bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sowing a way towards revitalizing Indigenous agriculture: creating meaning from a forum discussion in Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Arcand Melissa M. , Bradford Lori , Worme Dale F. , Strickert Graham E.H. , Bear Ken , Johnston Anthony Blair Dreaver , Wuttunee Sheldon M. , Gamble Alfred , Shewfelt Debra
Published: August 2020

Agriculture is practiced on 3–4 million acres of First Nations reserve lands in the Saskatchewan Prairies—predominantly by non-Indigenous farmers. A confluence of factors including an increase in agricultural land holdings on reserve and greater autonomy in land management have renewed conversations on how First Nations can realize the full economic benefits and exert greater control over agricultural activities that affect the reserve land base. We hosted a Forum on Indigenous Agriculture to share current knowledge on the contemporary status of Indigenous agriculture and to co-formulate research, capacity building, and policy priorities. First Nations’ roles in agriculture are diverse and were categorized in three broad contexts: as farmers, relying on traditional Indigenous or western practice, or a synergy of both; as landlords negotiating lease agreements; and as agribusiness entrepreneurs. Five themes emerged from the forum: centring Indigenous knowledge and traditional relationships to the land, capacity building, building respectful partnerships and relationships, financing farming and equitable economies, and translating research to policy and legislation. The forum provided foundational data to inform research and capacity building to meet community-defined goals in agriculture on reserve lands and by First Nations people.
Erratum to: Constraints on new physics from $$K \rightarrow \pi \nu \bar{\nu }$$
Authors: He Xiao-Gang , Valencia German , Wong Keith
Published: August 2020

A missing factor of i in Eq. (C1) has led to an incorrect expression for the last line of Eq. 14. The correct expression should read
Prompt $$J/\psi $$ photoproduction within the non-relativistic QCD framework at the CEPC
Authors: Zhan Xi-Jie , Wang Jian-Xiong
Published: August 2020

The prompt $$J/\psi $$J/ψ photoproduction within the non-relativistic QCD (NRQCD) framework at the future Circular Electron Positron Collider (CEPC) is studied, including the contributions from both direct and resolved photons. Employing different sets of long distance matrix elements, the total cross section is dominated by the color-octet channel. We present different kinematic distributions of $$J/\psi $$J/ψ production and the results show there will be about 50 $$J/\psi $$J/ψ events when the transverse momentum of $$J/\psi $$J/ψ is up to 20 GeV. It renders that the $$J/\psi $$J/ψ photoprodution at the CEPC is a well laboratory to test the NRQCD and further clarify the universality problem in NRQCD between electron positron collider and hadron collider.
The asymptotically linear Hénon problem
Authors: Amadori Anna Lisa
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we consider the Hénon problem in the ball with Dirichlet boundary conditions. We study the asymptotic profile of radial solutions and then deduce the exact computation of their Morse index when the exponent [Formula: see text] is close to [Formula: see text]. Next we focus on the planar case and describe the asymptotic profile of some solutions which minimize the energy among functions which are invariant for reflection and rotations of a given angle [Formula: see text]. By considerations based on the Morse index we see that, depending on the values of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], such least energy solutions can be radial, or nonradial and different one from another.
Incidentally Identified Pulmonary AVM: An Unusual Cause for Stroke in a Young Patient
Authors: Kalapurackal Mathai Vinod , Sebire Dale , Bowen Scarlett
Published: August 2020

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation is an uncommon though important potential source for embolic right-to-left extracardiac shunt as a cause for both silent and clinically evident stroke. We present this case to highlight this pathology as a cause for stroke, the importance of treating this malformation, even if incidentally identified, and finally the role of echocardiography in screening for extracardiac shunt and indicating those patients that may benefit from further investigations looking for extracardiac shunt.
An MCM-Enhanced Compressive Sensing for Weak Fault Feature Extraction of Rolling Element Bearings under Variable Speeds
Authors: He Ya , Feng Kun , Hu Minghui , Cui Jinmiao
Published: August 2020

The compressive sensing (CS) theory provides a new slight to the big-data problem led by the Shannon sampling theorem in rolling element bearings condition monitoring, where the measurement matrix of CS tends to be designed by the random matrix (RM) to preserve the integrity of signal roughly. However, when the signal to be analyzed is infected with strong noise, not only does the signal become insufficiently sparse, but the randomness of the measurement matrix will bring down the sensing efficiency, resulting in the loss of fault feature. Thus, a sensing-enhanced CS scheme based on a series of modes after VMD decomposition is proposed under this paper. The core of this scheme is as follows: (1) the principal mode of VMD with better sparsity replaces the raw signal for compressive sensing; (2) all these modes contain the time-frequency characteristics of the raw signal; (3) a new measurement matrix called mode-circulant matrix (MCM) is defined by circulating the mode matrix, and when the amount of samples is shrunk, the sensing efficiency can be enhanced greatly. Besides, considering the fault signal of rolling bearings under variable speed, there is a need to use order tracking to overcome the nonstationarity of the signal before applying CS theory. The analysis results of simulation and experiment prove that the VMD- and MCM-based CS can successfully extract the weak fault feature of rolling bearings with operating speed changing.
Tunable Synthesis of Ultrathin BiOCl 2D Nanosheets for Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Carbamazepine upon Visible-Light Irradiation
Authors: Xu Shuo , Gao Xiaoya , Xu Wenfeng , Jin Pengfei , Kuang Yongmei
Published: August 2020

A series of ultrathin BiOCl 2D nanosheet photocatalysts were prepared by the TBAOH-assisted hydrolysis method in water. The effects of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAOH) dosages, chlorine source, preparation pH value, ultrasonic treatment, and magnetic stirring on the photocatalytic degradation dynamics of carbamazepine were examined under visible-light irradiation to optimize the preparation parameters. It was found that ultrathin BiOCl prepared with TBAOH dosages of 1 mmol and chlorine source of NaCl in the pH of 2 upon magnetic stirring of 6 h displayed the highest photocatalytic degradation rate constant (0.0038 min−1) of carbamazepine, which is 7.6 times higher than that with the ordinary BiOCl (without TBAOH). To clarify the mechanism on the outstanding photocatalytic activity of ultrathin BiOCl, the elemental composition/state, micromorphology, and separation efficiency of photogenerated electron-hole pairs were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and photoluminescence (PL). Results showed that the presence of oxygen vacancy, ultrathin nanosheet structure, and improved separation efficiency of photogenerated electron-hole pairs contributed to the excellent photocatalytic degradation activity of ultrathin BiOCl. The obtained result provides a novel method to fabricate ultrathin BiOCl with excellent photocatalytic degradation activity of carbamazepine under visible-light irradiation.
Cough Radiculopathy: Postinfectious Cough-Related Acute Lumbar Radiculopathy
Authors: Alkhuja Samer
Published: August 2020

Cough is a protective reflex of airways and lungs. Cough may result in several complications. Postinfectious cough is a cough that begins during an acute respiratory tract infection, usually is self-limited, and is due to airway hyperresponsiveness as a result of airway inflammation. Cough radiculopathy has been once reported by Torrington and Adornato in the form of acute cervical radiculopathy. This is a case of acute lumbar radiculopathy as a result of postinfectious cough. Literature review did not show a similar case.
Salivary IL-17A, IL-17F, and TNF-αAre Associated with Disease Advancement in Patients with Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Zielińska Kinga , Karczmarek-Borowska Bożenna , Kwaśniak Konrad , Czarnik-Kwaśniak Justyna , Ludwin Aleksandra , Lewandowski Bogumił , Tabarkiewicz Jacek
Published: August 2020

Delayed diagnosis of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer is associated with a poor prognosis. Despite progress in systemic therapy and radiotherapy, there has only been a slight improvement in the five-year survival rate. A non-invasive diagnostic method that consists of an assessment of specific proteins in saliva samples may significantly facilitate assessment of treatment results in patients diagnosed with oral and oropharyngeal cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of IL-17 and TNF-αin the saliva of patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer. The study was conducted prior to treatment in patients hospitalized in the Frederic Chopin Provincial Specialist Hospital No. 1 in Rzeszów, Poland. Saliva samples were collected from subjects on an empty stomach. Cytokine concentrations in the saliva were measured with ELISA and Luminex Multiplex Assays. The higher salivary concentrations of IL-17A, IL-17F, and TNF-αwere significantly associated with disease advancement. Lower levels of IL-17A were associated with colonization of the oral cavity with aerobic bacteria. On the other hand, higher concentration of TNF-αwas observed in patients with positive aerobic culture of oral swabs. Our results suggest that IL-17A, IL-17F, and TNF-αmeasured in the saliva may be a potential biomarker for cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx.
The Value of Voltage Histogram Analysis Derived Right Atrial Scar Burden in the Prediction of Left Atrial Scar Burden
Authors: Herczeg Szilvia , Galvin Joseph , Keaney John J. , Keelan Edward , Byrne Roger , Howard Claire , Geller Laszlo , Szeplaki Gabor
Published: August 2020

Introduction. Growing evidence suggests that fibrotic changes can be observed in atrial fibrillation (AF) in both atria. Quantification of the scar burden during electroanatomical mapping might have important therapeutic and prognostic consequences. However, as the current invasive treatment of AF is focused on the left atrium (LA), the role of the right atrium (RA) is less well understood. We aimed to characterize the clinical determinates of the RA low-voltage burden and its relation to the LA scaring. Methods. We have included 36 patients who underwent catheter ablation for AF in a prospective observational study. In addition to LA mapping and ablation, high-density RA bipolar voltage maps (HD-EAM) were also reconstructed. The extent of the diseased RA tissue (≤0.5 mV) was quantified using the voltage histogram analysis tool (CARTO®3, Biosense Webster). Results. The percentage of RA diseased tissue burden was significantly higher in patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 2 p=0.0305, higher indexed LA volume on the CTA scan and on the HD‐EAM (p=0.0223 and p=0.0064, respectively), or higher indexed RA volume on the HD‐EAM p=0.0026. High RA diseased tissue burden predicted the presence of high LA diseased tissue burden (OR = 7.1, CI (95%): 1.3–38.9, p=0.0145), and there was a significant correlation of the same (r = 0.6461, p<0.0001). Conclusions. Determining the extent of the right atrial low-voltage burden might give useful clinical information. According to our results, the diseased tissue burden correlates well between the two atria: the right atrium mirrors the left atrium.
Visible Light-Driven Mn-MoS2/rGO Composite Photocatalysts for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: Trang Phan Thi Thuy , Truong Thanh Tam , Huu Ha Tran , Nguyen Le Tuan , Nguyen Van Thang , Nguyen Hong Lien , Vo Vien
Published: August 2020

The n%Mn-MoS2/rGO (labeled as n%MMS/rGO, where n% = Mn/(Mn + Mo) in mol) composites were successfully prepared by a facile hydrothermal method from the Mn-MoS2 (MMS) and rGO precursors, in which the MMS was obtained by a facile one-step calcination of (NH4)6Mo7O24·4H2O, (NH2)2CS, and Mn(CH3COO)2·4H2O as precursors in N2 gas at 650°C. The samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which indicates the composites containing nanosheets of Mn-MoS2 and rGO components. The photocatalytic activities of the n%MMS/rGO composite photocatalysts were evaluated through the photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under the visible light irradiation. The enhancement in the photocatalytic performance of the achieved composites was attributed to the synergic effect of Mn doping and rGO matrix. The investigation of photocatalytic mechanism was also conducted.
A Stress Approach Model of Functionally Graded Shells
Authors: Rubio Rascón Carlos Humberto , Díaz Díaz Alberto , Domínguez Alvarado Axel Fernando
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a model called SAM-FG (stress approach model of functionally graded shells) for linear elastic, thin, and moderately thick shells made of functionally graded materials. The model is an extension of the SAM-H model, originally created for homogeneous shells. Assuming that the material is orthotropic and that one of its orthotropic directions is the thickness direction, the extension consists in considering that the 3D compliance tensor may depend on the thickness coordinate. The model starts with a tunable polynomial approximation of the 3D stress field that contains the same generalized forces as SAM-H. This stress approximation verifies the 3D equilibrium equations and the stress boundary conditions at the faces of the shell. As in SAM-H, 5 generalized displacements appear in SAM-FG. By applying the Hellinger–Reissner functional and Reissner’s variational method, the generalized forces, strains, and equations in SAM-FG turn out to be the same as in SAM-H, except for the generalized constitutive equations. To prove the accuracy of the model, SAM-FG is first applied to a simply supported, functionally graded plate and its results are compared to other models. To validate the model for shell-like structures, SAM-FG results are compared to those obtained with solid finite element calculations for three case studies of structures subjected to an internal pressure. The first one deals with a hollow sphere made of an isotropic functionally graded material. The second case considers a hollow cylinder made of an orthotropic functionally graded material. In the last case, a catenoid with an isotropic functionally graded material is studied. In all cases, the mean displacements are correctly predicted, even if the main purpose of the SAM-FG model is not to calculate these fields accurately. The stress field approximations are very accurate, and since the implementation of the shell model in a finite element code would imply 5 degrees of freedom per node, SAM-FG is a good alternative to solid finite element calculations for the structural analysis of functionally graded shells with a reasonable computational cost.
Permeability Enhancement of Coal Seam by Lower Protective Layer Mining for Gas Outburst Prevention
Authors: He Aiping , Fu Hua , Huo Bingjie , Fan Chaojun
Published: August 2020

Risk prediction of dynamic disasters such as rock burst, gas outburst, and water inrush is closely related to the permeability evolution of coal seam. According to the characteristics of the lower protective layer mining, the basic assumption of gas-solid coupling model of the coal was proposed in this paper. The permeability enhancement coefficient of equivalent layer spacing was first put forward. Based on the three-zone-shaped dynamic evolution of the permeability of the overlying protective layer during the lower protective layer mining, the theories of seepage mechanics and damage mechanics were applied to introduce the permeability enhancement coefficient of equivalent layer spacing. A mathematical model of permeability evolution of the protected coal seam in the lower protective layer mining was established. Based on the engineering background of the lower protective layer mining in Changping Coal Mine, the numerical simulation using the proposed mathematical model was performed. The results showed that the stress and permeability of the protected layer in #3 coal seam evolved dynamically with the advancement of the working face of the protective layer in #8 coal seam. When the working face of the protective layer in #8 coal seam advanced to 80 m, the stress reduction rate in the relief area tended to be stable, and the stress in the stress reduction area was about 50% of the original rock stress. When advanced to 80 m, the permeability of the protected layer of the #3 coal seam increased sharply, and the permeability increased by 873 times. With the continuous advancement, the permeability of the protected layer in #3 coal seam tended to increase steadily, and the permeability increased by 1100–1200 times. The calculated magnitude of permeability increment is consistent with that in the engineering practice, indicating that the permeability evolution model is basically reasonable. The research provides a theoretical guidance for the gas drainage field application in the lower protective layer mining for prevention of coal and gas outburst.
Long-Term Impact of New Calcium-Silicate-Based Sealer on Mineral Contents and Crystallinity of Radicular Dentin: An Ex Vivo Study
Authors: Abu Zeid Sawsan T. , Saif Ragab E. , Alsofi Loai , Alamoudi Ruaa A.
Published: August 2020

Introduction. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term impact of new calcium silicate-based sealer (HiFlow Bioceramic) compared to calcium hydroxide-based sealer (Sealapex) on mineral constituents and crystallinity of radicular dentin. Methods. Roots of multirooted maxillary molars were denuded their dentin from all covered cementum then longitudinally split. The dentin segments were divided into three groups covered with either HiFlow root canal sealer or Sealapex root canal sealer or kept untreated (control group). After complete setting of sealers, the radicular dentin of each group was stored in phosphate buffer solution or deionized water for 60 days and then examined with Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope/energy dispersed X-ray and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results. When the dentin was stored in phosphate buffer solution, compared with untreated dentin, Fourier transform infrared spectra showed insignificant increase in the amide I and phosphate, significant increase in carbonate area, and carbonate/phosphate ratio, while there was insignificant change in phosphate/amide I ratio of HiFlow-treated dentin, whereas Sealapex induced significant decrease in amide I area, phosphate area, and phosphate/amide ratio. Both sealers induced significant increase in crystallinity index and significant decrease in crystallinity percent. Energy dispersed X-ray showed decrease in calcium content by both sealers. The phosphate content was increased by HiFlow and decreased by Sealapex. Conclusions. The mineral composition and crystallinity of dentin were insignificantly changed by the long-term HiFlow treatment, whereas, markedly changes by Sealapex.
Electromyography as a Means of Assessing Masticatory Muscle Activity in Patients with Pain-Related Temporomandibular Disorders
Authors: Szyszka-Sommerfeld Liliana , Machoy Monika , Lipski Mariusz , Woźniak Krzysztof
Published: August 2020

Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate masticatory muscle electrical activity in patients with pain-related and pain-free temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) as well as in subjects with no TMD. Methods. Ninety children with mixed dentition were recruited to the study. Of this total, 30 subjects were diagnosed with pain-related TMD (TMD-P), 30 with pain-free TMD (TMD-PF), and 30 without TMD. We used Axis I of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) to assess the presence of TMD in the examined children. The electromyographical (EMG) potentials of the temporalis and masseter muscles were measured with a DAB-Bluetooth Instrument (Zebris Medical GmbH, Germany) at rest and during maximum voluntary clenching (MVC). Results. An analysis of the EMG recordings showed statistically significant intergroup differences in masticatory muscle electrical activity at rest and during MVC. Significantly higher rest temporalis muscle activity was noted in pain-related TMD subjects compared with that children from the pain-free TMD and non-TMD groups, as well as in TMD-PF children in relation to those without TMD. The EMG potentials of the temporalis muscle during MVC were much lower in patients with TMD-P than in pain-free TMD and non-TMD subjects. Masseter muscle activity at rest in the TMD-pain group was significantly greater, and masseter muscle EMG potentials during clenching were markedly lower than in patients with no TMD diagnosis. Conclusion. The use of electromyography to assess masticatory muscle function revealed alterations in the pattern of temporalis and masseter muscle activity in patients with pain-related TMD compared with the pain-free subjects.
Magenkarzinom: Ist die Blockade von Claudin 18.2 eine neue, vielversprechende zielgerichtete Therapie?
Authors: Haag Georg Martin
Published: August 2020

Background: Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2) is physiologically confined to gastric mucosa tight junctions; however, upon malignant transformation, perturbations in cell polarity lead to CLDN18.2 epitopes being exposed on the cancer cell surface. The first-in-class monoclonal antibody, zolbetuximab (formerly known as IMAB362), binds to CLDN18.2 and can induce immune-mediated lysis of CLDN18.2-positive cells. Patients and methods: Patients with advanced gastric, gastro-oesophageal junction (GEJ) or oesophageal adenocarcinomas with moderate-to-strong CLDN18.2 expression in ≥50% of tumour cells received zolbetuximab intravenously every 2 weeks for five planned infusions. At least three patients were enrolled in two sequential cohorts (cohort 1300 mg/m2; cohort 2600 mg/m2); additional patients were enrolled into a dose-expansion cohort (cohort 3600 mg/m2). The primary end point was the objective response rate [ORR: complete and partial response (PR)]; secondary end points included clinical benefit [ORR+stable disease (SD)], progression-free survival, safety/tolerability, and zolbetuximab pharmacokinetic profile. Results: From September 2010 to September 2012, 54 patients were enrolled (cohort 1, n = 4; cohort 2, n = 6; cohort 3, n = 44). Three patients in cohort 1 and 25 patients in cohorts 2/3 received at least 5 infusions. Antitumour activity data were available for 43 patients, of whom 4 achieved PR (ORR 9%) and 6 (14%) had SD for a clinical benefit rate of 23%. In a subgroup of patients with moderate-to-high CLDN18.2 expression in ≥70% of tumour cells, ORR was 14% (n = 4/29). Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 81.5% (n = 44/54) patients; nausea (61%), vomiting (50%), and fatigue (22%) were the most frequent. Conclusions: Zolbetuximab monotherapy was well tolerated and exhibited antitumour activity in patients with CLDN18.2-positive advanced gastric or GEJ adenocarcinomas, with response rates similar to those reported for single-agent targeted agents in gastric/GEJ cancer trials. Clinicaltrials.gov number: NCT01197885.
Obesity and COVID-19: A Perspective from the European Association for the Study of Obesity on Immunological Perturbations, Therapeutic Challenges, and Opportunities in Obesity
Authors: Goossens Gijs H. , Dicker Dror , Farpour-Lambert Nathalie J. , Frühbeck Gema , Mullerova Dana , Woodward Euan , Holm Jens-Christian
Published: August 2020

Accumulating evidence suggests that obesity is a major risk factor for the initiation, progression, and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), as a scientific and medical society dedicated to the promotion of health and well-being, is greatly concerned about the concomitant obesity and COVID-19 pandemics and their impact on health and society at large. In this perspective, we will address the inherent immunological perturbations and alterations in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in patients with obesity and COVID-19, and discuss how these impairments may underlie the increased susceptibility and more detrimental outcomes of COVID-19 in people with obesity. Clearly, this has important implications for preventive measures, vaccination, and future therapeutic strategies to combat COVID-19. Furthermore, we will highlight important knowledge gaps and provide suggestions for future research and recommendations for policy actions. Since many new reports on COVID-19 rapidly appear, the present perspective should be seen as a focus for discussion to drive forward further understanding, research initiatives, and clinical management of COVID-19.
Role of Kv1.3 Channels in Platelet Functions and Thrombus Formation
Authors: Fan Cheng , Yang Xiaofang , Wang Wan Wendy , Wang Jue , Li Wenzhu , Guo Mengyuan , Huang Shiyuan , Wang Zhaohui , Liu Kun
Published: August 2020

Objective:

Platelet activation by stimulatory factors leads to an increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca
2+
]
i
), which is essential for almost all platelet functions. Modulation of Ca
2+
influx and [Ca
2+
]
i
in platelets has been emerging as a possible strategy for preventing and treating platelet-dependent thrombosis. Voltage-gated potassium 1.3 channels (Kv1.3) are highly expressed in platelets and able to regulate agonist-evoked [Ca
2+
]
i
increase. However, the role of Kv1.3 channels in regulating platelet functions and thrombosis has not yet been elucidated. In addition, it is difficult to obtain a specific blocker for this channel, since Kv1.3 shares identical drug-binding sites with other K
+
channels. Here, we investigate whether specific blockade of Kv1.3 channels by monoclonal antibodies affects platelet functions and thrombosis.

Approach and Results:

In this study, we produced the anti-Kv1.3 monoclonal antibody 6E12#15, which could specifically recognize both human and mouse Kv1.3 proteins and sufficiently block Kv1.3 channel currents. We found Kv1.3 blockade by 6E12#15 inhibited platelet aggregation, adhesion, and activation upon agonist stimulation. In vivo treatment with 6E12#15 alleviated thrombus formation in a mesenteric arteriole thrombosis mouse model and protected mice from collagen/epinephrine-induced pulmonary thromboembolism. Furthermore, we observed Kv1.3 regulated platelet functions by modulating Ca
2+
influx and [Ca
2+
]
i
elevation, and that this is mediated in part by P2X
1
. Interestingly,
Kv1.3
−/−
mice showed impaired platelet aggregation while displayed no abnormalities in in vivo thrombus formation. This phenomenon was related to more megakaryocytes and platelets produced in
Kv1.3
−/−
mice compared with wild-type mice.

Conclusions:

We showed specific inhibition of Kv1.3 by the novel monoclonal antibody 6E12#15 suppressed platelet functions and platelet-dependent thrombosis through modulating platelet [Ca
2+
]
i
elevation. These results indicate that Kv1.3 could act as a promising therapeutic target for antiplatelet therapies.
BAF60a Deficiency in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Prevents Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm by Reducing Inflammation and Extracellular Matrix Degradation
Authors: Chang Ziyi , Zhao Guizhen , Zhao Yang , Lu Haocheng , Xiong Wenhao , Liang Wenying , Sun Jinjian , Wang Huilun , Zhu Tianqing , Rom Oren , Guo Yanhong , Fan Yanbo , Chang Lin , Yang Bo , Garcia-Barrio Minerva T. , Lin Jiandie D. , Chen Y. Eugene , Zhang Jifeng
Published: August 2020

Objective:

Currently, there are no approved drugs for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) treatment, likely due to limited understanding of the primary molecular mechanisms underlying AAA development and progression. BAF60a—a unique subunit of the SWI/SNF (switch/sucrose nonfermentable) chromatin remodeling complex—is a novel regulator of metabolic homeostasis, yet little is known about its function in the vasculature and pathogenesis of AAA. In this study, we sought to investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)–specific BAF60a in AAA formation.

Approach and Results:

BAF60a is upregulated in human and experimental murine AAA lesions. In vivo studies revealed that VSMC-specific knockout of BAF60a protected mice from both Ang II (angiotensin II)–induced and elastase-induced AAA formation with significant suppression of vascular inflammation, monocyte infiltration, and elastin fragmentation. Through RNA sequencing and pathway analysis, we found that the expression of inflammatory response genes in cultured human aortic smooth muscle cells was significantly downregulated by small interfering RNA–mediated BAF60a knockdown while upregulated upon adenovirus-mediated BAF60a overexpression. BAF60a regulates VSMC inflammation by recruiting BRG1 (Brahma-related gene-1)—a catalytic subunit of the SWI/SNF complex—to the promoter region of NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) target genes. Furthermore, loss of BAF60a in VSMCs prevented the upregulation of the proteolytic enzyme cysteine protease CTSS (cathepsin S), thus ameliorating ECM (extracellular matrix) degradation within the vascular wall in AAA.

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrated that BAF60a is required to recruit the SWI/SNF complex to facilitate the epigenetic regulation of VSMC inflammation, which may serve as a potential therapeutic target in preventing and treating AAA.
SMIT (Sodium-Myo-Inositol Transporter) 1 Regulates Arterial Contractility Through the Modulation of Vascular Kv7 Channels
Authors: Barrese Vincenzo , Stott Jennifer B. , Baldwin Samuel N. , Mondejar-Parreño Gema , Greenwood Iain A.
Published: August 2020

Objective:

The SMIT1 (sodium:myo-inositol transporter 1) regulates myo-inositol movement into cells and responses to hypertonic stimuli. Alteration of myo-inositol levels has been associated with several diseases, including hypertension, but there is no evidence of a functional role of SMIT1 in the vasculature. Recent evidence showed that in the nervous system SMIT1 interacted and modulated the function of members of the Kv7 family of voltage-gated potassium channels, which are also expressed in the vasculature where they regulate arterial contractility. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated whether SMIT1 was functionally relevant in arterial smooth muscle.

Approach and Results:

Immunofluorescence and polymerase chain reaction experiments revealed that SMIT1 was expressed in rat renal and mesenteric vascular smooth muscle cells. Isometric tension recordings showed that incubation of renal arteries with raffinose and myo-inositol (which increases SMIT1 expression) reduced the contractile responses to methoxamine, an effect that was abolished by preincubation with the pan-Kv7 blocker linopirdine and by molecular knockdown of Kv7.4 and Kv7.5. Knockdown of SMIT1 increased the contraction of renal arteries induced by methoxamine, impaired the response to the Kv7.2–Kv7.5 activator ML213 but did not interfere with the relaxant responses induced by openers of other potassium channels. Proximity ligation assay showed that SMIT1 interacted with heteromeric channels formed by Kv7.4 and Kv7.5 proteins in both renal and mesenteric vascular smooth muscle cells. Patch-clamp experiments showed that incubation with raffinose plus myo-inositol increased Kv7 currents in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Conclusions:

SMIT1 protein is expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells where it modulates arterial contractility through an association with Kv7.4/Kv7.5 heteromers.
Global Left Atrial Longitudinal Strain Using 3-Beat Method Improves Risk Prediction of Stroke Over Conventional Echocardiography in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Liao Jo-Nan , Chao Tze-Fan , Kuo Jen-Yuan , Sung Kuo-Tzu , Tsai Jui-Peng , Lo Chi-In , Lai Yau-Huei , Su Cheng-Huang , Hung Chung-Lieh , Yeh Hung-I
Published: August 2020

Background:

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with a risk of ischemic stroke, and functional myocardial imaging has offered novel insights on its pathophysiology and prognosis, but its use in AF-related stroke remains limited. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of left atrial (LA) deformations and its prognostic values of ischemic stroke in a large-scale AF population.

Methods:

Peak atrial longitudinal strain (LA strain), left ventricular strain (global longitudinal strain), LA strain rate (LA SR) at reservoir (LA longitudinal systolic strain rate), and early diastolic conduit (LA longitudinal early diastolic strain rate) phases were analyzed using 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. Consecutive 3-beat averaged values of strain and SR were used. The clinical end point was ischemic stroke.

Results:

Among 1457 AF participants, the mean LA strain, LA longitudinal systolic strain rate, and LA longitudinal early diastolic strain rate values were 12.9±4.8%, 0.80±0.28 s
−
1
, and −1.17±0.46 s
−
1
, respectively. There were strong positive linear relationships of 3-beat average with index-beat analysis (R=0.94, 0.94, and 0.94 for LA strain, LA longitudinal systolic strain rate, and LA longitudinal early diastolic strain rate, respectively; all
P
<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression models incorporating conventional echocardiography parameters demonstrated LA strain and SRs to be independent prognosticators of ischemic stroke during a median follow-up of 37.6 months. Utilization of LA strain further provided incremental value over CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc scoring (
C
statistics, 0.78–0.81;
P
=0.006) for ischemic stroke. Overall, the prognostic performances of LA deformations were attenuated after adding global longitudinal strains in models.

Conclusions:

LA deformations by the 3-beat method are feasible and reproducible during AF. LA strain provided additional prognostic implication over clinical information and conventional echocardiographic measures for ischemic stroke in the AF population but not incremental to global longitudinal strains.
The Open Data Challenge: An Analysis of 124,000 Data Availability Statements and an Ironic Lesson about Data Management Plans
Authors: Graf Chris , Flanagan Dave , Wylie Lisa , Silver Deirdre
Published: August 2020

Data availability statements can provide useful information about how researchers actually share research data. We used unsupervised machine learning to analyze 124,000 data availability statements submitted by research authors to 176 Wiley journals between 2013 and 2019. We categorized the data availability statements, and looked at trends over time. We found expected increases in the number of data availability statements submitted over time, and marked increases that correlate with policy changes made by journals. Our open data challenge becomes to use what we have learned to present researchers with relevant and easy options that help them to share and make an impact with new research data.
Reassessment of a fossil specimen of Rhinella marina (Linnaeus, 1758) (Anura: Bufonidae), from Early Pleistocene of Bolivia
Authors: BARCELOS LUCAS A. , VERDADE VANESSA K.
Published: August 2020

Bufonidae is a cosmopolite and speciose clade that is currently hypothesized to have originated in Gondwana around 78–99 Ma (Pramuk et al. 2008). The systematics of the family was assessed using morphological and molecular data, alone or in a total evidence analysis (Pramuk 2006; Pramuk et al. 2008; Bocxlaer et al. 2010; Pyron & Wiens 2011). Due to taxonomic changes, most of the South American species of Bufo Garsault were relocated to the genus Rhinella Fitzinger, currently the second most speciose genus with 92 scientifically named and valid species (Frost 2020). The species in the genus are arranged in six taxonomic groups (crucifer, granulosa, margaritifera, marina, spinulosa, veraguensis species groups [Frost 2020]); the Rhinella marina group is characterized by specimens with well-ossified and exostosed skull, ornamented with deep striations, pits, and rugosities (Maciel et al. 2010). The Rhinella marina group includes eleven living species, distributed in two main clades named after their geographical distribution: the north-central clade and south-central clade. The south-central clade bears the species: R. achavali (Maneyro, Arrieta & de Sá), R. arenarum (Hensel), R. icterica (Spix), and R. rubescens (Lutz). The north-central clade bears the species: R. cerradensis Maciel, Brandão, Campos & Sebben, R. horribilis (Wiegmann), R. jimi (Stevaux), R. marina (Linnaeus), R. poeppigii (Tschudi), R. schneideri (Werner), and R. veredas (Brandão, Maciel & Sebben).
Description of a new genus, a new species and a new subspecies of snout moths (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Phycitinae) from Eastern Europe and Central Asia
Authors: TROFIMOVA TATYANA , BIDZILYA OLEKSIY , BUDASHKIN YURIY , KAROLINSKIY EUGENE
Published: August 2020

Yelenka gen. nov. is established to accommodate two species initially described in the genus Nephopterix Hübner, [1825] 1816—Yelenka hastiferella (Ragonot, 1887) comb. nov. and Yelenka gengisella (Ragonot, 1893) comb. nov. Additionally, a new species Yelenka calciferella sp. nov. from Ukraine, Russia and Western Kazakhstan, and its mountain subspecies Yelenka calciferella uyghurica ssp. nov. from Eastern Kazakhstan and Mongolia are described. The new genus is placed into the subfamily Phycitinae. Yelenka gengisella (Ragonot, 1893) sp. rev. is taken out from synonymy with Myrlaea orcella (Ragonot, 1887). Yelenka gengisella and Y. hastiferella are redescribed based on type material and additional specimens. According to DNA barcode, Y. gengisella and Y. hastiferella are placed in the same BOLD BIN. However, these species exhibit pronounced morphological characters that clearly distinguish the two taxa on the species level. The lectotype is designated for Nephopteryx [sic] hastiferella Ragonot, 1887. Comparative diagnoses, a key to species, illustrations of external characters, also male and female genitalia are provided for all species.
Liothrips species (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripinae) from leaf-galls on Piper species in Southeast Asia and Australia
Authors: MOUND LAURENCE A.
Published: August 2020

Variation in colour and structure is re-considered amongst 19 species of Liothrips collected from leaf-galls on Piper vines in Asia. Gynaikothrips crassipes Karny, Liothrips aemulans Priesner, and Liothrips baccati Priesner are considered new synonyms of Liothrips chavicae (Zimmermann). Gynaikothrips karnyi Bagnall is considered a new synonym of Liothrips mirabilis (Schmutz). Gynaikothrips kuwanai Moulton and Liothrips reynvaanae Priesner are considered new synonyms of Liothrips pallipes (Karny). Doubts are expressed about the significance of several further described species, and an identification key is provided to nine putative species. Despite the number of Liothrips species described from Piper, there is little evidence of thrips radiation on this plant genus, and the two most common species of the genus on Piper are probably not closely related.
The Health of Indigenous Populations in South Asia: A Critical Review in a Critical Time
Authors: Thresia Chundankuzhiyil Ulahannan , Srinivas Prashanth Nuggehalli , Mohindra Katia Sarla , Jagadeesan Chettiparambil Kumaran
Published: August 2020

Despite South Asia’s promising social inclusion processes, staggering social and health inequalities leave indigenous populations largely excluded. Marginalization in the South Asian polity, unequal power relations, and poor policy responses deter Adivasi populations’ rights and opportunities for health gains and dignity. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is likely to result in a disproportionate share of infections and deaths among the Adivasis, given poor social conditions and exclusions. Poor health of indigenous people, inequalities between indigenous and non-indigenous groups, and failures in enforcing constitutional and legal provisions to reclaim indigenous land and cultural identity herald deeper structural and political fractures. This article unravels health inequalities between the Adivasis and non-Adivasi populations in their social context based on a critical review of secondary sources. We call for intersectoral policies and integrated health care services to address systemic inequalities, discrimination, power asymmetries, and consequent poor health outcomes. The current COVID-19 pandemic should be viewed as a window to pursue real change.
Microstructural and mechanical aspects of micrometric and nanometric Ni + 10% Cr7C3 composite microwave clads
Authors: Singh Bhupinder , Zafar Sunny
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we present the development of micrometric and nanometric Ni + 10% Cr7C3 composite clad on ASTM A743 grade CA6NM hydroturbine steel through microwave irradiation. The microstructure of micrometric clad exhibited blade and rod-like structure of carbides embedded in [Formula: see text](Ni, Fe) solid solution, while nanometric clad leads to the evolution of petal-like structure of carbides. The developed nanometric clad shows uniform microstructural features with a low level of carbide decomposition. As a result, the average nanohardness and fracture toughness of nanometric clad improved by 38.11% and 8%, respectively, compared to the micrometric clad. Clads have porosity of the order of 1.1% and 0.81% for micrometric and nanometric clad, respectively.
Hybrid Knife, a Novel Drug Delivery Tool for Treatment of Tracheal Stenosis: A Case Report
Authors: Yin Yan , Ma Wen-hui , Li Wei , Ma Hai-feng , Kang Jian , Herth Felix J. F. , Hou Gang
Published: August 2020

The treatment of subglottic stenosis remains a challenge due to anatomic and technological limitations, and there is no consensus regarding treatment. Restenosis and granulation formation are the most common complications. Balloon dilatation combined with cryotherapy and adjuvant topical medication is one treatment method. However, the efficacy of adjuvant topical medication is controversial, and the lack of efficacy may be related to the effective dose of the drug delivered to the submucosal layer of the lesion. Therefore, a tool with high efficiency for delivering medications to the submucosal layer via injection may play an important role in treatment. A hybrid knife (HK) with a pressure water jet traditionally used in endoscopy submucosal dissection to inject saline into the submucosa was employed here to inject medications for subglottic stenosis, followed by electrical excision. Here, we report the case of a man with complex subglottic stenosis who underwent balloon dilatation combined with cryotherapy and an adjuvant submucosal triamcinolone injection performed with an HK. The drug was delivered more efficiently into the submucosal layer, and the lumen of the trachea was patent. Performing a submucosal injection with an HK may be a new approach to deliver medications to the submucosal layer for the treatment of tracheal stenosis.
Lymphocyte Transformation Tests in Workers with Occupational Exposure to Spiramycin
Authors: Valentino Matteo , Monaco Francesca , Provinciali Mauro , Di Stefano Giuseppina , Fabris Nicola , Governa Mario
Published: August 2020

Pharmaceutical industry employees are exposed to drugs which can stimulate allergic reactions. Other authors have found that, in workers of pharmaceutical companies exposed to spiramycin, spiramycin-induced asthma can be diagnosed only on the basis of spiramycin inhalation tests, because IgE specific antibodies, as well as skin and patch tests, are often negative.

Since lymphocytes from humans sensitised to various agents undergo morphological transformation on exposure to sensitising antigen in culture, we used a lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) following in vitro exposure to spiramycin of cells collected from healthy workers occupationally exposed or not exposed to this antibiotic.

LTT was measured by [3H]-thymidine uptake into DNA of lymphocytes cultured for three days in medium containing 0-500μg/ml spiramycin. The number of lymphoblasts was also counted on cell smears. Lymphocytes from spiramycin-exposed subjects, incubated with spiramycin, demonstrated a statistically significant increase of [3H]-thymidine incorporation; the presence of lymphoblasts in the cultures was only slightly increased.

Although other experiments with lymphocytes obtained from patients with spiramycin-induced asthma need to be performed, this pilot study suggests that LTT may be able to be used to detect early immune response changes caused by chemical agents in occupationally exposed workers.
A Human Epidermal Model that can be Used in an Automated Multiple Endpoint Assay
Authors: Cook Jeffery R. , Gabriels Joseph , Patrone Laura M. , Rhoads Laura S. , Van Buskirk Robert G.
Published: August 2020

Normal human epidermal keratinocytes were differentiated on Millipore Millicell CM microporous membranes overlaid with an acellular cross-linked collagen gel. The extracellular calcium concentration was elevated, and stratification of the monolayer to a 20-cell thick multilayer ensued within 5–7 days. Transmission electron microscopy of this stratified, human epidermal model (HEM) revealed typical ultrastructural markers of differentiation, including numerous desmosomes, keratinohyalin granules, keratin filaments, lamellar-type bodies, and squamous-shaped cells in the apical region, but not the basal region, of this HEM. Preparations lifted to the air–liquid interface had electron-dense apical cells suggestive of cornification. An electron-dense lamina appeared on the basal surface in both submerged and air–liquid interface cultures, suggesting that this structure can be produced without the help of underlying dermal cells and is independent of the air–liquid interface conditions. The uniform thickness of the epidermis, the absence of dermal fibroblasts, the lack of contraction of the epidermis, and the thinness of the underlying collagen gel, made this HEM a suitable candidate for use in an automated, fluorescence multiple endpoint assay. Fluorescent probes monitoring lysosomal integrity, epidermal permeability and plasma membrane integrity were monitored using the CytoFluor 2300 fluorescent plate reader. Our data suggest the feasibility of using multilayered human tissues for automated multiple endpoint analysis.
In Vitro Methods for the Assessment of L-Cysteine Conjugate Toxicity
Authors: Buckberry Lorraine D. , Adcock Harriet J. , Adler Jeremy , Blagbrough Ian S. , Gaskin Peter J. , Shaw P. Nicholas
Published: August 2020

L-Cysteine conjugates are normally metabolised via N-acetylation to produce a mercapturic acid. However, a recently identified metabolic route (C-S lysis) may lead to the generation of an unstable thiol which has been demonstrated to be responsible for toxicity in various mammalian species.

Human Chang liver cells were challenged with a number of established L-cysteine conjugates. The cellular toxicity of these compounds was determined using a range of assay procedures, which provided differing information, depending on the assay method used. These observations were then investigated in order to establish which system would provide the most reliable indication of C-S lyase toxicity and whether any information on the mechanism of action could be obtained by these assay methods.