bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wingless‐type MMTV integration site family member 5a is a key inhibitor of islet stellate cells activation
Authors: Xu Wei , Geng HouFa , Liang Jun , Liu Ying , Lv Qian , Wang Jie , Li Rui , Wang Xiu Li , Liu Xui Kui , Jones Peter M , Sun Zi Lin
Published: August 2019

Aims/Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by islet β‐cell dysfunction, which might result from the activation of islet stellate cells (ISCs). Our recent study showed that a specific population of ISCs is prone to be activated in type 2 diabetes mellitus accompanied by reduced secretion of insulin. The wingless‐type MMTV integration site family member 5a (Wnt5a)/frizzled‐5 signaling pathway might play an important role in this process. The present study aimed to explore the effects of Wnt5a on the activation of ISCs isolated from db/db mice.

Materials and Methods

ISCs were isolated from db/db mice and matched db/m mice. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting analysis were applied for the determination of Wnt5a expression. Exogenous Wnt5a and lentivirus containing the target gene Wnt5a short hairpin ribonucleic acid were used as a molecular intervention. The experiment of transwell and wound healing was used to evaluate the migration of the isolated ISCs.

Results

Our data showed that the expression of Wnt5a and frizzled‐5 was decreased in the ISCs isolated from db/db mice compared with db/m mice. Both the exogenous Wnt5a and the overexpression of Wnt5a could inhibit the outgrowth rate of ISCs from islets, and its viability, migration and α smooth muscle actin expression. These changes were associated with the inactivation of the Smad2/3 signaling pathway in a frizzled‐5‐dependent manner.

Conclusions

Our observations revealed a potential role of Wnt5a in preventing ISC activation. The maintenance of quiescent ISCs might be a desirable outcome of therapeutic strategies for diabetes mellitus.
Material sensitivity
Authors: Barrett Ellie
Published: August 2019

The ethics of sustainable art production
Prostheses satisfaction and diet of elderly wearing a single implant overdenture: A six‐month assessment
Authors: Carletti Talita Malini , Pinheiro Mayara Abreu , Meira Ingrid Andrade , Amaral Camilla Fraga , Rodrigues Garcia Renata Cunha Matheus
Published: August 2019

Aims

To compare prosthesis satisfaction and nutritional intake of edentulous elderly people wearing a conventional complete denture (CD) with those wearing a single implant mandibular overdenture (SIO) after 6 months of use.

Methods and results

Completely edentulous elderly patients (n = 22) were divided between a group rehabilitated with CDs in both dental arches and a group receiving a mandibular SIO with a conventional CD in the upper arch (n = 11/group). Patients completed a visual analog scale for degree of satisfaction with their prostheses in seven categories. Nutritional intake of patients (based on patient diaries) was evaluated over a 3‐day period. SIO wearers were more satisfied with their prostheses than were CD wearers. Six months after rehabilitation, the SIO group consumed foods higher in vitamins B2 and B6, whereas the CD group consumed more sodium.

Conclusion

SIO wearers are more satisfied with their prosthesis and consume greater amounts of vitamin B2 and vitamin B6 in their diets than CD wearers. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (#RBR‐3kgttj and #RBR‐37gdst).
A novel HLA class I allele, HLA‐B*46:01:21, identified by sequence‐based typing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Xia Jia‐an , Zhang Ding‐yu , Huang Chao‐lin , Li Wang‐xia
Published: August 2019

HLA‐B*46:01:21 differs from HLA‐B*46:01:01 by one nucleotide exchange at position 834(G>A) with no amino exchange.
HLA‐B*13:64, a novel allele, identified in a Chinese individual
Authors: Li Jian‐Ping , Zhang Xu , Lin Feng‐Qiu , Zhang Kun‐Lian , Li Xiao‐Feng
Published: August 2019

HLA‐B*13:64 has one amino acid change from HLA‐B*13:02:01:01 where 94 Threonine is changed to Isoleucine.
Both male and female gametogenesis require a fully functional protein S‐acyl transferase 21 in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Li Yaxiao , Li Hong‐Ju , Morgan Chris , Bomblies Kirsten , Yang Weicai , Qi Baoxiu
Published: August 2019

S‐Acylation is a reversible post‐translational lipid modification in which a long chain fatty acid covalently attaches to specific cysteine(s) of proteins via a thioester bond. It enhances the hydrophobicity of proteins, contributes to their membrane association and plays roles in protein trafficking, stability and signalling. A family of Protein S‐Acyl Transferases (PATs) is responsible for this reaction. PATs are multi‐pass transmembrane proteins that possess a catalytic Asp−His−His−Cys cysteine‐rich domain (DHHC‐CRD). In Arabidopsis, there are currently 24 such PATs, five having been characterized, revealing their important roles in growth, development, senescence and stress responses. Here, we report the functional characterization of another PAT, AtPAT21, demonstrating the roles it plays in Arabidopsis sexual reproduction. Loss‐of‐function mutation by T‐DNA insertion in AtPAT21 results in the complete failure of seed production. Detailed studies revealed that the sterility of the mutant is caused by defects in both male and female sporogenesis and gametogenesis. To determine if the sterility observed in atpat21‐1 was caused by upstream defects in meiosis, we assessed meiotic progression in pollen mother cells and found massive chromosome fragmentation and the absence of synapsis in the initial stages of meiosis. Interestingly, the fragmentation phenotype was substantially reduced in atpat21‐1 spo11‐1 double mutants, indicating that AtPAT21 is required for repair, but not for the formation, of SPO11‐induced meiotic DNA double‐stranded breaks (DSBs) in Arabidopsis. Our data highlight the importance of protein S‐acylation in the early meiotic stages that lead to the development of male and female sporophytic reproductive structures and associated gametophytes in Arabidopsis.
Inference of the gene regulatory network acting downstream of CROWN ROOTLESS 1 in rice reveals a regulatory cascade linking genes involved in auxin signaling, crown root initiation, and root meristem specification and maintenance
Authors: Lavarenne Jérémy , Gonin Mathieu , Guyomarc'h Soazig , Rouster Jacques , Champion Antony , Sallaud Christophe , Laplaze Laurent , Gantet Pascal , Lucas Mikaël
Published: August 2019

Crown roots (CRs) are essential components of the rice root system. Several genes involved in CR initiation or development have been identified but our knowledge about how they organize to form a gene regulatory network (GRN) is still limited. To characterize the regulatory cascades acting during CR formation, we used a systems biology approach to infer the GRN controlling CR formation downstream of CROWN ROOTLESS 1 (CRL1), coding for an ASL (asymmetric leaves‐2‐like)/LBD (LOB domain) transcription factor necessary for CR initiation. A time‐series transcriptomic dataset was generated after synchronized induction of CR formation by dexamethasone‐mediated expression of CRL1 expression in a crl1 mutant background. This time series revealed three different genome expression phases during the early steps of CR formation and was further exploited to infer a GRN using a dedicated algorithm. The predicted GRN was confronted with experimental data and 72% of the inferred links were validated. Interestingly, this network revealed a regulatory cascade linking CRL1 to other genes involved in CR initiation, root meristem specification and maintenance, such as QUIESCENT‐CENTER-SPECIFIC HOMEOBOX, and in auxin signalling. This predicted regulatory cascade was validated in vivo using transient activation assays. Thus, the CRL1‐dependant GRN reflects major gene regulation events at play during CR formation and constitutes a valuable source of discovery to better understand this developmental process.
Living the Dream
Authors: Lawrence Carol
Published: August 2019

Venture capital funding is booming, but the money goes largely to software, health, and life sciences startups. This feature looks at four companies—all in different stages of development—founded by mechanical engineers who have figured out how to succeed with hardware-focused businesses despite the odds. This article tells the story of four companies whose projects range from balloon-fired satellite launchers and robotic welders for small factories to farm equipment that thins plants autonomously and electric buses.
Planar Impacts in Hybrid Chains of Cylinders and Balls
Authors: Razzaghi Pouria , Alluhydan Khalid , Hurmuzlu Yildirim
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we study low-velocity multiple impacts of chains of balls and cylinders. We use three types of materials including steel, wood, and rubber. We perform collision experiments of balls and cylinders of three-, four-, and five-body chains and obtain their corresponding pre- and post-impact velocities. Although the common solution methods such as rigid body and bimodal models can not deal with this type of problems, we use a discretization method presented in Alluhydan et al. (2019, “On Planar Impacts of Cylinders and Balls,” ASME J. Appl. Mech., 86(7), p. 0710091) to accurately calculate the post-impact velocities of the colliding bodies in the chain. We use the bimodal Hertz–Crook contact force model and employ the ball-ball coefficient of restitution at the contacting segments to analyze the impact dynamics of the colliding objects. A segmentation method is used for ball-cylinder and cylinder-cylinder Collisions. The number of segments for each collision is determined by using a relationship that relates the stiffness ratio of two objects to the number of the segments. In ball-ball collisions, however, we do not use the segmentation method. The outcomes demonstrate that the overall average percentage error of post-impact velocities among experimental results and numerical predictions was less than 6.2% for all results.
Effect of pollen with different predator release ratios on biological control of Tetranychus urticae by the predaceous mite Kampimodromus aberrans
Authors: Kasap Ismail
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of birch pollen (Betula pendula Roth.) on the efficacy of the predatory mite Kampimodromus aberrans (Oudemans) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) as a biological control agent for the two spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) at different predator release ratios. The experiments were conducted on apple cv. Golden Delicious at 1:5, 1:15 and 1:30 predator-prey release ratios in a climate room (25±2°C, 65±10% RH and 16:8 L:D). The predatory mites were also offered pollen grains daily (0.5-0.10 mg/leaf) on the apple seedling during the experiments. One week after the release of K. aberrans, significant reductions in T. urticae density were observed at a ratio of 1:5; and the density remained at low levels thereafter, especially in the pollen experiments. The highest mean numbers of T. urticae in the control group (no predator release) were observed in week 3 with 4067 mites per leaf and 4922 mites per leaf, respectively for the pollen and no pollen application plots. This study demonstrates the potential of K. aberrans to effectively control T. urticae at ratios of 1:5 and 1:15 within three weeks, especially at a ratio of 1:5 when the pollen was added. Furthermore, releasing K. aberrans at the appropriate time and ratio enabled more successful control of T. urticae populations and plant damage, and subsequently kept the mites at low levels.
Self-limiting reactions of ammonium salt in CHF3/O2 downstream plasma for thermal-cyclic atomic layer etching of silicon nitride
Authors: Shinoda Kazunori , Miyoshi Nobuya , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Izawa Masaru , Saeki Tomonori , Ishikawa Kenji , Hori Masaru
Published: August 2019

Self-limiting reactions of ammonium salt in CHF3/O2 downstream plasma were demonstrated for thermal-cyclic atomic layer etching (ALE) of Si3N4. In situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis shows that an (NH4)2SiF6 by-product of the same thickness forms on Si3N4 in a wide gas composition range. The (NH4)2SiF6 layer prevents etching of Si3N4 during continuous plasma exposure in that wide range. The (NH4)2SiF6 layer was sublimated by heating, which was consistent with the result of the thermodynamic calculation. The reactions of the (NH4)2SiF6 layer in CHF3/O2 downstream plasma are used for thermal-cyclic ALE of Si3N4 with a newly developed 300-mm tool equipped with an in situ ellipsometer. It was confirmed that the amount etched per cycle saturates with respect to both plasma exposure time and infrared irradiation time.
Broadband leaky Lamb waves excited by optical breakdown in water
Authors: Athanassiadis Athanasios G. , Hart Douglas P.
Published: August 2019

Optical breakdown of water is used as a sound source to excite a broadband set of leaky Lamb waves in submerged aluminum plates. The source is shown to simultaneously excite guided modes spanning 0.1–5 MHz in frequency and 0–0.8 mm−1 in wavenumber. The measured response overlaps well with dispersion curves for Lamb waves in the plates, revealing strong coupling to both symmetric and antisymmetric modes. The strongest responses arise when a mode's phase velocity approximately equals the plate's compressional wave velocity. These results are shown to arise from an interplay of the sensing geometry, guided wave speeds, and signal processing. Finally, implications for non-contact sensing are discussed.
Brazilian president attacks deforestation data
Authors: Escobar Herton
Published: August 2019

Scientists rush to defend space institute after Jair Bolsonaro calls its numbers "a lie."
Temporal trends analysis of tuberculosis morbidity in mainland China from 1997 to 2025 using a new SARIMA-NARNNX hybrid model
Authors: Wang Yongbin , Xu Chunjie , Zhang Shengkui , Wang Zhende , Yang Li , Zhu Ying , Yuan Juxiang
Published: August 2019

Objective

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major deadly threat in mainland China. Early warning and advanced response systems play a central role in addressing such a wide-ranging threat. The purpose of this study is to establish a new hybrid model combining a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model and a non-linear autoregressive neural network with exogenous input (NARNNX) model to understand the future epidemiological patterns of TB morbidity.

Methods

We develop a SARIMA-NARNNX hybrid model for forecasting future levels of TB incidence based on data containing 255 observations from January 1997 to March 2018 in mainland China, and the ultimate simulating and forecasting performances were compared with the basic SARIMA, non-linear autoregressive neural network (NARNN) and error-trend-seasonal (ETS) approaches, as well as the SARIMA-generalised regression neural network (GRNN) and SARIMA-NARNN hybrid techniques.

Results

In terms of the root mean square error, mean absolute error, mean error rate and mean absolute percentage error, the identified best-fitting SARIMA-NARNNX combined model with 17 hidden neurons and 4 feedback delays had smaller values in both in-sample simulating scheme and the out-of-sample forecasting scheme than the preferred single SARIMA(2,1,3)(0,1,1)12model, a NARNN with 19 hidden neurons and 6 feedback delays and ETS(M,A,A), and the best-performing SARIMA-GRNN and SARIMA-NARNN models with 32 hidden neurons and 6 feedback delays. Every year, there was an obvious high-risk season for the notified TB cases in March and April. Importantly, the epidemic levels of TB from 2006 to 2017 trended slightly downward. According to the projection results from 2018 to 2025, TB incidence will continue to drop by 3.002% annually but will remain high.

Conclusions

The new SARIMA-NARNNX combined model visibly outperforms the other methods. This hybrid model should be used for forecasting the long-term epidemic patterns of TB, and it may serve as a beneficial and effective tool for controlling this disease.
Exploring pathways to mental healthcare for urban Aboriginal young people: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Kalucy Deanna , Nixon Janice , Parvizian Michael , Fernando Peter , Sherriff Simone , McMellon Jennifer , D’Este Catherine , Eades Sandra J , Williamson Anna
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To explore the perceptions of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS) staff involved in providing mental healthcare to Aboriginal young people of the current and ideal pathways to mental healthcare for urban Aboriginal young people attending ACCHSs, and to identify what additional supports staff may need to provide optimal mental healthcare to Aboriginal young people.

Design

Qualitative interview study conducted during May 2016–2017.

Setting

Primary care, at two ACCHSs participating in the Study of Environment on Aboriginal Resilience and Child Health in New South Wales.

Participants

Purposive sampling of staff involved in mental healthcare pathways of Aboriginal young people, including general practitioners (GPs), nurses and Aboriginal Health Workers (AHWs).

Results

All individuals approached for interview (n=21) participated in the study. Four overarching themes and seven sub-themes were identified: availability and use of tools in practice (valuing training and desire for tools and established pathways), targeting the ideal care pathway (initiating care and guiding young people through care), influencing the care pathway (adversities affecting access to care and adapting the care pathway) and assessing future need (appraising service availability).

Conclusions

Participants desired screening tools, flexible guidelines and training for healthcare providers to support pathways to mental healthcare for Aboriginal young people. Both GPs and AHWs were considered key in identifying children at risk and putting young people onto a pathway to receive appropriate mental healthcare. AHWs were deemed important in keeping young people on the care pathway, and participants felt care pathways could be improved with the addition of dedicated child and adolescent AHWs. The ACCHSs were highlighted as essential to providing culturally appropriate care for Aboriginal young people experiencing mental health problems, and funding for mental health specialists to be based at the ACCHSs was considered a priority.
Impact of obesity on life expectancy among different European countries: secondary analysis of population-level data over the 1975–2012 period
Authors: Vidra Nikoletta , Trias-Llimós Sergi , Janssen Fanny
Published: August 2019

Objective

This study assesses the impact of obesity on life expectancy for 26 European national populations and the USA over the 1975–2012 period.

Design

Secondary analysis of population-level obesity and mortality data.

Setting

European countries, namely Austria, Belarus, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Russian Federation, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine and the UK; and the USA.

Participants

National populations aged 18–100 years, by sex.

Measurements

Using data by age and sex, we calculated obesity-attributable mortality by multiplying all-cause mortality (Human Mortality Database) with obesity-attributable mortality fractions (OAMFs). OAMFs were obtained by applying the weighted sum method to obesity prevalence data (non-communicable diseases (NCD) Risk Factor Collaboration) and European relative risks (Dynamic Modeling for Health Impact Assessment (DYNAMO- HIA)). We estimated potential gains in life expectancy (PGLE) at birth by eliminating obesity-attributable mortality from all-cause mortality using associated single-decrement life tables.

Results

In the 26 European countries in 2012, PGLE due to obesity ranged from 0.86 to 1.67 years among men, and from 0.66 to 1.54 years among women. In all countries, PGLE increased over time, with an average annual increase of 2.68% among men and 1.33% among women. Among women in Denmark, Switzerland, and Central and Eastern European countries, the increase in PGLE levelled off after 1995. Without obesity, the average increase in life expectancy between 1975 and 2012 would have been 0.78 years higher among men and 0.30 years higher among women.

Conclusions

Obesity was proven to have an impact on both life expectancy levels and trends in Europe. The differences found in this impact between countries and the sexes can be linked to contextual factors, as well as to differences in people’s ability and capacity to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Association between excessive premature atrial complexes and cryptogenic stroke: results of a case–control study
Authors: Sajeev Jithin K , Koshy Anoop N , Dewey Helen , Kalman Jonathan M , Rajakariar Kevin , Tan Mae C , Street Maryann , Roberts Louise , Cooke Jennifer C , Wong Michael , Frost Tanya , Teh Andrew W
Published: August 2019

Objective

Recent anticoagulation trials in all-comer cryptogenic stroke patients have yielded equivocal results, reinvigorating the focus on identifying reproducible markers of an atrial myopathy. We investigated the role of excessive premature atrial complexes (PACs) in ischaemic stroke, including cryptogenic stroke and its association with vascular risk factors.

Methods and results

A case–control study was conducted utilising a multicentre institutional stroke database to compare 461 patients with an ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) with a control group consisting of age matched patients without prior history of ischaemic stroke/TIA. All patients underwent 24-hour Holter monitoring during the study period and atrial fibrillation was excluded. An excessive PAC burden, defined as ≥200 PACs/24 hours, was present in 25.6% and 14.7% (p<0.01), of stroke/TIA and control patients, respectively. On multivariate regression, excessive PACs (OR 1.97; 95% CI 1.29 to 3.02; p<0.01), smoking (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.06 to 2.36; p<0.05) and hypertension (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.07 to 2.17; p<0.05) were independently associated with ischaemic stroke/TIA. Excessive PACs remained the strongest independent risk factor for the cryptogenic stroke subtype (OR 1.95; 95% CI 1.16 to 3.28; p<0.05). Vascular risk factors that promote atrial remodelling, increasing age (≥75 years, OR 3.64; 95% CI 2.08 to 6.36; p<0.01) and hypertension (OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.01 to 2.34; p<0.05) were independently associated with excessive PACs.

Conclusions

Excessive PACs are independently associated with cryptogenic stroke and may be a reproducible marker of atrial myopathy. Prospective studies assessing their utility in guiding stroke prevention strategies may be warranted.
Emigration of regional quota graduates of Japanese medical schools to non-designated prefectures: a prospective nationwide cohort study
Authors: Yoshida Shuhei , Matsumoto Masatoshi , Kashima Saori , Owaki Tetsuhiro , Iguchi Seitaro , Inoue Kazuo , Tazuma Susumu , Maeda Takahiro
Published: August 2019

Objectives

This study examined the retention of regional quota graduates of Japanese medical schools and prefecture scholarship recipients within their designated prefectures where they are obliged or expected to work and revealed the personal and regional characteristics associated with their emigration to non-designated prefectures. Regional quota and prefecture scholarship are two of the most ambitious policies ever conducted in Japan for recruiting physicians to practice in rural areas.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Nationwide.

Participants

Regional quota graduates with prefecture scholarship, quota graduates without scholarship and non-quota graduates with scholarship of Japanese medical schools who obtained their physician license between 2014 and 2016.

Primary outcome

The emigration in 2016 of the participants from the designated prefectures.

Results

Total participants were 991 physicians, three of whom were excluded due to the missing values of crucial items, leaving 988 participants for analysis (quota with scholarship 387, quota alone 358 and scholarship alone 243). The percentage of those who emigrated was 11.9% (118/988). The mean (±SD) proportion of subjects who emigrated was 11.7% (±10.3) among all prefectures and the proportion varies widely among prefectures (0%–44.4%). Multilevel logistic regression analysis showed those who received prefecture scholarship (OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.67) and whose designated prefecture has an ordinance-designated city (ie, large city) were less likely to emigrate (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.24 to 0.90). In contrast, graduates from a medical school outside the designated prefecture (OR 4.20; 95% CI 2.20 to 7.67) and who have a right to postpone their obligatory service (OR 3.42; 95% CI 1.52 to 7.67) were more likely to emigrate.

Conclusions

A substantial proportion of regional quota graduates and prefecture scholarship recipients emigrated to non-designated prefectures. Emigrations should be reduced by improving the potential facilitators for emigration such as discordance in location between medical school and designated prefecture.
Top-cited articles in medical professionalism: a bibliometric analysis versus altmetric scores
Authors: Azer Samy A , Azer Sarah
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Citation counts of articles have been used to measure scientific outcomes and assess suitability for grant applications. However, citation counts are not without limitations. With the rise of social media, altmetric scores may provide an alternative assessment tool.

Objectives

The aims of the study were to assess the characteristics of highly cited articles in medical professionalism and their altmetric scores.

Methods

The Web of Science was searched for top-cited articles in medical professionalism, and the characteristics of each article were identified. The altmetric database was searched to identify report for each identified article. A model to assess the relationship between the number of citations and each of the key characteristics as well as altmetric scores was developed.

Results

No correlations were found between the number of citations and number of years since publication (p=0.192), number of institutes (p=0.081), number of authors (p=0.270), females in authorship (p=0.150) or number of grants (p=0.384). The altmetric scores varied from 0 to 155, total=806, median=5.0, (IQR=20). Twitter (54%) and Mendeley (62%) were the most popular altmetric resources. No correlation was found between the number of citations and the altmetric scores (p=0.661). However, a correlation was found for articles published in 2007 and after (n=17, p=0.023). To further assess these variables, a model was developed using multivariate analysis; did not show significant differences across subgroups. The topics covered were learning and teaching professionalism, curriculum issues, professional and unprofessional behaviour.

Conclusions

Altmetric scores of articles were significantly correlated with citations counts for articles published in 2007 and after. Highly cited articles were produced mainly by the USA, Canada and the UK. The study reflects the emerging role of social media in research dissemination. Future studies should investigate the specific features of highly cited articles and factors reinforcing distribution of research data among scholars and non-scholars.
Successful treatment of prolonged postoperative ileus following resection of a small intestinal spindle cell sarcoma in a horse
Authors: de Grauw Janny , van Loon Thijs
Published: August 2019

This case report details the unusual clinical course of a horse that had been hospitalised for recurrent colic prior to an acute colic episode requiring emergency laparotomy. Within the first 24 hours after surgery, the horse developed severe colic and postoperative ileus (POI) requiring repeat laparotomy. The horse suffered persistent ileus with copious reflux for 8 days thereafter, but its clinical condition permitted continued treatment. It was discharged after 4 weeks and returned to its previous performance level. The authors describe clinical decision‐making regarding intravenous fluid therapy, prokinetic drug administration, enteral and parenteral nutrition, and institution of physical exercise in the treatment of persistent POI. Economic and welfare considerations allowing, equine POI may resolve even in protracted cases. Patients may benefit from strategies aimed at early enteral feeding and ambulation as have emerged in human POI management.
Remote Technology-Based Training Programs for Children with Acquired Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analytic Exploration
Authors: Corti Claudia , Oldrati Viola , Oprandi Maria Chiara , Ferrari Elisabetta , Poggi Geraldina , Borgatti Renato , Urgesi Cosimo , Bardoni Alessandra
Published: August 2019

Introduction. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation interventions are considered to be a need for children with acquired brain injury (ABI), in order to remediate the important sequelae and promote adjustment. Technology-based treatments represent a promising field inside the rehabilitation area, as they allow delivering interventions in ecological settings and creating amusing exercises that may favor engagement. In this work, we present an overview of remote technology-based training programs (TP) addressing cognitive and behavioral issues delivered to children with ABI and complement it with the results of a meta-analytic exploration.Evidence Acquisition. We performed the review process between January and February 2019. 32 studies were included in the review, of which 14 were further selected to be included in the meta-analysis on TP efficacy.Evidence Synthesis. Based on the review process, the majority of TP addressing cognitive issues and all TP focusing on behavioral issues were found to be effective. Two meta-analytic models examining the means of either cognitive TP outcomes or behavioral TP outcomes as input outcome yielded a nonsignificant effect size for cognitive TP and a low-moderate effect size for behavioral TP. Additional models on outcomes reflecting the greatest beneficial effects of TP yielded significant moderate effect sizes for both types of TP. Nevertheless, consistent methodological heterogeneity was observed, pointing to cautious interpretation of findings. A subgroup analysis on visuospatial skill outcomes showed a smaller yet significant effect size of cognitive TP, with low heterogeneity, providing a more reliable estimation of overall cognitive TP effects.Conclusions. Promising results on remote cognitive and behavioral TP efficacy emerged both at the review process and at the meta-analytic investigation. Nevertheless, the high heterogeneity that emerged across studies prevents us from drawing definite conclusions. Further research is needed to identify whether specific training characteristics and population subgroups are more likely to be associated with greater training efficacy.
Top-100 Most Cited Publications Concerning Network Pharmacology: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Lu Cuncun , Bing Zhitong , Bi Zhijiang , Liu Ming , Lu Tingting , Xun Yangqin , Wei Zhipeng , Yang Kehu
Published: August 2019

Background. Network pharmacology (NP) has become an increasingly important focus in the drug research field over the past decade. However, no study to date has mapped the current status of NP. Therefore, we performed a bibliometric study to evaluate the top 100 cited papers on NP. Methods. We searched the Web of Science Core Collection from its inception to February 25, 2019, using the terms “network pharmacology” and “systems pharmacology.” Key data, including title, publication year, number of citations, authors, countries/regions, organizations, and journals, were retrieved and analyzed using Excel 2016 and VOSviewer 1.6.10. Results. The total number of citations for the 100 cited papers ranged from 21 to 1,238, published in 53 journals, from 2005 to 2017. The top three journals with the most publications on NP were Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (n = 8, IF2017 = 6.544), Journal of Ethnopharmacology (n = 8, IF2017 = 3.115), and PLoS One (n = 7, IF2017 = 2.766). Most published articles were from the USA (n = 41) and China (n = 35). The most active author was Wang Yonghua from the Northwest A&F University, and of the 100 publications, 14 listing his name. The most frequently used substantive terms included “drug discovery,” “traditional Chinese medicine (TCM),” “in-vitro,” “cancer,” and “cardiovascular disease.” Conclusions. The USA and China made the greatest contribution to NP research. The current NP research mainly focused on NP methods (including experimental validation) and using them to explore the molecular mechanisms of TCM for some critical diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancers. Furthermore, we believe some guidelines should be developed to regulate NP studies.
The Effect of Maternity Support Garments on Alleviation of Pains and Discomforts during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Quintero Rodriguez Carolina , Troynikov Olga
Published: August 2019

Maternity support garments (MSGs) are widely available and commonly recommended and used for alleviation of lower back pain (LBP) and pelvic girdle pain (PGP) during pregnancy; however, most studies available use the garments as a conjunct intervention with other therapies, with scarce research demonstrating the effects of the garments as a sole intervention. This study aims to review the available literature on the effects of using MSGs as sole intervention for comfort improvement of women during pregnancy, as well as to discuss the attributes of the garments which may influence their performance. A systematic review was undertaken, which adheres to PRISMA guideline for systematic reviews. Multiple databases, such as ScienceDirect, CINAHL, EBSCO, Elsevier, SCOPUS, Wiley Online Library, ProQuest, ProQuest Health and Medical Complete, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were electronically searched. Six studies met the inclusion criteria and covered three trial studies, two pilot studies and one observational study. Three outcome measurements were identified from the included studies: alleviation of pain, improvement of balance, and improvement of functionality and mobility. The study concluded that wearing MSGs during pregnancy could have beneficial effects in women such as LBP and PGP alleviation, improvement of functionality and mobility, and reduction of risk of fall during pregnancy; however, the mechanisms of the garments’ actions as well as the duration of the garments’ effectiveness are not elucidated through the studies. This study contributes to the understanding of the effects and effectiveness of the use of MSGs as a sole intervention for improvement of comfort during pregnancy as well as information about the different types of garments commercially available and the attributes that may influence the garment performance.
Mechanical Properties and Mullins Effect in Natural Rubber Reinforced by Grafted Carbon Black
Authors: Fu Wen , Wang Li , Huang Jianning , Liu Cuiwen , Peng Wenlong , Xiao Haotuo , Li Shenglin
Published: August 2019

The obvious polarity difference between the carbon black (CB) and the natural rubber (NR) causes the CB hard to be dispersed in the NR matrix when the addition amount is large. In this paper, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was grafted onto the surface of CB by the liquid phase. The grafted carbon black (GCB) was prepared and applied to reinforce NR. The main physical and mechanical properties of NR were improved because of the better compatibility between GCB and NR. The Mullins effect of the vulcanizate was calculated by the cyclic stress-strain experiment. The results showed that the Mullins effect both existed in the virgin NR system and filled NR system. The degree of Mullins effect was increased with the increase of the filler addition, but that was different for CB and GCB. When the filler addition was below 20 phr, the Mullins effect of NR/GCB was stronger than that of NR/CB. However, when the filler addition was over 30 phr, the Mullins effect of NR/CB was stronger than that of NR/GCB. The Mullins effect was affected by the heat treatment temperature and time. The mechanisms of the Mullins effect were analyzed.
Heart Failure Is Not Associated with a Poor Outcome after Mechanical Thrombectomy in Large Vessel Occlusion of Cerebral Arteries
Authors: Schnieder Marlena , von Glasenapp Anneki , Hesse Amelie , Psychogios Marios N. , Bähr Mathias , Hasenfuß Gerd , Schroeter Marco R. , Liman Jan
Published: August 2019

The impact of heart failure on outcome in stroke patients is not fully understood. There is evidence for an increased mortality and morbidity, but it remains uncertain whether thrombectomy in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the anterior circulation is less effective in patients with heart failure compared to patients without. Retrospectively, we analyzed echocardiographic data of all patients in our stroke database, who underwent mechanical thrombectomy (n=668) for the presence of heart failure. Furthermore, we collected baseline characteristics and neurological and neuroradiological parameters. In the analysis, 373 of the 668 patients of our stroke database underwent echocardiography. Of these 373 patients, 90 patients (24%) suffered from heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction measured by echocardiography according to the current guidelines. After adjustment for age, the Alberta stroke program early CT score (ASPECTS), and time from symptom onset to recanalization, the analysis revealed that thrombectomy in patients with heart failure and LVO is not associated with less favorable outcome measured by the modified Rankin Scale after 90 days (3 (0-6) vs. 3 (1-5); p=0.380). Moreover, we could not find a significant difference in mortality compared to patients without heart failure (11.0% vs. 7.4%; p=0.313).
New Characterizations of Weights in Hardy and Opial Type Inequalities via Solvability of Dynamic Equations
Authors: Saker S. H. , Sayed A. G. , Sikorska-Nowak A. , Abohela I.
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we prove that the solvability of dynamic equations of second order is sufficient for the validity of some Hardy and Opial type inequalities with two different weights on time scales. In particular, the results give new characterizations of two different weights in inequalities containing Hardy and Opial operators. The main contribution in this paper is the characterizations of weights in discrete inequalities that will be formulated from our results as special cases.
Leveraging Contextual Sentences for Text Classification by Using a Neural Attention Model
Authors: Yan DanFeng , Guo Shiyao
Published: August 2019

We explored several approaches to incorporate context information in the deep learning framework for text classification, including designing different attention mechanisms based on different neural network and extracting some additional features from text by traditional methods as the part of representation. We propose two kinds of classification algorithms: one is based on convolutional neural network fusing context information and the other is based on bidirectional long and short time memory network. We integrate the context information into the final feature representation by designing attention structures at sentence level and word level, which increases the diversity of feature information. Our experimental results on two datasets validate the advantages of the two models in terms of time efficiency and accuracy compared to the different models with fundamental AM architectures.
Surfactant Protein D Is Altered in Experimental Malaria-Associated Acute Lung Injury/Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Punsawad Chuchard , Viriyavejakul Parnpen , Techarang Tachpon
Published: August 2019

Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is in the collectin family of C-type lectins and plays an important role in the regulation of inflammation and the innate immune defense against pathogens. This protein has been proposed as a biomarker for acute lung injury. However, the expression of SP-D in the lung and the circulating levels of SP-D during malaria infection have received limited attention. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the location and expression of the SP-D protein in lung tissue and to measure the plasma level of SP-D in experimental malaria-associated acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS). Malaria-infected mice induced by Plasmodium berghei ANKA were classified into two groups, namely, the ALI/ARDS and non-ALI/ARDS groups, according to lung histopathology. The lungs of uninfected mice were used as a control group. The location and expression of SP-D in the lung tissues were investigated by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis. In addition, the level of SP-D in plasma and lung homogenate was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunohistochemical staining of SP-D was significantly increased in the lung tissues of the malaria-infected mice in the ALI/ARDS group compared with that in the malaria-infected mice in the non-ALI/ARDS group and the mice in the control group (p < 0.05). The levels of SP-D in the plasma and lung homogenate were significantly increased in the malaria-infected mice in the ALI/ARDS group compared with those in the malaria-infected mice in the non-ALI/ARDS group and the mice in the control group (p < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between SP-D in the plasma and SP-D in the lung homogenate (rs = 0.900, p = 0.037). In conclusion, this study demonstrated increased expression levels of SP-D in the lung tissue and high levels of plasma SP-D in the malaria-infected mice with ALI/ARDS compared with those in the mice in the other groups. The current study supports that the elevation of the plasma SP-D level may provide useful biological confirmation of the diagnosis of ALI/ARDS during malaria infection.
Polyclonal Heterogeneity: The New Norm for Secondary Clinical Resistance to Targeted Monotherapy in Relapsed Leukemia?
Authors: Wei Andrew H. , Roberts Andrew W.
Published: August 2019

In this issue, McMahon and colleagues demonstrate that secondary clinical resistance to the FLT3 inhibitor gilteritinib in relapsed acute myeloid leukemia is often polyclonal and commonly mediated by heterogeneous mutations that activate downstream RAS–MAPK pathways. These findings and recent data from others indicate that emergence of multiple clones, each with distinct mechanisms of resistance, is a common finding at secondary failure of single-agent–targeted therapies for relapsed leukemias.

See related article by McMahon et al., p. 1050.
A Single-Cell Window into Pancreas Cancer Fibroblast Heterogeneity
Authors: Belle Jad I. , DeNardo David G.
Published: August 2019

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) have been implicated in diverse and sometimes divergent tumor modulatory processes that can be explained only by the existence of heterogeneous CAF subsets. In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Elyada and colleagues utilize single-cell transcriptomics to resolve CAF heterogeneity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and identify a novel antigen-presenting CAF population.

See related article by Elyada et al., p. 1102.
Adamts5
−/−
Mice Exhibit Altered Aggrecan Proteolytic Profiles That Correlate With Ascending Aortic Anomalies
Authors: Dupuis Loren E. , Nelson E. Lockett , Hozik Brittany , Porto Sarah C. , Rogers-DeCotes Alexandra , Fosang Amanda , Kern Christine B.
Published: August 2019

Objective:

Investigate the requirement of Aggrecan (Acan) cleavage during aortic wall development in a murine model with ADAMTS (a disintegrin-like and metalloprotease domain with thrombospondin-type motifs) 5 deficiency and bicuspid aortic valves.

Approach:

Mice with altered extracellular matrix remodeling of proteoglycans will be examined for anomalies in ascending aortic wall development. Neo-epitope antibodies that recognize ADAMTS cleaved Acan fragments will be used to investigate the mechanistic requirement of Acan turnover, in aortic wall development.

Results:

Adamts5
−/−
;Smad2
+/−
mice exhibited a high penetrance of aortic anomalies (n=17/17);
Adamts5
−/−
;Smad2
+/−
mice with bicuspid aortic valves (7/17) showed a higher number of anomalies than
Adamts5
−/−
;Smad2
+/−
mice with tricuspid aortic valves. Single mutant
Adamts5
−/−
mice also displayed a high penetrance of aortic anomalies (n=19/19) compared with wild type (n=1/11). Aortic anomalies correlated with Acan accumulation that was apparent at the onset of elastogenesis in
Adamts5
−/−
mice. Neo-epitope antibodies that recognize the initial amino acids in the Acan cleaved fragments neo-FREEE, neo-GLGS, and neo-SSELE were increased in the
Adamts5
−/−
aortas compared with WT. Conversely, neo-TEGE, which recognizes highly digested Acan core fragments, was reduced in
Adamts5
−/−
mice. However, mice containing a mutation in the TEGE
373
↓
374
ALGSV site, rendering it noncleavable, had low penetrance of aortic anomalies (n=2/4). Acan neo-DIPEN and neo-FFGVG fragments were observed in the aortic adventitia; Acan neo-FFGVG was increased abnormally in the medial layer and overlapped with smooth muscle cell loss in
Adamts5
−/−
aortas.

Conclusions:

Disruption of ADAMTS5 Acan cleavage during development correlates with ascending aortic anomalies. These data indicate that the mechanism of ADAMTS5 Acan cleavage may be critical for normal aortic wall development.
Adenosine Kinase Inhibition Augments Conducted Vasodilation and Prevents Left Ventricle Diastolic Dysfunction in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Davila Alec , Tian Yanna , Czikora Istvan , Li Jie , Su Huabo , Huo Yuqing , Patel Vijay , Robinson Vincent , Kapuku Gaston , Weintraub Neal , Bagi Zsolt
Published: August 2019

Background:

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is often manifested as impaired cardiovascular reserve. We sought to determine if conducted vasodilation, which coordinates microvascular resistance longitudinally to match tissue metabolic demand, becomes compromised in HFpEF. We hypothesized that the metabolic vasodilator adenosine facilitates and that inhibition of ADK (adenosine kinase) augments conducted vasodilation for a more efficient myocardial perfusion and improved left ventricle (LV) diastolic function in HFpEF.

Methods and Results:

We assessed conducted vasodilation in obese ZSF1 rats that develop LV diastolic dysfunction and is used to model human HFpEF. Additionally, conducted vasodilation was measured in arterioles isolated from the right atrial appendages of patients with HFpEF. We found a markedly reduced conducted vasodilation both in obese ZSF1 rats and in patients with HFpEF. Impaired conducted vasodilation was accompanied by increased vascular ADK expression. Isolated rat and human arterioles incubated with adenosine (10 nmol/L) or ADK inhibitor ABT-702 (0.1 µmol/L) both displayed augmented conducted vasodilation. Treatment of obese ZSF1 rats with ABT-702 (1.5 mg/kg, IP for 8 weeks) prevented LV diastolic dysfunction, and in a crossover design augmented conducted vasodilation and improved LV diastolic function. ABT-702 treated obese ZSF1 rats exhibited reduced expression of myocardial carbonic anhydrase 9 and collagen, surrogate markers of myocardial hypoxia.

Conclusions:

Upregulation of vascular ADK mitigates adenosine-facilitated conducted vasodilation in obese ZSF1 rats and in patients with HFpEF. We propose that pharmacological inhibition of ADK could be beneficial for therapeutic augmentation of conducted vasodilation, thereby improving tissue perfusion and LV diastolic function in HFpEF.