bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress Distribution and Fluctuation Cycle on the Rack Face of the Rock Cutting Tool
Authors: Yang Xiaofeng , Xue Yongchao , Zhou Jiaheng
Published: December 2019

The distribution of the stress field on the rack face has significant impacts on the performance and service life of the rock cutting tool. A dynamic simulation model of the stress on the rock cutting tool is established by finite element code Abaqus, and the distribution of local stress on the rack face and its impact factors are studied. It is concluded that the local stress on the rack face of the rock cutting tool shows obvious periodical fluctuation characteristics, and the fluctuation cycle of each point on the tool remains unchanged under the same cutting conditions. The stress fluctuation cycle period decreases with the increase of cutting speed inversely. The cutting depth and the back angle of the cutting tool have no obvious impact on the stress fluctuation period. However, the cutting depth and the back angle have obvious impacts on the average stress distributions of each point on the rack face of the tool. That is, the increase of back angle and cutting depth could cause the maximum stress point of the rack face to move upward to the tool tip.
Salmonella typhimurium Endocarditis and Myocarditis in a Cat
Authors: Vercelli Andrea , Lo Cicero Enrico , Pazzini Luca
Published: December 2019

An 8-month-old neutered male outdoor cat was brought to our surgical center for a sudden onset of diarrhea, pyrexia, and lethargy. Physical examination revealed a loud left parasternal systolic murmur with no thrill. An echocardiogram showed a large hyperechoic vegetation (about 9 mm thick) on the aortic valve leaflets. The results of Doppler ultrasound examination were compatible with severe aortic stenosis. A singular urine culture test performed by cystocentesis samples enabled the isolation of more than 105 CFU/ml in a pure culture of Salmonella typhimurium. Enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes and moderate dilatation of small bowel loops were found on abdominal ultrasound examination. The patient was treated with marbofloxacin (2 mg/kg IM every 24 hours), cefazoline (20 mg/kg SC every 12 hours), metronidazole (10 mg/Kg IV every 12 hours), clopidogrel (18.75 mg PO every 24 hours), atenolol (0.5 mg/kg OS every 12 hours), and fluid therapy (ringer acetate 2.5 ml/kg/h), but after three days in hospital the patient died from presumed septic shock. A urine culture revealed that Salmonella typhimurium was sensitive to third generation cephalosporins but not to fluoroquinolones. Necropsy, histologic examinations, culture of the aortic valve, and PCR analysis of the aortic valve leaflets were eventually performed and Salmonella typhimurium endocarditis with myocardial phlegmon was confirmed. Endocarditis is a rare disease in cats and poorly described in the veterinary literature. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of Salmonella typhimurium endocarditis and myocarditis in a cat.
Free Light Chains as a Novel Diagnostic Biomarker of Immune System Abnormalities in Multiple Sclerosis and HIV Infection
Authors: Gudowska-Sawczuk Monika , Mroczko Barbara
Published: December 2019

Introduction. Immunoglobulins are molecules composed of two heavy and two light chains. Light chains are produced by B lymphocytes during the synthesis of immunoglobulins, and physiologically light chains are generally produced in excess compared to heavy chains. Light chains that are not combined to heavy chains in a whole immunoglobulin are called free light chains (FLCs). B-cell abnormalities are associated with disorders leading to an abnormal concentration of free light chains. In this study, we focus on the described changes of serum and cerebrospinal fluid concentration of free light chains in inflammatory disorders: multiple sclerosis, HIV infection, and HIV-associated lymphomas. Methods. We performed broad research of the literature pertaining to our investigation via the MEDLINE/PubMed database. Results. It has been proven that FLC determination can provide rapid information about intrathecal inflammation in patients with multiple sclerosis. Moreover, literature data suggest that free light chain determination is the most interesting alternative for oligoclonal band analysis. In the present review, we also described that HIV-related immune system dysfunction is associated with an elevated concentration of serum-free light chains. Additionally, FLCs are potentially a strong and sensitive predictor of the risk of developing HIV-associated lymphomas. Conclusion. Based on these published findings, we suggest that free light chains have high diagnostic sensitivity, which probably enables application in laboratory diagnostics.
Favorable Response to CD34+ Cell Therapy Is Associated with a Decrease of Galectin-3 Levels in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Poglajen Gregor , Ksela Jus , Frljak Sabina , Zemljic Gregor , Boznar Alic Elizabeta , Cerar Andraz , Vrtovec Bojan
Published: December 2019

Background. Galectin-3 plasma levels (gal-3) were shown to correlate with the scar burden in chronic heart failure (CHF) setting. As scar burden predicts response to stem cell therapy, we sought to explore a correlation between gal-3 and response to CD34+ cell transplantation in patients with CHF. Methods. We performed a post hoc analysis of patients, enrolled in 2 prospective trials investigating the clinical effects of CD34+ cell therapy in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICMP) and nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP). CD34+ cells were mobilized by G-CSF, collected via apheresis, and injected transendocardially using NOGA system. Patients were followed for 3 months and demographic, echocardiographic, and biochemical parameters and gal-3 were analyzed at baseline and at follow-up. Response to cell therapy was defined as an LVEF increase of ≥5%. Results. 61 patients were included in the analysis. The mean age of patients was 52 years and 83% were male. DCMP and ICMP were present in 69% and 31% of patients, respectively. The average serum creatinine was 86±23 μmol/L, NT-proBNP 1132 (IQR 350-2279) pg/mL, and LVEF 30±6%. Gal-3 at baseline and at 3 months did not differ significantly (13.4±5.5 ng/mL vs. 13.1±5.8 ng/mL; p=0.72), and there were no differences in baseline gal-3 with respect to heart failure etiology (15.1±7.2 ng/mL in ICMP vs. 12.7±4.3 ng/mL in DCMP; p=0.12). Comparing responders (N=49) to nonresponders (N=18), we found no differences in baseline gal-3 (13.6±5.7 ng/mL vs. 13.2±4.9 ng/mL; p=0.80). However, responders had significantly lower gal-3 at 3-month follow-up (12.1±4.0 ng/mL vs. 15.7±8.4 ng/mL; p<0.05). Also, responders demonstrated a significant decrease in gal-3 over 3 months, while in nonresponders, an increase in gal-3 occurred (−1.5±5.4 ng/mL vs. +2.7±4.3 ng/mL; p=0.01). Conclusions. In patients with chronic heart failure undergoing CD34+ cell therapy, a decrease in galectin-3 plasma levels is associated with beneficial response to this treatment modality. Further prospective data is warranted to confirm our findings and to deepen our understanding of the role of gal-3 in the field of stem cell therapy.
A Bayesian Inference Method Using Monte Carlo Sampling for Estimating the Number of Communities in Bipartite Networks
Authors: Wang Guo-Zheng , Xiong Li , Liu Hu-Chen
Published: December 2019

Community detection is an important analysis task for complex networks, including bipartite networks, which consist of nodes of two types and edges connecting only nodes of different types. Many community detection methods take the number of communities in the networks as a fixed known quantity; however, it is impossible to give such information in advance in real-world networks. In our paper, we propose a projection-free Bayesian inference method to determine the number of pure-type communities in bipartite networks. This paper makes the following contributions: (1) we present the first principle derivation of a practical method, using the degree-corrected bipartite stochastic block model that is able to deal with networks with broad degree distributions, for estimating the number of pure-type communities of bipartite networks; (2) a prior probability distribution is proposed over the partition of a bipartite network; (3) we design a Monte Carlo algorithm incorporated with our proposed method and prior probability distribution. We give a demonstration of our algorithm on synthetic bipartite networks including an easy case with a homogeneous degree distribution and a difficult case with a heterogeneous degree distribution. The results show that the algorithm gives the correct number of communities of synthetic networks in most cases and outperforms the projection method especially in the networks with heterogeneous degree distributions.
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Associated with Red-Vented Bulbul: A New Encounter of Bird Related Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Authors: Amarasinghe W. D. N. L. , Jayasekara R. , Jayamanne B. D. W. , Nalaka T. D. K. , Amarasiri W. A. D. L. , Punchihewa R. , Fernando A.
Published: December 2019

Bird related hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is becoming more common than other forms of HP around the world. We present two cases of HP, associated with exposure to visiting birds which had nested within their homes in semi urban areas of Colombo, Sri Lanka. A 65-year-old female (case 1) and a 61-year-old male (case 2) presented to the chest clinic complaining of gradually progressive and persistent chronic dry cough and dyspnoea during the year 2018. Both were found to have close contact with red-vented bulbuls (Konda kurulla) in their homes for more than 6 months prior to onset of symptoms and denied any other risk exposures in detail history taking. In both patients, high-resolution computed tomography chest (HRCT) showed centrilobular nodules of ground glass density with significant lobular air trapping. Video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATs) lung biopsy of case 1 showed patchy and focal interstitial thickening with lymphocytic infiltrate, minimal fibrosis, and few noncaseating granulomata within the interstitium. Transbronchial lung biopsy of case 2 showed thickened alveolar septae with lympho-histiocytic infiltrate and occasional neutrophils and eosinopils. Both showed severe reduction in forced vital capacity (FVC) at presentation. Multidisciplinary diagnosis of HP associated with red-vented bulbuls was made. Both achieved good improvement in clinical, lung function, and radiological assessment following removal of offending antigen exposure and treatment with oral corticosteroids.
Colon Cancer Prevention with Walnuts: A Longitudinal Study in Mice from the Perspective of a Gut Enterotype–like Cluster
Authors: Chen Yanfei , Nakanishi Masako , Bautista Eddy J. , Qendro Veneta , Sodergren Erica , Rosenberg Daniel W. , Weinstock George M.
Published: December 2019

There is limited understanding of how walnut consumption inhibits the development of colorectal cancer. A possible mechanism may involve alterations to the gut microbiota. In this study, the effects of walnut on gut microbiota were tested in a mouse tumor bioassay using the colonotropic carcinogen, azoxymethane (AOM) added to the total Western diet (TWD). 16S rRNA pyrosequencing identified three enterotype-like clusters (E1, E2, and E3) in this murine model. E1, E2, and E3 are associated with AOM exposure, walnut consumption, and TWD diet, respectively. E2 and E3 showed distinct taxonomic and functional characteristics, while E1 represented an intermediate state. At the family level, E1 and E3 were both enriched with Bacteroidaceae, but driven by two different operational taxonomic units (OTU; OTU-2 for E1, OTU-4 for E3). E2 was overrepresented with Porphyromonadaceae and Lachnospiraceae, with OTU-3 (family Porphyromonadaceae) as the “driver” OTU for this cluster. Functionally, E3 is overrepresented with genes of glycan biosynthesis and metabolism, xenobiotic metabolism, and lipid metabolism. E2 is enriched with genes associated with cell motility, replication and repair, and amino acid metabolism. Longitudinally, E2 represents the gut microbial status of early life in these mice. In comparison with E1 and E3, E2 is associated with a moderate lower tumor burden (P = 0.12). Our results suggest that walnuts may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer within a Western diet by altering the gut microbiota. Our findings provide further evidence that colorectal cancer risk is potentially modifiable by diet via alterations to the microbiota.
Nicht kleinzelliges Lungenkarzinom: Welche Rolle microRNA in der Behandlung spielt
Authors: Reinmuth Niels
Published: December 2019

Background: The role of microRNA-133a (miR-133a) in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) is controversial. Thus, we conducted a comprehensive study based on meta-analysis and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Methods: Publications were searched in both English and Chinese databases, and meta-analysis was performed using Stata 12.0. The clinical value of miR-133a in NSCLC was investigated by collecting and calculating data from the TCGA database, and the statistical analysis was performed in R 3.5.0. Results: 5 studies with 364 cases were included in this meta-analysis. The combined pooled result showed that high expression of miR-133a was associated with a favorable survival outcome in NSCLC patients (hazard ratio 0.561, 95% confidence interval 0.396-0.794, p = 0.001). Meanwhile, a total of 984 NSCLC patients were extracted from the TCGA database. Results showed an area under the ROC curve value for miR-133a-3p of 0.902, and the expression of miR-133a-3p was linked with clinicopathologic parameters of NSCLC (p < 0.05), including sex, age, social status, and lymph node metastasis. Conclusion: Our study indicated that miR-133a might act as a tumor suppressor and be a valuable independent prognostic and diagnostic biomarker for NSCLC, and NSCLC patients with high expression of miR-133 might have a better prognosis.
Kommunikation entlang der Behandlungsmeilensteine bei Patienten mit fortgeschrittenem Lungenkrebs
Authors: Villalobos Matthias , Siegle Anja , Hagelskamp Laura , Jung Corinna , Thomas Michael
Published: December 2019

Patienten mit fortgeschrittenem Lungenkrebs und ihre Betreuungspersonen sind mit einer komplexen Situation konfrontiert, da ihre krankheitsbezogene Belastung physische, psychosoziale und spirituelle Bedürfnisse umfasst. Im Verlauf ihrer Krankheit, die mit einer begrenzten Prognose verbunden ist, sind sie verschiedenen multidisziplinären Gesundheitssystemumfeldern und -anbietern ausgesetzt, was eine kontinuierliche und koordinierte Versorgung erschwert. Darüber hinaus stellt die Entscheidung zwischen aktiver Krebstherapie und End-of-Life-Care einen ständigen Balanceakt dar. Mehrere Studien haben gezeigt, dass eine frühzeitige Palliativversorgung und entsprechendes Advance Care Planning die Lebensqualität und die Zufriedenheit mit der Versorgung verbessern. Für diese Strategie müssen die Kommunikationsfähigkeiten der Gesundheitsdienstleister und die interprofessionelle Zusammenarbeit gestärkt werden. Ein longitudinal strukturierter Kommunikationsansatz entlang der wichtigen Meilensteine der Erkrankung kann die Patienten unterstützen, da er die Bewältigung erleichtert, das prognostische Bewusstsein fördert und eine frühzeitige palliative Versorgung sowie Advance Care Planning ermöglicht. Gute interprofessionelle Zusammenarbeit und Kommunikation führen zu einer besseren Koordination und Kontinuität der Versorgung.
Training zu Hause verbessert die Schlafqualität und die Tagesschläfrigkeit älterer Menschen
Authors: Frohnhofen Helmut
Published: December 2019

Background: Aging causes physiological changes which affect the quality of sleep. Supervised physical exercise is an important therapeutic resource to improve the sleep of the elderlies, however there is a low adherence to those type of programs, so it is necessary to implement an exercise program which is feasible and effective. The study aimed to test the hypothesis that a semi-supervised home exercise program, improves sleep quality and daytime sleepiness of elderlies of the community who present poor sleep quality. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial study, conducted from May to September 2017, in Northeastern Brazil, with elderlies of the community aging 60 years old or older, sedentary, with lower scores or equal to 5 at the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and without cognitive decline. From one hundred ninety-one potential participants twenty-eight refused to participate, therefore, one hundred thirty-one (mean age 68 ± 7 years), and 88% female, were randomly assigned to an intervention group - IG (home exercise and sleep hygiene, n = 65) and a control group - CG (sleep hygiene only, n = 66). Sleep assessment tools were used: PSQI, Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) and clinical questionnaire of Berlin. The level of physical activity has been assessed by means of International Physical Activity Questionnaire adapted for the elderly (IPAQ) and Mini-Mental State Examination for cognitive decline. All participants were assessed before and after the 12-week intervention period and, also, the assessors were blind. Results: The IG showed significant improvement in quality of sleep with a mean reduction of 4.9 ± 2.7 points in the overall PSQI (p < 0.01) and in all its 7 components of evaluation (p < 0.05), and improvement of secondary endpoint, daytime sleepiness, a decline of 2.8 ± 2.2 points in the ESS (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Our results suggest that semi-supervised home exercise is effective in improving the quality of sleep and self-referred daytime sleepiness of sedentary elderlies of the community who presented sleep disorders. Trial registration: Ensaiosclinicos.gov.br process number: RBR-3cqzfy.
Expanded Prader-Willi Syndrome due to an Unbalanced de novo Translocation t(14;15): Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Xefteris Anastasios , Sekerli Eleni , Arampatzi Antonia , Charisiou Sofia , Oikonomidou Eirini , Efstathiou Georgios , Peroulis Nikolaos , Malamidou Aggeliki , Tsoulou-Panidou Eleni , Agakidou Eleni , Sarafidis Kosmas , Psarakis Antonios , Kataras Thomas , Daskalakis Georgios
Published: December 2019

In the present study, we report a case of a female infant with a de novo unbalanced t(14;15) translocation resulting in a 14-Mb deletion of the 15q11.1q14 region. The deletion includes the 15q11.2q13 Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) critical region, while no known deleted genes are found in the 14qter region. According to literature review, patients with similar or larger deletions in the 15q region exhibit an expanded phenotype of PWS with case-specific atypical features such as severe retardation, absence of speech, microcephaly, retrognathia, bifid uvula, ear malformations, and heart defects in addition to typical features of PWS. Our proband exhibited increased deep tendon reflexes, an atypical feature which is not reported in the reviewed literature. The severity of the phenotype is not directly associated with the size of the deletion; however, using a combination of methods, the identification of breakpoints and the deleted genes can be helpful for the prognostication in patients with atypical PWS deletions.
Schweres Asthma im Kindesalter und Bronchiektasen
Authors: Brandt David
Published: December 2019

Background: Chest computed tomography (CT) scans have a recognised role in investigating adults with severe asthma to exclude alternative diagnoses, but its role in children is less clear. The objective of this study was to review the CT findings of our local cohort of children with severe asthma and to explore whether clinical or pathobiological parameters predicted CT changes. Methods: Retrospective observational single centre study including all children attending the Leicester difficult asthma clinic (DAC) who underwent a chest CT from 2006 to 2011. Additionally, we recruited eight age-matched, non-asthmatic controls to compare differences in CT findings between asthmatic and non-asthmatic children. All CT images were independently scored by two radiologists. The DAC patients were sub-divided into binary groups for each abnormality identified so that comparisons could be made against recorded clinical variables including age, lung function, serum total IgE levels, and sputum leukocyte differential cell counts. Results: Thirty DAC patients (median 12 yrs., range 5-16) were included. The most common abnormalities were bronchial wall thickening (BWT) and air trapping (AT), observed in 80 and 60% of DAC patients. Bronchiectasis (BE) was identified in 27% of DAC patients. DAC patients with evidence of BE on CT images were older than those without BE (13.9 ± 0.67 vs 11.5 ± 0.61, p = 0.038). We also identified a positive correlation between increasing BE severity and extent with age (r = 0.400, p = 0.028). Conclusion: Abnormal CT findings were highly prevalent in our cohort of children with severe asthma, with bronchiectasis identified in approximately one third of children. We found no alternative diagnoses that resulted in a change in clinical management.
Older Adults in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit: Factoring Geriatric Syndromes in the Management, Prognosis, and Process of Care: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Damluji Abdulla A. , Forman Daniel E. , van Diepen Sean , Alexander Karen P. , Page Robert L. , Hummel Scott L. , Menon Venu , Katz Jason N. , Albert Nancy M. , Afilalo Jonathan , Cohen Mauricio G. ,   On behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Clinical Cardiology and Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing
Published: December 2019

Longevity is increasing, and more adults are living to the stage of life when age-related biological factors determine a higher likelihood of cardiovascular disease in a distinctive context of concurrent geriatric conditions. Older adults with cardiovascular disease are frequently admitted to cardiac intensive care units (CICUs), where care is commensurate with high age-related cardiovascular disease risks but where the associated geriatric conditions (including multimorbidity, polypharmacy, cognitive decline and delirium, and frailty) may be inadvertently exacerbated and destabilized. The CICU environment of procedures, new medications, sensory overload, sleep deprivation, prolonged bed rest, malnourishment, and sleep is usually inherently disruptive to older patients regardless of the excellence of cardiovascular disease care. Given these fundamental and broad challenges of patient aging, CICU management priorities and associated decision-making are particularly complex and in need of enhancements. In this American Heart Association statement, we examine age-related risks and describe some of the distinctive dynamics pertinent to older adults and emerging opportunities to enhance CICU care. Relevant assessment tools are discussed, as well as the need for additional clinical research to best advance CICU care for the already dominating and still expanding population of older adults.
Interleukin-10 Deficiency Alters Endothelial Progenitor Cell–Derived Exosome Reparative Effect on Myocardial Repair via Integrin-Linked Kinase Enrichment
Authors: Yue Yujia , Wang Chunlin , Benedict Cindy , Huang Grace , Truongcao May , Roy Rajika , Cimini Maria , Garikipati Venkata Naga Srikanth , Cheng Zhongjian , Koch Walter J. , Kishore Raj
Published: December 2019

Rationale:

Systemic inflammation compromises the reparative properties of endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) and their exosomes on myocardial repair, although the underlying mechanism of loss of function of exosomes from inflamed EPCs is still obscure.

Objective:

To determine the mechanisms of IL-10 (interleukin-10) deficient-EPC–derived exosome dysfunction in myocardial repair and to investigate if modification of specific exosome cargo can rescue reparative activity.

Methods and Results:

Using IL-10 knockout mice mimicking systemic inflammation condition, we compared therapeutic effect and protein cargo of exosomes isolated from wild-type EPC and IL-10 knockout EPC. In a mouse model of myocardial infarction (MI), wild-type EPC-derived exosome treatment significantly improved left ventricle cardiac function, inhibited cell apoptosis, reduced MI scar size, and promoted post-MI neovascularization, whereas IL-10 knockout EPC-derived exosome treatment showed diminished and opposite effects. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed wild-type EPC-derived exosome and IL-10 knockout EPC-derived exosome contain different protein expression pattern. Among differentially expressed proteins, ILK (integrin-linked kinase) was highly enriched in both IL-10 knockout EPC-derived exosome as well as TNFα (tumor necrosis factor-α)-treated mouse cardiac endothelial cell–derived exosomes (TNFα inflamed mouse cardiac endothelial cell–derived exosome). ILK-enriched exosomes activated NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) pathway and NF-κB–dependent gene transcription in recipient endothelial cells and this effect was partly attenuated through ILK knockdown in exosomes. Intriguingly, ILK knockdown in IL-10 knockout EPC-derived exosome significantly rescued their reparative dysfunction in myocardial repair, improved left ventricle cardiac function, reduced MI scar size, and enhanced post-MI neovascularization in MI mouse model.

Conclusions:

IL-10 deficiency/inflammation alters EPC-derived exosome function, content and therapeutic effect on myocardial repair by upregulating ILK enrichment in exosomes, and ILK-mediated activation of NF-κB pathway in recipient cells, whereas ILK knockdown in exosomes attenuates NF-κB activation and reduces inflammatory response. Our study provides new understanding of how inflammation may alter stem cell-exosome–mediated cardiac repair and identifies ILK as a target kinase for improving progenitor cell exosome-based cardiac therapies.
Coronary Disease-Associated Gene
TCF21
Inhibits Smooth Muscle Cell Differentiation by Blocking the Myocardin-Serum Response Factor Pathway
Authors: Nagao Manabu , Lyu Qing , Zhao Quanyi , Wirka Robert C. , Bagga Joetsaroop , Nguyen Trieu , Cheng Paul , Kim Juyong Brian , Pjanic Milos , Miano Joseph M. , Quertermous Thomas
Published: December 2019

Rationale:

The gene encoding TCF21 (transcription factor 21) has been linked to coronary artery disease risk by human genome-wide association studies in multiple racial ethnic groups. In murine models, Tcf21 is required for phenotypic modulation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in atherosclerotic tissues and promotes a fibroblast phenotype in these cells. In humans, TCF21 expression inhibits risk for coronary artery disease. The molecular mechanism by which TCF21 regulates SMC phenotype is not known.

Objective:

To better understand how TCF21 affects the SMC phenotype, we sought to investigate the possible mechanisms by which it regulates the lineage determining MYOCD (myocardin)-SRF (serum response factor) pathway.

Methods and Results:

Modulation of
TCF21
expression in human coronary artery SMC revealed that
TCF21
suppresses a broad range of SMC markers, as well as key SMC transcription factors MYOCD and SRF, at the RNA and protein level. We conducted chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing to map SRF-binding sites in human coronary artery SMC, showing that binding is colocalized in the genome with TCF21, including at a novel enhancer in the
SRF
gene, and at the
MYOCD
gene promoter. In vitro genome editing indicated that the SRF enhancer CArG box regulates transcription of the SRF gene, and mutation of this conserved motif in the orthologous mouse SRF enhancer revealed decreased SRF expression in aorta and heart tissues. Direct TCF21 binding and transcriptional inhibition at colocalized sites were established by reporter gene transfection assays. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and protein coimmunoprecipitation studies provided evidence that TCF21 blocks MYOCD and SRF association by direct TCF21-MYOCD interaction.

Conclusions:

These data indicate that
TCF21
antagonizes the MYOCD-SRF pathway through multiple mechanisms, further establishing a role for this coronary artery disease-associated gene in fundamental SMC processes and indicating the importance of smooth muscle response to vascular stress and phenotypic modulation of this cell type in coronary artery disease risk.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Prevention of Stroke Systematic Review of Cardiovascular Outcome Trials With Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bellastella Giuseppe , Maiorino Maria Ida , Longo Miriam , Scappaticcio Lorenzo , Chiodini Paolo , Esposito Katherine , Giugliano Dario
Published: December 2019

Background and Purpose—

The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of CVOTs (cardiovascular outcome trials) to evaluate the effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists therapy in reducing the risk of stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods—

PubMed and other electronic sources were searched until June 20, 2019, to identify relevant studies. Hazard ratios with 95% CIs were used as a measure of the association between use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and risk of stroke after pooling data across trials.

Results—

Seven CVOTs with 56 004 participants were identified. Use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was associated with 15% lower risk of nonfatal stroke (
P
=0.002), 19% lower risk of fatal stroke (
P
=0.150), and 16% lower risk of total stroke (
P
=0.001). There was no association between reductions of hemoglobin A1c levels or body weight and risk of stroke.

Conclusions—

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists reduce the risk of nonfatal stroke in patients with T2D.
A new Euchalcia Hübner, [1821] from Qinghai, China (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae
Authors: SALDAITIS AIDAS , VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , BENEDEK BALÁZS
Published: December 2019

The Palaearctic genus Euchalcia Hübner, [1821] is a member of the subfamily Plusiinae, family Noctuidae. Currently it includes 53 valid species and 6 subspecies (Ronkay et al. 2008; Volynkin et al. 2014). The E. gerda species-group includes E. gerda (Püngeler, 1907), E. caelestissima Hreblay & Ronkay, 1998, E. serraticornis Dufay, 1965 and E. bea Hreblay & Plante, 1998 (Ronkay et al. 2008). During examination of more than 80 specimens identified as E. gerda collected in several localities in the Chinese province of Qinghai and deposited in the collections of Péter Gyulai (Miskolc, Hungary), Alessandro Floriani (Milan, Italy) and World Insect Gallery (Joniškis, Lithuania), we found two strange looking specimens having more elongated forewings with a well-developed pinkish suffusion. Despite the wide range of an individual variability being characteristic for species of the E. gerda species-group, these two specimens showed morphological differences from E. gerda as well as from other related species, and thus proved to be new for science. The description of this new species is given below.
Species status of Colias misti (Pieridae: Coliadinae) from the Arequipa region, South Peru, and a description of its new subspecies, from Cotahuasi canyon, South-Central Peru
Authors: KIR’YANOV ALEXANDER V.
Published: December 2019

A new species of the genus Colias Fabricius from the Arequipa region of Peru, C. misti Kir’yanov sp. nov., stat. nov., is established by raising it from the subspecies rank, C. lesbia misti Kir’yanov 2017. This taxonomic act is justified after detailed comparison of C. misti with representatives of phenotypically similar other South American Colias, including the subspecies of C. lesbia. The newly presented taxa are diagnosed by adult morphology, bionomics, and male genitalia. The diagnosis of a new subspecies Colias misti ccota Kir’yanov ssp. nov., discovered in the World’s deepest canyon Cotahuasi (Peru), is based on different and stable characters in phenotypes, genitalia, and bionomics of C. misti ccota and C. misti misti. Both subspecies of C. misti are endemic to the Western slopes of the Andes. It is also demonstrated that the shape of the male aedeagus is diagnostic for a reliable identification of the South American Colias.
Trachygamasus karuni sp. nov., a new mite species from Iran (Parasitiformes: Parasitidae)
Authors: FARAHI SARA , SHISHEHBOR PARVIZ , NEMATI ALIREZA , WITALIŃSKI WOJCIECH
Published: December 2019

A new mite species, Trachygamasus karuni sp. nov. is described from buffalo, sheep and horse manure at several locations north of Ahvaz city, Khuzestan, Iran. A key to 14 world species of Trachygamasus with described adults is also provided.
The larva of the genus Misagria Kirby, 1889 (Odonata: Libellulidae)
Authors: FLECK GÜNTHER , NEISS ULISSES G.
Published: December 2019

The ultimate stadium of Misagria parana Kirby, 1889 is described and illustrated for the first time based on reared material. The larva was hitherto unknown for the genus. Based on M. parana, M. divergens Westfall, 1992 and M. cf. calverti a larval generic diagnosis is given. Larva of the genus Misagria Kirby, 1889 is briefly compared to the strongly similar larvae of the Neotropical genera Cannaphila Kirby, 1889, and Dasythemis Karsch, 1889. Larvae of Misagria can be separated from those of Dasythemis by the number of palpal setae (seven in Misagria vs four in Dasythemis) and by the shape of ventral tarsal setae (trifid setae present in Misagria), and from those of Cannaphila by the number of palpal setae (seven vs five or six) and the chaetotaxy of middorsal abdominal segments (segments three to nine with a diffuse clump of long setae in Misagria vs no diffuse clump in Cannaphila).
A large hornet mimic clearwing moth of the genus Lamellisphecia Kallies & Arita, 2004 (Lepidoptera, Sesiidae) from Nanling, Guangdong, southern China
Authors: ARITA YUTAKA , KALLIES AXEL , YATA NAOKI
Published: December 2019

We here describe a new species, Lamellisphecia minwangi Arita & Kallies sp. nov., from Nanling, Guangdong, southern China. Furthermore, we provide new records of Lemellisphecia Kallies & Arita, 2004 species from south-east Asia, with L. champaensis Kallies & Arita, 2004 recorded for Laos and L. haematinea Kallies & Arita, 2004 recorded for Myanmar for the first time.
Effect of smoking on colonization by Bacteroides forsythus in patients with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Wang Yansong , Dai Juan , Chen Xiaoxia , Zhang Hongchi , Liu Jianlin
Published: December 2019

Bacteroides forsythus is the least investigated species of the "red complex" of bacteria responsible for periodontitis. This is due, at least in part, to the difficulty in identifying these bacteria by classic techniques requiring in vitro cultures. Thus, the aim of the
current study was to design a fast and robust technique for the detection of B. forsythus. For this purpose, DNA was isolated by magnetic microbeads from dental plaque and gingival crevical fluid, and the presence of the gene coding for 16S rRNA of B. forsythus was detected by
conventional of quantitative real-time PCR. The study enrolled patients affected by periodontitis and healthy subjects, and both groups were comprised of heavy and mild smokers. The assays revealed that bot gingival fluid and dental plaque served well as the material for test samples. The
periodontitis group had a markedly higher rate of infection by B. forsythus than healthy subjects. The infection rate was also higher in the group of smokers but did not depend on whether the patients were heavy or mild smokers. In conclusion, the novel methodology may become a powerful
tool in the hands of clinicians, allowing them to obtain a faster and more accurate diagnosis of B. forsythus in periodontal infections.
miR-223 regulates proliferation and apoptosis by targeting insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) in osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Xiao Jianhua , He Chunlei , Zhong Yanchun , Liu Lulin , Xiao Yaosheng , Liu Wuyang
Published: December 2019

MicroRNAs are widely involved in cancer progression by inhibiting the expression levels of oncogenes or tumor-suppressor genes, and the dysregulation of microRNAs may contribute to tumorigenesis. Here, we use molecular-biology and cell-biology methods to determine the role of miR-223
in osteosarcoma (OS) regulation. The regulating effect of miR-223 on OS is determined by various experimental methods in vivo and in vitro. Exogenous miR-223 reduces the proliferation of HOS and MG-63 cells in vitro. In addition, we show that excessive expression of miR-223
significantly increases apoptosis of OS cells. Moreover, the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) is downgraded after using an miR-223 simulated transfection in HOS and MG-63 cells. After IGF-1R inhibition, the cell activity of the HOS and MG-63 cells is also inhibited. In addition,
we demonstrate that miR-223 inhibits OS proliferation and induces apoptosis by targeting a point in IGF-1R 3′ -UTR. In summary, miR-223 inhibits OS proliferation and induces apoptosis by targeting IGF-1R. New therapies with fewer complications based on miRNAs should be studied.
Influence of the crack area on the crack-healing performance of silicon carbide whisker reinforced silicon nitride composite
Authors: Hu Jun Feng , Qiu Ming Yue , Deng Xi , Xu Teng Zhou , Chen Zhou
Published: December 2019

The crack healing properties of Si3N4 composite ceramic reinforced by SiC whiskers (Si3N4/SiCw) was studied. Six kinds of pre-cracks were introduced on the center of the tensile side of the specimens, and the relationship
between the crack area and crack healing properties was studied. The results show that the healing effect of strength recovery is similar with that of smooth specimens for pre-cracked specimens with crack depth less than 60 μm. As for the propagated crack and the central through
crack, the strength recovery rapidly decreases due to the increase of crack depth. It could be concluded that it is difficult to heal pre-cracked specimens with the crack depth over 90 μm. The main reason is considered to be that the melted glass phase blocked in the surface, and
prevented the oxidation reaction in the inner of crack.
A sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor using polythionine/AuNPs nanocomposites as label for ultrasensitive detection of carcinoembryonic antigen
Authors: Lai Yuxuan , Huang Hao , Xia Zhihuan , Li Song , Deng Yan , Liu Xueying
Published: December 2019

A sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor was developed in this study for sensitive detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) based on rGO/CS/AuNPs as a sensing platform and PTh-Au composites as signal labels. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO), Chitosan (CS) and AuNPs were layer by
layer modified on glass carbon electrode (GCE), which effectively enhanced electron transfer and provided excellent large electrochemical active surface area. Polythionine-Au composites prepared by chemical reduction method greatly amplified electrochemical signal with high conductivity and
large surface area. The prepared immunosensor showed high sensitivity, good stability and selectivity for detection of CEA with a wide range of 0.3 ng/mL to 30 ng/mL (R2 = 0.9972) and a detection limit as low as 0.1471 pg/mL. Furthermore, this sandwich-type immunosensor might
be as a versatile platform for reliable early cancer diagnostics clinical.
Kava for generalised anxiety disorder: A 16-week double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Sarris Jerome , Byrne Gerard J , Bousman Chad A , Cribb Lachlan , Savage Karen M , Holmes Oliver , Murphy Jenifer , Macdonald Patricia , Short Anika , Nazareth Sonia , Jennings Emma , Thomas Stuart R , Ogden Edward , Chamoli Suneel , Scholey Andrew , Stough Con
Published: December 2019

Objective:

Previous randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have shown that Kava (a South Pacific medicinal plant) reduced anxiety during short-term administration. The objective of this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to perform a larger, longer-term trial assessing the efficacy and safety of Kava in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder and to determine whether gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter (SLC6A1) single-nucleotide polymorphisms were moderators of response.

Methods:

The trial was a phase III, multi-site, two-arm, 16-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigating an aqueous extract of dried Kava root administered twice per day in tablet form (standardised to 120 mg of kavalactones twice/day) in 171 currently non-medicated anxious participants with diagnosed generalised anxiety disorder. The trial took place in Australia.

Results:

An analysis of 171 participants revealed a non-significant difference in anxiety reduction between the Kava and placebo groups (a relative reduction favouring placebo of 1.37 points; p = 0.25). At the conclusion of the controlled phase, 17.4% of the Kava group were classified as remitted (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale score < 7) compared to 23.8% of the placebo group ( p = 0.46). No SLC6A1 polymorphisms were associated with treatment response, while carriers of the rs2601126 T allele preferentially respond to placebo ( p = 0.006). Kava was well tolerated aside from poorer memory (Kava = 36 vs placebo = 23; p = 0.044) and tremor/shakiness (Kava = 36 vs placebo = 23; p = 0.024) occurring more frequently in the Kava group. Liver function test abnormalities were significantly more frequent in the Kava group, although no participant met criteria for herb-induced hepatic injury.

Conclusion:

While research has generally supported Kava in non-clinical populations (potentially for more ‘situational’ anxiety as a short-term anxiolytic), this particular extract was not effective for diagnosed generalised anxiety disorder.
Multitasking Incentives and the Informative Value of Subjective Performance Evaluations
Authors: Takahashi Shingo , Owan Hideo , Tsuru Tsuyoshi , Uehara Katsuhito
Published: December 2019

Using personnel records from a car sales company, this study shows that subjective performance evaluations of sales representatives are less sensitive to objectively measured sales in the presence of hard-to-measure, non-sales tasks. Findings confirm that supervisors use the evaluations to incentivize employees to pursue these tasks, such as mentoring junior representatives and building long-term customer relationships. The authors show that subjective evaluations predict future sales, suggesting that the evaluations have informative content related to actual worker performance. The authors find that the response of workers who receive lower-than-expected evaluations differs by supervisor experience: Those who are evaluated by inexperienced supervisors quit more often, whereas those who are evaluated by experienced supervisors respond with lower sales in the next period, even though distribution of evaluations does not vary by supervisor experience. Results are consistent with the interpretation that experienced supervisors are better able to communicate with workers to induce desired behavior.
Battery management system implementation with the passive control method using MOSFET as a load
Authors: Kıvrak Sinan , Özer Tolga , Oğuz Yüksel , Erken Emre Burak
Published: December 2019

In this study, a battery management system was implemented using the passive charge balancing method. The battery system was created with lithium ion battery cells commonly used in electric vehicles. Two main microprocessors were used as a master and slave for the management system. An STM32f103C8 microcontroller was used as a master, and a PIC18f4520 microcontroller was used as slave control units in the battery management system. Charge control of a battery pack consisting of four cells was performed. The information received from the current and voltage sensors was collected from each cell using a slave controller and sent smoothly to the master controller system. These experimental results indicated that the passive balancing method was implemented and the battery cells were charged successfully. The proposed method was applied to battery pack consisting of a four-cell LiFePO4 battery with a capacity of 40 Ah. This work incorporated original situation that have not been realized before. A digital to analog converter circuit was created using a buck converter topology. Thus, the MOSFET was used as an adjustable resistance. Also, it was one of the first studies in which the MOSFET was used as a regulated resistor in battery management systems.
Music Training Improves Depressed Mood Symptoms in Elderly People: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Biasutti Michele , Mangiacotti Anthony
Published: December 2019

The effectiveness of music training on depressed mood and general cognitive function in elderly participants is verified in this study. Music activities consisted of improvisation exercises for stimulating interpersonal skills, mood, and cognitive functions. A mixed research method was adopted, including standardized measures (Mini-Mental State Examination and Geriatric Depression Scale) and follow-up semistructured interviews. The research design included pre- and postevaluation with randomized experimental and control groups. Participants were 45 care residents aged 62 to 95, healthy and with cognitive impairment. Results revealed a significant improvement in depression index (Geriatric Depression Scale) for the experimental period ( t = 1.450; p < .005; d = 0.453) while the control group had no improvement ( t = 0.080; p > .1; d = 0.025). In addition, a significant improvement was found in the cognitive level (Mini-Mental State Examination) for the experimental ( t = 2.300; p < .005; d =  0.668) than the control group that had a significant reduction ( t = 1.240; p < .05; d = 0.273). This study provides evidence that music training has a positive impact on depressed mood and general cognitive function in elderly participants. These types of music training sessions could provide aid to control the symptoms of depression, delay the deterioration of cognitive function, and enhance social–cognitive function, especially in individuals presenting with cognitive impairment.
Modinomics 1.0 and the Indian Economy
Authors: Esho Hideki
Published: December 2019

In this study, we recapitulate the economic policies/measures implemented by Narendra Modi in his first five-year term (2014–2019), referred to as ‘Modinomics’. It rests on two pillars, namely growth strategy and anti-poverty programmes, represented by the ‘Make in India’ and ‘JAM trinity’ initiatives, respectively. Further, we assess the economic performance achieved in his first term. Macro-economic indicators, such as economic growth and inflation rates, show satisfactory results; however, we do not find enough evidence of the main objective of ‘Make in India’ being fulfilled, which is ‘to make India a global hub of manufacturing, design, and innovation’. The continuation/aggravation of ‘jobless growth’ is concerning; thus, India should adapt export-oriented industrialization strategy to enhance the viability of ‘Make in India’ and create enough jobs opportunities.

JEL: E24, E61, N15, N35, N65
Making safe: The dirty history of a bomb disposal robot
Authors: Lisle Debbie
Published: December 2019

In the Ulster Museum’s new gallery The Troubles and Beyond, the central display showcases a Wheelbarrow bomb disposal robot. This machine was invented by the British Army in Northern Ireland in 1972 and used by officers of the 321 Explosive Ordinance Disposal Squadron (321EOD) to defuse car bombs planted by the Irish Republican Army (IRA). This article offers an alternative history of that machine – a dirtier history – that critically assesses its role during the Troubles. Centrally, the article contests the British Army’s preferred account of this machine as a ‘game-changing’ technological innovation in counterinsurgency, and their understanding of themselves as benign peacekeepers. Rather than figure the Wheelbarrow robot as an unreadable ‘black box’ used instrumentally by the superior human operators of 321EOD, this article seeks to foreground the unruly transfers of agency between the machine and its operators as they tested and experimented in the exceptional colonial laboratory of Northern Ireland. The article further explores the machine’s failures during bomb disposal episodes, the collateral damage that resulted, and the multiple and often unruly reactions of local populations who watched the Wheelbarrow robot at work. Providing a ‘dirty history’ of the Wheelbarrow robot is an effort to demonstrate that war can never be fully cleaned up, either through militarized mythologies of technological innovation or hopeful museum displays.