bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful Treatment of Severe Digitoxin Intoxication with CytoSorb® Hemoadsorption
Authors: Breuer Thomas Georg Karl , Quast Daniel Robert , Wiciok Stephan , Labedi Adnan , Ellrichmann Gisa
Published: September 2020

While several intoxications can be successfully treated with specific antidotes, intoxications with the steroid glycoside digitoxin still represent a major challenge. Besides conventional approaches, CytoSorb® hemoadsorption might be another treatment option. We report on an 81-year-old female patient treated in our intensive care unit (ICU) with severe digitoxin intoxication, acute renal failure, and urinary tract infection (UTI). As physiological digitoxin elimination kinetics are known to appear slow, and also in regard to the renal failure, the decision was made to initiate continuous renal replacement therapy combined with CytoSorb hemoadsorption. The patient was hemodynamically stabilized within the first 4 h of treatment and initially required catecholamines to be stopped within 24 h of treatment. Pre- and post-adsorber drug level measurements showed a rapid elimination of digitoxin. Antibiotic treatment with piperacillin/tazobactam was initiated, and despite CytoSorb hemoadsorption therapy and its known potential to reduce plasma concentrations of several drugs, the UTI was successfully treated. After 3 days of CytoSorb treatment, digitoxin plasma levels were stable and almost normalized, and no clinical signs of intoxication were present. Five days after presentation, the patient was transferred from the ICU in a stable condition. CytoSorb hemoadsorption may be an easily available, efficient, and less cost-intensive therapy option than treatment with the Fab fragment, which is the currently recommended therapy for digitalis intoxications. Therefore, the use of CytoSorb might represent an alternative treatment for life-threatening complications of digitoxin intoxications.
The Effects of a Simulated Workday of Prolonged Sitting on Seated versus Supine Blood Pressure and Pulse Wave Velocity in Adults with Overweight/Obesity and Elevated Blood Pressure
Authors: Alansare Abdullah Bandar , Kowalsky Robert J. , Jones Melissa A. , Perdomo Sophy J. , Stoner Lee , Gibbs Bethany Barone
Published: September 2020

We evaluated the effects of a simulated workday of prolonged sitting on blood pressure (BP) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) and examined whether posture (seated vs. supine) affected responses. Participants (n = 25) were adults, with overweight/obesity and elevated BP, and performed seated desk work for 7.5 h. BP and PWV were measured in seated and supine postures at baseline (7:15 a.m.), midday (12:05 p.m.), and afternoon (4:45 p.m.). Generalized linear mixed models evaluated the effects of prolonged sitting on BP and PWV within each posture and interactions by posture and sex. In the recommended postures, seated BP and supine carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and carotid-ankle pulse wave velocity (caPWV), but not carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (crPWV), significantly increased over the simulated seated workday (all p < 0.05; effect sizes [d] ranged from 0.25 to 0.44). Whilst no posture-by-time interactions were observed (p > 0.05), BP, caPWV, and crPWV were higher when seated versus supine (main effects of posture p < 0.05; d ranged from 0.30 to 1.04). Exploratory analysis revealed that females had greater seated BP responses (p for interaction <0.05); seated PWV and supine BP and PWV responses were similar by sex (p for interaction >0.05). A simulated workday of prolonged sitting increased seated BP and supine cfPWV and caPWV, and posture minimally influenced these responses. These results add to the evidence suggesting a deleterious effect of prolonged sitting on cardiovascular health.
In vivo Anti-Cancer Effects of Resveratrol Mediated by NK Cell Activation
Authors: Lee Yoojin , Shin Heewook , Kim Jongsun
Published: September 2020

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune lymphocytes that play an important role in anti-viral and anti-tumour immune responses. Several cancer immunotherapy approaches targeting NK cells are currently in clinical or preclinical development. Here, we aimed to find food nutrients that activate NK cells and determine their usefulness as candidates for anti-cancer and anti-metastatic drugs. Resveratrol appeared to activate NK cells most effectively among the substances tested and synergistically increased IFN-γ secretion and NK cell cytotoxicity with interleukin-2 (IL-2). CD107a, NKp30, and NKG2D expression levels were upregulated on the surface of NK cells upon treatment with resveratrol in combination with IL-2 compared with treatment with IL-2 alone. Moreover, NK cell activity in human and mouse whole blood was enhanced upon treatment with resveratrol. Most importantly, administration of resveratrol effectively inhibited tumour growth and metastasis in mice. In conclusion, we suggest that resveratrol may represent a candidate anti-cancer drug that acts by activating NK cells in vivo.
1974 e o rock progressivo paulistano
Authors: Castro Matheus Lacorte Naman Angelo de
Published: September 2020

No cenário cultural paulistano da década de 1970 – período de intensa atividade e transformações das expressões juvenis, da indústria cultural e da própria cidade – o ano de 1974 se apresenta como particularmente interessante dentro do campo do rock. É nesse momento que três influentes bandas do chamado rock progressivo se destacaram regionalmente, além de produzirem e/ou divulgarem discos marcantes: Snegs, de O Som Nosso de Cada Dia, Tudo foi feito pelo sol, dos Mutantes, e Criaturas da noite, de O Terço. Este artigo pretende, justamente, aproximar-se do referido universo musical tendo como eixo central o estudo das três bandas, objetivando compreender como se estabeleceu o circuito do rock progressivo em São Paulo na década de 1970 e o seu lugar no contexto de efervescência contracultural vivenciado pela capital paulista do período.
A presença dos clássicos na arte escultórica de João Turin e a identidade paranaense
Authors: Fonseca Barbara
Published: September 2020

A partir das ideias do historiador britânico Martin Bernal, entendemos a presença do passado antigo nas políticas da modernidade e percebemos que esse é moldado conforme o seu momento histórico. Assim, notando a presença de elementos greco-romanos no Movimento Paranista, nos questionamos de que maneira a cultura clássica influenciou e foi usada na construção da identidade paranaense do início do século XX. Para tanto, analisamos a revista Illustração Paranaense, principal meio de comunicação entre a elite curitibana e destacamos João Turin como um dos principais artista do movimento, autor de obras em que se combinam os elementos paranaenses e greco-romanos. Dessa forma, no presente artigo, focamos na obra Columna Paranaense, criada por Turin, a fim de responder em que medida o uso da arte greco-romana em território paranaense serviu para exaltar o novo comportamento e a identidade paranista.
Systematic Evaluation of
KCNQ1
Variant Using ACMG/AMP Guidelines and Risk Stratification in Long QT Syndrome Type 1
Authors: Kashiwa Asami , Aiba Takeshi , Makimoto Hisaki , Shimamoto Keiko , Yamagata Kenichiro , Kamakura Tsukasa , Wada Mitsuru , Miyamoto Koji , Inoue-Yamada Yuko , Ishibashi Kohei , Noda Takashi , Nagase Satoshi , Miyazaki Aya , Sakaguchi Heima , Shiraishi Isao , Yagihara Nobue , Watanabe Hiroshi , Aizawa Yoshifusa , Makiyama Takeru , Itoh Hideki , Hayashi Kenshi , Yamagishi Masakazu , Sumitomo Naotaka , Yoshinaga Masao , Morita Hiroshi , Ohe Tohru , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Makita Naomasa , Yasuda Satoshi , Kusano Kengo , Ohno Seiko , Horie Minoru , Shimizu Wataru
Published: September 2020

Background
- Mutation/variant-site specific risk stratification in long-QT syndrome type 1 (LQT1) has been well investigated, but it is still challenging to adapt current enormous genomic information to clinical aspects caused by each mutation/variant. We assessed a novel variant-specific risk stratification in LQT1 patients.

Methods
- We classified a pathogenicity of 141
KCNQ1
variants among 927 LQT1 patients (536 probands) based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) guidelines and evaluated whether the ACMG/AMP-based classification was associated with arrhythmic risk in LQT1 patients.

Results
- Among 141
KCNQ1
variants, 61 (43.3%), 55 (39.0%), and 25 (17.7%) variants were classified into pathogenic (P), likely pathogenic (LP), and variant of unknown significance (VUS), respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that proband (HR = 2.53; 95%CI = 1.94-3.32; p <0.0001), longer QTc (≥500ms) (HR = 1.44; 95%CI = 1.13-1.83; p = 0.004), variants at membrane spanning (MS) (vs. those at N/C terminus) (HR = 1.42; 95%CI = 1.08-1.88; p = 0.01), C-loop (vs. N/C terminus) (HR = 1.52; 95%CI = 1.06-2.16; p = 0.02), and P variants [(vs. LP) (HR = 1.72; 95%CI = 1.32-2.26; p <0.0001), (vs. VUS) (HR = 1.81; 95%CI = 1.15-2.99; p = 0.009)] were significantly associated with syncopal events. The ACMG/AMP-based
KCNQ1
evaluation was useful for risk stratification not only in family members but also in probands. A clinical score (0~4) based on proband, QTc (≥500ms), variant location (MS or C-loop) and P variant by ACMG/AMP guidelines allowed identification of patients more likely to have arrhythmic events.

Conclusions
- Comprehensive evaluation of clinical findings and pathogenicity of
KCNQ1
variants based on the ACMG/AMP-based evaluation may stratify arrhythmic risk of congenital long-QT syndrome type 1.
Reciprocal Interaction Between Pericytes and Macrophage in Poststroke Tissue Repair and Functional Recovery
Authors: Shibahara Tomoya , Ago Tetsuro , Tachibana Masaki , Nakamura Kuniyuki , Yamanaka Kei , Kuroda Junya , Wakisaka Yoshinobu , Kitazono Takanari
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose:

Poststroke tissue repair, comprised of macrophage-mediated clearance of myelin debris and pericyte-mediated fibrotic response within the infarct area, is an important process for functional recovery. Herein, we investigated the reciprocal interaction between pericytes and macrophages during poststroke repair and functional recovery.

Methods:

We performed a permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in both wild-type and pericyte-deficient PDGFRβ (platelet-derived growth factor receptor β) heterozygous knockout (
Pdgfrb
+/−
) mice and compared histological changes and neurological functions between the 2 groups. We also examined the effects of conditioned medium harvested from cultured pericytes, or bone marrow-derived macrophages, on the functions of other cell types.

Results:

Localization of PDGFRβ-positive pericytes and F4/80-positive macrophages was temporally and spatially very similar following permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. Intrainfarct accumulation of macrophages was significantly attenuated in
Pdgfrb
+/−
mice. Intrainfarct pericytes expressed CCL2 (C-C motif ligand 2) and CSF1 (colony stimulating factor 1), both of which were significantly lower in
Pdgfrb
+/−
mice. Cultured pericytes expressed
Ccl2
and
Csf1
, both of which were significantly increased by PDGF-BB and suppressed by a PDGFRβ inhibitor. Pericyte conditioned medium significantly enhanced migration and proliferation of bone marrow-derived macrophages. Poststroke clearance of myelin debris was significantly attenuated in
Pdgfrb
+/−
mice. Pericyte conditioned medium promoted phagocytic activity in bone marrow-derived macrophages, also enhancing both STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) phosphorylation and expression of scavenger receptors,
Msr1
and
Lrp1
. Macrophages processing myelin debris produced trophic factors, enhancing PDGFRβ signaling in pericytes leading to the production of ECM (extracellular matrix) proteins and oligodendrogenesis. Functional recovery was significantly attenuated in
Pdgfrb
+/−
mice, parallel with the extent of tissue repair.

Conclusions:

A reciprocal interaction between pericytes and macrophages is important for poststroke tissue repair and functional recovery.
Inhibition of EZH2 (Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2) Attenuates Neuroinflammation via H3k27me3/SOCS3/TRAF6/NF-κB (Trimethylation of Histone 3 Lysine 27/Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3/Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Family 6/Nuclear Factor-κB) in a Rat Model of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Luo Yujie , Fang Yuanjian , Kang Ruiqing , Lenahan Cameron , Gamdzyk Marcin , Zhang Zeyu , Okada Takeshi , Tang Jiping , Chen Sheng , Zhang John H.
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose:

Neuroinflammation has been proven to play an important role in the pathogenesis of early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). EZH2 (enhancer of zeste homolog 2)-mediated H3K27Me3 (trimethylation of histone 3 lysine 27) has been recognized to play a critical role in multiple inflammatory diseases. However, there is still a lack of evidence to address the effect of EZH2 on the immune response of SAH. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the role of EZH2 in SAH-induced neuroinflammation and explore the effect of EZH2 inhibition with its specific inhibitor EPZ6438.

Methods:

The endovascular perforation method was performed on rats to induce subarachnoid hemorrhage. EPZ6438, a specific EZH2 inhibitor, was administered intraperitoneally at 1 hour after SAH. SOCS3 (Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3) siRNA and H3K27me3 CRISPR were administered intracerebroventricularly at 48 hours before SAH to explore potential mechanisms. The SAH grade, short-term and long-term neurobehavioral tests, immunofluorescence staining, and western blots were performed after SAH.

Results:

The expression of EZH2 and H3K27me3 peaked at 24 hours after SAH. In addition, inhibition of EZH2 with EPZ6438 significantly improved neurological deficits both in short-term and long-term outcome studies. Moreover, EPZ6438 treatment significantly decreased the levels of EZH2, H3K27Me3, pathway-related proteins TRAF6 (TNF [tumor necrosis factor] receptor family 6), NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB) p65, proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL (interleukin)-6, IL-1β, but increased the expression levels of SOCS3 and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Furthermore, administration of SOCS3 siRNA and H3k27me3-activating CRISPR partly abolished the neuroprotective effect of EPZ6438, which indicated that the neuroprotective effect of EPZ6438 acted, at least partly, through activation of SOCS3.

Conclusions:

In summary, the inhibition of EZH2 by EPZ6438 attenuated neuroinflammation via H3K27me3/SOCS3/TRAF6/NF-κB signaling pathway after SAH in rats. By targeting EZH2, this study may provide an innovative method to ameliorate early brain injury after SAH.
Challenging the Ischemic Core Concept in Acute Ischemic Stroke Imaging
Authors: Goyal Mayank , Ospel Johanna M. , Menon Bijoy , Almekhlafi Mohammed , Jayaraman Mahesh , Fiehler Jens , Psychogios Marios , Chapot Rene , van der Lugt Aad , Liu Jianmin , Yang Pengfei , Agid Ronit , Hacke Werner , Walker Melanie , Fischer Urs , Asdaghi Negar , McTaggart Ryan , Srivastava Padma , Nogueira Raul G. , Moret Jacques , Saver Jeffrey L. , Hill Michael D. , Dippel Diederik , Fisher Marc
Published: September 2020

Endovascular treatment is a highly effective therapy for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion and has recently revolutionized stroke care. Oftentimes, ischemic core extent on baseline imaging is used to determine endovascular treatment-eligibility. There are, however, 3 fundamental issues with the core concept: First, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, which are mostly used in the acute stroke setting, are not able to precisely determine whether and to what extent brain tissue is infarcted (core) or still viable, due to variability in tissue vulnerability, the phenomenon of selective neuronal loss and lack of a reliable gold standard. Second, treatment decision-making in acute stroke is multifactorial, and as such, the relative importance of single variables, including imaging factors, is reduced. Third, there are often discrepancies between core volume and clinical outcome. This review will address the uncertainty in terminology and proposes a direction towards more clarity. This theoretical exercise needs empirical data that clarify the definitions further and prove its value.
Salvia rhizomatosa (Lamiaceae) a new species from Sierra Madre Occidental in Durango, Mexico, with a synopsis of Salvia sect. Brandegeia

Authors: GONZÁLEZ-GALLEGOS JESÚS GUADALUPE , CASTRO-CASTRO ARTURO , ÁVILA-GONZÁLEZ HERIBERTO
Published: September 2020

Recent botanical explorations in Sierra Madre Occidental in Durango, Mexico, led to the discovery of a new species which according to its morphology belongs to Salvia sect. Brandegeia. The new taxon is morphologically most similar to S. oresbia from central Mexico, against which it is thoroughly compared. Additionally, it is presented a synopsis of the section in order to provide updated and standardized descriptions for those species known only in base to their protologues, which allows a more detailed and precise comparison in respect to the new species. The morphological examination of the species in the section also revealed that the recognition of S. sharpii as a distinct species from S. blepharophylla is not justified; consequently, it is reduced to synonymy. An identification key, a distribution map, photographs, and a drawing of the new species are also presented.
Simulations of Atmospheric Rivers, Their Variability, and Response to Global Warming Using GFDL’s New High-Resolution General Circulation Model
Authors: Zhao Ming
Published: September 2020

A 50-km-resolution GFDL AM4 well captures many aspects of observed atmospheric river (AR) characteristics including the probability density functions of AR length, width, length–width ratio, geographical location, and the magnitude and direction of AR mean vertically integrated vapor transport (IVT), with the model typically producing stronger and narrower ARs than the ERA-Interim results. Despite significant regional biases, the model well reproduces the observed spatial distribution of AR frequency and AR variability in response to large-scale circulation patterns such as El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Northern and Southern Hemisphere annular modes (NAM and SAM), and the Pacific–North American (PNA) teleconnection pattern. For global warming scenarios, in contrast to most previous studies that show a large increase in AR length and width and therefore the occurrence frequency of AR conditions at a given location, this study shows only a modest increase in these quantities. However, the model produces a large increase in strong ARs with the frequency of category 3–5 ARs rising by roughly 100%–300% K−1. The global mean AR intensity as well as AR intensity percentiles at most percent ranks increases by 5%–8% K−1, roughly consistent with the Clausius–Clapeyron scaling of water vapor. Finally, the results point out the importance of AR IVT thresholds in quantifying modeled AR response to global warming.
Future Changes in the Hydrologic Cycle Associated with Flood-Producing Storms in California
Authors: Dougherty Erin , Sherman Erin , Rasmussen Kristen L.
Published: September 2020

California receives much of its precipitation from cool-season atmospheric rivers, which contribute to water resources and flooding. In winter 2017, a large number of atmospheric rivers caused anomalous winter precipitation, near-saturated soils, and a partial melting of snowpack, which led to excessive runoff that damaged the emergency spillway of the Oroville Dam. Given the positive and negative impacts ARs have in California, it is necessary to understand how they will change in a future climate. While prior studies have examined future changes in the frequency of atmospheric rivers impacting the West Coast of the United States, these studies primarily use coarse global climate models that are unable to resolve the complex terrain of this region. Such a limitation is overcome by using a high-resolution convection-permitting regional climate model, which resolves complex topography and orographic rainfall processes that are the main drivers of heavy precipitation in landfalling atmospheric rivers. This high-resolution model is used to examine changes to precipitation and runoff in California’s cool season from 2002 to 2013, particularly in flood-producing storms associated with atmospheric rivers, in a future, warmer climate using a pseudo–global warming approach. In 45 flood-producing storms, precipitation and runoff increase by 21%–26% and 15%–34%, respectively, while SWE decreases by 32%–90%, with the greatest changes at mid-elevations. These trends are consistent with future precipitation changes during the entire cool season. Results suggest more intense floods and less snowpack available for water resources in the future, which should be carefully considered in California’s future water management plans.
The Contribution of High-Frequency Wind-Generated Surface Waves to the Stokes Drift
Authors: Lenain Luc , Pizzo Nick
Published: September 2020

The effects of nonbreaking surface waves on upper-ocean dynamics enter the wave-averaged primitive equations through the Stokes drift. Through the resulting upper-ocean dynamics, Stokes drift is a catalyst for the fluxes of heat and trace gases between the atmosphere and ocean. However, estimates of the Stokes drift rely crucially on properly resolving the wave spectrum. In this paper, using state-of-the-art spatial measurements (in situ and airborne remote sensing) from a number of different field campaigns, with environmental conditions ranging from 2 to 13 m s−1wind speed and significant wave height of up to 4 m, we characterize the properties of the surface wave field across the equilibrium and saturation ranges and provide a simple parameterization of the transition between the two regimes that can easily be implemented in numerical wave models. We quantify the error associated with instrument measurement limitations, or incomplete numerical parameterizations, and propose forms for the continuation of these spectra to properly estimate the Stokes drift. Depending on the instrument and the sea state, predictions of surface Stokes drift may be underestimated by more than 50%.
Faster Return to Intended Oncologic Treatment (RIOT) After Trisectionectomy Does Not Translate to Better Outcomes
Authors: Baimas-George Maria , Watson Michael , Pickens Ryan C. , Sulzer Jesse , Murphy Keith J. , Ocuin Lee , Baker Erin , Martinie John , Iannitti David , Vrochides Dionisios
Published: September 2020

Background

Resection with trisectionectomy may necessitate liver molding for adequate future liver remnant (FLR), and subsequent complications can impact return to intended oncologic therapy (RIOT). This study evaluated whether a difference in RIOT exists with the use of molding and between liver molding techniques (associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy [ALPPS] and portal vein embolization [PVE]) with trisectionectomy.

Methods

A retrospective review evaluated trisectionectomies for malignancy. Outcomes were compared with and without molding, and RIOT was determined.

Results

Fifty-one patients underwent trisectionectomy: 11 ALPPS, 14 PVE, 26 without molding. 73% of ALPPS, 64% of PVE, and 58% without molding achieved RIOT ( P = .971). There were no differences found in baseline characteristics, R0 rate, length of stay, readmission, complications, or mortality. Time to RIOT was significantly different (ALPPS: 3.3 months; PVE: 5.2 months; none: 2.4 months, P = .0203). There were no differences in recurrence or survival.

Conclusions

Liver molding should not cause apprehension as there are no differences in achieving RIOT. Although technique alters time to RIOT, this does not translate into improved outcomes, implicating disease biology, and regeneration stimulus.
Discovery of microRNA expression profiles involved in regulating TGF-β2 expression in the tears of dry eye patients
Authors: Wang Qing , Xie Xiangrong , Li Huilin , Hao Shaofeng
Published: September 2020

Background

To date, the difference in microRNA expression profiles in tears of dry eye patients and healthy people has not been reported. In current study, we evaluated the significance of microRNAs and transforming growth factor beta2 (TGF-β2) in distinguishing dry eye.

Methods

A total of 138 patients with dry eye from October 2017 to October 2018 were selected. During the same period, 138 healthy persons were collected. All patients were followed up for 12 months through outpatient, telephone or medical records and the time of corneal injury was recorded.

Results

Compared with healthy people, TGF-β2 concentrations in dry eye patients were significantly decreased ( P <  0.05). Array analysis, predictive software and dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that miR-450b-5p, miR-1283 and miR-3671 can target TGF-β2 expression. Tear miR-450b-5p, miR-1283 and miR-3671 concentrations were significantly higher in dry eye patients than healthy people. A logistic regression model combining miR-450b-5p, miR-1283, miR-3671 and TGF-β2 was performed. This model presented a high discriminating value (AUC: 0.907, 0.876–0.939, P <  0.001) than any single indicator, and the sensitivity and specificity were 77.7% and 92.7%, respectively. Compared with the low miR-450b-5p, low miR-1283, low miR-3671 and high TGF-β2 groups, the high miR-450b-5p, high miR-1283, high miR-3671 and low TGF-β2 groups had a significantly higher probability of corneal injury (TGF-β2: χ2 = 5.762, P = 0.016; miR-450b-5p: χ2 = 13.267, P <  0.001; miR-1283: χ2 = 19.431, P <  0.001; miR-3671: χ2 = 8.131, P = 0.004).

Conclusion

Current model combining tear miR-450b-5p, miR-1283, miR-3671 and TGF-β2 had important values in the identification of dry eye and was of great value in evaluating the risk of corneal injury.
Establishing reference intervals for triglyceride-containing lipoprotein subfraction metabolites measured using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in a UK population
Authors: Joshi Roshni , Wannamethee Goya , Engmann Jorgen , Gaunt Tom , Lawlor Deborah A , Price Jackie , Papacosta Olia , Shah Tina , Tillin Therese , Whincup Peter , Chaturvedi Nishi , Kivimaki Mika , Kuh Diana , Kumari Meena , Hughes Alun D , Casas Juan P , Humphries Steve E , Hingorani Aroon D , Schmidt A Floriaan ,   on behalf of the UCLEB Consortium
Published: September 2020

Background

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy allows triglycerides to be subclassified into 14 different classes based on particle size and lipid content. We recently showed that these subfractions have differential associations with cardiovascular disease events. Here we report the distributions and define reference interval ranges for 14 triglyceride-containing lipoprotein subfraction metabolites.

Methods

Lipoprotein subfractions using the Nightingale NMR platform were measured in 9073 participants from four cohort studies contributing to the UCL-Edinburgh-Bristol consortium. The distribution of each metabolite was assessed, and reference interval ranges were calculated for a disease-free population, by sex and age group (<55, 55–65, >65 years), and in a subgroup population of participants with cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes. We also determined the distribution across body mass index and smoking status.

Results

The largest reference interval range was observed in the medium very-low density lipoprotein subclass (2.5th 97.5th percentile; 0.08 to 0.68 mmol/L). The reference intervals were comparable among male and female participants, with the exception of triglyceride in high-density lipoprotein. Triglyceride subfraction concentrations in very-low density lipoprotein, intermediate-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein subclasses increased with increasing age and increasing body mass index. Triglyceride subfraction concentrations were significantly higher in ever smokers compared to never smokers, among those with clinical chemistry measured total triglyceride greater than 1.7 mmol/L, and in those with cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes as compared to disease-free subjects.

Conclusion

This is the first study to establish reference interval ranges for 14 triglyceride-containing lipoprotein subfractions in samples from the general population measured using the nuclear magnetic resonance platform. The utility of nuclear magnetic resonance lipid measures may lead to greater insights for the role of triglyceride in cardiovascular disease, emphasizing the importance of appropriate reference interval ranges for future clinical decision making.
Homozygous autosomal recessive hypercholesterolaemia in a South Asian child presenting with multiple cutaneous xanthomata
Authors: Thadchanamoorthy V , Dayasiri Kavinda , Majitha S I , Hooper Amanda J , Burnett John R
Published: September 2020

Autosomal recessive hypercholesterolemia (ARH; OMIM #603813) is an extremely rare disorder of lipid metabolism caused by loss-of-function variants in the LDL receptor adapter protein 1 ( LDLRAP1) gene, which is characterized by severe hypercholesterolaemia and an increased risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. We report the case of an 11-year-old girl who presented with multiple painless yellowish papules around her elbows and knees of two-year duration. She had been reviewed by several general practitioners, with some of the papules having been excised, but without a specific diagnosis being made. The child was referred to a paediatric service for further evaluation and treatment of the cutaneous lesions, which appeared xanthomatous in nature. A lipid profile showed severe hypercholesterolaemia. Next generation sequencing analysis of a monogenic hypercholesterolaemia gene panel revealed homozygosity for a pathogenic frameshift mutation, c.71dupG, p.Gly25Argfs*9 in LDLRAP1. Her parents and brother, who were asymptomatic, were screened and found to be heterozygous carriers of the LDLRAP1 variant. There was no known consanguinity in the family. She was commenced on the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, atorvastatin, to good effect, with a ∼76% reduction in LDL-cholesterol at a dose of 50 mg per day. At six-month follow-up, there had been no obvious regression of the xanthomata, but importantly, no enlargement of, or the development of new papular lesions, have occurred. In summary, we report a child who presented with multiple cutaneous xanthomata and was confirmed to have ARH by the presence of a homozygous novel pathogenic frameshift variant in LDLRAP1.
Clinical utilization of dried blood spot nitisinone (NTBC) and succinylacetone (SA) concentrations in hereditary tyrosinaemia type 1 – A UK centre experience
Authors: Yeo Mildrid , Turner Charles , Dalton Neil R , Rahman Yusof , Vara Roshni
Published: September 2020

Background

Dried blood spot monitoring of nitisinone and succinylacetone in hereditary tyrosinaemia type 1 patients is not widely available in the United Kingdom. Currently, biochemical monitoring utilizes urinary succinylacetone, blood spot tyrosine and phenylalanine monitoring, which can lack in convenience and accuracy, respectively.

Methods

We report the development of a dried blood spot assay for nitisinone and succinylacetone and analysed retrospective clinical and biochemical data for hereditary tyrosinaemia type 1 patients from a single UK centre.

Results

A total of 13 hereditary tyrosinaemia type 1 patients were evaluated. Eleven presented with liver dysfunction (two with associated renal tubulopathy) and two were detected by early sibling screening. All patients (age 0.03–22 months) were commenced on a tyrosine-/phenylalanine-restricted diet and nitisinone at diagnosis. Ten patients were on twice daily dosing and three were on single daily dosing at the start of monitoring. One patient from each dosing group swapped between dosing regimens at 20 years of age and 8 months of age, respectively. A total of 684 dried blood spot samples were analysed; 80% of nitisinone concentrations were between 9.2 and 27  µmol/L when succinylacetone was <0.3  µmol/L. Patients on twice daily dosing regimens had significantly higher nitisinone concentration compared with those on once daily dosing ( P < 0.0001). The median dose required in the twice daily doing group was significantly lower when compared with once daily dosing.

Conclusions

Dried blood spot monitoring for nitisinone and succinylacetone concentrations in hereditary tyrosinaemia type 1 patients is a rapid and convenient method which allows physicians to individualize treatment plans and observe adherence to treatment.
Using Sermons to Study Religions’ Influence on Political Behavior
Authors: McClendon Gwyneth , Beatty Riedl Rachel
Published: September 2020

The effects of religion on political behavior are difficult to study for a number of reasons. One difficulty is that “religion” is not a singular entity and is thus unlikely to have a unidirectional effect on political behavior. Another difficulty is that everyone in a particular place and time might be embedded in the same set of religious practices, such that the counterfactual is difficult to assess. In response to these and other challenges, we suggest opening up the black box of religion in order to examine the influence of its component parts. Specifically, we focus on exposure to sermons. We describe a study about the impact of Christian sermons in sub-Saharan Africa on reactions to inequality. We discuss the approach’s advantages and limitations and discuss how to integrate it with the study of other aspects of religion and how the approach might apply to other domains of political behavior.
Exporting Influence: U.S. Military Training as Soft Power
Authors: Martinez Machain Carla
Published: September 2020

The US engages in extensive training and education of foreign militaries, often through exchange programs carried out at the different military services’ staff and war colleges. Researchers have recently explored the way in which military training can affect civil-military relations in the host country, but not much work has studied whether military training actually leads to increased US influence in these states. This paper proposes a soft-power theoretical framework to argue that foreign military training can create affinity for the U.S. that can in turn result in more pro-U.S. voting behavior in the UN General Assembly. It further expands on the military training literature by distinguishing between different military training programs.
The Politics of Innovation Policy: Building Israel’s “Neo-developmental” State
Authors: Maggor Erez
Published: September 2020

This article contributes to an emerging literature on the “neo” or “entrepreneurial” developmental state that emphasizes the role of innovation policy in promoting the structural transformation of industry. It finds further evidence that supports this approach and advances it by making two unique contributions. First, it highlights an essential yet underappreciated feature of contemporary innovation policy: the state’s capacity to condition public assistance and discipline private firms that do not adhere to government guidelines. These capacities are necessary to guarantee that the benefits of public investment in innovation—the social and economic spillovers—are not appropriated by private actors but shared more broadly within society. Second, it highlights that politics—reflected in the relations between innovation agencies and key social actors—represents an important causal factor in both the formation and subsequent transformation of these institutional capacities. These points are illustrated through a historical analysis of a crucial case: the state-led development of Israel’s thriving high-tech sector.
Novel Recruitment Methods for Research Among Young Adults in Rural Areas Who Use Opioids: Cookouts, Coupons, and Community-Based Staff
Authors: Young April M. , Ballard April M. , Cooper Hannah L.F.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Rural communities in the United States are increasingly becoming epicenters of substance use and related harms. However, best practices for recruiting rural people who use drugs (PWUD) for epidemiologic research are unknown, because such strategies were developed in cities. This study explores the feasibility of web- and community-based strategies to recruit rural, young adult PWUD into epidemiologic research.

Materials and Methods

We recruited PWUD from rural Kentucky to participate in a web-based survey about opioid use using web-based peer referral and community-based strategies, including cookouts, flyers, street outreach, and invitations to PWUD enrolled in a concurrent substance use study. Staff members labeled recruitment materials with unique codes to enable tracking. We assessed eligibility and fraud through online eligibility screening and a fraud detection algorithm, respectively. Eligibility criteria included being aged 18-35, recently using opioids to get high, and residing in the study area.

Results

Recruitment yielded 410 complete screening entries, of which 234 were eligible and 151 provided complete, nonfraudulent surveys (ie, surveys that passed a fraud-detection algorithm designed to identify duplicate, nonlocal, and/or bot-generated entries). Cookouts and subsequent web-based peer referrals accounted for the highest proportion of screening entries (37.1%, n = 152), but only 29.6% (n = 45) of entries from cookouts and subsequent web-based peer referrals resulted in eligible, nonfraudulent surveys. Recruitment and subsequent web-based peer referral from the concurrent study yielded the second most screening entries (27.8%, n = 114), 77.2% (n = 88) of which resulted in valid surveys. Other recruitment strategies combined to yield 35.1% (n = 144) of screening entries and 11.9% (n = 18) of valid surveys.

Conclusions

Web-based methods need to be complemented by context-tailored, street-outreach activities to recruit rural PWUD.
Frequency spectrum and fatigue analysis of T-bolt fracture in DT III fastener based on Refined Model
Authors: Hong Xiao , Jiaqi Wang , Moyan Zhang , Guangpeng Liu , Nadakatti Mahantesh M.
Published: September 2020

It is observed that T-bolt fracture of DT III fastener affects the safety of railway operations. The present study is aimed at finding solution to this critical issue of DT III T-bolt fracture. The paper is based on outcomes of field studies and analysis of relationship between bolt installation torque and stress. A refined DT III fastener model is established based on test data and nonlinear contact theory as per the actual size of each component. It is being observed that head-shank joint is a critical area during service. With respect to fatigue and stress, when the installation torque is less than 300 KN-mm, the bolt is prevented from yielding during installation. To a certain extent it also improves the fatigue life of bolt. From the frequency spectrum point of view, the vibration sensitive frequency band (1050–1100 Hz, 1230–1270 Hz) of bolt in service is very close to the main frequency of bolt vibration (1200 Hz). It may cause bolt fracture. In order to avoid resonance, the train operational speed should be strictly controlled between 115 km/h and 120 km/h.
Influence of orifice geometry on atomization characteristics of pressure swirl atomizer
Authors: Zheng Huilong , Liu Zhaomiao , Wang Kaifeng , Lin Jiayuan , Li Zexuan
Published: September 2020

The spray characteristics of the pressure swirl nozzle are experimentally studied using particle dynamics analysis (PDA) and high-speed photography system in this paper, specifically focusing on the dependence of geometrical dimensions of orifice on the spray SMD, velocity magnitude and droplet distribution, and the spray cone angle. It is indicated that the increase of orifice diameter makes the initial swirling velocity lower and the spray liquid film thicker. When the spray cone is fully expanded, the flow rate of 900 μm orifice diameter nozzle increases by 30–40% and the SMD of 900 μm orifice diameter nozzle increases by 8.5% compared with that of 700 μm orifice diameter nozzle. According to the experimental conditions, the relationship between Re and spray angle was calculated as θ = 29.97*Re0.087, ignoring the factors that had little influence on spray angle. The decrease of the orifice length makes the distance of gas-medium shearing action shorten so that thinner oil film near wall cannot be formed by the extrusion of air core, leading to the swirling intensity reducing and the suction effect weakened. The spray cone angle of the 450 μm orifice length atomizer is about 5° smaller than the nozzle of 500 μm orifice length, and more small SMD droplets are not sucked, resulting in the distribution range of spray SMD declining.
Developing urban growth and urban quality: Entrepreneurial governance and urban redevelopment projects in Copenhagen and Hamburg
Authors: Bruns-Berentelg Jürgen , Noring Luise , Grydehøj Adam
Published: September 2020

This paper considers the cases of urban redevelopment at waterfront and brownfield sites in Copenhagen (Denmark) and Hamburg (Germany) to explore how two municipal governments have pursued divergent kinds of entrepreneurial governance, even as they have aimed to create similar kinds of new-build neighbourhoods. Copenhagen and Hamburg have both engaged in large-scale speculative development projects, simultaneously raising urban land values and adding urban public good. The cities follow a long tradition of using land value capture to raise funds for municipal activities, yet their scopes of action and tools for achieving progress have been shaped by local economic and political conditions. Although both cities began redevelopment at similar kinds of sites in the 1990s, Copenhagen’s municipal government was relatively impoverished, while Hamburg’s municipal government was relatively wealthy. As a result, even though both cities deployed state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and revolving funds models to reinvest revenues in future development, they possessed different potential strategies for increasing intercity competitiveness: Copenhagen’s immediate aim in redeveloping its Ørestad and harbour districts was to fund a citywide mass transit system and thereby enhance competitiveness through infrastructure development, while Hamburg sought to use its HafenCity waterfront redevelopment to boost competitiveness through port modernisation, increased in urban quality and commercial expansion in the city centre. By comparing these two cases, we can better understand the contingent nature of entrepreneurial governance and urban redevelopment processes.
Contexts of Marijuana Use and Cessation among Frequently-Using Youth in Primary Care
Authors: Mehta Clare M. , Burke Pamela E. , Shrier Lydia A.
Published: September 2020

Although increasing numbers of youth are seeking help to reduce or abstain from marijuana use, little research has investigated the contextual facilitators and barriers to doing so among urban youth utilizing primary care. We qualitatively investigated contextual facilitators and barriers to marijuana reduction/abstinence in an ethnically diverse primary care sample of youth who frequently use marijuana. We interviewed thirteen (Black/African American (69%), Hispanic (8%), White (8%) unknown (15%)) youth (eight females) aged 15–23 years (mean = 19.46). Data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Participants’ motivations for marijuana reduction/abstinence included physical health, cognitive functioning, future goals, and money. Barriers to reduction/abstinence were psychological (e.g. stress and boredom), and sociocontextual (e.g. family, friends, and the neighborhood). Our findings suggest using a two-pronged approach to support marijuana reduction/abstinence in youth: individual-level interventions to address psychological factors that impede behavior change, and broader community-based interventions to address sociocontextual factors.
Not One Sexual Double Standard but Two? Adolescents’ Attitudes About Appropriate Sexual Behavior
Authors: Hensums Maud , Overbeek Geertjan , Jorgensen Terrence D.
Published: September 2020

Popular belief holds that sexual behavior is evaluated more liberally for males than females. However, the assessment of this “sexual double standard” is controversial. Therefore, we investigated measurement equivalence of commonly used items to assess sexual double standards in previous research. Based on established measurement equivalence, we investigated whether adolescents endorsed a sexual double standard. Using data from 455 adolescents ( Mage = 14.51, SD = 0.64), confirmatory factor analyzes showed that the sexual double standard concept was measurement equivalent across sex, and partly across evaluations of the same and opposite sex. Factor analyzes demonstrated that there was not one, but two sexual double standards. Male adolescents evaluated male sexual behavior more liberally than female sexual behavior, but female adolescents evaluated female sexual behavior more liberally than male sexual behavior. This contradicts the traditional notion of the existence of one sexual double standard that favors male and suppresses female sexuality.
Personal or Party Roots of Civil Service Patronage? Ministerial Change Effects on the Appointments of Top Civil Servants
Authors: Staronova Katarina , Rybář Marek
Published: September 2020

Patronage is typically studied following government terminations when political parties appoint their nominees into the state administration. However, patronage is understudied in cases when a change of minister takes place without government termination. Taking individual government ministers as the units of analysis, we identify four modalities of ministerial alterations: replacing, successive, incumbent, and switching ministers. We show that politicization occurs under “replacing ministers” following government termination, but the bureaucratic turnover is equally high under “successive ministers.” That suggests that patronage can be seen as an individualized power resource of autonomous ministers who exercise influence independently of their political parties.
Adaptive finite-time consensus for multiple mechanical systems with unknown backlash nonlinearity and uncertain dynamics
Authors: Ren Jiabo , Wang Baofang , Cai Mingjie
Published: September 2020

This paper studies the problem of finite-time consensus (FTC) for uncertain multiple mechanical systems with unknown backlash nonlinearity and external disturbance. Combining finite-time control technique and graph theory, a distributed adaptive FTC protocol is proposed. Radial basis function neural networks are employed to approximate the unknown functions. If the designed parameters of control algorithms and adaptive laws are appropriately chosen, then it can be proved that the position errors between arbitrary two mechanical systems will converge to a small region of zero in finite time as well as the velocity errors. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is verified by numerical simulation.
Chaos synchronization of brushes direct current motors for electric vehicle: Adaptive fuzzy immersion and invariance approach
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Ardashir , Ahmadian Ali , Elkamel Ali , Alhameli Falah
Published: September 2020

In this paper, a novel control technique on basis of adaptive immersion and invariance (I&I) theorem and fuzzy systems is proposed to control the brushless direct current motors (BLDCMs) for electric vehicles. The chaotic behaviour of the BDCMs is synchronized with the desired chaotic system. The parameters of the chaotic model are considered to be unknown and are online estimated with tuning rules that are derived through the I&I stability theorem. The effects of the adaptation errors are compensated by the adaptive fuzzy systems. The fuzzy systems are online learned to insure the robustness and stability. The effectiveness and desirable performance of the suggested methodology is verified with both normal simulations and real-time examination. The simulation outcomes of the presented methodology are compared with the some other adaptive methods and it is shown that the presented methodology is more effective.