bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hooked on heart regeneration: the zebrafish guide to recovery
Authors: Ross Stewart Katherine M , Walker Sophie L , Baker Andrew H , Riley Paul R , Brittan Mairi
Published: June 2021

While humans lack sufficient capacity to undergo cardiac regeneration following injury, zebrafish can fully recover from a range of cardiac insults. Over the past two decades, our understanding of the complexities of both the independent and co-ordinated injury responses by multiple cardiac tissues during zebrafish heart regeneration has increased exponentially. Although cardiomyocyte regeneration forms the cornerstone of the reparative process in the injured zebrafish heart, recent studies have shown that this is dependent on prior neovascularization and lymphangiogenesis, which in turn require epicardial, endocardial, and inflammatory cell signalling within an extracellular milieu that is optimized for regeneration. Indeed, it is the amalgamation of multiple regenerative systems and gene regulatory patterns that drives the much-heralded success of the adult zebrafish response to cardiac injury. Increasing evidence supports the emerging paradigm that developmental transcriptional programmes are re-activated during adult tissue regeneration, including in the heart, and the zebrafish represents an optimal model organism to explore this concept. In this review, we summarize recent advances from the zebrafish cardiovascular research community with novel insight into the mechanisms associated with endogenous cardiovascular repair and regeneration, which may be of benefit to inform future strategies for patients with cardiovascular disease.
Surgical intervention for late gastric conduit obstruction
Authors: Andrew Caroline D , Madariaga Maria Lucia L , Mathisen Douglas J , Morse Christopher R , Gaissert Henning A
Published: June 2021

OBJECTIVES

Gastric emptying delay after oesophagectomy may occur in conduits exposed to pleural forces of respiration or anatomic obstruction. Remedial operations addressing both causes are rarely reported. The study aim was to categorize severe gastric conduit obstruction (GCO) and report the outcome of surgical revision.

METHODS

A single-institution, retrospective study of gastric conduit revision following oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer investigated incidence, risk factors and categories of conduit obstruction. Evaluation consisted of contrast studies, computed tomogram and endoscopy. Interventions were categorized according to obstructive cause and included pyloroplasty, hiatal hernia reduction and thoraco-abdominal conduit repositioning.

RESULTS

Among 1246 oesophagectomies over a 17-year period, 14 patients (1.1%) required post-oesophagectomy relief of GCO. Two additional patients presented after oesophagectomy elsewhere. Before oesophagectomy, 18.8% (3/16) and 62.5% (10/16) of patients were on chronic opioid and psychotropic medications, respectively. Distinct anatomic features separated obstruction into 3 categories: pyloric in 31% (5/16), extrinsic in 12.5% (2/16) and combined in 56.3% (9/16). Operative revision led to complete symptom resolution in 50% (8/16) of patients and symptom improvement in 43.8% (7/16) of patients. One patient (1/16, 6.25%) in the combined obstruction group did not improve with surgical revision.

CONCLUSIONS

GCO after oesophagectomy rarely requires surgical revision. Potential association with medications affecting oesophageal and gastric motility requires further investigation. Classification of obstruction identifies a patient subset with lower success after surgical revision.
Structure, composition and biological properties of fungal extracellular vesicles
Authors: Rizzo Juliana , Taheraly Adam , Janbon Guilhem
Published: June 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipidic nanosized particles that deliver a highly complex molecular cargo between cells and organisms and may serve numerous functions in intercellular communication, thereby influencing the evolution of microbial communities. Their roles in infectious diseases have been studied for a long time, comprising viral, bacterial, parasitic and to a less extent, fungal infections. Over the last few years, fungal EVs have become an increasingly active research field. Nevertheless, the understanding of EV functions during fungal infections poses challenging points, comprising the genetics regulating EV release, the EV structural and compositional complexity, the heterogeneity of the EV populations and their impact on host-pathogen interactions. This review explores the state-of-the-art investigations on fungal EVs and how this fast-evolving field can impact the development of new tools to fight fungal infections.
Loss of DRC1 function leads to multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella and male infertility in human and mouse
Authors: Zhang Jintao , He Xiaojin , Wu Huan , Zhang Xin , Yang Shenmin , Liu Chunyu , Liu Siyu , Hua Rong , Zhou Shushu , Zhao Shuqin , Hu Fan , Zhang Junqiang , Liu Wangjie , Cheng Huiru , Gao Yang , Zhang Feng , Cao Yunxia , Liu Mingxi
Published: June 2021

Motile cilia and flagellar defects can result in primary ciliary dyskinesia, which is a multisystemic genetic disorder that affects roughly 1:10 000 individuals. The nexin-dynein regulatory complex (N-DRC) links neighboring doublet microtubules within flagella, serving as a central regulatory hub for motility in Chlamydomonas. Herein, we identified two homozygous DRC1 variants in human patients that were associated with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) and male infertility. Drc1−/−, Drc1R554X/R554X and Drc1W244X/W244X mice on the C57BL/6 background suffered from pre-pubertal mortality. However, when the ICR background was introduced, some of these mice were able to survive and recapitulate the MMAF phenotypes detected in human patients. By analyzing these animals, we determined that DRC1 is an essential regulator of N-DRC assembly in cilia and flagella. When DRC1 is absent, this results in the shortening of cilia and consequent impairment of their motility. Damage associated with DRC1 deficiency in sperm flagella was more pronounced than in cilia, as manifested by complete axoneme structural disorder in addition to the loss of the DRC structure. Altogether, these findings suggest that DRC1 is required for the structural stability of flagella but not cilia, emphasizing the key role of this protein in mammalian species.
Quantitative Reduction Theory and Unlikely Intersections
Authors: Daw Christopher , Orr Martin
Published: June 2021

We prove quantitative versions of Borel and Harish-Chandra’s theorems on reduction theory for arithmetic groups. Firstly, we obtain polynomial bounds on the lengths of reduced integral vectors in any rational representation of a reductive group. Secondly, we obtain polynomial bounds in the construction of fundamental sets for arithmetic subgroups of reductive groups, as the latter vary in a real conjugacy class of subgroups of a fixed reductive group. Our results allow us to apply the Pila–Zannier strategy to the Zilber–Pink conjecture for the moduli space of principally polarised abelian surfaces. Building on our previous paper, we prove this conjecture under a Galois orbits hypothesis. Finally, we establish the Galois orbits hypothesis for points corresponding to abelian surfaces with quaternionic multiplication, under certain geometric conditions.
Safety and Tolerability of Mosquito Bite-Induced Controlled Human Infection with Plasmodium vivax in Malaria-Naive Study Participants—Clinical Profile and Utility of Molecular Diagnostic Methods
Authors: Kamau Edwin , Bennett Jason W , Yadava Anjali
Published: June 2021

Background

Plasmodium vivax controlled human malaria infection (PvCHMI) is an important tool for evaluation of drugs, vaccines, and pathologies associated with this parasite. However, there are few data on safety due to limited numbers of PvCHMIs performed.

Methods

We report clinical and laboratory data, including hematological and biochemical profiles and adverse events (AEs), following mosquito bite-induced PvCHMI in malaria-naive study participants. Malaria diagnosis and treatment initiation was based on microscopic analysis of Giemsa-stained slides. Exploratory molecular assays were used to detect parasites using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

AEs were mild to moderate and no study-related severe AEs were observed in any study participants. The majority of symptoms were transient, resolving within 48 hours. Molecular diagnostic methods detected parasitemia in 100% of study participants before malaria diagnosis using microscopy. Of reported AEs, microscopy detected 67%–100%, quantitative PCR 79%–100%, and quantitative real-time reverse-transcription PCR 96%–100% of study participants prior to appearance of symptoms. Almost all symptoms appeared after initiation of treatment, likely as known consequence of drug treatment.

Conclusions

PvCHMI is safe with the majority of infections being detected prior to appearance of clinical symptoms, which can be further alleviated by using sensitive molecular methods for clinical diagnosis.

Clinical Trials Registration. NCT01157897.
A perspective on cell proliferation kinetics in the root apical meristem
Authors: Desvoyes Bénédicte , Echevarría Clara , Gutierrez Crisanto
Published: June 2021

Organogenesis in plants is primarily postembryonic and relies on a strict balance between cell division and cell expansion. The root is a particularly well-suited model to study cell proliferation in detail since the two processes are spatially and temporally separated for all the different tissues. In addition, the root is amenable to detailed microscopic analysis to identify cells progressing through the cell cycle. While it is clear that cell proliferation activity is restricted to the root apical meristem (RAM), understanding cell proliferation kinetics and identifying its parameters have required much effort over many years. Here, we review the main concepts, experimental settings, and findings aimed at obtaining a detailed knowledge of how cells proliferate within the RAM. The combination of novel tools, experimental strategies, and mathematical models has contributed to our current view of cell proliferation in the RAM. We also discuss several lines of research that need to be explored in the future.
Chlorine-bearing species and the 37Cl/35Cl isotope ratio in the coma of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko
Authors: Dhooghe Frederik , De Keyser Johan , Hänni Nora , Altwegg Kathrin , Cessateur Gaël , Jehin Emmanuel , Maggiolo Romain , Rubin Martin , Wurz Peter
Published: June 2021

A full-mission analysis has been conducted of Cl-bearing species in the coma of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko as detected by the Double Focusing Mass Spectrometer (DFMS) of Rosetta's ROSINA instrument. The isotope ratio of the two stable chlorine isotopes 37Cl/35Cl is found to be 0.336 ± 0.017, to be compared with the standard mean ocean chloride value of 0.320. The isotope ratio does not change appreciably throughout the mission. The Cl-bearing species fingerprint in DFMS indicates that there is at least one additional chlorine-bearing species in the coma next to HCl, CH3Cl, and NH4Cl. The identity of this volatile or semivolatile species is unknown at this time.
Spectropolarimetry of NGC 3783 and Mrk 509: Evidence for powerful nuclear winds in Seyfert 1 Galaxies
Authors: Lira P , Kishimoto M , Goosmann R W , Campos R , Axon D , Elvis M , Lawrence A , Peterson B M , Robinson A
Published: June 2021

We present results from high signal-to-noise optical spectropolarimetric observations of the Seyfert 1 galaxies NGC 3783 and Mrk 509 in the 3500–7000 Å range. We find complex structure in the polarized emission for both objects. In particular, Position Angle (PA) changes across the Balmer lines show a distinctive ‘M’-shaped profile that had not been observed in this detail before, but could represent a common trait in Seyfert 1 galaxies. In fact, while this shape is observed in all Balmer lines in NGC 3783, Mrk 509 transitions into a ‘M’-shaped PA profile for higher transitions lines. We have modelled the observed profiles using the STOKES radiative transfer code and assuming that the scattering region is co-spatial with the BLR and outflowing. The results give compelling new evidence for the presence of nuclear winds in these two Seyfert 1 galaxies.
Planetary magnetosphere evolution around post-main-sequence stars
Authors: Veras Dimitri , Vidotto Aline A
Published: June 2021

Accompanying the mounting detections of planets orbiting white dwarfs and giant stars are questions about their physical history and evolution, particularly regarding detectability of their atmospheres and potential for habitability. Here we determine how the size of planetary magnetospheres evolves over time from the end of the main sequence through to the white dwarf phase due to the violent winds of red giant and asymptotic giant branch stars. By using a semi-analytic prescription, we investigate the entire relevant phase space of planet type, planet orbit, and stellar host mass ($1\!-\!7\, {\rm M}_{\odot }$). We find that a planetary magnetosphere will always be quashed at some point during the giant branch phases unless the planet’s magnetic field strength is at least two orders of magnitude higher than Jupiter’s current value. We also show that the time variation of the stellar wind and density generates a net increase in wind ram pressure and does not allow a magnetosphere to be maintained at any time for field strengths less than 10−5 T (0.1 G). This lack of protection hints that currently potentially habitable planets orbiting white dwarfs would have been previously inhospitable.
The future influence of six exoplanets on the envelope properties of their parent stars on the giant branches
Authors: Rapoport Ivan , Bear Ealeal , Soker Noam
Published: June 2021

We study the evolution of six exoplanetary systems with the stellar evolutionary code Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics(mesa) and conclude that they will likely spin-up the envelope of their parent stars on the red giant branch (RGB) or later on the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) to the degree that the mass-loss process might become non-spherical. We choose six observed exoplanetary systems where the semimajor axis is $a_i \simeq 1\small{-}2 {~\rm au}$, and use the binary mode of mesa to follow the evolution of the systems. In four systems, the star engulfs the planet on the RGB, and in two systems on the AGB, and the systems enter a common envelope evolution (CEE). In two systems where the exoplanet masses are Mp ≃ 10MJ, where MJ is Jupiter mass, the planet spins up the envelope to about $10{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the break-up velocity. Such envelopes are likely to have significant non-spherical mass-loss geometry. In the other four systems where Mp ≃ MJ the planet spins up the envelope to values of $1{-}2 {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of break-up velocity. Magnetic activity in the envelope that influences dust formation might lead to a small departure from spherical mass-loss even in these cases. In the two cases of CEE on the AGB, the planet deposits energy to the envelope that amounts to ${\gt}10{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the envelope binding energy. We expect this to cause a non-spherical mass-loss that will shape an elliptical planetary nebula in each case.
Molecular line signatures of cloud–cloud collisions
Authors: Priestley F D , Whitworth A P
Published: June 2021

Collisions between interstellar gas clouds are potentially an important mechanism for triggering star formation. This is because they are able to rapidly generate large masses of dense gas. Observationally, cloud collisions are often identified in position–velocity (PV) space through bridging features between intensity peaks, usually of CO emission. Using a combination of hydrodynamical simulations, time-dependent chemistry, and radiative transfer, we produce synthetic molecular line observations of overlapping clouds that are genuinely colliding, and overlapping clouds that are just chance superpositions. Molecules tracing denser material than CO, such as NH3 and HCN, reach peak intensity ratios of 0.5 and 0.2 with respect to CO in the ‘bridging feature’ region of PV space for genuinely colliding clouds. For overlapping clouds that are just chance superpositions, the peak NH3 and HCN intensities are co-located with the CO intensity peaks. This represents a way of confirming cloud collisions observationally and distinguishing them from chance alignments of unrelated material.
Exploiting timing capabilities of the CHEOPS mission with warm-Jupiter planets
Authors: Borsato L , Piotto G , Gandolfi D , Nascimbeni V , Lacedelli G , Marzari F , Billot N , Maxted P F L , Sousa S , Cameron A C , Bonfanti A , Wilson T G , Serrano L M , Garai Z , Alibert Y , Alonso R , Asquier J , Bárczy T , Bandy T , Barrado D , Barros S C C , Baumjohann W , Beck M , Beck T , Benz W , Bonfils X , Brandeker A , Broeg C , Cabrera J , Charnoz S , Csizmadia S , Davies M B , Deleuil M , Delrez L , Demangeon O , Demory B-O , des Etangs A L , Ehrenreich D , Erikson A , Escudé G A , Fortier A , Fossati L , Fridlund M , Gillon M , Guedel M , Hasiba J , Heng K , Hoyer S , Isaak K G , Kiss L , Kopp E , Laskar J , Lendl M , Lovis C , Magrin D , Munari M , Olofsson G , Ottensamer R , Pagano I , Pallé E , Peter G , Pollacco D , Queloz D , Ragazzoni R , Rando N , Rauer H , Ribas I , Ségransan D , Santos N C , Scandariato G , Simon A , Smith A M S , Steller M , Szabó G , Thomas N , Udry S , Van Grootel V , Walton N
Published: June 2021

We present 17 transit light curves of seven known warm-Jupiters observed with the CHaracterising ExOPlanet Satellite (CHEOPS). The light curves have been collected as part of the CHEOPS Guaranteed Time Observation (GTO) program that searches for transit-timing variation (TTV) of warm-Jupiters induced by a possible external perturber to shed light on the evolution path of such planetary systems. We describe the CHEOPS observation process, from the planning to the data analysis. In this work, we focused on the timing performance of CHEOPS, the impact of the sampling of the transit phases, and the improvement we can obtain by combining multiple transits together. We reached the highest precision on the transit time of about 13–16 s for the brightest target (WASP-38, G = 9.2) in our sample. From the combined analysis of multiple transits of fainter targets with G ≥ 11, we obtained a timing precision of ∼2 min. Additional observations with CHEOPS, covering a longer temporal baseline, will further improve the precision on the transit times and will allow us to detect possible TTV signals induced by an external perturber.
Jeans modelling of axisymmetric galaxies with multiple stellar populations
Authors: Caravita Caterina , Ciotti Luca , Pellegrini Silvia
Published: June 2021

We present the theoretical framework to efficiently solve the Jeans equations for multicomponent axisymmetric stellar systems, focusing on the scaling of all quantities entering them. The models may include an arbitrary number of stellar distributions, a dark matter halo, and a central supermassive black hole; each stellar distribution is implicitly described by a two- or three-integral distribution function, and the stellar components can have different structural (density profile, flattening, mass, scale length), dynamical (rotation, velocity dispersion anisotropy), and population (age, metallicity, initial mass function, mass-to-light ratio) properties. In order to determine the ordered rotational velocity and the azimuthal velocity dispersion fields of each component, we introduce a decomposition that can be used when the commonly adopted Satoh decomposition cannot be applied. The scheme developed is particularly suitable for a numerical implementation; we describe its realization within our code JASMINE2, optimized to maximally exploit the scalings allowed by the Poisson and the Jeans equations, also in the post-processing procedures. As applications, we illustrate the building of three multicomponent galaxy models with two distinct stellar populations, a central black hole, and a dark matter halo; we also study the solution of the Jeans equations for an exponential thick disc, and for its multicomponent representation as the superposition of three Miyamoto–Nagai discs. A useful general formula for the numerical evaluation of the gravitational potential of factorized thick discs is finally given.
Comment on ‘An efficient code to solve the Kepler equation: elliptic case’
Authors: Tommasini D , Olivieri D N
Published: June 2021

In a recent MNRAS article, Raposo-Pulido and Pelaez (RPP) designed a scheme for obtaining very close seeds for solving the elliptic Kepler equation with the classical and modified Newton–Raphson methods. This implied an important reduction in the number of iterations needed to reach a given accuracy. However, RPP also made strong claims about the errors of their method that are incorrect. In particular, they claim that their accuracy can always reach the level of ∼5ε, where ε is the machine epsilon (e.g. ε = 2.2 × 10−16 in double precision), and that this result is attained for all values of the eccentricity e < 1 and the mean anomaly M ∈ [0, π], including for e and M that are arbitrarily close to 1 and 0, respectively. However, we demonstrate both numerically and analytically that any implementation of the classical or modified Newton–Raphson methods for Kepler’s equation, including those described by RPP, has a limiting accuracy of the order of ${\sim}\varepsilon /\sqrt{2(1-e)}$. Therefore the errors of these implementations diverge in the limit e → 1, and differ dramatically from the incorrect results given by RPP. Despite these shortcomings, the RPP method can provide a very efficient option for reaching such limiting accuracy. We also provide a limit that is valid for the accuracy of any algorithm for solving Kepler equation, including schemes like bisection that do not use derivatives. Moreover, similar results are also demonstrated for the hyperbolic Kepler equation. The methods described in this work can provide guidelines for designing more accurate solutions of the elliptic and hyperbolic Kepler equations.
A three-dimensional hydrodynamics simulation of oxygen-shell burning in the final evolution of a fast-rotating massive star
Authors: Yoshida Takashi , Takiwaki Tomoya , Aguilera-Dena David R , Kotake Kei , Takahashi Koh , Nakamura Ko , Umeda Hideyuki , Langer Norbert
Published: June 2021

We perform for the first time a 3D hydrodynamics simulation of the evolution of the last minutes pre-collapse of the oxygen shell of a fast-rotating massive star. This star has an initial mass of 38 M⊙, a metallicity of ∼1/50 Z⊙, an initial rotational velocity of 600 km s−1, and experiences chemically homogeneous evolution. It has a silicon- and oxygen-rich (Si/O) convective layer at (4.7–17) × 108 cm, where oxygen-shell burning takes place. The power spectrum analysis of the turbulent velocity indicates the dominance of the large-scale mode (ℓ ∼ 3), which has also been seen in non-rotating stars that have a wide Si/O layer. Spiral arm structures of density and silicon-enriched material produced by oxygen-shell burning appear in the equatorial plane of the Si/O shell. Non-axisymmetric, large-scale (m ≤ 3) modes are dominant in these structures. The spiral arm structures have not been identified in previous non-rotating 3D pre-supernova models. Governed by such a convection pattern, the angle-averaged specific angular momentum becomes constant in the Si/O convective layer, which is not considered in spherically symmetrical stellar evolution models. Such spiral arms and constant specific angular momentum might affect the ensuing explosion or implosion of the star.
Changes in Biomarkers of Cigarette Smoke Exposure After 6 Days of Switching Exclusively or Partially to Use of the JUUL System with Two Nicotine Concentrations: A Randomized Controlled Confinement Study in Adult Smokers
Authors: Cohen Gal , Goldenson Nicholas I , Bailey Patrick C , Chan Stephanie , Shiffman Saul
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Evidence suggests that cigarette smokers who switch to electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) reduce their exposure to harmful toxicants and carcinogens. It is unclear if dual-use is associated with decreases in exposure to toxicants.

Methods

This parallel-group confinement study assessed changes in biomarkers of exposure (BOEs) over six days among healthy adult smokers who were randomized into 1 of 11 study groups: eight JUUL-brand System (JUUL) groups (4 JUUL flavors [Virginia Tobacco, Menthol, Mint, Mango] × 2 nicotine concentrations [5.0% or 3.0% by weight]); Dual-Use group used preferred JUUL flavor (5.0% nicotine) and ≤50% usual brand (UB) cigarettes/day; UB Cigarette group and one group abstained from all tobacco/nicotine product use (Abstinence group). Urine and blood analysis assessed changes in primary BOE endpoints (NNAL, 3-HPMA, MHBMA, S-PMA COHb) and secondary BOE endpoints (NNN, HMPMA, CEMA, 1-OHP, O-toluidine, 2-NA, 4-ABP) among 279 adult smokers.

Results

In JUUL groups, median percent reductions in primary BOEs (Day 6–Baseline) were 90%–≥100% of Abstinence; there were no significant differences between JUUL groups and Abstinence. All reductions in JUUL groups were substantially and statistically significantly greater than reductions in the UB Cigarette group (ps < 0.025). Median reductions in primary BOEs in the Dual-Use group were 43%–55% of Abstinence. Similar results were observed for secondary BOEs.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the use of JUUL as a complete or partial substitute (i.e., dual-use with ≥50% reduction in cigarette consumption) for combustible cigarettes can substantially reduce exposure to multiple toxins associated with cigarette smoking.

Implications

This study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the utility of ENDS products as potentially reduced-harm alternatives to cigarettes for adult smokers. Adult smokers who switched completely from cigarette smoking to use of the JUUL System (“JUUL”) in two nicotine concentrations (5.0% and 3.0%) and four flavors significantly reduced their exposure to multiple classes of cigarette-related toxicants. Additionally, smokers who used JUUL and continued smoking but reduced their daily cigarette consumption by ≥50% (dual users) also significantly reduced their toxicant exposure compared to cigarette smoking.
Feminist Epistemology
Authors: Grasswick Heidi
Published: June 2021

This chapter offers an account of the central issues of feminist epistemology, its historical trajectory, its recent trends, and its relationship to mainstream and social epistemology. Having started out providing critiques of existing epistemological frameworks that seemed ill-equipped to account for the effects of power relations on knowing, feminist epistemologists then began to develop new tools better suited to their goals of understanding how we can know under conditions of oppression and develop the kinds of knowledge required to overcome oppression. The chapter characterizes feminist epistemology as having evolved well beyond concerns of gender alone, such that it is now more accurately conceptualized as broadly investigating how various axes of oppression intersect with each other and affect people’s possibilities for knowing. The chapter identifies three key features of feminist epistemology—situated knowing, interactive knowing, and practical/contextual approaches to epistemology—and argues that these features combine to push feminist epistemology in distinct directions even as the field draws on some recent developments from within nonfeminist epistemology.
Feminist Aesthetics
Authors: Eaton A. W.
Published: June 2021

This chapter summarizes central issues and themes in feminist philosophical aesthetics in the analytic tradition, although some continental figures are discussed. After introducing the interdisciplinary, intersectional and trans* inclusive approach that feminist aesthetics is starting to take, this essay discusses situatedness, artistic canon formation, humanism vs. gynocentrism, rewriting the philosophical canon, overcoming artworld biases, and the role of the aesthetic in systemic oppression. Specific topics to be discussed include the male gaze, the female nude, the concept of artistic genius, women’s artistic production, the purported universality of correct aesthetic judgment, the sex/gender distinction as it pertains to aesthetics and the arts, and body aesthetics.
Feminist New Materialisms
Authors: Tuana Nancy
Published: June 2021

This chapter offers an account of central issues and themes in feminist new materialism, including examples of important contributions to this discussion, as well as current and future directions. The chapter discusses three different sources for the conception of materialism engaged in the feminist new materialisms: (1) attention to materiality in the philosophical traditions of phenomenology and postmodern thought, (2) a turn to the sciences to better understand materiality, and (3) Marxist-inspired conceptions of materiality. The chapter also reflects on the meaning of “new” in feminist new materialism.
Postcolonial and Decolonial Theories
Authors: Ruíz Elena
Published: June 2021

This chapter offers an account of central issues and themes in feminist philosophical engagements with postcolonial and decolonial theories, reflection on examples of important contributions to this discussion, and a discussion of current and future directions in anti-colonial feminist philosophy. It focuses on the specific contexts, issues, and lifeworld concerns that ground anti-colonial feminisms in different regions and provides nonfoundational histories and definitions for the purposes of resisting philosophical appropriations of anti-colonial feminisms. It argues that to understand what is postcolonial or decolonial about feminisms requires a focus on women’s material and historical contexts rather than a primary focus on academic genealogies of concepts.
MRI-detected synovitis of the small joints predicts rheumatoid arthritis development in large joint undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Sidhu Navkiran , Wouters Fenne , Niemantsverdriet Ellis , van der Helm-van Mil Annette H M
Published: June 2021

Objectives

New onset undifferentiated large joint inflammatory arthritis can be diagnostically challenging. It is unknown how often these patients progress to RA, and how they can be identified at first presentation. We assessed clinical and serological features associated with RA development in patients with an undifferentiated mono- or oligo-articular large joint arthritis, and with keen interest in whether an MRI of the small joints of the hand and foot would aid diagnosis.

Methods

Leiden Early Arthritis Clinic includes 4018 patients; this prospective study follows 221 consecutively included patients with new onset undifferentiated large joint arthritis. Baseline clinical data and serology were obtained. Forty-five patients had MRIs (hand and foot). MRIs were scored according to the OMERACT RAMRIS. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were assessed. Test characteristics, predictive values and net reclassification index (NRI) for RA were determined.

Results

Patients mostly presented with knee or ankle mono-arthritis. During the 12 months’ follow-up 17% developed RA. Autoantibody positivity (ACPA and/or RF) and MRI-detected synovitis in hands and feet were independently associated with RA development in multivariable analyses [odds ratio 10.29 (P = 0.014) and 7.88 (P = 0.017), respectively]. Positive predictive value of autoantibodies, MRI-detected synovitis and combination of both features was 63%, 55% and 100%, respectively. The addition of MRI-detected synovitis to autoantibody status improved diagnostic accuracy (NRI 18.1%).

Conclusion

In patients presenting with undifferentiated large joint arthritis, 17% will develop RA. Autoantibody positivity and subclinical synovitis are independent predictors. The data suggest MRI of small joints is beneficial for early identification of RA in large joint arthritis.
ACCURACY OF CT NUMBERS OBTAINED BY DIRA AND MONOENERGETIC PLUS ALGORITHMS IN DUAL-ENERGY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: Magnusson Maria , Sandborg Michael , Alm Carlsson Gudrun , Henriksson Lilian , Carlsson Tedgren Åsa , Malusek Alexandr
Published: June 2021

Dual-energy computed tomography (CT) can be used in radiotherapy treatment planning for the calculation of absorbed dose distributions. The aim of this work is to evaluate whether there is room for improvement in the accuracy of the Monoenergetic Plus algorithm by Siemens Healthineers. A Siemens SOMATOM Force scanner was used to scan a cylindrical polymethyl methacrylate phantom with four rod-inserts made of different materials. Images were reconstructed using ADMIRE and processed with Monoenergetic Plus. The resulting CT numbers were compared with tabulated values and values simulated by the proof-of-a-concept algorithm DIRA developed by the authors. Both the Monoenergetic Plus and DIRA algorithms performed well; the accuracy of attenuation coefficients was better than about ±1% at the energy of 70 keV. Compared with DIRA, the worse performance of Monoenergetic Plus was caused by its (i) two-material decomposition to iodine and water and (ii) imperfect suppression of the beam hardening artifact in ADMIRE.
Promotion Programs for Women’s Entrepreneurship in Spain: A “Transformational Entrepreneurial Journey”
Authors: Carretero-García Carlota , Serrano-Pascual Amparo
Published: June 2021

This article explores the production of problematization spaces at the intersections between gender and entrepreneurship in Spain based on two complementary analytical procedures. First, from a Bakhtinian perspective, the polyphony of the simultaneous voices concerning entrepreneurship of policy actors involved in entrepreneurship programs has been mapped. Second, the political axioms of entrepreneurship promotion policies that stem from the problematizations of women’s entrepreneurial shortcomings have been analyzed. A monologic discourse on entrepreneurship, as an identity interpellation project, performs the modes of governing gender inequality. This study demonstrates that in these battles to name, much of the conquest for the government of equality is at stake.
Intensive Care Needs and Short-Term Outcome of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C): Experience from North India
Authors: Suresh Kumar Angurana , Awasthi Puspraj , Thakur Ajay , Randhawa Manjinder Singh , Nallasamy Karthi , Kumar Manoj Rohit , Naganur Sanjeev , Kumar Mahendra , Goyal Kapil , Ghosh Arnab , Bansal Arun , Jayashree Muralidharan
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To describe the intensive care needs and outcome of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).

Methodology

This retrospective study was conducted in the pediatric emergency, pediatric intensive care unit (PICUs) and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) hospital of a tertiary teaching and referral hospital in North India over a period of 5 months (September 2020 to January 2021). Clinical details, laboratory investigations, intensive care needs, treatment and short-term outcome were recorded.

Results

Forty children with median interquartile range age of 7 (5–10) years were enrolled. The common clinical features were fever (97.5%), mucocutaneous involvement (80%), abdominal (72.5%) and respiratory (50%) symptoms. Shock was noted in 80% children. Most cases (85%) required PICU admission where they received nasal prong oxygen (40%), non-invasive (22.5%) and invasive (22.5%) ventilation and vasoactive drug support (72.5%). The confirmation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) exposure was in the form of positive serology (66.7%), reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (10%), and contact with SARS-CoV-2 positive case (12.5%). The common echocardiographic findings included myocardial dysfunction (ejection fraction <55%; 72.5%), and coronary artery dilatation or aneurysm (22.5%). The immunomodulatory treatment included intravenous immunoglobulin (2 g/kg) (100%) and steroids (methylprednisolone 10–30 mg/kg/day for 3–5 days) (85%). Aspirin was used in 80% and heparin (low molecular weight) in 7.5% cases. Two children died (5%) and median duration of PICU and hospital stay in survivors were 5 (2–8) and 7 (4–9) days, respectively. Children with shock showed higher total leucocyte count and higher rates of myocardial dysfunction.

Conclusion

Cardiovascular involvement and shock are predominant features in severe disease. Early diagnosis can be challenging given the overlapping features with other diagnoses. A high index of suspicion is warranted in children with constellation of fever, mucocutaneous, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular involvement alongwith evidence of systemic inflammation and recent or concurrent SARS-CoV-2 infection. The short-term outcome is good with appropriate organ support therapies and immunomodulation.
Lung Architecture in Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus) and the Structural Diversity of the Crocodilian Bronchial Tree
Authors: Schachner Emma R , Richbourg Heather A , Hedrick Brandon P , Diaz Raul E
Published: June 2021

The discovery of unidirectional airflow patterns in the lungs of numerous sauropsids has renewed interest in the evolution, anatomy, and structural diversity of the respiratory structures in archosaurs. In order to understand the origin and evolution of the crocodilian lung, it is first necessary to map out the bronchial architecture across the crocodilian phylogenetic tree. To this end, we describe the anatomy of the respiratory system of Cuvier's dwarf caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus) based upon micro‐computed tomography (uCT) data of the respiratory system in situ (n=4). The lungs were inflated artificially via a syringe, and imaged at total lung capacity. Two P. palpebrosus were artificially deflated via a syringe to an approximate functional residual capacity, and re‐imaged to visualize changes in the bronchial tree and lung position at the end of a hypothetical natural exhalation. For each of the scans, the lung surface and bronchial tree were segmented into surface models in the scientific visualization program Avizo 7.1. Specific measures of the bronchial tree were acquired in the DICOM viewer OsiriX MD for intraspecific comparisons: (1) the distance from the carina to the first three large secondary bronchi; (2) the area of the primary bronchus at the first three large secondary bronchi; and, (3) the area of the ostium of the first three large secondary bronchi. These data were then compared to the same quantitative measures previously acquired from Alligator mississippiensis (n=10), and Crocodylus niloticus (n=3), allowing for interspecific comparisons across Crocodylia. As expected, the shape of the cartilaginous regions of the bronchial tree were unaffected by changes in the inspiratory volume. Overall, the basic bauplan of the bronchial tree of P. palpebrosus is more similar to that of A. mississippiensis with fewer large secondary airways (both medial and dorsobronchi), and fewer small secondary saccular bronchi in the caudal and ventral regions of the lung. Additionally, P. palpebrosus demonstrates a decreased density of the respiratory parenchyma throughout the lung, similar to the hatchling A. mississippiensis and in contrast to the specimens of C. niloticus; however, it is possible that this is due to factors unrelated to anatomy or phylogeny, and could be associated with something else entirely (e.g., environmental conditions).

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Role of Jak3 in Kupffer‐cell mediated hepatic steatosis during obesity
Authors: Kumar Narendra , Mishra Jayshree
Published: June 2021

Background

Janus kinase 3 (Jak3), a non‐receptor protein kinase, plays an essential role in hematopoietic cell‐growth and differentiation of intestinal epithelial mucosa. Previously, we have shown that loss of Jak3 exacerbates symptoms of obesity associated metabolic syndrome in a murine model of diet‐induced obesity through compromised intestinal barrier functions and induction of chronic low‐grade inflammation (CLGI). Though, recent studies suggest a strong linkage between CLGI and hepatic steatosis, the genetic regulation of intestinal dysbiosis and their role in hepatic steatosis is not known. In this report, we investigated the tissue‐specific role of Jak3 in maintaining hepatic homeostasis during obesity associated metabolic syndrome.

Methods

In order to test our hypothesis, we used a global Jak3 KO (Jak3−/−) mice model and compared its effect with either the intestinal epithelial specific Jak3 KO (Int Jak3 KO) mice or immune cell specific Jak3 KO (Imm Jak3 KO) mice in a model of diet‐induced obesity. The organs were collected at the end of the study period under aseptic conditions and analyzed using a combination of flowcytometric, confocal microscopy, and western analysis techniques.

Results

Our results show increased susceptibility to obesity associated metabolic syndrome in high‐fat diet treated Jak3−/− mice compared to their co‐housed littermates. Jak3−/− mice showed increased predisposition to CLGI, hepatic steatosis, increased liver to body weight ratio, and hyperglycemia compared to their co‐housed littermate controls. To determine the tissue specific role of Jak3, a high‐degree of association between CLGI and hepatic inflammation in Imm Jak3 KO mice, indicated a prominent role of hematopoietic Jak3 in maintaining Kupffer‐cell mediated hepatic steatosis. A differential flowcytometric assay showed an increased influx of monocytes, but reduced differentiation of residential Kupffer cells in imm Jak3 KO mice compared to its floxed control during diet‐induced obesity. Further, the same group of mice also showed an increased hepatic expression of TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 and a higher IL‐6, IL‐17 and Tnf‐α as compared to the control mice. Together, these results showed that a lack of Jak3 expression in immune cells leads to CLGI and a compromise in the activation of Kupffer cells coupled with increased extravasation of the circulating monocytes into the liver. This could lead to hepatic steatosis in obesity. In addition, we also found an increased Th17 effector function and simultaneous suppression of Treg cell proliferation in the absence of immune cell Jak3, when compared to its control mice, on treatment with HFD.

Conclusion

Collectively, these results indicate that Jak3 plays a major role in regulating the macrophage based hepatic homeostasis.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Single Dose of Gastrin‐Releasing Peptide mAb 24 Hours Post‐Thoracic Radiation Extends Survival and Reduces Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rhesus Monkey Survivors
Authors: Sunday Mary E , Thakur Priyanka , Dugan Greg , Bourland Daniel , Olson John , Cline J. Mark
Published: June 2021

Introduction/Rationale

Following exposure to thoracic radiation (RT), subjects exposed to thoracic radiation (RT) often develop acute inflammatory radiation pneumonitis (RTP) 4–5‐weeks (wks) post‐RT, followed months later by pulmonary fibrosis (RTPF).RT leads to RTP in ~20% of lung cancer patients, many of whom develop RTPF. Our laboratory is studying a novel early host response whereby oxidative stress triggers secretion of gastrin‐releasing peptide (GRP) by oxygen (O2)‐chemosensory pulmonary neuroendocrine cells (PNECs) within 24 hours after RT (post‐RT). In premature baboons exposed to hyperoxia, GRP‐blocking MoAb 2A11 treatment twice a week for 2 weeks abrogated chronic lung disease with fibrosis 10–14d later. In radiation‐sensitive C57L/J mice (L/J), we recently observed that a single dose of moAb 2A11 given IP 24h post‐RT (RT+2A11) abrogates development of RTPF 15 wks later.

Methods

To determine human relevance of GRP blockade to prevent RTPF, we collaborated with Dr. Mark Cline at Wake Forest University to test MoAb 2A11 in their established rhesus macaque (NHP) model of RTPF, giving a single dose of MoAb 2A11 (~5 mg/kg) IV 24h post‐RT.

Results

We observed several effects of the single dose: First, there was earlier onset of RTP (3–5 wks post‐RT+2A11), compared to RT+PBS (5–8 wks post‐RT+PBS). Second, RT+2A11 NHP had prolonged survival (Fig. 1A): Of 9 RT+PBS animals, 4 died between 2–3 months post‐RT, for an overall survival of 56% to 9 months. Of 3 RT+2A11 NHP, all survived to 9 months. At necropsy, RT+2A11 animals had markedly reduced interstitial collagen deposition assessed by using blinded slides stained with Masson's trichrome (6–8 lung slides per animal, from all 5 lobes): All surviving RT+PBS NHP had advanced interstitial fibrosis (modified Ashcroft score ~7.8/8.0), whereas the 3 RT+2A11 survivors had mild to moderate fibrosis (modified Ashcroft score of 4/8.0) (Fig. 1B, P<0.01). There was no difference between the groups in lesions on CT scans, in total body weight, or in respiratory rate.

Conclusions

One dose of MoAb 2A11 given 24h post‐RT increases animal survival and abrogates interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, supporting potential human relevance of GRP blockade as a treatment to mitigate RTPF following RT exposure, either therapeutic or accidental.

Support or Funding Information

2016–2019 NIH Centers for Medical Countermeasures Against Radiation (CMCR, RadCCOR). Pilot Project: Sunday M (PI) “Oxygen, Gastrin‐Releasing Peptide, and Radiation‐Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis” to test anti‐GRP mAb 2A11 in a well‐characterized rhesus monkey model of radiation‐induced pulmonary fibrosis. (Duke Program Director: Dr. Nelson Chao)

Fig. 1A and 1B as described in abstract

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Evaluation of Novel Serine Protease Inhibitors to Ameliorate Cockroach‐Induced Airway Inflammation and Cell Damage
Authors: Reihill James , Yang Zhixuan , Carroll Emma , McGarvey Lorcan , Lundy Fionnuala , Lockhart John , Sergeant Gerard , Martin Lorraine
Published: June 2021

Exposure to cockroach can lead to allergic airway inflammation. Serine proteases in cockroach extract (CRE) have been demonstrated to affect airway epithelial cells via activation of PARs (protease‐activated receptors) and via release of inflammatory cytokines (GM‐CSF, IL‐8 and IL‐6). The serine protease inhibitor gabexate mesilate (GM) has been shown to attenuate both cockroach‐induced bronchial cell damage and the release of inflammatory cytokines.

The aim of this study was to examine a number of natural peptides, derived from amphibian skin secretions, shown to be trypsin‐like protease inhibitors in an initial screen.

Trypsin‐like protease activity present in German cockroach (Blattella germanica) extract was assayed in the presence or absence of candidate protease inhibitors using a fluorogenic substrate based assay. Cell viability was determined using the RealTime‐Glo assay (Promega). Inflammatory markers were assayed by ELISA.

Four natural peptides were tested versus CRE tryptic activity. A pIC50 of −8.2, −9.1, −5.5 and −7.5 was calculated for QUB‐1812, QUB‐1813, QUB‐1913 and QUB‐2136 respectively. The two inhibitors that displayed greatest potency (QUB‐1813 and QUB‐1812) were further evaluated and shown to rescue CRE‐induced cytotoxicity and inflammation; to a greater extent than elicited by GM.

We have identified two novel natural peptides that potently inhibit the abundant serine trypsin‐like protease activity present in cockroach preparations. Moreover, these peptides protect airway epithelial cells from the toxic and inflammatory effects normally induced by CRE. We will now proceed to test these peptides in advanced models to gain insight as to their potential clinical utility.

Support or Funding Information

BREATH (Border and REgions Airways Training Hub) is funded by the EU's INTERREG Va programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.