence that vegetation representation in the Noah-Multiparameterization (Noah-MP) LSM has on hydrological simulations across the diverse climate zones of western tropical South America (WTSA), with specific consideration of hydrological variability associated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The influence of model representation of vegetation on simulated hydrology is evaluated through three simulation experiments that use 1) satellite-derived constant MODIS; 2) satellite-derived time-varying MODIS; and 3) the Noah-MP dynamic leaf model. We find substantial differences in vegetation fields between these simulations, with the Noah-MP dynamic leaf model diverging significantly from satellite-derived vegetation fields in many ecoregions. Impacts on simulated hydrology were, however, found to be modest across climate zones, except for select extreme events. Also, although impacts on hydrology under ENSO-induced variability were small, we find that the Noah-MP dynamic leaf model simulates a positive relationship between rainfall and vegetation in humid ecoregions of WTSA, where satellite observations may indicate the opposite. The relatively small sensitivity of simulated hydrology to vegetation scheme suggests that the performance of hydrological monitoring and forecasting in WTSA that uses Noah-MP is largely unaffected by the choice of vegetation scheme, such that using a simple climatological default is generally no worse than adopting more complicated options. The presence of some differences between the time-varying and constant MODIS simulations for hydrologic extremes, however, indicates that time-varying MODIS configuration might be more suitable for hydrological hazards applications.
Development of a real-time home textile fabric defect inspection machine system for the textile industry
Authors: Barman Jagadish , Wu Han-Cheng , Kuo Chung-Feng Jeffrey
Published: July 2022

In most fabric industries fabric quality is assessed through manual inspection, which depends on an individual judgment. It is necessary to design an automatic fabric defect performance inspection system for the industry. This study aimed to develop a real-time, low-cost, and high-performance home textile fabric defect inspection machine system. The proposed system uses the Haar wavelet transform to reduce the information content of the fabric image. The brightness of the fabric image is compensated and the camera luminance is corrected in order to filter the image texture for fabric images with the Gaussian filter after correction. After that, the fabric defect classification was performed by using the random forest classifier. The designed system capability can detect and verify 10 kinds of fabrics with different colors. Moreover, the hardware cost of the machine is low and the average true defect recognition detection rate is more than 98.70%, with good adaptability. Meanwhile, the average processing detection time for a single image is 70 ms with a fabric defect inspection speed of 30 m/min. The efficiency of the machine is increased by five times compared with the traditional inspection. The designed inspection machine can also replace manual grading, cutting, and finishing in the processes of labeling defects. Eventually, it can reduced man power and overall mass production cost, so even small-scale home textile industries can afford a machine with high-precision defect detection.
Effectiveness of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model for improving the care knowledge, skill, and sense of competence in mothers of preterm infants
Authors: Li Shaoli , Liu Shufang , Zhang Xinchun , Chen Yali , Ren Xiaohong
Published: July 2022

Objective

This quasi-randomized controlled trial was performed to evaluate the effects of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model (PPM) in enabling mothers of preterm infants to develop care knowledge, skill, and a sense of competence.

Methods

Among 116 mothers of preterm infants, 60 received traditional discharge education (control group) and 56 received PPM discharge education (PPM group). Improvement in knowledge and skills was transformed into the mothers’ routine daily care of infants. The primary outcome was knowledge of preterm infant care. The secondary outcomes were preterm infant care skills and a sense of competence, routine intervention compliance among mothers, and the readmission rate of infants 6 months after discharge.

Results

Six months after discharge, the mean knowledge score and mean skills score were significantly higher in the PPM group than in the control group. The mothers’ sense of competence with respect to both self-efficacy and satisfaction was also significantly better in the PPM group than in the control group. Moreover, intervention behavior compliance and the readmission rate were significantly better in the PPM group than in the control group.

Conclusion

Care knowledge, skills, and sense of competence in mothers of preterm infants improved after implementation of the PPM.
Diel Rhythm and Thermal Independence of Metabolic Rate in a Benthic Shark
Authors: Wheeler Carolyn R. , Kneebone Jeff , Heinrich Dennis , Strugnell Jan M. , Mandelman John W. , Rummer Jodie L.
Published: July 2022

Biological rhythms that are mediated by exogenous factors, such as light and temperature, drive the physiology of organisms and affect processes ranging from cellular to population levels. For elasmobranchs (i.e. sharks, rays, and skates), studies documenting diel activity and movement patterns indicate that many species are crepuscular or nocturnal in nature. However, few studies have investigated the rhythmicity of elasmobranch physiology to understand the mechanisms underpinning these distinct patterns. Here, we assess diel patterns of metabolic rates in a small meso-predator, the epaulette shark ( Hemiscyllium ocellatum), across ecologically relevant temperatures and upon acutely removing photoperiod cues. This species possibly demonstrates behavioral sleep during daytime hours, which is supported herein by low metabolic rates during the day and a 1.7-fold increase in metabolic rates at night. From spring to summer seasons, where average average water temperature temperatures for this species range 24.5 to 28.5 °C, time of day, and not temperature, had the strongest influence on metabolic rate. These results indicate that this species, and perhaps other similar species from tropical and coastal environments, may have physiological mechanisms in place to maintain metabolic rate on a seasonal time scale regardless of temperature fluctuations that are relevant to their native habitats.
Analysis of lower limb prosthetic socket interface based on stress and motion measurements
Authors: Tang Jinghua , Jiang Liudi , McGrath Michael , Bader Dan , Laszczak Piotr , Moser David , Zahedi Saeed
Published: July 2022

The study was designed to establish a biomechanical assessment platform for the lower limb residuum/socket interface as a function of duration and speed of movement. The approach exploits an interface sensor which measures multi-directional stresses at the interface. The corresponding interface coupling motion was assessed using a 3D motion capture system. A longitudinal study, involving a trans-femoral amputee, was conducted with nine repeated level walking sessions over a 12-month period. The effect of walking speed on interface biomechanics was also assessed. Interface peak pressures and shear stresses in the range of 55–59 kPa and 12–19 kPa were measured, respectively, over all sessions in the 12 months study period at the posterior-proximal location of the residuum. The peak pressure and longitudinal shear values were found to fluctuate approximately 11% and 40% as against its maximum value, respectively, over 12 months. In addition, up to 12° of angular coupling and up to 28 mm of pistoning were recorded over a gait cycle, which was found to change by 29% and 45% respectively over the study period. The variation in walking speed, by altering self-selected cadence, resulted in changes of pressure and shear stresses at mid-stance of the gait cycle. In particular, as compared with self-selected cadence, for fast speed, peak pressure and peak longitudinal shear stress decreased by 5% and 33%, respectively. For slow speed, peak pressure and peak longitudinal shear stress increased by 7% and 17%, respectively. The corresponding angular and pistoning revealed a variation of up to 29% and 45%, respectively. This biomechanical assessment approach shows promise in the quantitative assessment of interface kinematics and kinetics for lower limb prosthetics, the usage of which could assist the clinical assessment of prosthetic socket fit.