bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renal Tubular Acidosis Type I with Prominent Hypokalemia and Nephrolithiasis as a Presentation of Sjögren’s/Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease
Authors: Basok Anna B. , Haviv Yosef-S. , Rogachev Boris , Vorobiov Marina
Published: August 2021

Female patient, suffering from nephrolithiasis, at the age of 32 was admitted for renal colic caused by a stone obstructing UP junction with left hydronephrosis. Nephrostomy was placed, resulting in brisk diuresis. Severe metabolic acidosis with normal anion gap and urine pH of 6.5 was noted. Potassium level dropped to extremely low level (1.6 mEq/L), causing muscle paralysis and respiratory failure, necessitating mechanical ventilation. The patient was treated by potassium chloride infusion, followed by correction of severe metabolic acidosis by sodium bicarbonate. Diagnosis of distal type renal tubular acidosis type I (dRTA) was made based on normal anion gap metabolic acidosis, alkaline urine, hypokalemia, and nephrolithiasis. Five years later, the patient presented with severe hypoxia, lung opacities, and bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia which was confirmed by bronchoscopy with lung tissue biopsy. Concurrently, the patient presented with dry mouth, pruritus, skin rash with hypocomplementemia, elevated anti-DNA, anti-Ro, and anti-SmAb. Diagnosis of overlap Sjögren’s/systemic lupus erythematosus disease was done and treatment by hydroxychloroquine, prednisone, and azathioprine was started. Possible presence of Sjögren’s syndrome should be considered in adult patients with unexplained dRTA.
Genetic Variation of Glutathione S-Transferase M1 Is Associated with Patients with Ovarian Endometriosis and Endometriosis-Related Primary Infertility
Authors: Zhang Hai-Bo , Li Yan , Wu Jian-Lei , Zhao Jian , Tian Yun-Jie , Kang Shan
Published: August 2021

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the role of the genetic variation of glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) in the development of ovarian endometriosis and endometriosis-related primary infertility risk. Methods: This case-control study included 564 women with ovarian endometriosis and 576 normal women in the control group in northern China. The polymorphism of GSTM1 was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/ligase detection reaction method. To assess the biological significance of polymorphisms, the level of GSTM1 mRNA expression in patients’ endometrial tissues with different genotypes was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results: Compared with the positive genotype, the null genotype of GSTM1 was associated with the risk of developing ovarian endometriosis (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.02–1.62). Further analysis showed that patients with a null genotype also had a significantly higher risk of primary infertility than patients with positive genotypes (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.01–2.49). In addition, we found that GSTM1 mRNA expression was present in the endometrial tissue of all patients, but the expression level of patients with a positive genotype was nearly 10 times higher than that of patients with a negative genotype. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the GSTM1 polymorphism is not only related to the genetic susceptibility to ovarian endometriosis but also a potential molecular marker of primary infertility in patients with ovarian endometriosis.
Safety and Efficacy of 2 Intracavernous Injections of Allogeneic Wharton’s Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Diabetic Patients with Erectile Dysfunction: Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial
Authors: Al Demour Saddam , Adwan Sofia , Jafar Hanan , Rahmeh Reem , Alhawari Hussam , Awidi Abdalla
Published: August 2021

Background and Objectives: Stem cell therapy is a novel treatment with regenerative ability that can treat erectile dysfunction (ED). This phase 1/2 clinical trial (NCT02945449) using 2 consecutive intracavernous (IC) injections of allogeneic Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) was studied for the first time in the treatment of diabetic patients with ED. The primary outcome was to assess the safety and tolerability, and the secondary outcome was to assess the efficacy of 2 consecutive IC injections of allogeneic WJ-MSCs in diabetic ED. Patients and Methods: Twenty-two diabetic patients with refractory ED were included. Two consecutive IC injections of allogeneic WJ-MSCs were performed. Tolerability was assessed immediately, and at 24 h, safety was evaluated for 12 months. Efficacy was assessed using International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), Erection Hardness Score (EHS), and Color Duplex Doppler Ultrasound for 12 months. Results: The procedure was well-tolerated. Minimal and transient adverse events were redness and bruising at the site of injections. There were no patient-reported serious adverse effects. There were significant improvements in IIEF-5, EHS, peak systolic velocity (PSV) basal, and 20-min PSV, all over the follow-up time points in comparison to the baseline. Conclusion: This is the first human study with proven tolerability, safety, and efficacy of IC injections of allogeneic WJ-MSCs for the treatment of diabetic patients with ED.
How Dialysis Patients Cope with a Curfew? A Comparison of Psychological Status between Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Karaca Cebrail , Eren Necmi , Dincer Mevlut Tamer , Turan Senol , Karaca Hatice Kubra , Kucuk Mehmet , Kose Sennur , Bek Sibel Gokcay , Bakir Alev , Dervisoglu Erkan , Seyahi Nurhan , Trabulus Sinan
Published: August 2021

Introduction: There are many differences between hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatments, including their impact on the psychological status of the patients. In this study, our aim was to compare the psychological statuses of HD and PD patients during the social isolation period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We conducted this cross-sectional study on adult HD and PD patients when the curfew measures were in effect. We used an electronic form composed of 3 sections to collect data. In the first section, we collected data on the demographics and clinical and laboratory parameters of the patients. The second and third sections consisted of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) questionnaires, respectively. Results: The HD (n = 116) and PD (n = 130) groups were similar regarding age and sex, and they had similar HADS anxiety scores. HADS depression scores were higher in PD patients (p = 0.052). IES-R scores were significantly higher in PD patients in comparison to HD patients (p = 0.001). Frequencies of abnormal HADS-anxiety (p = 0.035) and severe psychological impact (p = 0.001) were significantly higher in PD patients. Discussion/Conclusion: During the social isolation period due to the COVID-19 pandemic, HD patients had better mood profiles than PD patients. A more stable daily routine, an uninterrupted face-to-face contact with health-care workers, and social support among patients in the in-center dialysis environment might be the cause of the favorable mood status. PD patients might need additional psychological support during those periods.
Locus of Control and Its Associations with Depressive Symptoms amongst People with Dementia
Authors: Halse Ingeborg , Bjørkløf Guro Hanevold , Engedal Knut , Selbæk Geir , Barca Maria Lage
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Depression is common amongst people with dementia. This study examines whether locus of control (LoC), a perceived control construct influential in the coping process, is related to depressive symptoms in this population. Methods: In this prospective observational study, 257 community-dwelling older adults with a confirmed dementia diagnosis were included. At baseline, measures of depressive symptoms, LoC, cognition, independent functional ability, general health, dementia severity, and dementia disease insight were collected. At follow-up, measures of depressive symptoms and cognition were collected. Multiple linear regression using degree of depressive symptoms as measured with Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale as a dependent variable was applied to assess whether LoC was associated with depressive symptoms at baseline and follow-up while controlling for covariates. Results: LoC (p < 0.001), general health (p = 0.003), and insight (p = 0.010) were associated with severity of depressive symptoms at baseline, accounting for 28% of the variance. LoC (p = 0.025) and depressive symptoms (p < 0.001) at baseline were associated with severity of depressive symptoms at follow-up, accounting for 56.3% of the variance. Conclusion: LoC was significantly associated with severity of depressive symptoms in people with dementia at baseline and at follow-up. Attention to LoC may be valuable for our understanding of depression in people with dementia, and interventions targeting depression could benefit from including a focus on internalizing perceived control. However, these findings are novel, and more research is needed.
Alteration of Allergen Fold of Bos d 5 into a Hypoallergenic Vaccine for Immunotherapy of Cow’s Milk Allergy
Authors: Cui Yaqiong , Yu Yang , Lin Shuxiang , Xu Li , Li Liuxu , Cai Chunquan , Li Huiqiang
Published: August 2021

Background: Cow’s milk allergy (CMA) is the most common IgE-mediated food allergy and Bos d 5 is the major allergen in cow’s milk proteins. More than 60% of the patients with CMA are sensitized to this protein. Methods and Results: A recombinant protein, encoded by a synthetic gene and consisting of reassembled Bos d 5 fragments, was expressed in E. coli strain BL21 (DE3) cells and purified to homogeneity. The B5M lacked relevant IgE-reactivity and allergenic activity compared with Bos d 5 in dot-blot and basophil activation assays. T-cell proliferation experiments demonstrated that B5M preserved the main T cell epitopes of Bos d 5. Immunization of rabbits with B5M induced protective IgG antibodies that blocked the binding of patients’ IgE antibodies to the wild-type allergen and inhibited the degranulation of basophils induced by Bos d 5. Conclusion: Thus, we developed a new strategy, which was based on rational molecular reassembly for allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) of CMA and food allergy.
Decreased Presence of Mast Cells in the Bursa Premacularis of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Ikeda Tsunehiko , Nakamura Kimitoshi , Morishita Seita , Sato Takaki , Horie Taeko , Kida Teruyo , Oku Hidehiro , Takai Shinji , Jin Denan
Published: August 2021

Introduction: We previously reported that the intravitreal activities of chymase and tryptase were more increased in the patients with macular hole (MH) and epiretinal membrane (ERM) than in those with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and that the source of these serine proteases might be mast cells in the bursa premacularis (BPM). The purpose of this study was to compare the density of mast cells in BPM samples obtained from MH, ERM, and PDR patients. Methods: BPM and vitreous core samples were first collected during vitrectomy from eyes afflicted with vitreoretinal diseases (MH: 6 eyes, ERM: 3 eyes, and PDR: 9 eyes), and then were stained with hematoxylin, toluidine blue, antibodies against chymase and tryptase, and a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay kit. Results: Hematoxylin nuclear staining showed fewer positive-staining cells in the BPM samples obtained from PDR patients than in those obtained from MH and ERM patients. Toluidine blue staining of the BPM revealed metachromasia in the mast cells of the patients with MH and ERM, but not those of the patients with PDR. In addition, immunostaining using anti-chymase and anti-tryptase antibodies showed that the BPM samples were more intensely stained than the vitreous core samples from the patients with MH and ERM and that both tissue samples were poorly stained in the patients with PDR. The apoptotic cells were more frequently observed in the BPM samples from patients with MH than in those from patients with PDR. Conclusions: These findings indicated that lower activities of chymase and tryptase in the vitreous of PDR patients appeared to be attributable to the decreased presence of mast cells in the BPM. The lack of mast cells in the BPM might be related to the pathogenesis of PDR.
Cyclic Selection: Auxiliaries Are Merged, Not Inserted
Authors: Pietraszko Asia
Published: August 2021

Traditional approaches to verbal periphrasis (compound tenses) treat auxiliary verbs as lexical items that enter syntactic derivation like any other lexical item, via Selection/Merge. An alternative view is that auxiliary verbs are inserted into a previously built structure (e.g., Bach 1967, Arregi 2000, Embick 2000, Cowper 2010, Bjorkman 2011, Arregi and Klecha 2015). Arguments for the insertion approach include auxiliaries’ last-resort distribution and the fact that, in many languages, auxiliaries are not systematically associated with a given inflectional category (Bjorkman’s (2011) “overflow” distribution). Here, I argue against the insertion approach. I demonstrate that the overflow pattern and last-resort distribution follow from Cyclic Selection (Pietraszko 2017)—a Merge counterpart of Cyclic Agree (Béjar and Rezac 2009). I also show that the insertion approach makes wrong predictions about compound tenses in Swahili, a language with overflow periphrasis. Under my approach, an auxiliary verb is a verbal head externally merged as a specifier of a functional head, such as T. It then undergoes m-merger with that head, instantiating an External-Merge version of Matushansky’s (2006) conception of head movement.
Strategic Complements or Substitutes? The Case of Adopting Health Information Technology by U.S. Hospitals
Authors: Lin Jianjing
Published: August 2021

This paper explores the adoption choice of electronic medical records by U.S. hospitals, which could exhibit strategic complements or substitutes. I find complementarities in adoption through a reduced-form analysis with instruments for unobserved market characteristics. I further develop a dynamic oligopoly model to allow for strategic timing incentives that are missing in the static model. Adopting a dominant local vendor could increase per period profits from adoption by 9.2% over choosing a marginal vendor. A counterfactual analysis suggests that an incentive program rewarding coordination, not just adoption, is more effective in achieving interoperability, especially before the widespread adoption of the technology.
Cognitive Biases: Mistakes or Missing Stakes?
Authors: Enke Benjamin , Gneezy Uri , Hall Brian , Martin David , Nelidov Vadim , Offerman Theo , van de Ven Jeroen
Published: August 2021

Despite decades of research on heuristics and biases, evidence on the effect of large incentives on cognitive biases is scant. We test the effect of incentives on four widely documented biases: base-rate neglect, anchoring, failure of contingent thinking, and intuitive reasoning. In laboratory experiments with 1,236 college students in Nairobi, we implement three incentive levels: no incentives, standard lab payments, and very high incentives. We find that very high stakes increase response times by 40% but improve performance only very mildly or not at all. In none of the tasks do very high stakes come close to debiasing participants.
Occult Economies, Demonic Gifts, and Ontological Alterity: An Evangelical Biography of Evil and Redemption in Rural South Sudan
Authors: O’Byrne Ryan Joseph
Published: August 2021

This paper recounts the autobiography of an evangelical South Sudanese pastor who has been under water to the land of demons, telling of cosmic flows of persons, power, and wealth between times, places, and dimensions. Although it builds on stories circulating across Africa since colonial times and emphasises paradigms found throughout the occult economies literature, what is significant about this autobiography is that it relates the narrator’s own experience. This is important because although these occult elements reference global processes, the narrative given is as much about the local as it is the global. Likewise, it as much spiritual as it is material or economic. My analysis thus goes beyond the occult economy or its material effects and instead demonstrates the ontological alterity and spiritual meaningfulness of such incursions and attempts to push the envelope of academic analyses and interpretations relating to the diverse complexity of religious experience, African or otherwise.
Effects of Double Taxation Agreements between Tanzania and India on the Foreign Direct Investments
Authors: Haji Hatibu Haji Semboja
Published: August 2021

The paper analyzed policy effects of Double Taxation Agreements (DTA) between Tanzania and India. The study employed desk study and mini-field research survey purposely to obtain primary data and qualitative information from the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), High Commission of India and Indian companies. The paper found that Tanzania has no comprehensive national taxation policy which incorporates DTAs. The current treaties do not protect the government revenue losses. The loopholes include the denial of taxing the gains made by investors selling assets. However, the contribution of Tanzania-India DTAs in Foreign Direct Investment, (FDIs) flow in Tanzania has been significant positive. Indian FDIs have positive effects on Tanzanian employment. Moreover, the investments from India have brought massive capital flows and new technologies into the country. Tanzania-India DTA is more potential for sustainable national development. The study recommends the need to review and formulate New National Investment Policy 2019 that effectively integrate into sustainable fiscal and sector policies. Tanzania has to review all DTAs with aim of minimizing government revenue losses and to renegotiate all existing DTAs adopting UN Model Tanzania. It has to rationalize favoured bilateral treaties to signal their commitments to stable, correct, and often favourable treatment of foreign investors. Tanzania has to implement the Goal #17 of Sustainable Development Goal as that of “Partnering for Development” as a strategy to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
Two new species of Enoplolaiminae (Enoplida: Thoracostomopsidae) from Río Negro and Chubut, Argentina
Authors: PASTOR CATALINA , RUSSO VIRGINIA LO
Published: August 2021

Two new species of free-living marine nematodes of the subfamily Enoplolaiminae are described from Río Negro and Chubut Provinces, Argentina. Enoplolaimus variispiculum sp. n. is characterized by having asymmetric spicules, different in size and distal tips. It is the only species with this characteristic in the whole genus. Mesacanthoides flagellatum sp. n. is characterized by mandibles texture, weakly cuticularized and mottled and mandibular plates with pronounced “v” shaped incision posterior to the anterior bar. Cephalic capsule wider than long with setae on posterior end, males with long spicules, complex gubernaculum and flagellate tail.
Further revision of the mesh-web spider genus Taira Lehtinen, 1967 (Amaurobiidae), with the description of six new species
Authors: ZHAO JING-XIA , WANG LU-YU , IRFAN MUHAMMAD , ZHANG ZHI-SHENG
Published: August 2021

The cribellate, Asian endemic, spider genus, Taira is further studied, and six new species are recognized and described from China and Eastern Malaysia (Borneo): Taira borneoensis sp. nov. (♀), Taira gyaisiensis sp. nov. (♀), Taira nyagqukaensis sp. nov. (♀), Taira wanzhouensis sp. nov. (♂♀), Taira xuanenensis sp. nov. (♂) and Taira yangi sp. nov. (♂♀). Males of Taira latilabiata Zhang, Zhu & Song, 2008 and Taira obtusa Zhang, Zhu & Song, 2008 are also described for the first time. Drawings of the copulatory organs of the six new species, and comparative photos of the habitus and copulatory organs of all described species are provided, except for the male palp of the type species, T. flavidorsalis (Yaginuma, 1964). New records of known species and distribution maps are presented.
Effects of LncRNA HOX Transcript Antisense RNA Targeting miRNA-761 on Cervical Cancer Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis
Authors: Qiu Bin , Zhong Hui , Ming Shenqiu , Zhu Chunxia
Published: August 2021

Abnormal LncRNA HOTAIR level is correlated with various cancers and miR-761 can inhibit cancers. LncRNA HOTAIR targets miR-761 by StarBase 2.0 analysis. Our study investigated whether LncRNA HOTAIR can affect cervical cancer cells by regulating miR-761. The control group (NC group), LncRNA HOTAIR group and LncRNA HOTAIR + miR-761 Mimics group were set up to measure LncRNA HOTAIR and miR-761 level by qRT-PCR. Dual fluorescein reporter assay assessed whether miR-761 binds LncRNA HOTAIR. Western blot was used to measure Cyclin D1, Bcl-2 and Tubulin expression and clone formation assay was to assess cell proliferation and Annexin VFITC/PI staining was to detect cell apoptosis. Compared with normal tissues, LncRNA HOTAIR level was significantly higher in cervical cancer tissues, while miR-761 was lower (P< 0.01). LncRNA HOTAIR targets miR-761. Compared with NC group, CyclinD1 and Bcl-2 in LncRNA HOTAIR group were significantly increased (P< 0.01), which were significantly lower in LncRNA HOTAIR + miR-761 Mimics group (P< 0.05). Compared to NC group, miR-761 in LncRNA HOTAIR group was significantly reduced (P< 0.01) and elevated by miR-761 Mimics. In addition, compared to NC group, the number of cell clones in LncRNA HOTAIR group was increased, cell proliferation was increased, and number of apoptotic cells was decreased, which were all reversed in the LncRNA HOTAIR + miR-761 Mimics group. LncRNA HOTAIR targets miR-761, promotes cell proliferation and reduces cell apoptosis. miR-761 mimics can partially prevent the effects of LncRNA HOTAIR.
Piper Kadsura Extract Inhibits miR-155 to Protect Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Li Xiufeng , Li Yingna , Zhang Qinmei
Published: August 2021

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common and critical disease encountered in clinical practice. When the disease progresses to a more serious stage, it is called acute respiratory distress syndrome and is associated with a high mortality rate. However, there is a lack of specific drugs for
treating this disease; therefore, it is very important to find safe and effective drugs for treatment. Piper kadsura (P. kadsura), part of the of the vin family Piperaceae, has a capability to dispel wind and dampness and its n-butanol extract can provide protection against inflammatory
responses, such as inflammatory infiltration and hyperplasia of synovial tissue of joints. In order to explore the therapeutic effect of P. kadsura extract on ALI, we treated HPAEpiC cells with different doses of its extract. We found that after treatment using low-medium and high-dose
P. kadsura extract, the optical density value was decreased in HPAEpiC cells as induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In addition, the following were statistically and significantly decreased in a dose-dependent (P < 0.05): the apoptosis rate, cleaved-caspase3 expression, the
expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and miR-155. However, procaspase 3 increased the expression of miR-155, which can promote LPS-induced apoptosis and the release of inflammatory factors in HPAEpiC cells. The overexpressed miR-155 can weaken the protection conferred by P. kadsura
extract on ALI. These results suggest that P. kadsura extract may play a protective role against ALI induced by LPS by decreasing the expression of miR-155.
Long Non-Coding RNA, Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 5, Inhibits the Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Induced Vascular Endothelial Cell Injury by Targeting miR-26a-5p
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Liu Fen , Zhang Neng , Ma Li
Published: August 2021

Atherosclerosis is the major cause of cardiovascular disease, and endothelial cell injury is the primary atherogenic factor. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly implicated as critical regulators of disease progression. Still, the role of lncRNA in endothelial cell injury
is largely unknown. This issue was explored in control, ox-LDL stimulated, ox-LDL stimulated+transfected negative control vector, and ox-LDL stimulated+SNHG5 overexpression vector EA. hy926 cells. Quantitative real-time PCR used to assess the expression of SNHG5 and miR-26a-5p. Flow cytometry
was used to evaluate cell apoptosis. Activity or concentration of SOD, MDA, CAT, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured to assess oxidative stress. Western blotting was used to examine protein-level expression of cleaved Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-9, and cyt-c in cytoplasm and mitochondria.
Potential binding sites between SNHG5 and miR-26a-5p were predicted using Starbase software, and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to identify target relationships. SNHG5 expression in cells following ox-LDL treatment was downregulated in EA. hy926 cells. Ox-LDL treatment promotes
apoptosis, and increased C-Caspase-3, C-Caspase-9, and cytoplasmic cyt-c protein levels. MDA concentration and ROS activity were increased, while the activity of SOD and CAT was decreased. Transfection with SNHG5 reversed the effects of ox-LDL on cell apoptosis and oxidative stress. SNHG5
targeted miR-26a-5p and regulated its expression. miR-26a-5p mimics reversed SNHG5 modulation of apoptosis and oxidative stress. lncRNA SNHG5 targets to miR-26a-5p to regulate vascular endothelial cell injury induced by ox-LDL.
Vitamin B12 Inhibits Streptozotocin-Induced Islet β-Cell Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis by Activating Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Signaling Pathway
Authors: Hu Qiaosheng , Li Lihua , Zhai Zhongshu , Wang Quansheng , Liao Shuaiju
Published: August 2021

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin B12 on islet β-cell (INS-1) induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and the potential mechanisms. In this study, CCK8 was used to detect cell viability and TUNEL assay was used to detect apoptosis levels of
treated INS-1 cells. The expression level of oxidative stress factors was measured by ELISA. Furthermore, western blot assay was used to detect the expression of PPAR-γ and apoptotic factors in treated INS-1 cells. Vitamin B12 improves STZ-induced insulin secretion
in INS-1 cells, oxidative stress injury and apoptosis. Moreover, Vitamin B12 can activate the PPAR-γ signaling pathway and inhibit STZ-induced INS-1 cell damage. Taken together, our study demonstrated that vitamin B12 inhibits streptozotocin-induced islet
β-cell oxidative stress and apoptosis by activating PPAR-γ signaling pathway.
Effect of Curcumin on Alterations of Alveolar Bone Remodeling and Expression of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κ B Ligand in Rat Tooth During Tooth Movement
Authors: An Yang , Li Zhenqiang , An Li , Liu Qingmei
Published: August 2021

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Curcumin on Alterations of Alveolar Bone Remodeling and Expression of RANKL in Rat Tooth during Tooth Movement. Methods: 64 SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, Model, Adrb2, Cur and Cur + Pro groups. The rat orthodontic teeth
movement models were established.The rats were injected corresponding reagents according to weight and were sacrificed on day 0, 7, 14 and 21. The movement distance of first molar of rats was measured by Vernier caliper.The numbers of osteoclasts were observed through TRAP staining. The change
of micro-structure of alveolar bone was evaluated by Micro-CT. Results: The trends of the distance of teeth movement and numbers of osteoclast were the same: Cur group β Adrb2 group > Model groups Cur+Pro group (P < 0.05). Micro-CT scan showed that curcumin
could reduce the bone volume fraction (BV/TV), bone trabecular density (MTPD), and increase the trabecular resolution (TB. SP). When propranolol was given at the same time, the effect of curcumin disappeared. Conclusion: Curcumin could promote the resorption of alveolar bone at the
pressure side and increase the osteoclast numbers so that the alveolar bone became looser which was beneficial to the movement of orthodontic tooth.
Exosomes Derived from Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSC) Inhibit Apoptosis Factors Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 to Promote the Repair of Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Du Meijiao , Wang Zhengmei , Su Geng , Zhou Yunxia , Luo Chuan
Published: August 2021

This study assesses the effect of exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on cardiomyocytes by inhibiting the apoptotic factors Caspase-3 and Caspase-9. Cell purity was evaluated under a microscope and exosomes were obtained by ultracentrifugation from the culture
supernatant of BMSCs. Tunable resistive pulse sensing (TRPS) method analyzed the concentration distribution of exosomes particle size, and specific surface antigens were examined by flow cytometry. Exosomes were used to process cardiomyocytes to detect cardiomyocyte repair. After plasmid interference
technology, the effect of exosomes on caspase-3 and caspase-9 expression was detected by western blot. The activity of cardiomyocytes was analyzed by CCK-8. Exosomes can promote the viability of cardiomyocytes. The mRNA and protein levels of GLUT3 in cardiomyocytes were significantly increased.
Exosomes can inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis by down-regulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. Exosomes can improve the function and promote the repair of myocardium by inhibiting the expression of apoptotic factors Caspase-3 and Caspase-9.
High-Resolution Observations of a Destructive Macroburst
Authors: Childs Samuel J. , Schumacher Russ S. , Adams-Selin Rebecca D.
Published: August 2021

Shortly after 0600 UTC (midnight MDT) on 9 June 2020, a rapidly intensifying and elongating convective system produced a macroburst and extensive damage in the town of Akron on Colorado’s eastern Plains. Instantaneous winds were measured as high as 51.12 m s−1 at 2.3 m AGL from an eddy covariance (EC) tower, and a 50.45 m s−1 wind gust from an adjacent 10-m tower became the highest official thunderstorm wind gust ever measured in Colorado. Synoptic-scale storm motion was southerly, but surface winds were northerly in a post-frontal airmass, creating strong vertical wind shear. Extremely high-resolution temporal and spatial observations allow for a unique look at pressure and temperature tendencies accompanying the macroburst and reveal intriguing wave structures in the outflow. At 10-Hz frequency, the EC tower recorded a 5-hPa pressure surge in 19 seconds immediately following the strongest winds, and a 15-hPa pressure drop in the following three minutes. Surface temperature also rose 1.5°C in less than one minute, concurrent with the maximum wind gusts, and then fell sharply by 3.5°C in the following minute. Shifting wind direction observations and an NWS damage survey are suggestive of both radial outflow and a gust front passage, and model proximity soundings reveal a well-mixed surface layer topped by a strong inversion and large low-level vertical wind shear. Despite the greatest risk of severe winds forecast to be northeast of Colorado, convection-allowing model forecasts from 6-18 h in advance did show similar structures to what occurred, warranting further simulations to investigate the unique mesoscale and misoscale features associated with the macroburst.
Integration and Impact of Telemedicine in Underserved Pediatric Primary Care
Authors: Walters Jessica , Johnson Tasha , DeBlasio Dominick , Klein Melissa , Sikora Kimberley , Reilly Kristen , Hutzel-Dunham Elizabeth , White Cynthia , Xu Yingying , Burkhardt Mary Carol
Published: August 2021

Telemedicine, more novel in provision of pediatric care, rapidly expanded due to the recent coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of telemedicine for acute and chronic care provision in an underserved pediatric primary care center. Items assessed included patient demographic data, chief complaint, and alternative care locations if telemedicine was not available. In our setting, 62% of telemedicine visits were for acute concerns and 38% for chronic concerns. Of acute telemedicine visits, 16.5% of families would have sought care in the Emergency Department/Urgent Care, and 11.3% would have opted for no care had telemedicine not been offered. The most common chronic issues addressed were attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (80.3%) and asthma (16.9%). Racial disparities existed among our telemedicine visits with Black patients utilizing telemedicine services less frequently than non-Black patients. Telemedicine is feasible for pediatric acute and chronic care, but systems must be designed to mitigate widening racial disparities.
The Online Market’s Invisible Hand: Internet Media and Rising Populism
Authors: Bennett Andrew , Seyis Didem
Published: August 2021

Given the recent surge of global populism, this article explores the relationship between Internet/social media and support for populist parties by focusing on the structure of the online marketplace. We argue that structure shapes digital networks’ incentives in terms of the content they favor, and marketing strategies they employ to distribute content on a mass scale. Specifically, concentrated/oligopolistic markets mean powerful digital entities that can leverage the regulatory process—thereby weakening constraints and incentivizing consumption/profit above all else. Consequently, these entities can freely favor more incendiary/attention-generating content, and use their outsized influence to saturate the online marketplace with targeted advertising—all of which can amplify the diffusion of populist rhetoric and intensify support bases. Using original data on Internet ownership concentration, social media user-traffic, and populist party vote share in 34 democracies, our findings suggest that concentration of Internet ownership and online audiences each contribute to rising support for populism.
Capabilities and Linguistic Justice
Authors: Brando Nico , Morales-Gálvez Sergi
Published: August 2021

Language conditions our socio-political world in fundamental ways. How public institutions deal with linguistic diversity, and how they distribute linguistic benefits, has an important impact on an individuals’ life. This article studies the value of language in multilingual environments by evaluating the debate on linguistic justice through the capabilities approach. It studies the value of language to assess what principles of justice are required to secure individual freedom. First, we explore the value of language within the framework proposed by the capabilities approach. Second, we assess the role of language in enabling the development of certain capabilities. As a first attempt to comprehensively address the relationship between linguistic justice and the capabilities approach, it evaluates how linguistic justice theories fare in fostering four capabilities from Martha Nussbaum’s list. We provide a conceptually sound normative assessment of the role played by language within the capabilities framework, and how it translates into policy.
Paraganglioma of the Thyroid Gland: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Campagnoli Massimo , Cerasuolo Michele , Arena Giorgio , Dell’Era Valeria , Andorno Annalisa , Boldorini Renzo , Garzaro Massimiliano , Valletti Paolo Aluffi
Published: August 2021

Paragangliomas of the thyroid gland are rare and usually they originate from the inferior laryngeal paraganglia. In this case report, we describe the case of a 78-year-old woman who presented with an incidental finding of thyroid nodule dislocating the trachea. After a systemic and radiological evaluation, right lobo-isthmectomy was performed, and the definitive diagnosis of paraganglioma was reached. Diagnosis of these thyroidal lesions could be difficult due to their rarity, to their specific radiological aspects and the need of employing specific histological staining techniques. Once the definitive diagnosis is reached, patients should undergo a systemic and genetic evaluation. Surgery is the gold standard treatment; radiotherapy should be considered when aggressive behavior is suspected. Regular long-lasting follow-up should be proposed to these patients considering the unpredictable behavior of these lesions.
Recruiting and Retaining Dyads of Hospitalized Persons with Dementia and Family Caregivers
Authors: Boltz Marie , Kuzmik Ashley , Resnick Barbara , BeLue Rhonda
Published: August 2021

Persons with dementia have high rates of hospitalization, and along with their caregivers commonly experience negative hospital outcomes. The recruitment and retention of acutely ill older adults with dementia and caregivers can pose a challenge to investigators and threaten the validity of findings. The challenges encountered in an ongoing cluster randomized clinical trial in dyads of hospitalized persons with dementia and family care partners are described. The trial tests the efficacy of a nurse–family partnership model that aims to improve the following: (a) the physical and cognitive recovery in hospitalized persons with dementia, and (b) caregiver preparedness and anxiety. Strategies that address challenges include careful preplanning and preparation with the hospital site, strong communication with dyads and between team members, and honoring preferences and needs related to communication.
Polycentric mission leadership: Toward a new theoretical model: OCMS Montagu Barker Lecture Series: “Polycentric Theology, Mission, and Mission Leadership”
Authors: Handley Joseph W.
Published: August 2021

As the world faces rapidly increasing cycles of disruption, challenges, and disorder, mission leaders are stretched to adapt, trying to catch up with the pace of change and provide leadership to further the mission God has given his Church. This paper, presented at the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies Montagu Barker Lecture Series: “Polycentric Theology, Mission, and Mission Leadership,” focuses on ways leadership is changing, suggesting a new theoretical model for mission leadership. It reviews the idea of polycentrism through mission history, mission and church organizations, movement theory, and governance, identifying themes of an emerging theory of polycentric mission leadership.
Prognostic significance of subclassifying stage pT3a renal tumors with fat invasion: a retrospective study of 99 patients
Authors: Xu Xiangfei , Zhu Dongsheng
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To analyze the recurrence in patients with clinic stage T1 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who were upstaged to stage T3a after partial nephrectomy (PN) using a new sub-classification criterion.

Methods

A retrospective study of pathological characteristics was performed in patients who were upstaged to pT3a on the basis of fat invasion (FI).

Results

After analyzing the pathological findings, we proposed the following new sub-classification criteria for pT3a RCC with FI: (1) renal tumor invades the pseudo-capsule and contacts the perinephric adipose tissue directly or the tumor protrudes into the perinephric adipose tissue like a tongue (Type A); and (2) tumor nodules are distributed in perinephric adipose tissues (Type B). A significant difference was observed in the recurrence rate between the two subtypes A and B. For Type B, the recurrence rate after radical nephrectomy (RN) and PN was 15.79% and 63.64%, respectively. The recurrence rates for Types A and B after PN were 11.11% and 63.64%, respectively.

Conclusions

T3a RCC with tumor nodules in perinephric adipose and/or an irregular tumor protruding into the adipose tissues lead to a higher recurrence rate. We recommend that T3a RCC be carefully analyzed and patients be treated on an individual basis.
Intraventricular flow visualization in different heart failure stages with blood pump support in a mock circulatory loop
Authors: Liu Guang-Mao , Jiang Fu-Qing , Song Jiang-Ping , Hu Sheng-Shou
Published: August 2021

The intraventricular blood flow changed by blood pump flow dynamics may correlate with thrombosis and ventricular suction. The flow velocity, distribution of streamlines, vorticity, and standard deviation of velocity inside a left ventricle failing to different extents throughout the cardiac cycle when supported by an axial blood pump were measured by particle image velocimetry (PIV) in this study. The results show slower and static flow velocities existed in the central region of the left ventricle near the mitral valve and aortic valve and that were not sensitive to left ventricular (LV) failure degree or LV pressure. Strong vorticity located near the inner LV wall around the LV apex and the blood pump inlet was not sensitive to LV failure degree or LV pressure. Higher standard deviation of the blood velocity at the blood pump inlet decreased with increasing LV failure degree, whereas the standard deviation of the velocity near the atrium increased with increasing intraventricular pressure. The experimental results demonstrated that the risk of thrombosis inside the failing left ventricle is not related to heart failure degree. The “washout” performance of the strong vorticity near the inner LV wall could reduce the thrombotic potential inside the left ventricle and was not related to heart failure degree. The vorticity near the aortic valve was sensitive to LV failure degree but not to LV pressure. We concluded that the risk of blood damage caused by adverse flow inside the left ventricle decreased with increasing LV pressure.
Exercise Experiences of Older Adults with Diabetes and Sarcopenia: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Lin Ting-Ru , Huang Xuan-Yi , Hwu Chii-Min
Published: August 2021

Sarcopenia is a common and progressive skeletal muscle condition, often described as an intermediate stage in the development of frailty and disability in patients with diabetes. This can be improved through physical activity and exercise. This descriptive phenomenological study explored the exercise experiences of older adults with diabetes and sarcopenia. Individual interviews were conducted following semi-structured interview guidelines, and narratives were analyzed using Giorgi’s method. Data saturation was achieved after interviewing 14 purposively sampled older patients with diabetes and sarcopenia. The study identified three main themes: encountering difficulty during exercise, recognizing the advantages of exercise, and constructing a suitable exercise model. While older adults with diabetes and sarcopenia may encounter difficulty during exercise, they also experience positive feedback from exercise. Understanding the limitations of older adults, individualizing exercise models based on their exercise experiences, and providing appropriate interventions and necessary emotional support can effectively prevent diabetes and sarcopenia.
Incidence of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in Patients With Newly Implanted Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices
Authors: To Long , Attar Dana , Lines Brittany , McCarty Melissa , Nemeh Hassan , Lopez-Plaza Ileana , Smith Zachary , Coba Victor , Lekura Jona
Published: August 2021

Background:

Heparin exposure and device-related thrombocytopenia complicate the diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in patients receiving mechanical circulatory support (MCS). To improve anticoagulation management for patients with newly implanted MCS devices, incidence of confirmed HIT needs to be further characterized.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study is to describe the incidence of HIT and clinical utility of the 4Ts score in patients with newly implanted MCS devices.

Methods:

This is a retrospective analysis of MCS patients receiving unfractionated heparin from 2014 to 2017. The primary end point was incidence of laboratory-confirmed HIT. Strong positive, likely positive, low probability, and negative HIT categories were established based on heparin-induced platelet antibody (HIPA) and serotonin release assay (SRA). Secondary end points include characterization of platelet trends, argatroban use, incidence of HIT among each of the MCS devices, and utility of 4Ts score.

Results:

A total of 342 patient encounters met inclusion criteria, of which 68 HIPA tests and 25 SRAs were ordered. The incidence of HIT was 0.88% (3/342) and 4.4% (3/68) in patients with suspected HIT. Of the 68 HIPA tests, 3 (4.4%) were considered strong positive and 3 of the 25 SRAs were positive. Median 4Ts score was 4 [2.5-4] and optical density 0.19 [0.11-0.54]. The positive predictive value for the 4Ts score was 0.15 (CI = 0.03-0.46) and negative predictive value, 0.93 (CI = 0.82-0.98).

Conclusion and Relevance:

HIT occurs infrequently with newly implanted MCS devices. The 4Ts score appears to have a high negative predictive value for ruling out HIT.
Visual Plasticity in Adulthood: Perspectives from Hebbian and Homeostatic Plasticity
Authors: Bang Ji Won , Hamilton-Fletcher Giles , Chan Kevin C.
Published: August 2021

The visual system retains profound plastic potential in adulthood. In the current review, we summarize the evidence of preserved plasticity in the adult visual system during visual perceptual learning as well as both monocular and binocular visual deprivation. In each condition, we discuss how such evidence reflects two major cellular mechanisms of plasticity: Hebbian and homeostatic processes. We focus on how these two mechanisms work together to shape plasticity in the visual system. In addition, we discuss how these two mechanisms could be further revealed in future studies investigating cross-modal plasticity in the visual system.
Raft attitude control and elastic deformation suppression technique for large-scale floating raft air spring mounting system
Authors: Qiu Yuanran , Xu Wei , Bu Wenjun , Qin Wenzheng
Published: August 2021

The structure of floating rafts-equipped vessels will be inevitably undermined due to application of large-scale designs. When encountering strong external disturbances, not only the rafts will deviate from the original balanced position but also greater elastic deformation will be generated, which may lead to the relative displacement between devices on rafts and endanger the operation safety of equipment. In this study, a class of raft elastic deformation monitoring and discrimination methods is put forward via analyzing the features of large-scale raft elastic deformation. Air springs layout is optimized through finite element method (FEM). A flexible raft control responding model is established and a novel raft elastic deformation suppression technique is proposed based on air spring pressure parameter identification that adjusts the air spring pressure distribution. The experimental results indicate that this technique can effectively control the attitude of the rafts and reduce elastic deformation, leading to a largely improved control precision and a faster convergence speed of the raft.