bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Beneficial or Harmful in Alzheimer’s Disease?
Authors: dos Santos Sávio Monteiro , Romeiro Camila Fernanda Rodrigues , Rodrigues Caroline Azulay , Cerqueira Alícia Renata Lima , Monteiro Marta Chagas
Published: December 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by impairments in the cognitive domains associated with orientation, recording, and memory. This pathology results from an abnormal deposition of the β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide and the intracellular accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles. Mitochondrial dysfunctions play an important role in the pathogenesis of AD, due to disturbances in the bioenergetic properties of cells. To date, the usual therapeutic drugs are limited because of the diversity of cellular routes in AD and the toxic potential of these agents. In this context, alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) is a well-known fatty acid used as a supplement in several health conditions and diseases, such as periphery neuropathies and neurodegenerative disorders. It is produced in several cell types, eukaryotes, and prokaryotes, showing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. α-LA acts as an enzymatic cofactor able to regulate metabolism, energy production, and mitochondrial biogenesis. In addition, the antioxidant capacity of α-LA is associated with two thiol groups that can be oxidised or reduced, prevent excess free radical formation, and act on improvement of mitochondrial performance. Moreover, α-LA has mechanisms of epigenetic regulation in genes related to the expression of various inflammatory mediators, such PGE2, COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Regarding the pharmacokinetic profile, α-LA has rapid uptake and low bioavailability and the metabolism is primarily hepatic. However, α-LA has low risk in prolonged use, although its therapeutic potential, interactions with other substances, and adverse reactions have not been well established in clinical trials with populations at higher risk for diseases of aging. Thus, this review aimed to describe the pharmacokinetic profile, bioavailability, therapeutic efficacy, safety, and effects of combined use with centrally acting drugs, as well as report in vitro and in vivo studies that demonstrate the mitochondrial mechanisms of α-LA involved in AD protection.
Amygdala Changes in Chronic Insomnia and Their Association with Sleep and Anxiety Symptoms: Insight from Shape Analysis
Authors: Gong Liang , Liao Tianzhi , Liu Duan , Luo Qiuhua , Xu Ronghua , Huang Qun , Zhang Bei , Feng Fen , Zhang Chuantao
Published: December 2019

Affective disorders, such as anxiety and depression, are common comorbidities associated with chronic insomnia disorder (CID). However, the underlying neural mechanisms of these comorbidities are still not clear. The present study is aimed at investigating structural changes in the amygdala of CID patients using surface-based shape analysis. A total of 65 medication-naive patients with CID and 55 healthy controls (HCs) matched for age, sex, and years of education were enrolled in this study and were subjected to structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The Oxford Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain (FMRIB) created an Integrated Registration and Segmentation Tool (FIRST) that was employed in this study to assess the volumetric and surface alterations in patients with CID. Shape correlations between the amygdala and clinical features were also analyzed. Atrophic changes in the amygdala were observed at the local level, not for the entire amygdala volume. The left atrophic changes in the amygdala were in the superficial and basolateral nuclei while right atrophic changes were in the basolateral nuclei in CID patients. Insomnia severity was associated with the centromedial right amygdala while anxiety was linked with the basolateral nuclei. These findings indicate localized amygdala atrophy in CID. Separate amygdala regions are associated with insomnia and anxiety in CID. This evidence helps elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying the bidirectional relationship between insomnia and anxiety.
The Role of MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Tang Jian , Yao Deyi , Yan Haiying , Chen Xing , Wang Linjia , Zhan Huakui
Published: December 2019

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common microvascular complications in diabetic patients; it is also an important cause of renal dysfunction, renal fibrosis, and end-stage renal disease. Unfortunately, the pathogenesis of DN is complex and has not yet been fully elucidated; hence, the pathogenesis of DN to determine effective treatments of crucial importance is deeply explored. Early DN research focuses on hemodynamic changes and metabolic disorders, and recent studies have shown the regulatory role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in genes, which may be a new diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for diabetic nephropathy. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the clinical value and molecular mechanisms of miRNAs in DN, providing new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of DN.
Comparison of Robotic Posterior Retroperitoneal Adrenalectomy over Laparoscopic Posterior Retroperitoneal Adrenalectomy: A Single Tertiary Center Experience
Authors: Kim Won Woong , Lee Yu-mi , Chung Ki-Wook , Hong Suck Joon , Sung Tae-Yon
Published: December 2019

Background. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes of laparoscopic posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy (LPRA) and robotic posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy (RPRA) and determine the differences that could affect the outcomes. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed 230 adrenalectomy cases from 2014 to 2017. There were 169 LPRA and 61 RPRA cases, and their clinicopathological features and surgical outcomes were compared. Results. In LPRA, there was a positive relationship between operation time and male gender, early period of experience, adrenal tumor size, and pheochromocytoma. In RPRA, adrenal tumor size and pheochromocytoma were the factors affecting the operation time. When the adrenal tumor size was ≤5.5 cm, the operation time of LPRA was shorter than that of RPRA (p=0.001). When the tumor size was >5.5 cm, there was no significant difference in the operation times of LPRA and RPRA (p=0.102). Conclusions. RPRA is a feasible and technically safe approach for benign adrenal diseases. The use of RPRA could benefit patients and provide comfort by overcoming the factors contributing to a longer operation time in the laparoscopic technique, such as male gender and high BMI.
Prevalence of Bovine Fasciolosis and Its Economic Loss due to Liver Condemnation at Wolaita Sodo Municipal Abattair, Ethiopia
Authors: Zewde Adane , Bayu Yehualashet , Wondimu Anteneh
Published: December 2019

Fasciolosis is a serious animal health problem in Ethiopia where cattle raising is very important to the local economy. A cross sectional study was carried out from November 2018 to February 2019 to estimate the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis and its associated risk factors as well as financial losses due to liver condemnation. A total of 247 cattle consisting of 219 males and 28 females were randomly selected and fecal sample collection for Fasciola egg detection and postmortem liver inspection for adult liver flukes, were done. From the total of 247 cattle examined, the overall prevalence of bovine fasciolosis in the study area was 16.6% and 20.24% by coprological and postmortem examinations, respectively. The livers and bile ducts were examined for the adult flukes and the result showed that F. hepatica was frequently detected Fasciola sp. (72%) than F. gigantica (28%). In the study area, the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis between sex was significantly different p<0.05 with higher prevalence was recorded in female (57.1%) than male (15.5%). There was also significant association p<0.05 among different age groups for the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis with the highest prevalence in older (40.1%) than younger (18.8%) age groups. But, regarding origin and body condition the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis was not significantly associated p>0.05. The annual direct financial losses incurred due to fasciolosis were estimated around 1,505, 856 ETB ($43, 024.458). In conclusion, bovine fasciolosis is prevalent and economically important disease in the study area. Therefore, implementation of control and prevention strategy like, grazing managements, reducing the population of the intermediate host, diagnosis and treating sick animals using anthelmintic, is mandatory.
Single Image Dehazing and Edge Preservation Based on the Dark Channel Probability‐Weighted Moments
Authors: Yousaf Rehan Mehmood , Habib Hafiz Adnan , Mehmood Zahid , Banjar Ameen , Alharbey Riad , Aboulola Omar
Published: December 2019

The method of single image‐based dehazing is addressed in the last two decades due to its extreme variating properties in different environments. Different factors make the image dehazing process cumbersome like unbalanced airlight, contrast, and darkness in hazy images. Many estimating and learning‐based techniques are used to dehaze the images to overcome the aforementioned problems that suffer from halo artifacts and weak edges. The proposed technique can preserve better edges and illumination and retain the original color of the image. Dark channel prior (DCP) and probability‐weighted moments (PWMs) are applied on each channel of an image to suppress the hazy regions and enhance the true edges. PWM is very effective as it suppresses low variations present in images that are affected by the haze. We have proposed a method in this article that performs well as compared to state‐of‐the‐art image dehazing techniques in various conditions which include illumination changes, contrast variation, and preserving edges without producing halo effects within the image. The qualitative and quantitative analysis carried on standard image databases proves its robustness in terms of the standard performance evaluation metrics.
Research Progress in Fecal Microbiota Transplantation as Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Wang Yao , Zheng Fengling , Liu Shan , Luo Huanhuan
Published: December 2019

Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort associated with altered bowel habits. Due to the uncertainty of the pathogenesis of IBS and the diversity of its clinical manifestations, IBS cannot be completely cured. Increasing evidence suggests the key role of altered intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of IBS. Therefore, attention is being shifted to adjusting the changes in intestinal microbiota to control IBS symptoms. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), antibiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics are currently often employed as treatment for IBS. And FMT is the most significant therapeutic efficacy with the least number of side effects. FMT provides a creative way to restore the abnormal gut microbiome in patients with IBS. But although current clinical studies confirm the effectiveness of FMT in the treatment of IBS, they are short-term studies of small samples, and there is still a lack of large-scale long-term studies. In this paper, we review the intestinal microbiota changes of IBS, the common methods of treating IBS with intestinal microbes, and the research status of FMT for the treatment of IBS. Finally, we put forward some opinions on the future research direction of FMT treatment of IBS.
Linsitinib (OSI-906) for the Treatment of Adult and Pediatric Wild-Type Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors, a SARC Phase II Study
Authors: von Mehren Margaret , George Suzanne , Heinrich Michael C. , Schuetze Scott M. , Yap Jeffrey T. , Yu Jain Q. , Abbott Amanda , Litwin Samuel , Crowley John , Belinsky Martin , Janeway Katherine A. , Hornick Jason L. , Flieder Douglas B. , Chugh Rashmi , Rink Lori , Van den Abbeele Annick D.
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

Most gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) have activating mutations of KIT, PDGFRA, or uncommonly BRAF. Fifteen percent of adult and 85% of pediatric GISTs are wild type (WT), commonly having high expression of IGF-1R and loss of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) complex function. We tested the efficacy of linsitinib, an oral TKI IGF-1R inhibitor, in patients with WT GIST.

Patients and Methods:

A multicenter phase II trial of linsitinib was conducted. The primary endpoint was objective response rate. Secondary endpoints were clinical benefit rate: complete response, partial response, and stable disease (SD) ≥ 9 months, and quantitative 2[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) metabolic response (MR) at week 8. Serum levels for glucose, insulin, IGF-1R ligand IGF1, and binding proteins were obtained to explore correlations to patient outcomes and FDG-PET results.

Results:

Twenty patients were accrued in a 6-month period. Grade 3–4 toxicities possibly related to linsitinib were uncommon (8.5%). No objective responses were seen. Clinical benefit rate (CBR) at 9 months was 40%. Intense FDG uptake was observed at baseline, with partial MR of 12% and stable metabolic disease of 65% at week 8; these patients had RECIST 1.1 SD as their best response. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival Kaplan–Meier estimates at 9 months were 52% and 80%, respectively. SDHA/B loss determined by IHC was seen in 35% and 88% of cases, respectively.

Conclusions:

Linsitinib is well tolerated in patients with WT GIST. Although the 9-month CBR was 40%, and PFS at 9 months was 52%, no objective responses were observed. Rapid accrual to this study demonstrates that clinical trials of experimental agents in selected subtypes of GIST are feasible.
Hepatitis B Virus X Protein Induces RHAMM-Dependent Motility in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via PI3K–Akt–Oct-1 Signaling
Authors: Liu Yu-Chin , Lu Li-Feng , Li Chia-Jung , Sun Nian-Kang , Guo Jing-You , Huang Ya-Hui , Yeh Chau-Ting , Chao Chuck C.-K.
Published: December 2019

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which represents one of the most common cancers worldwide. Recent studies suggest that HBV's protein X (HBx) plays a crucial role in HCC development and progression. Earlier, genome-wide analysis identified that the receptor for hyaluronan-mediated motility (RHAMM) represents a putative oncogene and is overexpressed in many human cancers, including HCC. However, the mechanism underlying RHAMM upregulation and its role in tumorigenesis remain unclear. Here, we show that ectopic expression of HBx activates the PI3K/Akt/Oct-1 pathway and upregulates RHAMM expression in HCC cells. HBx overexpression leads to dissociation of C/EBPβ from the RHAMM gene promoter, thereby inducing RHAMM upregulation. RHAMM knockdown attenuates HBx-induced cell migration and invasion in vitro. In mice, HBx promotes cancer cell colonization via RHAMM upregulation, resulting in enhanced metastasis. Analysis of gene expression datasets reveals that RHAMM mRNA level is upregulated in patients with HCC with poor prognosis.

Implications:

These results indicate that RHAMM expression is upregulated by HBx, a process that depends on the inhibition of C/EBPβ activity and activation of the PI3K/Akt/Oct-1 pathway. These results have several implications for the treatment of HBV-positive HCC involving upregulation of RHAMM and cancer metastasis.

Visual Overview:

http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/molcanres/18/3/375/F1.large.jpg.
Precision Oncology for Hepatocellular Cancer: Slivering the Liver by FGF19–FGFR4–KLB Pathway Inhibition
Authors: Subbiah Vivek , Pal Sumanta K.
Published: December 2019

This issue reports two studies, one by Hatlen and colleagues and the other by Kim and colleagues, that detail the drug-development journey of the FGF19–FGFR4 inhibitor fisogatinib (BLU-554), from identification of the drug to preclinical validation studies to finally the results of the proof-of-concept first-in-human phase I trial of this potent and selective, type I irreversible inhibitor of FGFR4. Moreover, Hatlen and colleagues also report a resistance mechanism acquired after therapy that targets selective FGFR4 inhibition, which validates FGF as a specific target in hepatocellular cancer.

See related article by Hatlen et al., p. 1686.

See related article by Kim et al., p. 1696.
Location-Dependent B-cell Function in Glioblastoma
Authors: Pucci Ferdinando
Published: December 2019

Immunotherapy has shown remarkable successes in several tumor types and is now the first-line treatment for several conditions, including recurring disease. Nonetheless, a large fraction of patients does not respond, which is particularly true in glioblastoma. The results of Lee-Chang and colleagues point to intratumoral B cells as a potential target for immunotherapy.

See article by Lee-Chang et al., p. 1928
Primary Conjunctival Pigmented Basal Cell Carcinoma with Increased Numbers of Intra-Tumour Melanocytes, Mimicking Melanoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mudhar Hardeep Singh , Roy Soma Rani , Nuruddin Murtuza , Hoque Fahmida
Published: December 2019

A 60-year-old, South-Asian male patient presented with a dark brown lesion on his left conjunctiva surface near the limbus for 2 years. Examination showed a globular, dark brown-coloured mass near the temporal limbus at 4 to 5 o’clock position, measuring 3 × 3 × 2 mm. There were a few scattered flat pigmented lesions near the mass and also a few prominent vessels. The mass underwent wide local excision, with a clear margin, followed by double freeze cryotherapy of the conjunctival margins along with the application of Mitomycin C. The bare sclera was covered by amniotic membrane. Histology surprisingly revealed a nodular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) containing melanin. The melanin was present in the tumour cell cytoplasm, within melanophages and within dendritic, Melan A-positive melanocytes. The BCC was immunohistochemically positive for BerEP4 and negative for EMA. The clinically observed smaller nodules flanking the main pigmented BCC corresponded histologically to pigmented superficial growth pattern BCC connected to the under surface of the conjunctival epithelium. This is the first report of a pigmented BCC of the conjunctiva, mimicking a conjunctival melanoma. Pigmented BCC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pigmented tumours of the conjunctiva.
Association between Red Blood Cell Distribution Width and Hemorrhagic Transformation in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Wang Changyi , Wang Lu , Zhong Di , Deng Linghui , Qiu Shi , Li Yuxiao , Liu Ming , Wu Bo
Published: December 2019

Background: Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a frequent complication of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a cost-effective parameter associated with incidence and prognosis of cerebrovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess whether RDW is associated with HT in AIS patients. Methods: AIS patients within 24 h from stroke onset between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2018, were consecutively enrolled. Blood samples were collected. The primary outcome was HT, which was diagnosed by follow-up brain image and classified into hemorrhagic infarct (HI) and parenchymal hematoma (PH). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between RDW and HT as well as its subtypes. Potential effect modifier was identified by stratified logistic regression analysis. Results: Among the included 1383 patients, 220 (15.9%) developed HT (HI in 103 and PH in 117). Elevated RDW levels were associated with an increased risk of HT when 2 extreme tertiles were compared (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.04–2.44, p = 0.031). The risk of HT increased stepwise across RDW tertiles (p for trend = 0.042). RDW significantly correlated with HI rather than PH. The association between RDW and HT could be modified by reperfusion therapy (p for interaction = 0.010), with no significant association between RDW and HT among patients underwent reperfusion therapy. Conclusions: Elevated RDW level was related to increased risk of HT among AIS patients without reperfusion therapy.
Admission Body Temperature in Critically Ill Patients as an Independent Risk Predictor for Overall Outcome
Authors: Erkens Ralf  , Wernly Bernhard  , Masyuk Maryna  , Muessig Johanna M. , Franz Marcus , Schulze Paul Christian , Lichtenauer Michael  , Kelm Malte , Jung Christian
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Body temperature (BT) abnormalities are frequently observed in critically ill patients. We aimed to assess admission BT in a heterogeneous critically ill patient population admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) as a prognostic parameter for intra-ICU and long-term mortality. Methods: A total of 6,514 medical patients (64 ± 15 years) admitted to a German ICU between 2004 and 2009 were included. A follow-up of patients was performed retrospectively. The association of admission BT with both intra-ICU and long-term mortality was investigated by logistic regression. Results: Patients with hypothermia (<36°C BT) were clinically worse and had more pronounced signs of multi-organ failure. Admission BT was associated with adverse overall outcome, with a 2-fold increase for hyperthermia (mortality 12%; odds ratio [OR] 1.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43–2.26; p < 0.001), and a 4-fold increase for the risk of hypothermia (mortality 24%; OR 4.05, 95% CI 3.38–4.85; p < 0.001) with respect to intra-ICU and long-term mortality. Moreover, hypothermia was even more harmful than hyperthermia, and both were strongly associated with intra-ICU mortality, especially in patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome (hypothermia: hazard ratio 6.12, 95% CI 4.12–9.11; p < 0.001; hyperthermia: OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.52–4.79; p< 0.001). Conclusion: Admission BT is an independent risk predictor for both overall intra-ICU and long-term mortality in critically ill patients admitted to an ICU. Therefore, BT at admission might not only serve as a parameter for individual risk stratification but can also influence individual therapeutic decision-making.
СУЧАСНІ ПОГЛЯДИ НА ХОЛОГЕННУ ДІАРЕЮ
Authors: Hrytsko R. Yu. , Bochar O. M. , Bochar V. T.
Published: December 2019

Мета роботи – узагальнити дані про етіологію, механізм розвитку, клінічні прояви, лабораторну діагностику та принципи лікування хологенної діареї (ХД).

ХД – хронічна діарея, яка спричинена надлишковим надходженням жовчних кислот (ЖК) в ободову кишку. Найчастіше такий стан виникає через порушення всмоктування ЖК в тонкій кишці або при швидкому транзиті їх внаслідок підвищеної моторно-евакуаторної функції тонкої кишки. Наведені основні механізми обміну ЖК в нормі та при різних патологічних станах. Порушення всмоктування ЖК в тонкій кишці може бути первинним (вродженим) – найчастіше при целіакії і вторинним. Вторинні порушення всмоктування ЖК розвиваються у пацієнтів, яким виконано резекцію клубової кишки або які мають захворювання, що супроводжуються запальним процесом у тонкій кишці (хвороба Крона). Розвиток ХД також може бути обумовлений патологією біліарної системи. Надмірне потрапляння жовчі у кишки можливе після холецистектомії або при різних дискінезіях жовчних шляхів, при синдромі дисфункції сфінктера Одді.

Основним симптомом ХД є часті випорожнення калом рідкої консистенції яскраво-жовтого або зеленого забарвлення. Іншим характерним симптомом ХД є виникнення больового синдрому у правих відділах живота. В основі діагностичного алгоритму ХД, окрім збору анамнезу і деталізації скарг пацієнта, лежить дослідження калу та проведення низки специфічних тестів: 75SeHCAT-тесту, визначення рівня сироваткового метаболіту C4 (7a-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one) та концентрації фактора росту фібробластів FGF-19.

Лікування ХД включає корекцію харчування та симптоматичну терапію. Призначають ентеросорбенти, при больовому синдромі – спазмолітики, для усунення асинхронного надходження з їжею жовчі в тонку кишку – жовчогінні препарати, для лікування синдрому надлишкового бактерійного росту у верхніх відділах тонкої кишки – кишкові антибіотики, кишкові антисептики, пробіотики та пребіотики. У період вираженої діареї призначають препарати, що пригнічують перистальтику, зокрема лоперамід. При значній втраті ЖК із калом рекомендовано застосування секвестрантів жовчі (холестираміну).
КЛІНІЧНИЙ ВИПАДОК РЕЦИДИВУ ТРИДЕННОЇ МАЛЯРІЇ
Authors: Nykytiuk S. O. , Boiarchuk O. R. , Horishna I. L. , Hoshchynsky P. V. , Chubata O. B. , Dyvoniak O. M.
Published: December 2019

Метою роботи було проаналізувати клінічний випадок триденної малярії у пацієнта з вираженим абдомінальним синдромом, встановити особливості його діагностики.

Громадянин Індії був госпіталізований у хірургічне відділення Тернопільської обласної дитячої клінічної лікарні у зв’язку з гарячкою та вираженим абдомінальним синдромом. Два роки тому переніс малярію. Особливістю представленого клінічного випадку є домінування гарячки без характерної циклічності та вираженого абдомінального болю в дебюті хвороби. Спленомегалія та анемія спостерігались на другому тижні хвороби.

Необхідно підвищити настороженість лікарів щодо малярії у пацієнтів з гарячкою, які прибули з ендемічних країн.
Classical Dendritic Cells Mediate Hypertension by Promoting Renal Oxidative Stress and Fluid Retention
Authors: Lu Xiaohan , Rudemiller Nathan P. , Privratsky Jamie R. , Ren Jiafa , Wen Yi , Griffiths Robert , Crowley Steven D.
Published: December 2019

FLT3L (Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand) stimulates the development of classical dendritic cells (DCs). Here we tested the hypothesis that classical DCs drive blood pressure elevation by promoting renal fluid retention. FLT3L-deficient (FLT3L
−/−
) mice that lack classical DCs in the kidney had mean arterial pressures similar to wild-types (WTs) at baseline but had blunted hypertensive responses during 4 weeks of chronic Ang II (angiotensin II) infusion. In FLT3L
−/−
mice, the proportions of effector memory T cells in the kidney were similar to those in WTs at baseline. However, after Ang II infusion, proportions of effector memory T cells were dramatically lower in the FLT3L
−/−
kidneys versus WTs, indicating that classical DCs augment the renal accumulation of effector T cells after renin-angiotensin system activation. Consistent with their lower blood pressures, the Ang II–infused FLT3L
−/−
mice had attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and lower renal mRNA expression for pro-hypertensive cytokines. Moreover, the Ang II–infused FLT3L
−/−
mice had lower urinary excretion of the oxidative stress marker 8-isoprostane and lower renal mRNA levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2. In an intraperitoneal saline challenge test at day 7 of Ang II, FLT3L
−/−
mice excreted higher proportions of the injected volume and sodium than WTs. Consistent with this enhanced diuresis, mRNA expressions for the sodium chloride cotransporter and all 3 subunits of the epithelial sodium channel were diminished by >40% in FLT3L
−/−
kidneys compared with the WTs. Thus, classical FLT3L-dependent DCs promote renal T-cell activation with consequent oxidative stress, fluid retention, and blood pressure elevation.
Efficacy of Electrical Baroreflex Activation Is Independent of Peripheral Chemoreceptor Modulation
Authors: Heusser Karsten , Thöne Arvo , Lipp Axel , Menne Jan , Beige Joachim , Reuter Hannes , Hoffmann Fabian , Halbach Marcel , Eckert Siegfried , Wallbach Manuel , Koziolek Michael , Haarmann Helge , Joyner Michael J. , Paton Julian F.R. , Diedrich André , Haller Hermann , Jordan Jens , Tank Jens
Published: December 2019

Arterial baroreflex activation through electrical carotid sinus stimulation has been developed for the treatment of resistant hypertension. Previous studies suggested that the peripheral chemoreflex is tonically active in hypertensive patients and may inhibit baroreflex responses. We hypothesized that peripheral chemoreflex activation attenuates baroreflex efficacy evoked by electrical carotid sinus stimulation. We screened 35 patients with an implanted electrical carotid sinus stimulator. Of those, 11 patients with consistent acute depressor response were selected (7 men/4 women, age: 67±8 years, body mass index: 31.6±5.2 kg/m
2
, 6±2 antihypertensive drug classes). We assessed responses to electrical baroreflex stimulation during normoxia, isocapnic hypoxia (SpO
2
: 79.0±1.5%), and hyperoxia (40% end-tidal O
2
fraction) by measuring heart rate, blood pressure, ventilation, oxygen saturation, end-tidal CO
2
and O
2
fractions, and muscle sympathetic nerve activity. During normoxia, baroreflex activation reduced systolic blood pressure from 164±27 to 151±25 mm Hg (mean±SD,
P
<0.001), heart rate from 64±13 to 61±13 bpm (
P
=0.002), and muscle sympathetic nerve activity from 42±12 to 36±12 bursts/min (
P
=0.004). Hypoxia increased systolic blood pressure 8±12 mm Hg (
P
=0.057), heart rate 10±6 bpm (
P
<0.001), muscle sympathetic nerve activity 7±7 bursts/min (
P
=0.031), and ventilation 10±7 L/min (
P
=0.002). However, responses to electrical carotid sinus stimulation did not differ between hypoxic and hyperoxic conditions: systolic blood pressure: −15±7 versus −14±8 mm Hg (
P
=0.938), heart rate: −2±3 versus −2±2 bpm (
P
=0.701), and muscle sympathetic nerve activity: −6±4 versus −4±3 bursts/min (
P
=0.531). We conclude that moderate peripheral chemoreflex activation does not attenuate acute responses to electrical baroreflex activation therapy in patients with resistant hypertension. These patients provided insight into human baroreflex-chemoreflex interactions that could not be gained otherwise.
Contributions of Geography and Nongeographic Factors to the White‐Black Gap in Hospital Quality for Coronary Heart Disease: A Decomposition Analysis
Authors: Popescu Ioana , Huckfeldt Peter , Pane Joseph D. , Escarce José J.
Published: December 2019

Background

Differences in hospital proximity and nongeographic factors affect disparities in hospital quality for heart disease, but their relative contributions are unknown. The current study quantifies the influences of these factors on the white‐black gap in high‐ and low‐quality hospital use for acute myocardial infarction (
AMI
) and coronary artery bypass grafting (
CABG
) surgery.

Methods and Results

We used Medicare claims to identify fee‐for‐service Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older hospitalized during 2009–2011 with
AMI
(n=384 443) and
CABG
(n=71 411). Hospital quality was measured using publicly available
AMI
mortality rates. In national and regional analyses, we used conditional multinomial logit models to estimate the white‐black gap in high‐ and low‐quality hospital use and decompose the gap into geographic and nongeographic contributions. Overall, more whites used high‐quality hospitals for both conditions (34.8% versus 32.4% for
AMI
; 39.0% versus 29.9% for
CABG
;
P
<0.001), but after accounting for distance to hospitals, the white‐black gap was significant only for
CABG
(9.1%;
P
<0.001). The nongeographic component was significant for both conditions (3.4% for
AMI
and 7.7% for
CABG
;
P
<0.001) and accounted for nearly the entire gap for
CABG
. In contrast, hospital geographic proximity was not significant. In regional analyses, white beneficiaries had higher rates of high‐quality hospital use in the Northeast (
CABG
) and South (
AMI
and
CABG
), whereas black had higher rates of high‐quality hospital use in the Midwest (
AMI
).

Conclusions

White‐black differences in high‐quality hospital use were significant for
CABG
and related to nongeographic factors. Interventions should consider health system and contextual reasons for these disparities.
Sciences as Systems
Authors: Alvargonzález David
Published: December 2019

This paper opens by distinguishing between the multiple concepts of system and the philosophical idea of system. It then goes on to discuss the differences between systems and other proximate ideas, such as whole, set, aggregate and structure. Subsequently, it proposes a definition of system, and then lays out three classifications of systems. When elaborating a general definition of system, the main challenge is finding a general criterion with which to characterize both technical systems built by men (for instance, machines), and scientific systems independent of human subjects (for instance, the solar system). The criterion proposed in the text solves this difficulty. Lastly, from the tenets of Gustavo Bueno’s hyperrealist philosophy of categorial closure, I put forward the consideration of the sciences as systems.
Comments on the nomenclature of genus- and family-series taxa of notothenioid fishes (Perciformes, Notothenioidei)

Authors: SHEIKO BORIS A.
Published: December 2019

The nomenclatural status of the nomina proposed for genus-series and family-series taxa of the fish suborder Notothenioidei (Perciformes) is established. Three types of nomenclatural problems are revealed, where the current edition of the Code does not allow to make a definite choice, namely: [1] the nomenclatural status of a family-series nomen based on an incorrectly formed stem of a type genus nomen (Eleginopsinae/Eleginopsidae and Pleuragramminae); [2] the determination of the grammatical gender of a genus-series nomen, derived from a Greek or Latin word, having no originally stated gender (Gobionotothen, Lepidonotothen, Macronotothen and Patagonotothen); and [3] the determination of the gender of a Latinized Greek genus-series nomen having a different gender in different Greek dialects (Aethotaxis and Pleuragramma). Some options to solve these problems in a forthcoming edition of the Code are proposed. The nomenclatural status of the names «Cryonotothenioidea», «Eleginopsioidea» and «Pseudaphritioidea» as being outside the frame of the Code is established. The validity of the nomina Gelidinae, Pagetodes and Pagetodini as opposite of Pleuragrammatinae, Cryodraco and Cryodraconini, respectively, is demonstrated. The availability, validity or correctness of the nomina and/or parographs Aethotaxinae, Bovichtus, Bovichtidae, Bovichtoidea, Champsocephalinae, Channichthys, Channichthyidae, Dacodraconini, Elegininae, Eleginopinae, Pagetopsinae, Pagotheniini, Patagonotothenini and Pseudaphritidae are justified. The formation of family-series nomina from genus-series nomina ending in -ops is stabilized. The unavailability of the nomina Cygnodraconinae, Dissostichinae and Gobionototheninae is established. The spelling of protographs, authorships, publication dates and nomenclatural status of homonymous Aphritis are specified. The Romanization of the surnames of O. S. Voskoboinikova and A. V. Neelov, and the spelling of surname of F. R. LaMonte are stabilized. The authorship and/or publication date of the nomina Akarotaxis, Artedidraconinae, Bathydraconidae, Bovichtus, Bovichtidae, Champsocephalus, Channichthyinae, Cottoperca, Dolloidraco, Eleginops, Eleginopinae, Gymnodraconinae, Macronotothen, Nototheniidae, Pseudaphritidae, Trematominae and Vomeridens are specified. The feminine gender of Racovitzia is justified. The type species and their attributes for the genera Artedidraco, Chionodraco, Harpagifer and Pseudotrematomus are specified. A valid way of fixation and/or the possible auctor of a subsequent fixation of type species for the genera Aethotaxis, Chaenodraco, Cryothenia, Eleginops, Eleginus, Notothenia, Pagothenia and Trematomus is ascertained. The correctness of the binomen Pagetopsis maculata Barsukov & Permitin, 1958 is justified. The authorships of M.E. Blochii Systema Ichthyologiae, of Histoire naturelle des poissons and of a chapter on reptiles and fishes in the Historia fisica y politica de Chile are specified.
The type status of collections made by Adolfo Moller and Francisco Quintas in the floras of São Tomé and Príncipe

Authors: FIGUEIREDO ESTRELA , SMITH GIDEON F.
Published: December 2019

The numbering systems used by Júlio Henriques when specimens were prepared for distribution as donations or for determination from the Herbarium COI (Coimbra, Portugal) are addressed, with particular emphasis on the collections made by Adolfo Moller and Francisco Quintas on São Tomé and Príncipe in the 19th century. The conflicting numbers and label data that are found on these collections have been the source of considerable confusion in determining what constitute duplicates, and in many cases the type status of such collections. An understanding of the administrative methodology and numbering system used by Henriques is critical in taxonomic studies on the flora of São Tomé and Príncipe and adjacent areas, as the early collections inevitably included large numbers of type specimens. Previous work done by Arthur Exell to address the issue is analysed and explained, and examples are presented.
Key to genera of Chinese Coelidiinae leafhoppers, with description a new species of the leafhopper genus Baseprocessa (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae)
Authors: WANG XIAN-YI , FAN ZHI-HUA , LI ZI-ZHONG , DAI REN-HUAI
Published: December 2019

The genus Baseprocessa Fan & Li, 2017 is reviewed and a new species B. longiprocessa sp. nov. from Tibet is described and illustrated. An updated checklist and distributions of the species of this genus are provided and a key to Chinese Coelidiinae genera is included.
Methane Production from Pennisetum giganteum z.x.lin During Anaerobic Digestion
Authors: Liu Caiyan , Wei Baocheng , Dai Zhuangqiang , Chen Chang , Liu Guangqing
Published: December 2019

Due to an approaching energy crisis, new energy sources with low pollution and high energy density are being urgently sought. Energy plants, as a new option, were widely studied and considered. In this work, the characteristics and biomethane production performance of giant grasses
(Pennisetum giganteum z.x.lin) with different harvest times were studied. The results implied that the solid content and lignin content in giant grasses both increased with growth time. The anaerobic digestion (AD) of giant grasses harvested in December initiated faster. Cumulative
methane yield of the giant grass harvested in July was higher, reaching 267.9 mL/gVS at an organic loading of 15 gVS/L. A first-order model and a modified Gompertz model were used to fit and evaluate the AD process of these two giant grasses, and the results showed that both models can describe
the process well. The results of this study indicated that the harvest time of the giant grass had a large impact on the biomethane production, which also provided a theoretical basis for the future utilization of giant grass and other energy plants.
Bubble Wall Rupture Model for Open Cell Structure in Starch/Fiber Heterogeneous Composites
Authors: Zhang Chuan-Wei , Li Fang-Yi , Li Jian-Feng , Lu Hai-Yang , Wang Geng
Published: December 2019

Starch/fiber heterogeneous composites were prepared through thermos-cavity foaming machine. Open cell structures are widely distributed in the heterogeneous composites. Bubble wall rupture is an inevitable stage in the formation of open cells. Different from the conventional models
to explain the bubble wall rupture from the energy and the wave point of view, this study suggests the "local thinning ultimate stress" model to reveal the bubble wall rupture from the stress perspective. The local stress of the starch bubble wall is increased with the thinning of the bubble
wall. The bubble wall ruptures when local stress exceeds the ultimate surface tension. Starch slurry retraction occurs after bubble wall rupturing. The elastic retraction drives partially open cells to fully open cell morphologies in the starch/fiber heterogeneous composite. The developed
mechanism was validated by starch/fiber slurry with different viscosities to design a novel biodegradable composite with fully open cell structures.
Beyond Spiritual Focus: Climate Change Awareness, Role Perception, and Action among Church Leaders in Nigeria
Authors: Nche George C.
Published: December 2019

This study explored the role of church leaders in addressing climate change with a focus on Catholic, Anglican, and Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. The study adopted a semistructured face-to-face interview with 30 church leaders drawn from the selected denominations (i.e., 10 church leaders from each denomination). These participants were spread across five states in five geopolitical zones in Nigeria. A descriptive narrative approach was employed in the thematic organization and analysis of data. Findings showed that while all the participants across the three denominations—Catholic, Anglican, and Pentecostal churches—agreed to have heard of climate change, their perceptions of the causes of the phenomenon were narrow and varied along religious denominational lines. More Catholic participants expressed belief in anthropogenic climate change than did Anglicans and Pentecostals. Awareness creation, charity for disaster victims, and prayer were identified by the participants as the roles churches can play in addressing climate change. Although climate change action was generally poor among participants, Catholics engaged more in organizational action than did Anglicans and Pentecostals. In contrast, climate change actions were more on a personal level than on the organizational/church level within Pentecostal churches. The implications of the findings for the Church/church leaders, policy, and future research are discussed.
Book review: Dwaipayan Sen, The Decline of the Caste Question: Jogendranath Mandal and the Defeat of Dalit Politics in Bengal
Authors: Geetha V.
Published: December 2019

Dwaipayan Sen, The Decline of the Caste Question: Jogendranath Mandal and the Defeat of Dalit Politics in Bengal, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2018, 305 pp.
Book review: Gagan D. S. Sood, India and the Islamic Heartlands: An Eighteenth-century World of Circulation and Exchange
Authors: Roy Tirthankar
Published: December 2019

Gagan D. S. Sood, India and the Islamic Heartlands: An Eighteenth-century World of Circulation and Exchange, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2016, 338 pp.
Solar vector solving method based on photovoltaic array and its application in attitude estimation of navigation system
Authors: Zhang Hongmei , Zhang Huaqing , Xu Guangyan , Liu Hao
Published: December 2019

Solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles usually fly at high altitudes, and they are mainly powered by the photocells covering the body of unmanned aerial vehicles. Considering that the solar vector cannot be affected by the disturbing magnetic field and harmful acceleration, a unit solar vector solving method based on photovoltaic array is proposed in this paper. The photocells with different installation angles are selected to form the photovoltaic array. The solar vector is solved by the least-squares method on the basis of normalization by using the output currents of the photovoltaic array. For eliminating the influence of faults and reflected light on the solving of the solar vector, an adaptive least-squares unit solar vector solving method is proposed. In addition, a solar vector measuring device is designed in order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods. By employing the structural advantages of the device, the current generated by the reflected light of the sky can be solved according to the currents generated by all photocells of this device. Thus, the solved current generated by the reflected light of the sky is more accurate. Moreover, strapdown inertial navigation system/solar vector/global positioning system integrated navigation Kalman filtering algorithm is proposed, in which the adaptive least-squares unit solar vector solving method is applied to the measurement update of the filter. The effectiveness of the methods proposed in this paper is illustrated by some numerical and physical simulations.
Condition monitoring of wind turbines based on analysis of temperature-related parameters in supervisory control and data acquisition data
Authors: Wang Xian , Zhao Qiancheng , Yang Xuebing , Zeng Bing
Published: December 2019

In order to conduct a further in-depth exploration of the role of temperature-related parameters in the condition monitoring of wind turbines, this paper proposes a method to assess the condition of wind turbines by analyzing the supervisory control and data acquisition system temperature-related parameters based on existing research. A prediction model of time-sequence regression is established, based on the key temperature signals of WTs, so as to reflect their health condition in the form of prediction residuals. A kind of health index from the perspective of temperature-related parameters is developed by separating the statistics concerning the conformity of the predicted values of key temperature parameters within a certain time window from the measured values in order to clearly present the implied information on the health condition of wind turbines contained in the model prediction residuals. The case study shows that the trend of health index from the perspective of temperature-related parameters is consistent with the health condition of wind turbines. In some instances, its decline obviously occurs earlier than the maintenance provided to address the stoppage, suggesting that such indexes can effectively reflect some early health problems of the wind turbines to provide a reference for their scientific maintenance.
The recruitment functions of social ties: Weak and strong tie mobilization for 84 demonstrations in eight countries
Authors: Walgrave Stefaan , Ketelaars Pauline
Published: December 2019

Although recruitment is often studied by social movement scholars, the literature lacks an integrated account of what recruitment actually entails and there is disagreement about who the recruiters are (weak- or strong-tie contacts). This study develops a theoretical account of different recruitment “functions” that can be fulfilled by social ties and that enhance protest participation. Participants need to be informed about the protest event, many of them need to be persuaded before they join a demonstration, and most of them also want to have suitable company to attend the protest with. We expect that these three recruitment functions—information, persuasion, and company—are often fulfilled by the same social tie (homogeneous pattern). However, when this is not the case, we expect that strong ties become more important the closer one comes to actual participation (centripetal pattern). Drawing on individual-level information about more than 14,000 protesters, we find that these patterns are robust across 84 demonstrations in eight countries. Nevertheless, there are systematic differences across countries and across types of social movements. The centripetal recruitment pattern is significantly more apparent when people protest for socio-economic issues compared to when they participate in demonstrations on other, non-socio-economic issues.
Electoral violence and the legacy of authoritarian rule in Kenya and Zambia
Authors: Brosché Johan , Fjelde Hanne , Höglund Kristine
Published: December 2019

Why do the first multiparty elections after authoritarian rule turn violent in some countries but not in others? This article places legacies from the authoritarian past at the core of an explanation of when democratic openings become associated with electoral violence in multi-ethnic states, and complement existing research focused on the immediate conditions surrounding the elections. We argue that authoritarian rule characterized by more exclusionary multi-ethnic coalitions creates legacies that amplify the risk of violent elections during the shift to multiparty politics. Through competitive and fragmented interethnic relations, exclusionary systems foreclose the forging of cross-ethnic elite coalitions and make hostile narratives a powerful tool for political mobilization. By contrast, regimes with a broad-based ethnic support base cultivate inclusive inter-elite bargaining, enable cross-ethnic coalitions, and reduce incentives for hostile ethnic mobilization, which lower the risk of violent elections. We explore this argument by comparing founding elections in Zambia (1991), which were largely peaceful, and Kenya (1992), with large-scale state-instigated electoral violence along ethnic lines. The analysis suggests that the type of authoritarian rule created political legacies that underpinned political competition and mobilization during the first multiparty elections, and made violence a more viable electoral strategy in Kenya than in Zambia.