bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of a new MATE gene located in the same chromosome arm of the aluminium tolerance (Alt1) rye locus
Authors: Santos E. , Matos M. , Benito C.
Published: March 2020

Aluminium (Al) toxicity is the major constraint for crop productivity in acid soils. Wild rye species (Secale spp.) exhibit high Al tolerance, being a good source of genes related to this trait. The Alt1 locus located on the 6RS chromosome arm is one of the four main loci controlling Al tolerance in rye and is known to harbour major genes but, so far, none have been found.

Through synteny among the short arm of the rye chromosome 6R and the main grass species, we found a candidate MATE gene for the Atl1 locus, later named ScMATE3, which was isolated and characterized in different Secale species.

The sequence comparisons revealed both intraspecific and interspecific variability, with high sequence conservation in the Secale genus. SNP with replacement substitution that changed the structure of the protein and can be involved in the Al tolerance trait were found in ScMATE3 gene. The predicted subcellular localization of ScMATE3 is the vacuolar membrane which, together with the phylogenetic relationships performed with other MATE genes of the Poaceae related to Al detoxification, suggest involvement of ScMATE3 in an internal tolerance mechanism. Moreover, expression studies of this gene in rye corroborate its contribution in some Al resistance mechanisms.

The ScMATE3 gene is located on the 6RS chromosome arm between the same markers in which the Alt1 locus is involved in Al resistance mechanisms in rye, thus being a good candidate gene for this function.
Mitochondrial ribosomal protein S9M is involved in male gametogenesis and seed development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lu C. , Xie Z. , Yu F. , Tian L. , Hao X. , Wang X. , Chen L. , Li D.
Published: March 2020

Mitochondrial function is critical for cell vitality in all eukaryotes including plants. Although plant mitochondria contain many proteins, few have been studied in the context of plant development and physiology.

We used knock‐down mutant RPS9M to study its important role in male gametogenesis and seed development in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Knock‐down of RPS9M in the rps9m‐3 mutant led to abnormal pollen development and impaired pollen tube growth. In addition, both embryo and endosperm development were affected. Phenotype analysis revealed that the rps9m‐3 mutant contained a lower amount of endosperm and nuclear proteins, and both embryo cell division and embryo pattern were affected, resulting in an abnormal and defective embryo. Lowering the level of RPS9M in rps9m‐3 affects mitochondrial ribosome biogenesis, energy metabolism and production of ROS.

Our data revealed that RPS9M plays important roles in normal gametophyte development and seed formation, possibly by sustaining mitochondrial function.
Genome‐wide identification and characterization of the BES1 gene family in apple (Malus domestica)
Authors: Cao X. , Khaliq A. , Lu S. , Xie M. , Ma Z. , Mao J. , Chen B.
Published: March 2020

As the most important transcription factor in the brassinosteroid (BR) signal transduction pathway, BES1 not only affects growth and development of plants but also regulates stress resistance of crops.

The physicochemical properties, gene structure, cis‐acting elements and gene chip expression of apple BES1 transcription factors were analysed using bioinformatics, and expression of this gene family was analysed with qRT‐PCR.

There were 22 members of the apple BES1 transcription factors, distributed on eight chromosomes, divided into seven subtribes (I–VII), and the same subtribe contained the same basic motifs. Gene structure analysis showed that the number and position of exons differed, and there was no upstream and downstream structure. Analysis of cis‐acting elements indicated that BES1 transcription factors contain response elements for hormones and abiotic stress, as well as organ‐specific elements. Gene chip expression profile analysis revealed that expression patterns of BES1 transcription factors differed in different apple hybrids and different organs. In addition, expression of apple BES1 genes was higher in flowers, young fruits, mature fruits and leaves. qRT‐PCR demonstrated that expression of MdBES1 genes was highest 12 h after BR induction. At the same time, there were differences in expression in response to PEG, NaCl and MeJA.

This paper provides a theoretical basis for analysis of the biological function and stress resistance mechanism of BES1 transcription factors in apple.
Recording injuries only during winter competitive season underestimates injury incidence in elite alpine skiers
Authors: Alhammoud Marine , Racinais Sébastien , Rousseaux‐Blanchi Marie‐Philippe , Bouscaren Nicolas
Published: March 2020

Current epidemiological studies in elite alpine skiers are mostly limited to retrospective surveys on in‐season injury. The aim of this study was to determine the risk and pattern of injury in elite alpine skiers during the winter competitive season (WCS) and the summer off‐season (SOS). European Cup skiers were prospectively followed during 5 complete years. A total of 133 skier‐seasons (79 males and 54 females) completed the study. All acute and overuse injuries that required medical attention were registered, representing a total of 166 injuries. Absolute injury incidence was 124.8 (95% CI [106‐145]) injuries per 100 athletes per complete season and was higher during the WCS compared with the SOS, albeit in a smaller magnitude than expected (relative risk ratio (RR) 1.44 [1.06‐1.96]). The absolute incidence of severe injuries (ie, time‐loss >28 days) was twofold higher during WCS compared with SOS (RR 2.19 [1.21‐3.95]). Most common injuries during the 2013‐2015 seasons were knee followed by back (absolute incidences 56 [38‐80] and 20 [10‐36], respectively; RR 2.82 [1.42‐5.61]), but this difference disappeared after 2015 (absolute incidences 25.6 [15.7‐39.6] and 23.1 [13.7‐36.5], respectively; RR 1.11 [0.59‐2.10]). In summary, we found that 98 (59%) injuries occurred during WCS and 68 (41%) during SOS over 5 years. These results demonstrate the necessity to record injuries during the entire year to avoid a significant underestimation of the injury incidence. In addition, the current data showed an evolution of injury pattern over time and since previous reports, with back injuries being the main concern along knee joint injuries.
Outcome in dogs undergoing adrenalectomy for small adrenal gland tumours without vascular invasion
Authors: Cavalcanti Jacqueline V. J. , Skinner Owen T. , Mayhew Philipp D. , Colee James C. , Boston Sarah E.
Published: March 2020

Veterinary studies have reported the outcome of adrenalectomies in dogs; however, these studies typically include a wide variety of adrenal tumour sizes, including cases with or without vascular invasion. The purpose of this study was to report outcome in a cohort of dogs with histologically confirmed small adrenal tumours without vascular invasion treated with adrenalectomy. This retrospective study was conducted using data from the University of Florida and University of California‐Davis databases between 2010 and 2017. Dogs were included if they underwent excision of an adrenal gland tumour with a maximal diameter ≤ 3 cm, without evidence of vascular invasion to any location as assessed via computed tomography. Fifty‐one dogs met the inclusion criteria. The short‐term survival rate of dogs undergoing adrenalectomy was 92.2%, and one‐year disease‐specific survival was 83.3%. Twenty‐eight of 51 (54.9%) dogs were diagnosed with a malignancy. Minor complications were observed commonly intra‐operatively and post‐operatively. Major complications were observed in six dogs, and included sudden death, respiratory arrest, acute kidney injury, haemorrhage, hypotension and aspiration pneumonia. Short‐term mortality occurred in four dogs. Sudden death and haemorrhage were the most common major complications leading to death. While adrenalectomy is sometimes controversial because of the high perioperative mortality rates previously reported, the results of this study support that adrenalectomy for small tumours with no vascular invasion can be performed with low risk.
A Novel Electromechanical Solution for Cam-Switching in High Performance Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: De Martin Andrea , Jacazio Giovanni , Sorli Massimo
Published: March 2020

The variation of the valve lift is a fairly common strategy currently adopted in several in-service internal combustion engines to optimize their performance depending on the operating conditions of the vehicle. The most critical aspect to consider during the conceptual design phase of a cam switch system is the extremely narrow window of opportunity to perform the cam change, which duration is defined by the time during which the corresponding valve lift is null. To meet this requirement and ensure safe, repeatable movements, a novel architecture based on the combination of a new electromechanical actuator and its dedicated control system is presented. The architecture is at first introduced with reference to the numerous examples available in the literature, and hence mathematically described. The dynamic model of the system derived from the presented equation is then used to study the performance of the presented solution and define its control strategy. Results are finally presented and discussed.
Air–Fuel Ratio Imbalance Diagnostic of Spark-Ignited Engines With Modulated Sliding Discrete Fourier Transform
Authors: Yoon Yongsoon , Brahma Avra
Published: March 2020

This paper presents the novel on-board air–fuel ratio (AFR) imbalance diagnostic of spark-ignited (SI) engines. Because of the reciprocating nature of internal combustion engines, while this fault is present, it is known that the exhaust gas oxygen (EGO) sensor signal is accompanied by the oscillating disturbance of which frequency depends on the engine speed, such that it can be represented by the superposition of multiharmonic and DC signals. Motivated from this inherent feature, the novel diagnostic for detection and location of AFR imbalance is developed with modulated sliding discrete Fourier transform (mSDFT) and angular domain sampling. The feasibility is demonstrated with the simulated and measured AFR signals. It turns out that the developed diagnostic is able to identify fault types such as lean or rich imbalance and locate a single cylinder or multiple cylinders having abnormal AFR. It is robust to measurement noise at the expense of slow convergence rate. Spectral leakage is reduced with crank domain sampling such that accuracy in spectral analysis is improved. Finally, the diagnostic has great potential for broad reciprocating machinery.
Assessment of Fatigue Induced Pad Cratering With a Universal Expression of Printed Circuit Board Fatigue Resistance
Authors: Zhang Qiming , Ricky Lee S. W.
Published: March 2020

Repeated loading is an important reason to cause pad cratering fatigue failure in ball grid array (BGA) device in printed circuit board (PCB) assembly. For industry application, the board level drop test is commonly applied to evaluate the pad cratering fatigue strength under the repetitive drop loading. Although this testing method is consistent with the actual service condition of BGA-PCB assembly, it is extremely time consuming in the testing operation and expensive in costs. Another fatigue evaluation testing method for BGA-PCB assembly is the board level cyclic bending test. Compare with the board level drop test, this testing method can be handled by universal testing machine automatically without manual operation during the testing process. In consequence, the cyclic bending test has the merits of simple, fast, and low costs, and it is always desirable to evaluate the repeated drop life of pad cratering with cyclic bending test. This research proposes a correlation between the cyclic bending and repetitive drop test in BGA-PCB assemblies. With assistance of finite element method, the equivalent cyclic bending testing conditions of drop tests are developed. The experimental validation is also conducted to prove accuracy of the correlation. From the analysis of finite element method and experiments, both cyclic bending tests and repetitive drop tests agree with the same strain–number of cycle (S–N) curve. This means the S–N curve can be treated as a generalized failure criterion of fatigue induced pad cratering. The conclusion is crucial for reliability design phases to prevent the pad cratering fatigue failure.
Debinding and Presintering of High Aspect Ratio Microbi-Lumen Tubes Produced by Extrusion of 17-4PH Feedstock
Authors: Kuriakose Sandeep , Cataldo Salvatore , Parenti Paolo , Annoni Massimiliano
Published: March 2020

Recent developments have showcased that micro-extrusion of feedstock can be used for manufacturing metallic microbi-lumen tubes with very high length-to-diameter aspect ratios, which are not viable by conventional metal extrusion or commonly used feedstock processing technologies like injection molding or hot pressing. The extrusion of high aspect ratio microcomponents faces the challenge of maintaining the geometrical accuracy, surface finish, and structural properties since the micro-extrusion in green state is followed by debinding and sintering operations, which result in shrinkage and variations in surface finish and structure. The stages of the process chain such as solvent/thermal debinding (TD), to remove the polymeric binder, and presintering (PS), to achieve a mild structural rigidity before the sintering, are of critical importance to achieve the surface and structural properties of high aspect ratio microparts and have not been yet studied in case of micro-extrusion of feedstock. In this study, the effect of debinding and PS on surface and structural properties of bi-lumen tubes processed at different extrusion conditions is discussed. Surface roughness of the tubes is analyzed using three-dimensional microscopy, and structural properties are studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The debinding and PS experiments on extruded microbi-lumen tubes retained very good surfaces integrity without any cracks or defects. The study shows that the interactions of extrusion temperature and extrusion velocity influence the surface finish of the extruded tubes the most. The sintered bi-lumen samples showed a good areal surface finish, Sa of 2.21 μm, which is near to the green state value confirming the suitability of the applied debinding and PS parameters.
Computed Poststenotic Flow Instabilities Correlate Phenotypically With Vibrations Measured Using Laser Doppler Vibrometry: Perspectives for a Promising In Vivo Device for Early Detection of Moderate and Severe Carotid Stenosis
Authors: Mancini Viviana , Bergersen Aslak W. , Valen-Sendstad Kristian , Segers Patrick
Published: March 2020

Early detection of asymptomatic carotid stenosis is crucial for treatment planning in the prevention of ischemic stroke. Auscultation, the current first-line screening methodology, comes with severe limitations that create urge for novel and robust techniques. Laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) is a promising tool for inferring carotid stenosis by measuring stenosis-induced vibrations. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the feasibility of LDV for carotid stenosis detection. LDV measurements on a carotid phantom were used to validate our previously verified high-resolution computational fluid dynamics methodology, which was used to evaluate the impact of flowrate, flow split, and stenosis severity on the poststenotic intensity of flow instabilities (IFI). We evaluated sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of using IFI for stenoses detection. Linear regression analyses showed that computationally derived pressure fluctuations correlated (R2 = 0.98) with LDV measurements of stenosis-induced vibrations. The flowrate of stenosed vessels correlated (R2 = 0.90) with the presence of poststenotic instabilities. Receiver operating characteristic analyses of power spectra revealed that the most relevant frequency bands for the detection of moderate (56–76%) and severe (86–96%) stenoses were 80–200 Hz and 0–40 Hz, respectively. Moderate stenosis was identified with sensitivity and specificity of 90%; values decreased to 70% for severe stenosis. The use of LDV as screening tool for asymptomatic stenosis can potentially provide improved accuracy of current screening methodologies for early detection. The applicability of this promising device for mass screening is currently being evaluated clinically.
Experimental Investigation of a Combined Photovoltaic Thermal System via Air Cooling for Summer Weather of Egypt
Authors: Maghrabie Hussein M. , Mohamed A. S. A. , Salem Ahmed M.
Published: March 2020

Utilizing photovoltaic (PV) panels for generating electrical power is accompanied with a low electrical efficiency that is further reduced as its surface temperature surpasses an acceptable limit. In order to overcome this critical issue, it is necessary to maintain the PV panels relatively at low surface temperatures as possible as using appropriate cooling systems. The current implementation assesses experimentally the performance of a combined PV thermal (PV/T) system using a forced-air cooling system during April, May, June, and July of summer weather of Egypt. The results reveal that the highest values of the solar intensity and the ambient air temperature are obtained in July. Employing the forced-air cooling system reduces the average temperature on the front and back sides of the PV panel during July by 12% and 12.8%, respectively. In addition, the forced-air cooling system enhances noticeably the electrical power output of the PV panel by 3.3%, 4.3%, 4.5%, and 6.1% during April, May, June, and July, respectively. Moreover, the maximum value of the average thermal efficiency achieved during July is 37%; whereas, the corresponding value of the average overall efficiency fulfilled during April is 48.7%.
Interrater Reliability of the New Sport-Specific Evidence-Based Classification System for Para Va'a
Authors: Rosén Johanna S. , Goosey-Tolfrey Victoria L. , Tolfrey Keith , Arndt Anton , Bjerkefors Anna
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the interrater reliability of a new evidence-based classification system for Para Va'a. Twelve Para Va'a athletes were classified by three classifier teams each consisting of a medical and a technical classifier. Interrater reliability was assessed by calculating intraclass correlation for the overall class allocation and total scores of trunk, leg, and on-water test batteries and by calculating Fleiss’s kappa and percentage of total agreement in the individual tests of each test battery. All classifier teams agreed with the overall class allocation of all athletes, and all three test batteries exhibited excellent interrater reliability. At a test level, agreement between classifiers was almost perfect in 14 tests, substantial in four tests, moderate in four tests, and fair in one test. The results suggest that a Para Va'a athlete can expect to be allocated to the same class regardless of which classifier team conducts the classification.
Effect of Running Speed and Midsole Type on Foot Loading in Heel–Toe Running
Authors: Peng Piaolin , Ding Shaolan , Wang Zhikang , Zhang Yifan , Pan Jiahao
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study was to explore the immediate effects of running speed and midsole type on foot loading during heel–toe running. Fifteen healthy male college students were required to complete 3 running trials on an indoor 45-m tartan runway at 4 different speeds (3, 4, 5, and 6 m/s) using 2 different running footwear types (engineering thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, polyurethane elastomer; and ethylene vinyl acetate, vinyl acetate). The ground reaction force and plantar pressure data were quantified. Significant speed effects were detected both in ground reaction force and plantar pressure-related data (P < .05). Vertical average loading rate was significantly less, and time to first peak occurred later for the polyurethane elastomer compared with vinyl acetate footwear (P < .05). The peak pressure of the heel, medial forefoot, central forefoot, lateral forefoot, and big toe was significantly less when subjects wore a polyurethane elastomer than vinyl acetate footwear (P < .05). Overall, our results suggested that, compared with the vinyl acetate footwear, the special polyurethane elastomer footwear that is adhered with thousands of polyurethane elastomer granules was effective at reducing the mechanical impact on the foot.
Can China's COVID-19 strategy work elsewhere?
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai , Cohen Jon
Published: March 2020

Rapid decline in cases is real, expert mission concludes—but it came at a high cost.
Pentagon's social science research faces threat
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: March 2020

Minerva initiative falls out of favor in latest DOD review of spending priorities.
Using Genetic Distance from Archived Samples for the Prediction of Antibiotic Resistance in
Escherichia coli
Authors: MacFadden Derek R. , Coburn Bryan , Břinda Karel , Corbeil Antoine , Daneman Nick , Fisman David , Lee Robyn S. , Lipsitch Marc , McGeer Allison , Melano Roberto G. , Mubareka Samira , Hanage William P.
Published: March 2020

The rising rates of antibiotic resistance increasingly compromise empirical treatment. Knowing the antibiotic susceptibility of a pathogen’s close genetic relative(s) may improve empirical antibiotic selection. Using genomic and phenotypic data for
Escherichia coli
isolates from three separate clinically derived databases, we evaluated multiple genomic methods and statistical models for predicting antibiotic susceptibility, focusing on potentially rapidly available information, such as lineage or genetic distance from archived isolates.
An analysis of the factors that control fault zone architecture and the importance of fault orientation relative to regional stress
Authors: Fletcher John M. , Teran Orlando J. , Rockwell Thomas K. , Oskin Michael E. , Hudnut Kenneth W. , Spelz Ronald M. , Lacan Pierre , Dorsey Matthew T. , Ostermeijer Giles , Mitchell Thomas M. , Akciz Sinan O. , Hernandez-Flores Ana Paula , Hinojosa-Corona Alejandro , Peña-Villa Ivan , Lynch David K.
Published: March 2020

The moment magnitude 7.2 El Mayor–Cucapah (EMC) earthquake of 2010 in northern Baja California, Mexico produced a cascading rupture that propagated through a geometrically diverse network of intersecting faults. These faults have been exhumed from depths of 6–10 km since the late Miocene based on low-temperature thermochronology, synkinematic alteration, and deformational fabrics. Coseismic slip of 1–6 m of the EMC event was accommodated by fault zones that displayed the full spectrum of architectural styles, from simple narrow fault zones (< 100 m in width) that have a single high-strain core, to complex wide fault zones (> 100 m in width) that have multiple anastomosing high-strain cores. As fault zone complexity and width increase the full spectrum of observed widths (20–200 m), coseismic slip becomes more broadly distributed on a greater number of scarps that form wider arrays. Thus, the infinitesimal slip of the surface rupture of a single earthquake strongly replicates many of the fabric elements that were developed during the long-term history of slip on the faults at deeper levels of the seismogenic crust. We find that factors such as protolith, normal stress, and displacement, which control gouge production in laboratory experiments, also affect the architectural complexity of natural faults. Fault zones developed in phyllosilicate-rich metasedimentary gneiss are generally wider and more complex than those developed in quartzo-feldspathic granitoid rocks. We hypothesize that the overall weakness and low strength contrast of faults developed in phyllosilicate rich host rocks leads to strain hardening and formation of broad, multi-stranded fault zones. Fault orientation also strongly affects fault zone complexity, which we find to increase with decreasing fault dip. We attribute this to the higher resolved normal stresses on gently dipping faults assuming a uniform stress field compatible with this extensional tectonic setting. The conditions that permit slip on misoriented surfaces with high normal stress should also produce failure of more optimally oriented slip systems in the fault zone, promoting complex branching and development of multiple high-strain cores. Overall, we find that fault zone architecture need not be strongly affected by differences in the amount of cumulative slip and instead is more strongly controlled by protolith and relative normal stress.
Group cognitive behavioural courses may reduce fatigue from rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Cook Rob , Davidson Peter , Martin Rosie
Published: March 2020

The study

Hewlett S, Almeida C, Ambler N, et al. Reducing arthritis fatigue impact: two-year randomised controlled trial of cognitive behavioural approaches by rheumatology teams (RAFT). Ann Rheum Dis 2019;78:465-72.

Hewlett S, Almeida C, Ambler N, et al. Group cognitive behavioural programme to reduce the impact of rheumatoid arthritis fatigue: the RAFT RCT with economic and qualitative evaluations. Health Technol Assess 2019;23:57.

This project was funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment Programme (project number 11/112/01).

To read the full NIHR Signal, go to: https://discover.dc.nihr.ac.uk/content/signal-000860/group-cognitive-behavioural-courses-may-reduce-fatigue-from-rheumatoid-arthritis
Outcomes of pancreas transplantation in older diabetic patients
Authors: Montagud-Marrahi Enrique , Molina-Andújar Alicia , Pané Adriana , Ramírez-Bajo Maria José , Amor Antonio , Esmatjes Enric , Ferrer Joana , Musquera Mireia , Diekmann Fritz , Ventura-Aguiar Pedro
Published: March 2020

Objective

Improvement in insulin alternatives is leading to a delayed presentation of microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of older (≥50 years) diabetic patients who receive a pancreas transplantation (PT).

Research design and methods

We retrospectively evaluated all 338 PTs performed at our center between 2000 and 2016 (mean follow-up 9.4±4.9 years). Recipient and graft survivals were estimated for up to 10 years after PT. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) before and after PT were included in the analysis.

Results

Thirty-nine patients (12%) were ≥50 years old (52.7±2.3 years) at the day of PT, of which 29 received a simultaneous pancreas–kidney transplantation (SPK) and 10 a pancreas after kidney transplantation (PAK). SPK recipients were first transplants, whereas in the PAK up to 50% were pancreas re-transplantations. Recipient and pancreas graft survivals at 10 years were similar between the group <50 years old and the older group for both SPK and PAK (log-rank p>0.05). The prevalence of MACE prior to PT was similar between both groups (31% vs 29%). Following PT, older recipients presented inferior post-transplant MACE-free survival. In a multivariate regression model, diabetes vintage (HR 1.054, p=0.03) and pre-transplantation MACE (HR 1.98, p=0.011), but not recipient age (HR 1.45, p=0.339), were associated with post-transplant MACE.

Conclusions

Long-term survival of older pancreas transplant recipients are similar to younger counterparts. Diabetes vintage, but not age, increased the risk of post-transplantation MACE. These results suggest pancreas transplantation is a valuable treatment alternative to older diabetic patients.
Eligibility criteria for biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in axial spondyloarthritis: going beyond BASDAI
Authors: Marona Jose , Sepriano Alexandre , Rodrigues-Manica Santiago , Pimentel-Santos Fernando , Mourão Ana Filipa , Gouveia Nélia , Branco Jaime Cunha , Santos Helena , Vieira-Sousa Elsa , Vinagre Filipe , Tavares-Costa João , Rovisco João , Bernardes Miguel , Madeira Nathalie , Cruz-Machado Rita , Roque Raquel , Silva Joana Leite , Marques Mary Lucy , Ferreira Raquel Miriam , Ramiro Sofia
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To compare definitions of high disease activity of the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) in selecting patients for treatment with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs).

Methods

Patients from Rheumatic Diseases Portuguese Register (Reuma.pt) with a clinical diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) were included. Four subgroups (cross-tabulation between ASDAS (≥2.1) and BASDAI (≥4) definitions of high disease activity) were compared regarding baseline characteristics and response to bDMARDs at 3 and 6 months estimated in multivariable regression models.

Results

Of the 594 patients included, the majority (82%) had both BASDAI≥4 and ASDAS ≥2.1. The frequency of ASDAS ≥2.1, if BASDAI<4 was much larger than the opposite (ie, ASDAS <2.1, if BASDAI≥4): 62% vs 0.8%. Compared to patients fulfilling both definitions, those with ASDAS ≥2.1 only were more likely to be male (77% vs 51%), human leucocyte antigen B27 positive (79% vs 65%) and have a higher C reactive protein (2.9 (SD 3.5) vs 2.1 (2.9)). Among bDMARD-treated patients (n=359), responses across subgroups were globally overlapping, except for the most ‘stringent’ outcomes. Patients captured only by ASDAS responded better compared to patients fulfilling both definitions (eg, ASDAS inactive disease at 3 months: 61% vs 25% and at 6 months: 42% vs 25%).

Conclusion

The ASDAS definition of high disease activity is more inclusive than the BASDAI definition in selecting patients with axSpA for bDMARD treatment. The additionally ‘captured’ patients respond better and have higher likelihood of predictors thereof. These results support using ASDAS≥2.1 as a criterion for treatment decisions.
The mitogenome of a Malagasy butterfly Malaza fastuosus (Mabille, 1884) recovered from the holotype collected over 140 years ago adds support for a new subfamily of Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera)
Authors: Zhang Jing , Lees David C. , Shen Jinhui , Cong Qian , Huertas Blanca , Martin Geoff , Grishin Nick V.
Published: March 2020

Malaza fastuosus is a lavishly patterned skipper butterfly from a genus that has three described species, all endemic to the mainland of Madagascar. To our knowledge, M. fastuosus has not been collected for nearly 50 years. To evaluate the power of our techniques to recover DNA, we used a single foreleg of an at least 140-year-old holotype specimen from the collection of the Natural History Museum London with no destruction of external morphology to extract DNA and assemble a complete mitogenome from next generation sequencing reads. The resulting 15 540 bp mitogenome contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and an A+T rich region, similarly to other Lepidoptera mitogenomes. Here we provide the first mitogenome also for Trapezitinae (Rachelia extrusus). Phylogenetic analysis of available skipper mitogenomes places Malaza outside of Trapezitinae and Barcinae + Hesperiinae, with a possible sister relationship to Heteropterinae. Of these, at least Heteropterinae, Trapezitinae, and almost all Hesperiinae have monocot-feeding caterpillars. Malaza appears to be an evolutionarily highly distinct ancient lineage, morphologically with several unusual hesperiid features. The monotypic subfamily Malazinae Lees & Grishin subfam. nov. (type genus Malaza) is proposed to reflect this morphological and molecular evidence.
The generalized Klein–Gordon oscillator in the background of cosmic string space-time with a linear potential in the Kaluza–Klein theory
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin
Published: March 2020

In this work, we study the generalized Klein–Gordon oscillator with interactions on a curved background within the Kaluza–Klein theory. We solve the generalized Klein–Gordon oscillator in the cosmic string space-time with a linear scalar potential and obtain the energy eigenvalue and corresponding eigenfunction. We show that the energy spectrum depends on the global parameters characterizing the space-time and the confining potential parameter. We also solve the generalized Klein–Gordon oscillator in a magnetic cosmic string background in the Kaluza–Klein theory with a linear scalar potential and analyze the analogue effect to the Aharonov–Bohm effect for bound states.
Neuroprotective Effect of Rhodiola crenulata in D-Galactose-Induced Aging Model
Authors: Chen Hsiu-I , Ou Hsiu-Chung , Chen Chung-Yu , Yu Shao-Hong , Cheng Shiu-Min , Wu Xu-Bo , Lee Shin-Da
Published: March 2020

The medicinal plant Rhodiola crenulata grows at high altitudes in the Arctic and mountainous regions and is commonly used in phytotherapy in Eastern European and Asian countries. In the present study, we investigated the anti-apoptotic effect of Rhodiola crenulata and its neuroprotective mechanism of action in a rat model of D-galactose-induced aging. Two groups of twelve-week-old male Wistar rats received a daily injection of D-galactose (150[Formula: see text]mg/kg/day, i.p.) and orally administered Rhodiola crenulata (0, 248[Formula: see text]mg/kg/day) for eight weeks, while a control group received a saline injection (1[Formula: see text]ml/kg/day, i.p.). We examined apoptosis in the cortex and hippocampus of three groups of rats based on a terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated deoxy uridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) positive assay. The expression levels of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins in excised brains were analyzed by Western blotting. Our findings indicated that D-galactose caused marked neuronal apoptosis via activation of both extrinsic-dependent and mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathways. When compared to the control group, the protein levels of Fas receptor, Fas ligand, Fas-associated death domain (FADD), and activated caspase-8 (Fas-dependent apoptotic pathways), as well as those of t-Bid, Bax, cytochrome [Formula: see text], activated caspase-9, and activated caspase-3 (mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathways), were significantly increased in the D-galactose treated group. In addition, D-galactose impaired the phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt, an important survival signaling event in neurons. Rhodiola crenulata, however, protected against all these neurotoxicities in aging brains. The present study suggests that neuronal survival promoted by Rhodiola crenulata may be a potentially effective method to enhance the resistance of neurons to age-related disorders.
Corydalis saxicola Alkaloids Attenuate Cisplatin-Induced Neuropathic Pain by Reducing Loss of IENF and Blocking TRPV1 Activation
Authors: Kuai Cui-Ping , Ju Lin-Jie , Hu Pei-Pei , Huang Fang
Published: March 2020

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common complication of cisplatin, which is characterized by intolerable paresthesia, burning, and hyperalgesia, and severely impacts the life quality of patients. However, no clearly potent drug has been found for clinical medication due to its undefined mechanism. Corydalis Saxicola Bunting, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been proven to work well in anti-inflammation, blood circulations improvement, hemostasis, and analgesia. This study was designed to observe the effects of Corydalis saxicola Bunting total alkaloids (CSBTA) on cisplatin-induced neuropathic pain and to explore its potential mechanisms. In this study, the rats received intraperitoneal injection of 2[Formula: see text]mg/kg cisplatin twice a week for five weeks. Meanwhile, oral administration of low (30[Formula: see text]mg/kg)-, medium (60[Formula: see text]mg/kg)- and high (120[Formula: see text]mg/kg)-dose CSBTA were given daily for five weeks. By using Von-frey hair, heat radiant and [Formula: see text]C cold acetone, we found that CSBTA could obviously relieve cisplatin-induced mechanical, heat, and cold hyperalgesia. It has been verified that cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy is related to intraepidermal nerve fibers loss and activation of inflammation downstream. Our research found that Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-[Formula: see text]), Interleukin-1beta (IL-1[Formula: see text]), and Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were significantly increased by 10 intraperitoneal injections of cisplatin, and such pro-inflammation cytokines could be reduced via CSBTA administration. Besides, in the cisplatin model group, the neuronal structures of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were severely damaged and the loss of intraepidermal nerve fibers occurred; but in the CSBTA administration groups, all above pathological changes were improved. Moreover, CSBTA could normalize the overexpression levels of p-p38 and Transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor (TRPV1) induced by cisplatin in DRG, trigeminal ganglion (TG), spinal cord, and foot of rats. In summary, we considered that CSBTA exerted its therapeutic effects by ameliorating neuronal damages, improving intraepidermal nerve fiber (IENF) loss, and inhibiting inflammation-induced p38 phosphorylation to block TRPV1 activation. These findings were the first to confirm the analgesic effect of CSBTA on CIPN and suggested a novel strategy for treating CIPN in clinic.
A study of DINKIC inflationary dynamics with non-interacting imperfect fluid
Authors: Saleem R. , Shahid Iqra , Zubair M.
Published: March 2020

This paper is keen to study the generalized DBI-inspired non-minimal kinetic coupling inflationary model with non-interacting imperfect fluid in the framework of FRW universe. This is a newly proposed model with an interesting feature of having a correction term [Formula: see text] in the perturbed equation of motion due to the nonlinearity of the kinetic term. The power spectrum remains scale invariant both in large-[Formula: see text] and small-[Formula: see text] limits. In order to discuss the inflationary dynamics, the non-interacting inflaton and imperfect fluid including bulk viscosity are considered to be the cosmic matter contents. We consider large field potential and derive the exact solution of inflaton and perturbed parameters. Further, we investigate the nature of the perturbed parameters in detail, specifically on the potential-driven case, and compare the consequences to the current PLANCK/BICEP observational data. We also analyze the corresponding tensor spectrum, which will be tested by the future observations on primordial gravitational waves.
Anisotropic universe models with magnetized strange quark matter in f(R) gravity theory
Authors: Özdemir Onur , Aktaş Can
Published: March 2020

In this study, we have investigated generalized anisotropic universe models for magnetized strange quark matter (MSQM) distribution in the framework of [Formula: see text] gravitation theory. For this aim, we have used linearly varying deceleration parameter suggested by Akarsu and Dereli (2012) and equation of state for strange quark matter. For LRS Bianchi I universe model, the magnetic field was obtained as zero. But it was found to be different from zero for other universe models. Also, the geometric and physical aspects of the model are discussed in the conclusion.
The deleterious role of the prostaglandin E2 EP3 receptor in angiotensin II hypertension
Authors: Bryson Timothy D. , Pandrangi Teja S. , Khan Safa Z. , Xu Jiang , Pavlov Tengis S. , Ortiz Pablo A. , Peterson Edward , Harding Pamela
Published: March 2020

Angiotensin II (ANG II) plays a key role in regulating blood pressure and inflammation. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) signals through four different G protein-coupled receptors, eliciting a variety of effects. We reported that activation of the EP3 receptor reduces cardiac contractility. More recently, we have shown that overexpression of the EP4 receptor is protective in a mouse myocardial infarction model. We hypothesize in this study that the relative abundance of EP3 and EP4 receptors is a major determinant of end-organ damage in the diseased heart. Thus EP3 is detrimental to cardiac function and promotes inflammation, whereas antagonism of the EP3 receptor is protective in an ANG II hypertension (HTN) model. To test our hypothesis, male 10- to 12-wk-old C57BL/6 mice were anesthetized with isoflurane and osmotic minipumps containing ANG II were implanted subcutaneously for 2 wk. We found that antagonism of the EP3 receptor using L798,106 significantly attenuated the increase in blood pressure with ANG II infusion. Moreover, antagonism of the EP3 receptor prevented a decline in cardiac function after ANG II treatment. We also found that 10- to 12-wk-old EP3-transgenic mice, which overexpress EP3 in the cardiomyocytes, have worsened cardiac function. In conclusion, activation or overexpression of EP3 exacerbates end-organ damage in ANG II HTN. In contrast, antagonism of the EP3 receptor is beneficial and reduces cardiac dysfunction, inflammation, and HTN.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study is the first to show that systemic treatment with an EP3 receptor antagonist (L798,106) attenuates the angiotensin II-induced increase in blood pressure in mice. The results from this project could complement existing hypertension therapies by combining blockade of the EP3 receptor with antihypertensive drugs.
Effect of Tai Chi Training on Plantar Loads during Walking in Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Zhang Zhiwang , Huang Lingyan , Liu Yu , Wang Lin
Published: March 2020

Tai Chi is an available method for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The impacts of Tai Chi on plantar loads of individuals with KOA are not fully understood. 46 participants with knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned into the Tai Chi group (n = 23) or the control group (n = 23). The Tai Chi group attended a 6‐month Tai Chi program, and the control group participated in a wellness education program. Novel Pedar‐X system was used to collect the peak pressure (PP) and maximum force (MF) during walking before and 6 months after the intervention. Significant higher peak pressure and maximum force were observed in the 4th and 5th metatarsophalangeal joints in the Tai Chi group. However, there were significant declines in the peak pressure of the whole foot and the 2nd and 3rd metatarsophalangeal joints and maximum force of the heel in the control group. These results suggested that individuals with KOA might change the pattern of plantar loads during walking through Tai Chi, and plantar loads would be useful as a parameter to assess the effect of Tai Chi on knee osteoarthritis. This trial is registered with Clinical Trials: CHiCTR-TRC-13003264.
Parathyroid Carcinoma: An Up-to-Date Retrospective Multicentric Analysis
Authors: Quaglino Francesco , Manfrino Luca , Cestino Luca , Giusti Massimo , Mazza Enrico , Piovesan Alessandro , Palestini Nicola , Lauro Corrado , Castellano Elena
Published: March 2020

Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is a rare disease responsible for about 1% of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) cases. PC usually has an indolent course, tough to differentiate from the benign causes of PHPT, and the only certain diagnosis is histologic. The gold standard surgical treatment is the en bloc resection associated with the homolateral thyroid loboistmectomy. The aim of this study was to underline the main differences between PC and benign PHPT, along with gathering epidemiological knowledge relative to PC in our region. Data from the regional cancer network (Rete Oncologica del Piemonte e della Valle d’Aosta) since 2007 have been reported, including 21 patients from three hospitals (AO S. Croce e Carle of Cuneo, AOU Città della Salute of Turin, and ASL Città di Torino). The incidence of the disease, gender, age at time of diagnosis, presence of renal and bone symptoms, serum calcium and PTH levels, surgical technique performed, and percentage of recurrence were analysed. PC data were than compared with a series of patients affected by benign PHPT, referred to ASL Città di Torino, Maria Vittoria Hospital, from 2007 to 2019. A PC incidence of 0.05 cases per 100,000 inhabitants was found in our region. Benign forms occurred more frequently in females (p=0.0002), while PC equally occurred in males and females and affected younger patients (p=0.026). Serum calcium and PTH levels were significantly higher in PC patients; accordingly, typical PHPT symptoms were more frequently reported in PC than in benign PHPT. In the PC group, the en bloc resection shows a 13 times lower risk for relapse compared with all the other surgical techniques. PC is equally gender distributed, and the average patients’ age is in the fifth decade of life. It is usually functioning, with greater biochemical activity and multiple symptoms. A not-radical surgical resection is associated with a higher recurrence rate. A meticulous presurgical evaluation of PHPT patients showing PC’s evocative features is mandatory to obtain a complete disease extirpation.
Right Coronary Artery to Coronary Sinus Fistula Post Endomyocardial Biopsy: A Case Report of a Rare Complication
Authors: Rali Aniket S. , Sami Farhad , Sauer Andrew , Shah Zubair
Published: March 2020

Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) continues to remain the gold standard for surveillance of rejection post orthotropic heart transplantation (OHT). It can be performed under fluoroscopic or echocardiographic guidance. In the hands of an experienced operator, the complications of EMB are uncommon with <1% chance of any serious acute complications. Most common complications of EMB include access site-related complications, namely, venous thrombosis, carotid cannulation, hematoma, air embolism, and pneumothorax. We present a case of a rare complication of EMB in a patient with OHT causing a coronary sinus to right coronary artery (RCA) fistula.
Modified Novikov Operators and the Kastler-Kalau-Walze-Type Theorem for Manifolds with Boundary
Authors: Wei Sining , Wang Yong
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we give two Lichnerowicz-type formulas for modified Novikov operators. We prove Kastler-Kalau-Walze-type theorems for modified Novikov operators on compact manifolds with (respectively without) a boundary. We also compute the spectral action for Witten deformation on 4-dimensional compact manifolds.
Alterations of Retinal Pigment Epithelium–Photoreceptor Complex in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus without Diabetic Retinopathy: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Xia Zheren , Chen Hao , Zheng Suilian
Published: March 2020

Aim. A cross-sectional study was performed to examine the alterations of the retinal pigment epithelium– (RPE–) photoreceptor complex layer in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) without diabetic retinopathy (DR), using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Methods. Patients with type 2 DM without DR and healthy controls without DM were recruited. All participants underwent examinations including SD-OCT. The thickness measurements of the retinal neural layers were calculated after automatic segmentation. An independent-sample t-test was used to compare the means of the thickness of retinal neural layers in patients with DM and healthy controls. Results. Sixty-seven eyes from 67 patients with DM and 30 eyes from 30 healthy controls were included in this study. No significant differences were found in age (P = 0.601), gender (P = 0.560), axial length (P = 0.414), best-corrected visual acuity (P = 0.963), or intraocular pressure (P = 0.112) between the two groups. There were significant increases in the hemoglobin A1c value (P < 0.001) and mean thicknesses of the RPE–photoreceptor complex layer in the foveal area (P = 0.027) and paracentral area (P = 0.001) in the DM group compared to the control group, whereas the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber and ganglion cell layers in the foveal and paracentral areas between the two groups showed no significant differences. Conclusion. Lesions in the RPE–photoreceptor complex are present without vascular abnormalities, which may precede the alterations of ganglion cells in patients with type 2 DM.