bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Caring About Me": a pilot framework to understand patient-centered care experience in integrated care - a qualitative study
Authors: Youssef Alaa , Wiljer David , Mylopoulos Maria , Maunder Robert , Sockalingam Sanjeev
Published: July 2020

Objective

The aim of this study is to examine patients’ experiences in integrated care (IC) settings.

Design

Qualitative study using semistructured interviews.

Settings

Two IC sites in Toronto, Canada: (1) a community-based primary healthcare centre, supporting patients with hepatitis C and comorbid mental health and substance use issues; and (2) an integrated bariatric surgery programme, an academic tertiary care centre.

Participants

The study included patients (n=12) with co-occurring mental and physical health conditions. Seven participants (58%) were female and five (42%) were male.

Methods

Twelve indepth semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of patients (n=12) with comorbid mental and physical conditions at two IC sites in Toronto between 2017 and 2018. Data were collected and analysed using grounded theory approach.

Results

Four themes emerged in our analysis reflecting patients’ perspectives on patient-centred care experience in IC: (1) caring about me; (2) collaborating with me; (3) helping me understand and self-manage my care; and (4) personalising care to address my needs. Patients’ experiences of care were primarily shaped by quality of relational interactions with IC team members. Positive interactions with IC team members led to enhanced patient access to care and fostered personalising care plans to address unique needs.

Conclusion

This study adds to the literature on creating patient-centredness in IC settings by highlighting the importance of recognising patients’ unique needs and the context of care for the specific patient population.
Dual neutralisation of IL-17F and IL-17A with bimekizumab blocks inflammation-driven osteogenic differentiation of human periosteal cells
Authors: Shah Mittal , Maroof Asher , Gikas Panos , Mittal Gayatri , Keen Richard , Baeten Dominique , Shaw Stevan , Roberts Scott J
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Interleukin (IL)-17 signalling has been shown to be a key regulator of disease in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with several IL-17 blockers currently clinically approved. Despite this, the role of IL-17 in bone pathology is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate IL-17 signalling in the context of pathological bone formation.

Methods

A biomimetic human periosteum-derived cell (hPDC) model of osteogenic differentiation was used in combination with recombinant IL-17 cytokines, T-cell supernatants or serum from patients with AS. IL-17A, IL-17F and bimekizumab monoclonal antibodies were used to block IL-17 cytokine action.

Results

Recombinant IL-17A and IL-17F are pro-osteogenic with respect to hPDC differentiation. T helper 17 or γδ-T cell supernatants also potently stimulated in vitro bone formation, which was blocked deeper by dual inhibition of IL-17A and IL-17F than by neutralisation of IL-17A or IL-17F individually. Osteogenic blockade may be due to an increase in expression of the Wnt antagonistDKK1. Interestingly, osteocommitment was also induced by serum obtained from patients with AS, which was also abrogated by dual neutralisation of IL-17A and IL-17F.

Conclusions

These data show for the first time that IL-17A and IL-17F enhance in vitro osteogenic differentiation and bone formation from hPDCs, inhibition of which may offer an attractive therapeutic strategy to prevent pathological bone formation.
Massive, continuous, and non-invasive surface measurement of degree of saturation by shortwave infrared images
Authors: Parera Ferran , Pinyol Núria M. , Alonso Eduardo E.
Published: July 2020

Short wave infrared (SWIR) image analysis provides an accurate procedure to measure the degree of saturation (Sr) of soils. Changes in Sr result in reflectance changes, which are recorded by a special digital camera optimized for a particular range of wavelengths that provides the maximum resolution of the method. This paper describes the developed methodology that relies on sample-determined calibration of soil reflectance for a few values of Sr covering the dry to fully saturated range of moistures. The accuracy of the method was checked by comparing equilibrated profiles of SWIR-determined Sr with other procedures (sensor readings and water retention information). It was found that the SWIR-based method correlates well with the degree of saturation of the soil but not with its water content, which may change for a given Sr when the soil deforms volumetrically. The transient variations of Sr are also well captured by the method. The recorded evolution of two-dimensional Sr maps of an initially unsaturated soil column compares satisfactorily with the results of a numerical model.
Bifurcation and chaos in a bearing system
Authors: Singh Jay Prakash , Prakash Pankaj , Rajagopal Karthikeyan , Weldegiorgis Riessom , Duraisamy Prakash , Roy Binoy Krishna
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the chaotic phenomenon is reported in a bearing system. The chaotic dynamics of the new system is first derived from an available bearing system. The proposed system is then analyzed using various tools to observe its dynamical behaviors. Theoretical and simulation results confirm the presence of chaotic and periodic behaviors in the new bearing system.
Stability of hyperbolic and matter-dominated bounce cosmologies from F(R,𝒢)modified gravity at late evolution stages
Authors: Navó G. , Elizalde E.
Published: July 2020

The stability of two different bounce scenarios from [Formula: see text] modified gravity at later times is studied, namely a hyperbolic cosine bounce model and a matter-dominated one. After describing the main characteristics of [Formula: see text] modified gravity, the two different bounce scenarios stemming from this theory are reconstructed and their stability at late stages is discussed. The stability of the hyperbolic cosine model is proven, while the concrete matter-bounce model here chosen does not seem to accomplish the necessary conditions to be stable at later times.
Noether symmetries of LRS Bianchi type-I spacetime in f(ℛ,φ,χ) gravity
Authors: Malik Adnan , Shamir M. Farasat , Hussain Ibrar
Published: July 2020

This paper investigates the Noether symmetry approach in modified [Formula: see text] theory of gravity, where [Formula: see text] is the Ricci scalar, [Formula: see text] is a scalar field and [Formula: see text] is the kinetic energy term. For this purpose, we consider Locally Rotationally Symmetric (LRS) Bianchi Type-I spacetimes. The cosmological solutions are developed through Noether symmetry approach. The determining equations are computed in the context of a point-like Lagrangian for [Formula: see text] gravity. In particular, three different cases are taken into account for the LRS Bianchi Type-I spacetimes. Some important conserved quantities for the Lagrangian in this modified theory of gravity are worked out through the determining equations. In this scenario, the graphical behavior of energy density, pressure component and equation of state parameter are reported and analyzed with the help of first integrals of motion. The negative trends of the strong energy conditions actually suggest that the said theory supports expanding Universe with dark energy.
Graphitic carbon nitride modified with Pd nanoparticles toward efficient cathode catalyst for Li-O2 batteries
Authors: Yue Kaicheng , Yan Zhaoqian , Sun Zhihao , Li Anran , Qian Lei
Published: July 2020

In this work, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was modified by Pd nanoparticles (Pd-CN) to prepare an efficient cathode catalyst for Li-O2 batteries. The specific surface area of g-C3N4 was improved to 239.56[Formula: see text]m2/g by two-steps thermal polymerization. Pd nanoparticles were loaded onto the g-C3N4 by K2PdCl4 reduction with NaBH4. The resulted Pd-CN composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope. The results proved that g-C3N4 showed three-dimensional layered and porous structure, and Pd nanoparticles were successfully supported on it. The Li-O2 batteries using Pd-CN composites as cathode catalysts were assembled and tested. The maximum initial discharge specific capacity reached 26,614[Formula: see text]mAh[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] at current density of 100[Formula: see text]mA[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text]. The electrodes remained large capacity under high current density, meaning excellent rate capability. Li-O2 batteries containing Pd-CN cathode were continuously cycled for 70 cycles with no loss of capacity and obvious change in the terminal voltage. These electrochemical results indicated that the loading Pd nanoparticles effectively increased specific capacity, reduced overpotential and improved the cyclic stability. The Pd-CN composites are proved to be the promising cathode catalysts for Li-O2 batteries.
Phenol Red Adsorption from Aqueous Solution on the Modified Bentonite
Authors: My Linh Nguyen Le , Duong Tran , Van Duc Hoang , Thi Anh Thu Nguyen , Khac Lieu Pham , Van Hung Nguyen , Hoa Le Thi , Quang Khieu Dinh
Published: July 2020

In the present work, the modified bentonites were prepared by the modiﬁcation of bentonite with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), both cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and hydroxy-Fe cations and both cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and hydroxy-Al cations. X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis (TG-DTA), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms were utilized to characterize the resultant modified bentonites. The modified bentonites were employed for the removal of phenol red dye from aqueous solution. Phenol red adsorption agreed well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The equilibrium data were analyzed on the basis of various adsorption isotherm models, namely, Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin‒Radushkevich models. The highest monolayer adsorption capacity of phenol red at 30°C derived from the Langmuir equation was 166.7 mg·g−1, 125.0 mg·g−1, and 100.0 mg·g−1 for CTAB‒bentonite, Al‒CTAB‒bentonite, and Fe‒CTAB‒bentonite, respectively. Different thermodynamic parameters were calculated, and it was concluded that the adsorption was spontaneous (∆G° < 0) and endothermic (∆H° > 0), with increased entropy (∆S° > 0) in all the investigated temperature ranges.
A Novel Approach for Automatic Detection of Concrete Surface Voids Using Image Texture Analysis and History‐Based Adaptive Differential Evolution Optimized Support Vector Machine
Authors: Hoang Nhat-Duc , Nguyen Quoc-Lam
Published: July 2020

To inspect the quality of concrete structures, surface voids or bugholes existing on a concrete surface after the casting process needs to be detected. To improve the productivity of the inspection work, this study develops a hybrid intelligence approach that combines image texture analysis, machine learning, and metaheuristic optimization. Image texture computations employ the Gabor filter and gray‐level run lengths to characterize the condition of a concrete surface. Based on features of image texture, Support Vector Machines (SVM) establish a decision boundary that separates collected image samples into two categories of no surface void (negative class) and surface void (positive class). Furthermore, to assist the SVM model training phase, the state‐of‐the‐art history‐based adaptive differential evolution with linear population size reduction (L‐SHADE) is utilized. The hybrid intelligence approach, named as L‐SHADE‐SVM‐SVD, has been developed and complied in Visual C#.NET framework. Experiments with 1000 image samples show that the L‐SHADE‐SVM‐SVD can obtain a high prediction accuracy of roughly 93%. Therefore, the newly developed model can be a promising alternative for construction inspectors in concrete quality assessment.
Glucose Starvation-Induced Rapid Death of Nrf1α-Deficient, but Not Nrf2-Deficient, Hepatoma Cells Results from Its Fatal Defects in the Redox Metabolism Reprogramming
Authors: Zhu Yu-ping , Zheng Ze , Xiang Yuancai , Zhang Yiguo
Published: July 2020

Metabolic reprogramming exists in a variety of cancer cells, with the most relevance to glucose as a source of energy and carbon for survival and proliferation. Of note, Nrf1 was shown to be essential for regulating glycolysis pathway, but it is unknown whether it plays a role in cancer metabolic reprogramming, particularly in response to glucose starvation. Herein, we discover that Nrf1α-/- hepatoma cells are sensitive to rapid death induced by glucose deprivation, such cell death appears to be rescued by Nrf2 interference, but HepG2 (wild-type, WT) or Nrf2-/- cells are roughly unaffected by glucose starvation. Further evidence revealed that Nrf1α-/- cell death is resulted from severe oxidative stress arising from aberrant redox metabolism. Strikingly, altered gluconeogenesis pathway was aggravated by glucose starvation of Nrf1α-/- cells, as also accompanied by weakened pentose phosphate pathway, dysfunction of serine-to-glutathione synthesis, and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and damages, such that the intracellular GSH and NADPH were exhausted. These demonstrate that glucose starvation leads to acute death of Nrf1α-/-, rather than Nrf2-/-, cells resulting from its fatal defects in the redox metabolism reprogramming. This is owing to distinct requirements of Nrf1 and Nrf2 for regulating the constructive and inducible expression of key genes involved in redox metabolic reprogramming by glucose deprivation. Altogether, this work substantiates the preventive and therapeutic strategies against Nrf1α-deficient cancer by limiting its glucose and energy demands.
Prediction of Temperature Field and Thermal Damage of Multilayer Skin Tissues Subjected to Time-Varying Laser Heating and Fluid Cooling by a Semianalytical Method
Authors: Li Chang-Yu , Lin Shueei-Muh , Wan Yi-Yu
Published: July 2020

A semianalytical method based on the separation of variables is presented to solve the problem of heat transfer in multilayer skin tissues. This method is used to predict the temperature field and thermal damage of skin tissues, which are subjected to the time-varying laser heating and fluid cooling. The effect of convective heat transfer coefficient of the skin surface on temperature field and thermal damage is studied. The temperature field and thermal damage of skin tissue with different laser heating cycles are calculated. The relationship between the laser heating period and the temperature fluctuation is obtained. The effects of the peak time of laser heating on temperature and the thermal damage of skin tissues are investigated. The relationship between the peak time of laser and the temperature fluctuation of skin tissue is drawn. The results calculated in this paper can provide some guidance for hyperthermia of skin tissue. The presented semianalytical method can be applied to solve the general heat transfer problems of multilayer structures.
Role of Nrf2 in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Kidney Injury: Protection by Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Feng Li-Xin , Zhao Fei , Liu Qian , Peng Jin-Cheng , Duan Xiang-Jie , Yan Ping , Wu Xi , Wang Hong-Shen , Deng Yin-Hao , Duan Shao-Bin
Published: July 2020

Background. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the common complications of sepsis. Heretofore, there is no effective treatment for septic AKI. Recent studies have revealed that besides treating hematological malignancies, human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (hUCBMNCs) show good therapeutic effects on other diseases. But whether hUCBMNCs can protect against septic AKI and its underlying mechanism are unknown. Methods. The rat model of lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced AKI was developed, and the injection of hUCBMNCs was executed to prevent and treat AKI. ML385, a specific nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) inhibitor, was used to silence Nrf2. The cell experiments were conducted to elaborate the protective mechanism of Nrf2 pathway. Results. An effective model of LPS-induced AKI was established. Compared to the rats only with LPS injection, the levels of inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and apoptosis in renal tissues after hUCBMNC injection were markedly attenuated. Pathological examination also indicated significant remission of renal tissue injury in the LPS+MNCs group, compared to rats in the LPS group. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the damage of the mitochondria in the LPS+MNCs group was lighter than that in the LPS group. Noteworthily, the renal Nrf2/HO-1 pathway was activated and autophagy was enhanced after hUCBMNC injection. ML385 could partly reverse the renoprotective effect of hUCBMNCs, which could demonstrate that Nrf2 participated in the protection of hUCBMNCs. Cell experiments showed that increasing the expression level of Nrf2 could alleviate LPS-induced cell injury by increasing the autophagy level and decreasing the injury of the mitochondria in HK-2 cells. Conclusion. All results suggest that hUCBMNCs can protect against LPS-induced AKI via the Nrf2 pathway. Activating Nrf2 can upregulate autophagy to protect LPS-induced cell injury.
Emergy Comparison of Typical Coastal Urban Ecosystems in China
Authors: Qin Fuqiang , Wang Lifang , Shao Shifen
Published: July 2020

With outstanding geographical location and rich natural resources, coastal cities have become concentrated and active areas of human social and economic production. Furthermore, a large number of human activities have posed a great deal of ecological environmental pressure to coastal ecological areas. The emergy analysis method is selected to construct an index system with a total of nine indicators at five levels, including emergy source structure, social subsystem, economic subsystem, environmental subsystem, and comprehensive evaluation of sustainable development. The development level of subsystems and the sustainable development ability of ecosystem in Shenzhen, Dalian, Ningbo, Qingdao, and Xiamen were evaluated. The emergy sustainable index of the five cities is 0.10, 0.23, 0.31, 0.49, and 0.93, respectively. According to the evaluation results, coastal cities should comprehensively optimize the population structure, reasonably develop natural resources, make efficient use of marine resources, attach importance to the source control of pollutants, and strive to build a modern economy, so as to realize the sustainable development of coastal urban ecosystem.
Regulating the Polarization of Macrophages: A Promising Approach to Vascular Dermatosis
Authors: Peng Huiling , Xian Dehai , Liu Jiexiong , Pan Shihong , Tang Ran , Zhong Jianqiao
Published: July 2020

Macrophages, a kind of innate immune cells, derive from monocytes in circulation and play a crucial role in the innate and adaptive immunity. Under the stimulation of the signals from local microenvironment, macrophages generally tend to differentiate into two main functional phenotypes depending on their high plasticity and heterogeneity, namely, classically activated macrophage (M1) and alternatively activated macrophage (M2). This phenomenon is often called macrophage polarization. In pathological conditions, chronic persistent inflammation could induce an aberrant response of macrophage and cause a shift in their phenotypes. Moreover, this shift would result in the alteration of macrophage polarization in some vascular dermatoses; e.g., an increase in proinflammatory M1 emerges from Behcet’s disease (BD), psoriasis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), whereas an enhancement in anti-inflammatory M2 appears in infantile hemangioma (IH). Individual polarized phenotypes and their complicated cytokine networks may crucially mediate in the pathological processes of some vascular diseases (vascular dermatosis in particular) by activation of T cell subsets (such as Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells), deterioration of oxidative stress damage, and induction of angiogenesis, but the specific mechanism remains ambiguous. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the possible role of macrophage polarization in the pathological processes of vascular skin diseases. In addition, it is proposed that regulation of macrophage polarization may become a potential strategy for controlling these disorders.
Stress Transfer Properties and Displacement Difference of GFRP Antifloating Anchor
Authors: Bai Xiaoyu , Liu Xueying , Zhang Mingyi , Wang Yonghong , Kuang Zheng , Yan Nan
Published: July 2020

Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) antifloating anchors are widely used in reinforcing underground structures. Despite the outstanding application advances of GFRP anchors in the antifloating field, research on the mechanical transmission and deformation properties of the anchor rod and anchorage body is still scarce. This paper introduces pull‐out experiments of GFRP antifloating anchors based on the FBG sensor strings technology. The experimental data demonstrates that the distribution curve of the axial stress shows a reversed‐S shape, and the shear stress distribution presents the law of increasing first and then decreasing from the position of peak shear stress. The rod‐anchorage body displacement difference curves of the anchors with an anchorage length that is closer to the critical anchorage length are smoother than those of the anchors with a larger length difference from the critical anchorage length. Finally, a simplified distribution model of the shear stress is applied for predicting the rod‐anchorage body displacement difference, and the experimental data of the anchors with a rod slip failure is more applicable for this model than that of the anchors with a rod rupture failure.
Synchronization Analysis for Stochastic T-S Fuzzy Complex Networks with Markovian Jumping Parameters and Mixed Time-Varying Delays via Impulsive Control
Authors: Syed Ali M. , Usha M. , Zhu Quanxin , Shanmugam Saravanan
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we propose and explore the synchronization examination for fuzzy stochastic complex networks’ Markovian jumping parameters portrayed by Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model with mixed time-varying coupling delays via impulsive control. The hybrid coupling includes time-varying discrete and distributed delays. Based on appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF) approach, Newton–Leibniz formula, and Jensen’s inequality, the stochastic examination systems and Kronecker product to create delay-dependent synchronization criteria that guarantee stochastically synchronous of the proposed T-S fuzzy stochastic complex networks with mixed time-varying delays. Adequate conditions for the synchronization criteria for the frameworks are established in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). At long last, numerical examples and simulations are given to demonstrate the correctness of the hypothetical outcomes.
Safety and Clinical Activity of Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab in Patients with Ovarian Cancer: A Phase Ib Study
Authors: Moroney John W. , Powderly John , Lieu Christopher H. , Bendell Johanna C. , Eckhardt S. Gail , Chang Ching-Wei , Molinero Luciana , Spahn Jessica , Williams Patrick , Lin Yvonne G. , Hodi F. Stephen
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

Atezolizumab has shown antitumor activity in patients with ovarian cancer. Dual blockade of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and VEGF enhances anticancer immunity and augments antitumor activity in several cancers. The safety and efficacy of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab were evaluated in patients with ovarian cancer.

Patients and Methods:

In this open-label, multicenter phase Ib study, patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer received intravenous atezolizumab (1,200 mg) and bevacizumab (15 mg/kg) once every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was safety; secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Exploratory biomarkers were also evaluated.

Results:

Twenty patients received treatment. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 19 patients (95%); seven (35%) had grade 3/4 events. No grade 5 events occurred. The safety profile of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab was consistent with those of the individual agents. Two patients (10%) discontinued treatment because of pneumonitis and small bowel obstruction. Three patients had partial responses of 11.3–18.9 months' duration; the ORR was 15%. Eight patients (40%) had stable disease, hence the disease control rate was 55%. The median DOR was not reached (95% confidence interval, 11.3–not reached). Median PFS was 4.9 months (range, 1.2–20.2); median OS was 10.2 months (range, 1.2–26.6). No association was seen between treatment response and PD-L1 expression, tumor histology, or number of prior therapies.

Conclusions:

Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab led to durable responses and/or disease stabilization in some patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer; the safety profiles were consistent with those of each agent.
Acceptance and Benefits of Electro-Acoustic Stimulation for Conventional-Length Electrode Arrays
Authors: Spitzer Emily R. , Waltzman Susan B. , Landsberger David M. , Friedmann David R.
Published: July 2020

Background: Prior studies have shown an advantage for electro-acoustic stimulation (EAS) in cochlear implant (CI) patients with residual hearing, but the degree of benefit can vary. The objective was to explore which factors relate to performance with and acceptance of EAS for CI users with conventional-length electrodes. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for adults with an average threshold of 75 dB hearing loss or better across 250 and 500 Hz preoperatively (n = 83). All patients underwent cochlear implantation with a conventional-length electrode. Low-frequency audiometric thresholds were measured at initial activation as well as 3 and 12 months postoperatively to determine who met the criteria for EAS. Speech perception for CNC words and AzBio sentences in quiet and +10 dB SNR noise was evaluated 3 and 12 months after activation. Results: Speech perception in quiet and noise was similar regardless of whether or not the patient was eligible for EAS. Less than half of the patients who met the EAS criteria chose to use it, citing reasons such as physical discomfort or lack of perceived benefit. EAS users performed better on CNC words but not sentence recognition than EAS nonusers. Conclusions: EAS use is dependent on audiologic and nonaudiologic issues. Hearing preservation is possible with conventional electrodes, but hearing preservation alone does not guarantee superior speech perception.
Early Spot Urinary Sodium and Diuretic Efficiency in Acute Heart Failure and Concomitant Renal Dysfunction
Authors: Miñana Gema , Llàcer Pau , Sanchis Ignacio , García-Blas Sergio , Bonanad Clara , Ventura Silvia , Sánchez Ruth , de la Espriella Rafael , Bodi Vicent , Fácila Lorenzo , Mollar Anna , Sanchís Juan , Bayés-Genís Antoni , Chorro Francisco J. , Núñez Julio ,   on behalf of IMPROVE-HF Investigators
Published: July 2020

Objective: In acute heart failure (AHF), early assessment of spot urinary sodium (UNa) has emerged as a useful biomarker for risk stratification and monitoring. The objective of this study was to investigate (a) whether early spot UNa predicts 24-h diuretic efficiency and (b) the clinical factors associated with early spot UNa in patients with AHF and concomitant renal dysfunction (RD). Methods: This is a post hoc analysis of the IMPROVE-HF trial, in which 160 patients with AHF and RD (estimated glomerular filtrate rate [eGFR] <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) were included. Diuretic efficiency was calculated as the net fluid output produced per 40 mg of furosemide equivalents in 24 h. The association between early spot UNa and diuretic efficiency and clinical variables associated with UNa were evaluated using multivariate linear regression analysis. The contribution of the exposures in the predictability of the models was assessed with the coefficient of determination (R2). Results: The mean age of the study population was 78 ± 8 years. The median (interquartile range) diuretic efficiency, early spot UNa, aminoterminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, and eGFR were 747 (490–1,167) mL, 90 mmol/L (65–111), 7,765 pg/mL (3,526–15,369), and 33.7 ± 11.3 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. In a multivariate setting, lower UNa was significantly and nonlinearly associated with lower diuretic efficiency (p = 0.001), explaining the 44.4% of the model predictability. Natremia and surrogates of congestion emerged as the main factors related to UNa. Conclusions: In patients with AHF and RD at presentation, early spot UNa was inversely related to 24-h diuretic efficiency.
Headache and Osmophobia in Gas Station Workers Exposed to Gasoline Odor
Authors: Sousa-Santos Patrick Mesquita , Moura Cássy Geovanna Ferreira , Fontenele Jean Lima , Lima Natalya de Carvalho , Santos Ravenna Araújo , Silva-Néto Raimundo Pereira
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Headache attacks may be triggered by several factors, among them odors, especially in migraine patients. Objectives: The aim of this study wasto determine the association between gasoline odor and headache attacks in patients with migraine or tension-type headache (TTH). Subjects and Methods: The study was prospective, cross-sectional, with comparison of groups, using nonrandom sample and convenience. Fifty-two gas station workers diagnosed with migraine or TTH according to ICHD-3 criteria were interviewed on the relationship between gasoline odor and headache. Results: Of the 52 gas station workers with headaches, there were 39 (75%) with migraine without aura and 13 (25%) with TTH. The age ranged from 19 to 50 years, with a mean of 29.5 ± 7.2 years. Osmophobia during headache attacks predominated in workers with migraine (29/39; 74.4%). The onset of headache due to odor exposure occurred in 23/39 (60%) of the workers with migraine and in 2/13 (15.4%) in TTH. These differences were statistically significant (χ2 = 7.4; p = 0.016). Osmophobia in the absence of pain (period between attacks) predominated in workers with migraine (17/39, 43.6%), but with no statistical value. Conclusions: Gas station workers diagnosed with migraine or TTH may experience osmophobia and headache triggered by the odor of gasoline.
Mechanisms of Immune-Related Complications in Cancer Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: König David , Läubli Heinz
Published: July 2020

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have changed the prognosis of many cancer patients. Blocking antibodies targeting inhibitory cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 or programmed cell death protein-1 receptors or the programmed cell death ligand-1 have led to long-lasting remissions in patients with even advanced cancers. Main side effects induced by ICIs are inflammatory complications with sometimes severe sequelae for patients. Recent studies have improved our understanding how such immune-related adverse events (irAEs) develop. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of pathomechanisms involved in the de­velopment of irAEs with a particular focus on potential pathways that could be targeted to prevent severe immune-related complications in patients treated with cancer immunotherapy.
Association of the Novel Inflammatory Marker GlycA and Incident Heart Failure and Its Subtypes of Preserved and Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Jang Sunyoung , Ogunmoroti Oluseye , Ndumele Chiadi E. , Zhao Di , Rao Vishal N. , Fashanu Oluwaseun E. , Tibuakuu Martin , Otvos James D. , Benson Eve-Marie , Ouyang Pamela , Michos Erin D.
Published: July 2020

Background:

GlycA, a nuclear magnetic resonance composite marker of systemic inflammation, reflects serum concentration and glycosylation state of main acute phase reactants. Prior studies have shown plasma GlycA levels were associated with cardiovascular disease even after adjusting for other inflammatory markers. However, little is known about the association of GlycA with the heart failure (HF) subtypes: heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) or heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. We examined the association of GlycA with incident HF and its subtypes in a multiethnic cohort.

Methods:

We studied 6507 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants aged 45 to 84 without baseline cardiovascular disease or HF who had data on GlycA and incident hospitalized HF. We used multivariable-adjusted Cox hazards models to evaluate the association of GlycA with incident total HF, HFpEF, and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Models were adjusted for sociodemographics, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and inflammatory biomarkers.

Results:

The mean (SD) for age was 62 (10) years and for GlycA was 375 (82) μmol/L; 53% women. Over a median follow-up of 14.0 years, participants in the highest quartile of GlycA, compared with the lowest, experienced increased risk of developing any HF (hazard ratio, 1.48 [95% CI, 1.01–2.18]) in fully adjusted models. However, this increased risk was only seen for HFpEF (2.18 [1.15–4.13]) and not heart failure with reduced ejection fraction [1.06 (0.63–1.79)]. There was no significant interaction by sex, age, or race/ethnicity.

Conclusions:

GlycA was associated with an increased risk of any HF, and in particular, HFpEF. Future studies should examine mechanisms that might explain differential association of GlycA with HF subtypes, and whether therapeutic lowering of GlycA can prevent HFpEF development.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT00005487.
Association of White Matter Hyperintensities and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Moroni Francesco , Ammirati Enrico , Hainsworth Atticus H. , Camici Paolo G.
Published: July 2020

Cardiac and cerebrovascular diseases are currently the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide. Both the heart and brain display similar vascular anatomy, with large conduit arteries running on the surface of the organ providing tissue perfusion through an intricate network of penetrating small vessels. Both organs rely on fine tuning of local blood flow to match metabolic demand. Blood flow regulation requires adequate functioning of the microcirculation in both organs, with loss of microvascular function, termed small vessel disease (SVD) underlying different potential clinical manifestations. SVD in the heart, known as coronary microvascular dysfunction, can cause chronic or acute myocardial ischemia and may lead to development of heart failure. In the brain, cerebral SVD can cause an acute stroke syndrome known as lacunar stroke or more subtle pathological alterations of the brain parenchyma, which may eventually lead to neurological deficits or cognitive decline in the long term. Coronary microcirculation cannot be visualized in vivo in humans, and functional information can be deduced by measuring the coronary flow reserve. The diagnosis of cerebral SVD is largely based on brain magnetic resonance imaging, with white matter hyperintensities, microbleeds, and brain atrophy reflecting key structural changes. There is evidence that such structural changes reflect underlying cerebral SVD. Here, we review interactions between SVD and cardiovascular risk factors, and we discuss the evidence linking cerebral SVD with large vessel atheroma, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and heart valve disease.
MDM2-Mediated Ubiquitination of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Contributes to the Development of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Shen Hui , Zhang Jiao , Wang Chen , Jain Pritesh P. , Xiong Mingmei , Shi Xinxing , Lei Yuyang , Chen Shanshan , Yin Qian , Thistlethwaite Patricia A. , Wang Jian , Gong Kaizheng , Yuan Zu-Yi , Yuan Jason X.-J. , Shyy John Y.-J.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) converts angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, to angiotensin-(1–7) and is also a membrane protein that enables coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infectivity. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation of ACE2 enhances ACE2 stability. This mode of posttranslational modification of ACE2 in vascular endothelial cells is causative of a pulmonary hypertension (PH)–protective phenotype. The oncoprotein MDM2 (murine double minute 2) is an E3 ligase that ubiquitinates its substrates to cause their degradation. In this study, we investigated whether MDM2 is involved in the posttranslational modification of ACE2 through its ubiquitination of ACE2, and whether an AMPK and MDM2 crosstalk regulates the pathogenesis of PH.

Methods:

Bioinformatic analyses were used to explore E3 ligase that ubiquitinates ACE2. Cultured endothelial cells, mouse models, and specimens from patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension were used to investigate the crosstalk between AMPK and MDM2 in regulating ACE2 phosphorylation and ubiquitination in the context of PH.

Results:

Levels of MDM2 were increased and those of ACE2 decreased in lung tissues or pulmonary arterial endothelial cells from patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and rodent models of experimental PH. MDM2 inhibition by JNJ-165 reversed the SU5416/hypoxia-induced PH in C57BL/6 mice. ACE2-S680L mice (dephosphorylation at S680) showed PH susceptibility, and ectopic expression of ACE2-S680L/K788R (deubiquitination at K788) reduced experimental PH. Moreover, ACE2-K788R overexpression in mice with endothelial cell–specific AMPKα2 knockout mitigated PH.

Conclusions:

Maladapted posttranslational modification (phosphorylation and ubiquitination) of ACE2 at Ser-680 and Lys-788 is involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension and experimental PH. Thus, a combined intervention of AMPK and MDM2 in the pulmonary endothelium might be therapeutically effective in PH treatment.
Immunothrombotic Dysregulation in COVID-19 Pneumonia Is Associated With Respiratory Failure and Coagulopathy
Authors: Nicolai Leo , Leunig Alexander , Brambs Sophia , Kaiser Rainer , Weinberger Tobias , Weigand Michael , Muenchhoff Maximilian , Hellmuth Johannes C. , Ledderose Stephan , Schulz Heiko , Scherer Clemens , Rudelius Martina , Zoller Michael , Höchter Dominik , Keppler Oliver , Teupser Daniel , Zwißler Bernhard , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael , Kääb Stefan , Massberg Steffen , Pekayvaz Kami , Stark Konstantin
Published: July 2020

Background:

Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 infection causes severe pneumonia (coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]), but the mechanisms of subsequent respiratory failure and complicating renal and myocardial involvement are poorly understood. In addition, a systemic prothrombotic phenotype has been reported in patients with COVID-19.

Methods:

A total of 62 subjects were included in our study (n=38 patients with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction–confirmed COVID-19 and n=24 non–COVID-19 controls). We performed histopathologic assessment of autopsy cases, surface marker–based phenotyping of neutrophils and platelets, and functional assays for platelet, neutrophil functions, and coagulation tests, as well.

Results:

We provide evidence that organ involvement and prothrombotic features in COVID-19 are linked by immunothrombosis. We show that, in COVID-19, inflammatory microvascular thrombi are present in the lung, kidney, and heart, containing neutrophil extracellular traps associated with platelets and fibrin. Patients with COVID-19 also present with neutrophil-platelet aggregates and a distinct neutrophil and platelet activation pattern in blood, which changes with disease severity. Whereas cases of intermediate severity show an exhausted platelet and hyporeactive neutrophil phenotype, patients severely affected with COVID-19 are characterized by excessive platelet and neutrophil activation in comparison with healthy controls and non–COVID-19 pneumonia. Dysregulated immunothrombosis in severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 pneumonia is linked to both acute respiratory distress syndrome and systemic hypercoagulability.

Conclusions:

Taken together, our data point to immunothrombotic dysregulation as a key marker of disease severity in COVID-19. Further work is necessary to determine the role of immunothrombosis in COVID-19.
Presenting the past in Middle Indic
Authors: Hoose Anahita
Published: July 2020

Up to three verbal categories are available for encoding past tense in Middle Indic: inherited finite pasts (lost in younger languages), old past passive participles, and morphological presents. I explore aspectual factors governing the choice of one verb form in preference to another in four texts in Pāli and Jaina-Māhārāṣṭrī, showing that finite pasts (where present) are compatible with multiple aspectual readings, participles almost always have perfective or anterior aspect, and presents have an association with imperfective aspect (exceptionless in Pāli but not in Jaina-Māhārāṣṭrī).
The Transcendental Subaltern
Authors: Taylor Byron
Published: July 2020

Was Immanuel Kant Russian? More striking than the fact itself is the length of time it was overlooked: following historian Alexander Etkind’s research on the topic, this paper details Königsberg’s occupation by the Russian Empire, considering the possibilities of reinstating Kant’s thought in the postcolonial tradition, more specifically that of the subaltern (as framed by Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak). Taking this colonial context into account via a range of historical records and correspondences, I argue for a postcolonial reinterpretation and re-evaluation of the philosopher’s work, beginning with his famous essay on the topic of enlightenment. In what ways does this pertain to the enlightenment, as Kant sees it, and the way he distinguishes between the public and private spheres? Furthermore, how does Spivak’s reading of Kant overlook the subaltern status that she herself defines?
The Panchaetothripinae (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) of Brazil, with one new Caliothrips species
Authors: LIMA ÉLISON FABRÍCIO BEZERRA , O’DONNELL CHERYLE ANN , MIYASATO ELISA AIKO
Published: July 2020

The subfamily Panchaetothripinae has been consistently recovered as a monophyletic group within Thripidae, comprising 144 species in 43 genera. Usually associated with plant leaves, 21 species from 12 genera have previously been recorded in Brazil, several being pests of a wide range of cultivated plants. Here we record four species as new to Brazil, Bradinothrips williamsi, Caliothrips nanus, C. punctipennis and Parthenothrips dracaenae. Moreover, Caliothrips cangaceiro sp. n. is described, Hoodothripiella ignacio is considered a new synonym of Elixothrips brevisetis, and Caliothrips marginipennis is a new synonym of C. punctipennis. Furthermore, the previously unknown males of B. williamsi and Hoodothrips constrictus are described. Caliothrips fasciatus is withdrawn from the Brazilian Thysanoptera list of species. Illustrated keys to adults of species recorded in Brazil are provided, together with notes on biology and brief descriptions. Parthenothrips kobusi Deventer, known only from Java, is not a member of the Panchaetothripinae and is reclassified as Bolacothrips kobusi (Deventer) comb. n.
The nomenclature of the blond capuchin, Cebus flavius (Schreber, 1799) (Mammalia, Primates, Cebidae)
Authors: ZIJLSTRA JELLE S.
Published: July 2020

I review the nomenclatural history of the blond capuchin, Cebus flavius (Schreber), a Brazilian monkey species. The name was published in 1799, not 1774 as generally cited, so the species is correctly known as Cebus flavius (Schreber, 1799).
Study on the function of self-polymerizing peptide nanofiber material combined with nerve growth factor-mediated RNA repair for nerve injury treatment in rabbits with the osteofascial compartment syndrome
Authors: Liu Yi , Zhang Jinlong , Sun Yuyu , Zhou Xiaogang , Yuan Kun , Cui Zhiming
Published: July 2020

The present study aimed to establish an animal model of the osteofascial compartment syndrome (OFCS) in hind legs of rabbits, and to repair an early nerve injury using the self-polymerized peptide nanofiber material that was laced with nerve growth factors (NGFs). An animal model of
the compartment syndrome was established using the tourniquet method. The intrafascial pressure of rabbit legs at different time points was measured after successful modeling. Western blotting was used to assess the proliferation of nerve cells after injury. After incision and decompression,
the repair group was implanted with the self-polymerized peptide nanofiber material in combination with NGFs at the nerve injury sites for repair of the injured nerves. Rabbit hind leg nerve specimens were collected from experimental rabbits (control group), rabbits 5 days after injury (unrepaired
group), and rabbits 5 days after injury (repaired group), and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining analysis and immunofluorescence experiments were also performed. After loosening the tourniquet, the intra-fascial pressure peaked on the 1st day after injury and then gradually decreased. A western
blot showed low expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigens (PCNAs) in the control group, as it began to increase 4 h after injury, peaked 5 days after injury (P < 0.05), and then gradually decreased. Meanwhile, the tissue morphology of the repair group was better than
that of the non-repair group. Fluorescence double labeling results showed that the proliferation of nerve cells in the repair group increased significantly, and S100 and DAPI co-labeling intensities increased significantly. The early application of the self-polymerizing peptide nanofiber material
combined with NGF exhibited evident effects on the nerve injury treatment in the osteofascial compartment syndrome.
Effect of rat bone marrow stromal stem cells overexpressing platelet-derived growth factor and bone morphogenic protein into platelet-rich plasma gels on osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Sun Jin , Jiang Xin , Chen Weilian , Zheng Weikun , Li Junhao , Xiao Wende
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to improve osteoblast function by incorporating rat bone marrow stromal stem cells (rBMSCs) overexpressing platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) and bone morphogenic protein (BMP-2) into platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gels. rBMSCs were isolated, cultured, and
identified. The rBMSCs were subsequently co-transfected with two recombinant adenoviruses delivering PDGF-BB-GFP and BMP-2-GFP. PDGF-BB and BMP-2 expression levels in transduced BMSCs were detected, and a post-transfection analysis of the osteogenic differentiation trend of rBMSCs was performed.
Autologous PRP gels were constructed and optimized, and the levels of growth factor in PRP were detected. The optimal growth conditions of the genetically-modified rBMSCs in the scaffolds were established, and the effects of tissue engineering materials and PRP gel construction on the osteogenic
differentiation of rBMSCs were assessed. The results revealed that high-purity rBMSCs were obtained, and high levels of BMP-2 and PDGF-BB were secreted by the transduced cells. Furthermore, PRP promoted the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs overexpressing PDGF-BB and BMP-2.
Collectively, the results of the present study revealed that genetically modified rBMSCs incorporated into PRP gels enhanced osteogenic differentiation.