bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated Expression of C-Type Lectin Domain Family 5-Member A (CLEC5A) and Its Relation to Inflammatory Parameters and Disease Course in Adult-Onset Still’s Disease
Authors: Chen Po-Ku , Hsieh Shie-Liang , Lan Joung-Liang , Lin Chi-Chen , Chang Shih-Hsin , Chen Der-Yuan
Published: April 2020

C-type lectin domain family 5-member A (CLEC5A) associates with adaptor DAP12 (DNAX activation protein 12) to form receptor complexes involved in inflammatory responses. We postulated a potential role of CLEC5A in the pathogenesis of adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) and aimed to investigate CLEC5A expression and its association with activity parameters and disease course. In 34 AOSD patients and 12 healthy controls (HC), circulating levels of CLEC5A-expressing monocytes or granulocytes were determined by flow cytometry analysis, the mRNA expression of CLEC5A and DAP12 on PBMCs by quantitative PCR, and plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines by ELISA. AOSD patients had significantly higher percentages and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CLEC5A-expressing monocytes (median 62.1% and 3.20, respectively) or granulocytes (72.6% and 3.22, respectively) compared with HC (in monocytes: 17.0% and 0.65, both p<0.001; in granulocytes: 67.3%, p<0.05 and 0.90, p<0.001; respectively). Patients also had significantly higher levels of CLEC5A mRNA expression on PBMCs compared with HC (median 1.77 vs. 0.68, p<0.05). The levels of CLEC5A-expressing monocytes or granulocytes were positively associated with activity scores and levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in AOSD patients. The patients with a systemic pattern had significantly higher levels of CLEC5A-expressing granulocytes and IL-18 compared to those with a chronic articular pattern of disease course. After 6 months of therapy, levels of CLEC5A-expressing monocytes and granulocytes significantly declined, paralleling the decrease of AOSD activity. Elevated CLEC5A levels and their positive association with activity parameters suggest that CLEC5A is involved in the pathogenesis and may serve as an activity indicator of AOSD.
Amino Acid Profiling Study of Psidium guajava L. Leaves as an Effective Treatment for Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Xu Chang , Li Xin , Zeng Debin , Liu Ying , Gao Yuhang , Tsunoda Makoto , Deng Shiming , Xie Xi , Wang Rong , Li Lu-shuang , Song Yanting , Zhang Yingxia
Published: April 2020

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become a major disease threatening human health worldwide. At present, the treatment of T2DM cannot cure diabetes and is prone to many side effects. Psidium guajava L. leaves have been reported to possess hypoglycemic activity, and they have been widely used in diabetes treatment in the folk. However, the antidiabetic mechanism has not been clearly explained. Also, the change in amino acid profile can reflect a metabolic disorder and provide insights into system‐wide changes in response to physiological challenges or disease processes. The study found that P. guajava L. leaves can decrease fasting blood glucose and lipid levels in type 2 diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin. Through the analysis of amino acid profiling following 20 days of gavage administration, the concentration data were modeled by principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis to find the different metabolites and related metabolic pathways (including cysteine and methionine metabolism, valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis) for the explanation of the hypoglycemic mechanism of P. guajava L., which provides an experimental and theoretical basis for diabetes prediction and for the development of new drugs for the treatment of diabetes.
Stromal Platelet–Derived Growth Factor Receptor-β Signaling Promotes Breast Cancer Metastasis in the Brain
Authors: Thies Katie A. , Hammer Anisha M. , Hildreth Blake E. , Steck Sarah A. , Spehar Jonathan M. , Kladney Raleigh D. , Geisler Jennifer A. , Das Manjusri , Russell Luke O. , Bey Jerome F. , Bolyard Chelsea M. , Pilarski Robert , Trimboli Anthony J. , Cuitiño Maria C. , Koivisto Christopher S. , Stover Daniel G. , Schoenfield Lynn , Otero Jose , Godbout Jonathan P. , Chakravarti Arnab , Ringel Matthew D. , Ramaswamy Bhuvaneswari , Li Zaibo , Kaur Balveen , Leone Gustavo , Ostrowski Michael C. , Sizemore Steven T. , Sizemore Gina M.
Published: April 2020

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta (PDGFRβ) is a receptor tyrosine kinase found in cells of mesenchymal origin such as fibroblasts and pericytes. Activation of this receptor is dependent on paracrine ligand induction, and its preferred ligand PDGFB is released by neighboring epithelial and endothelial cells. While expression of both PDGFRβ and PDGFB has been noted in patient breast tumors for decades, how PDGFB-to-PDGFRβ tumor–stroma signaling mediates breast cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis remains unclear. Here we demonstrate this paracrine signaling pathway that mediates both primary tumor growth and metastasis, specifically, metastasis to the brain. Elevated levels of PDGFB accelerated orthotopic tumor growth and intracranial growth of mammary tumor cells, while mesenchymal-specific expression of an activating mutant PDGFRβ (PDGFRβD849V) exerted proproliferative signals on adjacent mammary tumor cells. Stromal expression of PDGFRβD849V also promoted brain metastases of mammary tumor cells expressing high PDGFB when injected intravenously. In the brain, expression of PDGFRβD849V was observed within a subset of astrocytes, and aged mice expressing PDGFRβD849V exhibited reactive gliosis. Importantly, the PDGFR-specific inhibitor crenolanib significantly reduced intracranial growth of mammary tumor cells. In a tissue microarray comprised of 363 primary human breast tumors, high PDGFB protein expression was prognostic for brain metastases, but not metastases to other sites. Our results advocate the use of mice expressing PDGFRβD849V in their stromal cells as a preclinical model of breast cancer–associated brain metastases and support continued investigation into the clinical prognostic and therapeutic use of PDGFB-to-PDGFRβ signaling in women with breast cancer.

Significance:

These studies reveal a previously unknown role for PDGFB-to-PDGFRβ paracrine signaling in the promotion of breast cancer brain metastases and support the prognostic and therapeutic clinical utility of this pathway for patients.

See related article by Wyss and colleagues, p. 594
A Prospective Pilot Study of Graft-versus-Host Disease Prophylaxis with Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide and Ruxolitinib in Patients with Myelofibrosis
Authors: Morozova Elena Vladislavovna , Barabanshikova Maria Vladimirovna , Moiseev Ivan Sergeevich , Shakirova Alena Igorevna , Barhatov Ildar Munerovich , Ushal Inna Edvardovna , Rodionov Gennadij Georgievich , Moiseev Sergey Ivanovich , Surkova Elena Arkadjevna , Lapin Sergey Vladimirovich , Vlasova Julia Jurjevna , Rudakova Tatjana Alexandrovna , Darskaya Elena Igorevna , Baykov Vadim Valentinovich , Alyanski Alksandr Leonidovich , Bondarenko Sergey Nikolaevich , Afanasyev Boris Vladimirovich
Published: April 2020

Introduction: This prospective study evaluated a calcineurin inhibitor-free graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis regimen of ruxolitinib in combination with post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy). Patents and Methods: Twenty patients with primary or secondary myelofibrosis were prospectively enrolled. Reduced intensity conditioning was performed, followed by allogeneic stem cell transplantation from related (n = 7) or unrelated (n = 13) donors. GVHD prophylaxis included only PTCy and ruxolitinib (45 mg) from day–7 to day–2, and 15 mg from day+5 to day+100. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02806375. Results: Primary engraftment was documented in 17 patients. One patient experienced primary graft failure and 2 died before engraftment. Eleven patients demonstrated severe poor graft function (SPGF), which required ruxolitinib dose reduction. The regimen was well tolerated, with grade 3–4 non-haematological toxicity in 30%, viral reactivation in 45%, and severe sepsis in 15% of patients. The incidence of acute GVHD grade II–IV was 25%, grade III-IV GVHD was 15%, and moderate chronic GVHD was 20%, with no severe cases. Only 2 patients required systemic steroids. Haematological relapse was documented in 1 patient. Two-year non-relapse mortality was 15%, 2-year overall survival was 85%, and 2-year event-free survival was 72%. Conclusion: GVHD prophylaxis with PTCy and ruxolitinib is associated with low toxicity, good acute and chronic GVHD control, and low relapse incidence. However, the relatively high rate of SPGF should be taken into account. SPGF could possibly be mitigated by ruxolitinib dose reduction.
The Multifaceted Nature of Tumor Microenvironment in Breast Carcinomas
Authors: Annaratone Laura , Cascardi Eliano , Vissio Elena , Sarotto Ivana , Chmielik Ewa , Sapino Anna , Berrino Enrico , Marchiò Caterina
Published: April 2020

Heterogeneity in breast carcinomas can be appreciated at various levels, from morphology to molecular alterations, and there are well-known genotypic-phenotypic correlations. Clinical decision-making is strictly focused on the evaluation of tumor cells and is based on the assessment of hormone receptors and of the HER2 status, by means of a combination of immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization techniques. The tumor microenvironment (TME) also shows a multifaceted nature stemming from the different actors populating the intratumoral and the peritumoral stroma of breast carcinomas. Of note, we have now evidence that tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are clinically meaningful as their quantification in the intratumoral stroma strongly correlates with good prognosis, in particular in triple-negative and HER2-positive breast cancer patients. Nevertheless, TILs are just one of the many actors orchestrating the complexity of the TME, which is populated by immune and non-immune cells (cancer-associated fibroblasts, cancer-associated adipocytes), as well as non-cellular components such as chemical inflammation mediators. In this review article we will overview the main features of the distinct cell compartments by discussing (i) the potential impact the TME may have on the prognostic stratification of breast cancers and (ii) the possible predictive value of some markers in the context of immunotherapy in light of the recent results of phase III studies in advanced and early triple-negative breast cancer patients.
УДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ СКЛАДУ І РОЗРОБКА ЕКСТЕМПОРАЛЬНОЇ ТЕХНОЛОГІЇ ПЕСАРІЇВ ІЗ ДОКСИЦИКЛІНОМ ХІКЛАТОМ НА ОСНОВІ МАСЛА КАКАО
Authors: Chushenko V. M. , Yarnykh T. G. , Rukhmakova O. A. , Yuryeva G. B.
Published: April 2020

Мета роботи. Удосконалення складу і розробка екстемпоральної технології песаріїв із доксицикліном хіклатом на основі масла какао.

Матеріали і методи. Встановлено, що рецептурні прописи для лікування вагінальних інфекцій досить часто представлені песаріями із доксицикліну хіклатом на поліетиленоксидній основі. З метою їх удосконалення до складу лікарського засобу, окрім доксицикліну хіклату, введено лінімент синтоміцину, димексид і ментол. Як супозиторну основу використано суміш масла какао із воском бджолиним. Приготування песаріїв здійснено методом виливання з урахуванням вимог ДФУ 2.0 і Настанови МОЗУ «Вимоги до виготовлення нестерильних лікарських засобів в умовах аптек». Для визначення фармакотехнологічних показників модельних зразків лікарського засобу вивчено їх опис (однорідність), температуру плавлення і стійкість до руйнування.

Результати й обговорення. З метою визначення оптимального співвідношення масла какао і воску бджолиного у складі супозиторної основи досліджено фармакотехнологічні показники їх модельних зразків. Для подальших досліджень обрано співвідношення компонентів 92,5:7,5 і 95,0:5,0. При вивченні впливу емульгаторів (емульгатор Т-2, лецитин) на деякі показники якості песаріїв встановлено, що лише зразки лікарського засобу на обраній супозиторній основі у співвідношенні 95,0:5,0 із вмістом лецитину в кількості 2–3 % відповідають вимогам ДФУ за показниками «Опис» і «Температура плавлення». Експериментально доведено, що доксицикліну хіклат легко змішується з лініментом синтоміцину, що сприяє його рівномірному розподілу в супозиторній основі. Такий спосіб введення антибіотика значно покращує якість отриманих песаріїв (відсутній ефект осідання).

При розробці екстемпоральної технології лікарського засобу методом виливання визначено зворотний коефіцієнт заміщення доксицикліну хіклату на маслі какао, який становить 0,81. Зразки песаріїв, виготовлені за запропонованою технологією, проаналізовано за показниками якості відповідно до вимог ДФУ 2.0, чинних наказів, інструкцій і настанов МОЗ України.

Висновки. Проведено експериментальні дослідження з удосконалення складу екстемпоральних песаріїв із доксицикліном хіклатом для лікування інфекційного вагініту. До складу лікарського засобу, окрім доксицикліну хіклату, введено лінімент синтоміцину, димексид і ментол. Як супозиторну основу використано суміш масла какао і воску бджолиного у співвідношенні 95,0:5,0. Розроблено екстемпоральну технологію песаріїв методом виливання. Показано, що отримані зразки песаріїв повністю відповідають вимогам ДФУ до даної лікарської форми.
МАРКЕТИНГОВІ ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ АСОРТИМЕНТУ КОНТРАСТНИХ ЛІКАРСЬКИХ ЗАСОБІВ, РЕПРЕЗЕНТОВАНИХ НА ФАРМАЦЕВТИЧНОМУ РИНКУ УКРАЇНИ
Authors: Palchevska T. A. , Baula O. P. , Saliy O. O. , Bessarabov V. I. , Tarasenko H. V. , Kuryshko H. H.
Published: April 2020

Мета роботи. Провести аналіз вітчизняного фармацевтичного ринку контрастних лікарських засобів (КЛЗ); встановити обсяг асортиментних позицій вітчизняних виробників та визначити домінуючий сегмент за якісним складом досліджуваних ЛЗ.

 Матеріали і методи. Аналіз проводили на основі даних Державного реєстру лікарських засобів України, електронних баз даних, інформаційно-пошукової програми «Моріон» станом на 2019 рік. Отримані дані досліджень опрацьовували методами узагальнення, систематизації, графічного, порівняльного та структурного аналізу.

Результати й обговорення. Встановлено, що до групи зареєстрованих КЛЗ відноситься 36 найменуваннь, з них 31 ЛЗ належать до йодовмісних КЛЗ (5 ЛЗ – йонні, 26 ЛЗ – нейонні), 5 препаратів складають контрастні засоби на основі гадолінію та барію.

Лідером імпортних препаратів є фірма-виробник і заявник Юнік Фармасьютикал Лабораторіз, Індія, частка якої складає 27,8 %. Обсяг вітчизняного асортиментного сегмента знаходиться на рівні 33,4 %, провідне місце серед вітчизняних виробників посідає фармацевтичне підприємство ПАТ «Фармак».

Вивчено структуру асортименту дослiджуваної групи за торговельними назвами (ТН) та країнами-виробниками: загальна кількість ТН становить 17 найменувань КЛЗ, із них 5 ТН – лікарські засоби вітчизняних фармацевтичних підприємств. До основного складу досліджених контрастних ЛЗ входить 10 активних фармацевтичних інгредієнтів (АФІ), а також такі допоміжні речовини, як трометамол і/або трометамін та меглюмін, що сприяють зменшенню негативної реакції на організм людини та покращують загальні властивості КЛЗ.

Висновки. Встановлено, що український ринок КЛЗ формується, в основному, за рахунок iмпортних ЛЗ, їх питома вага складає 66,6 %. Встановлено відсутність вітчизняного виробництва нейонних йодовмісних КЛЗ: йопромід, йодиксанол.
Single Cell RNA Sequencing in Atherosclerosis Research
Authors: Williams Jesse W. , Winkels Holger , Durant Christopher P. , Zaitsev Konstantin , Ghosheh Yanal , Ley Klaus
Published: April 2020

Technological advances in characterizing molecular heterogeneity at the single cell level have ushered in a deeper understanding of the biological diversity of cells present in tissues including atherosclerotic plaques. New subsets of cells have been discovered among cell types previously considered homogenous. The commercial availability of systems to obtain transcriptomes and matching surface phenotypes from thousands of single cells is rapidly changing our understanding of cell types and lineage identity. Emerging methods to infer cellular functions are beginning to shed new light on the interplay of components involved in multifaceted disease responses, like atherosclerosis. Here, we provide a technical guide for design, implementation, assembly, and interpretations of current single cell transcriptomics approaches from the perspective of employing these tools for advancing cardiovascular disease research.
Polygenic Scores to Assess Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Authors: Aragam Krishna G. , Natarajan Pradeep
Published: April 2020

An individual’s susceptibility to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is influenced by numerous clinical and lifestyle factors, motivating the multifaceted approaches currently endorsed for primary and secondary cardiovascular disease prevention. With growing knowledge of the genetic basis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease—in particular, coronary artery disease—and its contribution to disease pathogenesis, there is increased interest in understanding the potential clinical utility of a genetic predictor that might further refine the assessment and management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk. Rapid scientific and technological advances have enabled widespread genotyping efforts and dynamic research in the field of coronary artery disease genetic risk prediction. In this review, we describe how genomic analyses of coronary artery disease have been leveraged to create polygenic risk scores. We then discuss evaluations of the clinical utility of these scores, pertinent mechanistic insights gleaned, and practical considerations relevant to the implementation of polygenic risk scores in the health care setting.
BET Epigenetic Reader Proteins in Cardiovascular Transcriptional Programs
Authors: Borck Patricia Cristine , Guo Lian-Wang , Plutzky Jorge
Published: April 2020

Epigenetic mechanisms involve the placing (writing) or removal (erasing) of histone modifications that allow heterochromatin to transition to the open, activated euchromatin state necessary for transcription. A third, less studied epigenetic pathway involves the reading of these specific histone marks once placed. The BETs (bromodomain and extraterminal-containing protein family), which includes BRD2, BRD3, and BRD4 and the testis-restricted BRDT, are epigenetic reader proteins that bind to specific acetylated lysine residues on histone tails where they facilitate the assembly of transcription complexes including transcription factors and transcriptional machinery like RNA Polymerase II. As reviewed here, considerable recent data establishes BETs as novel determinants of induced transcriptional programs in vascular cells, like endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, cardiac myocytes and inflammatory cells, like monocyte/macrophages, cellular settings where these epigenetic reader proteins couple proximal stimuli to chromatin, acting at super-enhancer regulatory regions to direct gene expression. BET inhibition, including the use of specific chemical BET inhibitors like JQ-1, has many reported effects in vivo in the cardiovascular setting, like decreasing atherosclerosis, angiogenesis, intimal hyperplasia, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and cardiac hypertrophy. At the same time, data in endothelial cells, adipocytes, and elsewhere suggest BETs also help regulate gene expression under basal conditions. Studies in the cardiovascular setting have highlighted BET action as a means of controlling gene expression in differentiation, cell identity, and cell state transitions, whether physiological or pathological, adaptive, or maladaptive. While distinct BET inhibitors are being pursued as therapies in oncology, a large prospective clinical cardiovascular outcome study investigating the BET inhibitor RVX-208 (now called apabetalone) has already been completed. Independent of this specific agent and this one trial or the numerous unanswered questions that remain, BETs have emerged as novel epigenetic players involved in the execution of coordinated transcriptional programs in cardiovascular health and disease.
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Participate in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Döring Yvonne , Libby Peter , Soehnlein Oliver
Published: April 2020

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have recently emerged as a newly recognized contributor to venous and arterial thrombosis. These strands of DNA extruded by activated or dying neutrophils, decorated with various protein mediators, become solid-state reactors that can localize at the critical interface of blood with the intimal surface of diseased arteries and propagate and amplify the regional injury. NETs thus furnish a previously unsuspected link between inflammation, innate immunity, thrombosis, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular diseases. In response to disease-relevant stimuli, neutrophils undergo a specialized series of reactions that culminate in NET formation. DNA derived from either nuclei or mitochondria can contribute to NET formation. The DNA liberated from neutrophils forms a reticular mesh that resembles morphologically a net, rendering the acronym NETs particularly appropriate. The DNA backbone of NETs not only presents intrinsic neutrophil proteins (eg, MPO [myeloperoxidase] and various proteinases) but can gather other proteins found in blood (eg, tissue factor procoagulant). This review presents current concepts of neutrophil biology, the triggers to and mechanisms of NET formation, and the contribution of NETs to atherosclerosis and to thrombosis. We consider the use of markers of NETs in clinical studies. We aim here to integrate critically the experimental literature with the growing body of clinical information regarding NETs.
Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk, Hematopoiesis, and Innate Immunity
Authors: Schloss Maximilian J. , Swirski Filip K. , Nahrendorf Matthias
Published: April 2020

Unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, psychosocial stress, and insufficient sleep are increasingly prevalent modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Accumulating evidence indicates that these risk factors may fuel chronic inflammatory processes that are active in atherosclerosis and lead to myocardial infarction and stroke. In concert with hyperlipidemia, maladaptive immune system activities can contribute to disease progression and increase the probability of adverse events. In this review, we discuss recent insight into how the above modifiable risk factors influence innate immunity. Specifically, we focus on pathways that raise systemic myeloid cell numbers and modulate immune cell phenotypes, reviewing hematopoiesis, leukocyte trafficking, and innate immune cell accumulation in cardiovascular organs. Often, relevant mechanisms that begin with lifestyle choices and lead to cardiovascular events span multiple organ systems, including the central nervous, endocrine, metabolic, hematopoietic, immune and, finally, the cardiovascular system. We argue that deciphering such pathways provides not only support for preventive interventions but also opportunities to develop biomimetic immunomodulatory therapeutics that mitigate cardiovascular inflammation.
Geoffrey Hill’s Poetic Incarnational Theology
Authors: Russell Jesse
Published: April 2020

Geoffrey Hill’s poems are saturated with the cluttered bleakness of the nihilistic view of the natural world, but in Hill’s own Christian incarnational theology it is precisely this filthy world into which Christ was incarnated in order to redeem humans from Original Sin. Fortified with but also rattled by the Incarnation and the doctrine of Original Sin, in his poems Hill is faced with the profound, agonizing existential choice to embrace Christ or reject Christianity as a farce, and it is this perilous pose that serves as the theological grounding of the oeuvre the man who now, sadly, was the greatest contemporary Christian poet.
Wuthering Heights
Authors: Stuchiner Judith
Published: April 2020

This essay views Lockwood’s first dream in Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, in which “the famous Jabes Branderham preach[es] from the text,” as a “slice” of Methodist history. Enlisting E.P. Thompson’s suggestion that Jabes Branderham is modeled after Methodist Jabez Bunting, I argue that Brontë’s presentation of Methodism in the dream contains valuable socio-economic information. As an aspiring member of the gentry, Lockwood fears the subversive potential of Methodism and resents Branderham’s preaching of it and Joseph’s observance of it. I argue further that Brontë uses Methodism as a tool in her characterization of Lockwood and Joseph.
Perception of Peace Actors on the Nexus between Criminal Gangs and Violent Extremism in the Coast of Kenya
Authors: Shauri Halimu Suleiman , Mutubwa Hassan Mohamed , Mwaka Musa Timothy
Published: April 2020

A growing body of scholarly literature suggests convergence or linkage between Criminal Gangs (CGs) and Violent Extremism (VE) in various parts of the world (Hubschle, 2011). However, the connection between CG and VE remains unclear and contrast substantially, based on area, context and perspective of criminal gangs and VE groups. While studies have been done in other parts of the world, no such studies have been done in the Coastal Region of Kenya to link CGs and VE groups. This is despite the widespread operation of VE groups such as the Somali based Al-Shabaab and many criminal gangs in the region to mention a few the Kapenguria six, Wajukuu wa Babu, Wakali Wao, Wakali Kwanza, Wajukuu wa Bibi, Wajukuu wa Mtume among others. Accordingly, this study provides the perception of peace actors, community, government and civil society personnel, on the Coast of Kenya on the nexus between criminal gangs and VE. The findings are based on a survey study involving sixty (60) peace actors who responded to a questionnaire study that was distributed in May and June 2019 in Mombasa, Kenya.
Alternaria telliensis sp. nov., a new species isolated from Solanaceae in Algeria

Authors: BESSADAT NABAHAT , HAMON BRUNO , BATAILLE-SIMONEAU NELLY , MABROUK KIHAL , SIMONEAU PHILIPPE
Published: April 2020

During a biodiversity survey of Alternaria associated with leaf spot and blight of Solanaceae, a large collection of strains was obtained from samples collected in north-western regions of Algeria in 2013–2018 growing seasons. Amongst these strains, three isolates recovered from tomato and potato had morphological traits different from that usually observed for Alternaria species previously reported on Solanaceae. Based on analysis of a sequence dataset corresponding to portions of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gpd), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) and RNA polymerase second largest subunit (rpb2) genes along with morphological observations, isolates were identified as a new species in the section Japonicae. This novel species, described here as Alternaria telliensis, is phylogenetically and morphologically distinct from A. japonica and A. nepalensis in this section. Pathogenicity tests were performed and isolates were found to be weakly pathogenic to tomato and potato (Solanaceae) while highly aggressive on radish, cabbage and turnip (Brassicaceae) plants.
Distribution of Macrobiotus shonaicus Stec, Arakawa & Michalczyk, 2018 (Tardigrada: Eutardigrada: Macrobiotidae) in Japan
Authors: SUGIURA KENTA , ARAKAWA KAZUHARU , MATSUMOTO MIDORI
Published: April 2020

To date, only seven species of Macrobiotidae (Parachela; Eutardigrada; Tardigrada) have been reported from Japan, including the recently described Macrobiotus shonaicus Stec et al., 2018 from the Shonai region of Japan. This species has flexible filaments on the egg processes and is known to proliferate only through sexual reproduction. Here, we report a multifaceted analysis of nine populations of M. shonaicus found on four Japanese islands. DNA sequencing of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS-2) of the nine populations revealed 8 and 11 haplotypes, respectively. The extensive morphometric analysis showed considerably greater variability in the morphology of eggs than of animals. In addition to the morphological and molecular data, we confirmed the karyotype and found that all populations had a chromosome number of n = 6. Moreover, we observed and filmed mating behaviour between all studied populations of M. shonaicus. Our results clearly indicated that M. shonaicus is widely distributed throughout Japan.
A further review of European Magelonidae (Annelida), including descriptions of Magelona equilamellae and Magelona filiformis
Authors: MORTIMER KATE , MILLS KIMBERLEY , JORDANA ESTHER , PINEDO SUSANA , GIL JOÃO
Published: April 2020

Following on from the partial review of European Magelonidae by Fiege et al. (2000), a dichotomous identification key, a table of characters and images of all nine known European magelonid species are provided. Magelona equilamellae is redescribed highlighting several features not reported originally by Harmelin. Notably the thoracic neuropodial lamellae, which are initially prechaetal but become distinctly postchaetal by chaetiger 7, an additional character allowing separation from the morphologically similar Magelona alleni. Records suggest that M. equilamellae is a Mediterranean species, more commonly occurring in shallow, transitional waters. Several new characters for Magelona filiformis are additionally highlighted as well as a number of corrections to the existing description, including the number of prostomial ridges, presence of abdominal lateral pouches, morphology of chaetiger 9, and the presence of smaller abdominal hooded hooks adjacent to lateral lamellae. The first image of M. filiformis minuta is provided, and its synonymy with M. filiformis further supported.
A taxonomic revision of Gymnothorax undulatus (Anguilliformes: Muraenidae) in the Western Indian Ocean, with description of a new species
Authors: SITHOLE YONELA , SMITH DAVID G. , MWALE MONICA , GOUWS GAVIN
Published: April 2020

The taxonomic status of the widely distributed Indo-Pacific undulated moray eel, Gymnothorax undulatus, is revised using morphological and genetics features. Ninety-seven specimens previously identified as G. undulatus were examined and their mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA genes were analysed. The multivariate analysis of eight morphometric characters resulted in separation with little to no overlap among some geographic regions. These groupings explained more than 90% of the total variation, with 86.6% overall classification. Two color morphs were identified, and the South African population was described as new species, Gymnothorax elaineheemstrae n. sp., distinct from G. undulatus in having mottled and faintly reticulated color pattern, 134–136 total vertebrae and further confirmed by the genetic analysis of COI and 16S rRNA with > 0.1 genetic distance. The morphological and genetics results indicate that G. undulatus, previously treated as a single species, consists of more than one species.
A new species of Eryx (Serpentes: Erycidae) from Iran
Authors: ESKANDARZADEH NAEIMEH , RASTEGAR-POUYANI NASRULLAH , RASTEGAR-POUYANI ESKANDAR , RASTEGAR-POUYANI ESKANDAR , ZARGAN JAMIL , HAJINOURMOHAMADI ASHKAN , NAZAROV ROMAN A. , SAMI SOHEIL , RAJABIZADEH MAHDI , NABIZADEH HOSSEIN , NAVAIAN MAJID
Published: April 2020

We describe a new species of the genus Eryx Daudin, 1803 from southern Iran that is morphologically closely related to the Indian sand boa, E. johnii. The new species, Eryx sistanensis sp. nov. has a distribution range from Zabol in the Sistan Region to the southern parts of Sistan & Baluchistan, as well as Hormozgan Province of Iran. Morphologically, E. sistanensis sp. nov. differs from E. johnii by having fewer dorsal scale rows at midbody and the tail tip is not as blunt as E. johnii. The genetic distance (p-distance) between the new species and the Indian sand boa is considerable (9.1% for cytb and 11.8% for COI).
A Self-Powered Intelligent Tactile Electric Skin Based on ZnO/Fabrics for Real-Time Monitoring Grabbing of Snowboard
Authors: Guan Rongxin , Wang Ziqi , Gao Xinchao , Shen Mailun , Wang Xihong , Zhang Bowen , Sun Zhe , Zhang Mengmeng , Li Boyang , Chen Song
Published: April 2020

Real-time monitoring of the position and duration of the snowboarder's grab in the air plays an very important role in scientifically improving the stability and innovation of the movement. Meanwhile, it also provides accurate scientific basis and judgment for the judges to identify
the movement in the competition. By using four-needle ZnO nanowires combined with ordinary textile fabrics, a flexible device that can be attached to skis has been created. The device could output piezoelectric signals (working without external power source) served as both power source and
sensing signal. Based on this, a snowboard has been modified to monitor the contact position and duration, when any touch or grab occurs on the snowboard. Undeniably, this work has created a new and more scientific monitoring system for snowboarding competitions and training. In addition,
it's provide a viable method to promote the directions of sport competitions and equipment with constantly updating portable equipment.
A Hybrid Precipitation Index Inspired by the SPI, PDSI, and MCDI. Part I: Development of the Index
Authors: Chelton Dudley B. , Risien Craig M.
Published: April 2020

The filtering properties of the standardized precipitation index (SPI), the Palmer drought severity index (PDSI), and the model calibrated drought index (MCDI) are investigated to determine their relations to past, present, and future precipitation anomalies in regions with a wide diversity of precipitation characteristics. All three indices can be closely approximated by weighted averages of precipitation, but with different weighting. The SPI is well represented by one-sided, uniformly weighted averages; the MCDI is well represented by one-sided, exponentially weighted averages; and the PDSI is well represented by two-sided, exponentially weighted averages with much higher weighting of past and present precipitation than future precipitation. Detailed analyses identify interpretational complications and other undesirable features in the SPI and PDSI. In addition, the PDSI and MCDI are each restricted to single regionally specific “intrinsic” time scales that can significantly differ between the two indices. Inspired by the strengths of the SPI, PDSI, and MCDI, a hybrid index is developed that consists of exponentially weighted averages of past and present precipitation that are implicit in the PDSI and MCDI. The explicit specification of the exponential weighting allows users to control the time scale of the hybrid index to investigate precipitation variability on any time scale of interest. This advantage over the PDSI and MCDI is analogous to the controllability of the time scale of the SPI, but the exponentially fading memory is more physical than the uniform weighting of past and present precipitation in the SPI.
Do Oral Health Services in Medical Offices Replace Pediatric Dental Visits?
Authors: Kranz A.M. , Rozier R.G. , Stein B.D. , Dick A.W.
Published: April 2020

In the United States, state Medicaid programs pay for medical and dental care for children from low-income families and support nondental primary care providers delivering preventive oral health services (POHS) to young children in medical offices (“medical POHS”). Despite the potential of these policies to expand access to care, there is concern that they may replace dental visits with medical POHS. Using Medicaid claims from 38 states from 2006 to 2014, we conducted a repeated cross-sectional study and used linear probability regression to estimate the association between the annual proportion of children in a county receiving medical POHS and the probability that a child received 1) dental POHS and 2) a dental visit in a given year. Models included county and year fixed effects and controlled for child- and county-level factors, and standard errors were clustered at the state level. In a weighted population of 45.1 million child-years (age, 6 mo to <6 y), we found no significant nor substantively important association between the proportion of children in a county receiving medical POHS and the probability that a child received dental POHS or a dental visit. Additionally, we found an almost zero probability (<0.001) that the reduction in dental POHS was at least as large as the expansion in medical POHS (full substitution) and a 0.50 probability that increased medical POHS was associated with an increase in dental POHS of at least 6.6% of the expansion of medical POHS. Results were similar when receipt of dental visits was examined. This study failed to find evidence that medical POHS replaced dental visits for young children enrolled in Medicaid and, in fact, offers evidence that increased medical POHS was associated with increased utilization of dental care. Given lower-than-desired rates of dental visits for this population, delivery of medical POHS should be expanded.
Collaborative Market Driving: How Peer Firms Can Develop Markets Through Collective Action
Authors: Maciel Andre F. , Fischer Eileen
Published: April 2020

Firms often aim to develop markets as part of their long-term strategies. Conventionally, research in marketing has explained this complex process by stressing firms’ efforts to outdo their peers. While this emphasis is valuable, it overlooks the role of another major force in market evolution: collective action among peer firms. To address this oversight, this article conceptualizes “collaborative market driving,” defining it as the collective strategy in which peer firms consistently cooperate among themselves and with other actors to develop markets in ways that increase their overall competitiveness. This conceptualization includes the triggers that lead peer firms to mobilize for collective action and coalesce with other market actors; it also identifies how this coalition converts collective resources into market-driving power. These theoretical contributions, based on a multimethod analysis of the rise of U.S. craft breweries, offer an alternative course of action for firms interested in driving new markets when they lack adequate resources to do so individually.
Teaching Aging Through Intersectionality for MSTEM and Other Disciplines
Authors: Hash Kristina M. , Weirich Mandana R.
Published: April 2020

Recent years have seen a push for providing education in gerontology for social services and health care related disciplines. Equally important are efforts to similarly educate students in the fields of medicine, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (MSTEM). MSTEM professionals can be instrumental in assisting the growing number of older adults and their families in overcoming challenges and building supports that can allow older persons to live self-determined, healthy, and happy lives. The standard gerontological training for students has involved content and instruction on the normative development and experiences of older adults and their families. This article will provide a model for a broad range of students how to understand and effectively work with and on behalf of older adults, through content on the normative, major issues and experiences with a critical focus on the diversity of the population and the multiple intersections of age with other identities.
Finding the “both/and”: Balancing informal and formal music learning
Authors: Hess Juliet
Published: April 2020

This article explores the informal and formal learning experiences of 20 activist-musicians. Multiple activist-musicians utilized the informal learning strategies Green identifies. More than half of the participants, however, bemoaned the lack of more formal music education. They noted that they valued informal musical learning practices and also wished that they had experienced more of a balance between formal and informal music learning strategies in their music education. Many of the participants identified as being self-taught. In interviews, they shared ideas about teaching themselves and “figuring things out” musically. They discussed both wanting to move away from theory and needing theory. They further preferred a structured approach to education before moving to a more “free” pedagogy. Ultimately, they noted that the human relationships intrinsic to musicking may transcend the need for “training.” This article concludes by exploring implications of implementing a balance between formal and informal learning for K-12 schooling and teacher education.
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis with multiple serous membrane effusion as the first sign: a case report and literature review
Authors: Liang Ma , Liwen Zhang , Bingfang Chen , Yanbo Ding , Jianping Chen
Published: April 2020

Multiple serous membrane effusion (MSSE) as the first sign of eosinophilic gastroenteritis is extremely rare, and its clinical features and treatment methods have not been well described. The clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment methods of MSSE in a 44-year-old woman were retrospectively reviewed. Laboratory testing revealed an elevated eosinophil count and serum immunoglobulin E level. The levels of all tumor markers were normal, but the CA125 level in serum and ascitic fluid was significantly increased. Ultrasonography showed a large amount of ascites and a moderate amount of pleural effusion. Echocardiography showed a small amount of pericardial effusion. Chest and abdominal computed tomography showed gastrointestinal wall thickening. Moreover, eosinophilic infiltration was detected in duodenal and rectal biopsy samples that had been collected during endoscopic examination of the upper gastrointestinal system. The patient was treated with 30 mg of prednisolone, and seafood was excluded from her diet for 4 weeks. The prednisolone was tapered over 8 weeks and continued at 5 mg prednisolone daily thereafter. The MSSE and peripheral eosinophilia showed a dramatic response to the steroid treatment. This case indicates that we should be highly aware of MSSE as the first clinical manifestation of eosinophilic gastroenteritis.
The Cultural Indexicality of the N41 Sign for bjȝ: The Metal of the Sky and the Sky of Metal
Authors: Almansa-Villatoro M. Victoria
Published: April 2020

This article explores the cultural implications of the sign N41 [Formula: see text] used in an apparently random constellation of words related to women, water and metals. The symbolic meaning of iron and its consistent relation with the sky in religious texts is explored to determine that the Egyptian cosmovision contemplated the sky as an iron container of water, pieces of which fell to the earth in the shape of meteors and were used to produce ritual objects. The indexicality of the N41 sign suggests that the relation between birth, afterlife, and iron existed even before the first attested long religious texts in Egypt. Finally, the lexical parallels between Egypt and Mesopotamia can be explained as a common reaction to the phenomena of falling iron meteorites.
Basic echocardiography competence program in intensive care units: A multinational survey of intensive care units accredited by the College of Intensive Care Medicine
Authors: Rajamani Arvind , Knudsen Sebastian , Ngoc Bich Ha Huynh Kerrianne , Huang Stephen , Wong Wai-Tat , Ting Iris , McLean Anthony S , Chi Wa Ng Johnson , Parmar Jinal , Salvi Moushumi , Ramanathan Kollengode ,   On behalf of the SPARTAN Collaborative (Small Projects, Audits, Research Trials – Australia/New Zealand)
Published: April 2020

In 2014, basic critical care echocardiography (BCCE) competence became a mandatory requirement for trainees registered with the College of Intensive Care Medicine (CICM). To determine the proportion of CICM intensive care units (ICUs) that conduct a BCCE competence program and to learn about the barriers/challenges and successful strategies, we conducted a survey of intensivists working in ICUs accredited by CICM for basic/advanced training in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Ireland and India. Following consultations with content experts and a trial phase to improve clarity and minimise ambiguity, an 11-point questionnaire survey was sent to one intensivist from every CICM-accredited ICU by several methods. Participation was voluntary. Consent was implied. No incentives were offered. Results are reported as numbers and percentages. Of the 104 ICUs surveyed, 99 (95.1%) responded, with 75 (75.8%) having no BCCE teaching whatsoever. In the remaining 24 (24.2%) ICUs, the teaching process was widely variable. Only 5/99 (5.1%) ICUs provided a structured BCCE competence program through which trainees performed and archived BCCE scans, maintained a logbook and underwent formative and summative assessments for credentialling. Six more ICUs provided formative assessment but relied on external bodies for competence assessment. Overall, 20/99 (20.2%) ICUs allowed trainees to perform unsupervised scans for clinical management, even if they were not BCCE competent. Nineteen intensivists perceived management errors due to misinterpretation of echocardiographic findings. Very few CICM-accredited ICUs offer a structured BCCE competence program. To fulfil the objective of universal BCCE competence, potential solutions are presented.
Design of Hospital Delivery Networks Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Otero Arenzana Alejandra , Escribano Macias Jose Javier , Angeloudis Panagiotis
Published: April 2020

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are being increasingly implemented in a range of applications. Their low payload capacity and ability to overcome congested road networks enables them to provide fast delivery services for urgent high-value low-volume cargo. This work investigates the economic viability of integrating UAVs into urban hospital supply chains. In doing so, a strategic model that determines the optimal configuration of supporting infrastructure for urgent UAV delivery between hospitals is proposed. The model incorporates a tailored facility location algorithm that selects an optimal number of hubs given a set of candidates and determines the number of UAVs required to fulfill total demand. The objective is to minimize the total cost of implementation, computed as the sum of generalized, battery, vehicle, and hub establishment costs. The model is applied to a case study based on the establishment of a UAV delivery network for deliveries between National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in London. A baseline scenario is also developed using current NHS vehicles for delivery. Results demonstrate that UAV-based delivery provides significant reductions in operational costs compared with the baseline. Furthermore, the analysis indicates the location of hubs is more significant to the solution optimality than any increase in range or payload.