bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspergillus nidulans: A Potential Resource of the Production of the Native and Heterologous Enzymes for Industrial Applications
Authors: Kumar Amit
Published: August 2020

Aspergillus nidulans is a filamentous fungus that is a potential resource for industrial enzymes. It is a versatile fungal cell factory that can synthesize various industrial enzymes such as cellulases, β-glucosidases, hemicellulases, laccases, lipases, proteases, β-galactosidases, tannases, keratinase, cutinases, and aryl alcohol oxidase. A. nidulans has shown the potential to utilize low-cost substrates such as wheat bran, rice straw, sugarcane bagasse, rice bran, coir pith, black gram residue, and chicken feathers to produce enzymes cost-effectively. A. nidulans has also been known as a model organism for the production of heterologous enzymes. Several studies reported genetically engineered strains of A. nidulans for the production of different enzymes. Native as well as heterologous enzymes of A. nidulans have been employed for various industrial processes.
Effects of Sludge Retention Time on the Performance of Anaerobic Ceramic Membrane Bioreactor Treating High-Strength Phenol Wastewater
Authors: He Chunhua , Yang Chuanhe , Yuan Shoujun , Hu Zhenhu , Wang Wei
Published: August 2020

Anaerobic ceramic membrane bioreactor (AnCMBR) is an attractive alternative for the treatment of high-strength phenol wastewater, but the effects of sludge retention time (SRT) on the performance and membrane fouling are still unclear. The results indicated that the AnCMBR was successfully employed to treat high-strength wastewater containing 5 g phenol L-1. The removal efficiencies of phenol and chemical oxygen demand (COD) reached over 99.5% and 99%, respectively, with long SRT and short SRT. SRT had no obvious effect on the performance of the AnCMBR treating high-strength phenol wastewater with long time operation. The strong performance robustness of AnCMBR benefited from the enrichment of hydrogenotrophic methanogens and syntrophic phenol-degrading bacteria. However, the decline of SRT led to a more severe membrane fouling in the AnCMBR, which was caused by the small size of sludge flocs and high concentration of protein in the biopolymers. Therefore, this work presented a comprehensive insight to the feasibility and robustness of the AnCMBR for treating high-strength phenol wastewater.
Rapid Penetration Path Planning Method for Stealth UAV in Complex Environment with BB Threats
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Wu Jian , Dai Jiyang , He Cheng
Published: August 2020

This paper presents the flight penetration path planning algorithm in a complex environment with Bogie or Bandit (BB) threats for stealth unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The emergence of rigorous air defense radar net necessitates efficient flight path planning and replanning for stealth UAV concerning survivability and penetration ability. We propose the improved A-Star algorithm based on the multiple step search approach to deal with this uprising problem. The objective is to achieve rapid penetration path planning for stealth UAV in a complex environment. Firstly, the combination of single-base radar, dual-base radar, and BB threats is adopted to different threat scenarios which are closer to the real combat environment. Besides, the multistep search strategy, the prediction technique, and path planning algorithm are developed for stealth UAV to deal with BB threats and achieve the penetration path replanning in complex scenarios. Moreover, the attitude angle information is integrated into the flight path which can meet real flight requirements for stealth UAV. The theoretical analysis and numerical results prove the validity of our method.
A Review of Chamber and Micrometeorological Methods to Quantify NH3 Emissions from Fertilisers Field Application
Authors: Scotto di Perta Ester , Fiorentino Nunzio , Carozzi Marco , Cervelli Elena , Pindozzi Stefania
Published: August 2020

Agriculture is mainly responsible for ammonia (NH3) volatilisation. A common effort to produce reliable quantifications, national emission inventories, and policies is needed to reduce health and environmental issues related to this emission. Sources of NH3 are locally distributed and mainly depend on farm building characteristics, management of excreta, and the field application of mineral fertilisers. To date, appropriate measurements related to the application of fertilisers to the field are still scarce in the literature. Proper quantification of NH3 must consider the nature of the fertiliser, the environmental variables that influence the dynamic of the emission, and a reliable measurement method. This paper presents the state of the art of the most commonly used direct methods to measure NH3 volatilisation following field application of fertilisers, mainly focusing on chamber method. The characteristics and the associated uncertainty of the measurement of the most widespread chamber types are discussed and compared to the micrometeorological methods.
Adaptive Fractional-Order Operator Clock Synchronization Algorithm Based on Grey Prediction
Authors: Yang Hongwei , Wang Long , Zhang Jing , Li Li
Published: August 2020

As a result of the influence of clock drift and uncertainty delay in synchronous message transmission, the clock synchronization model based on statistical distribution cannot accurately describe clock deviation. This model also requires a large number of timestamp samples that cause a storage occupation issue for wireless sensor nodes with limited resources. The modeling method based on grey prediction has advantages of low sample demand and simple modeling process. However, the accuracy of the existing clock synchronization models needs to be improved. Based on the grey prediction theory, this paper proposes an adaptive fractional-order operator clock synchronization algorithm considering uncertainty delay. First, based on the clock model and clock offset model, the frequency offset between nodes is optimized by taking the mean on the clock frequencies. Second, a grey prediction algorithm based on a fractional-order operator is proposed by estimating the uncertainty delay in message transmission to obtain the clock offset. Finally, the order of the fractional-order accumulation is adjusted adaptively in the grey prediction model according to the collected timestamp sample values so that the estimation of the uncertainty delay is more accurate, thereby improving the accuracy of the clock offset. Compared with the first-order accumulative grey prediction clock synchronization algorithms and timing-sync protocol for sensor networks, the proposed scheme improved the synchronization accuracy by 29.18% and 44.01%, respectively, and reduced the variance of the clock offset by 48.66% and 64.89%. Thus, the proposed algorithm is characterized by improved stability.
Age and Sequence of Permanent Teeth Eruption in Lebanese Children
Authors: Nassif Nahla , Sfeir Elia
Published: August 2020

Background. The timing of eruption of permanent teeth can be a precious help to the pediatric practitioner in identifying an appropriate treatment plan. Usually, it presents a more precise sign of an early or late growth of the child. Aims. It is to determine whether the timing of the permanent teeth eruption in Lebanese pediatric population can be considered as standard Lebanese values, since no other study was previously performed. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study is conducted, and the clinical emergence data are collected for a sample of 2317 Lebanese children aged between 5.5 years and 13 years (1129 girls and 1188 boys) from different socioeconomic groups in rural and urban communities spread over different regions in Lebanon. The study investigates dental emergence patterns. Results. Statistical analysis is performed with the SPSS Software. A confidence interval of 95% and significance level of 5% are adopted. The trend is for males to begin their permanent teeth eruption later than girls. Emergence of all permanent mandibular teeth is earlier than maxillary ones. Symmetry is found between the right and left teeth in the maxilla, as well as in the mandibula. Conclusion. In this study, the results indicate that premolars and second permanent molars erupt earlier in the Lebanese children compared to children of other countries reflected in several studies.
Rapid SERS Detection of Thiol-Containing Natural Products in Culturing Complex
Authors: Hong Yan , Wang Rui , Jiang Zhuoran , Cong Zisong , Song Heng
Published: August 2020

Thiol-containing natural products possess a wide range of bioactivities. The burst of synthetic biology technology facilitates the discovery of new thiol-containing active ingredients. Herein, we report a sensitive, quick, and robust surface-enhanced Raman scattering technology for specific and multiplex detection of thiol-containing compounds without purification requirements and also indicating the thiols with different chemical environments. Using this platform, we successfully demonstrated the simultaneous detection of thiol-containing compounds from as low as 1 μM of analytes spiked in complex culture matrices.
On Quasi S-Propermutable Subgroups of Finite Groups
Authors: Yang Hong , Mahboob Abid , Zafer Asim , Ali Iftikhar , Ullah Zafar , Haq Absar Ul
Published: August 2020

A subgroup

H

of a finite group

G

is said to be quasi S-propermutable in

G

if

K

⊲
¯

G

such that

H
K

is S-permutable in

G

and

H
 
∩
 
K
≤

H

q
s
G

, where

H

q

s

G

is the subgroup formed by all those subgroups of

H

which are

S

-propermutable in

G

. In this paper, we give some generalizations of finite group

G

by using the properties and effects of quasi S-propermutable subgroups.
Diallel Analysis and Heritability of Grain Yield, Yield Components, and Maturity Traits in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata(L.) Walp.)
Authors: Owusu Emmanuel Yaw , Mohammed Haruna , Manigben Kulai Amadu , Adjebeng-Danquah Joseph , Kusi Francis , Karikari Benjamin , Sie Emmanuel Kofi
Published: August 2020

Information on combining ability and reciprocal effects (REC) facilitates efficient utilization of genetic materials in a breeding program. This study was conducted (at the CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Ghana) to determine general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA), heritability, genetic advance, GCA, and SCA effects as well as the relationship between parents per se performance and progenies for yield components and maturity traits in cowpea. The test populations were derived using a 5 × 5 complete diallel cross of parents with different yield attributes and maturity durations. The results indicated that GCA was predominant for number of days to 90% pod maturity, plant height at maturity, and hundred-seed weight. This showed that genes with additive effects conditioned these traits.Padi-Tuya,Songotra, and IT86D-610 were identified as good general combiners for grain yield, whileSanzi-Nyawas identified as a general combiner for developing extra-early duration cowpea varieties. CrossesSongotra × Sanzi-Nya, SARC-1-57-2 × IT86D-610,Songotra × SARC-1-57-2, andPadi-Tuya × Songotrawere identified as good specific combiners for days to 50% flowering, pod length, pods per plant, pod yield, grain yield, and seeds per pod. The findings from this study provide useful information on the inheritance of early maturity and yield traits in cowpea. This can be exploited to develop high yielding and early maturing cowpea varieties as climate smart strategy to mitigate climate change via breeding methods such as pedigree selection and marker assisted backcrossing (MABC). Pedigree selection method is being used to develop varieties from the hybrid with high and significant SCA for grain yield, whereas the development of extra-early duration varieties via MABC withSanzi-Nya(general combiner for earliness traits) as a donor parent is ongoing.
Epigenetic Modulation by Apabetalone Counters Cytokine-Driven Acute Phase Response In Vitro, in Mice and in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Wasiak Sylwia , Gilham Dean , Daze Emily , Tsujikawa Laura M. , Halliday Christopher , Stotz Stephanie C. , Rakai Brooke D. , Fu Li , Jahagirdar Ravi , Sweeney Michael , Johansson Jan O. , Wong Norman C. W. , Kulikowski Ewelina
Published: August 2020

Chronic systemic inflammation contributes to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and correlates with the abundance of acute phase response (APR) proteins in the liver and plasma. Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins are epigenetic readers that regulate inflammatory gene transcription. We show that BET inhibition by the small molecule apabetalone reduces APR gene and protein expression in human hepatocytes, mouse models, and plasma from CVD patients. Steady-state expression of serum amyloid P, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, and ceruloplasmin, APR proteins linked to CVD risk, is reduced by apabetalone in cultured hepatocytes and in humanized mouse liver. In cytokine-stimulated hepatocytes, apabetalone reduces the expression of C-reactive protein (CRP), alpha-2-macroglobulin, and serum amyloid P. The latter two are also reduced by apabetalone in the liver of endotoxemic mice. BET knockdown in vitro also counters cytokine-mediated induction of the CRP gene. Mechanistically, apabetalone reduces the cytokine-driven increase in BRD4 BET occupancy at the CRP promoter, confirming that transcription of CRP is BET-dependent. In patients with stable coronary disease, plasma APR proteins CRP, IL-1 receptor antagonist, and fibrinogen γ decrease after apabetalone treatment versus placebo, resulting in a predicted downregulation of the APR pathway and cytokine targets. We conclude that CRP and components of the APR pathway are regulated by BET proteins and that apabetalone counters chronic cytokine signaling in patients.
Long-Term Effectiveness of Polymerized-Type I Collagen Intra-Articular Injections in Patients with Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis: Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation in a Cohort Study
Authors: Borja-Flores Adrián , Macías-Hernández Salvador I. , Hernández-Molina Gabriela , Perez-Ortiz Andric , Reyes-Martínez Eloy , Belzazar-Castillo de la Torre José , Ávila-Jiménez Laura , Vázquez-Bello María Cristina , León-Mazón Marco Antonio , Furuzawa-Carballeda Janette , Torres-Villalobos Gonzalo , Romero-Hernández Fernanda , Albavera-Hernández Cidronio , Pérez-Correa Jesús , Castro-Rocha Hilda A.
Published: August 2020

Objective. Polymerized-type I collagen (polymerized-collagen) is a downregulator of inflammation and a tissue regenerator. The aim was to evaluate the effect of intra-articular injections (IAIs) of polymerized-collagen among patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) in delaying or preventing joint replacement surgery. Patients and Methods. This was a cohort study of 309 patients with knee OA. Patients with mild-to-moderate disease were treated weekly with IAIs of 2 mL of polymerized-collagen for six weeks (n = 309). Follow-up was for 6–60 months. The primary endpoints included the following determinations: (1) therapeutic effect; (2) survival from total knee replacement surgery (TKR); (3) Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and pain (visual analogue scale, VAS). Clinical improvement was defined as a decrease in pain exceeding 20 mm on the VAS and the achievement of at least 20% improvement from baseline with respect to the WOMAC score. Radiographic analysis was performed at baseline and 60 months. The joint space width in the medial, lateral, and patellofemoral compartments was calculated. Results. Patients who received IAIs of polymerized-collagen had a statistically significant improvement in the primary criteria (p<0.05). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis of the therapeutic effect demonstrated 98.8% survival at 60 months with TKR as the endpoint. There was no significant reduction in joint space in any compartment based on the analyzed radiographs. No serious adverse events were recorded. Conclusion. Polymerized-collagen increased the time to TKR by at least 60 months, modifying the disease course, improving functional disability, and decreasing pain.
Study on a Right-Turning Intelligent Vehicle Collision Warning and Avoidance Algorithm Based on Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Shen Chuanliang , Zhang Shan , Gao Zhenhai , Zhou Binyu , Su Wei , Hu Hongyu
Published: August 2020

With the development of intelligent vehicle technology, the demand for advanced driver assistant systems kept increasing. To improve the performance of the active safety systems, we focused on right-turning vehicle’s collision warning and avoidance. We put forward an algorithm based on Monte Carlo simulation to calculate the collision probability between the right-turning vehicle and another vehicle (or pedestrian) in intersections. We drew collision probability curves which used time-to-collision as the horizontal axis and collision probability as the vertical axis. We established a three-level collision warning system and used software to calculate and simulate the collision probability and warning process. To avoid the collision actively when turning right, a two-stage braking strategy is applied. Taking four right-turning collision conditions as examples, the two-stage braking strategy was applied, analysing and comparing the anteroposterior curve diagram simultaneously to avoid collision actively and reduce collision probability. By comparison, the collision probability 2 s before active collision avoidance was more than 80% and the collision probability may even reach 100% in certain conditions. To improve the active safety performance, the two-stage braking strategy can reduce the collision probability from exceeding 50% to approaching 0% in 2 s and reduce collision probability to less than 5% in 3 s. By changing four initial positions, the collision probability curve calculation algorithm and the two-stage braking strategy are validated and analysed. The results verified the rationality of the collision probability curve calculation algorithm and the two-stage braking strategy.
Broadcast Complexity and Adaptive Adversaries in Verifiable Secret Sharing
Authors: Hosseini Beghaeiraveri Seyed Amir , Izadi Mohammad , Rezvani Mohsen
Published: August 2020

Verifiable secret sharing (VSS) is one of the basic problems in the theory of distributed cryptography and has an important role in secure multiparty computation. In this case, it is tried to share a confidential data as secret, between multiple nodes in a distributed system, in the presence of an active adversary that can destroy some nodes, such that the secret can be reconstructed with the participation of certain size of honest nodes. A dynamic adversary can change its corrupted nodes among the protocol. So far, there is not a formal definition and there are no protocols of dynamic adversaries in VSS context. Also, another important question is, would there exist a protocol to share a secret with a static adversary with at most 1 broadcast round? In this paper, we provide a formal definition of the dynamic adversary. The simulation results prove the efficiency of the proposed protocol in terms of the runtime, the memory usage, and the number of message exchanges. We show that the change period of the dynamic adversary could not happen in less than 4 rounds in order to have a perfectly secure VSS, and then we establish a protocol to deal with this type of adversary. Also, we prove that the lower bound of broadcast complexity for the static adversary is (2,0)-broadcast rounds.
Comparative Analysis of Immunoactivation by Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields and PD-1 Blockade in Murine Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yimingjiang Maiweilidan , Tuergan Talaiti , Chen Xinhua , Wen Hao , Shao Yingmei , Zhang RuiQing , Aihaiti Kasimu , Xue Jing , Aji Tuerganaili , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2020

Nanosecond pulsed electric field (NsPEF) ablation effectively eliminates early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by local ablation and advanced HCC by inducing a remarkable and sustained host immune response. However, this approach is not sufficient to prevent cancer progression, and complementary approaches are necessary for effective immunotherapy. In this study, we evaluated the immunoactivating effects and mechanisms of action of nsPEF ablation and PD-1 blockade on an HCC orthotopic xenograft mouse model. Briefly, 24 C57BL-6J tumor-bearing mice were randomly assigned to three groups: nsPEF ablation group, anti-PD-1 administration group, and untreated control group. Tumor-infiltrating T, B, and NK cell levels and plasma concentrations of Th1 (IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α), Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-10), Th9 (IL-9), and Th17 (IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22) cytokines were evaluated. Both nsPEF ablation and anti-PD-1 treatment induced immune cell infiltration in local tumors and modulated cytokine levels in the peripheral blood, with distinct changes in the two treatment groups. Based on these findings, both nsPEF ablation and PD-1 antibody administration can trigger a local and systemic immune response in a partially complementary manner, and nsPEF ablation should be considered along with PD-1 blockade for the treatment of HCC.
Remaining Useful Life Estimation Using Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Networks Based on an Autoencoder Scheme
Authors: Hou Guisheng , Xu Shuo , Zhou Nan , Yang Lei , Fu Quanhao
Published: August 2020

Accurate predictions of remaining useful life (RUL) of important components play a crucial role in system reliability, which is the basis of prognostics and health management (PHM). This paper proposed an integrated deep learning approach for RUL prediction of a turbofan engine by integrating an autoencoder (AE) with a deep convolutional generative adversarial network (DCGAN). In the pretraining stage, the reconstructed data of the AE not only participate in its error reconstruction but also take part in the DCGAN parameter training as the generated data of the DCGAN. Through double-error reconstructions, the capability of feature extraction is enhanced, and high-level abstract information is obtained. In the fine-tuning stage, a long short-term memory (LSTM) network is used to extract the sequential information from the features to predict the RUL. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is verified on the NASA commercial modular aero-propulsion system simulation (C-MAPSS) dataset. The superiority of the proposed method is demonstrated via excellent prediction performance and comparisons with other existing state-of-the-art prognostics. The results of this study suggest that the proposed data-driven prognostic method offers a new and promising prediction approach and an efficient feature extraction scheme.
Common Best Proximity Coincidence Point Theorem for Dominating Proximal Generalized Geraghty in Complete Metric Spaces
Authors: Khemphet Anchalee , Chanthorn Pharunyou , Phudolsitthiphat Narawadee
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we introduce a new concept of dominating proximal generalized Geraghty for two mappings and prove the existence and uniqueness of a common best proximity coincidence point in complete metric spaces. And also, we give an example for the main theorems. The main theorem is a generalization and improvement of some well-known theorems.
Nomograms Predicting the Occurrence of Sepsis in Patients following Major Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery
Authors: Zhang Haoyun , Meng Fanyu , Lu Shichun
Published: August 2020

Purpose. Sepsis is a severe complication in patients following major hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a nomogram based on inflammation biomarkers and clinical characteristics. Methods. Patients who underwent major hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery between June 2015 and April 2017 were retrospectively collected. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the independent risk factors associated with postoperative sepsis. A training cohort of 522 patients in an earlier period was used to develop the prediction models, and a validation cohort of 136 patients thereafter was used to validate the nomograms. Results. Sepsis developed in 55 of 522 patients of the training cohort and 19 of 136 patients in the validation cohort, respectively. In the training cohort, one nomogram based on clinical characteristics was developed. The clinical independent risk factors for postoperative sepsis include perioperative blood transfusion, diabetes, operative time, direct bilirubin, and BMI. Another nomogram was based on both clinical characteristics and inflammation biomarkers. Multivariate regression analyses showed that previous clinical risk factors, PCT, and CRP were independent risk factors for postoperative sepsis. The last nomogram showed a good C-index of 0.844 (95% CI, 0.787-0.900) compared with the previous one of 0.777 (95% CI, 0.713-0.840). Patients with a total score more than 109 in the second model are at high risk. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the second nomogram were 27% and 97%, respectively. Conclusion. The nomogram achieved good performances for predicting postoperative sepsis in patients by combining clinical and inflammation risk factors. This model can provide the early risk estimation of sepsis for patients following major hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery.
Effect of Luseogliflozin on Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ejiri Kentaro , Miyoshi Toru , Kihara Hajime , Hata Yoshiki , Nagano Toshihiko , Takaishi Atsushi , Toda Hironobu , Nanba Seiji , Nakamura Yoichi , Akagi Satoshi , Sakuragi Satoru , Minagawa Taro , Kawai Yusuke , Nishii Nobuhiro , Fuke Soichiro , Yoshikawa Masaki , Nakamura Kazufumi , Ito Hiroshi , Sato Tetsuya , Sugiyama Hiroyasu , Imai Michio , Gotoh Naoki , Segawa Tomonori , Noda Toshiyuki , Koshiji Masatoshi
Published: August 2020

Background

Effects of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on reducing hospitalization for heart failure have been reported in randomized controlled trials, but their effects on patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (
HF
p
EF
) are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the drug efficacy of luseogliflozin, a sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and
HF
p
EF
.

Methods and Results

We performed a multicenter, open‐label, randomized, controlled trial for comparing luseogliflozin 2.5 mg once daily with voglibose 0.2 mg 3 times daily in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus suffering from
HF
p
EF
(left ventricular ejection fraction >45% and BNP [B‐type natriuretic peptide] concentrations ≥35 pg/mL) in a 1:1 randomization fashion. The primary outcome was the difference from baseline in
BNP
levels after 12 weeks of treatment between the 2 drugs. A total of 173 patients with diabetes mellitus and
HF
p
EF
were included. Of these, 83 patients were assigned to receive luseogliflozin and 82 to receive voglibose. There was no significant difference in the reduction in
BNP
concentrations after 12 weeks from baseline between the 2 groups. The ratio of the mean
BNP
value at week 12 to the baseline value was 0.79 in the luseogliflozin group and 0.87 in the voglibose group (percent change, −9.0% versus −1.9%; ratio of change with luseogliflozin versus voglibose, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.78–1.10;
P
=0.26).

Conclusion

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and
HF
p
EF
, there is no significant difference in the degree of reduction in
BNP
concentrations after 12 weeks between luseogliflozin and voglibose.

Registration

URL
:
https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm
; Unique identifier:
UMIN
000018395.
Right Ventricle Has Normal Myofilament Function But Shows Perturbations in the Expression of Extracellular Matrix Genes in Patients With Tetralogy of Fallot Undergoing Pulmonary Valve Replacement
Authors: Brayson Daniel , Holohan So‐Jin , Bardswell Sonya C. , Arno Matthew , Lu Han , Jensen Hanna K. , Tran Phan Kiet , Barallobre‐Barreiro Javier , Mayr Manuel , dos Remedios Cristobal G. , Tsang Victor T. , Frigiola Alessandra , Kentish Jonathan C.
Published: August 2020

Background

Patients with repair of tetralogy of Fallot (rToF) who are approaching adulthood often exhibit pulmonary valve regurgitation, leading to right ventricle (RV) dilatation and dysfunction. The regurgitation can be corrected by pulmonary valve replacement (PVR), but the optimal surgical timing remains under debate, mainly because of the poorly understood nature of RV remodeling in patients with rToF. The goal of this study was to probe for pathologic molecular, cellular, and tissue changes in the myocardium of patients with rToF at the time of PVR.

Methods and Results

We measured contractile function of permeabilized myocytes, collagen content of tissue samples, and the expression of mRNA and selected proteins in RV tissue samples from patients with rToF undergoing PVR for severe pulmonary valve regurgitation. The data were compared with nondiseased RV tissue from unused donor hearts. Contractile performance and passive stiffness of the myofilaments in permeabilized myocytes were similar in rToF‐PVR and RV donor samples, as was collagen content and cross‐linking. The patients with rToF undergoing PVR had enhanced mRNA expression of genes associated with connective tissue diseases and tissue remodeling, including the small leucine‐rich proteoglycans ASPN (asporin), LUM (lumican), and OGN (osteoglycin), although their protein levels were not significantly increased.

Conclusions

RV myofilaments from patients with rToF undergoing PVR showed no functional impairment, but the changes in extracellular matrix gene expression may indicate the early stages of remodeling. Our study found no evidence of major damage at the cellular and tissue levels in the RV of patients with rToF who underwent PVR according to current clinical criteria.
Identification of Genes and Pathways Regulated by Lamin A in Heart
Authors: Coste Pradas Jordi , Auguste Gaelle , Matkovich Scot J. , Lombardi Raffaella , Chen Suet Nee , Garnett Tyrone , Chamberlain Kyle , Riyad Jalish Mahmud , Weber Thomas , Singh Sanjay K. , Robertson Matthew J. , Coarfa Cristian , Marian Ali J. , Gurha Priyatansh
Published: August 2020

Background

Mutations in the
LMNA
gene, encoding LMNA (lamin A/C), causes distinct disorders, including dilated cardiomyopathies, collectively referred to as laminopathies. The genes (coding and noncoding) and regulatory pathways controlled by LMNA in the heart are not completely defined.

Methods and Results

We analyzed cardiac transcriptome from wild‐type, loss‐of‐function (

Lmna
−/−

), and gain‐of‐function (

Lmna
−/−

injected with adeno‐associated virus serotype 9 expressing LMNA) mice with normal cardiac function. Deletion of
Lmna
(

Lmna
−/−

) led to differential expression of 2193 coding and 629 long noncoding RNA genes in the heart (q<0.05). Re‐expression of LMNA in the

Lmna
−/−

mouse heart, completely rescued 501 coding and 208 non‐coding and partially rescued 1862 coding and 607 lncRNA genes. Pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes predicted activation of transcriptional regulators lysine‐specific demethylase 5A, lysine‐specific demethylase 5B, tumor protein 53, and suppression of retinoblastoma 1, paired‐like homeodomain 2, and melanocyte‐inducing transcription factor, which were completely or partially rescued upon reexpression of LMNA. Furthermore, lysine‐specific demethylase 5A and 5B protein levels were increased in the

Lmna
−/−

hearts and were partially rescued upon LMNA reexpression. Analysis of biological function for rescued genes identified activation of tumor necrosis factor‐α, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and suppression of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway upon
Lmna
deletion and their restoration upon LMNA reintroduction in the heart. Restoration of the gene expression and transcriptional regulators in the heart was associated with improved cardiac function and increased survival of the

Lmna
−/−

mice.

Conclusions

The findings identify LMNA‐regulated cardiac genes and their upstream transcriptional regulators in the heart and implicate lysine‐specific demethylase 5A and B as epigenetic regulators of a subset of the dysregulated genes in laminopathies.
Molecular, Cellular, and Clinical Evidence That Sodium‐Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors Act as Neurohormonal Antagonists When Used for the Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Packer Milton
Published: August 2020

Sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in patients with chronic heart failure. Initially, these drugs were believed to have a profile similar to diuretics or hemodynamically active drugs, but they do not rapidly reduce natriuretic peptides or cardiac filling pressures, and they exert little early benefit on symptoms, exercise tolerance, quality of life, or signs of congestion. Clinically, the profile of SGLT2 inhibitors resembles that of neurohormonal antagonists, whose benefits emerge gradually during sustained therapy. In experimental models, SGLT2 inhibitors produce a characteristic pattern of cellular effects, which includes amelioration of oxidative stress, mitigation of mitochondrial dysfunction, attenuation of proinflammatory pathways, and a reduction in myocardial fibrosis. These cellular effects are similar to those produced by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, β‐blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and neprilysin inhibitors. At a molecular level, SGLT2 inhibitors induce transcriptional reprogramming of cardiomyocytes that closely mimics that seen during nutrient deprivation. This shift in signaling activates the housekeeping pathway of autophagy, which clears the cytosol of dangerous cytosolic constituents that are responsible for cellular stress, thereby ameliorating the development of cardiomyopathy. Interestingly, similar changes in cellular signaling and autophagic flux have been seen with inhibitors of the renin‐angiotensin system, β‐blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and neprilysin inhibitors. The striking parallelism of these molecular, cellular, and clinical profiles supports the premise that SGLT2 inhibitors should be regarded as neurohormonal antagonists when prescribed for the treatment of heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction.
Safety and Efficacy of Double Antithrombotic Therapy With Non–Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Capodanno Davide , Di Maio Marco , Greco Antonio , Bhatt Deepak L. , Gibson C. Michael , Goette Andreas , Lopes Renato D. , Mehran Roxana , Vranckx Pascal , Angiolillo Dominick J.
Published: August 2020

Background

The optimal antithrombotic therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention is a topic of debate. We aimed at defining the efficacy and safety of double antithrombotic therapy with single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) plus a non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) against triple antithrombotic therapy with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) added to a vitamin K antagonist (VKA), illustrating the pooled cumulative distribution of events, the ranking of different NOACs tested in NOAC+SAPT combination strategies, and the state of the current evidence in the field.

Methods and Results

Randomized controlled trials meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. The primary efficacy end point was the composite of trial‐defined major adverse cardiac events. The primary safety end point was clinically significant bleeding. Secondary end points were the components of primary end points. Trial‐level pairwise and Bayesian network meta‐analyses, reconstructed Kaplan–Meier analyses, and trial sequential analysis were performed. Four randomized controlled trials (10 969 patients) were included. No differences were found in terms of major adverse cardiac events (hazard ratio [HR], 1.07; 95% CI, 0.94–1.22), and the NOAC+SAPT strategy showed a lower rate of clinically significant bleeding compared with VKA + DAPT (HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.39–0.80). These results were consistent in reconstructed Kaplan–Meier analyses. In the Bayesian network meta‐analysis, different NOACs displayed diverse risk–benefit profiles. Trial sequential analyses suggest that the evidence for the similarity in major adverse cardiac events compared with VKA + DAPT and the bleeding risk reduction observed with NOAC+SAPT is likely to be conclusive.

Conclusions

NOAC+SAPT does not increase the risk of major adverse cardiac events and reduces the risk of bleeding compared with VKA + DAPT in AF patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Various NOACs may have different risk–benefit profiles in combination strategies.

Registration

URL:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/
; Unique identifier: CRD42020151089.
Female copulation calls vary with male ejaculation in captive olive baboons
Authors: Vaglio Stefano , Ducroix Louise , Rodriguez Villanueva Maria , Consiglio Rosanna , Kim Ayong Julia , Neilands Patrick , Stucky Kerstin , Lameira Adriano R.
Published: August 2020

Copulation calls are mating-associated vocalizations that are common in primates, with females vocalizing after copulation in several Old World monkeys and apes. Baboon females typically produce copulation calls that correlate with fertile phase. Calls are, thus, regarded as an upshot of cycle physiology and sexually selected calls. Here, we describe three captive troops of olive baboons wherein, against expectation, females suppressed vocalizing during copulations. Vaginal cytology, together with sexual swelling observations, confirmed that females experienced full receptive cycles. Ovulation did not affect vocal probability during sex, while copulation calls were predicted by male ejaculation just as in other Old World primate species. Results cast doubt on the existence of physiological triggers for baboon copulation calls. Social factors may instead play a larger role. Alterations in social structure (as typically observed in the wild) may be implemented strategically as captive enrichment in order to reveal how females in highly social primates change sexual strategies and, therefore, the use of their copulation calls.
The evolutionary trends of grammatical gender in Indo-Aryan languages
Authors: Allassonnière-Tang Marc , Dunn Michael
Published: August 2020

This paper infers the processes of development and change of grammatical gender in Indo-Aryan languages using phylogenetic comparative methods. 48 Indo-Aryan languages are coded based on 44 presence-absence features relating to gender marking on the verbs, adjectives, personal pronouns, demonstrative pronouns, and possessive pronouns. A Bayesian Reverse Jump Hyper Prior analysis, which infers the evolutionary dynamics of changes between feature values, gives results that are consistent with historical linguistic and typological studies on gender systems in Indo-Aryan languages and predicts the evolutionary trends of the features included in the dataset.
Lichens as indicators of atmospheric pollution in urban ecosystems
Authors: Mikhaylov Alexey
Published: August 2020

Modern methods of lichen indication allow assessing the impact of climate change and air pollution on ecosystem health. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the general state of atmospheric air in urban ecosystems of cities and towns using lichen indication methods. The objectives of the study included identifying lichen indicator species, as well as assessing the response of these species to various pollutants (e.g., lead, iron, manganese). The study was conducted in 2017 in the Bryansk region of the Russian Federation (9 settlements in total) and the Oryol region (1 settlement – the city of Oryol). Four hundred samples belonging to epiphytic lichens were collected. Additional 300 and 137 samples of epiphytic lichens were used for chemical and toxicological analyses, respectively. The following two generally accepted lichen indicator indices were calculated: poleotolerance index (PI) and atmospheric purity index (API). When calculating the latter, the lichen species Xanthoria parietina was used as the baseline. Epiphytic lichens in small settlements were represented by 50 species (28 genera, 8 families). In large cities, 55 (Bryansk) and 53 (Oryol) species of epiphytic lichens were detected. The number of species in small settlements was 1.5 times lower than that of large cities. There were 8-15 and 25-32 species of epiphytic lichens in the central region and in the periphery of Bryansk, respectively. The number of epiphytic lichen species detected in the parks was 41. Within the territory of large cities, 17 species of lichens were identified as potential indicators, since they were found in every second or fourth sample. Maximum concentrations of lead were recorded in industrial areas of cities, as well as near major roads with traffic intersection and bridges and in some dormitory suburbs. This is a distinctive feature of large cities – the predominance of lead in lichen thalli, which is primarily associated with vehicles. In small cities in which there are no specific industrial enterprises (metallurgical plants, etc.), other heavy metals – manganese and iron – prevail in the thalli of lichens. In this work, new methods are adopted – mapping pollution with the use of nitrophilous epiphytic lichens that reflect the ongoing macro processes of nitrification in urban areas. The authors have proposed and tested the following lichen indicator methods: the use of indicator species (epiphytes-nitrophytes) of various sensitivities and the study of their distribution within the territory. The mapping method has been substantiated, which takes into account the API and zoning of territories according to the level of general pollution. Among the indicator species, Xanthoria parietina turned out to be the most suitable one.
Taste Dysfunction after Tonsillectomy: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Boo-Young , Lee So Jeong , Yun Ju Hyun , Bae Jung Ho
Published: August 2020

Objectives:

We aimed to provide information on the effects of tonsillectomy, in particular, its effects on taste dysfunction; also known as dysgeusia, and provide direction for future research in this area.

Methods:

We independently searched five databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, the Web of Science, and the Cochrane database) for related studies published as recently as December 2019. From the included studies, we reviewed the findings on tonsillectomy and taste disturbance through the use of a questionnaire, chemogustometry, and electrogustometry. We analyzed other conditions that were measured in these studies that included; postoperative pain intensity and other morbidities (eg, postoperative bleeding, hemostasis, tongue numbness and zinc, copper, and iron hemoglobin levels measured).

Results:

Postoperative taste disturbance based on questionnaire (VAS) scores at 14 days (SMD = −0.31 [−0.50, −0.12], P value = .0012) tended to decrease significantly in the post-tonsillectomy group compared to the pre-tonsillectomy group. Patients showed significantly decreased taste sensation after tonsillectomy than in the preoperative test. Postoperative electrogusmetry at 7 days (SMD = 0.60 [0.27, 0.94], P = .0004) tended to increase significantly in the post-tonsillectomy group compared to the pre-tonsillectomy group.

Conclusion:

Tonsillectomy is a commonly performed surgery, and taste disturbance occurs frequently as a post operative effect. Taste dysfunction is important to patients with regard to their quality of life and the overall effects of taste on their day-to-day life. This study can be a useful meta-analysis of dysgeusia in tonsillectomy.
Bedside Surgical Tracheostomy in the Intensive Care Unit during Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Di Lella Filippo , Picetti Edoardo , Ciavarro Giovanni , Pepe Giovanni , Malchiodi Laura , D’Angelo Giulia , Grossi Silvia , Rossi Sandra , Falcioni Maurizio
Published: August 2020

Objectives:

To describe Otolaryngologists’ perspective in managing COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring tracheostomy in the ICUs during the pandemic peak in a dramatic scenario with limited resources.

Setting:

Tertiary referral university hospital, regional hub in northern Italy during SARS CoV 2 pandemic peak (March 9th to April 10th, 2020).

Methods:

Technical description of open bedside tracheostomies performed in ICUs on COVID-19 patients during pandemic peak with particular focus on resource allocation and healthcare professionals coordination. A dedicated “airway team” was created in order to avoid transportation of critically ill patients and reduce facility contamination.

Results:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, bedside minimally invasive tracheostomy in the ICU was selected by the Authors over conventional surgical technique or percutaneous procedures for both technical and operational reasons. Otolaryngologists’ experience derived from direct involvement in 24 tracheostomies is reported.

Conclusions:

Tracheostomies on COVID-19 patients should be performed in a safe and standardized setting. The limited resources available in the pandemic peak required meticulous organization and optimal allocation of the resources to grant safety of both patients and healthcare workers.
What Is Anaphylaxis? Pediatric Residents’ Perception and Treatment of Anaphylactic Reactions
Authors: Ferdman Ronald M.
Published: August 2020

To assess knowledge regarding symptoms and treatment of anaphylaxis, a vignette of a child having an allergic reaction to a peanut was presented to residents in an allergy clinic. Twelve sets of clinical outcomes ranging from severe multi-organ to mild single organ involvement were described, and residents were asked if each symptom set met criteria for diagnosis of anaphylaxis, whether epinephrine should be administered acutely and prescribed at follow-up, and whether peanuts should be avoided in the future. Of cases that met the definition of anaphylaxis 28.8% were incorrectly diagnosed, in 13.6% of cases they would allow peanuts to be eaten again, and in 23.9% of cases they would not prescribe epinephrine at follow-up. In 26.1% of cases meeting criteria for acute anaphylaxis residents would not administer epinephrine. Deficits regarding the diagnosis and treatment of anaphylaxis by residents were identified, and increased educational efforts are needed.
Evaluating Restrictive Models in Educational and Behavioral Research: Local Misfit Overrides Model Tenability
Authors: Raykov Tenko , DiStefano Christine
Published: August 2020

The frequent practice of overall fit evaluation for latent variable models in educational and behavioral research is reconsidered. It is argued that since overall plausibility does not imply local plausibility and is only necessary for the latter, local misfit should be considered a sufficient condition for model rejection, even in the case of omnibus model tenability. The argument is exemplified with a comparison of the widely used one-parameter and two-parameter logistic models. A theoretically and practically relevant setting illustrates how discounting local fit and concentrating instead on overall model fit may lead to incorrect model selection, even if a popular information criterion is also employed. The article concludes with the recommendation for routine examination of particular parameter constraints within latent variable models as part of their fit evaluation.