bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 16557: Hemodynamic Stress Activates a Comprehensive Adaptive Program in Murine Aortic Cells That Protects the Aortic Wall and Maintains Aortic Homeostasis
Authors: Zhang Chen , Li Yanming , Ren Pingping , Luo Wei , Zhang Lin , Lu Hong S , Cassis Lisa A , Coselli Joseph S , Daugherty Alan , Lemaire Scott A , Shen Ying H
Published: May 2021

Background:
The aorta adapts to changes in its biomechanical environment and insufficient adaptation results in aortic failure. However, the molecular and cellular processes underlying this adaptive response are poorly understood. In this study, we performed single-cell transcriptomic and single-cell epigenomic analyses to investigate gene expression and epigenetic regulation responses in aortas subjected to hemodynamic stress.

Methods and Results:
Angiotensin II infusion in wild-type mice (C57BL/6J) increased ascending aorta wall thickness that was associated with smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) production. ScRNA-seq revealed an adaptive response in several SMC clusters that was characterized by upregulation of genes in processes such as proliferation, cell junction organization, ECM production and organization, wound healing, as well as DNA repair and anti-oxidation. ScATAC-seq showed increased chromatin accessibility at the locus of these adaptive genes. Motif analysis of the accessible regions showed that several transcription factors and chromatin architecture proteins may be involved in regulating these adaptive response genes. Among these, Yap1 was significantly activated in response to the aortic challenge. YAP1-based ChIP-seq in aortic SMCs indicated that YAP1 and its transcription partners can directly bind to genes involved in the adaptive response to biomechanical stretch. Finally, SMC-specific knockout of
Yap1
resulted in a compromised adaptive response and increased expression of genes involved in protein disassembly or degradation, and cell death in all SMC clusters, leading to contractile dysfunction, aortic aneurysm, dissection, and rupture.

Conclusion:
In mice, hemodynamic stress induces a comprehensive and coordinated adaptive response in SMCs that is critical for maintaining aortic homeostasis. YAP1 in SMCs play an important role in promoting this adaptive response in aortic wall.
Abstract 16562: Association of County-Level Social Vulnerability Index and Cardiovascular Disease in the United States, 1999-2018
Authors: Youmans Quentin R , McCabe Megan E , Yancy Clyde W , Petito Lucia , Kershaw Kiarri N , Allen Norrina B , Khan Sadiya S
Published: May 2021

Introduction:
Social determinants of health are multi-dimensional and span various interrelated domains. In order to inform community-engaged clinical and policy efforts, we sought to examine the association between a national social vulnerability index (SVI) and age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) of CVD.

Hypothesis:
Higher county-level SVI or greater vulnerability will be associated with higher AAMR of CVD between 1999-2018 in the United States.

Methods:
In this serial, cross-sectional analysis, we queried CDC WONDER for age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 population for cardiovascular disease (I00-78) at the county-level between 1999-2018. We quantified the association of county-level SVI and CVD AAMR using Spearman correlation coefficients and examined trends in CVD AAMR stratified by median SVI at the county-level. Finally, we performed geospatial county-level analysis stratified by combined median SVI and CVD AAMR (high/high, high/low, low/high, and low/low).

Results:
We included data from 2766 counties (representing 95% of counties in the US) with median SVI 0.53 (IQR 0.28, 0.76). Overall SVI and the household and socioeconomic subcomponents were strongly correlated with 2018 CVD AAMR (0.47, 0.50, and 0.56, respectively with p<0.001 for all). CVD mortality declined between 1999-2011 and was stagnant between 2011-2018 with similar patterns in high and low SVI counties (FIGURE). Counties with high SVI and CVD AAMR were clustered in the South and Midwest (n=977, 35%).

Conclusion:
County-level social vulnerability is associated with higher CVD mortality. High SVI and CVD AAMR coexist in more than 1 in 3 US counties and have persisted over the past 2 decades. Identifying counties that are disproportionately vulnerable may inform targeted and community-based strategies to equitably improve cardiovascular health across the country.
Abstract 16603: Appropriate Timing of Pacemaker Implantation in Patients With Wild-Type and Variant Amyloidogenic Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Kawahara Yusei , Ito Miwa , Hoshiyama Tadashi , Kanazawa Hisanori , Tsujita Kenichi
Published: May 2021

Background and Objectives:
It has been shown that cardiac conduction disorders can be seen in patients with wild-type amyloidogenic transthyretin (ATTRwt) and variant ATTR (ATTRv) cardiac amyloidosis. However, its appropriate timing of pacemaker implantation has not been clarified yet.

Methods and Results:
The consecutive 100 patients with ATTRwt cardiac amyloidosis who diagnosed by myocardium biopsy and/or technetium-99m-pyrophosphate scintigraphy and 62 patients with ATTRv cardiac amyloidosis who diagnosed by means of genetic screening were included in this study. In patients with ATTRwt cardiac amyloidosis, 21 patients have normal conduction at the time of diagnosis. However, conduction disorder had seen in only 5 patient (first degree atrioventricular block (AVB); 4 patients, complete AVB; 1 patients) and only one patient underwent cardiac implantable electric device (CIED) implantation during follow-up period. On the other hand, in patients with ATTRv cardiac amyloidosis, 36 patients have normal conduction at the time of diagnosis. However, conduction disorder had seen in 13 patient (first degree AVB; 8 patients, second degree AVB; 3 patients, trifascicular block; 1 patients, complete AVB; 1 patients) (5/21 vs 13/36, p=0.335) and 6 patients underwent CIED implantation during follow-up period (1/21 vs 6/36, p=0.186). Furthermore, in ATTRwt cardiac amyloidosis, 10 patients (first degree AVB; 2 patients, second degree AVB; 1 patient, trifascicular block; 7 patients) had underwent CIED implantation because of cardiac conduction disorders and/or prevention of sudden cardiac death. However, only 4 patients with trifascicular block progressed to complete AVB.On the other hand, In ATTRv cardiac amyloidosis, 14 patients (first degree AVB; 2 patients, second degree AVB; 4 patient, trifascicular block; 8 patients) had underwent CIED implantation for same reason. However, only 3 patients with trifascicular block progressed to complete AVB.

Conclusions:
Patients with ATTRv cardiac amyloidosis were more likely to progress conduction disorders than those with ATTRwt cardiac amyloidosis. However, prophylactic pacemaker implantation might had not need in both ATTRwt and ATTRv patients with first or second degree AVB.
Abstract 16662: Central Lymphatic Dysfunction is a Contributing Cause of Tissue Congestion in Heart Failure
Authors: Zviman Menekhem M , Smith Christopher L , Teson Jacquelyn , Birati Edo , Dori Yoav
Published: May 2021

Introduction:
Symptomatic Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. HF with right sided symptoms may result in fluid overload including edema and ascites. The pathophysiology of fluid overload is poorly understood with no clear association between symptoms and hemodynamic parameters.

Hypothesis:
In animals with RHF and elevated CVP, the presence of ascites correlates with changes in lymphatic function and is independent of myocardial function and hemodynamic parameters.

Methods:
RHF was induced in fifteen swine animals by creating severe tricuspid regurgitation. Hemodynamics and anatomic changes were characterized using fluoroscopy, echocardiogram, and MRI. Measurements of the thoracic duct (TD) were made in the abdomen and thorax and the cross-sectional area was calculated. TD regurgitant flow was identified with ethiodized oil injection into the TD and was noted to be present or absent. Data is reported as median (IQR).

Results:
All 15 animals developed RHF with a dilated right atrium (RA) and right ventricle (RV). Nine animals developed ascites. Comparing animals with and without ascites, there were no differences in IVC pressure(mmHg) 11.5 (7.7-13.4) vs. 11.9 (10.2-17.4) (p= 0.364), SVC pressure 12.8 (11.3-16.8) vs. 12 (8.3-14.9) (p=0.343). Other hemodynamics parameters including pulmonary artery (PA), RV, and RA pressure were also not significantly different. In addition, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction was normal in both groups (68.7% (57.9-74.8) vs. 55% (53.1-69.4) (p=0.135)). However, animals in the ascites group had larger relative liver volume (mL/Kg) 59.1 (65.1-51.9) vs. 34.85 (42.3-24.1) (p = 0.003), larger dimension of the minimal TD size (mm) 3.2 (5.8-2.7) vs. 2.2 (2.6-2.0) (p=0.04), and more animals had TD regurgitant flow 89% vs. 16% (p=0.01).

Conclusion:
In animal model with RV failure, there is no association between hemodynamic parameters and occurrence of ascites, consistent with observations in humans. In contrast, parameters of lymphatic congestion differ significantly between the two groups supporting the notion that lymphatic dysfunction is a contributing cause of tissue congestion in patients with HF and elevated CVP.
Abstract 16873: Association of Preoperative Cell-Free DNA Levels and Outcome Following Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Tanem Justinn , Scott John , Hoffman George M , Niebler Robert A , TOMITA-MITCHELL Aoy , Stamm Karl , Bertrand Rebecca , Woods Ronald K , Hraska Viktor , Mitchell Michael
Published: May 2021

Introduction:
Preoperative risk stratification in congenital cardiac surgery includes patient and procedure related factors, which may be used in clinical decision making as well program performance evaluation. Despite these tools, unidentified factors contribute to wide variation in outcomes both within and between centers. Identification of latent physiologic risk factors may strengthen predictive models.

Hypothesis:
Total cell-free DNA (TCF) functions as a biomarker for cellular injury as well as a pro-inflammatory cytokine. We hypothesized that elevated preoperative TCF would be associated with poor outcome following pediatric cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

Methods:
Prospective observational study of children age < 18 yr and wt > 3 kg undergoing planned CPB surgery. The Children’s Wisconsin Institutional Review Board approved the protocol
. A
serum TCF sample was obtained after induction of anesthesia prior to surgical incision. The primary outcome measure was a composite of postoperative cardiac arrest, ECMO, or death (CAED). Association of outcome to TCF was assessed by logistic regression with a cutpoint chosen by ROC curve exploration. Odds ratios with 95% CI were calculated.

Results:
Data were available in 117 patients, median age 0.9 years (range 0-17.4), median weight 7.8kg (range 3.2-98). The primary outcome (CAED) was met in 6/117 (5.1%). Table 1 summarizes characteristics of patients with and without CAED. Risk of CAED was 2% with TCF<20 ng/ml, and 27% with TCF>20 ng/ml (OR=18.2, CI 2.2- 212, p<0.01). Elevated TCF was associated to fewer hospital free days (GLM p<0.01). Data in table reported as median [IQR].

Conclusions:
Preoperative TCF has an important association with postoperative cardiac arrest, ECMO, and death. Alternative or intensified treatment strategies could be considered in patients with elevated preoperative TCF.
Abstract 16917: The Forgotten Prolapsed Mitral Valve in a Patient With Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Vanderland Mark W , Ooi YinnShaung , Shakir Muhammad , Esberg Douglas
Published: May 2021

Current literature suggests that the incidence of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) attributable to mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is more common than historically presumed. Although its true incidence remains unknown, this novel realization suggests that the presence of MVP after resuscitated SCA should prompt exploratory identification of a causative association between MVP and SCA, even in the presence of other plausible explanatory findings.

Case Description:
A 60-year-old male with a history of hypertension presented with an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation (VF). Coronary angiography revealed a 99% occluded 1st diagonal branch which was stented. TTE showed normal biventricular function and coincidentally found a myxomatous mitral valve with bileaflet prolapse. The patient was discharged without further work up under the rationale that the ischemic etiology of his arrest was reversed. 6 months later, he presented with another episode of VF arrest. EKG showed sinus bradycardia and a QTc of 534ms. Troponin was negative. Coronary angiography revealed a patent stent and coronary vessels. A cardiac MRI was obtained to investigate the arrhythmic significance of his MVP and showed late gadolinium enhancement in the basal inferolateral wall and tips of the mitral papillary muscles. A dual chamber implantable cardiac defibrillator was placed with a plan for future mitral valve repair.

Discussion:
Recent studies suggest that the estimated annual risk of SCA due to MVP is 0.2% to 1.9%, a figure higher than previously reported. Certain EKG, TTE and cardiac MRI findings have been associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and SCA. In this patient, this included bileaflet MVP, mitral antral disjunction, and inferobasal wall and papillary muscle fibrosis. Currently, there are no society guidelines to assist in the identification of patients with MVP at high-risk for SCA. Nonetheless, in patients with MVP resuscitated from SCA, further workup to identify high risk features is reasonably justified to guide secondary SCA prophylaxis, even in the presence of other explanatory findings for SCA.
Abstract 17070: Engineering a Novel Ex Vivo Heart Simulator for Biomechanical Analysis of the Aortomitral Junction
Authors: Park Matthew H , Imbrie-moore Annabel , Zhu Yuanjia , Wang Hanjay , Paulsen Michael J , Woo Y Joseph Y
Published: May 2021

Introduction:
Advances in ex vivo heart simulation have enabled the study of valvular biomechanics, disease pathologies, and repair strategies. However, these simulators test the valves in isolation, which does not fully replicate in vivo physiology. We hypothesize that by engineering a simulator that preserves the aortomitral junction, we can better recreate pathophysiologies such as systolic anterior motion (SAM). Here, we present a new heart simulator that preserves and manipulates the native aortomitral physiology.

Methods:
Our simulator is comprised of three subsystems: the ventricular chamber, atrial chamber, and aortic chamber (Fig A, B). The heart is excised at the apex to preserve the papillary muscles, and the left ventricle, atrial cuff, and aorta are fixed to their respective chambers via hemostatic suturing to 3D-printed elastomeric rings. The chambers are equipped with pressure and flow sensors, and a linear piston pump generates physiologic pressures and flows. The atrial and aortic chambers are mounted on 5-degree-of-freedom arms. To demonstrate system function, we manipulated the aortomitral angle and measured aortic cardiac output.

Results:
In our testing, we evaluated two unique configurations of an explanted porcine heart, of which the aortomitral angles spanned the SAM predictive risk threshold of <120° (Fig C, D). From the flow readings, we measured a 36% reduction in aortic cardiac output upon decreasing the aortomitral angle by 25°.

Conclusions:
This work highlights the design and development of an ex vivo heart simulator capable of modeling native aortomitral physiology. Our results point to a clear direction for future experimentation, particularly evaluating the biomechanical changes of the heart based on the aortomitral angle. Future work will utilize this platform to create new models and repair techniques to ultimately improve clinical care of valvular pathologies.
Abstract 17084: Nuclear Smooth Muscle α-actin Participates in Chromatin Remodeling at Smooth Muscle Contractile Gene Promoters
Authors: Kwartler Callie , Ma Shuangtao , Kernell Caroline , Duan Xue-yan , Wang Charis , Chen Jiyuan , Shen Xuetong , Milewicz Dianna M
Published: May 2021

Actin genes encode for cytoskeletal proteins that polymerize to function in cellular motility, adhesion, and contraction. In mammalian cells, ubiquitously expressed β-actin also moves into the nucleus and associates with chromatin remodeling complexes, however a nuclear function of muscle-specific α-actins has not been previously assessed. We hypothesized that smooth muscle α-actin (SMA) plays a role in chromatin remodeling during the differentiation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) to enable cell fate specification of SMCs. In explanted SMCs from human and mouse ascending aortas, cell fractionation and 2D gel electrophoresis identify both SMA and β-actin in the nuclear lysates. Nuclear SMA but not β-actin accumulates with SMC differentiation driven by serum starvation and transforming growth factor-β1 treatment. SMA accumulates into the nucleus early in the differentiation of SMCs from neural crest progenitor cells, prior to cytosolic accumulation. Immunoprecipitation studies show that SMA binds specifically to the INO80 and the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes, and this binding increases with SMC differentiation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation reveals that SMA is bound to the promoters of SMC-specific genes, including
Acta2
,
Cnn1,
and
Myh11
and that SMA is enriched over β-actin at these promoters with SMC differentiation. Finally, overexpression of SMA tagged with a nuclear localization sequence (NLS) in multiple cell types increases expression of SMC markers, whereas NLS-tagged β-actin localizes to the nucleus to the same extent but does not increase SMC marker expression in any cell type. Finally, we assessed whether skeletal muscle α-actin (SKA) and cardiac muscle α-actin (CMA) may play a similar role in skeletal and cardiac muscle cells. Both SKA and CMA translocate into the nucleus. CMA accumulates into the nucleus early in the differentiation of cardiomyocytes from pluripotent stem cells. Immunoprecipitation reveals that SKA binds to the SWI/SNF complex in differentiated C2C12 myotube cell cultures. These data support that nuclear SMA enriches with and participates in SMC differentiation, and suggest a potential nuclear role for other muscle specific α-actins in developing muscle cells.
Abstract 17093: Human Neonatal Cardiac Mesenchymal Stem Cells Demonstrates Superior Cardiac Regenerative Abilities Compared to Other Stem Cells
Authors: Gunasekaran Muthukumar , Mishra Rachana , Saha Progyaparamita , Fu Xuebin , Abdullah Mohamed , Arfat Yasir M , Shah Aakash , Sharma Sudhish , Kaushal Sunjay
Published: May 2021

Stem cells transplantation is being explored as an effective therapy for heart diseases. However, majority of stem cell therapies for adult patients with myocardial infarction (MI) had mixed and inconsistent results implying chronological age may influence the effectiveness of regenerative therapies. Therefore, herein, we performed a head-to-head comparison between different, well-studied stem cell types to identify the superior regenerative cell type using rodent MI model.After our standard characterization for each stem cell type (FACS for cell surface markers), 1 million neonatal Cardiac Mesenchymal Stem cells (nMSCs), adult MSCs (aMSCs), adult derived cardiosphere derived cells (aCDCs), umbilical cord derived cells (UCBCs), Bone Marrow derived Mesenchymal Stem cells (BM-MSCs), or cell-free Iscove Modified Dulbecco Medium (IMDM as placebo control) were injected into athymic rat myocardial infarct model. Although all the tested groups significantly improved ejection fraction, nMSCs outperformed other stem cells in cardiac functional recovery. Additionally, nMSCs also showed significant increased cardiac functional recovery compared to aMSCs in wild type rat MI model. Mason trichrome staining with heart sections revealed that decreased fibrosis was evident on nMSCs injection compared to aMSCs in both athymic and wild type rat MI model. Myocardial sections from rats received nMSCs showed significantly reduced M1 macrophages (inflammatory) and increased M2 macrophages (anti-inflammatory) compared with sections from rats having received aMSCs and IMDM control. Pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines analyzed on sera collected on day 2 and 7 revealed that anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL10) was significantly increased and inflammatory cytokines (IL4 and IL12) reduced in nMSCs compared to aMSCs transplanted MI rat model.In conclusion, nMSCs demonstrated superior functional abilities, reduced fibrosis, inflammatory cells and cytokines compared to all the other cell types and with aMSCs demonstrating that nMSCs is an ideal stem cell type for therapeutic application in myocardial infarction.
Abstract 17385: Soluble CD163 Predicts Myocardial Fibrosis in People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection: Myocardial and Coronary Abnormalities in HIV Infection (MACHIN) Study
Authors: Banayan April , Reddy Pavan , Minasian Arazin , Javed Ahsan , Valencerina Samuel , Nayak Krishna , Dube Michael P , Bahrami Hossein
Published: May 2021

Background:
Soluble CD163 (sCD163) is a scavenger receptor that is shed during inflammation and monocyte/macrophage activation and appears to be useful in resolution of the inflammation. This marker has been associated with increased mortality and morbidity in several inflammatory conditions.

Hypothesis:
sCD163 levels are related to myocardial fibrosis (MF) in people living with HIV infection (PLWH) and controls.

Methods:
sCD163 levels were measured in serum samples of 92 participants (54 PLWH and 38 HIV- controls, mean age 47±14 years, 28% female).. Myocardial structure and function were assessed using CMR (GE 3.0T; acquisition: RT-Hawk, Heart Vista Inc; analysis: cvi42, Circle Inc, v5.10). Our protocol included cine, pre-contrast, 12-minute post contrast T1 mapping and LGE after infusion of 0.1mmol/kg of gadolinium (Multihance). 12-minute ECV (extra cellular volume) maps were generated from T1 maps.

Results:
We studied 40 PLWH and 28 HIV- controls (mean age 45±14 years, 46% men). HIV-positive individuals had significantly higher levels of sCD163, compared to controls ( mean±SD: 78±6 versus 54±5 ng/dL, p-value<0.01). The association of sCD163 with diffuse fibrosis detected by ECV was modified by HIV infection (p-value for interaction term: 0.05). log-sCD163 levels were significantly associated with ECV in PLWH (regression coefficient: 9, 95% CI:2-15, p:0.01), but not in controls (p:0.74). The significant association of sCD163 with ECV remained significant even after adjusting for age, gender, race, and LVEF (p:0.02) and even after adding history of protease inhibitor and abacavir use to the models (p:0.02). But after adding both nadir CD4 and highest viral load to the above model, the association was not significant (p:0.08). LGE was not significantly associated with sCD163 levels.

Conclusions:
Soluble CD163, as a marker of monocyte/macrophage activation, is associated with increased diffuse subclinical MF, estimated by postcontrast ECV, in virologically-suppressed PLWH. Importantly, this association is independent of demographic factors, LV function, and ART medication use. These findings highlight the importance of chronic sustained inflammation in development of MF in PLWH.
CD200 Limits Monopoiesis and Monocyte Recruitment in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Kassiteridi Christina , Cole Jennifer E. , Griseri Thibault , Falck-Hansen Mika , Goddard Michael E. , Seneviratne Anusha N. , Green Patricia A. , Park Inhye , Shami Annelie G. , Pattarabanjird Tanyaporn , Upadhye Aditi , Taylor Angela M. , Handa Ashok , Channon Keith M. , Lutgens Esther , McNamara Coleen A. , Williams Richard O. , Monaco Claudia
Published: May 2021

Rationale:

Inflammation is a basic component of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. CD200 is an immune checkpoint known to control macrophage activation. CD200 recently emerged in the Framingham Heart Study and 2 other cohorts as being potentially relevant in cardiovascular disease. The role of this pathway in cardiovascular disease is unknown.

Objective:

We sought to examine the role of CD200 in atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results:

Using hypercholesterolemic apolipoprotein-E deficient mice, we demonstrate that whole-body CD200 deficiency augments atherosclerotic lesion formation and vulnerability. Administration of a CD200-Fusion protein reduces neointima formation. Our data show that the CD200-CD200R pathway restrains activation of CD200R+ lesional macrophages, their production of CCR2 ligands, and monocyte recruitment in vitro and in vivo in an air pouch model. Loss of CD200 leads to an excessive accumulation of classical Ly6C
hi
monocytes and CCR2
+
macrophages within the atherosclerotic aorta, as assessed by mass cytometry. Moreover, we uncover a previously uncharacterized effect of the CD200/CD200R pathway in limiting dysregulated monopoiesis and Ly6C
hi
monocytosis in hypercholesterolemic mice. Bone marrow chimera experiments demonstrate that the CD200-CD20R pathway enables 2 complementary and tissue-dependent strategies to limit atherogenesis: CD200 expression by bone marrow–derived cells limits systemic monocytosis, while CD200 expression by nonhematopoietic cells, for example, endothelial cells, prevents local plaque growth. We show that CD200R signaling controls monopoiesis and macrophage activation through inhibiting phosphorylation of STAT1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1). Finally, CD200R expression on classical monocytes in peripheral blood of patients with coronary artery disease is associated with a lower burden of coronary artery disease and a more favorable Virtual Histology plaque profile.

Conclusions:

The CD200 checkpoint is a key-limiting factor for monopoiesis, monocyte-macrophage activation, and recruitment in atherosclerosis with conserved features in human and mouse. It thus offers a novel potential therapeutic pathway to treat cardiovascular disease.
A Review of Joel Marcus, John the Baptist in History and Theology
Authors: Rothschild Clare K.
Published: May 2021

This essay offers a brief review of Joel Marcus, John the Baptist in History and Theology.
Christianity, Coloniality, and Social Change
Authors: Higgs Eleanor Tiplady
Published: May 2021

Since 1931, there have been two separate Young Women’s Christian Associations (YWCA s) in South Africa. Each has responded differently to its origins in British coloniality and missionary, evangelical-Protestant Christianity. This article offers a historical, comparative analysis of the YWCA s in South Africa, illustrating their diverging ethical responses to coloniality, racism, and apartheid. Both organisations claimed the ‘YWCA’ identity as their own, and similarly each identified Christian faith and Christian values as the basis and inspiration for their work. Such similarities occasionally led to parallel interventions, as in both organisations’ earlier promotion of domesticity. Notably, however, the YWCA s did not arrive at similar understandings of how they should respond to their socio-political context. The history of the YWCA s in South Africa demonstrates the complex interaction of institutional Christian identity with other personal and collective commitments; race and nation.
Iljinskaea (Brassicaceae), a new genus based on Conringia planisiliqua

Authors: AL-SHEHBAZ IHSAN A. , ÖZÜDOĞRU BARIŞ , GERMAN DMITRY A.
Published: May 2021

Iljinskaea is described as a new monospecific genus based on a critical evaluation of morphology and in light of the extensive molecular phylogenetic data. The new combination I. planisiliqua is proposed, and the distinguishing characters separating the new genus from Conringia are discussed. The new tribal assignment of Iljinskaea in the Isatideae is discussed and compared with the previous placement in the Conringieae.
Revision of Dendrochilus (Coleoptera, Scolytinae)—with description of two new species from Tanzania
Authors: JORDAL BJARTE H.
Published: May 2021

The genus Dendrochilus Schedl, 1963 is revised. Two new species are described from the Udzungwa Mountains in Tanzania. Dendrochilus tener sp. nov., and D. udzungwae sp. nov. are closely related with few morphological differences but are clearly separated by molecular data from four gene fragments. Together with the type species D. strombosiopsis Schedl, 1957 from Congo, the genus now includes three species. An identification key to species is provided.
A new species of the genus Eucibdelus Kraatz, 1859 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae) from Yunnan, China
Authors: HE LIANG , SCHILLHAMMER HARALD , CAI YANPENG , LI XIAOYAN
Published: May 2021

Eucibdelus flavipennis sp. nov. from Yunnan Province, China is described. Line drawings and color illustrations of adult structures and genitalia of the new species are given. The former subgeneric division is shortly discussed.
Five new species of Chelifera Macquart from China (Diptera: Empididae)
Authors: WANG JIAOJIE , LIN CHEN , YANG DING
Published: May 2021

Previously nine species of the genus Chelifera were known to occur in China. Here the following five new species of Chelifera are described from Sichuan; C. acutata sp. nov., C. brevis sp. nov., C. obtusa sp. nov., C. sichuanensis sp. nov., and C. wangi sp. nov. A key to the species of Chelifera from China is provided, and male terminalia and habitus images are included for each new species.
Dihydromyricetin Inhibits Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Pancreatic Cancer Cells by Regulating miR-509-3p/PRMT5 Pathway
Authors: Wang Qiang , Chai Qichen , Chen Jin , Lv Jing , Tang Xiaofang
Published: May 2021

To explore the role of dihydromyricetin (DHM) in regulating proliferation, metastasis and infiltration of pancreatic cancer cells, we treated the pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line SW1990 with 10 µmol/L, 20 µmol/L, and 40 µmol/L DHM. Proliferation was determined by
the MTT assay. Cell metastasis and infiltration were determined by the Transwell migration assay. The protein expression levels of cyclin D1, p21, MMP-2, MMP-9, and PRMT5 were determined by Western blot. Quantitative PCR was used to determine expression of miR-509-3p and PRMT5 mRNA. The relationship
between miR-509-3p and PRMT5 was analyzed by bioinformatic prediction and the dual luciferase reporter assay. SW1990 cells were transfected with miR-509-3p, si-PRMT5 and anti-miR-509-3p (following treatment with 40 µmol/L DHM) to determine their effects on biological behaviors of cells.
The inhibition rate of SW1990 cells, p21 protein and miR-509-3p expression were increased by DHM. Moreover, the number of infiltrating and metastatic cells, protein levels of cyclin D1, MMP-2, MMP-9, and PRMT5, and mRNA levels of PRMT5 were decreased by DHM. miR-509-3p regulates expression
of its target PRMT5 mRNA. Inhibition rate of SW1990 cell proliferation and protein level p21 were significantly increased by overexpression of miR-509-3p or knockdown of PRMT5 expression, while the number of invasive cells and protein expression levels of cyclin D1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were remarkably
reduced by miR-509-3p overexpression or PRMT5 knockdown. Inhibition of miR-509-3p counteract the inhibitory effects of DHM on SW1990 cell proliferation and metastasis. Therefore, DHM inhibits proliferation and metastasis of pancreatic carcinoma cells by regulating the miR-509-3p/PRMT5 pathway.
MicroRNA-101 Promotes the Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Uterine Cervix Cancer Cells by Targeting Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 8
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Huang Jing , Wei Shiyang , Lei Jia , Bai Hua
Published: May 2021

Uterine cervical cancer (UCC), or carcinoma of the uterine cervix, is a familiar malignancy in gynecology. The expression of multiple microRNAs is abnormal in UCC. Research has demonstrated that the level of microRNA-101 (miR-101) was decreased in UCC, but the mechanism by which miR-101
regulates UCC is still unclear. The TargetScan software predicted that one of the target genes of miR-101 was CDK8. This study aims to explore whether miR-101 affects the migration, invasion, and proliferation of UCC cells through CDK8. First, nanoparticle-assisted PCR was used
to determine the levels of miR-101 and CDK8 in UCC tissues, normal adjacent tissues, and two UCC cell lines, C-33A and Siha. Compared to the normal tissues, the level of miR-101 was decreased in UCC tissues, while the level of CDK8 was increased. The dual-luciferase reporter
experiments confirmed that miR-101 directly interacted with the binding site in CDK8 3’UTR to regulate luciferase activity. The UCC cells were transfected with the MIR101 mimic construct to overexpress miR-101. It was demonstrated that cell migration, invasion, and proliferation
was reduced in C-33A cells overexpressing miR-101. In the cells co-transfected with CDK8 and MIR101, the overexpression of CDK8 reversed the effect of MIR101 overexpression on cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. Therefore, miR-101 can regulate the migration,
invasion, and proliferation of UCC cells by targeting CDK8. Therefore, miR-101 has potential applications in the treatment of UCC.
Research on the Negatively Regulation of Long Intergenic Non-Coding RNA 00210 to miR-424-5p in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Cui Xingguo , Xu Weiguang
Published: May 2021

In this work, we investigate the expression of long intergenic non-coding RNA 00210 (LINC00210) and its effects on the behavior of breast cancer cells. To this end, we measured LINC00210 and miR-424-5p expression using RT-qPCR. Bioinformatics, dual luciferase report experiments, and
RT-qPCR were applied to determine the potential function of LINC00210 in the regulation of miR-424-5p. Four groups of T-47D cells were set up: si-NC, si-LINC00210, si-LINC00210 + anti-miR-NC, and si-LINC00210 + anti-miR-424-5p. Then, cell viability, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were
detected, respectively. Western blot analysis was applied to measure the expression levels of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Bax, and Bcl-2. Our results showed that breast cancer tissue highly expressed LINC00210 and slightly expressed miR-424-5p, and that a direct binding function of LINC00210 to
miR-424-5p existed. Furthermore, many of the behaviors of T-47D cells in the si-LINC00210 group were affected, including reductions in cell viability, migration and invasion abilities, as well as decreased expressions of LINC00210, Ki67, Bcl-2, and N-cadherin, an increased apoptosis rate,
and increased expressions of miR-424-5p, E-cadherin, and Bax. In addition, in comparison with the si-LINC00210 + anti-miR-NC group, the cell behaviors of T-47D cells in the si-LINC00210 + anti-miR-424-5p group were affected, including increased cell viability, migration and invasion abilities,
and expressions of Ki67, Bcl-2, and N-cadherin, but reductions in E-cadherin and Bax. The results demonstrated the inhibitory effects of LINC00210 on T-47D cells, as well as the negative regulation of LINC00210 on miR-424-5p, leading to cell apoptosis. The results imply the potential value
of LINC00210 as a therapeutic target for breast cancer.
Etomidate Regulates miR-192-5p Expression to Reduce Hypoxia-Reoxygenation Induced Bronchial Epithelial Cell Damage
Authors: Xia Tian , Cao Yang , Li Jinxiu , Zhang Xin , Wang Guangyuan , Xue Xiuyue
Published: May 2021

Etomidate is a new type of intravenous anesthetic that can protect bronchial epithelial cells from oxidative stress damage. miR-192-5p is upregulated in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced neurocytes. This study explored the effect of etomidate on bronchial epithelial cell apoptosis and oxidative
stress induced by hypoxia and reoxygenation and its regulatory effect on miR-192-5p. The human bronchial epithelial cells BEAS-2B were cultured in vitro and then subjected to hypoxia and reoxygenation to establish a cell injury model. The cells were then treated with etomidate at different
doses. Moreover, anti-miR-NC and anti-miR-192-5p were transfected into the BEAS-2B cells to treat the hypoxia-reoxygenation. Moreover, miR-NC and miR-192-5p mimics were transfected into BEAS-2B cells, followed by treatment with 90 µmol/L etomidate for 24 h and then treatment with hypoxia
and reoxygenation. The 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine method was used to determine the level of LDH in the culture medium of cardiomyocytes. Thiobarbituric acid was used to determine the level of MDA and xanthine oxidase to determine the activity of SOD. Flow cytometry was used to measure the
apoptosis rate and qRT-PCR to evaluate miR-192-5p expression. Western blotting was used to determine the Bax and Bcl-2 protein levels. Compared with the findings in the control group, the levels of LDH and MDA, the apoptosis rate, and the protein level of Bax were increased (P <
0.05) upon treatment with hypoxia and reoxygenation, while SOD activity and Bcl-2 protein level were decreased (P < 0.05). In a manner dependent on the dose, etomidate could significantly reverse the effects of hypoxia and reoxygenation on oxidative stress and apoptosis of BEAS-2B
cells (P < 0.05). Hypoxia and reoxygenation could significantly increase the miR-192-5p level of BEAS-2B cells (P < 0.05), while etomidate could reduce this miR-192-5p expression (P < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. Transfection of anti-miR-192-5p dramatically
reduced LDH, MDA, apoptosis rate, and Bax protein level (P < 0.05), but was associated with increases of SOD activity and Bcl-2 protein expression (P < 0.05). High expression of miR-192-5p could significantly reverse the influence of etomidate on apoptosis and oxidative
stress of BEAS-2B cells induced by hypoxia-reoxygenation (P < 0.05). Etomidate restrained the apoptosis of bronchial epithelial cells and oxidative stress induced by hypoxia and reoxygenation by inhibiting miR-192-5p expression, thereby reducing cell damage.
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate as a Predictor of Restenosis After Carotid Stenting Using First-Generation Stents
Authors: Ösken Altuğ , Akdeniz Evliya , Keskin Muhammed , Öz Ahmet , Ipek Göktürk , Zehir Regayip , Barutça Hakan , Çam Neşe , Şahin Sinan
Published: May 2021

This study evaluated the impact of the baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on clinical and angiographic outcomes and long-term in-stent restenosis (ISR) rates in patients undergoing elective carotid artery stenting (CAS) procedures. Consecutive patients who underwent CAS were retrospectively enrolled (n = 456). At the end of 3 years of follow-up, patients who had died or were lost follow-up were excluded from the study and a final analysis was performed using data from the remaining 405 patients. The study population (n = 405) was divided into 3 tertiles based on the tertile values of the eGFR level (T1, T2, and T3); then, clinical and procedural characteristics and 3-year ISR rates were compared between the groups. An ISR of 50% was detected in 49 (12%) surviving patients. The 3-year ISR was higher among patients with the lowest eGFR values (T1) by 3.7 times (95% CI: 2.01-11.38) than that among patients with the highest eGFR values (T3). These significant relationships persisted following adjustment for confounders. A lower baseline eGFR level was significantly associated with an increased ISR rate. Decreased renal function may be a predictor of ISR after CAS using first-generation stents.
Evaluation of a Housing First programme for people from the public mental health sector with severe and persistent mental illnesses and precarious housing: Housing, health and service use outcomes
Authors: Dunt David Robert , Day Susan Elizabeth , Collister Laura , Fogerty Beth , Frankish Rosie , Castle David J , Hoppner Cayte , Stafrace Simon , Sherwood Sharon , Newton J Richard , Redston Suzy
Published: May 2021

Aims and context:

This paper reports the evaluation of the Doorway program (2015-18) in Melbourne, Australia. Doorway extends the original Housing First (HF) model in providing housing support to people with precarious housing at-risk of homelessness with Serious and Persistent Mental Illnesses (SPMIs) receiving care within Victoria’s public mental health system. Doorway participants source and choose properties through the open rental market, and receive rental subsidies, assistance, advocacy and brokerage support through their Housing and Recovery Worker (HRW). The aim of this study is to estimate Doorway’s impact on participants’ housing, quality of life and mental health service use.

Methodology:

The study employed a a quasi-experimental study design with a comparison group, adjusted for ten potential confounders. The primary outcome measure was days of secure housing per participant. Secure housing status, health service usage and quality of life (HoNOS) data were extracted from participants’ electronic hospital and Doorway records in deidentified, non-reidentifiable form. Analysis for continuous outcome variables was based on multivariate GLM modelling.

Results:

Doorway housed 89 (57%) of 157 accepted participants. The 157 Doorway participants overall were also housed for significantly more days (119.4 extra days per participant) than control participants, albeit after some delay in locating and moving into housing (mean 14 weeks). There was a significant, positive Doorway effect on health outcomes (all and one dimension of the HoNOS). Doorway participants had significantly reduced length of stay during acute and community hospital admissions (7.4 fewer days per participant) compared with the control group.

Conclusion:

The Doorway model represents a new and substantial opportunity to house, enhance health outcomes and reduce mental health service use for people with SPMIs from the public mental health sector and at-risk of homelessness.
Safety and In Situ Antierosive Effect of CaneCPI-5 on Dental Enamel
Authors: Pelá V.T. , Lunardelli J.G.Q. , Tokuhara C.K. , Gironda C.C. , Silva N.D.G. , Carvalho T.S. , Santiago A.C. , Souza B.M. , Moraes S.M. , Henrique-Silva F. , Magalhães A.C. , Oliveira R.C. , Buzalaf M.A.R.
Published: May 2021

The sugarcane cystatin (CaneCPI-5) was recently cloned and showed strong binding force to dental enamel and protection against initial erosion. However, evaluations on its safety and efficacy in a situation closer to the clinical condition are necessary. In the present study we analyzed 1) the cytotoxicity of CaneCPI-5 on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs); 2) the ability of CaneCPI-5 to reduce enamel erosion and erosion+abrasion in situ. In part 1, HGFs were treated with CaneCPI-5 (0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 or 1.0 mg/mL) or no treatment (control). The cytotoxicity was assessed after 60 s and 24 h by mitochondrial activity (MTT), confocal microscopy, and hematoxylin/eosin staining. In part 2, 15 volunteers participated in a double-blind crossover protocol consisting of 3 phases, according to the following treatments: 1) 0.1 mg/mL CaneCPI-5; 2) SnCl2/NaF/AmF (Elmex; positive control); 3) water (negative control). The volunteers wore an appliance containing 4 bovine enamel specimens for 5 d. Each day, the specimens were individually treated with 50 µL of the tested solutions per 60 s and then subjected to erosive challenges (0.1% citric acid, pH 2.5, for 90 s, 4 times per day). After the first and last erosive challenge each day, 2 samples were abraded (toothbrushing, 15 s). Enamel wear was measured by contact profilometry. One or two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)/Tukey’s or Sidak’s tests ( P < 0.05) were applied. Regardless of the concentration and the experimental time, CaneCPI-5 did not decrease the cell viability compared to the negative control ( P < 0.05). Erosion+abrasion led to significantly greater wear compared to erosion only. For both conditions, the lowest wear was found for SnCl2 and CaneCPI-5, which did not differ significantly from each other, but showed significant protection when compared to the negative control. In conclusion, CaneCPI-5 is safe on HGFs and reduces enamel erosive wear to the same extent as a commercial solution used to control erosive tooth wear (ETW).
Australian industrial relations in 2020: COVID-19, crisis and opportunity
Authors: Clibborn Stephen
Published: May 2021

This introduction to the Journal of Industrial Relations’ 2020 Annual Review of Industrial Relations provides an overview of the six Annual Review articles, an international review and two practitioner reviews. The COVID-19 pandemic presented a crisis for the labour market, intensifying serious existing issues such as stagnant wage growth, the gender pay gap and employer non-compliance with minimum wage laws. The pandemic also presented an opportunity for the Australian government to direct its economic stimulus measures in a targeted manner that addressed these existing problems concurrently with the immediate pandemic-related issues. However, 2020 will be marked by this missed opportunity.
Teaching About Systemic Ethical Misconduct Increases Awareness of Ethical Principles: A Replication and Extension of Grose-Fifer’s (2017) Tuskegee Role-Play Activity
Authors: Rose Maya C. , Brodsky Jessica E. , Che Elizabeth S. , Brooks Patricia J.
Published: May 2021

Background:

Introductory Psychology students rarely learn about unethical biomedical research outside the Tuskegee syphilis study, but these practices were widespread in U.S. public health research (e.g., at the Willowbrook State School researchers infected children with disabilities with hepatitis).

Objectives:

Replicate and extend Grose-Fifer’s research ethics activity by evaluating if an online homework and in-class role-play increased awareness of unethical research and abuses at Tuskegee (replication) and Willowbrook (extension) and subsequent changes in human subjects protections.

Method:

As homework, students read about the studies and wrote statements from perspectives of individuals involved. In class, students read their statements and discussed how outrage led to research conduct regulations. Online pre/posttests asked students why it was important to learn about both studies.

Results:

At posttest, students were more aware of unethical research at Willowbrook and that Tuskegee led to changes in human subjects protections. Students who completed the role-play activity were less likely to mention abuses for Tuskegee than students who did not participate.

Conclusion:

We were partially successful in replicating and extending Grose-Fifer.

Teaching Implications:

Research ethics instruction should draw attention to historical precedents and how public outrage and social activism led to increased protections for research participants.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of breast fibromatosis: a case report
Authors: Lin Shanhong , Cao Yong , Chen Libin , Chen Mei , Zhang Shengmin , Jia Xiupeng
Published: May 2021

We herein present a rare case of breast fibromatosis, the contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) findings of which we believe have never been described. The high similarity between the clinical and imaging manifestations of breast cancer makes its differential diagnosis difficult. In this report, we describe the CEUS findings of a less common type of fibromatosis, discuss the potential value of CEUS to differentiate it from malignant breast lesions, and briefly review the literature.