bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NR4A1 Deletion in Marginal Zone B Cells Exacerbates Atherosclerosis in Mice—Brief Report
Authors: Nus Meritxell , Basatemur Gemma , Galan Maria , Cros-Brunsó Laia , Zhao Tian X. , Masters Leanne , Harrison James , Figg Nichola , Tsiantoulas Dimitrios , Geissmann Frederic , Binder Christoph J. , Sage Andrew P. , Mallat Ziad 
Published: September 2020

Objective:
NR4A orphan receptors have been well studied in vascular and myeloid cells where they play important roles in the regulation of inflammation in atherosclerosis. NR4A1 (nerve growth factor IB) is among the most highly induced transcription factors in B cells following BCR (B-cell receptor) stimulation. Given that B cells substantially contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, we examined whether NR4A1 regulates B-cell function during atherogenesis.

Approach and Results:

We found that feeding
Ldlr
−/−
mice a Western diet substantially increased
Nr4a1
expression in marginal zone B (MZB) cells compared with follicular B cells. We then generated
Ldlr
−/−
mice with complete B- or specific MZB-cell deletion of
Nr4a1
. Complete B-cell deletion of
Nr4a1
led to increased atherosclerosis, which was accompanied by increased T follicular helper cell–germinal center axis response, as well as increased serum total cholesterol and triglycerides levels. Interestingly, specific MZB-cell deletion of
Nr4a1
increased atherosclerosis in association with an increased T follicular helper–germinal center response but without any impact on serum cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
Nr4a1
−/−
MZB cells showed decreased PDL1 (programmed death ligand-1) expression, which may have contributed to the enhanced T follicular helper response.

Conclusions:
Our findings reveal a previously unsuspected role for NR4A1 in the atheroprotective role of MZB cells.
Exercise Regulates MicroRNAs to Preserve Coronary and Cardiac Function in the Diabetic Heart
Authors: Lew Jason Kar-Sheng , Pearson James T. , Saw Eugene , Tsuchimochi Hirotsugu , Wei Melanie , Ghosh Nilanjan , Du Cheng-Kun , Zhan Dong-Yun , Jin Meihua , Umetani Keiji , Shirai Mikiyasu , Katare Rajesh , Schwenke Daryl O. 
Published: September 2020

Rationale:
Diabetic heart disease (DHD) is a debilitating manifestation of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Exercise has been proposed as a potential therapy for DHD, although the effectiveness of exercise in preventing or reversing the progression of DHD remains controversial. Cardiac function is critically dependent on the preservation of coronary vascular function.

Objective:
We aimed to elucidate the effectiveness and mechanisms by which exercise facilitates coronary and cardiac-protection during the onset and progression of DHD.

Methods and Results:
Diabetic db/db and nondiabetic mice, with or without underlying cardiac dysfunction (16 and 8 weeks old, respectively) were subjected to either moderate-intensity exercise or high-intensity exercise for 8 weeks. Subsequently, synchrotron microangiography, immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to assess time-dependent changes in cardiac and coronary structure and function associated with diabetes mellitus and exercise and determine whether these changes reflect the observed changes in cardiac-enriched and vascular-enriched microRNAs (miRNAs). We show that, if exercise is initiated from 8 weeks of age, both moderate-intensity exercise and high-intensity exercise prevented the onset of coronary and cardiac dysfunction, apoptosis, fibrosis, microvascular rarefaction, and disruption of miRNA signaling, as seen in the nonexercised diabetic mice. Conversely, the cardiovascular benefits of moderate-intensity exercise were absent if the exercise was initiated after the diabetic mice had already established cardiac dysfunction (ie, from 16 weeks of age). The experimental silencing or upregulation of miRNA-126 activity suggests the mechanism underpinning the cardiovascular benefits of exercise were mediated, at least in part, through tissue-specific miRNAs.

Conclusions:
Our findings provide the first experimental evidence for the critical importance of early exercise intervention in ameliorating the onset and progression of DHD. Our results also suggest that the beneficial effects of exercise are mediated through the normalization of cardiovascular-enriched miRNAs, which are dysregulated in DHD.
Spironolactone in Atrial Fibrillation With Preserved Cardiac Fraction: The IMPRESS‐AF Trial
Authors: Shantsila Eduard , Shahid Farhan , Sun Yongzhong , Deeks Jonathan , Calvert Melanie , Fisher James P. , Kirchhof Paulus , Gill Paramjit S. , Lip Gregory Y. H. 
Published: September 2020

Background
Patients with permanent atrial fibrillation have poor outcomes, exercise capacity, and quality of life even on optimal anticoagulation. Based on mechanistic and observational data, we tested whether the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist spironolactone can improve exercise capacity, E/e' ratio, and quality of life in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation and preserved ejection fraction.

Methods and Results

The double‐masked, placebo‐controlled IMPRESS‐AF (Improved Exercise Tolerance in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction by Spironolactone on Myocardial Fibrosis in Atrial Fibrillation) trial (NCT02673463) randomized 250 stable patients with permanent atrial fibrillation and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction to spironolactone 25 mg daily or placebo. Patients were followed for 2 years. The primary efficacy outcome was peak oxygen consumption on cardiopulmonary exercise testing at 2 years. Secondary end points included 6‐minute walk distance, E/e' ratio, quality of life, and hospital admissions. Spironolactone therapy did not improve peak oxygen consumption at 2 years (14.0 mL/min per kg [SD, 5.4]) compared with placebo (14.5 [5.1], adjusted treatment effect, −0.28; 95% CI, −1.27 to 0.71];
P
=0.58). The findings were consistent across all sensitivity analyses. There were no differences in the 6‐minute walking distance (adjusted treatment effect, −8.47 m; −31.9 to 14.9;
P
=0.48), E/e’ ratio (adjusted treatment effect, −0.68; −1.52 to 0.17,
P
=0.12), or quality of life (
P
=0.74 for EuroQol‐5 Dimensions, 5‐level version quality of life questionnaire and
P
=0.84 for Minnesota Living with Heart Failure). At least 1 hospitalization occurred in 15% of patients in the spironolactone group and 23% in the placebo group (
P
=0.15). Estimated glomerular filtration rate was reduced by 6 mL/min in the spironolactone group with <1‐unit reduction in controls (
P
<0.001). Systolic blood pressure was reduced by 7.2 mm Hg (95% CI, 2.2–12.3) in the spironolactone group versus placebo (
P
=0.005).

Conclusions
Spironolactone therapy does not improve exercise capacity, E/e' ratio, or quality of life in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation and preserved ejection fraction.

Registration

UTL:
https://www.clini​caltr​ial.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02673463. EudraCT number 2014‐003702‐33.
Evaluating the Leeway Coefficient of Ocean Drifters Using Operational Marine Environmental Prediction Systems
Authors: Sutherland Graig , Soontiens Nancy , Davidson Fraser , Smith Gregory C. , Bernier Natacha , Blanken Hauke , Schillinger Douglas , Marcotte Guillaume , Röhrs Johannes , Dagestad Knut-Frode , Christensen Kai H. , Breivik Øyvind 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe water following characteristics of six different drifter types are investigated using two different operational marine environmental prediction systems: one produced by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and the other produced by MET Norway (METNO). These marine prediction systems include ocean circulation models, atmospheric models, and surface wave models. Two leeway models are tested for use in drift object prediction: an implicit leeway model where the Stokes drift is implicit in the leeway coefficient, and an explicit leeway model where the Stokes drift is provided by the wave model. Both leeway coefficients are allowed to vary in direction and time in order to perfectly reproduce the observed drifter trajectory. This creates a time series of the leeway coefficients that exactly reproduce the observed drifter trajectories. Mean values for the leeway coefficients are consistent with previous studies that utilized direct observations of the leeway. For all drifters and models, the largest source of variance in the leeway coefficient occurs at the inertial frequency and the evidence suggests it is related to uncertainties in the ocean inertial currents.
Topical Triamcinolone on “Sweet Spots” to Block Dynamic Pain after Tonsillectomy and Uvulo-Palato-Pharyngo-Plasty
Authors: Chen Joshua Kuang-Chao , Niddam David M. , Tung Tao-Hsin , Li Lieber Po-Hung 
Published: September 2020

Objectives: Severe pain on swallowing (or dynamic pain) has long been a problem in patients receiving tonsillectomy and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and/or snoring. We have previously verified that dynamic pain after laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty could immediately be mitigated by local treatments with topical triamcinolone on the “sweet spots” of the wounds. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of applying triamcinolone on “sweet spot” in surgical incisions instead of whole surgical wounds to alleviate dynamic pain of some oropharyngeal surgeries such as tonsillectomy and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. Methods: This study is a retrospective case series based on chart review of the participants. Forty-five subjects (31 males; 12~68 years, mean 34 years) with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and/or snoring treated with tonsillectomy or uvulopalatopharyngoplasty were studied. Local treatments were done to sweet spots with triamcinolone on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th days after the surgery. Evaluation of dynamic pain relief was performed by using a visual analogous scale. Results: Sweet spots treatment led to instantaneous reduction of dynamic pain. The average improvement level was ≥72% ( P ≤ .002). No gender effect was noted. Conclusion: Dynamic pain after tonsillectomy and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty could immediately be mitigated by local treatments upon sweet spots. Local treatments upon sweet spots were highly suggested to begin early post-operatively and be included in the take-home routines for patients receiving tonsillectomy and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.
Stay-at-Home Orders and the Common Good
Authors: Jones-Nosacek Cynthia 
Published: September 2020

COVID-19, also known as SARS-CoV-2, began in Wuhan, China, late November or early December, 2019 and has since spread rapidly throughout the globe, being declared a health emergency of international concern a month later and a pandemic on March 11, 2020. It is highly contagious with a death rate up to twelve times that of the flu, even higher where the healthcare systems have been strained. To reduce the spread, states have implemented stay-at-home declarations, limiting social gatherings, and closing churches. However, some have argued that churches are an “essential service” and should be reopened in order that the faithful to be able to receive the sacraments, in particular the Eucharist. I will argue that this goes against the Catholic doctrine of the common good and care for the poor and vulnerable. Summary: COVID-19 has caused a pandemic strained health care resources. In response, the US instituted stay-at-home orders which included the closing of places of worship. Within reason, this falls under the Catholic doctrine of the common good and caring for the poor and vulnerable.
A call to focus on farmer intuition for improved management decision-making
Authors: von Diest Saskia G , Wright Julia , Samways Michael J , Kieft Henk 
Published: September 2020

Mainstream agricultural research takes a rational approach to generate empirical, tangible knowledge for increased yields and sustainability. This approach has led to the development of technological tools to support farmers in their management decision-making, which, while helpful, are not able to factor in the complex, dynamic variables that motivate farmer decision-making. More importantly, farmers often do not adopt these tools as expected. Could a solution lie in considering other sources and types of agricultural knowledge? Some farmers report relying largely on intuition (knowing from within) to inform their practical management decisions, resulting in both qualitative and quantitative benefits. Intuition allows access to valuable tacit (informal, intangible) knowledge, which can be used to explore and apply more resilient agricultural practices. It is an immediate and valuable part of decision-making, and deserves more attention from both farmers and researchers. This paper discusses potential advantages, challenges to, and methods of mainstreaming farmer intuition, and presents appropriate methodologies for its development, emphasizing the need to expand the underlying ontology and epistemology of the mainstream scientific community.
The Australian Constitution as Symbol
Authors: Lino Dylan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAccording to a conventional story told by scholars, the Australian Constitution is virtually invisible as a symbol within Australian political debate and culture. This article challenges that conventional story, arguing that the Constitution plays a more significant public role than is commonly assumed. Analysing the ongoing debate over the constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the article highlights four prominent symbolic Constitutions: the practical, the liberal, the outdated and the exclusionary. These constitutional symbols are mobilised by different political actors for a range of political purposes. Understanding constitutional symbolism helps in seeing the ideological work performed by the Constitution outside the courts and prompts constitutional scholars to be more conscious of how they contribute to that ideological work through their representations of the Constitution.
Constitutional Resistance in Populist Times
Authors: Blokker Paul 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe article departs from the discussion of constitutional mobilisation—the ‘process by which social actors employ constitutional norms and discourses to advocate for constitutional change’—to introduce the concept of constitutional resistance—the public invocation of constitutional norms and principles, in defence of a distinctive view of constitutionalism, in opposition to governing or reform action by the authorities. Constitutional mobilisation and resistance are theorized on an interdisciplinary and conceptual basis, suggesting that the study of the critical role of societal actors in constitutional politics and in ‘constituent conflicts’ remains so far underexplored. The analysis of constitutional resistance is particularly relevant in the contexts of authoritarian societies or democratic societies that face increasing populist and authoritarian challenges. The article first briefly explores various scholarly approaches that provide considerable contributions for the development of a political sociology of constitutional mobilisation. It subsequently discusses constitutional mobilisation and focuses in particular on constitutional resistance, a so far undiscussed dimension of constitutional mobilisation, exemplifying the latter by briefly exploring the cases of Italy and Poland.
Accelerometer-Assessed Habitual Physical Activity and Sedentary Time of Chinese Children and Adolescents with Visual Impairments
Authors: Qi Jing , Xu Wen Hong , Wang Li Juan , Li Qi Di 
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Physical activity is a key component of a healthy lifestyle for youths with visual impairments (i.e., blindness or low vision). This study aims to examine the habitual physical activity and sedentary time of Chinese children and adolescents with visual impairments and to determine whether age, gender, and body composition significantly influence their behavior. Methods: A purposeful sample method was utilized to recruit 137 Chinese youths with visual impairments from a special school for individuals with visual and hearing impairments. A total of 72 students with visual impairments (aged 7–17 years; M age = 13.4) participated in this study. ActiGraph GT3X accelerometers were used to measure the habitual physical activity and sedentary time. Results: Youths with visual impairments in this study spent an average of 287.86 (standard deviation [ SD] = 45.67) minutes of light physical activity, 146.79 ( SD = 56.95) minutes of moderate physical activity, 18.47 ( SD = 15.15) minutes of vigorous physical activity, 165.26 ( SD = 69.83) minutes of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity, and 979.51 ( SD = 109.10) minutes of sedentary time per day. Children with visual impairments in elementary school engaged in more habitual physical activity and had less sedentary time than did students in middle and high school. Differences in gender and body composition with regard to time spent being active or sedentary were insignificant. Discussion: Findings demonstrated that Chinese youths with visual impairments in this study had sufficient health-enhancing physical activity and were habitually active. Future research is needed to identify the factors that account for the high habitual physical activity levels of Chinese youths with visual impairments. Implications for practitioners: Transition planning for students with visual impairments to facilitate active habitual physical activity participation when children grow up is warranted.
Better balance: a randomised controlled trial of oculomotor and gaze stability exercises to reduce risk of falling after stroke
Authors: Correia Anabela , Pimenta Carla , Alves Marta , Virella Daniel 
Published: September 2020

Objective: To assess the effect of a domiciliary program of oculomotor and gaze stability exercises on the incidence of falls and risk of fall in stroke survivors. Design: Two-arm, non-blinded parallel randomized controlled trial. Subjects: Stroke survivors older than 60 years, with positive Romberg test and autonomous gait after the stroke. Setting: Physiotherapy outpatient clinic of a tertiary care hospital. Interventions: Every participant accomplished the current rehabilitation program; the intervention group was randomly allocated into an additional three weeks intervention with a domiciliary program of oculomotor and gaze stability exercises. Main measures: Primary outcome was the incidence of falls through the three weeks after the intervention started; in addition, the variation of the estimated risk for falling assessed by both Berg Balance Scale (four points) and Timed Up and Go Test (four seconds) was the secondary outcome. Results: 79 patients were recruited and 68 completed the protocol (control group 35; intervention group 33). During the follow up, falls were registered in 4/35 participants in the control group and no event occurred in the intervention group ( P = 0.064). The estimated risk for falling decreased in 11/35 control group participants and in 28/33 intervention group participants (RR 0.37; 95%CI 0.22–0.62; P < 0.001). Conclusion: After three weeks of a domiciliary program of oculomotor and gaze stability exercises, the estimated risk of falling significantly diminished and no falls occurred among the intervention group. These findings encourage further exploration of this promising intervention. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02280980.
Feasibility and acceptability of a telephone and web-based stroke caregiver intervention: a pilot randomized controlled trial of the RESCUE intervention
Authors: LeLaurin Jennifer H , Freytes I Magaly , Findley Kimberly E , Schmitzberger Magda K , Eliazar-Macke Nathaniel D , Orozco Tatiana , Uphold Constance R 
Published: September 2020

Objective: Assess the feasibility and acceptability of an Internet and telephone support and problem-solving intervention for stroke caregivers. Design: Randomized controlled pilot trial with four arms: four-week intervention ( n = 13), eight-week intervention ( n = 13), eight-week attention control ( n = 13), and standard care ( n = 14). Setting: Southeastern U.S. Veterans Health System. Participants: Informal caregivers of Veterans who suffered a stroke in the preceding 2.5 years were enrolled over an 18-month period. Interventions: Intervention participants received RESCUE, a support and problem-solving intervention delivered via telephone and Internet by registered nurses. Attention control participants received active listening with no advice delivered by nurses via telephone. Main Measures: Feasibility of a larger trial was assessed via recruitment and retention. Acceptability was assessed using an adapted enactment tool and qualitative interviews. Changes in caregiver depressive symptoms and burden were measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and Zarit Burden Interview. The study was not powered for significance testing. Results: Of 340 eligible caregivers, 53 (16%) agreed to participate. Among those enrolled, 51 (96%) completed the study. Caregiver mean age was 60.3 (10.1), 49 (93%) were female and 36 (68%) were white. At baseline, 21 (39%) caregivers had high risk of depression and 18 (33%) had significant burden. Acceptability and enactment tool findings indicated positive participant responses to the intervention. Most rated the amount of sessions the “right amount”. Qualitative analysis revealed the intervention was valued by and acceptable to caregivers. Conclusions: Findings indicate the RESCUE intervention is feasible and acceptable to caregivers and warrants further testing.