bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activating the Antitumor Immune Response in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Using Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Joshi Maansi , Ansell Stephen M.
Published: November 2020

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas comprise a heterogenous group of disorders which differ in biology. Although response rates are high in some groups, relapsed disease can be difficult to treat, and newer approaches are needed for this patient population. It is increasingly apparent that the immune system plays a significant role in the propagation and survival of malignant cells. Immune checkpoint blocking agents augment cytotoxic activity of the adaptive and innate immune systems and enhance tumor cell killing. Anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies have been tested as both single agents and combination therapy. Although success rates with anti-PD-1 antibodies are high in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma, the results are yet to be replicated in those with non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Some lymphoma histologies, such as primary mediastinal B cell lymphoma (PMBL), central nervous system, and testicular lymphomas and gray zone lymphoma, respond favorably to PD-1 blockade, but the response rates in most lymphoma subtypes are low. Other agents including those targeting the adaptive immune system such as TIM-3, TIGIT, and BTLA and innate immune system such as CD47 and KIR are therefore in trials to test alternative ways to activate the immune system. Patient selection based on tumor biology is likely to be a determining factor in treatment response in patients, and further research exploring optimal patient populations, newer targets, and combination therapy as well as identifying biomarkers is needed.
Distributed Analytical Formation Control and Cooperative Guidance for Gliding Vehicles
Authors: Jia Shengwei , Wang Xiao , Li Fugui , Wang Yulin
Published: November 2020

This paper addresses the analytical formation control and cooperative guidance problem for multiple hypersonic gliding vehicles under distributed communication. The gliding flight of the hypersonic gliding vehicle is divided into formation control phase and time coordination phase. In formation control phase, based on the idea of path tracking, the formation controller is designed using the second-order consensus protocol with normal positions as the coordination variables. In time coordination phase, based on the quasi-equilibrium gliding condition and the assumption of uniform deceleration motion, the analytical expression of time to go is derived. Then, the cooperative guidance method is developed using the first-order consensus protocol with time to go as the coordination variable. The proposed method takes full consideration of the characteristics of hypersonic gliding vehicle, such as complex nonlinear dynamics, no thrust, and quasi-equilibrium gliding condition, and no online numerical iteration is needed, which is well applicable for hypersonic gliding vehicles. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the formation control and cooperative guidance method.
Adaptive Entry Guidance for Hypersonic Gliding Vehicles Using Analytic Feedback Control
Authors: Yan Xunliang , Wang Peichen , Xu Shaokang , Wang Shumei , Jiang Hao
Published: November 2020

This paper presents an adaptive, simple, and effective guidance approach for hypersonic entry vehicles with high lift-to-drag (L/D) ratios (e.g., hypersonic gliding vehicles). The core of the constrained guidance approach is a closed-form, easily obtained, and computationally efficient feedback control law that yields the analytic bank command based on the well-known quasi-equilibrium glide condition (QEGC). The magnitude of the bank angle command consists of two parts, i.e., the baseline part and the augmented part, which are calculated analytically and successively. The baseline command is derived from the analytic relation between the range-to-go and the velocity to guarantee the range requirement. Then, the bank angle is augmented with the predictive altitude-rate feedback compensations that are represented by an analytic set of flight path angle needed for the terminal constraints. The inequality path constraints in the velocity-altitude space are translated into the velocity-dependent bounds for the magnitude of the bank angle based on the QEGC. The sign of the bank command is also analytically determined using an automated bank-reversal logic based on the dynamic adjustment criteria. Finally, a feasible three-degree-of-freedom (3DOF) entry flight trajectory is simultaneously generated by integrating with the real-time updated command. Because no iterations and no or few off-line parameter adjustments are required using almost all analytic processing, the algorithm provides remarkable simplicity, rapidity, and adaptability. A considerable range of entry flights using the vehicle data of the CAV-H is tested. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and performance of the presented approach.
Clinical Comparison of the Performance of Two Marketed Ophthalmic Viscoelastic Devices (OVDs): The Bacterially Derived Healon PRO OVD and Animal-Derived Healon OVD
Authors: Daas Loay , Larrosa Jose Manuel , Gavin Alicia , Isanta Carlos , Langenbucher Achim , Jackson Beth E. , Tsai Linda , Janakiraman Priya , Guerrero Rafael , Seitz Berthold
Published: November 2020

This clinical investigation compared the clinical performance of two marketed ophthalmic viscoelastic devices (OVDs): the bacterially derived Healon PRO OVD (test) and the animal-derived Healon OVD (control) under normal use conditions during cataract removal and lens implantation. This prospective, multicenter, randomized, parallel, participant/evaluator masked, postmarket investigation enrolled 139 subjects (170 eyes), 116 (143 eyes) of which were treated (73 test; 70 control group). Both test and control OVDs were used, at a minimum, to inflate the anterior chamber and protect the endothelium prior to cataract extraction according to the standard procedure. The surgeon completed a postsurgery OVD clinical performance questionnaire, and intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured before surgery and at the 1 day postoperative visit with Goldmann applanation tonometry. Any IOP measurement of 30 mmHg or higher was considered a “spike” and recorded as a study-specific, serious adverse event. The bacterially derived Healon PRO OVD was found to be statistically noninferior to the overall clinical performance of the animal-derived Healon OVD control; thus, the primary hypothesis was satisfied. There were no statistically significant differences between OVD groups for any of the additional endpoints relating to IOP changes or to safety, thus satisfying additional hypotheses. The Healon PRO OVD showed statistically significant improvements in surgeon ratings for ease of injectability, transparency/visibility, and ease of IOL placement. The safety profile was also similar between OVD groups with regards to serious and/or device-related adverse events, as well as medical and lens findings. The results of this clinical investigation support the safety and effectiveness of the bacterially derived, currently marketed Healon PRO OVD and indicate that the intraocular surgical performance was similar between the two OVDs.
Effects of Gestational Inflammation with Postpartum Enriched Environment on Age-Related Changes in Cognition and Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity-Related Proteins
Authors: Sun Shi-Yu , Li Xue-Yan , Ge He-Hua , Zhang Yu-Xin , Zhang Zhe-Zhe , Zhuang Zhan-Qiang , Ren Chong-Yang , Wang Fang , Chen Gui-Hai
Published: November 2020

Increasing evidence indicates that exposure to inflammation during pregnancy intensifies the offspring’s cognitive impairment during aging, which might be correlated with changes in some synaptic plasticity-related proteins. In addition, an enriched environment (EE) can significantly exert a beneficial impact on cognition and synaptic plasticity. However, it is unclear whether gestational inflammation combined with postnatal EE affects the changes in cognition and synaptic plasticity-related proteins during aging. In this study, pregnant mice were intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysaccharides (LPS, 50 μg/kg) or normal saline at days 15–17 of pregnancy. At 21 days after delivery, some LPS-treated mice were randomly selected for EE treatment. At the age of 6 and 18 months, Morris water maze (MWM) and western blotting were, respectively, used to evaluate or measure the ability of spatial learning and memory and the levels of postsynaptic plasticity-related proteins in the hippocampus, including postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) GluA1 subunit, and Homer-1b/c. The results showed that 18-month-old control mice had worse spatial learning and memory and lower levels of these synaptic plasticity-related proteins (PSD-95, GluA1, and Homer-1b/c) than the 6-month-old controls. Gestational LPS exposure exacerbated these age-related changes of cognition and synaptic proteins, but EE could alleviate the treatment effect of LPS. In addition, the performance during learning and memory periods in the MWM correlated with the hippocampal levels of PSD-95, GluA1, and Homer-1b/c. Our results suggested that gestational inflammation accelerated age-related cognitive impairment and the decline of PSD-95, GluA1, and Homer-1b/c protein expression, and postpartum EE could alleviate these changes.
Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer Thinning in Patients with Thalassaemia, Iron Deficiency Anaemia, and Anaemia of Chronic Diseases
Authors: Datta Suhana , Baidya Krishnapada , Banerjee Madhumita , Mahapatra Somnath , Mukherjee Sudeb
Published: November 2020

Purpose. Retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) is a sensitive structure, which is affected by anaemia due to hypoxia. A timely detection of RNFL thinning may aid preventing devastating complications. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) measures RNFL thinning with accuracy and helps in detecting thinning of the retinal layer in anaemic patients. This study was destined to evaluate thinning of RNFL in anaemic patients and their correlation with the haemoglobin level. Methods. It was a prospective comparative study. Total of 151 patients were included in this study. Patients with retinal diseases were excluded from this study. After initial evaluation, haematological and ophthalmological parameters were measured. RNFL was measured with OCT and corroborated with the Hb level and analysed accordingly. EPI and SPSS softwares were used for detail analysis and the correlation between RNFL thinning and the Hb level. Initially, each eye was separately assigned a value (0, 1, and 2) (normal, borderline, and abnormal, respectively) as per the severity of thinning, and then, the sum of the scores of both eyes were considered as a separate variable, and a multiple linear regression analysis was performed with the independent variables. Results. RNFL thinning was found to be significant in each group of patients. There was a strong correlation of RNFL thinning with degree of anaemia. Conclusions. Thalassaemia, iron deficiency anaemia, and anaemia of chronic diseases are associated with the significant damage to RNFL. Degree of anaemia is the most important parameter for such thinning of the RNFL layer.
Brief Online Cognitive Behavioural Intervention for Dysfunctional Worry Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Wahlund Tove , Mataix-Cols David , Olofsdotter Lauri Klara , de Schipper Elles , Ljótsson Brjánn , Aspvall Kristina , Andersson Erik
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Worries about the immediate and long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic may for some individuals develop into pervasive worry that is disproportionate in its intensity or duration and significantly interferes with everyday life. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate if a brief self-guided, online psychological intervention can reduce the degree of dysfunctional worry related to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated symptoms. Methods: 670 adults from the Swedish general population reporting daily uncontrollable worry about CO­VID-19 and its possible consequences (e.g., illness, death, the economy, one’s family) were randomised (1:1 ratio) to a 3-week self-guided, online cognitive behavioural intervention targeting dysfunctional COVID-19 worry and associated symptoms, or a waiting list of equal duration. The primary outcome measure was a COVID-19 adapted version of the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale administered at baseline and weeks 1–3 (primary endpoint). Follow-up assessments were conducted 1 month after treatment completion. The trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04341922) before inclusion of the first participant. Results: The main pre-specified intention-to-treat analysis indicated significant reductions in COVID-19-related worry for the intervention group compared to the waiting list (β = 1.14, Z = 9.27, p < 0.001), corresponding to a medium effect size (bootstrapped d = 0.74 [95% CI: 0.58–0.90]). Improvements were also seen on all secondary measures, including mood, daily functioning, insomnia, and intolerance of uncertainty. Participant satisfaction was high. No serious adverse events were recorded. Conclusions: A brief digital and easily scalable self-guided psychological intervention can significantly reduce dysfunctional worry and associated behavioural symptoms related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Phenotypic Differences Between Polygenic and Monogenic Hypobetalipoproteinemia
Authors: Rimbert Antoine , Vanhoye Xavier , Coulibaly Dramane , Marrec Marie , Pichelin Matthieu , Charrière Sybil , Peretti Noël , Valéro René , Wargny Matthieu , Carrié Alain , Lindenbaum Pierre , Deleuze Jean-François , Genin Emmanuelle , Redon Richard , Rollat-Farnier Pierre Antoine , Goxe Didier , Degraef Gilles , Marmontel Oriane , Divry Eléonore , Bigot-Corbel Edith , Moulin Philippe , Cariou Bertrand , Di Filippo Mathilde
Published: November 2020

Objective:

Primary hypobetalipoproteinemia is characterized by LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) concentrations below the fifth percentile. Primary hypobetalipoproteinemia mostly results from heterozygous mutations in the
APOB
(apolipoprotein B) and
PCSK9
genes, and a polygenic origin is hypothesized in the remaining cases. Hypobetalipoproteinemia patients present an increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis. Here, we compared hepatic alterations between monogenic, polygenic, and primary hypobetalipoproteinemia of unknown cause.

Approach and Results:

Targeted next-generation sequencing was performed in a cohort of 111 patients with hypobetalipoproteinemia to assess monogenic and polygenic origins using an LDL-C-dedicated polygenic risk score. Forty patients (36%) had monogenic hypobetalipoproteinemia, 38 (34%) had polygenic hypobetalipoproteinemia, and 33 subjects (30%) had hypobetalipoproteinemia from an unknown cause. Patients with monogenic hypobetalipoproteinemia had lower LDL-C and apolipoprotein B plasma levels compared with those with polygenic hypobetalipoproteinemia. Liver function was assessed by hepatic ultrasonography and liver enzymes levels. Fifty-nine percent of patients with primary hypobetalipoproteinemia presented with liver steatosis, whereas 21% had increased alanine aminotransferase suggestive of liver injury. Monogenic hypobetalipoproteinemia was also associated with an increased prevalence of liver steatosis (81% versus 29%,
P
<0.001) and liver injury (47% versus 0%) compared with polygenic hypobetalipoproteinemia.

Conclusions:

This study highlights the importance of genetic diagnosis in the clinical care of primary hypobetalipoproteinemia patients. It shows for the first time that a polygenic origin of hypobetalipoproteinemia is associated with a lower risk of liver steatosis and liver injury versus monogenic hypobetalipoproteinemia. Thus, polygenic risk score is a useful tool to establish a more personalized follow-up of primary hypobetalipoproteinemia patients.
Circular RNA CircMAP3K5 Acts as a MicroRNA-22-3p Sponge to Promote Resolution of Intimal Hyperplasia Via TET2-Mediated Smooth Muscle Cell Differentiation
Authors: Zeng Zhi , Xia Luoxing , Fan Shunyang , Zheng Junmeng , Qin Jinhong , Fan Xuejiao , Liu Yunfeng , Tao Jun , Liu Yingying , Li Kang , Ling Zhenwei , Bu Yun , Martin Kathleen A. , Hwa John , Liu Renjing , Tang Wai Ho
Published: November 2020

Background:

Aberrant expression of circular RNA contributes to human diseases. Circular RNAs regulate gene expression by sequestering specific microRNAs. In this study, we investigated whether circMAP3K5 (circular mitogen-activated protein kinase 5) could act as a competing endogenous microRNA-22-3p (miR-22-3p) sponge and regulate neointimal hyperplasia.

Methods:

Circular RNA profiling from genome-wide RNA sequencing data was compared between human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (SMCs) treated with or without platelet-derived growth factor. Expression levels of circMAP3K5 were assessed in human coronary arteries from autopsies on patients with dilated cardiomyopathy or coronary heart disease. The role of circMAP3K5 in intimal hyperplasia was further investigated in mice with adeno-associated virus 9–mediated circMAP3K5 transfection. SMC-specific Tet2 (ten-eleven translocation-2) knockout mice and global miR-22-3p knockout mice were used to delineate the mechanism by which circMAP3K5 attenuated neointimal hyperplasia using the femoral arterial wire injury model.

Results:

RNA sequencing demonstrated that treatment with platelet-derived growth factor–BB significantly reduced expression of circMAP3K5 in human coronary artery SMCs. Wire-injured mouse femoral arteries and diseased arteries from patients with coronary heart disease (where platelet-derived growth factor–BB is increased) confirmed in vivo downregulation of circMAP3K5 associated with injury and disease. Lentivirus-mediated overexpression of circMAP3K5 inhibited the proliferation of human coronary artery SMCs. In vivo adeno-associated virus 9–mediated transfection of circMap3k5 (mouse circular Map3k5) specifically inhibited SMC proliferation in the wire-injured mouse arteries, resulting in reduced neointima formation. Using a luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down, circMAP3K5 (human circular MAP3K5) was found to sequester miR-22-3p, which, in turn, inhibited the expression of TET2. Both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that the loss of miR-22-3p recapitulated the antiproliferative effect of circMap3k5 on vascular SMCs. In SMC-specific Tet2 knockout mice, loss of Tet2 abolished the circMap3k5-mediated antiproliferative effect on vascular SMCs.

Conclusions:

We identify circMAP3K5 as a master regulator of TET2-mediated vascular SMC differentiation. Targeting the circMAP3K5/miR-22-3p/TET2 axis may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for diseases associated with intimal hyperplasia, including restenosis and atherosclerosis.
Dysfunctional Mitochondrial Dynamic and Oxidative Phosphorylation Precedes Cardiac Dysfunction in R120G‐αB‐Crystallin‐Induced Desmin‐Related Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Alam Shafiul , Abdullah Chowdhury S. , Aishwarya Richa , Morshed Mahboob , Nitu Sadia S. , Miriyala Sumitra , Panchatcharam Manikandan , Kevil Christopher G. , Orr A. Wayne , Bhuiyan Md. Shenuarin
Published: November 2020

Background

The mutated α‐B‐Crystallin (CryAB
R120G
) mouse model of desmin‐related myopathy (DRM) shows an age‐dependent onset of pathologic cardiac remodeling and progression of heart failure. CryAB
R120G
expression in cardiomyocytes affects the mitochondrial spatial organization within the myofibrils, but the molecular perturbation within the mitochondria in the relation of the overall course of the proteotoxic disease remains unclear.

Methods and Results

CryAB
R120G
 mice show an accumulation of electron‐dense aggregates and myofibrillar degeneration associated with the development of cardiac dysfunction. Though extensive studies demonstrated that these altered ultrastructural changes cause cardiac contractility impairment, the molecular mechanism of cardiomyocyte death remains elusive. Here, we explore early pathological processes within the mitochondria contributing to the contractile dysfunction and determine the pathogenic basis for the heart failure observed in the CryAB
R120G
 mice. In the present study, we report that the CryAB
R120G
 mice transgenic hearts undergo altered mitochondrial dynamics associated with increased level of dynamin‐related protein 1 and decreased level of optic atrophy type 1 as well as mitofusin 1 over the disease process. In association with these changes, an altered level of the components of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and pyruvate dehydrogenase complex regulatory proteins occurs before the manifestation of pathologic adverse remodeling in the CryAB
R120G
 hearts. Mitochondria isolated from CryAB
R120G
transgenic hearts without visible pathology show decreased electron transport chain complex activities and mitochondrial respiration. Taken together, we demonstrated the involvement of mitochondria in the pathologic remodeling and progression of DRM‐associated cellular dysfunction.

Conclusions

Mitochondrial dysfunction in the form of altered mitochondrial dynamics, oxidative phosphorylation and pyruvate dehydrogenase complex proteins level, abnormal electron transport chain complex activities, and mitochondrial respiration are evident on the CryAB
R120G
 hearts before the onset of detectable pathologies and development of cardiac contractile dysfunction.
Twenty‐Four‐Hour Cardiovascular Effects of Electronic Cigarettes Compared With Cigarette Smoking in Dual Users
Authors: Benowitz Neal L. , St.Helen Gideon , Nardone Natalie , Addo Newton , Zhang Junfeng (Jim) , Harvanko Arit M. , Calfee Carolyn S. , Jacob Peyton
Published: November 2020

Background

Cardiovascular safety is an important consideration regarding the benefits versus risks of electronic cigarette use (EC) for public health. The single‐use cardiovascular effects of EC have been well studied but may not reflect effects of ad libitum use throughout the day. We aimed to compare the circadian hemodynamic effects as well as 24‐hour biomarkers of oxidative stress, and platelet aggregation and inflammation, with ad libitum cigarette smoking (CS) versus EC versus no tobacco product use.

Methods and Results

Thirty‐six healthy dual CS and EC users participated in a crossover study in a confined research setting. Circadian heart rate, blood pressure and plasma nicotine levels, 24‐hour urinary catecholamines, 8‐isoprostane and 11‐dehydro‐thromboxane B2, and plasma interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐8 were compared in CS, EC, and no nicotine conditions. Over 24 hours, and during daytime, heart rate and blood pressure were higher in CS and EC compared with no tobacco product conditions (
P
<0.01). Heart rate on average was higher with CS versus EC. Urinary catecholamines, 8‐isoprostane, and 11‐dehydro‐thromboxane B2 were not significantly different, but plasma IL‐6 and IL‐8 were higher with both CS and EC compared with no tobacco product (
P
<0.01).

Conclusions

CS and EC had similar 24‐hour patterns of hemodynamic effects compared with no tobacco product, with a higher average heart rate with CS versus EC, and similar effects on biomarkers of inflammation. EC may pose some cardiovascular risk, particularly to smokers with underlying cardiovascular disease, but may also provide a harm reduction opportunity for smokers willing to switch entirely to EC.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique Identifier: NCT02470754.
Introduction: Early Catholic Orientalism and the Missionary Discovery of Asian Religions
Authors: Pomplun Robert Trent , Rubiés Joan-Pau , Županov Ines G.
Published: November 2020

New encounters in America, Africa, and Asia facilitated the “discovery” of non-Biblical religious traditions that were distinct from the ancient paganism known to Christian humanists and antiquarians from classical sources and patristic literature. Although Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism did not exist as concepts in the early modern period, the three articles in this special issue illustrate the learning process by which a number of influential and pioneering Catholic missionaries came to distinguish these various traditions from each other. We argue that they did not simply “invent” new religions arbitrarily: instead, on the basis of the very broad categories of true religion and idolatry, they engaged in some close interaction and “dialogue”—albeit usually polemical—with local religious elites and their writings, including Eastern Christians. In addition, in the case of the Jesuits in particular, we note that these various engagements were often connected events that influenced each other in important ways, from India to Japan, from Japan to China, and from all these to Tibet.
Experiment and Quantification of Weight: Late-Renaissance and Early Modern Medical, Mineralogical and Chemical Discussions on the Weights of Metals
Authors: Manzo Silvia
Published: November 2020

This paper explores how a set of observations on the weight of lead were interpreted and assessed between the 1540s and the 1630s across three different interconnecting disciplines: medicine, mineralogy and chemistry. The epistemic import of these discussions will be demonstrated by showing: 1) the changing role and articulation of experience and quantification in the investigation of metals; and 2) the notions associated with weight in different disciplinary frameworks. In medicine and mineralogy, weight was not considered as a specific subject of inquiry in itself, but as a “sign” indicating other relevant properties of metals. In contrast, the chemistry tradition was increasingly concerned with the specific investigation of weight as a property of matter, as seen in the debates that took place in the “chemical revolution.” In addition, this study will reveal the versatility, polysemy, and parallel purposes of the recourse to experiential knowledge in different contexts, where the same “facts” operate within different disciplines.
Access to Justice in the Aarhus Convention – Genesis, Legislative History and Overview of the Main Interpretation Dilemmas
Authors: Jendrośka Jerzy
Published: November 2020

The article present the key elements of the access to justice pillar of the Arhus Convention against the background of its legislative history, conceptual approaches and motivations laying behind certain provisions. On this basis, the article identifies and briefly indicates the main interpretation dilemmas regarding specific provisions of paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Article 9 as well as those which apply to access to justice pillar as a whole, in particular the interpretation dilemmas regarding the internal relations between these provisions and the role of this pillar in relation to the other pillars, in particular the public participation pillar. The conclusion is that while the structure of Article 9 is quite clear, as a result of the negotiations certain terms or formulations were introduced which not always convey a clear legal norm and therefore require a thorough examination and certain interpretation. In this context a holistic approach is advocated with the aim to see the Convention as certain logical system in which textual (literal) interpretation of the Convention’s provisions is supplemented with – and give priority to – the systemic, purposive and even historical interpretations.
Tax and Legal Instruments of Protection of Ambient Air as Seen in the Example of the Thermal Upgrade Relief
Authors: Swiech-Kujawska Katarzyna
Published: November 2020

Ambient air is one of the most essential natural resources. Its quality directly impacts the health of living organisms. Thus it determines the scale of public spending as a consequence of atmospheric pollution. At the same time, due to the properties of this resource, the problem of its protection has a transnational, global dimension. Therefore, states should undertake and constantly intensify activities the goal of which is to meet not only ambient air quality norms, but also those norms which will allow an effective impact on the improvement of its quality. Instruments and institutions falling under various branches of the law, including the tax law, are used for this purpose.

A thermal upgrade relief was introduced to the Polish tax system at the beginning of 2019. The basis and principles of its application were defined in the personal income tax act. The paper presents substantiated use of tax instruments in the protection of ambient air, the legal basis and principles of application of the discussed tax preference. The conducted analysis gave rise to the formulation of de lege lata and de lege ferenda conclusions.
Validation of Stenus (Hypostenus) primivenatus and Stenus (Hypostenus) yiae (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Steninae)
Authors: ZHAO CAI-YUN , ZHOU HONG-ZHANG
Published: November 2020

Holotype depository was not indicated for the new species, Stenus (Hypostenus) primivenatus and Stenus (Hypostenus) yiae, described as new in the publication Zhao & Zhou (2008). Missing this important message made these two species-group names unavailable according to the fourth edition of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (the Code, ICZN, 1999: Article 16.4). This problem was first denoted by Schülke, M. & Smetana, A. (2015).
The cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) of Suriname including the description of two new species, five new combinations, and three new records
Authors: SANBORN ALLEN F.
Published: November 2020

The known cicada fauna of Suriname is identified. Zammara guyanensis n. sp., and Proarna proximorubrovenosa n. sp. are described as new. The taxa Zammara eximia Erichson, 1848, Cicada thalassina Germar, 1830, Cicadetta surinamensis (Kirkaldy, 1909), Cicada collaris Degeer, 1773 and Cicada melanoptera Gmelin, 1789 (=Cicada marginata Degeer, 1773) are reassigned to become Zammaralna eximia (Erichson, 1848) n. comb., Hyantia thalassina (Germar, 1830) n. comb., Taphura surinamensis (Kirkaldy, 1909) n. comb., Alocha collaris (Degeer, 1773) n. comb. (Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae: Cicadellini), and Homalodisca melaoptera (Gmelin, 1789) n. comb. (Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae: Proconiini), respectively. The first records of Fidicina christinae Boulard & Martinelli, 1996, Guyalna bicolor (Olivier, 1790), and Majeorona truncata Goding, 1925 are provided. Included are the first Suriname records for the genera Guyalna Boulard & Martinelli, 1996, Majeorona Distant, 1905c, and Hyantia Stål, 1866. The taxon Neotibicen tibicen tibicen (Linnaeus, 1758) is removed from the fauna of Suriname with references to this taxon considered misidentifications of Fidicina mannifera (Fabricius, 1803). Cicada collaris Degeer, 1773, and Cicada melanoptera Gmelin, 1789 (=Cicada marginata Degeer, 1773) are reassigned to the Cicadellidae and also removed from the cicada faunal list. The currently known cicada fauna of Suriname is comprised of 15 species from nine genera, three tribes and two subfamilies. The known cicada fauna diversity is increased 50% with this work.
A new species closely related to Acartia sinjiensis (Copepoda: Calanoida), from river estuaries of northern Luzon, the Philippines
Authors: SAKAGUCHI SAKIKO ORUI , UEDA HIROSHI
Published: November 2020

We describe a brackish-water calanoid copepod Acartia (Acanthacartia) cagayanensis sp. nov. collected from river estuaries in the northernmost Luzon, the Philippines. The new species has several characteristic features that are typical to the A. plumosa group (A. (A.) plumosa Scott T., 1894, A. (A.) sinjiensis Mori, 1940 and A. (A.) tropica Ueda & Hiromi, 1987); specifically, a short apical spine on the long terminal segment of male left leg 5, which is unique to the group. The morphological features of A. cagayanensis sp. nov. different from those of the A. plumosa group are the barrel-shaped genital double somite and the cylindrical basal part of the terminal segment of female leg 5. Among the species in the group, A. cagayanensis sp. nov. is closest to A. sinjiensis in terms of the spinule patterns on the female antennule, the posterior corner of the prosome, and the male second urosomite. The genetic analysis using DNA sequences of mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) revealed that A. sinjiensis from Japan and A. cagayanensis sp. nov. differed by 16.5–16.9%, in contrast to a small variation (0.0–0.5%) within each population. We confirmed that previous records of A. sinjiensis from the Philippines were not A. cagayanensis sp. nov., and therefore, A. cagayanensis sp. nov. is the third species of the subgenus Acanthacartia Steuer, 1925, after A. sinjiensis and A. (A.) tsuensis Ito, 1956.
Sex-Related Differences in the Association of BMI and Pericardial Fat Volume With Coronary Atherosclerotic Markers in Young
Authors: Nafakhi Hussein , Al-Mosawi Abdulameer A. , al-Buthabhak Karrar
Published: November 2020

We assessed sex-related differences in the association of pericardial fat volume (PFV) and obesity measured by body mass index (BMI) with coronary atherosclerotic markers (coronary artery calcium score [CAC], coronary luminal stenosis severity, and coronary plaque) in young patients. Patients (n = 174; age <50 years) with suspected coronary artery disease who underwent 64-slice multidetector computed tomography angiography were enrolled. Females tended to have a younger age and increased BMI, normal coronary arteries (free from luminal stenosis), and increased percentage of absent coronary plaque compared with males. There was a significant independent association between PFV with coronary luminal stenosis and between PFV and BMI with coronary noncalcified plaque presence after adjustment for conventional cardiac risk factors. On the other hand, males showed a more increment in PFV, CAC, percentage of calcified plaque, and percentage of significant coronary luminal stenosis compared with females. There was a significant independent association of PFV with CAC, significant coronary stenosis, and calcified plaque presence, while no association was observed between BMI with coronary markers in young males. In conclusion, PFV, but not BMI, showed a significant independent association with advanced coronary atherosclerosis in young male patients.
Neighborhood Disorder and Distress in Real Time: Evidence from a Smartphone-Based Study of Older Adults
Authors: York Cornwell Erin , Goldman Alyssa W.
Published: November 2020

Socioeconomic disadvantage and disorder in the residential neighborhood have been linked to multiple health risks, but less is known about the relevance of other spaces of daily life. This article considers whether disadvantage and disorder in the immediate context—within or outside of the residential neighborhood—is associated with physiological symptoms indicative of stress and strain. We use data from a study of 61 older adults in four New York City neighborhoods. Participants carried smartphones to capture GPS locations and ecological momentary assessments during the study week. We find that instantaneous exposure to disorder is associated with momentary spikes in pain and fatigue. This is not explained by cumulative exposure to disorder or concurrent stress or fear. Rather, disordered spaces may be physically and cognitively taxing for older adults in real time. We urge further research on short- and long-term health consequences of activity spaces.
Social Estrangement and Psychological Distress before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Patterns of Change in Canadian Workers
Authors: Bierman Alex , Schieman Scott
Published: November 2020

This article argues that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated social distancing measures intended to slow the rate of transmission of the virus resulted in greater subjective isolation and community distrust, in turn adversely impacting psychological distress. To support this argument, we examine data from the Canadian Quality of Work and Economic Life Study, two national surveys of Canadian workers—one from late September 2019 (N = 2,477) and the second from mid-March 2020 (N = 2,446). Analyses show that subjective isolation and community distrust increased between the two surveys, which led to a substantial rise in psychological distress. Increases in subjective isolation were stronger in older respondents, resulting in a greater escalation in psychological distress. These findings support a Durkheimian perspective on the harm to social integration and mental health caused by periods of rapid social change but also illustrate how a life course context can differentiate individual vulnerability to disintegrative social forces.
Case Study Methodology of Qualitative Research: Key Attributes and Navigating the Conundrums in Its Application
Authors: Priya Arya
Published: November 2020

A case study is one of the most commonly used methodologies of social research. This article attempts to look into the various dimensions of a case study research strategy, the different epistemological strands which determine the particular case study type and approach adopted in the field, discusses the factors which can enhance the effectiveness of a case study research, and the debate surrounding the role of a case study in generating theoretical propositions with broader applicability. The prime focus of this article is to engage the reader with the intention of stimulating them to contribute their own bit, in order to add greater novelty and freshness to the methodology of case study.
Activity locations, residential segregation and the significance of residential neighbourhood boundary perceptions
Authors: Pinchak Nicolo P , Browning Christopher R , Calder Catherine A , Boettner Bethany
Published: November 2020

The inadequacies of residential census geography in capturing urban residents’ routine exposures have motivated efforts to more directly measure residents’ activity spaces. In turn, insights regarding urban activity patterns have been used to motivate alternative residential neighbourhood measurement strategies incorporating dimensions of activity space in the form of egocentric neighbourhoods – measurement approaches that place individuals at the centre of their own residential neighbourhood units. Unexamined, however, is the extent to which the boundaries of residents’ own self-defined residential neighbourhoods compare with census-based and egocentric neighbourhood measurement approaches in aligning with residents’ routine activity locations. We first assess this question, examining whether the boundaries of residents’ self-defined residential neighbourhoods are in closer proximity to the coordinates of a range of activity location types than are the boundaries of their census and egocentric residential neighbourhood measurement approaches. We find little evidence that egocentric or, crucially, self-defined residential neighbourhoods better align with activity locations, suggesting a division in residents’ activity locations and conceptions of their residential neighbourhoods. We then examine opposing hypotheses about how self-defined residential neighbourhoods and census tracts compare in socioeconomic and racial composition. Overall, our findings suggest that residents bound less segregated neighbourhoods than those produced by census geography, but self-defined residential neighbourhoods still reflect a preference towards homophily when considering areas beyond the immediate environment of their residence. These findings underscore the significance of individuals’ conceptions of residential neighbourhoods to understanding and measuring urban social processes such as residential segregation and social disorganisation.
Cerebrovascular and neurological perspectives on adrenoceptor and calcium channel modulating pharmacotherapies
Authors: Gezalian Michael M , Mangiacotti Luigi , Rajput Padmesh , Sparrow Nicklaus , Schlick Konrad , Lahiri Shouri
Published: November 2020

Adrenoceptor and calcium channel modulating medications are widely used in clinical practice for acute neurological and systemic conditions. It is generally assumed that the cerebrovascular effects of these drugs mirror that of their systemic effects – and this is reflected in how these medications are currently used in clinical practice. However, recent research suggests that there are distinct cerebrovascular-specific effects of these medications that are related to the unique characteristics of the cerebrovascular anatomy including the regional heterogeneity in density and distribution of adrenoceptor subtypes and calcium channels along the cerebrovasculature. In this review, we critically evaluate existing basic science and clinical research to discuss known and putative interactions between adrenoceptor and calcium channel modulating pharmacotherapies, the neurovascular unit, and cerebrovascular anatomy. In doing so, we provide a rationale for selecting vasoactive medications based on lesion location and lay a foundation for future investigations that will define neuroprotective paradigms of adrenoceptor and calcium channel modulating therapies to improve neurological outcomes in acute neurological and systemic disorders.
Cell-specific activation of RIPK1 and MLKL after intracerebral hemorrhage in mice
Authors: Lule Sevda , Wu Limin , Sarro-Schwartz Aliyah , Edmiston William J , Izzy Saef , Songtachalert Tanya , Ahn So Hee , Fernandes Neil D , Jin Gina , Chung Joon Yong , Balachandran Siddharth , Lo Eng H , Kaplan David , Degterev Alexei , Whalen Michael J
Published: November 2020

Receptor-interacting protein kinase-1 (RIPK1) is a master regulator of cell death and inflammation, and mediates programmed necrosis (necroptosis) via mixed-lineage kinase like (MLKL) protein. Prior studies in experimental intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) implicated RIPK1 in the pathogenesis of neuronal death and cognitive outcome, but the relevant cell types involved and potential role of necroptosis remain unexplored. In mice subjected to autologous blood ICH, early RIPK1 activation was observed in neurons, endothelium and pericytes, but not in astrocytes. MLKL activation was detected in astrocytes and neurons but not endothelium or pericytes. Compared with WT controls, RIPK1 kinase-dead ( RIPK1D138N/D138N) mice had reduced brain edema (24 h) and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability (24 h, 30 d), and improved postinjury rotarod performance. Mice deficient in MLKL ( Mlkl-/-) had reduced neuronal death (24 h) and BBB permeability at 24 h but not 30d, and improved post-injury rotarod performance vs. WT. The data support a central role for RIPK1 in the pathogenesis of ICH, including cell death, edema, BBB permeability, and motor deficits. These effects may be mediated in part through the activation of MLKL-dependent necroptosis in neurons. The data support development of RIPK1 kinase inhibitors as therapeutic agents for human ICH.
Chlamydia pecorum–Induced Arthritis in Experimentally and Naturally Infected Sheep
Authors: Ostfeld Nina , Islam Mominul M. , Jelocnik Martina , Hilbe Monika , Sydler Titus , Hartnack Sonja , Jacobson Caroline , Clune Tom , Marsh Ian , Sales Narelle , Polkinghorne Adam , Borel Nicole
Published: November 2020

Chlamydia pecorum is an obligate intracellular pathogen with a wide host range including livestock such as sheep, cattle, goats, and pigs as well as wildlife species such as koalas. Chlamydial polyarthritis is an economically important disease resulting in swollen joints, lameness, stiffness, and weight loss in young sheep. In the present study, tissues from sheep experimentally or naturally infected with Chlamydia pecorum were assessed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Carpal, hock, and stifle joints as well as spleen, liver, kidney, lymph nodes, lung, and brain of 35 sheep from different inoculation groups were available. Two different C. pecorum strains (IPA and E58), different routes of administration (intraarticular or intravenous), UVA-irradiated IPA strain, and corresponding noninfected control groups were investigated. Similar investigations on tissues from 5 naturally infected sheep were performed. The most obvious inflammatory lesions were observed in synovial tissues and, notably, in the renal pelvis from the experimentally infected group and naturally infected animals. This resulted in chronic or chronic-active arthritis and pyelitis. Intralesional chlamydial inclusions could be demonstrated by immunohistochemistry in both tissues. Immunohistochemical evaluation of the presence and distribution of macrophages, T and B cells in synovial tissues revealed macrophages as the most prevalent inflammatory cell population. Previous observations indicated that C. pecorum isolates can infect circulating monocytes. Together with the finding of the histological lesions in synovial tissues and internal organs alongside the presence of C. pecorum DNA, these observations suggest chlamydial arthritis in lambs is the result of hematogeneous spread of C. pecorum.
Contingent infrastructure and the dilution of ‘Chineseness’: Reframing roads and rail in Kampala and Addis Ababa
Authors: Goodfellow Tom , Huang Zhengli
Published: November 2020

Amid growing interest in China’s role in financing and building infrastructure in Africa, there is still little research on how Chinese-financed infrastructures are negotiated and realised at the city and metropolitan scale. We compare the Light Rail Transit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with the expressway linking Kampala to Entebbe airport in Uganda, examining the processes of bargaining behind these transport infrastructures and their emergent effects on urban land use and city-dwellers’ mobility. We find that both projects were designed and implemented through opaque negotiations between African national elites and Chinese agencies, with little or no engagement from city authorities, leading to haphazard outcomes that are poorly integrated with broader planning. Yet we also suggest that despite being enabled and mediated by Chinese agencies, such projects do not embody a Chinese global vision. They instead reflect the entrepreneurial activities of Chinese contractors and the varying ways in which these connect with African national governments’ shifting priorities. Moreover, as they are subsumed into the urban context, these transposed infrastructures have been rapidly repurposed and their ‘Chineseness’ diluted, with one morphing into an infrastructure for the poor and the other into a site of private value extraction. We thus argue that, far from representing a domineering or neo-colonial influence, Chinese-financed infrastructures that land in institutionally complex African city-regions can be rapidly swallowed up into the political-economic landscape, producing contingent benefits and disbenefits that are far removed from the visions of any planners – Chinese or African, past or present.