bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutral baryonic systems with strangeness
Authors: Garcilazo H. , Valcarce A. , Vijande J.
Published: February 2020

We review the status as regards to the existence of three- and four-body bound states made of neutrons and [Formula: see text] hyperons. For interesting cases, the coupling to neutral baryonic systems made of charged particles of different strangeness has been addressed. There are strong arguments showing that the [Formula: see text] system has no bound states. [Formula: see text] strong stable states are not favored by our current knowledge of the strangeness [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] baryon–baryon interactions. However, a possible [Formula: see text] quasibound state decaying to [Formula: see text] might exist in nature. Similarly, there is a broad agreement about the nonexistence of [Formula: see text] bound states. However, the coupling to [Formula: see text] states opens the door to a resonance above the [Formula: see text] threshold.
Modeling Influence with Semantics in Social Networks
Authors: Razis Gerasimos , Anagnostopoulos Ioannis , Zeadally Sherali
Published: February 2020

The discovery of influential entities in all kinds of networks (e.g., social, digital, or computer) has always been an important field of study. In recent years, Online Social Networks (OSNs) have been established as a basic means of communication and often influencers and opinion makers promote politics, events, brands, or products through viral content. In this work, we present a systematic review across (i) online social influence metrics, properties, and applications and (ii) the role of semantic in modeling OSNs information. We found that both areas can jointly provide useful insights towards the qualitative assessment of viral user-generated content, as well as for modeling the dynamic properties of influential content and its flow dynamics.
Review—Recent Progresses in 4D Printing of Gel Materials
Authors: Ahmed Kumkum , Shiblee MD Nahin Islam , Khosla Ajit , Nagahara Larry , Thundat Thomas , Furukawa Hidemitsu
Published: February 2020

4D printing is based on 3D printing technology with an added dimension, where the printed structure evolves as a function of time. Materials that are stimuli-responsive are used for 4D printing such as shape memory alloys and polymers etc. Once these materials are 3D printed, they can morph into complex geometries on being exposed to external stimuli such as heat, temperature, pH etc. Among various stimuli responsive materials, gels are of great interest to soft robotics community because of their toughness and flexibility. Designing of complex 4D printed gel objects that are preprogrammed to morph into otherwise unattainable geometries opens the door for numerous applications in every field of science and technology. This paper presents a comprehensive review of current trends, prospects and challenges in 4D printing of gel materials with a focus towards their applications in soft robotics and bionic devices.
Breast Biomechanics: What Do We Really Know?
Authors: McGhee Deirdre E. , Steele Julie R.
Published: February 2020

Although half the world’s population will develop breasts, there is limited research documenting breast structure or motion. Understanding breast structure and motion, however, is imperative for numerous applications, such as breast reconstruction, breast modeling to better diagnose and treat breast pathologies, and designing effective sports bras. To be impactful, future breast biomechanics research needs to fill gaps in our knowledge, particularly related to breast composition and density, and to improve methods to accurately measure the complexities of three-dimensional breast motion. These methods should then be used to investigate breast biomechanics while individuals, who represent the full spectrum of women in the population, participate in a broad range of activities of daily living and recreation.
Melatonin in Mitochondria: Mitigating Clear and Present Dangers
Authors: Reiter Russel J. , Ma Qiang , Sharma Ramaswamy
Published: February 2020

In cancer cells, glucose is primarily metabolized to pyruvate and then to lactate in the cytosol. By allowing the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA in mitochondria, melatonin reprograms glucose metabolism in cancer cells to a normal cell phenotype. Acetyl-CoA in the mitochondria also serves as a necessary co-factor for the rate-limiting enzyme in melatonin synthesis, thus ensuring melatonin production in mitochondria of normal cells.
Spontaneous Condyle-Like Development after Total Resection of Mandible Giant Osteochondroma: Case Report and a Follow-Up for Five Years
Authors: de Oliveira Filho Marco Antonio , Almeida Luis Eduardo , Doetzer Andrea Duarte , Giovanini Allan Fernando , Malafaia Osvaldo
Published: February 2020

Osteochondroma manifests as a benign tumor that occurs as an abnormal bony development. This tumor is commonly asymptomatic and presents an exophytic outgrowth on bone surfaces, near synovial joints, a condition that invariably induces evident facial deformities. Treatment for this type of tumor usually involves a surgical approach promoting a total or partial resection of the affected anatomical area associated to prosthetic reconstruction of the bone area extracted. We present a case report about a giant mandibular condyle osteochondroma in a 37-year-old female patient. Her treatment involved a total condylectomy without immediate condylar reconstruction, which would be performed in a posterior surgical approach. During the patient’s follow-up (every 6 months of post operation), a spontaneous and rudimentary condyle-like formation was observed. Because the stomatognathic function and facial harmony were satisfactory, we observed the condyle-like development for 5 years of follow-up. Also, because both the aesthetic aspect and functional evolution of the maxillary bone were considered satisfactory, no complementary reconstruction surgical treatment was required for the giant osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle.
Circular RNA hsa_circ_0000467 Promotes the Development of Gastric Cancer by Competitively Binding to MicroRNA miR‐326‐3p
Authors: Mo Wei Lie , Jiang Jing Ting , Zhang Luo , Lu Qi Cheng , Li Jing , Gu Wei Dong , Cheng Yun , Wang Hai Tao
Published: February 2020

Circular RNAs are a class of endogenous noncoding RNAs that play an important role in gene regulation. These RNAs are involved in the development and progression of various cancers, but their roles in gastric cancer have not yet been thoroughly elucidated. This study showed that hsa_circ_0000467 expression was higher in gastric cancer tissues than in corresponding adjacent tissues (P < 0.050) and that hsa_circ_0000467 expression levels were correlated with gastric cancer histological grade (P < 0.050). In addition, hsa_circ_0000467 was remarkably upregulated in gastric cancer cell lines (P < 0.001). Cell function experiments indicated that hsa_circ_0000467 downregulation decreased the proliferation and invasion ability of BGC‐823 and SGC‐7901 cells and the number of cells entering the G2/M phase. A direct binding interaction was detected between hsa_circ_0000467 and miR‐326‐3p by dual‐luciferase reporter assays. In addition, the results showed that inhibition of miR‐326‐3p reversed the decreases in the proliferation and invasion of BGC‐823 and SGC‐7901 cells caused by hsa_circ_0000647 downregulation. Inhibition of miR‐326‐3p also decreased the number of cells entering the G2/M phase and the expression of cyclin D1. In conclusion, hsa_circ_0000467 plays a regulatory role in the development and progression of gastric cancer by regulating miR‐326‐3p, and this circRNA may be a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target of gastric cancer.
Time in Range, as a Novel Metric of Glycemic Control, Is Reversely Associated with Presence of Diabetic Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy Independent of HbA1c in Chinese Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Guo Qingyu , Zang Pu , Xu Shaoying , Song Wenjing , Zhang Zhen , Liu Chunyan , Guo Zhanhong , Chen Jing , Lu Bin , Gu Ping , Shao Jiaqing
Published: February 2020

Objective. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between time in range (TIR), a new metric of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods. A total of 349 individuals with T2DM were enrolled in this study. Evaluating by the standard cardiac autonomic reflex tests (CARTs), there were 228 diabetic individuals without cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (without confirmed CAN) including absent CAN (n=83 cases) and early CAN (n=145 cases) and 121 diabetic individuals complicated with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) including definite CAN (n=109 cases) and severe CAN (n=12 cases). All patients underwent 3-day CGM. TIR is defined as the time percent during a 24-hour period when the glucose is in the range of 3.9-10 mmol/L. The Spearman analysis was used to analyze the correlation between TIR and CART parameters, total CAN score. The logistic regression was applied to analyze the relationship between TIR and CAN by adjusting for the age, duration of diabetes, sex, lipid situation, serum creatinine, body mass index, blood pressure, HbA1c (%), and other glycemic variability (GV) metrics. Results. The total presence of CAN was 34.67% (definite CAN 31.23% and severe CAN 3.44%). Patients with more severe CAN had lower TIR (P<0.001). With increasing quartiles of TIR, the presence of CAN by severity declined (P<0.05). TIR is inversely correlated with total score of CAN (P<0.001) and positively associated with heart rate variation during the lying to standing, Valsalva maneuver, and deep breathing (P<0.05). The logistic regression found a robust association between TIR and CAN independent of HbA1c and GV metrics. Conclusion. TIR is associated with the presence of CAN independent of HbA1c and GV metrics in Chinese type 2 diabetes.
Growth Differentiation Factor 15 in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease and after Renal Transplantation
Authors: Thorsteinsdottir Hjordis , Salvador Cathrin Lytomt , Mjøen Geir , Lie Anine , Sugulle Meryam , Tøndel Camilla , Brun Atle , Almaas Runar , Bjerre Anna
Published: February 2020

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of our study was to evaluate plasma and urinary levels of GDF-15 after pediatric renal transplantation (Rtx) and in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its associations to cardiovascular risk factors. In this cross-sectional study, GDF-15 was measured in plasma and urine from 53 children with a renal transplant and 83 children with CKD and related to cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, obesity, and cholesterol) and kidney function. Forty healthy children served as a control group. Plasma levels of GDF-15 (median and range) for a Tx (transplantation) cohort, CKD cohort, and healthy controls were, respectively, 865 ng/L (463-3039 ng/L), 508 ng/L (183-3279 ng/L), and 390 ng/L (306-657 ng/L). The CKD and Tx cohorts both had significantly higher GDF-15 levels than the control group (p<0.001). Univariate associations between GDF-15 and hyperuricemia (p<0.001), elevated triglycerides (p=0.028), low HDL (p=0.038), and obesity (p=0.028) were found. However, mGFR (p<0.001) and hemoglobin (p<0.001) were the only significant predictors of GDF-15 in an adjusted analysis. Urinary GDF-15/creatinine ratios were 448 ng/mmol (74–5013 ng/mmol) and 540 ng/mmol (5–14960 ng/mmol) in the Tx cohort and CKD cohort, respectively. In the CKD cohort, it was weakly correlated to mGFR (r=−0.343, p=0.002). Plasma levels of GDF-15 are elevated in children with CKD and after Rtx. The levels were not associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors but strongly associated with renal function.
Male Breast Cancer: Reevaluate Our Opinion
Authors: Kale Santosh , Rammohan Rajmohan , Vas Vilma , Elsayad Chris
Published: February 2020

Male breast cancers (MBCs) are relatively uncommon malignancy with less than 1% incidence. MBC presents at a later age with a more advanced presentation as compared to the female breast cancer. Due to the paucity of the number of cases and trials regarding the MBC, female breast cancer treatment protocols are applied. Mastectomy and hormonal therapy remains the mainstay of treatment. Moreover, the data about prognosis of MBC remains limited.
Short-Term Prognosis Value of sST2 for an Unfavorable Outcome in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Farcaş Anca Daniela , Mocan Mihaela , Anton Florin Petru , Diana Mocan-Hognogi Larisa , Chiorescu Roxana Mihaela , Stoia Mirela Anca , Vonica Camelia Larisa , Goidescu Cerasela Mihaela , Vida-Simiti Luminița Animarie
Published: February 2020

Background. sST2 represents a useful biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with heart failure, but limited data is available on its role in patients with hypertension. The aim of this study is to evaluate the short-term prognosis value of sST2 for an unfavorable outcome in hypertensive patients.Methods. This was a prospective observational study which enrolled 80 patients with hypertension, who were followed for one year. All patients underwent clinical, laboratory (including sST2), and echocardiographic assessment at baseline. The patients were grouped according to the cardiovascular (CV) events reported during the follow-up: group A (with CV events) and group B (without CV events).Results. Overall, 59 CV events were reported during the follow-up period. Compared to group B, the patients in group A had significantly higher sST2 levels, a higher number of CV risk factors, and a higher left ventricle mass. Except for the diastolic dysfunction parameters, the echocardiographic findings were similar in the two groups. Patients in group A had a lowerE/Aratio, larger deceleration time, and increased telediastolic pressure as quantified by theE/E′ratio than those in group B. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that sST2 and fasting plasma glucose at baseline were independent predictors for the CV events reported during the follow-up period.sST2 levels>28.5 ng/mLwere associated with poor clinical outcomes (p=0.006, Kaplan-Meier analysis).Conclusions. sST2 levels were correlated with the risk of adverse CV outcomes in hypertensive patients and may represent a useful prognostic marker in these patients.
Acute Coronary Syndrome after 17 Years of Bare Metal Stent Implantation: “Very” Very Late Stent Thrombosis
Authors: Rao K Raghavendra , Reddy S. , Kashyap J. R. , Vikas K. , Reddy Hithesh , Ramalingam Vadivelu
Published: February 2020

Very late stent thrombosis (VLST) is a catastrophic and life-threatening complication after percutaneous coronary intervention which presents as an acute coronary syndrome with significantly high mortality and morbidity. VLST is a rare entity with drug-eluting stents and even rarer with bare metal stents. The exact pathophysiologic mechanism of VLST after BMS implantation is not known although various mechanisms have been proposed. Recently, in-stent neoatherosclerosis with intimal plaque rupture has been proposed as a potential mechanism of VLST after BMS. We report a rare case of VLST occurring 17 years after BMS implantation with angiographic and intravascular imaging evidence which provides insight into the mechanisms of VLST.
A Novel Approach for Rehabilitation of a Subtotal Maxillectomy Patient with Immediately Loaded Basal Implant-Supported Prosthesis: 4 Years Follow-Up
Authors: Osman Motaz , Ahmad Abdelnasir G. , Awadalkreem Fadia
Published: February 2020

The prosthetic rehabilitation of maxillary defect can be achieved successfully by using an implant-supported prosthesis. The use of remote bony areas such as the zygomatic bone in cases of large defects provides an innovative substitute for free vascularized osteocutaneous flaps and the solution to flap failures. This report describes the rehabilitation of a 22-year-old female with a subtotal maxillectomy using an immediately loaded basal implant-supported prosthesis. Four basal cortical screw implants (BCS®) are inserted; 1 on the contralateral nasal floor, 2 implants in the pterygoid plates, and the last in the zygomatic bone using cone beam computed tomography scans. The prosthesis was constructed and cemented in 3 days. The surgical and prosthetic procedures were performed without any obstacles. After 4 years in function, the patient was highly satisfied with the treatment as it improved her mastication, speech, aesthetic and returned her self-esteem. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical report detailing the use of basal implant-retained obturator in a subtotal maxillectomy patient.
Rapidly Progressive Acute Kidney Injury Associated with Nivolumab Treatment
Authors: Okawa Sachi , Fujiwara Keiichi , Shimonishi Atsushi , Matsuura Hiroaki , Ozeki Taichi , Nishimura Jun , Kayatani Hiroe , Minami Daisuke , Shinno Yoko , Sato Ken , Ota Kosuke , Shibayama Takuo
Published: February 2020

A 63-year-old man with pulmonary adenocarcinoma was treated with nivolumab. High fever developed within several hours after the first administration of nivolumab; subsequently, serum creatinine levels kept increasing daily. We diagnosed acute kidney injury (AKI) as an immune-related adverse event; the patient was initially treated with 50 mg prednisolone, and the dose was then tapered. Renal biopsy pathologically revealed tubulointerstitial inflammation with strong infiltration of only T cells that were CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+. The infiltration of CD163+ M2 macrophage was also observed. AKI within 1 week after the administration of nivolumab seems to be rare; therefore, the present case provides important findings useful in daily clinical practice.
A constituição de uma sociabilidade republicana paulista nos tempos da propaganda (1876-1885)
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Educação, Menezes Roni Cleber Dias de
Published: February 2020

Trata-se de uma tentativa de avaliar a construção de interpretações sobre o propalado atraso das instituições políticas e sociais brasileiras, constatadas, em grande medida, pela acreditada inadequação das políticas educacionais do Estado Monárquico, no interior das forças republicanas paulistas que acabaram de formar-se depois da Convenção de Itu de 1873. A perspectiva adotada procurou observar os temas, escolhas e filiações ideológicas, políticas e pedagógicas de alguns de seus integrantes em um ângulo que privilegia a formação educacional, profissional e política de tais atores, acompanhando sua convivência em determinados espaços de atuação na cena pública. Pormenorizadamente, buscou-se a recomposição dos itinerários de um grupo de cerca de uma dezena de pessoas, núcleo consolidado no decorrer das duas décadas que antecedem a Proclamação da República, mas que, por intersecções múltiplas, aproveita-se de experiências compartilhadas de seus membros que retroagem até o final da década de 1850, quando da formação intelectual e profissional de vários deles na Academia de Direito de São Paulo.
Arte urbana em museus universitários de arte contemporânea latino-americanos
Authors: Carneiro Fabiane Schafranski
Published: February 2020

Este artigo trata de exposições de arte urbana, concebida por artistas latino-americanos, em museus de arte contemporânea de universidades públicas da América Latina. Consiste na valorização da produção e circulação desta arte, a partir das abordagens de Brian O’Doherty e Ignacio Szmulewicz. Adota como estudos de caso quatro exposições e discute caminhos para estas práticas artísticas.
Cultura e geopolítica
Authors: Sousa Laura Levi Costa
Published: February 2020

Este artigo explora como a política externa norte-americana e os embates específicos do campo cultural se sobrepõem na trajetória de exposições do MoMA, buscando desvelar como os imaginários de arquitetura latinoamericana cristalizados na exposição Latin American Architecture since 1945 (1955) se articulam com os esforços de integração do subcontinente noarcabouço geopolítico da Guerra Fria.
Acordando dentro de uma pergunta: imensidão entre fronteiras e (não) ilusão na obra de Marcius Galan
Authors: Tolotti Lucas Procópio de Oliveira
Published: February 2020

O presente ensaio procura se aprofundar nas obras Água parada (2019) e Seção diagonal (2008) de Marcius Galan. Guiado pelo texto poético de Anne Carson e pela filosofia de Gaston Bachelard, o estudo reúne questionamentos que emergem dos trabalhos do artista, situados na investigação de uma percepção de imensidão íntima, fronteiriça e de equilíbrio mínimo que se pauta em movimentos de aparente ilusão.
Desafios em expor, limites da autoria
Authors: Ruggiero Amanda Saba
Published: February 2020

Da “morte do autor” (R. Barthes) ao questionamento do “o que é um autor?” (Michel Foucault, 1969), debate-se amplo horizonte a respeito da história das ideias e da cultura material, desde abordagens histórico-sociais à produção literária. A relevância do texto em versões revisitadas e ampliadas, como as do historiador Roger Chartier e o filósofo Giorgio Agamben, incita reflexões sobre a função-autor à luz da contemporaneidade. Ao pensar sobre pequenos deslocamentos e desvios da vida hodierna, busca-se neste artigo aprofundar reflexões para outras linguagens, como a escrita, práticas expositivas e relações entre instituições, espaços, autoria, narrativas e curadoria. A propósito de encontrar corpo a incitar e conclamar alguma profanação, a exposição pensada como um dispositivo estrutura bases para o objeto investigado.
O olhar de Giorgio Agamben sobre as Ninfas
Authors: Rahme Anna Maria
Published: February 2020

O texto propõe uma análise do livro Ninfas, 2007, de Giorgio Agamben, no qual o autor se apropria da figura mítica da ninfa e recompõe a história da humanidade, pelos fantasmas e imagens, abordando os conceitos de natureza, mito, reprodução, recepção, memória, movimento, renovação, vida, tempo, signo, imaginação. A resenha crítica mantém o foco sobre os diálogos que Agamben promove com diferentes pensadores e artistas, mas fundamentalmente com o pesquisador Aby Warburg e o filósofo Walter Benjamin.
Reducing the Population Burden of Coronary Heart Disease by Modifying Adiposity: Estimates From the ARIC Study
Authors: Gellert Kapuaola S. , Keil Alexander P. , Zeng Donglin , Lesko Catherine R. , Aubert Ronald E. , Avery Christy L. , Lutsey Pamela L. , Siega‐Riz Anna Maria , Windham B. Gwen , Heiss Gerardo
Published: February 2020

Background

Excess adiposity, which affects 69% of
US
adults, increases coronary heart disease (
CHD
) risk in an association that manifests below conventional obesity cut points. The population‐level impact on
CHD
risk that is attainable through modest adiposity reductions in populations is not well characterized. We estimated the effect of hypothetical reductions in both body mass index (
BMI
) and waist circumference (
WC
) on
CHD
incidence.

Methods and Results

The study population included 13 610 ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) participants. Our hypothetical reduction in
BMI
or
WC
was applied relative to the temporal trend, with no hypothetical reduction among those with
BMI
>24 or
WC
>88 cm, respectively. This threshold for hypothetical reduction is near the clinical guidelines for excess adiposity.
CHD
risk differences compared the hypothetical reduction with no reduction. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to estimate the effect of applying the hypothetical
BMI
reduction at the established overweight cut point of 25. Cumulative 12‐year
CHD
incidence with no intervention was 6.3% (95% CI, 5.9–6.8%). Risk differences following the hypothetical
BMI
and
WC
reductions were −0.6% (95% CI, −1.0% to −0.1%) and −1.0% (95% CI, −1.4% to −0.5%), respectively. These results were robust for the sensitivity analyses. Consequently, we estimated that this hypothetical reduction of 5% in
BMI
and
WC,
respectively, could have prevented 9% and 16%, respectively, of the
CHD
events occurring in this study population over 12 years, after adjustment for established
CHD
risk factors.

Conclusions

Meaningful
CHD
risk reductions could derive from modest reductions in adiposity attainable through lifestyle modification.
Effects of Isometric Handgrip Training in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: A. Correia Marilia , Oliveira Paulo L. , Farah Breno Q. , Vianna Lauro C. , Wolosker Nelson , Puech‐Leao Pedro , Green Daniel J. , Cucato Gabriel G. , Ritti‐Dias Raphael M.
Published: February 2020

Background

Meta‐analyses have shown that isometric handgrip training (
IHT
) can reduce brachial systolic and diastolic blood pressure (
BP
) by >6/4 mm Hg, respectively. However, whether
IHT
promotes these effects among patients with peripheral artery disease, who exhibit severe impairment in cardiovascular function, is currently unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of
IHT
on the cardiovascular function of patients with peripheral artery disease.

Methods and Results

A randomized controlled trial with peripheral artery disease patients assigned to either the
IHT
or control group was conducted. The
IHT
group performed 3 sessions per week, for 8 weeks, of unilateral handgrip exercises, consisting of 4 sets of isometric contractions for 2 minutes at 30% of maximum voluntary contraction and a 4‐minute interval between sets. The control group received a compression ball in order to minimize the placebo effects, representing sham training. The primary outcome was brachial
BP
. The secondary outcomes were central
BP
, arterial stiffness parameters, cardiac autonomic modulation, and vascular function. The
IHT
program reduced diastolic
BP
(75 [10] mm Hg preintervention versus 72 [11] mm Hg postintervention), with no change in the control group (74 [11] mm Hg preintervention versus 74 [11] mm Hg postintervention), with this between‐group difference being significant (
P
=0.04). Flow‐mediated dilation improved in the
IHT
group (6.0% [5.7] preintervention versus 9.7% [5.5] postintervention), with no change in the control group (7.6% [5.5] preintervention versus 7.4% [5.1] postintervention), with this between‐group difference being significant (
P
=0.04). There was no change in other measured variables over the intervention period.

Conclusions

IHT
reduced brachial diastolic
BP
and improved local vascular function in patients with peripheral artery disease.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
. Unique identifier:
NCT
02742220.
Clinical Care Recommendations for Cardiologists Treating Adults With Myotonic Dystrophy
Authors: McNally Elizabeth M. , Mann Douglas L. , Pinto Yigal , Bhakta Deepak , Tomaselli Gordon , Nazarian Saman , Groh William J. , Tamura Takuhisa , Duboc Denis , Itoh Hideki , Hellerstein Leah , Mammen Pradeep P. A.
Published: February 2020

Myotonic dystrophy is an inherited systemic disorder affecting skeletal muscle and the heart. Genetic testing for myotonic dystrophy is diagnostic and identifies those at risk for cardiac complications. The 2 major genetic forms of myotonic dystrophy, type 1 and type 2, differ in genetic etiology yet share clinical features. The cardiac management of myotonic dystrophy should include surveillance for arrhythmias and left ventricular dysfunction, both of which occur in progressive manner and contribute to morbidity and mortality. To promote the development of care guidelines for myotonic dystrophy, the Myotonic Foundation solicited the input of care experts and organized the drafting of these recommendations. As a rare disorder, large scale clinical trial data to guide the management of myotonic dystrophy are largely lacking. The following recommendations represent expert consensus opinion from those with experience in the management of myotonic dystrophy, in part supported by literature‐based evidence where available.
Longitudinal Association of Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease With Changes in Myocardial Structure and Function: The CARDIA Study
Authors: VanWagner Lisa B. , Wilcox Jane E. , Ning Hongyan , Lewis Cora E. , Carr John Jeffrey , Rinella Mary E. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Lima Joao A. C. , Lloyd‐Jones Donald M.
Published: February 2020

Background

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with high cardiovascular morbidity/mortality, including heart failure. Abnormalities in left ventricular (LV) structure/function are associated with heart failure risk.

Methods and Results

Participants from the population‐based CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) study year 25 exam (2010–2011, aged 43–55 years, 61% women, 48% black) with computed tomography measured liver fat and comprehensive echocardiography were included. Echocardiography was repeated at year 30 follow‐up (aged 47–62 years, N=1827). NAFLD was defined as liver attenuation ≤40 HU after exclusions. LV geometry was classified into normal and abnormal by integrating relative wall thickness and LV mass index. Diastolic function was defined using Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging. Systolic function was assessed with myocardial strain measured by speckle tracking. NAFLD prevalence was 8.7% (n=159). NAFLD participants had higher LV mass, relative wall thickness, incident LV hypertrophy and abnormal LV geometry versus non‐NAFLD (
P
<0.02). NAFLD participants had impaired LV relaxation (E/A ratio 1.1 versus 1.2), higher LV filling pressures (E/e′ ratio 7.9 versus 7.2), worse longitudinal strain (−13.9% versus −15.3%), and lower LV ejection fraction (58.9% versus 60.2%,
P
<0.01). In multivariable analyses adjusted for heart failure risk factors, NAFLD was independently associated with incident LV hypertrophy (odds ratio: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1–3.4), abnormal LV geometry (odds ratio: 1.9, 1.1–3.3) and greater change in strain (odds ratio: 2.2, 1.1–4.7). Adjustment for body mass index attenuated associations to non‐significance.

Conclusions

NAFLD is associated with subclinical changes over time in LV structure/function and obesity explains much of the association. Presence of obesity in mid‐life may identify an important at‐risk population in whom to focus preventive heart failure strategies.
Interpreting the Tape of Life: Ancestry-Based Analyses Provide Insights and Intuition about Evolutionary Dynamics
Authors: Dolson Emily , Lalejini Alexander , Jorgensen Steven , Ofria Charles
Published: February 2020

Fine-scale evolutionary dynamics can be challenging to tease out when focused on the broad brush strokes of whole populations over long time spans. We propose a suite of diagnostic analysis techniques that operate on lineages and phylogenies in digital evolution experiments, with the aim of improving our capacity to quantitatively explore the nuances of evolutionary histories in digital evolution experiments. We present three types of lineage measurements: lineage length, mutation accumulation, and phenotypic volatility. Additionally, we suggest the adoption of four phylogeny measurements from biology: phylogenetic richness, phylogenetic divergence, phylogenetic regularity, and depth of the most-recent common ancestor. In addition to quantitative metrics, we also discuss several existing data visualizations that are useful for understanding lineages and phylogenies: state sequence visualizations, fitness landscape overlays, phylogenetic trees, and Muller plots. We examine the behavior of these metrics (with the aid of data visualizations) in two well-studied computational contexts: (1) a set of two-dimensional, real-valued optimization problems under a range of mutation rates and selection strengths, and (2) a set of qualitatively different environments in the Avida digital evolution platform. These results confirm our intuition about how these metrics respond to various evolutionary conditions and indicate their broad value.
Neural Autopoiesis: Organizing Self-Boundaries by Stimulus Avoidance in Biological and Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Masumori Atsushi , Sinapayen Lana , Maruyama Norihiro , Mita Takeshi , Bakkum Douglas , Frey Urs , Takahashi Hirokazu , Ikegami Takashi
Published: February 2020

Living organisms must actively maintain themselves in order to continue existing. Autopoiesis is a key concept in the study of living organisms, where the boundaries of the organism are not static but dynamically regulated by the system itself. To study the autonomous regulation of a self-boundary, we focus on neural homeodynamic responses to environmental changes using both biological and artificial neural networks. Previous studies showed that embodied cultured neural networks and spiking neural networks with spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) learn an action as they avoid stimulation from outside. In this article, as a result of our experiments using embodied cultured neurons, we find that there is also a second property allowing the network to avoid stimulation: If the agent cannot learn an action to avoid the external stimuli, it tends to decrease the stimulus-evoked spikes, as if to ignore the uncontrollable input. We also show such a behavior is reproduced by spiking neural networks with asymmetric STDP. We consider that these properties are to be regarded as autonomous regulation of self and nonself for the network, in which a controllable neuron is regarded as self, and an uncontrollable neuron is regarded as nonself. Finally, we introduce neural autopoiesis by proposing the principle of stimulus avoidance.
Convolutional Neural Networks as a Model of the Visual System: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Lindsay Grace W.
Published: February 2020

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) were inspired by early findings in the study of biological vision. They have since become successful tools in computer vision and state-of-the-art models of both neural activity and behavior on visual tasks. This review highlights what, in the context of CNNs, it means to be a good model in computational neuroscience and the various ways models can provide insight. Specifically, it covers the origins of CNNs and the methods by which we validate them as models of biological vision. It then goes on to elaborate on what we can learn about biological vision by understanding and experimenting on CNNs and discusses emerging opportunities for the use of CNNs in vision research beyond basic object recognition.
The Legal Protection of Minorities from International Law and Arab Mashreq Perspectives
Authors: Barafi Jamal , Georges Nael
Published: February 2020

The international protection of human rights, including those of religious minorities, has mainly developed through instruments adopted under the framework of the United Nations. After clarifying the concept of minorities, this article focuses on the legal protection of minority rights, particularly of religious minorities, under international instruments. It sheds light on the participation of Arab Mashreq states in the preparation of these instruments, in terms of their position in the elaboration of the instruments, and their multiple reservations. It offers an objective analysis of the issue of religious minorities in the Arab Mashreq region, and the necessity to respect their rights fully in order to build democracy and states of citizenship.
Anglo-Catholics and the Ordination of Women: Some Unanswered Questions
Authors: Karlowicz Tobias A.
Published: February 2020

Within the subset of Anglicanism known as Anglo-Catholicism, the theological debate over women’s ordination to the priesthood has focused on two categories of argument: the tradition of the church, and the symbolism of the priesthood. These, however, are subject to conflicting interpretations. Some seek to continue the received practice of an all-male priesthood, and explain it by reference to symbolic arguments, often Christological in nature. Others, however, argue for a development of egalitarian precedents in the New Testament to address the perceived exclusion of women from the church. This article analyses the debate between these positions both through close criticism of the main arguments, and through a broader structural evaluation of the debate as a whole. This analysis indicates unanswered questions of Christology, anthropology, and development, which are essential to the progress of the debate and the integrity of both positions.
Towards the Interchangeability of Anglican and Methodist Deacons
Authors: Chapman David M.
Published: February 2020

This article examines the prospects for the interchangeability of Anglican and Methodist deacons in Britain with reference to the latest teaching document from the Methodist Church concerning the diaconate. Drawing on this resource, as well as the present ordinals of the Church of England and the Methodist Church, the article demonstrates how Anglicans and Methodists converge in their theological understanding that deacons participate in the martyria, diakonia and leitourgia of the Church – including the ministry of word and sacrament – in ways proper to their office and by virtue of their ordination. The article concludes by posing questions for further investigation concerning the relationship between the diaconate and presbyterate.
Afterlives of the Republic of Letters: Learned Journals and Scholarly Community in the Early Nineteenth Century
Authors: Solleveld Floris
Published: February 2020

What happened to the Republic of Letters? Its history seems to stop at the end of the eighteenth century. And yet, in the nineteenth century, there still existed a community gathered in scholarly societies, maintaining a transnational correspondence network and filling learned journals. The term indeed becomes less frequent, but does not go entirely out of use. This article traces the afterlives of the Republic of Letters in the early nineteenth century. Specifically, it investigates texts that attempt to (re)define the Republic of Letters or a cognate, the wider diffusion of the term, and the changing role of learned journals in that period. While most attempts to reinvent the Republic of Letters failed miserably, they indicate a diagnosis of the state of learning and the position of scholars in a period of transition, and in doing so they contradict an ‘unpolitical’ conception of the Republic of Letters.
Facilitating Narrative Change in Career Construction Counseling
Authors: Cardoso Paulo Miguel , Savickas Mark L. , Gonçalves Miguel M.
Published: February 2020

Career Construction Counseling fosters client change by evoking and elaborating innovative moments in client narratives. In this article, we describe four types of dialogues that counselors may use to prompt narrative novelty and foster client change: (a) identify and evaluate the effects of innovative moments, (b) highlight contrasting self-positions, (c) ask about changes achieved, (d) promote a meta-perspective on change. Vignettes from a case are used to illustrate how to use IM markers as a heuristic guide for when to engage in these four types of dialogues.
Epidemiology of penetrating injury in an urban versus rural level 1 trauma center in the Netherlands
Authors: Rikken Quinten GH , Chadid Abdes , Peters Joost , Geeraedts Leo MG , Giannakopoulos Georgios F , Tan Edward CTH
Published: February 2020

Background:

Penetrating injury can encompass a large spectrum of injuries dependent on the penetrating object, the location of entry, and the trajectory of the object through the human body. Therefore, the management of penetrating injuries can be challenging and often requires rapid assessment and intervention. No universal definition of penetrating injury exists in the literature and little is known about the demographics and outcome of penetrating injury in the Netherlands.

Objective:

A research was carried out to ascertain the size and outcome of penetrating injuries in two level‐one trauma centers in the Netherlands.

Methods:

Using the trauma registry of the Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen and VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam, all patients with penetrating injury were identified who were admitted to these level 1 trauma centers in the period between January 1, 2009, and January 1, 2014. Penetrating injury was defined as an injury that caused disruption of the body surface and extended into the underlying tissue or into a body cavity. Data concerning age, gender, mechanism of injury, Glasgow Coma Scale, number of injuries, type of injury, and Injury Severity Score were collected and analyzed. Patient results were stratified by Injury Severity Score.

Results:

In total, 354 patients were identified, making up around 2% of all admitted trauma patients 3.1% (VU Medical Center) and 1.6% (Radboud Medical Center). Patients were overwhelmingly male (83.1%) and median age was 36 years (range = 1–88 years). Most injuries were caused by stabbings (51.1%) followed by shootings (26.3%). Admission to the intensive care unit occurred in 41.1% of all patients. Median stay in the intensive care unit was 5.1 days (range = 1–96 days) and median total hospital stay was 8 days (range = 1–95 days). Mortality among these patients was 7.1%, ranging from 0% among patients with Injury Severity Score 1–8 to 100% in patients with Injury Severity Score > 34. High mortality figures were associated with injuries caused by firearms (19.4%), injuries to the head (27.9%), and alleged assaults (10.9%). Differences in demographics between the two centers were not significant.

Conclusion:

Penetrating injury is a relative rare occurrence in the Netherlands compared with other countries. It is associated with high mortality and substantial hospital costs. The incidence of penetrating injuries is higher in metropolitan areas than in rural areas. A universal definition of penetrating trauma should be agreed upon in order to ensure that future studies remain free of bias, and also to ensure that data remain homogeneous.
Care-seeking behavior and disclosure on self-reported mental health among young women in urban Shanghai, China
Authors: Schwank Simone Eliane , Andersson Ewa , Wickberg Birgitta , Fu Shih-Chien , Ding Yan , Lindgren Helena
Published: February 2020

Mental health is a major public health concern in China. Help-seeking behavior typically does not involve professionals. Aim of the study was to assess Shanghai women’s care-seeking behavior for common mental health disorders. Using an online survey, fielding questions regarding perinatal mental health status and help-seeking behavior. A total of 487 women participated. One fifth of participants reporting badwell-being did not seek help for mental distress. A total of 82.2 percent seek online support. A majority entrusted in family and avoided professional contact. Mother-in-laws were the least trusted source of support. Shanghai women avoid seeking professional help for mental health issues. Friends, spouses, and online resources are preferred venues.
GPRASP proteins are critical negative regulators of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Morales-Hernandez Antonio , Benaksas Chaïma , Chabot Ashley , Caprio Claire , Ferdous Maheen , Zhao Xiwen , Kang Guolian , McKinney Freeman Shannon L
Published: February 2020

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is often exploited to treat hematologic disease. Donor HSCs must survive, proliferate and differentiate in the damaged environment of the reconstituting niche. Illuminating molecular mechanisms regulating the activity of transplanted HSCs will inform efforts to improve HSCT. Here, we report that GPRASP proteins function as negative regulators of HSCT. Silencing of Gprasp1 or Gprasp2 increased the survival, quiescence, migration, niche retention and hematopoietic repopulating activity of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) post-transplant. We further show that GPRASP1 and GPRASP2 promote the degradation of CXCR4, a master regulator of HSC function during transplantation. CXCR4 accumulates in Gprasp-deficient HSPCs, boosting their function post-transplant. Thus, GPRASPs negatively regulate CXCR4 stability in HSCs. Our work reveals GPRASP proteins as negative regulators of HSCT and CXCR4 activity. Disruption of GPRASP/CXCR4 interactions could be exploited in the future to enhance the efficiency of HSCT.
All Polymer Dielectric Films for Achieving High Energy Density Film Capacitors by Blending Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride-Trifluoroethylene-Chlorofluoroethylene) with Aromatic Polythiourea
Authors: Li Chengwei , Shi Liuwei , Yang Wenyao , Zhou Yujiu , Li Xiali , Zhang Chengguang , Yang Yajie
Published: February 2020

Construct dielectric films with high energy density and efficiency are the key factor to fabricate high-performance dielectric film capacitors. In this paper, an all organic composite film was constructed based on high dielectric polymer and linear dielectric polymer. After the optimized polycondensation reaction of a linear dielectric polymer aromatic polythiourea (ArPTU), the proper molecular weight ArPTU was obtained, which was introduced into poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE-CFE) terpolymer for a composite dielectrics. The results indicate that the addition of ArPTU molecules reduces the dielectric loss and improves the breakdown field strength of the PVDF-TrFE-CFE effectively. For the PVDF-TrFE-CFE/ArPTU (90/10) composite film, the maximum energy density about 22.06 J/cm3at 407.57 MV/m was achieved, and high discharge efficiency about 72% was presented. This composite material can be casted on flexible substrate easily, and PVDF-TrFE-CFE/ArPTU organic composite films having high energy density, high breakdown field strength, low dielectric loss, and higher discharge efficiency are obtained. This is an unreported exploration about high energy density organic dielectric films based on PVDF-TrFE-CFE matrix and linear polymer dielectrics, and the findings of this research can provide a simple and scalable method for producing flexible high energy density materials for energy storage devices.
Correction to: Treatment adherence and blood pressure outcome among hypertensive out-patients in two tertiary hospitals in Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Adisa Rasaq , Ilesanmi Olumide Ayodeji , Fakeye Titilayo Oyelola
Published: February 2020

“After publication of our article [1] we became aware that we had not obtained permission to reproduce the questions from the eight-item Morisky’s Medication Adherence Scale.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy complicated by cardiac tamponade due to non-hemorrhagic pericardial effusion: a case report
Authors: Nagamori Yuta , Hamaoka Takuto , Murai Hisayoshi , Takashima Shinichiro , Kato Takeshi , Usui Soichiro , Sakata Kenji , Furusho Hiroshi , Kawashiri Masaaki , Takamura Masayuki
Published: February 2020

Background

Cardiac tamponade is a rare but serious complication of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC). Two cases of cardiac tamponade subsequent to TC have been reported. The pericardial effusion in these cases was hemorrhagic and caused by ventricular rupture. Cardiac tamponade induced by an inflammatory effusion complicated with TC has not been reported. This is the first case report of TC, which developed cardiac tamponade during the recovery phase with a large volume non-hemorrhagic inflammatory effusion.

Case presentation

We describe a case of an 81-year-old woman admitted to our hospital because of severe chest pain. Her symptoms began soon after her son’s hospitalization. We diagnosed her with TC based on results of an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and emergent coronary angiography. Her symptoms and left ventricular dysfunction improved gradually. She developed newly confirmed chest pain and dyspnea on day 9 after admission. A large pericardial effusion developed, resulting in cardiac tamponade. Her symptoms and hemodynamic status improved immediately after the pericardiocentesis. The effusion was non-hemorrhagic and exudative. No specific signs of infection, collagen disease, or malignant tumors were observed, except for TC.

Conclusions

We experienced a case of circulatory collapse induced by TC-related inflammatory pericardial effusion at recovery phase. This case emphasizes the importance of careful follow-up even after improved left ventricular dysfunction in a patient with TC.