bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustained Focal Vascular Inflammation Accelerates Atherosclerosis in Remote Arteries
Authors: Lavin Plaza Begoña , Phinikaridou Alkystis , Andia Marcelo E. , Potter Myles , Lorrio Silvia , Rashid Imran , Botnar Rene M. 
Published: July 2020

Objective:
Evidence from preclinical and clinical studies has demonstrated that myocardial infarction promotes atherosclerosis progression. The impact of focal vascular inflammation on the progression and phenotype of remote atherosclerosis remains unknown.

Approach and Results:

We used a novel
ApoE
−/−
knockout mouse model of sustained arterial inflammation, initiated by mechanical injury in the abdominal aorta. Using serial in vivo molecular MRI and ex vivo histology and flow cytometry, we demonstrate that focal arterial inflammation triggered by aortic injury, accelerates atherosclerosis in the remote brachiocephalic artery. The brachiocephalic artery atheroma had distinct histological features including increased plaque size, plaque permeability, necrotic core to collagen ratio, infiltration of more inflammatory monocyte subsets, and reduced collagen content. We also found that arterial inflammation following focal vascular injury evoked a prolonged systemic inflammatory response manifested as a persistent increase in serum IL-6 (interleukin 6). Finally, we demonstrate that 2 therapeutic interventions—pravastatin and minocycline—had distinct anti-inflammatory effects at the plaque and systemic level.

Conclusions:
We show for the first time that focal arterial inflammation in response to vascular injury enhances systemic vascular inflammation, accelerates remote atheroma progression and induces plaques more inflamed, lipid-rich, and collagen-poor in the absence of ischemic myocardial injury. This inflammatory cascade is modulated by pravastatin and minocycline treatments, which have anti-inflammatory effects at both plaque and systemic levels that mitigate atheroma progression.
Coupling of Integrin α5 to Annexin A2 by Flow Drives Endothelial Activation
Authors: Zhang Chenghu , Zhou Ting , Chen Zhipeng , Yan Meng , Li Bochuan , Lv Huizhen , Wang Chunjiong , Xiang Song , Shi Lei , Zhu Yi , Ai Ding 
Published: July 2020

Rationale:
Atherosclerosis preferentially occurs at specific sites of the vasculature where endothelial cells (ECs) are exposed to disturbed blood flow. Translocation of integrin α5 to lipid rafts promotes integrin activation and ligation, which is critical for oscillatory shear stress (OSS)-induced EC activation. However, the underlying mechanism of OSS promoted integrin α5 lipid raft translocation has remained largely unknown.

Objective:
The objective of this study was to specify the mechanotransduction mechanism of OSS-induced integrin α5 translocation and subsequent EC activation.

Methods and Results:

Mass spectrometry studies identified endothelial ANXA2 (annexin A2) as a potential carrier allowing integrin α5β1 to traffic in response to OSS. Interference by siRNA of
AnxA2
in ECs greatly decreased OSS-induced integrin α5β1 translocation to lipid rafts, EC activation, and monocyte adhesion. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of PTP1B (protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B) blunted OSS-induced integrin α5β1 activation, which is dependent on Piezo1-mediated calcium influx in ECs. Furthermore, ANXA2 was identified as a direct substrate of activated PTP1B by mass spectrometry. Using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assay, PTP1B-dephosphorylated ANXA2 at Y24 was found to lead to conformational freedom of the C-terminal core domain from the N-terminal domain of ANXA2. Immunoprecipitation assays showed that this unmasked ANXA2-C-terminal core domain specifically binds to an integrin α5 nonconserved cytoplasmic domain but not β1. Importantly, ectopic lentiviral overexpression of an ANXA2
Y24F
mutant increased and shRNA against
Ptp1B
decreased integrin α5β1 ligation, inflammatory signaling, and progression of plaques at atheroprone sites in apolipoprotein E (
ApoE
)
−/−
mice. However, the antiatherosclerotic effect of
Ptp1B
shRNA was abolished in
AnxA2
−/−
ApoE
−/−
mice.

Conclusions:
Our data elucidate a novel endothelial mechanotransduction molecular mechanism linking atheroprone flow and activation of integrin α5β1, thereby identifying a class of potential therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis.

Graphic Abstract:

An
graphic abstract
is available for this article.
Swimming against the Tide: How the Monks of Medikion Challenged Traditional Notions of Sainthood
Authors: Krausmüller Dirk 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Byzantine monasticism is known to us chiefly through two types of texts, the lives of saints, and spiritual treatises. The two genres give us quite different impressions of what it meant to be a perfect monk. The spiritual tradition focused on the inner life, advising the practitioners to purify themselves from sins and contemplate God’s creation, and promising them visionary experiences once they had completed all the requisite steps. By contrast, hagiographical texts focused on visible actions, either ascetic feats or wonderworking. Yet this does not mean that the two discourses are completely unrelated. A common feature is the ability to read thoughts, even if its acquisition is explained in different ways. Both genres give the impression of changelessness. It seems as if all holy men and all spiritual paragons behaved in the same manner. This impression is not altogether wrong but one must be careful not to generalise too much. In this article I will show that two texts from the early ninth century, the Lives of the abbots Nicephorus and Nicetas of Medikion, go against the grain. The hagiographers reject important tenets of the spiritual tradition, as exemplified in the Climax, and criticise, implicitly or explicitly, qualities that were commonly considered to be indispensible for holy men. In order to make my case I will discuss in turn the following topics: healing, mourning, the vision of God, clairvoyance, and prophetic powers.
(Nearly) Outside the Shadow of Hierarchy: An Enquiry into the Teleology of Municipal Paradiplomacy in the EU
Authors: Mocca Elisabetta 
Published: July 2020

Summary
Local authorities have increasingly deployed instruments and practises proper of the international diplomatic repertoire—a phenomenon referred in the literature as paradiplomacy. These state-like diplomatic praxes, ranging from participating in transnational networks to signing international agreements, hint at an increased room for manoeuvre for local authorities, in that they occur without the intervention and control of the central state. While emulating states’ international behaviour, municipal paradiplomacy displays distinctive features and purposes. Drawing on the scholarship on paradiplomacy, this article provides a theoretical reflection on the teleology of municipal paradiplomatic practices. By proceeding through parallelism with state diplomacy’s objectives, this article identifies three functional equivalents that constitute the primary teloi of paradiplomacy; namely, municipal self-determination, influence and contention. By delving into the aims of municipal paradiplomacy, the article points out how municipal paradiplomacy constitutes a valuable means for municipalities to progressively free themselves from the grip of the central state.
Self-Stigma Reduction Group for People With Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Young Daniel K. W. , Ng Petrus Y. N. , Corrigan Patrick , Chiu Renee , Yang Shuyan 
Published: July 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) on reducing self-stigma in Chinese people with depression. Methods: By adopting a randomized controlled trial design, 62 participants with clinical depression were randomly assigned to a 10-session CBT or treatment as usual. Standardized assessment tools were used to assess the self-stigma and depressive symptoms in the pre- and posttreatment periods by a research assistant who was blind to the group assignment of the participants. Results: The results of the 2 × 2 repeated measures of covariance (analysis of covariance) demonstrated that after completing the therapy, the treatment group had significantly lower self-stigma scores than the control group. Additionally, the reduction in self-stigmatizing beliefs predicted a reduction in depressive symptoms in participants. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the efficacy and effectiveness of a CBT group intervention in reducing self-stigma for people with clinical depression living in Chinese society.
Mapping white matter damage distribution in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders with a multimodal MRI approach
Authors: Cacciaguerra Laura , Rocca Maria A , Storelli Loredana , Radaelli Marta , Filippi Massimo 
Published: July 2020

Background: The pathogenetic mechanisms sustaining neuroinflammatory disorders may originate from the cerebrospinal fluid. Objective: To evaluate white matter damage with diffusion tensor imaging and T1/T2-weighted ratio at progressive distances from the ventricular system in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and multiple sclerosis. Methods: Fractional anisotropy, mean, axial, and radial diffusivity and T1/T2-weighted ratio maps were obtained from patients with seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, multiple sclerosis, and healthy controls ( n = 20 each group). White matter damage was assessed as function of ventricular distance within progressive concentric bands. Results: Compared to healthy controls, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders patients had similar fractional anisotropy, radial and axial diffusivity, increased mean diffusivity ( p = 0.009–0.013) and reduced T1/T2-weighted ratio ( p = 0.024–0.037) in all bands. In multiple sclerosis, gradient of percentage lesion volume and intra-lesional mean and axial diffusivity were higher in periventricular bands. Compared to healthy controls, multiple sclerosis patients had reduced fractional anisotropy ( p = 0.001–0.043) in periventricular bands, increased mean ( p < 0.001), radial ( p < 0.001–0.004), and axial diffusivity ( p = 0.002–0.008) and preserved T1/T2-weighted ratio in all bands. Conclusion: White matter damage is higher at periventricular level in multiple sclerosis and diffuse in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. Fractional anisotropy preservation, associated with increased mean diffusivity and reduced T1/T2-weighted ratio may reflect astrocyte damage.
From Matrix Vesicles to Miniature Rocks: Evolution of Calcium Deposits in Calf Costochondral Junctions
Authors: Jaroszewicz Jakub , Bazarnik Piotr , Osiecka-Iwan Anna , Hyc Anna , Choinska Emilia , Chlanda Adrian , Swieszkowski Wojciech , Moskalewski Stanisław 
Published: July 2020

Objective Initial stages of cartilage matrix calcification depend on the activity of matrix vesicles. The purpose of the study was to describe how calcified matrix vesicles join into larger structures, to present their up-to-date undescribed 3-dimensional image, and to observe how calcified matrix relates to chondrocyte lacunae. Design Calcified cartilage was obtained from the zone of provisional calcification of calf costochondral junctions, then enzymatically isolated and studied by microtomography, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results Hyaluronidase digestion released packets of granules surrounded by the cartilage matrix. Further digestion, with collagenase and trypsin, removed matrix and exposed granules with dimensions within 50 to 150 nm range, which we consider as equivalent of calcified matrix vesicles. Granules joined into larger groups with dimensions of 0.5 to 2 μm, which we call globular units. Certain matrix vesicles appeared well connected but contained globular units that had spaces filled with electron lucent material, presumably matrix or chondrocyte remnants. Globular units were organized into massive structures taking the shape of oval plates. Comparison of these plates with lacunae containing isogenous groups of chondrocytes from proliferative zone of costochondral junction suggests that the cells from a single lacuna were responsible for the formation of one plate. The plates were connected with each other and extended over provisional calcification zone. Conclusions The outcome showed how particular calcified matrix vesicles associate into globular units, which organize into massive structures assuming the shape of oval plates and eventually cover large areas of cartilage matrix.
Deep user identification model with multiple biometric data
Authors: Song Hyoung-Kyu , AlAlkeem Ebrahim , Yun Jaewoong , Kim Tae-Ho , Yoo Hyerin , Heo Dasom , Chae Myungsu , Yeob Yeun Chan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Recognition is an essential function of human beings. Humans easily recognize a person using various inputs such as voice, face, or gesture. In this study, we mainly focus on DL model with multi-modality which has many benefits including noise reduction. We used ResNet-50 for extracting features from dataset with 2D data.

Results
This study proposes a novel multimodal and multitask model, which can both identify human ID and classify the gender in single step. At the feature level, the extracted features are concatenated as the input for the identification module. Additionally, in our model design, we can change the number of modalities used in a single model. To demonstrate our model, we generate 58 virtual subjects with public ECG, face and fingerprint dataset. Through the test with noisy input, using multimodal is more robust and better than using single modality.

Conclusions
This paper presents an end-to-end approach for multimodal and multitask learning. The proposed model shows robustness on the spoof attack, which can be significant for bio-authentication device. Through results in this study, we suggest a new perspective for human identification task, which performs better than in previous approaches.
Vascular calcification in skin and subcutaneous tissue in patients with chronic and end-stage kidney disease
Authors: Ruderman Irene , Hewitson Tim D. , Smith Edward R. , Holt Stephen G. , Wigg Belinda , Toussaint Nigel D. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Vascular calcification (VC) is well described in large- and medium-sized vessels in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially in those with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) on dialysis. Medial calcification is particularly prevalent in this population and contributes to arterial stiffness and increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Apart from in the setting of calciphylaxis, few studies have assessed skin and subcutaneous calcification and associations with abnormalities of bone and mineral metabolism in patients with CKD.

Methods
We performed a single-centre observational study to evaluate incisional skin tissue samples from three anatomical sites in patients with different stages of CKD undergoing elective surgery. We compared these samples to skin samples of a control cohort without CKD. Staining for calcification was performed with von Kossa method. A subgroup of skin samples were assessed by RT-PCR for upregulation of pro-calcific gene transcripts for tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2).

Results
Forty-five patients were evaluated, 34 with CKD (including ESKD) and 11 control patients. VC was identified in 15 skin samples (13 CKD/ESKD and 2 controls). VC was present in the dermal and subcutaneous tissues of the neck, abdomen and arm samples. Two different histological types of VC were identified: speckled medial calcification and internal elastic lamina calcification. Presence of perieccrine calcification was identified in 14 samples, 10 with concurrent VC. There were no significant differences in serum parathyroid hormone, phosphate or calcium in patients with or without VC. Expression of TNAP or RUNX2 was not increased in samples from patients with ESKD or those with histological evidence of calcification.

Conclusion
This study reports the novel finding of dermal and subcutaneous calcification in multiple anatomical locations in 38% of patients with advanced CKD/ESKD undergoing elective surgery but free from calciphylaxis.
Efficacy and clinical predictors of response to rTMS treatment in pharmacoresistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): a retrospective study
Authors: Rostami Reza , Kazemi Reza , Jabbari Arezoo , Madani Azam Sadat , Rostami Hosseinreza , Taherpour Mohammad Amin , Molavi Parviz , Jaafari Nematollah , Kuo Min-Fang , Vicario Carmelo M. , Nitsche Michael A. , Salehinejad Mohammad Ali 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundApplication of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been promising and approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2018, but effects differ between patients. Knowledge about clinical predictors of rTMS response may help to increase clinical efficacy but is not available so far.MethodsIn a retrospective study, we investigated the efficacy of rTMS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) or supplementary motor area (SMA) in 65 pharmaco-resistant OCD outpatients recruited for rTMS treatment from July 2015 to May 2017. Patients received either SMA rTMS (n = 38) or bilateral DLPFC rTMS (n = 27) in case of reporting higher affective and depressive symptoms in addition to the primary OCD symptoms. OCD symptoms and depression/anxiety states were measured at baseline (before the 1st session) and after the 20th session of rTMS. Additionally, we performed a binary logistic regression analysis on the demographic and clinical variables based on the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) 3-factor and 2-factor models and individual items to investigate potential predictors of rTMS response.ResultsPatients’ scores in Y-BOCS and Beck anxiety/depression inventories were significantly decreased following rTMS treatment. 46.2% of all patients responded to rTMS, based on the criterion of at least a 30% reduction in Y-BOCS scores. There was no significant difference between response rates of patients in DLPFC and SMA groups. No significant demographic predictors of rTMS efficacy were identified. The factors “obsession severity”, “resistance” and “disturbance” and the “interference due to obsessions” and “resistance against compulsions” items of the Y-BOCS significantly predicted response to rTMS.ConclusionsIn patients with less intrusive/interfering thoughts, and low scores in the “obsession severity”, “disturbance”, and “resistance” factors, rTMS might have superior effects. Identifying clinical and non-clinical predictors of response is relevant to personalize and adapt rTMS protocols in pharmaco-resistant OCD patients. Interpretation of rTMS efficacy should be done with caution due to the lack of a sham intervention condition.
Pattern of inpatient care for depression: an analysis of 232,289 admissions
Authors: Fugger Gernot , Waldhör Thomas , Hinterbuchinger Barbara , Pruckner Nathalie , König Daniel , Gmeiner Andrea , Vyssoki Sandra , Vyssoki Benjamin , Fellinger Matthäus 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) in women is up to 50% higher as compared to men. However, little is known about discrepancies in health care utilization between depressed female and male patients. Consequently, the aim of the present study was to elucidate gender differences regarding the frequency of hospital admissions and the length of inpatient treatment for MDD across the lifespan.

Methods
This nationwide, registry-based study analyzed all inpatient admissions in psychiatric hospitals due to recurrent/non-recurrent MDD episodes according to ICD-10 (moderate (F32/33.1), severe (F32/33.2), severe with psychotic features (F32/33.3)) in Austria across 14 years. We calculated weekly admission rates per 100,000 patients by directly age-standardized rates.

Results
Across 232,289 admissions (63.2% female) the population based admission rates in MDD were significantly higher in women (p < 0.001). Female to male ratios across subgroups were 1.65 (F32/33.1), 1.58 (F32/33.2), 1.73 (F32/33.3), and peaked around 65 years (ratio ≥ 2 for all subgroups). Length of hospital stay for women was significantly longer in all depression subtypes (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Elevated rates of inpatient treatment in women cannot solely be explained by a higher MDD prevalence and are dependent on age and type of depressive episode. Irrespective of the type and severity of the mood episode, women exhibit longer hospitalisation times.
Parent-child communication about sexual issues in Zambia: a cross sectional study of adolescent girls and their parents
Authors: Isaksen Katja Jezkova , Musonda Patrick , Sandøy Ingvild Fossgard 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundParent-child communication about sexual issues can reduce risky sexual behaviour amongst adolescents. Risky sexual behaviour is of concern in sub-Saharan Africa where the prevalence of early pregnancy, unsafe abortion and HIV are high. Parent-child communication about sexual issues presents a feasible approach for reducing sexual risk amongst adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa but limited research exists from the region. This study from Zambia examines the sociodemographic and psychosocial factors that are associated with whether parents communicate with their daughters about sexual issues.MethodsData from a cluster randomized controlled trial examining the effect of interventions aiming to reduce teenage pregnancy and school drop out in Zambia was used. The data was collected between January–July in 2018 and consists of structured, face to face interviews with 4343 adolescent girls and 3878 parents. Cross sectional analyses examined the associations between parent-child communication about sexual issues and sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics using univariate and multivariable logistic regression models.ResultsAdolescent girls who felt connected to their parents and those who perceived their parents to be comfortable in communicating about sex, were more likely to speak to their parents about sexual issues than those who did not (AOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01–1.52; and AOR 2.94, 95% CI 2.45–3.54, respectively). Girls whose parents used fear-based communication about sexual issues, and those who perceived their parents as being opposed to education about contraception, were less likely to communicate with their parents about sex than those who did not (AOR 0.76, 95% CI 0.65–0.89; and AOR 0.76, 95% CI 0.63–0.91, respectively). Girls enrolled in school were less likely to communicate with their parents about sex than those out of school (AOR 0.56, 95% CI 0.44–0.71).ConclusionParenting style, children’s perception of parental attitudes and parental communication styles are associated with whether parents and children communicate about sexual issues. This may imply that parents can improve the chances of communicating with their children about sex by conveying non-judgemental attitudes, using open communication styles with neutral messages and appearing comfortable whilst displaying positive attitudes towards communication around sex and contraceptive use.Trial registrationISRCTN registry:ISRCTN12727868, (4 March 2016).