bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monoamine oxidase contributes to the valvular oxidative stress in patients with mitral valve regurgitation
Authors: Sosdean R , Ionica L N , Pescariu S A , Mornos C , Muntean D M , Sturza A , Luca C T , Feier H 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases but the role of enzymatic sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) remains elusive. There is scarce information in the literature regarding valvular oxidative stress. Monoamine oxidases (MAOs), with 2 isoforms, A and B, have emerged as important sources of oxidative stress in the cardiovascular system.

Purpose
To assess whether MAOs-related oxidative stress occurs in the pathological valves in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (due to valve degeneration and chordae rupture) and surgical indication and its interference with the activation of the renin-angiotensin aldosterone (RAAS) system.

Material and methods
Samples of mitral valve (n=17) were harvested during the valvular replacement procedure and used for reactive oxygen species (ROS) assessment (immune-fluorescence, spectrophotometry) and MAO mRNA and protein expression (qPCR and immune-fluorescence) measurement. Inflammatory markers, biochemical parameters and echocardiography (GE, Vivid 9, Vivid E95) data were also collected.

Results
Both MAO isoforms are expressed in the diseased mitral valves, with a predominance of MAO-A isoform. Ex vivo incubation with angiotensin 2 (12 h, 100 nM) of samples obtained from patients without RAAS medication lead to MAO upregulation and high ROS production. MAO-related oxidative stress was mitigated by MAO inhibition with clorgyline (MAO-A inhibitor, 10 microM) and selegyline (MAO-B inhibitor, 10 microM) and also by the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) antagonist, irbersartan (10 microM).

Conclusions
Monoamine oxidase is expressed in the pathological mitral valves, regardless the etiology. Its expression and the related-oxidative stress are modulated by angiotensin 2, irbesartan. Whether the latter effect is present in valvular patients treated with RAAS inhibitors is currently under investigation.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1-like 1 (VKORC1L1) inhibition induces a proliferative and pro-inflammatory vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype
Authors: Al Zaidi M , Aksoy A , Repges E , Becher M U , Mueller C , Oldenburg J , Zimmer S , Nickenig G , Tiyerili V 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) like Warfarin are known to promote adverse cardiovascular remodelling. Contrarily, vitamin K supplementation has been discussed to decelerate cardiovascular disease. The recently described VKOR-isoenzyme Vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1-like 1 (VKORC1L1) is involved in vitamin K maintenance and exerts antioxidant properties. In this study, we sought to investigate the role of VKORC1L1 in neointima formation and on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function.

Methods and results
Treatment of wild-type mice with Warfarin increased maladaptive neointima formation after carotid artery injury. This was accompanied by reduced vascular mRNA expression of VKORC1L1.
In vitro, Warfarin was found to reduce VKORC1L1 mRNA expression in VSMC. VKORC1L1 downregulation by siRNA promoted viability, migration and formation of reactive oxygen species. VKORC1L1 knockdown further increased expression of key markers of vascular inflammation (NFκB, IL-6). Additionally, downregulation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane resident VKORC1L1 increased expression of the main ER Stress moderator, glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa (GRP78). Moreover, treatment with the ER Stress inducer Tunicamycin promoted VKORC1L1, but not VKORC1 expression.
Finally, we sought to investigate, if treatment with vitamin K can mediate the protective properties of VKORC1L1. Thus, we examined effects of menaquinone-7 (MK7) on VSMC phenotype switch. MK7 treatment dose-dependently alleviated PDGF-induced proliferation and migration. In addition, we detected a reduction in expression of inflammatory and ER Stress markers.

Conclusion
VKA-induced neointima formation is associated with reduced vascular VKORC1L1 expression. VKORC1L1 inhibition contributes to an adverse VSMC phenotype while MK7 restores VSMC function. Thus, MK7 supplementation might be a feasible therapeutic option to modulate vitamin K- and VKORC1L1-mediated vasculoprotection.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Not-high before-treatment platelet reactivity in patients with STEMI:prevalence, clinical characteristics, response to therapy and outcomes
Authors: Canonico M E , Sanna G D , Siciliano R , Guarino S , Bellandi B , Scudiero F , Saba P S , Esposito G , Alexopoulos D , Parodi G 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Platelet reactivity (PR) has been indicated as a pathophysiological key element for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) development. In STEMI patients, PR following pharmacological treatment has been extensively studied with focus on patients with on-treatment high platelet reactivity (HPR). Patients with before-treatment not-high platelet reactivity (NHPR) have been poorly studied so far.

Purpose
Aim of the study is to investigate the prevalence, clinical characteristics, response to therapy and outcomes of baseline prior to treatment NHPR among patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI.

Methods
We analysed the data from 358 STEMI patients with assessment of PR by VerifyNowbefore P2Y12 inhibitor loading dose (LD). All patients received a P2Y12 inhibitor (ticagrelor or prasugrel) LDafter baseline PR assessment. Blood samples were obtained at baseline (T0), and after 1 hour (T1), 2 hours (T2), 4–6 hours (T3) and 8–12 hours (T4) after LD. HPR was defined as Platelet Reactivity Unit values ≥208, while patients with values &lt;208 at baseline were defined as having NHPR.

Results
Overall, 20% patients had NHPR. Patients with before-treatment NHPR values were more frequently young, of male gender and more frequently smokers (p=0.005), overweight or obese (p=0.009), affected by dyslipidemia (p=0.03) and with a family history of coronary artery disease (p=0.04). Age and male gender resulted both independent predictors of NHPR, even after propensity score adjustment. The percentage of inhibition of PR after ticagrelor or prasugrel LD was similar between HPR and NHPR patients at each time point (figure 1) and residual PR was constantly lower in patients with before-treatment PRU &lt;208 from baseline to 8–12 hours from LD (figure 2). However, patients with HPR showed worse in-hospital clinical outcomes, and the composite adverse outcome endpoint of death, reinfarction, stroke, acute kidney injury or heart failure was significantly higher (10.0% vs 1.4%; p=0.017) as compared with the NHPR group.

Conclusions
A significant proportion of patients presenting with STEMI has a baseline NHPR; they are predominantly young males with a high-risk cardiovascular profile. NHPR is associated with better in-hospital outcomes as compare with patients with HPR. Further studies are needed to better understand the underlying pathophysiology in order to find out potential personalized treatments in this setting.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Capacity building in participatory stakeholder groups: results from a German research consortium on active lifestyles
Authors: Sauter Alexandra , Loss Julika 
Published: October 2021

Summary
To implement sustainable health-promoting structures in a setting, various agents must work together. In the Capital4Health research network, participatory stakeholder groups consisting of key persons, stakeholders, representatives of the target group, and facilitating experts are assembled in five settings (child care center, school, company, rural community, nursing home). In a Cooperative Planning process, the various groups meet regularly to plan and implement strategies to promote physical activity across different settings. This study evaluates whether participatory stakeholder groups have been established and also examines the capacity-building processes that took place in these stakeholder groups. For process evaluation, 78 group meetings were documented in 16 different stakeholder groups using a semi-structured protocol based on established capacity-building domains. For outcome evaluation, six semi-structured interviews (1–2 per setting) with facilitating experts were conducted. Data were analyzed by content analysis. Across all settings, capacity-building processes were successful to a certain degree (e.g. problem assessment, resource mobilization). However, in most groups it was difficult to broadly assess problems, to establish sustainable networks, or to find persons with leadership characteristics. Also, irregular participation, lack of motivation to take over responsibility, and minimal institutional readiness for structural and personal changes often hindered the progress of the projects. Stakeholder groups can actively involve setting members in the development of physical activity promotion programs. It seems challenging, however, to sustainably establish such groups that continue working independently without assistance from a facilitating expert.
You Are Wrong Because I Am Right! The Perceived Causes and Ideological Biases of Misinformation Beliefs
Authors: Hameleers Michael , Brosius Anna 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In the context of increasing concerns about false and deceptive information in public opinion, this research note explores which causes and sources news users associate with the dissemination of misinformation. Based on representative survey data collected in the Netherlands (N = 1,994), we found that news users distinguish unintentional causes related to uncertain evidence and lacking expert knowledge from politically or financially motivated falsehoods. People on the left-wing of the political spectrum associate falsehoods more with the radical-right, whereas those on the right-wing tend to associate misinformation with the radical-left. Right-wing participants, however, are most likely to perceive misinformation as driven by a deliberate attempt to hide reality. Our findings point to an ideological bias in information credibility that could foster polarization along epistemic lines.
Association of Statins and 28-Day Mortality Rates in Patients Hospitalized With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection
Authors: Memel Zoe N , Lee Jenny J , Foulkes Andrea S , Chung Raymond T , Thaweethai Tanayott , Bloom Patricia P 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundStatins may be protective in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of in-hospital statin use on 28-day mortality rates and intensive care unit (ICU) admission among patients with SARS-CoV-2, stratified into 4 groups: those who used statins before hospitalization (treatment continued or discontinued in the hospital) and those who did not (treatment newly initiated in the hospital or never initiated).MethodsIn a cohort study of 1179 patients with SARS-CoV-2, record review was used to assess demographics, laboratory measurements, comorbid conditions, and time from admission to death, ICU admission, or discharge. Using marginal structural Cox models, we estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for death and ICU admission.ResultsAmong 1179 patients, 676 (57%) were male, 443 (37%) were &gt;65 years old, and 493 (46%) had a body mass index ≥30 (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared). Inpatient statin use reduced the hazard of death (HR, 0.566; P=.008). This association held among patients who did and those who did not use statins before hospitalization (HR, 0.270 [P=.003] and 0.493 [P=.04], respectively). Statin use was associated with improved time to death for patients aged &gt;65 years but not for those ≤65 years old.ConclusionStatin use during hospitalization for SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with reduced 28-day mortality rates. Well-designed randomized control trials are needed to better define this relationship.
Mapping the quality of basic and comprehensive emergency obstetric care services in Haiti
Authors: Adegbosin Adeyinka E , Warnken Jan , Sun Jing 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Objective
To investigate geographical inequalities and changes in the quality of emergency obstetric care services available in Haiti over time.

Methods
We utilized data from the Service Provision Assessment survey of all health facilities in Haiti in 2013 and 2017.We developed a quality index for basic emergency obstetric care (BEmOC) and comprehensive emergency obstetric care (CEmOC) based on the items in the signal functions of an emergency obstetric care framework, using a structure, process and outcome framework. We measured the quality index of all facilities in 2013 and 2017. We also assessed geographical trends and changes in quality between 2013 and 2017 using geospatial analysis.

Result
Our analysis showed that basic structure items such as connection to electricity grid, manual vacuum extractors, vacuum aspirators and dilation and curettage kits were widely unavailable at healthcare facilities. There was a significant improvement in indicators of structure (P &lt; 0.001) and BEmOC (P = 0.03) in primary facilities; however, there was no significant change in the quality of CEmOC in primary facilities (P = 0.18). Similarly, there was no significant change in any of the structure or process indicators at secondary care facilities.

Conclusion
The availability of BEmOC at several Haitian facilities remains poor; however, there was significant improvement at primary care facilities, with little to no change in overall quality at secondary health facilities.
Linezolid-resistant Enterococcus gallinarum isolate of swine origin carrying cfr, optrA and poxtA genes
Authors: Coccitto Sonia Nina , Cinthi Marzia , Fioriti Simona , Morroni Gianluca , Simoni Serena , Vignaroli Carla , Garofalo Cristiana , Mingoia Marina , Brenciani Andrea , Giovanetti Eleonora 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To characterize a linezolid-resistant Enterococcus gallinarum isolate of porcine origin co-carrying cfr, optrA and poxtA genes.

Methods
The genome was sequenced using the Illumina and Nanopore platforms. The presence of circular intermediates was examined by inverse PCR. Transferability of oxazolidinone resistance genes was investigated by transformation and conjugation.

Results
Two plasmids, the cfr- and optrA-carrying pEgFS4-1 (35 kb) and the poxtA-harbouring pEgFS4-2 (38 kb), were identified. pEgFS4-1 disclosed a distinctive mosaic structure with two cargo regions bounded by identical IS1216 elements interpolated into a backbone related to that of Enterococcus faecium vanA-containing pVEF2. The first cargo region included the cfr and optrA contexts, whereas the second one carried a Tn554 remnant and the lnu(A) gene. Both regions were able to excise in circular form as a unique translocable unit. pEgFS4-2 plasmid was 99% identical to a not fully described E. faecium pSBC1 plasmid. The poxtA environment, flanked by IS1216, was proved to be unstable. pEgFS4-2 also exhibited another cargo region containing the tet(M)–tet(L) genes arranged in tandem and its circular form was detected. Transformation and conjugation experiments failed to demonstrate the transferability of both plasmids to enterococcal recipients. Both plasmids persisted in the absence of selective pressure.

Conclusions
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of a linezolid-resistant E. gallinarum isolate of swine origin carrying cfr, optrA and poxtA genes. The co-presence of three linezolid resistance determinants in an intrinsically vancomycin-resistant enterococcal species is cause of concern.
Short communication: the effects of a semi-synthetic diet with inclusion of black soldier fly larvae meal on health parameters of healthy adult cats
Authors: Pezzali Julia Guazzelli , Shoveller Anna Kate 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In recent years, black soldier fly larvae meal (Hermetia illucens; BSFLM) has gained attention as a high value alternative protein source that is of great interest to the pet food industry. However, little is known regarding the effects of BSFLM on health parameters in adult cats. Thus, the objective of the current study was to determine the short-term effects of a semi-synthetic diet containing 4.6% inclusion of BSFLM on complete blood count (CBC) and serum biochemistry profile of healthy adult cats. Healthy adult male cats (n = 8; 1.4 yr) were fed the experimental diet for 21 d (experimental period) to maintain BW. Cats were washed in on a commercial diet and blood samples were collected before the start and at the end of the experimental period to measure gross health parameters. Results were analyzed as one-way ANOVA using the GLIMMIX procedure in SAS with cat as a random effect (SAS v. 9.4, The SAS Institute, Cary, NC). Cats lost an average of 5% of their BW (P = 0.0003) due to a concurrent decrease in food intake. A significant increase of alanine aminotransferase, chloride, potassium, sodium, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was observed on day 21 vs. baseline (P &lt; 0.05). In contrast, albumin, amylase, calcium, cholesterol, eosinophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, mean platelet volume, red blood cells, total protein, total solid proteins, and urea decreased over time (P &lt; 0.05). However, all CBC and serum biochemistry parameters stayed within reference range for adult cats, with exception of glucose and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration that were above and below the reference range, respectively. Transient increases in glucose concentrations were likely due to sedation with dexmedetomidine prior to blood collection. The changes observed over time in the aforementioned parameters are likely due to changes in macronutrient composition of the diets offered prior to and during the experimental period (commercial diet vs. semi-synthetic diet, respectively) and cannot be attributed solely to a unique property of BSFLM. In conclusion, cats fed a semi-synthetic diet containing 4% BSFLM inclusion for 21 d remained healthy with no clinically relevant changes in CBC and serum biochemistry parameters. Further research should focus on longer term feeding studies and the ability of BSFLM to support the health and well-being of cats.
‘Sèvres-mania’ and collaborative collecting networks: The 2nd Earl of Lonsdale, Henry Broadwood and Edward Holmes Baldock
Authors: McCaffrey-Howarth Caroline 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This article examines the relationship between a rising mania for ‘old’ pâte-tendre Sèvres porcelain and a growing specialization in collecting practices during the 1830s in Paris and London. Using newly discovered archival evidence, it questions the idea that individuals make collecting histories, and instead posits the notion of collaboration in creating an art collection. It examines a series of interactions between collecting networks and prioritizes the process of collecting rather than the collection itself. This provides an opportunity to consider constructions of identity, class and gender, and also shines a light on the methods of acquisition and value structures of ‘old’ Sèvres and the market for it during this time. At its core, it proposes a collaborative paradigm of object and knowledge exchange between an art collector, the 2nd Earl of Lonsdale (1787–1872), his friend and agent Henry Broadwood (1793–1878) and the dealer Edward Holmes Baldock (1777–1845).
Arabidopsis EXO70B2 exocyst subunit contributes to papillae and encasement formation in antifungal defence
Authors: Ortmannová Jitka , Sekereš Juraj , Kulich Ivan , Šantrůček Jiří , Dobrev Petre , Žárský Viktor , Pečenková Tamara 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn the reaction to non-adapted Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei (Bgh), Arabidopsis thaliana leaf epidermal cells deposit cell wall reinforcements called papillae or seal fungal haustoria in encasements, both of which involve intensive exocytosis. A plant syntaxin, SYP121/PEN1, has been found to be of key importance for the timely formation of papillae, and the vesicle tethering complex exocyst subunit EXO70B2 has been found to contribute to their morphology. Here, we identify a specific role for the EXO70B2-containing exocyst complex in the papillae membrane domains important for callose deposition and GFP-SYP121 delivery to the focal attack sites, as well as its contribution to encasement formation. The mRuby2-EXO70B2 co-localizes with the exocyst core subunit SEC6 and GFP-SYP121 in the membrane domain of papillae, and EXO70B2 and SYP121 proteins have the capacity to directly interact. The exo70B2/syp121 double mutant produces a reduced number of papillae and haustorial encasements in response to Bgh, indicating an additive role of the exocyst in SYP121-coordinated non-host resistance. In summary, we report cooperation between the plant exocyst and a SNARE protein in penetration resistance against non-adapted fungal pathogens.
Termination by Notice or Consent
Authors: Andrews Neil 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This chapter deals concisely with two situations. The first is where the contract is not limited in its duration and a party exercises an implied right to bring it to an end by unilateral notice. The second situation, which has produced some subtle judicial discussion, involves the issue whether the parties’ conduct objectively and clearly manifests a mutual intention to abandon the contract, so that it has been consensually
Breach
Authors: Andrews Neil 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This is a fundamental feature of contract doctrine. In English law breach justifies a party in terminating the contract by reason of the other’s default if: there has been a renunciation; or a serious breach of a repudiatory nature; if a term classified as a condition has been breached; if a term not so classified has been breached so that the result of the default is extremely serious. Breach can occur before the date of expected performance. Anticipatory cancellation does not automatically end the contract. Instead the other party, if able to perform without the other’s cooperation, might decide to keep the contract in operation (that topic is also examined, in the context of debt claims, at [27.36] to [27.49]). The process of terminating and the consequences of termination is also carefully explained in the present chapter.
Between Presentation and Hearing
Authors: French Derek 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The chapter discusses the various processes between presentation and hearing of a winding-up petition. A winding-up petition must be served in accordance with the Insolvency Rules 2016 (IR 2016). Service is the responsibility of the petitioner and will not be undertaken by the court. If service of a petition to wind up a registered company is not to be on the company’s solicitor, the petition must be served at the company’s registered office, if it has one. Other methods of service at the registered office are not permitted. A winding-up order made on a petition that has not been served is fundamentally defective and will normally be set aside. The court can properly refuse to set aside the order only if there is no prejudice to the company or a third party. If an order is made and service is affected under the order, a sealed copy of the order must accompany the certificate of service. The present rules make wider provision for service than previous rules did.