bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: clinical relevance of hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening volume
Authors: Karády Júlia , Apor Astrid , Nagy Anikó I , Kolossváry Márton , Bartykowszki Andrea , Szilveszter Bálint , Simon Judit , Molnár Levente , Jermendy Ádám L , Panajotu Alexisz , Suhai Ferenc I , Varga Andrea , Rajani Ronak , Maurovich-Horvat Pál , Merkely Béla
Published: June 2020

Aims 

Our aim was to establish an objective, quantitative methodology for volumetric hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) diagnosis and evaluate its clinical significance.

Methods and results 

We prospectively enrolled 144 patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) between 2011 and 2016. At inclusion, cardiac computed tomography angiography (CTA), transthoracic echocardiography, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed. We quantified HALT on CTA datasets by segmenting the inner volume of TAVI frame at the level of leaflets and extracted voxels between a threshold of −200 to 200 HU based on prior recommendation. The median HALT volume was 72 [inter-quartile range (IQR): 1–154] mm3 (intra- and inter-reader agreement: intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.92 and 0.94, respectively) and 79% (n = 87/111) of the patients had HALT >0 mm3. In multivariate linear regression, oral anti-coagulation (β: −0.32; 95% CI: −0.62 to −0.01; P = 0.004) and history of myocardial infarction (β: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.01–0.63; P = 0.043) were associated with HALT quantity. Log-transformed HALT volume was associated with elevated (>13 mmHg) aortic mean gradient (AMG, OR: 12.85; 95% CI: 1.96–152.93; P = 0.021) and moderate-to-severe valvular degeneration (AMG ≥ 20 mmHg or ΔAMG ≥ 10 mmHg; OR: 10.56; 95% CI: 1.44–148.71; P = 0.046) but did not predict ischaemic brain lesions on MRI or all-cause death after a median follow-up of 29 (IQR: 11–29) months (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Through systematic analysis of asymptomatic patients with TAVI, an objective and reproducible methodology was feasible for volumetric measurement of HALT. Anti-coagulation might have a protective effect against HALT. Ischaemic brain lesions and all-cause death were not associated with HALT; nevertheless, it might deteriorate prosthesis function due to its association with elevated AMG.

Clinical trial registration

http//:www.ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT02826200.
Removing the wall around welfare: What do We learn from A8 immigrants in the UK?
Authors: Giua Ludovica
Published: June 2020

A relevant question within the growing debate on immigration policy concerns the impact of granting immigrants free access to the welfare system. I analyse the case of the European 2004 Accession (A8) countries and the lift of the temporary limitations to benefit eligibility that citizens from these countries faced until April 2011 in the UK. When the restrictions are relaxed A8 immigrants claim more benefits, but labour supply adjustments occur mainly for those who are more in need for assistance, namely women and the less educated, especially in the presence of children. Moreover, I provide evidence on two potential indirect effects. First, my results support the absence of magnet effects, as arrivals do not change from before to after the change in eligibility rules. Second, I show that granting immigrants access to welfare does not change the composition of the incoming flows.
Electronic cigarette
Authors: Biondi Zoccai Giuseppe , Carnevale Roberto , Sciarretta Sebastiano , Frati Giacomo
Published: June 2020

Despite significant efforts during the last decades, cigarette smoking still remains prevalent. Discouraging the use of all tobacco products, it is certainly the most effective mean to enhance public health, but complete prohibition is unlikely to succeed. The greatest challenge is the approach to chronic smokers, particularly those affected with cardiovascular conditions. To better support these patients during the difficult process leading to complete smoke cessation, it is important to characterize each patient from a clinical and psychological perspective, introducing the most reliable approaches to incentivize and support abstinence, such as varenicline and nicotine replacement therapy, thus providing a personalized recommendation. The recent introduction of electronic systems for nicotine release or tobacco heating (electronic cigarettes), offers an important challenge. These devices are reasonably considered as lower risk tools, thus providing a useful alternative which unable the patient a smoother transition toward smoking cessation, also presenting an array of choices among which a personalized selection could be made. This technology, though, should not be overemphasized, considering also its potential harmful effects, and certainly its use should be strongly discouraged in non-smokers, particularly at young age. This approach, cautious and pragmatic, aside from demonization or over-enthusiastic appraisal, could provide favourable results in the constant struggle against cigarette smoking.
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9: an update on the cardiovascular outcome studies
Authors: Ferri Nicola , Greco Maria Francesca , Corsini Alberto , Ruscica Massimiliano
Published: June 2020

Inhibitors of the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase enzyme, statins, are powerful cholesterol-lowering medications and have provided outstanding contributions to the primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is one of the major modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, indeed, every 1.0 mmol/L (38.7 mg/dL) reduction in LDL cholesterolaemia corresponds to a 21% lowering in the risk of major vascular events. In this context, the pharmacological approach with PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies is considered a promising non-statin therapeutic option for the management of lipid disorders in patients with persistent cardiovascular risk, including patients with diabetes mellitus. Data from two large clinical trials have indisputably demonstrated the efficacy of alirocumab and evolocumab in preventive major adverse cardiovascular events in high risk, secondary-prevention patients with clinical manifestation of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Finally, PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies did not increase the risk of serious adverse events, neurocognitive events, new-onset of diabetes, muscle-related events, or myalgia.
The PURE study and the enigmatic aspects of the diet: is it possible that an high saturated fat consumption would not be harmful?
Authors: Poli Andrea
Published: June 2020

According to the results of a recent observational epidemiologic study, the PURE study, an elevated consumption of saturated fats in the diet would not be detrimental for the cardiovascular risk, and would not increase all-causes-mortality. A part for the criticism the study received, for being conducted in eastern countries and mainly in rural settings, its results are substantially in agreement with the most recent epidemiological literature, which gradually redefined the pro-atherogenic role of the saturated fats. It is possible that this type of fats, in this instance, would have a limited and restricted effect, and rather represent the overall effect of the foodstuff in which they abound, in the prevalent dietetic habits of the population studied. The results of the PURE study can be integrated with little difficulties, with the recent revision of the role of the alimentary fats in determining cardiovascular risk and all-causes-mortality. The revision doesn’t support (assuming adequate calories and weight control) a limitation of the total dietary fats, saturated fats in particular. An excessive reduction of saturated fats, particularly in Europe, could lead to an unnecessary and unsolicited limitation of certain foods (most commonly cheese), whose final impact on overall health is favourable.
Left atrial fibrosis predicts left ventricular ejection fraction response after atrial fibrillation ablation in heart failure patients: the Fibrosis-HF Study
Authors: Kirstein Bettina , Neudeck Sebastian , Gaspar Thomas , Piorkowski Judith , Wechselberger Simon , Kronborg Mads Brix , Zedda Angela , Hankel Anastasia , El-Armouche Ali , Tomala Jakub , Schmidt Thomas , Mayer Julia , Wagner Michael , Ulbrich Stefan , Pu Liying , Richter Utz , Huo Yan , Piorkowski Christopher
Published: June 2020

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) often coexist. Catheter ablation has been reported to restore left ventricular (LV) function but patients benefit differently. This study investigated the correlation between left atrial (LA) fibrosis extent and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) recovery after AF ablation.

Methods and results

In this study, 103 patients [64 years, 69% men, 79% persistent AF, LVEF 33% interquartile range (IQR) (25–38)] undergoing first time AF ablation were investigated. Identification of LA fibrosis and selection of ablation strategy were based on sinus rhythm voltage mapping. Continuous rhythm monitoring was used to assess ablation success. Improvement in post-ablation LVEF was measured as primary study endpoint. An absolute increase in post-ablation LVEF ≥10% was defined as ‘Super Response’. Left atrial fibrosis was present in 38% of patients. After ablation LVEF increased by absolute 15% (IQR 6–25) (P < 0.001). Left ventricular ejection fraction improvement was higher in patients without LA fibrosis [15% (IQR 10–25) vs. 10% (IQR 0–20), P < 0.001]. An inverse correlation between LVEF improvement and the extent of LA fibrosis was found (R2 = 0.931). In multivariate analysis, the presence of LA fibrosis was the only independent predictor for failing LVEF improvement [odds ratio 7.2 (95% confidence interval 2.2–23.4), P < 0.001]. Echocardiographic ‘Super Response’ was observed in 55/64 (86%) patients without and 21/39 (54%) patients with LA fibrosis, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Presence and extent of LA fibrosis predict LVEF response in HF patients undergoing AF ablation. The assessment of LA fibrosis may impact prognostic stratification and clinical management in HF patients with AF.
Detection of anti-HEV antibodies and RNA of HEV in pigs from a hyperendemic Italian region with high human seroprevalence
Authors: Martino Camillo , Rampacci Elisa , Pierini Ilaria , Giammarioli Monica , Stefanetti Valentina , Hyatt Doreene R , Ianni Andrea , Di Paolo Giovanni , Coletti Mauro , Passamonti Fabrizio
Published: June 2020

Background

Pigs are considered the main reservoir of genotypes 3 and 4 of hepatitis E virus (HEV), which is the major cause of acute hepatitis of viral origin in humans worldwide. An increasing number of autochthonous HEV infections have been observed in recent years in industrialized countries, most likely as a result of zoonotic transmission through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat products.

Methods

Two hundred and thirty-three blood and liver samples were collected at four different local slaughterhouses from domestic pigs bred in Abruzzo, a region of south-central Italy, where there is the highest human seroprevalence to HEV compared with the rest of Italy. An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used for detecting anti-HEV IgG in the sera, while the presence of HEV RNA was investigated by performing a real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results

Between 87.3% and 100% of swine serum samples collected in different slaughterhouses of Abruzzo were positive for anti-HEV antibodies. Conversely, none of the liver samples collected from the same animals were positive for HEV by real-time RT-PCR.

Conclusions

The hypothesis of foodborne zoonotic transmission from local pigs as responsible for the hyperendemic status of Abruzzo cannot be corroborated. However, the high seroprevalence observed in pigs indicates that HEV is highly circulating in these territories. We propose to further investigate the role of wild fauna and trade in carrier pigs, and the maintenance of HEV virulence in the environment and meat supply chain to shed light on the possible sources of human infection and the degree of occupational risk.
Crustal seismic structure beneath the Garhwal Himalaya using regional and teleseismic waveform modelling
Authors: Kanna Nagaraju , Gupta Sandeep
Published: June 2020

We investigate the crustal seismic structure of the Garhwal Himalayan region using regional and teleseismic earthquake waveforms, recorded over 19 closely spaced broad-band seismic stations along a linear profile that traverses from the Sub Himalayas to Higher Himalayas. The regional earthquake traveltime analysis provides uppermost mantle P- and S-wave velocities as 8.2 and 4.5 km s−1, respectively. The calculated receiver functions from the teleseismic P waveforms show apparent P-to-S conversions from the Moho as well as from intracrustal depths, at most of the seismic stations. These conversions also show significant azimuthal variations across the Himalayas, indicating complex crustal structure across the Garhwal Himalaya. We constrain the receiver function modelling using the calculated uppermost mantle (Pn and Sn) velocities. Common conversion point stacking image of P-to-S conversions as well as receiver function modelling results show a prominent intracrustal low shear velocity layer with a flat–ramp–flat geometry beneath the Main Central Thrust zone. This low velocity indicates the possible presence of partial melts/fluids in the intracrustal depths beneath the Garhwal Himalaya. We correlate the inferred intracrustal partial melts/fluids with the local seismicity and suggest that the intracrustal fluids are one of the possible reasons for the occurrence of upper-to-mid-crustal earthquakes in this area. The results further show that the Moho depth varies from ∼45 km beneath the Sub Himalayas to ∼58 km to the south of the Tethys Himalayas. The calculated lower crustal shear wave velocities of ∼3.9 and 4.3 km s−1 beneath the Lesser and Higher Himalayas suggest the presence of granulite and partially eclogite rocks in the lower crust below the Lesser and Higher Himalayas, respectively. We also suggest that the inferred lower crustal rocks are the possible reasons for the presence and absence of the lower crustal seismicity beneath the Lesser and Higher Himalayas, respectively.
Virtually Trans: an Australian Facebook group supporting gender diverse adults’ health and wellbeing
Authors: Dowers Eden , Kingsley Jonathan , White Carolynne
Published: June 2020

Social networking sites are the primary means by which trans and gender diverse people meet, enabling both community contact and information exchange. This study considers the meaning of participation in a secret Facebook group for trans and gender diverse adults in Melbourne (Australia). A peer ethnographic methodology was used to study the Melbourne-based group listed under the pseudonym ‘Virtually Trans’. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 Virtually Trans group members. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed. Interview data were supplemented with field notes written throughout online participation over an 8-month period to add richness and provide context to the data. Three major themes were developed from this analysis. First, experiences outside of Virtually Trans, most notably within health care settings, were perceived to be unsafe. Second, practices of care in Virtually Trans conferred a sense of kinship and identity affirmation. Finally, Virtually Trans enabled localized information exchange between peers. Virtually Trans is not a neutral platform of self-performance but a safe(r) environment for expanding the gendered possibilities of who and how people may become. This study highlights the importance of a secret Facebook group in filling care, information and resource gaps experienced by trans and gender diverse people within a major metropolitan setting. The findings have implications for practitioners working with trans and gender diverse adults and peer health navigation.
Estimation and classification of temporal trends to support integrated ecosystem assessment
Authors: Solvang Hiroko Kato , Planque Benjamin
Published: June 2020

We propose a trend estimation and classification (TREC) approach to estimating dominant common trends among multivariate time series observations. Our methods are based on two statistical procedures that includes trend modelling and discriminant analysis for classifying similar trend (common trend) classes. We use simulations to evaluate the proposed approach and compare it with a relevant dynamic factor analysis in the time domain, which was recently proposed to estimate common trends in fisheries time series. We apply the TREC approach to the multivariate short time series datasets investigated by the ICES integrated assessment working groups for the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea. The proposed approach is robust for application to short time series, and it directly identifies and classifies the dominant trends underlying observations. Based on the classified trend classes, we suggest that communication among stakeholders like marine managers, industry representatives, non-governmental organizations, and governmental agencies can be enhanced by finding the common tendency between a biological community in a marine ecosystem and the environmental factors, as well as by the icons produced by generalizing common trend patterns.
Prognostic score for survival with pulmonary carcinoids: the importance of associating clinical with pathological characteristics
Authors: Chiappetta Marco , Sperduti Isabella , Ciavarella Leonardo Petracca , Leuzzi Giovanni , Bria Emilio , Mucilli Felice , Lococo Filippo , Filosso Pierluigi , Ratto Giovannibattista , Spaggiari Lorenzo , Facciolo Francesco , Margaritora Stefano
Published: June 2020

OBJECTIVES

Lung carcinoids (LCs) are staged using the non-small-cell lung cancer tumour/node/metastasis staging system; the possibility of an LC-specific staging system is still being debated. The goal of our study was to construct a composite prognostic score for LC.

METHODS

From January 2002 to December 2014, data from 293 patients who underwent surgical treatment for LC in 7 research institutes were retrospectively analysed. A panel of established prognostic factors in addition to lymph node metastasis patterns (single/multiple N1–N2 station, skip metastasis, lobe specific), numbers of lymph nodes resected and the ratio between the numbers of metastatic lymph nodes and the numbers of lymph nodes resected (node ratio) were correlated to overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The log-hazard ratio (HR), obtained from the Cox model, was used to derive weighting factors for a continuous prognostic index, designed to identify differential outcome risks. The score was dichotomized according to maximally selected log-rank statistics.

RESULTS

Pathological analysis showed typical carcinoids in 223 (76.1%) and atypical carcinoids in 70 (23.9%) patients; the tumour/node/metastasis pattern was stage I in 72.4%, stage II in 18.1%, stage III in 9.5% and stage IV in 0.03% cases. The median numbers of lymph nodes resected was 12 (range 0–53); hilar and mediastinal node metastases were identified in 14% and 6.8% of cases, respectively. Overall, the 5-year OS and 5-year DFS rates were 90.6% and 76.7%, respectively. At multivariable analysis, sex, age, pathological T stage and node ratio were significantly related to a better OS; age, histological type, pathological T stage and node ratio were related to DFS. These factors were used to generate the prognostic score, which showed statistically significant differences between the high-risk and low-risk groups: 5-year OS = 96.6% if score <3.1 vs 63.5% if score ≥3.1 [P < 0.0001; HR 17.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.45–56.53]; 5-year DFS 92.3% if score <1.5 vs 52.5% if score ≥ 1.5 (P < 0.0001; HR 7.95, 95% CI 3.48–18.16).

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed prognostic scores seem to be effective in predicting outcomes for patients with LCs.
‘Alien’ vs. Editor: World English in theOxford English Dictionary, Policies, Practices, and Outcomes 1884–2020
Authors: Williams David-Antoine
Published: June 2020

This article discusses the changing ways in which the Oxford English Dictionary has recorded the vocabularies of ‘World English’—English as spoken outside of the British Isles—from the first to the present edition. Based on direct analyses of the coded text of multiple editions, it documents and compares the practices of successive editors, taking into account various contextual factors, such as editorial principles and policies, institutional resources, and historical language development. Significant attention is given to labelling practices, including the notorious ‘tramline’ mark of the First Edition and Second Supplement, designating ‘alien’ vocabulary; the evolution of the notion of ‘regional’ English within the dictionary; and the contributions of technology to the art of lexicography. The final section details changes in policy and methods in the current revision and expansion, evaluating both its practices vis-à-vis its predecessors, and the picture it gives us of the current state of World English.
Determination of the Cross-Reactivity of the Biological Metabolite (–)-trans-Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-Carboxylic Acid-Glucuronide (THC-COOH-Gluc) for Cannabinoid Immunoassays
Authors: Grafinger Katharina Elisabeth , Weinmann Wolfgang
Published: June 2020

The highest concentrated metabolite of (−)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in urine, the main psychoactive constituent of Cannabis sativa, is 11-nor-9-carboxy-(−)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-β-D-glucuronide [(−)-trans-THC-COOH-Gluc]. Even though reference standards for THC, 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC) and THC-COOH are commercially available as the biological (−)-trans-stereoisomers, the reference standard of THC-COOH-Gluc is only available as the racemic 11-nor-9-carboxy-(±)-cis-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-β-D-glucuronide. This poses the problem for immunoassays, because different stereoisomers may have different cross-reactivity (CR). The aim of the current study was to extract the biological stereoisomer (−)-trans-THC-COOH-Gluc from a urine sample of two marihuana consumers by solid-phase extraction with a Chromabond® C18 cartridge. The cannabinoids in the obtained extract were quantified by Liquid-chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) and used after dilution for further testing of the CR of (−)-trans-THC-COOH-Gluc with a homogenous enzyme immunoassay assay (hEIA) (Urine HEIA® Cannabinoids (THC), Immunalysis™, Pomona, CA, USA). The CR was determined as the measured HEIA® signal (ng/mL) per THC-COOH-Gluc concentration (ng/mL) in percentage. Results showed that the CR (determined in concentration ratios) is concentration dependent and is 72–87% in the calibration range (20–50 ng/mL). At the cut-off of the hEIA (40 ng/mL), the CR was determined to be 75%. With a molecular weight quotient of 1.51 (MWTHC-COOH-Gluc/MWTHC-COOH = 520.568 g/mol/344.451 g/mol), this means that CR (in molar ratios) is 106–131%. This finding is important, since the major metabolite of THC in urine is (−)-trans-THC-COOH-Gluc and not (−)-trans-THC-COOH, which is used for calibration and no hydrolysis is performed during the determination by hEIA.
De novo evolved gene product NCYM in the pathogenesis and clinical outcome of human neuroblastomas and other cancers
Authors: Suenaga Yusuke , Nakatani Kazuma , Nakagawara Akira
Published: June 2020

NCYM is an antisense transcript of MYCN oncogene and promotes tumor progression. NCYM encodes a de novo protein whose open reading frame evolved from noncoding genomic regions in the ancestor of Homininae. Because of its topology, NCYM is always co-amplified with MYCN oncogene, and the mutual regulations between NCYM and MYCN maintain their expressions at high levels in MYCN-amplified tumors. NCYM stabilizes MYCN by inhibiting GSK3β, whereas MYCN stimulates transcription of both NCYM and MYCN. NCYM mRNA and its noncoding transcript variants MYCNOS have been shown to stimulate MYCN expression via direct binding to MYCN promoter, indicating that both coding and noncoding transcripts of NCYM induce MYCN expression. In contrast to the noncoding functions of NCYM, NCYM protein also promotes calpain-mediated cleavage of c-MYC. The cleaved product called Myc-nick inhibits cell death and promotes cancer cell migration. Furthermore, NCYM-mediated inhibition of GSK3β results in the stabilization of β-catenin, which promotes aggressiveness of bladder cancers. These MYCN-independent functions of NCYM showed their clinical significance in MYCN-non-amplified tumors, including adult tumors. This year is the 30th anniversary of the identification of NCYM/MYCNOS gene. On this special occasion, we summarize the current understanding of molecular functions and the clinical significance of NCYM and discuss future directions to achieve therapeutic strategies targeting NCYM.
Whither mammalian ecology?
Authors: Krebs Charles J
Published: June 2020

The critical agenda for mammalian ecologists over this century is to obtain a synthetic and predictive understanding of the factors that limit the distribution and abundance of mammals on Earth. During the last 100 years, a start has been made on this agenda, but only a start. Most mammal species have been described, but there still are tropical areas of undisclosed species richness. We have been measuring changes in distribution and abundance of many common mammals during the last century, and this monitoring agenda has become more critical as climate change has accelerated and habitat destruction has increased with human population growth. There are a small number of factors that can limit the distribution and abundance of mammals: weather, predation, food supplies, disease, and social behavior. Weather limits distribution and abundance mostly in an indirect manner by affecting food supplies, disease, and predation in the short term and habitat composition and structure in the longer term. A good starting point for all studies of mammals is to define them within a well-structured trophic web, and then quantify the major linkages within that web. We still are far from having data on enough model systems to develop a complete theory and understanding of how food webs are structured and constrained as climate shifts and humans disturb habitats. We have many of the bits and pieces for some of our major ecosystems but a poor understanding of the links and the resilience of our mammalian communities to changes in trophic webs driven by climate change and human disturbances.
Protective effect of trimetazidine in radiation-induced cardiac fibrosis in mice
Authors: Zhang Jinmeng , He Xinjia , Bai Xinya , Sun Yang , Jiang Peng , Wang Xiang , Li Wei , Zhang Yuliang
Published: June 2020

Radiation-induced heart damage is a serious side effect caused by radiotherapy, especially during the treatment of cancer near the chest. Trimetazidine is effective at reducing inflammation in the heart, but how it affects radiation-induced cardiac fibrosis (RICF) is unknown. To investigate the potential effect and molecular mechanism, we designed this project with a C57BL6 male mouse model supposing trimetazidine could inhibit RICF in mice. During the experiment, mice were randomly divided into six groups including a control group (Con), radiation-damaged model group (Mod) and four experimental groups receiving low-dose (10 mg/kg/day) or high-dose (20 mg/kg/day) trimetazidine before or after radiation treatment. Apart from the control group, all mice chests were exposed to 6 MV X-rays at a single dose of 20 Gy to induce RICF, and tissue analysis was done at 8 weeks after irradiation. Fibroblast or interstitial tissues and cardiac fibrosis-like characteristics were determined using haematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining, which can be used to assess myocardial fibrosis. Immunohistochemical analysis and RT-PCR were used to determine gene expression and study the molecular mechanism. As a result, this study suggests that trimetazidine inhibits RICF by reducing gene expression related to myocyte apoptosis and fibrosis formation, i.e. connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, smad2 and smad3. In conclusion, by regulating the CTGF/TGF-β1/Smad pathway, trimetazidine could be a prospective drug for clinical treatment of RICF.
Spectroscopic and photometric periods of six ultracompact accreting binaries
Authors: Green Matthew J , Marsh Thomas R , Carter Philip J , Steeghs Danny , Breedt Elmé , Dhillon V S , Littlefair S P , Parsons Steven G , Kerry Paul , Gentile Fusillo Nicola P , Ashley R P , Bours Madelon C P , Cunningham Tim , Dyer Martin J , Gänsicke Boris T , Izquierdo Paula , Pala Anna F , Pattama Chuangwit , Outmani Sabrina , Sahman David I , Sukaum Boonchoo , Wild James
Published: June 2020

Ultracompact accreting binary systems each consist of a stellar remnant accreting helium-enriched material from a compact donor star. Such binaries include two related sub-classes, AM CVn-type binaries and helium cataclysmic variables, in both of which the central star is a white dwarf. We present a spectroscopic and photometric study of six accreting binaries with orbital periods in the range of 40–70 min, including phase-resolved VLT spectroscopy and high-speed ULTRACAM photometry. Four of these are AM CVn systems and two are helium cataclysmic variables. For four of these binaries we are able to identify orbital periods (of which three are spectroscopic). SDSS J1505+0659 has an orbital period of 67.8 min, significantly longer than previously believed, and longer than any other known AM CVn binary. We identify a Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) infrared excess in SDSS J1505+0659 that we believe to be the first direct detection of an AM CVn donor star in a non-direct impacting binary. The mass ratio of SDSS J1505+0659 is consistent with a white dwarf donor. CRTS J1028–0819 has an orbital period of 52.1 min, the shortest period of any helium cataclysmic variable. MOA 2010-BLG-087 is co-aligned with a K-class star that dominates its spectrum. ASASSN-14ei and ASASSN-14mv both show a remarkable number of echo outbursts following superoutbursts (13 and 10 echo outbursts respectively). ASASSN-14ei shows an increased outburst rate over the years following its superoutburst, perhaps resulting from an increased accretion rate.
Producing synthetic maps of dust polarization using a velocity channel gradient technique
Authors: Lu Zekun , Lazarian A , Pogosyan Dmitri
Published: June 2020

In modern cosmology, many efforts have been made to detect the primordial B-mode of cosmic microwave background polarization from gravitational waves generated during inflation. Considering the foreground dust contamination of microwave polarization maps, it is essential to obtain a precise prediction for polarization in dust emission. In this work, we show a new method to produce synthetic maps of dust polarization in the magnetized turbulent interstellar medium from more abundant high-resolution H i data. By using the velocity channel gradient technique, we are able to predict both the direction and degree of dust polarization by investigating spectroscopic H i information in position–position–velocity space. We apply our approach to the Galactic Arecibo L-band Feed Array H i data, and find a good correspondence between synthesized maps and Planck’s polarization measurements at 353 GHz.
The C-Band All-Sky Survey: total intensity point-source detection over the northern sky
Authors: Grumitt R D P , Taylor Angela C , Jew Luke , Jones Michael E , Dickinson C , Barr A , Cepeda-Arroita R , Chiang H C , Harper S E , Heilgendorff H M , Jonas J L , Leahy J P , Leech J , Pearson T J , Peel M W , Readhead A C S , Sievers J
Published: June 2020

We present a point-source detection algorithm that employs the second-order Spherical Mexican Hat wavelet filter (SMHW2), and use it on C-Band All-Sky Survey (C-BASS) northern intensity data to produce a catalogue of point sources. This catalogue allows us to cross-check the C-BASS flux-density scale against existing source surveys, and provides the basis for a source mask that will be used in subsequent C-BASS and cosmic microwave background (CMB) analyses. The SMHW2 allows us to filter the entire sky at once, avoiding complications from edge effects arising when filtering small sky patches. The algorithm is validated against a set of Monte Carlo simulations, consisting of diffuse emission, instrumental noise, and various point-source populations. The simulated source populations are successfully recovered. The SMHW2 detection algorithm is used to produce a $4.76\, \mathrm{GHz}$ northern sky source catalogue in total intensity, containing 1784 sources and covering declinations δ ≥ −10°. The C-BASS catalogue is matched with the Green Bank 6 cm (GB6) and Parkes-MIT-NRAO (PMN) catalogues over their areas of common sky coverage. From this we estimate the 90 per cent completeness level to be approximately $610\, \mathrm{mJy}$, with a corresponding reliability of 98 per cent, when masking the brightest 30 per cent of the diffuse emission in the C-BASS northern sky map. We find the C-BASS and GB6 flux-density scales to be consistent with one another to within approximately 4 per cent.
Systematic opacity calculations for kilonovae
Authors: Tanaka Masaomi , Kato Daiji , Gaigalas Gediminas , Kawaguchi Kyohei
Published: June 2020

Coalescence of neutron stars (NSs) gives rise to kilonova, thermal emission powered by radioactive decays of freshly synthesized r-process nuclei. Although observational properties are largely affected by bound–bound opacities of r-process elements, available atomic data have been limited. In this paper, we study element-to-element variation of the opacities in the ejecta of NS mergers by performing systematic atomic structure calculations of r-process elements for the first time. We show that the distributions of energy levels tend to be higher as electron occupation increases for each electron shell due to the larger energy spacing caused by larger effects of spin–orbit and electron–electron interactions. As a result, elements with a fewer number of electrons in the outermost shells tend to give larger contributions to the bound–bound opacities. This implies that Fe is not representative for the opacities of light r-process elements. The average opacities for the mixture of r-process elements are found to be κ ∼ 20–30 cm2 g−1 for the electron fraction of Ye ≤ 0.20, κ ∼ 3–5 cm2 g−1 for Ye = 0.25–0.35, and κ ∼ 1 cm2 g−1 for Ye = 0.40 at $T = 5000\!-\!10\, 000$ K, and they steeply decrease at lower temperature. We show that, even with the same abundance or Ye, the opacity in the ejecta changes with time by one order of magnitude from 1 to 10 d after the merger. Our radiative transfer simulations with the new opacity data confirm that ejecta with a high electron fraction (Ye ≳ 0.25, with no lanthanide) are needed to explain the early, blue emission in GW170817/AT2017gfo while lanthanide-rich ejecta (with a mass fraction of lanthanides ∼5 × 10−3) reproduce the long-lasting near-infrared emission.
ATOMS: ALMA Three-millimeter Observations of Massive Star-forming regions – I. Survey description and a first look at G9.62+0.19
Authors: Liu Tie , Evans Neal J , Kim Kee-Tae , Goldsmith Paul F , Liu Sheng-Yuan , Zhang Qizhou , Tatematsu Ken’ichi , Wang Ke , Juvela Mika , Bronfman Leonardo , Cunningham Maria R , Garay Guido , Hirota Tomoya , Lee Jeong-Eun , Kang Sung-Ju , Li Di , Li Pak-Shing , Mardones Diego , Qin Sheng-Li , Ristorcelli Isabelle , Tej Anandmayee , Toth L Viktor , Wu Jing-Wen , Wu Yue-Fang , Yi Hee-weon , Yun Hyeong-Sik , Liu Hong-Li , Peng Ya-Ping , Li Juan , Li Shang-Huo , Lee Chang Won , Shen Zhi-Qiang , Baug Tapas , Wang Jun-Zhi , Zhang Yong , Issac Namitha , Zhu Feng-Yao , Luo Qiu-Yi , Soam Archana , Liu Xun-Chuan , Xu Feng-Wei , Wang Yu , Zhang Chao , Ren Zhiyuan , Zhang Chao
Published: June 2020

The ATOMS, standing for ALMA Three-millimeter Observations of Massive Star-forming regions, survey has observed 146 active star-forming regions with ALMA band 3, aiming to systematically investigate the spatial distribution of various dense gas tracers in a large sample of Galactic massive clumps, to study the roles of stellar feedback in star formation, and to characterize filamentary structures inside massive clumps. In this work, the observations, data analysis, and example science of the ATOMS survey are presented, using a case study for the G9.62+0.19 complex. Toward this source, some transitions, commonly assumed to trace dense gas, including CS J = 2−1, HCO+J = 1−0, and HCN J = 1−0, are found to show extended gas emission in low-density regions within the clump; less than 25 per cent of their emission is from dense cores. SO, CH3OH, H13CN, and HC3N show similar morphologies in their spatial distributions and reveal well the dense cores. Widespread narrow SiO emission is present (over ∼1 pc), which may be caused by slow shocks from large–scale colliding flows or H ii regions. Stellar feedback from an expanding H ii region has greatly reshaped the natal clump, significantly changed the spatial distribution of gas, and may also account for the sequential high-mass star formation in the G9.62+0.19 complex. The ATOMS survey data can be jointly analysed with other survey data, e.g. MALT90, Orion B, EMPIRE, ALMA_IMF, and ALMAGAL, to deepen our understandings of ‘dense gas’ star formation scaling relations and massive protocluster formation.
Prospects for cosmic magnification measurements using H i
intensity mapping
Authors: Witzemann Amadeus , Pourtsidou Alkistis , Santos Mario G
Published: June 2020

We investigate the prospects of measuring the cosmic magnification effect by cross-correlating neutral hydrogen intensity mapping (H i IM) maps with background optical galaxies. We forecast the signal-to-noise ratio for H i IM data from SKA1-MID and HIRAX, combined with LSST photometric galaxy samples. We find that, thanks to their different resolutions, SKA1-MID and HIRAX are highly complementary in such an analysis. We predict that SKA1-MID can achieve a detection with a signal-to-noise ratio of ∼15 on a multipole range of ℓ ≲ 200, while HIRAX can reach a signal-to-noise ratio of ∼50 on 200 < ℓ < 2000. We conclude that measurements of the cosmic magnification signal will be possible on a wide redshift range with foreground H i intensity maps up to z ≲ 2, while optimal results are obtained when 0.6 ≲ z ≲ 1.3. Finally, we perform a signal to noise analysis that shows how these measurements can constrain the H i parameters across a wide redshift range.
Anisotropic separate universe simulations
Authors: Masaki Shogo , Nishimichi Takahiro , Takada Masahiro
Published: June 2020

The long-wavelength coherent overdensity and tidal force, which are not direct observables for a finite-volume survey, affect time evolution of cosmic structure formation and therefore clustering observables through the mode coupling. In this paper, we develop an ‘anisotropic’ separate universe (SU) simulation technique to simulate large-scale structure formation taking into account the effect of large-scale tidal force into the anisotropic expansion of local background. We modify the treepmN-body simulation code to implement the anisotropic SU simulations, and then study the ‘response’ function of matter power spectrum that describes how the matter power spectrum responds to the large-scale tidal effect as a function of wavenumber and redshift for a given global cosmology. We test and validate the SU simulation results from the comparison with the perturbation theory predictions and the results from high-resolution particle-mesh simulations. We find that the response function displays characteristic scale dependencies over the range of scales down to non-linear scales, up to k ≃ 6 h Mpc−1.
Inverse Compton signatures of gamma-ray burst afterglows
Authors: Zhang H , Christie I M , Petropoulou M , Rueda-Becerril J M , Giannios D
Published: June 2020

The afterglow emission from gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) is believed to originate from a relativistic blast wave driven into the circumburst medium. Although the afterglow emission from radio up to X-ray frequencies is thought to originate from synchrotron radiation emitted by relativistic, non-thermal electrons accelerated by the blast wave, the origin of the emission at high energies (HE; ≳GeV) remains uncertain. The recent detection of sub-TeV emission from GRB 190114C by the Major Atmospheric Gamma Imaging Cherenkov Telescopes (MAGIC) raises further debate on what powers the very high energy (VHE; ≳300 GeV) emission. Here, we explore the inverse Compton scenario as a candidate for the HE and VHE emissions, considering two sources of seed photons for scattering: synchrotron photons from the blast wave (synchrotron self-Compton or SSC) and isotropic photon fields external to the blast wave (external Compton). For each case, we compute the multiwavelength afterglow spectra and light curves. We find that SSC will dominate particle cooling and the GeV emission, unless a dense ambient infrared photon field, typical of star-forming regions, is present. Additionally, considering the extragalactic background light attenuation, we discuss the detectability of VHE afterglows by existing and future gamma-ray instruments for a wide range of model parameters. Studying GRB 190114C, we find that its afterglow emission in the Fermi-Large Area Telescope (LAT) band is synchrotron dominated. The late-time Fermi-LAT measurement (i.e. t ∼ 104 s), and the MAGIC observation also set an upper limit on the energy density of a putative external infrared photon field (i.e. ${\lesssim} 3\times 10^{-9}\, {\rm erg\, cm^{-3}}$), making the inverse Compton dominant in the sub-TeV energies.
Physical Therapist Management of Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Jette Diane U , Hunter Stephen J , Burkett Lynn , Langham Bud , Logerstedt David S , Piuzzi Nicolas S , Poirier Noreen M , Radach Linda J L , Ritter Jennifer E , Scalzitti David A , Stevens-Lapsley Jennifer E , Tompkins James , Zeni Jr Joseph ,   for the American Physical Therapy Association
Published: June 2020

A clinical practice guideline on total knee arthroplasty was developed by an American Physical Therapy (APTA) volunteer guideline development group that consisted of physical therapists, an orthopedic surgeon, a nurse, and a consumer. The guideline was based on systematic reviews of current scientific and clinical information and accepted approaches to management of total knee arthroplasty.
Disease Control and Inequality Reduction: Evidence from a Tuberculosis Testing and Vaccination Campaign
Authors: Bütikofer Aline , Salvanes Kjell G
Published: June 2020

This article examines the economic impact of a tuberculosis control program launched in Norway in 1948. In the 1940s, Norway had one of the highest tuberculosis infection rates in Europe, affecting about 85% of the inhabitants. To lower the disease burden, the Norwegian government launched a large-scale tuberculosis testing and vaccination campaign that substantially reduced tuberculosis infection rates among children. We find that cohorts in school during and after the campaign in municipalities with high tuberculosis prevalence gained more in terms of education, earnings, longevity, and height following this public health intervention. Furthermore, the gains from the disease control program are not limited to the initially treated cohorts but also affect their children. The results also suggest that individuals from a low socioeconomic background benefited more from the intervention and we present new evidence that a narrowing of the gap in childhood health can lead to a reduction in socioeconomic inequalities in adulthood.
Sharing the Pain? Credit Supply and Real Effects of Bank Bail-ins
Authors: Beck Thorsten , Da-Rocha-Lopes Samuel , Silva André F
Published: June 2020

We analyze the credit supply and real effects of bank bail-ins by exploiting the unexpected failure and subsequent resolution of a major Portuguese bank. Using loan-level data, we show that while firms more exposed to the bail-in suffered a significant contraction of credit at the intensive margin, they were on average able to compensate for the supply-driven shock. However, affected SMEs experienced a binding reduction of funds available through credit lines, and those with lower internal liquidity increased precautionary cash holdings and reduced investment and employment. Our results highlight the trade-off policymakers face when considering this new bank resolution mechanism.
Low-density lipoprotein from active SLE patients is more atherogenic to endothelial cells than low-density lipoprotein from the same patients during remission
Authors: Rodríguez-Calvo Ricardo , Guardiola Montse , Oliva Iris , Arrando Hugo , Arranz Idoia , Ferré Anna , Pellicer Paula , Parra Sandra , Ribalta Josep , Castro Antoni
Published: June 2020

Objectives

SLE patients have an enhanced risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. However, the increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease is not fully explained by traditional Framingham cardiovascular risk factors. Specific features of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, other than plasma concentration, may induce accelerated atherosclerosis at early stages in these patients. Thus, we aimed to explore the impact of LDL from both active and inactive SLE patients on human aortic endothelial cells.

Methods

Human aortic endothelial cells were stimulated with the same concentration of LDL particles isolated from pooled serum that was collected from 13 SLE patients during both active and inactive states. Gene expression and cell migration assays were performed.

Results

Circulating LDL particles obtained from healthy volunteers and SLE patients in both remission and flare states were comparable in terms of number, cholesterol and triglyceride content, and net electric charge. Stimulation of cells with LDL from active SLE patients induced the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (∼2.0-fold, P < 0.05), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (∼2.0-fold, P < 0.05) and matrix metallopeptidase 2 (∼1.6-fold, P < 0.01) compared with cells stimulated with LDL from inactive SLE patients. Additionally, LDL extracted from active patients increased cell migration in a wound-healing assay (1.4-fold, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our data show that, at the same LDL concentration, LDL from active SLE patients had increased proatherogenic effects on endothelial cells compared with LDL from the same patients when in an inactive or remission state.
The basal ganglia and the cerebellum in human emotion
Authors: Pierce Jordan E , Péron Julie
Published: June 2020

The basal ganglia (BG) and the cerebellum historically have been relegated to a functional role in producing or modulating motor output. Recent research, however, has emphasized the importance of these subcortical structures in multiple functional domains, including affective processes such as emotion recognition, subjective feeling elicitation and reward valuation. The pathways through the thalamus that connect the BG and cerebellum directly to each other and with extensive regions of the cortex provide a structural basis for their combined influence on limbic function. By regulating cortical oscillations to guide learning and strengthening rewarded behaviors or thought patterns to achieve a desired goal state, these regions can shape the way an individual processes emotional stimuli. This review will discuss the basic structure and function of the BG and cerebellum and propose an updated view of their functional role in human affective processing.