bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Literature-Based Knowledge Database and Expression Data to Explore Molecular Pathways Connecting PPARG and Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Cao Rongyuan , Dong Yan , Kural Kamil Can
Published: June 2020

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARG) might play a protective role in the development of myocardial infarction (MI) with limited mechanisms identified. Genes associated with both PPARG and MI were extracted from Elsevier Pathway Studio to construct the initial network. The gene expression activity within the network was estimated through a mega-analysis with eight independent expression datasets derived from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to build PPARG and MI connecting pathways. After that, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to explore the functional profile of the genes involved in the PPARG-driven network. PPARG demonstrated a significantly low expression in MI patients (LFC=−0.52; p<1.84e−9). Consequently, PPARG could indicatively be promoting three MI inhibitors (e.g., SOD1, CAV1, and POU5F1) and three MI-downregulated markers (e.g., ALB, ACADM, and ADIPOR2), which were deactivated in MI cases (p<0.05), and inhibit two MI-upregulated markers (RELA and MYD88), which showed increased expression levels in MI cases (p=0.0077 and 0.047, respectively). These eight genes were mainly enriched in nutrient- and cell metabolic-related pathways and functionally linked by GSEA and PPCN. Our results suggest that PPARG could protect the heart against both the development and progress of MI through the regulation of nutrient- and metabolic-related pathways.
Characteristics Associated with the Differential Activity of Nondominant and Dominant Affected Hands in Patients with Poststroke Right Hemiparesis
Authors: Lee Jen-Pei , Chen Shuya , Tsai Chien-Tsung , Chung Hsu-Chih , Chang Wen-Dien
Published: June 2020

Objectives. Spontaneous arm use in patients with poststroke hemiparesis is crucial to the recovery of functional interaction. Patients with stroke and subsequent right hemiparesis have more difficulty adapting to a right-handed environment. The aim of this study was to use wearable devices to assess the asymmetry and difference in the amount of activity of the nondominant and dominant affected hands among patients with stroke and right hemiparesis. The real activity of both hands was measured to assess the correlation with various aspects of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).Subjects and Methods. Patients with stroke and right hemiparesis were recruited. They were divided into two groups according to the affected hand. Groups A and B comprised patients with affected nondominant and dominant hands, respectively. The Fugl-Meyer assessment-Upper Extremity (FM-UE) scores, Motor Activity Log (MAL), and hand function domain scores on the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) were used for assessment. Patients were asked to wear smart wearable devices on both hands 24 hours a day for a month. The amount of activity in both hands was recorded and analyzed.Results. A total of 29 patients with stroke were divided into group A (n=14) and group B (n=15). FM-UE scores were significantly and strongly correlated with the amount of use (AOU) in the MAL. The recorded differential real activity of both hands in group B was significantly lower than that in group A. The asymmetry index of hand use was significantly less favorable in group B. However, no significant differences in AOU in the MAL, FM-UE, and hand function domain in the SIS were identified between the nondominant and dominant affected hands.Conclusions. The asymmetry and differential activity of both hands were worse in the patients with poststroke right hemiparesis, whose dominant hand was affected. However, no differences of three aspects of the ICF were found between dominant and nondominant affected hands.
Wogonin Suppresses IL-10 Production in B Cells via STAT3 and ERK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Fan Li , Qiu Dongbo , Huang Guo , Chen Jingrou , Wu Qiongli , Xiong Shiqiu , Wu Changyou , Peng Yanwen , Zhang Qi
Published: June 2020

Wogonin (5,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone) is an ingredient of the extracts from Scutellaria baicalensis, which has documented a wide spectrum of anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities, including inhibiting regulatory T cells, regulating effector T cell functions, and mediating macrophage immunity. However, the potential effect of Wogonin on B cells has not been fully understood. Here, our results showed that Wogonin inhibited IL-10 secretion in B cells. When purified B cells were activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro, the amount of IL-10 production in supernatant was decreased by Wogonin significantly. The protective role of B cells on dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced colitis was alleviated after exposure to Wogonin. Furthermore, administration of Wogonin on LPS-treated B cells suppressed phosphorylation of STAT3 and ERK, but not AKT. Interestingly, among those IL-10 signaling-associated transcription factors, mRNA and protein levels of Hif-1α were specifically decreased by Wogonin. Overall, our study indicates that Wogonin suppresses potentially IL-10 production in B cells via inhibition of the STAT3 and ERK signaling pathway as well as inhibition of mRNA and protein levels of the transcription factor Hif-1α. These results provide novel and potential molecular targets of Wogonin in B cells and help us further understand its mechanism of action, which could potentially improve its clinical application in the future.
Formulation and Analysis of Patterns in a Score Matrix for Global Sequence Alignment
Authors: Asare James Owusu , Appati Justice Kwame , Darkwah Kwaku
Published: June 2020

Global sequence alignment is one of the most basic pairwise sequence alignment procedures used in molecular biology to understand the similarity that arises among the structure, function, or evolutionary relationship between two nucleotide sequences. The general algorithm associated with global sequence alignment is the dynamic programming algorithm of Needleman and Wunsch. In this paper, patterns are exploited in the score matrix of the Needleman–Wunsch algorithm. With the help of some examples, the general patterns realized are formulated as new a priori propositions and corollaries that are established for both equal and unequal length comparisons of any two arbitrary sequences.
Synthesis of Green Copper Nanoparticles Using Medicinal Plant Hagenia abyssinica (Brace) JF. Gmel. Leaf Extract: Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Murthy H. C. Ananda , Desalegn Tegene , Kassa Mebratu , Abebe Buzuayehu , Assefa Temesgen
Published: June 2020

Indigenous medicinal plant of Ethiopia has been applied for the first time to investigate the synergistic influence of phytoconstituents in green copper nanoparticles (g-Cu NPs) towards the enhancement of antimicrobial properties of NPs. We report the green synthesis of Cu NPs using Hagenia abyssinica (Brace) JF. Gmel. leaf extract. The synthesized g-Cu NPs were characterized by UV-visible, UV-DRS, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDXA, TEM, HRTEM, and SAED techniques. The maximum absorbance, λmax, was found to be 403 nm for g-Cu NPs due to surface plasmon resonance. The energy gap, Eg of NPs, was found to be 2.19 eV. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of polyphenols, tannins, and glycosides in the leaf extract of Hagenia abyssinica. The spectral band at 740 cm-1 is a characteristic of interaction between Cu and biomolecules of the extract. The XRD analysis revealed that the g-Cu NPs appears to be more crystalline in nature. SEM and TEM micrographs showed a mix of spherical, hexagonal, triangular, cylindrical, and irregularly shaped Cu particles. The average particle size of NPs was found to be 34.76 nm by ImageJ analysis. EDX analysis confirmed the presence of copper in the g-Cu NPs. In addition, the SAED pattern of g-Cu NPs presented concentric circular patterns for 4 major planes of crystalline copper and its oxides. The experimental and calculated d-spacing values of one of the crystal planes (111) were found to be 0.2432 nm and 0.2444 nm, respectively. The d-spacing values of 0.2444 nm and 0.2040 nm correspond to d111Cu2O and d111Cu lattice fringes, respectively. The antibacterial test conducted on E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis showed good zone of inhibitions 12.7, 12.7, 14.7, and 14.2 mm, respectively, proving potentiality of g-Cu NPs as a remedy for infectious diseases caused by tested pathogens.
Occupational Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids among Medical Laboratory Science Students of the University of Health and Allied Sciences during Vocational Internship in the Volta Region of Ghana
Authors: Tawiah Philip Apraku , Oppong Kwabena , Effah Emmanuel Sintim , Abaka-Yawson Albert , Arhin-Wiredu Kingsley
Published: June 2020

Medical laboratory science students (MLSS), likewise health care workers (HCW), invariably get exposed to blood and body fluids (BBF) of patients. The degree of exposure of these students is even worsened due to their inexperience, which is usually revealed during their vocational training programme. This study therefore determined the prevalence of exposure to BBF and its risk factors among MLSS at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS). A cross-sectional survey was employed using simple random sampling to enrol 178 students into the study. The study was conducted from February 1 to March 31, 2018, after the annual vocational training programme completed in August 2017. Self-administered questionnaires based on the objectives of the study were given out to participants to complete after their consent was sought. Descriptive data were reported as absolute number with percentages, whereas bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were done to describe relationship between risk factors and exposure to BBF. The study findings revealed that, out of 178 MLSS that participated, 90 (50.6%) experienced at least one exposure to BBF. Also, work experience before university education increased the chances of exposure to BBF (AOR = 7.37, 95% CI = 1.22–44.43, pvalue = 0.029) compared with those with no experience. In contrast, adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) reduced the tendencies of exposure to BBF (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.20–0.88, p value = 0.023) compared with students who had insufficient PPE. The study showed high, 50.6% (95% CI: 43.0%–58.1%), exposure to BBF. Work history and sufficient PPE were the most significantly associated risk factors. In view of this, there is the need to promote training and education on exposure to BBF particularly among experienced students and also encourage health facilities to continue providing enough PPE for students during their annual obligatory vocational internship programmes.
Intersigmoid Hernia: A Forgotten Diagnosis—A Systematic Review of the Literature over Anatomical, Diagnostic, Surgical, and Medicolegal Aspects
Authors: Chiarini Stella , Ruscelli Paolo , Cirocchi Roberto , D’Andrea Vito , Sensi Beatrice , Santoro Alberto , Corsi Alessia , Zepponi Federico , Fedeli Piergiorgio , Gioia Sara
Published: June 2020

Introduction. Intersigmoid hernia is a hernia of the small bowel into the intersigmoid fossa. It is well known to be a rare condition. Recent reports reveal that the preoperative differentiation of intersigmoid hernias is difficult and the diagnosis is often confirmed during the laparotomic exploration. Due to the vague clinical manifestation in most cases, the surgical treatment is frequently delayed. Materials and Methods. In this study, we systematically reviewed the literature up to 2019 covering 114 studies and 124 patients with an intersigmoid hernia. The purpose of this work is to improve the understanding of the anatomical aspects, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of intersigmoid hernia so as to assist the preoperative differentiation of these hernias when presented as acute abdomen in the emergency department. Results. The diameter of the intersigmoid recess was reported with mean 2.65 cm (range 1–10 cm, SD 1.15 cm) and the length of the incarcerated small intestine was between 3 cm (min) and 150 cm (max): mean 25.25 cm, SD 35.04 cm. The diameter of the sigmoid recess was greater in patients who underwent resection due to strangulation (mean 3.31 cm, SD 1.53 cm) compared to those who underwent only reduction of the hernia (mean 2.35 cm, SD 0.74 cm). The time from onset to operation was less in patients undergoing resection surgery due to throttling (mean 3.03 days, SD 3.01 days) compared to those who underwent only a reduction of hernia incarceration (mean 8.49 days, SD 6.83 days). Conclusion. Intersigmoid hernia is often a forgotten diagnosis and a clinical challange due to its anatomical characteristics.
Oscillation Results for a Class of Nonlinear Fractional Order Difference Equations with Damping Term
Authors: Selvam A. George Maria , Alzabut Jehad , Jacintha Mary , Özbekler Abdullah
Published: June 2020

The paper studies the oscillation of a class of nonlinear fractional order difference equations with damping term of the form Δψλzηλ+pλzηλ+qλF∑s=λ0λ−1+μ λ−s−1−μys=0, where zλ=aλ+bλΔμyλ, Δμ stands for the fractional difference operator in Riemann-Liouville settings and of order μ, 0<μ≤1, and η≥1 is a quotient of odd positive integers and λ∈ℕλ0+1−μ. New oscillation results are established by the help of certain inequalities, features of fractional operators, and the generalized Riccati technique. We verify the theoretical outcomes by presenting two numerical examples.
Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart) Consumption and Prevention of Chronic Diseases: Is There an Association? A Preliminary Study
Authors: Silva Dulcelena Ferreira , Custódio Neto da Silva Marcos Antonio , Rodrigues Gabrielle Meirelles , Vidal Flávia Castello Branco , Barbosa Maria do Carmo Lacerda , Oliveira Brito Luciane Maria , Bezerra Geusa Felipa de Barros , Muniz Filho Walbert Edson , Borges Kátia Regina Assunção , Rosa Ivone Garros , de Carvalho João Ernesto , Soares Brandão Nascimento Maria do Desterro
Published: June 2020

Background. Flavonoids from a variety of fruits, including açaí, have beneficial antioxidant activity in several diseases, including cancer. Breast cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among Brazilian women. Studies have shown the action of flavonoids on neoplastic cells, as well as on diabetes and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Objective. To analyze the relationship between the consumption of açaí and the presence of chronic diseases in women residing in the rural area of São Luís, Maranhão. Methods. A convenience sample of 150 women residing in the Maracanã neighborhood in São Luís, Maranhão, was used; the collected data included sociodemographic characteristics, habits, sexual and reproductive history, consumption of açaí, and history of cancer and other chronic diseases. The sample was divided into women who consumed açaí at least once a week (cases) and women who did not consume açaí (controls). Statistical analysis was performed to assess the relationships between those variables and the consumption of açaí. Results. A total of 141 women (94%) consumed açaí. Among these, 79.3% were aged between 20 and 50 years, 78.67% were farmers or housewives, 64.67% were Pardo (mixed race), 76.67% were nonsmokers, 70% were not receiving hormonal therapy, 40.67% had already undergone mammography, 28% had already undergone breast ultrasound, and 27.33% had a family history of cancer, with breast cancer being the second most prevalent cancer. There was a higher prevalence of hypertension among women who did not consume açaí than that among those who did; however, previous cancer, family history of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes were more prevalent among the consumers of açaí. There were no statistically significant relationships. Conclusion. Flavonoids are known to have a beneficial effect on some types of neoplastic cells and other diseases; therefore, larger studies are necessary to better evaluate the beneficial effects of consuming foods containing flavonoids on these diseases.
Ovarian Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor Resembling Benign Hemorrhagic Cyst on Rapid Frozen Section
Authors: Nguyen Michelle T. , Carter Michael , Zhao Zimin , Abidi Alireza , Hodeib Melissa
Published: June 2020

Solid pseudopapillary tumors are rare, with the majority of described cases originating in the pancreas. To date, there are only 10 documented reports of primary ovarian solid pseudopapillary tumors. Here, we describe the case of a 24-year-old woman who presented with worsening pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea. Workup demonstrated a right ovarian solid mass on ultrasound and an elevated serum LDH, which raised concerns for dysgerminoma due to her relatively young age. Therefore, she was taken to the operating room and underwent laparoscopic right salpingo-oophorectomy. On initial rapid frozen section, her ovarian cyst had a grossly hemorrhagic appearance with multiple hemosiderin deposits noted microscopically, which suggested a benign hemorrhagic cyst. However, the final pathology was reported as solid pseudopapillary tumor based on several defining histologic characteristics. Most importantly, immunostaining was positive for β-catenin and negative for E-cadherin. This report presents a brief review of the current literature on primary ovarian solid pseudopapillary tumors, including a discussion of expected prognosis after surgical resection, as well as a discussion of the role of immunohistochemistry (IHC) in differentiating ovarian neoplasms in young premenopausal women.
Percutaneous Balloon Pericardiotomy (PBP) Revisited: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Aqel Raed , Elqadi Muawiyah , Hammouri Ahmad , Alqadi Mohammad S.
Published: June 2020

Background. A Percutaneous Balloon Pericardiotomy (PBP) procedure is a reemerging nonsurgical technique that helps in preventing the reaccumulation of pericardial effusion. It is done percutaneously without general anaesthesia. It has been proved to be effective in alleviating and preventing recurrent pericardial effusion. Case Presentation. We reported a 52-year-old male with stage IV adenocarcinoma causing recurrent pericardial effusion. The patient experienced a worsening shortness of breath. A surgical pericardial window was denied by the surgery team secondary to severe respiratory distress; subsequently, the patient underwent Percutaneous Balloon Pericardiotomy. Conclusion. Percutaneous Balloon Pericardiotomy is efficacious and safe when done by well-trained physicians. We think it should be considered as a preferred treatment modality in most sicker patients with recurrent pericardial effusion.
Is Schistosomiasis a Risk Factor for Bladder Cancer? Evidence-Based Facts
Authors: Jalloh Mohamed , Cassell Ayun , Diallo Thierno , Gaye Omar , Ndoye Medina , Mbodji Mouhamadou M. , Mahamat Mahamat Ali , Diallo Abdourahmane , Dial Cherif , Labou Issa , Niang Lamine , Gueye Serigne M.
Published: June 2020

Background.Globally, approximately 20% of malignancy are caused by infection. Schistosoma infection is a major cause of bladder in most part of Africa. In 2018 alone, there were approximately 549,393 new cases and 199,922 deaths from bladder cancer. The presence of Schistosoma ova in the venous plexus of the bladder induces a cascade of inflammation causing significant tissue damage and granulomatous changes.Methodology. A literature review was conducted from 1995 to 2019 using PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journal Online, and Google databases. Relevant data on the association of “Schistosomiasis and Bladder cancer” in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) were retrieved.Evidence Synthesis. Results from research using animal models to establish the carcinogenesis of Schistosoma and bladder cancer have been helpful but inconclusive. Immunoregulatory cytokines and genetic marker have been identified to play a role in the pathogenesis. In some parts of sub-Saharan Africa, there has been close association of squamous cell carcinoma and histological evidence of Schistosoma ova.Conclusion. There are some data to support the association between schistosomiasis and bladder cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. However, these have been limited by their design and may not sufficiently establish carcinogenesis. There is a need for more genomic and molecular research to better characterizeS. haematobiumand its effects on the bladder. Such goal will contribute immensely to Schistosoma bladder cancer prevention and control.
Sustainable and Dynamic Competitiveness towards Technological Leadership of Industry 4.0: Implications for East African Community
Authors: Bongomin Ocident , Nganyi Eric Oyondi , Abswaidi Mfanga Ramadhani , Hitiyise Emmanuel , Tumusiime Godias
Published: June 2020

The war to technology and economic powers has been the driver for industrialization in most developed countries. The first industrial revolution (industry 1.0) earned millions for textile mill owners, while the second industrial revolution (industry 2.0) opened the way for tycoons and captains of industry such as Henry Ford, John D. Rockefeller, and J.P. Morgan. The third industrial revolution (industry 3.0) engendered technology giants such as Apple and Microsoft and made magnates of men such as Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. Now, the race for the fourth industrial revolution (industry 4.0) is on and there is no option, and every country whether developed or developing must participate. Many countries have positively responded to industry 4.0 by developing strategic initiatives to strengthen industry 4.0 implementation. Unlocking the country’s potential to industry 4.0 has been of interest to researchers in the recent past. However, the extent to which industry 4.0 initiatives are being launched globally has never been divulged. Therefore, the present study aimed at exploring industry 4.0 initiatives through a comprehensive electronic survey of the literature to estimate the extent of their launching in different regions. Inferences were drawn from industry 4.0 initiatives in developed nations to be used as the recommendations for the East African Community. Results of the survey revealed that 117 industry 4.0 initiatives have been launched in 56 countries worldwide consisting of five regions: Europe (37%), North America (28%), Asia and Oceania (17%), Latin America and the Caribbean (10%), and Middle East and Africa (8%). The worldwide percentage was estimated as 25%. This revealed that there is a big gap existing between countries in the race for industry 4.0.
Nigeria and Italy Divergences in Coronavirus Experience: Impact of Population Density
Authors: Amoo Emmanuel O. , Adekeye Olujide , Olawole-Isaac Adebanke , Fasina Fagbeminiyi , Adekola Paul O. , Samuel Gbemisola W. , Akanbi Moses A. , Oladosun Muyiwa , Azuh Dominic E.
Published: June 2020

Background. The reports and information on coronavirus are not conspicuously emphasising the possible impact of population density on the explanation of difference in rapid spread and fatality due to the disease and not much has been done on bicountry comparisons.Objective. The study examined the impact of population density on the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in two sociodemographic divergent countries.Methods. The study conducted a scoping review of published and unpublished articles including blogs on incidences and fatalities of COVID-19. The analysis followed qualitative description and quantitative presentation of the findings using only frequency distribution, percentages, and graphs.Results. The two countries shared similar experience of “importation” of COVID-19, but while different states ordered partial lockdown in Nigeria, it was an immediate total lockdown in Italy. The physician/patient ratio is high in Italy (1 : 328) but low in Nigeria (1 : 2500), while population density is 221 in Nigeria and 206 in Italy. Daily change in incidence rate reduced to below 20% after 51 and 30 days of COVID-19 first incidence in Italy and Nigeria, respectively. Fatality rate has plummeted to below 10% after the 66thday in Italy but has not been stabilised in Nigeria.Conclusion. The authors upheld both governments’ recommending measures that tilted towards personal hand-hygienic practices and social distancing. Authors suggested that if Italy with its high physician/patient ratio and lower population density compared to Nigeria could suffer high fatality from COVID-19 pandemic under four weeks, then Nigeria with its low physician/patient ratio and higher population density should prepare to face harder time if the pandemic persists.
Looking into the Content of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM): A Danish Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Enemark Larsen Anette , Wehberg Sonja , Christensen Jeanette Reffstrup
Published: June 2020

Purpose. To examine the content validity of the Danish version of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM-DK). Materials and Methods. This cross-sectional study was performed in a hospital and a community rehabilitation centre. The content validity of the COPM was assessed by relating the clients’ prioritized occupational performance issues (OPIs) to the conceptual model of the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement (CMOP-E) and the levels of the Taxonomic Code of Occupational Performance (TCOP). Six occupational therapy lecturers participated in classifying the OPIs using the TCOP. Results. A total of 112 clients from a regional and community-based rehabilitation participated. The 56% regional participants came from a hospital’s hand and knee surgery department. The remaining 44% participants came from a community-based rehabilitation centre with in- and outpatient departments. There were 44% males, with a mean age of 65.2 years. They prioritized 495 OPIs, of which 40% concerned self-care, 32% productivity, and 28% leisure. The prioritized OPIs were divided into a total of 224 different OPIs. There were significant differences in which areas were prioritized in the various population groups. Of the OPIs, 64.3% could be classified into the TCOP levels of occupation and activity, i.e., 1/3 of the OPIs were related to tasks and actions, and thus beyond the scope of the COPM. The interrater agreement of the OPI classification was only fair (kappa 0.3). Conclusion. The content validity of the COPM seems to depend on how and with which clients it is administered. Caution must be taken to secure OPIs on the higher levels of the TCOP, while maintaining the clients’ right to nominate OPI preferences. Therefore, an introductory course and on-going support are recommendable. Bearing this in mind, the COPM seems useful to identify individual clients’ prioritized OPIs in a Danish context.
Cardiac Amyloidosis: Evolving Diagnosis and Management: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Kittleson Michelle M. , Maurer Mathew S. , Ambardekar Amrut V. , Bullock-Palmer Renee P. , Chang Patricia P. , Eisen Howard J. , Nair Ajith P. , Nativi-Nicolau Jose , Ruberg Frederick L. ,   On behalf of the American Heart Association Heart Failure and Transplantation Committee of the Council on Clinical Cardiology
Published: June 2020

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) results in a restrictive cardiomyopathy caused by extracellular deposition of transthyretin, normally involved in the transportation of the hormone thyroxine and retinol-binding protein, in the myocardium. Enthusiasm about ATTR-CM has grown as a result of 3 simultaneous areas of advancement: Imaging techniques allow accurate noninvasive diagnosis of ATTR-CM without the need for confirmatory endomyocardial biopsies; observational studies indicate that the diagnosis of ATTR-CM may be underrecognized in a significant proportion of patients with heart failure; and on the basis of elucidation of the mechanisms of amyloid formation, therapies are now approved for treatment of ATTR-CM. Because therapy for ATTR-CM may be most effective when administered before significant cardiac dysfunction, early identification of affected individuals with readily available noninvasive tests is essential. This scientific statement is intended to guide clinical practice and to facilitate management conformity by covering current diagnostic and treatment strategies, as well as unmet needs and areas of active investigation in ATTR-CM.
Cardiovascular Risk of Isolated Systolic or Diastolic Hypertension in Young Adults
Authors: Lee Hokyou , Yano Yuichiro , Cho So Mi Jemma , Park Jong Heon , Park Sungha , Lloyd-Jones Donald M. , Kim Hyeon Chang
Published: June 2020

Background:

Little is known regarding health outcomes associated with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH), or systolic and diastolic hypertension (SDH) among young adults with stage 1 hypertension, defined using the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association blood pressure (BP) guideline.

Methods:

From a nationwide health screening database, we included 6 424 090 participants, aged 20 to 39 years, who were not taking antihypertensive medication at the baseline examination in 2003 to 2007. Participants were categorized as having normal BP (untreated systolic BP [SBP] <120/diastolic BP [DBP] <80 mm Hg; n=2 665 310); elevated BP (SBP 120–129/DBP <80 mm Hg; n=705 344); stage 1 IDH (SBP <130/DBP 80–89 mm Hg; n=1 271 505); stage 1 ISH (SBP 130–139/DBP <80 mm Hg; n=255 588); stage 1 SDH (SBP 130–139/DBP 80–89 mm Hg; n=711 503); and stage 2 hypertension (SBP ≥140, DBP ≥90 mm Hg; n=814 840). The primary outcome was composite cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, including myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and CVD-related death.

Results:

The median age of the participants was 30 years and 60.9% were male. Over a median follow-up of 13.2 years, 44 070 new CVD events occurred. With normal BP as the reference, multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) for CVD events were 1.14 (1.09–1.18) for elevated BP, 1.32 (1.28–1.36) for stage 1 IDH, 1.36 (1.29–1.43) for stage 1 ISH, 1.67 (1.61–1.72) for stage 1 SDH, and 2.40 (2.33–2.47) for stage 2 hypertension.

Conclusions:

Among young adults, stage 1 ISH, IDH, and SDH were all associated with higher CVD risks than normal BP. The CVD risks of stage 1 ISH and IDH were similar to each other but lower than the risk of stage 1 SDH. Categorizing young adults with stage 1 hypertension further into stage 1 ISH, IDH, and SDH may improve risk stratification for identifying high-risk individuals.
Early Cardiac Remodeling Promotes Tumor Growth and Metastasis
Authors: Avraham Shimrit , Abu-Sharki Soraya , Shofti Rona , Haas Tali , Korin Ben , Kalfon Roy , Friedman Tom , Shiran Avinoam , Saliba Walid , Shaked Yuval , Aronheim Ami
Published: June 2020

Background:

Recent evidence suggests that cancer and cardiovascular diseases are associated. Chemotherapy drugs are known to result in cardiotoxicity, and studies have shown that heart failure and stress correlate with poor cancer prognosis. However, whether cardiac remodeling in the absence of heart failure is sufficient to promote cancer is unknown.

Methods:

To investigate the effect of early cardiac remodeling on tumor growth and metastasis colonization, we used transverse aortic constriction (TAC), a model for pressure overload–induced cardiac hypertrophy, and followed it by cancer cell implantation.

Results:

TAC-operated mice developed larger primary tumors with a higher proliferation rate and displayed more metastatic lesions compared with controls. Serum derived from TAC-operated mice potentiated cancer cell proliferation in vitro, suggesting the existence of secreted tumor-promoting factors. Using RNA-sequencing data, we identified elevated mRNA levels of periostin in the hearts of TAC-operated mice. Periostin levels were also found to be high in the serum after TAC. Depletion of periostin from the serum abrogated the proliferation of cancer cells; conversely, the addition of periostin enhanced cancer cell proliferation in vitro. This is the first study to show that early cardiac remodeling nurtures tumor growth and metastasis and therefore promotes cancer progression.

Conclusions:

Our study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of cardiac remodeling because it may attenuate cancer progression and improve cancer outcome.
Ibrāhīm al-Naḫaʿī (Kufan, d. 96/714)
Authors: Melchert Christopher
Published: June 2020

Ibrāhīm al-Naḫaʿī (d. 96/714) was the most prominent Follower (tābiʿī) in the Kufan legal tradition, also prominent in the areas of hadith transmission, koranic commentary, and piety. Later adherents of both hadith and raʾy cited his opinions as authoritative precedents. Presumptively, most quotations of him give us the gist of what he said, not his very words; an undetermined proportion of quotations represents not recollection of his positions but positions someone thought he surely must have taken, if asked.
The prefix g- and -o- ablaut in Tibetan present verb stems
Authors: Hill Nathan W.
Published: June 2020

The prevailing internal reconstruction of the Classical Tibetan verbal system accounts for all ablaut phenomena as innovations triggered by erstwhile segmental affixes. The traditional account cannot be correct, because the paradigms of nine verbs show -o- in the present stem without g- and a further three verbs show g- in the present without -o-.
1
原始納西語前冠音的來源與演變
Authors: 鶴 李子
Published: June 2020

提要

方言比較的證據顯示原始納西語存在複輔音。以往的研究已經構擬了原始納西語的前冠音*C1-和鼻冠音。進一步將書面藏語與原始納西語對應的結果顯示︰*C1-只與書面藏語m-、’-兩個前冠音對應；鼻冠音與書面藏語除b-外所有前冠音都有對應。*C1-和鼻冠音與書面藏語的對應都有明確的語音條件。與*C1-對應的既有語音性的前冠音，也有語法性的前缀。
論韓國漢字詞「반지pan.ʦi」、「겨자kje.ʦa」、「우두∅u. tu」、「선비sen.pi」、「매mai」的本字
Authors: 先 申祐
Published: June 2020

There are plenty of Chinese loan words that have lost connection with their original Chinese characters. Korean speakers may mistake them for native Korean words or connect them with wrong Chinese characters. In this article, the author applies “character-search” methodology and “sound-search” methodology for searching for the original characters of Chinese loan words which have lost connection with their graphic forms in Korean. With “character-search” methodology, this article confirms the origin of “pan-tsi (반지, which means “ring” in Korea)” is “扳指”, and with “sound-search” methodology, this article verifies the origin of Korean words “kje-ʦa (겨자, mustard)”, “∅u.tu (우두, the head)”, “sen.pi (선비, a learned man)”, and “mai (매, a quern)” are “芥子”, “為頭”, “先輩” and “磨” respectively.
Using Chinese Character Formation Graphs to Test Proposals in Chinese Historical Phonology
Authors: Hill Nathan W. , List Johann-Mattis
Published: June 2020

This paper proposes the use of network techniques in the exploration of Old Chinese phonology as reflected in the phonophoric determinatives of xiéshēng 諧聲 characters. We use the approach to examine five specific proposals in Chinese historical phonology, and whether the distinctions suggested by these proposals can be said to be recoverable on the basis of phonophoric choice. The major finding is that the type A versus type B distinction is in some cases encoded in the choice of phonophoric determinative, while other distinctions are only spuriously if at all reflected in the phonophoric subseries.
Numerical and Experimental Investigation on the Function of Siphons for Tipping-Bucket Rain Gauges
Authors: Cai Zhao , Liu Jiufu , Liao Aimin , Li Xuegang , Liao Minhan
Published: June 2020

Siphons can effectively reduce the influence of rainfall intensity on the mechanical bias of tipping-bucket rain gauges (TBRs). To identify the function of siphons for TBRs, this study investigated three types of siphons: a Texas Electronics (TE) siphon, a RIMCO (RIM) siphon, and a Sutron siphon, with both computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and laboratory experiments. To provide better structural designs, further simulations were conducted to adjust two parameters of the siphons: d, the distance from the cap to the outer part, and w, the distance from the main part to the cap part. The simulation results reveal that the most significant advantage of a siphon over a rain gauge collector is to provide stable outflow for the tipping bucket. The stable outflow rates were around 1.5 g s−1 (TE) and 1.55 g s−1 (RIM), while the Sutron siphon increased from 1.75 to 2.45 g s−1. The ratio of stable outflow time to a complete siphon event was 69% (TE), 81% (Sutron), and 83% (RIM). In experiments with rainfall intensity higher than 1 mm min−1, the RIM and TE siphons showed oscillations in the outflow during consecutive siphon events, whereas the Sutron siphon was relatively stable. Further simulations showed that the recommended d and w for the TE siphon are 2.5 and 1.1 mm, respectively, while the recommendations for the RIM siphon are d = 2.5 mm and w = 0.9 mm. The manufacturer’s specifications for d and w are best for the Sutron siphon. These results help to understand the functionality of siphons for TBRs, and benefit the structural design of common siphons.
Monopsony in Labor Markets: A Review
Authors: Manning Alan
Published: June 2020

Researchers’ interest in monopsony has increased in recent years. This article reviews the accumulating evidence that employers have considerable monopsony power. It summarizes the application of this idea to explaining the impact of minimum wages and immigration, in anti-trust, and in understanding how to model the determinants of earnings in matched employer–employee data sets and the implications for inequality and the labor share.
Grievances or skills? The effect of education on youth political participation in Egypt and Tunisia
Authors: Pellicer Miquel , Assaad Ragui , Krafft Caroline , Salemi Colette
Published: June 2020

The educated have figured prominently in protests and elections in several Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. The dominant explanation for this pattern centers on grievances and unfulfilled aspirations due to low education returns in the MENA. However, the pattern may simply reflect the unequal participation observed in many democracies where education provides skills and resources that facilitate political participation. This article compares the roles of skills and grievances in explaining the relationship between education and youth political participation during and after the Arab Spring. We use youth surveys with detailed data on education and political participation from Egypt and Tunisia. We control for parental education and family background to partially account for the potential of background to drive the education and participation relationship. Overall, our results are consistent with the skill channel and lend little support to the grievance channel. Our findings raise concerns about the exclusion of uneducated youth from both unconventional and conventional political participation in MENA politics.
Governance of resettlement compensation and the cultural fix in rural China
Authors: Gomersall Kathryn
Published: June 2020

Financial management of resettlement funding has always been problematic for governments and development agencies trying to mitigate the negative effects of moving people from one location to another. In China, Poverty Alleviation Resettlement attempts to rectify the shortcomings in policies designed for distributing compensation and ensuring funds reach their intended use with apparatuses of security. Governance technologies take the form of reimbursement subsidies, which mitigate the risk that funds will be corrupted or households misuse money, by reimbursing expenditures already made on village construction. These technologies convey the contradictory nature of Chinese rural development, as they employ neoliberal discourse to direct fiscal transfers from the central government to enterprising individuals, but also attempt poverty alleviation of rural societies’ most marginalized households. Resettlement technologies are therefore leading to uneven development while simultaneously claiming to adhere to transnational poverty alleviation norms. In this article, the Party-state applies a cultural fix to resolve contradictions in the development apparatus. The Party-state draws on historical governance norms to change the meaning of the corrupt official that receives disproportionate government assistance into the “ideal” all villages should emulate. In this way, the Chinese bureaucracy appropriates the power of local elites to guide conduct and achieve broader political economic goals.
Vocation and Lifelong Spiritual Formation: A Christian Integrative Perspective on Calling in Mid-career
Authors: Lemke Dale L.
Published: June 2020

This qualitative study examined perceptions of calling among 35 U.S. mid-career missionaries. Participants indicated that calling is a lifelong process of listening to God. They also emphasized ongoing personal and spiritual formation as foundational to living a calling. Current theological and theoretical research is discussed and evaluated to develop an integrative Christian perspective on the source(s), nature, means, and enactment of calling. Findings argue for the development of a robust spiritual theology of calling.
The Importance of Social Norm on Adopting Sustainable Digital Fertilisation Methods
Authors: Hüttel Silke , Leuchten Marie-Therese , Leyer Michael
Published: June 2020

Precision farming systems promise a highly efficient resource use reducing cost for farmers and contributing to the preservation of the environment. A major obstacle, however, in such systems dissemination is the reluctant adoption by farmers. Prior work is suggesting that mainly knowledge or missing resources for investment are barriers, while social norms are rarely addressed for precision farming systems. We adopt the reasoned action approach including behavioural, social, and control aspects to analyse intentions and actual use of sustainable digital fertilisation methods. Based on a German sample of farmers, we find that social norm is the major predictor, while behavioural and control aspects surprisingly are not relevant at all. The results contribute to the understanding of what drives farmers in adopting precision farming systems on a theoretical basis and highlight the importance of considering social norms in increasing adoption.
Comparison of a novel extracapsular suture technique with a standard fabellotibial suture technique for cranial cruciate ligament repair using a custom-made limb-press model in cats
Authors: Lechner Bettina , Handschuh Stephan , Bockstahler Barbara , Tichy Alexander , Peham Christian , Schnabl-Feichter Eva
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The aim of our study was to compare the standard fabellotibial suture with Mini TightRope fixation for the treatment of a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture using a feline custom-made limb press.

Methods

Cadaveric hindlimbs of 10 cats were inserted in the limb press at predefined joint angles and loads of 10% and 30% body weight (BW) were applied. Mediolateral radiographs were taken and three-dimensional coordinates were recorded using a microscribe digitiser, with intact and transected CCLs and after either fabellotibial suture or Mini TightRope fixation were performed. Different distances and angles from radiographs or microscribe coordinates were analysed.

Results

Radiographic distances from the femoral condyle to the cranial edge of the tibia (X1–X2) were higher in CCL-deficient stifles than in intact stifles at 10% and 30% BW loads. All fabellotibial sutures and Mini TightRope fixations neutralised excessive cranial tibial thrust. A significant difference in the distance between the patella and tibial tuberosity (D2) was observed between CCL-deficient limbs and Mini TightRope-fixed limbs at 10% BW load ( P <0.04). A significant difference in the distance between the tibial tuberosity and lateral collateral ligament of the femur (D3) was observed between the intact and transected CCLs on the left legs at 10% BW load ( P <0.003) and on both legs at 30% BW load ( P <0.002). Furthermore, we observed significant differences between CCL-deficient left legs and Mini TightRope-treated legs at 10% BW load ( P <0.003). With regard to fabellotibial suture-treated legs, we observed significant differences between transected limbs and fixed limbs at 30% BW load ( P <0.004). W1 (craniocaudal angle) and W2 (mediolateral angle) showed significant differences between intact and transected CCLs and between transected and fixed limbs at 30% BW load ( P <0.004).

Conclusions and relevance

Fixation of CCL-deficient stifles with lateral fabellotibial suture, as well as Mini TightRope tightened with a 20 N load, produces good biomechanical stability, as detected via radiographic assessment.
IMABASE: A new set of 313 colourised line drawings standardised in French for name agreement, image agreement, conceptual familiarity, age-of-acquisition, and imageability
Authors: Bonin Patrick , Poulin-Charronnat Bénédicte , Lukowski Duplessy Helle , Bard Patrick , Vinter Annie , Ferrand Ludovic , Méot Alain
Published: June 2020

We provide normative data for a new set of 313 colourised line drawings. The drawings were standardised on name agreement ( N = 60 participants), image agreement ( N = 34), conceptual familiarity ( N = 36), age of acquisition ( N = 35), and imageability ( N = 35). Objective visual complexity measures are given for the pictures, and objective word frequencies are provided for the modal names of the drawings. Reliability measures for the collected norms are very high. There are high levels of agreement between the names given by the participants and the drawings and comparative analyses indicate that the distribution of name agreement scores is very similar in both our own database and the MultiPic database (Duñabeitia et al., 2018). A novel “picture-choice task” used to assess name-image agreement ( N = 30) reveals that the great majority of the IMABASE pictures that are also present in MultiPic are rated as providing better pictorial representations of the corresponding concepts. Finally, most of the correlations are comparable with those reported in other normative studies on colourised drawings. The whole set of pictures is freely available from https://leadserv.u-bourgogne.fr/~lead/imabase/ and the norms are available as Supplementary Material.
Standardization and quality improvement of secondary prevention through cardiovascular rehabilitation programmes in Europe: The avenue towards EAPC accreditation programme: A position statement of the Secondary Prevention and Rehabilitation Section of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC)
Authors: Abreu Ana , Frederix Ines , Dendale Paul , Janssen Arne , Doherty Patrick , Piepoli Massimo F , Völler Heinz , Davos Constantinos H ,   the Secondary Prevention and Rehabilitation Section of EAPC Reviewers:, Ambrosetti Marco
Published: June 2020

Despite the proven efficacy and cost-effectiveness of contemporary cardiovascular rehabilitation programmes, the referral to/uptake of and adherence to cardiovascular rehabilitation remains inadequate. In addition, heterogeneity persists amongst different cardiovascular rehabilitation centres in Europe, despite the available scientific documents describing the evidence-based rehabilitation format/content. This position statement was elaborated by the Secondary Prevention and Rehabilitation (SP/CR) section of EAPC. It defines the minimal and optimal cardiovascular rehabilitation standards. In addition, it describes the relevant quality indicators of cardiovascular rehabilitation programmes to date. Compliance of European cardiovascular rehabilitation centres with these standards will improve cardiovascular rehabilitation process standardization in Europe and hence increase the quality of cadiovascular rehabilitation programmes.