bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blera miocenica: a new species of Early Miocene hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) from the Czech Republic and its palaeoenvironmental significance
Authors: Hadrava Jiří , Nidergas Valentin , Daňková Klára , Pecharová Martina , Nel André , Prokop Jakub
Published: November 2019

A new species of fossil hoverfly (Syrphidae: Eristalinae), i.e., Blera miocenica
sp. nov. is described from the Early Miocene (Burdigalian) of Bílina mine in the Most Basin, Czech Republic. The species description is based on a well preserved compressed fossil and it represents the first known fossil record of the genus Blera Billberg, 1820 so far. B. miocenica
sp. nov. diagnosis is based on the wing venation and other body characters like the coloration pattern of abdomen. The resemblance of the new fossil to extant species of Blera is briefly discussed. The previously suggested palaeoenvironmental conditions at the type locality are in agreement with the knowledge on autecology of recent representatives of the genus Blera (i.e., larval feeding strategy, adult habitat preferences and flower visitation). Thus, we conclude that fossil hoverflies could be a helpful tool for the indication of past habitats.
Zum Berner Pontus
Authors: Hahn Reinhard
Published: November 2019

Der Beitrag widmet sich dem 1986 bekannt gewordenen Bemer Pontus (Be), einer um die Mitte des 15. Jahrhunderts entstandenen, sprachlich in den eidgenössisch-alemannischen Raum weisenden Fassungs des Prosaromans Pontus und Sidonia, die unsere Kenntnis des literarischen Lebens in Bern in der damaligen Zeit nicht unerheblich bereichert. Der Vergleich von Be mit den beiden seit Gervinus unterschiedenen deutschen Fassungen A und B einerseits und dem französischen Roman Ponthus et Sidoine andererseits erhärtet die Annahme, daß Be unabhängig von jenen entstand, also auf eine eigene französische Vorlage zurückgeht und somit als Fassung C zu gelten hat. Der in einer Bemer Sammelhandschrift überlieferte, vielfach durch problematische und korrupte Stellen gestörte Text bietet eine stark, mitunter bis zu Unverständlichkeit kürzende Bearbeitung der französischen Vorlage, der er im übrigen weithin genau folgt.
Martin Opitz und die Mittelalterlichen Alexandergeschichten
Authors: Dunphy Graeme
Published: November 2019

Dieser Artikel beschäftigt sich mit der Rezeption des Mittelalters in der Barockzeit am Beispiel von Martin Opitz und den mittelalterlichen Alexandererzählungen. Im Apparat zu seiner Annolied-Ausgabe läßt sich Opitz auf einen längeren Diskurs über den Alexanderstoff ein, wie dieser in mehreren mittelalterlichen Werken vorkommt. Neben dem Annolied selbst stellt er hier vor allem die Kosmographie des Aethicus von Istrien und ein anonymes Werk mit dem Titel Excerptum de vita Alexandri Magni zur Diskussion. Damit beeinflußt er nachhaltig die wissenschaftliche Rezeption von Aethicus in den darauffolgenden Jahrhunderten. Der Artikel untersucht diese Konstellation und bietet nebenbei einige neuen Einsichten zum Briefwechsel von Opitz mit seinem wichtigsten Gewährsmann, Claude Saumaise.
Disziplinierung Durch Disziplinlose Texte?
Authors: Braun Manuel
Published: November 2019

Vorliegender Beitrag überprüft das Paradigma der (Sozial-)Disziplinierung am Ehediskurs des 16. Jahrhunderts. Dieser ist zwar durchaus gewillt, disziplinierend zu wirken, vermag seine Intention aber nicht wirklich umzusetzen. Das liegt an epistemologischen Voraussetzungen der Epoche (Geltung ständischer Prinzipien, Bedeutung tradierte Positionen), an der spezifischen Textualität der Eheschriften (Beschäftigung mit Einzelfragen ohne Rücksicht auf das Gesamt der Argumentation, Verweis auf Autoritäten und damit sinnsprengende Intertextualität) sowie schließlich an der Materialität der Sprache im Allgemeinen (Präsenz des Ausgeschlossenen im Verbot, Überschüsse metaphorischen Sprechens). Zieht man diese Befunde zusammen, bestehen Zweifel an der Annahme der Historiker, wonach die Konfessionskirchen eine Moral durchsetzten, der ein hohes Maß an Zweckhaftigkeit zugeschrieben wird. Zu rechnen ist vielmehr mit eigenen vormodemen Typen von Moral und Rationalität, was auch andere, lokale, auf viele Zentren verteilte Ansiitze zur Diszfplinierung bedeutet.
Features of the metacoxal air-storage space as additional characters for reconstructing the phylogeny of Haliplidae (Coleoptera)
Authors: van Vondel Bernhard J.
Published: November 2019

Representatives of all genera and subgenera of Haliplidae are examined regarding the shape of the air storage under the metacoxal plates. Three different main types can be distinguished with strong variation in the species of Haliplus. In general the results support the present concept of genera and subgenera, but a few exceptions are found. The subgenus Phalilus is raised to genus level. The genera Algophilus Zimmermann and Apteraliplus Chandler are reduced to subgenera of Haliplus Latreille. The synonymised genus Haliaplus Ádám is re-installed as a subgenus of Haliplus. Three new subgenera are introduced: Australiplus, Borealiplus and Nipponiplus. A cladistic analysis is carried out using 27 characters including those of the metacoxal air-storage space. A cladogram to subgenus level is presented.
الكتابة السينائية: المفهوم والدلالة
Authors: محمد شريف علي
Published: November 2019

The proposal of new names or designations of the culture’s elements is common in science. The research deals with this idea, and opposes a view about a new name of the Sinaitic writing.

The Sinaitic writing is a very important element, not only of the Egyptian civilization, but also of the international civilization in general. The bond of this cultural achievement with the Peninsula of Sinai is very significant, culturally and conceptually. A new name of the Sinaitic writing was relatively recently proposed, which deprives this achievement of its description related to this writing’s place of birth. The research considers this view as confusing. Moreover, it completely ignores Sinai as a place of this writing, and also ignores the peculiarity of this writing.
Influence of Germanium Addition on Optical Properties of As–Se Glasses
Authors: Lal Anupam , Lohia Pooja , Dwivedi D. K.
Published: November 2019

Present paper focus on the optical properties of Se62.5As37.5 and Se62.5As22 5Ge15 chalcogenide thin films prepared by vacuum evaporation method. The structural and stoichiometric properties of prepared glassy alloys were investigated
by X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Addition of Ge at the cost of As increases the absorption and optical band-gap while the value of extinction coefficient decreases. The transmission spectrum (300–1100 nm) obtained by UV-Vis spectrophotometer were used to
find the different optical constants. The increase of optical bandgap is explained based on Mott-Davis model assuming that there is decrease of localized states in prepared samples after addition of Ge in As–Se alloy which results in increase of optical bandgap.
Dielectric Analysis in Amorphous Ge8Se60Te30Sb2 Chalcogenide Glass for Solid-State Batteries
Authors: Singh Pravin Kumar , Rai Shambhavi , Lohia Pooja , Dwivedi D. K.
Published: November 2019

Over the last few decades, study of dielectric relaxation and a. c. conductivity of chalcogenides glasses is fascinating field among various researchers to explore the new dimensions for their end user applications with enhanced properties. In this paper, dielectric parameters viz dielectric
constant (ɛ1) and dielectric loss (ɛ2) have been made for bulk Ge8Se60Te30Sb2 chalcogenide glass in the frequency span 100 Hz to 1 MHz and temperature span 303 K to 328 K. Temperature and frequency
dependence of ɛ1 and ɛ2 is reported and discussed in the investigated quaternary glassy alloy. The change in ɛ1 with frequency and temperature was described by orientational polarization while change in ɛ2
with frequency and temperature was described by conduction loss and single polaron hopping theory of charge carriers proposed by Elliot and Shimakawa for chalcogenide glasses.
Spectroscopic and Bioactivity Analysis of Naturally Occurring Methyl Ester of Chlorogenic Acid Using Density Functional Theory Based Quantum Chemical Computation
Authors: Mishra Ashok Kumar , Tewari Satya Prakash
Published: November 2019

The present study describes the spectroscopic characteristics like IR and Raman active vibrations, (1H, 13C) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shifts and UV-Visible spectra of the molecular geometry obtained using quantum chemistry calculations based on
density functional theory approach via B3LYP hybrid functional at 6-31 + G(d, p) basis set of title bioactive natural compound. The calculated highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy gap in titled compound is –0.14327 eV which is reasonably
small and may be the prime reason for its bioactivity. Theoretical IR active vibration spectra show the maximum peak at 1146 cm–1. The maximum absorption in UV-Vis spectrum has been observed to be occurred at 329 nm. The biological activity has also been examined through virtual
screening using molecular docking approach. The calculated spectroscopic characteristics are well aligned with their experi- mental counterparts. The obtained docking score predicts the title molecule to be a good naturally occurring anti diabetic agent. The outcomes of our investigation would
be useful for deriving the structural analog of the title molecule for developing an efficient naturopathic anti diabetic drug agent with less side effects.
A distressingly painful neck
Authors: Lau James Siu Ki , Kan Pui Gay
Published: November 2019

Neck pain is a common complaint in the emergency department. It is often attributed to sprain and strain, and cervical spine degeneration. However, when the pain is prolonged, refractory to treatment and not improved after multiple consultations, an alternate diagnosis should be considered.
Surgical Antimicrobial Prophylaxis and Incidence of Surgical Site Infections at Ethiopian Tertiary-Care Teaching Hospital
Authors: Alamrew Kerebih , Tadesse Tamrat Assefa , Abiye Alfoalem Araba , Shibeshi Workineh
Published: November 2019

Background:

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are infections that develop within 30 days after an operation or surveillance of surgical wound infection implementation within 90 days after surgery when an implant is placed. The objective of this study was to assess preoperative and postoperative antimicrobial use in St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods:

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was undertaken in surgery wards of SPHMMC for 4 months by reviewing 413 patients’ charts. All patients 13 years and older who were admitted and underwent different types of surgical procedures were included in the study. Epi info 7 was used for data entry, and then data were exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 software for analysis. Descriptive analyses were computed and rate of SSI was calculated in this study. Moreover, bivariate analysis was done to examine the relationship between the outcome variable and predictor variables with a value of P < .2 retained for subsequent multivariate analyses using multiple logistic regressions. P value of <.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results:

Out of 413 patients, 152 (36.8%) were operated for general surgery, and the remaining were for other types of surgeries. Most of the patients, 196 (79.7%), were managed by a single surgical antibiotic agent, followed by 2 agents (20.3%) for surgical prophylaxis indication. Surgical site infections occurred in 46 (11.1%) patients before discharge from the hospital. In those patients who need treatment for SSIs, almost half of them (49.5%) received combination therapy of ceftriaxone and metronidazole. Emergency surgical cases were 2.647 times more likely to develop SSIs than the elective surgical cases (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.647; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.406-4.983; P = .003). Patients who did not receive antibiotic prophylaxis were 2.572 times more likely to develop SSIs compared to those who received antibiotic prophylaxis (AOR = 2.572; 95% CI = 1.02-6.485; P = .045). Clean-contaminated and contaminated types of wound were a protective factor against SSI in our study.

Conclusions:

This study indicated that most of the patients (72.1%) received surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis. The overall incidence rate of SSIs was 11.1% in the studied hospital. Ceftriaxone was the most commonly used drug. Being not receiving prophylaxis, wound class, and surgery types were significantly associated with the development of SSI.
New Perspectives of Osteochondral Lesion of the Talus
Authors: Lee Jin Woo
Published: November 2019

Osteochondral lesions of the talus(OLT) are the most common articular cartilage defects in the ankle and may cause disability as a result of chronic pain and limited weight-bearing capacity. Numerous treatment strategies for symptomatic OLT have advanced significantly over the past decades.

OLT are often managed conservatively for an initial stage before the surgical treatment. However, the conservative management determined solely on symptomatology, and not on the physiological healing. A systematic review for the treatment of OLT demonstrated a 45% success rate of non-operative management. Surgical treatment of OLT is reserved for symptomatic focal lesions that fail to respond to conservative treatments. There are three major operative strategies for OLT, reparative, replacement and regenerative manners.

For the reparative modality, arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation(BMS) is widely regarded as the first-line treatment for OLT, as it is a technically undemanding, cost-effective, and minimally invasive procedure with low rates of complication and postoperative pain. Small lesion (<15 mm in diameter or <150mm2 in size) is the ideal candidate for BMS supported by several literatures. And a study reported the long-term follow-up study to date at 8-20 years after BMS in which 78% of patients had an excellent or good functional outcome score.

As a replacement strategy, autologous osteochondral transplantation(AOT) is often indicated for symptomatic large, cystic lesions, including those that have failed previous reparative procedures, such as BMS. Osteochondral autograft transfer carries the inherent advantage over osteochondral allograft of being from the host with fresh viable cartilage, most commonly harvested from the ipsilateral knee. Clinical studies have found favorable results with osteochondral autograft techniques, including a recent systematic review of clinical outcomes at mid-term follow-up demonstrating excellent or good outcomes in 87% of patients.

In recent years, Scaffold-based regenerative techniques are getting more attention. Matrix-associated chondrocyte implantation(MACI) is a 2-step procedure in which culture-expanded autologous chondrocytes are seeded on a scaffold, which is then secured in the OLT. More recently, 1-step procedures have been developed in which scaffolds and/or orthobiologics, including bone marrow aspirate concentrate(BMAC) and platelet-rich plasma(PRP), and hyaluronic acid(HA) have been used to augment microfracture with the intention of overcoming the 2-step procedures while concurrently promoting chondrogenic differentiation of endogenous stem cells. Matrix-augmented BMS is one such technique that has been reported with good results in case series.

In the future, an advanced strategy for tissue engineering with gene therapy may influence the quality of integration and longevity in treatment of OLT.
Coal burning-derived SO2 and traffic-derived NO2 are associated with persistent cough and current wheezing symptoms among schoolchildren in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Authors: Enkh-Undraa Dambajamts , Kanda Seiji , Shima Masayuki , Shimono Takaki , Miyake Mari , Yoda Yoshiko , Nagnii Saijaa , Nishiyama Toshimasa
Published: November 2019

Background

Children in Ulaanbaatar are exposed to air pollution, but few epidemiological studies have been conducted on the effects of environmental risk factors on children’s health. Also, no studies have yet examined the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in children in suburban areas, where air quality-monitoring stations have not yet been installed. This cross-sectional study evaluated the associations between outdoor air pollution and respiratory symptoms among schoolchildren in urban and suburban districts of Ulaanbaatar.

Methods

The ATS-DLD-78 C questionnaire was used to investigate the respiratory symptoms of schoolchildren aged 6–12 years (n = 1190) who lived in one of three urban districts or a suburban district of Ulaanbaatar. In each district, the outdoor concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) were measured at two sites (at ≤100 m and > 100 m from the nearest major road) in the 2-year period from 2015 to 2016. The associations between health outcomes and exposure to air pollutants were estimated using the multinomial logistic regression method.

Results

The outdoor concentration of SO2was significantly associated with persistent cough symptom (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.04–1.22). Furthermore, the outdoor concentration of NO2was significantly associated with the current wheezing symptom (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.01–1.75) among children in urban and suburban.

Conclusions

The prevalence of persistent cough symptom was markedly high among the schoolchildren in urban/suburban districts of Ulaanbaatar. Overall, the increases in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among children might be associated with ambient air pollution in Ulaanbaatar.
Improving the Glossiness of Cooked Rice, an Important Component of Visual Rice Grain Quality
Authors: Park Seul-Gi , Park Hyun-Su , Baek Man-Kee , Jeong Jong-Min , Cho Young-Chan , Lee Gun-Mi , Lee Chang-Min , Suh Jung-Pil , Kim Choon-Song , Kim Suk-Man
Published: November 2019

Background

Rice is one of the few cereals consumed as a whole grain, and therefore the appearance of the final milled product, both before and after cooking, strongly influences the consumer’s perception of product quality. Matching consumer preference for rice grain quality is a key component of rice variety development programs, as the quality drives demand, which in turn drives variety adoption, market price, and profitability. The quality of cooked rice is normally evaluated indirectly, through measurement of key elements driving quality as well as more directly by sensory evaluation, but remains a complex trait conditioned by the genetic complexity of factors driving quality, changes wrought by environment, and the complexity of consumer preferences.

Result

In this study, we evaluated 17 traits, including the taste value obtained by glossiness of cooked rice (TV), to explain rice eating quality by statistical methods and identified QTLs associated with TV. To explain the correlation among traits, exploratory factor analysis was performed for 2 years. The overall eating quality (OE) was correlated with TV and protein content loading at the same factor (PA1) in 2017, and there was a relationship between the OE (PA1) and the TV (PA2) in 2018 (PA1:PA2,r = 0.3). In QTL analysis using 174 RILs, three QTLs for TV derived from Wandoaengmi6 were detected on chromosomes 4, 6, and 9. The QTLqTV9delimited within Id9007180 and 9,851,330 on chromosome 9 was detected in both years, explaining approximately 17% of the variation, on average. Through the use of fine mapping,qTV9was delimited to an approximately 34-Kbp segment flanked by the DNA markers CTV9_9 and CTV9_13, and nine ORFs were listed in the target region as candidate genes associated with TV. In the evaluation ofqTV9’seffect on OE, the lines withqTV9showed a significant increase in correlation coefficiency compared to the negative lines. These data will apply to functional analysis on the glossiness and the MAS breeding program to improve the eating quality ofjaponicaas a donor line.

Conclusion

In this paper we report a number of QTL associated with changes in glossiness of cooked rice, and these may have utility in the development of MAS in breeding programs with a specific focus on cooked grain quality.
Spontaneous haemorrhage of an adrenal angiomyolipoma: case report
Authors: Whiting Danielle , Rudd Ian , Goel Amit , Sriprasad Seshadri , Madaan Sanjeev
Published: November 2019

Background

Angiomyolipomas are rare mesenchymal tumours arising from the perivascular epithelioid cells consisting of variable amounts of adipose, thick-walled blood vessels and smooth muscle cells. These benign tumours commonly occur in the kidney with only a few case reports of adrenal angiomyolipomas which have the potential to reach a large size and haemorrhage.

Case presentation

A 45-year-old lady presented with a 3-week history of right loin pain, nausea and vomiting. A CT scan revealed a right adrenal angiomyolipoma measuring 6.3 × 6.8 cm with associated haemorrhage. The lesion was successfully treated with right open adrenalectomy, and histology confirmed the diagnosis of adrenal angiomyolipoma. The patient remained well with no evidence of recurrence at the 36-month follow-up.

Conclusion

Adrenal angiomyolipomas are rare benign tumours that have the ability to reach a large size and potential to bleed. Here, we report the second case of spontaneous haemorrhage in an adrenal angiomyolipoma, which was successfully treated with open adrenalectomy.
Potential based, spatial simulation of dynamically nested particles
Authors: Köster Till , Henning Philipp , Uhrmacher Adelinde M.
Published: November 2019

Background

To study cell biological phenomena which depend on diffusion, active transport processes, or the locations of species, modeling and simulation studies need to take space into account. To describe the system as a collection of discrete objects moving and interacting in continuous space, various particle-based reaction diffusion simulators for cell-biological system have been developed. So far the focus has been on particles as solid spheres or points. However, spatial dynamics might happen at different organizational levels, such as proteins, vesicles or cells with interrelated dynamics which requires spatial approaches that take this multi-levelness of cell biological systems into account.

Results

Based on the perception of particles forming hollow spheres, ML-Force contributes to the family of particle-based simulation approaches: in addition to excluded volumes and forces, it also supports compartmental dynamics and relating dynamics between different organizational levels explicitly. Thereby, compartmental dynamics, e.g., particles entering and leaving other particles, and bimolecular reactions are modeled using pair-wise potentials (forces) and the Langevin equation. In addition, forces that act independently of other particles can be applied to direct the movement of particles. Attributes and the possibility to define arbitrary functions on particles, their attributes and content, to determine the results and kinetics of reactions add to the expressiveness of ML-Force. Its implementation comprises a rudimentary rule-based embedded domain-specific modeling language for specifying models and a simulator for executing models continuously. Applications inspired by cell biological models from literature, such as vesicle transport or yeast growth, show the value of the realized features. They facilitate capturing more complex spatial dynamics, such as the fission of compartments or the directed movement of particles, and enable the integration of non-spatial intra-compartmental dynamics as stochastic events.

Conclusions

By handling all dynamics based on potentials (forces) and the Langevin equation, compartmental dynamics, such as dynamic nesting, fusion and fission of compartmental structures are handled continuously and are seamlessly integrated with traditional particle-based reaction-diffusion dynamics within the cell. Thereby, attributes and arbitrary functions allow to flexibly describe diverse spatial phenomena, and relate dynamics across organizational levels. Also they prove crucial in modeling intra-cellular or intra-compartmental dynamics in a non-spatial manner, and, thus, to abstract from spatial dynamics, on demand which increases the range of multi-compartmental processes that can be captured.
A general-purpose signal processing algorithm for biological profiles using only first-order derivative information
Authors: Liu Yuanjie , Lin Jianhan
Published: November 2019

Background

Automatic signal-feature extraction algorithms are crucial for profile processing in bioinformatics. Both baseline drift and noise seriously affect the position and peak area of signals. An efficient algorithm named the derivative passing accumulation (DPA) method for simultaneous baseline correction and signal extraction is presented in this article. It is an efficient method using only the first-order derivatives which are obtained through taking the simple differences.

Results

We developed a new signal feature extracting procedure. The vector representing the discrete first-order derivative was divided into negative and positive parts and then accumulated to build a signal descriptor. The signals and background fluctuations are easily separated according to this descriptor via thresholding. In addition, the signal peaks are simultaneously located by checking the corresponding intervals in the descriptor. Therefore, the eternal issues of parsing the 1-dimensional output of detectors in biological instruments are solved together. Thereby, the baseline is corrected, and the signal peaks are extracted.

Conclusions

We have introduced a new method for signal peak picking, where baseline computation and peak identification are performed jointly. The testing results of both authentic and artificially synthesized data illustrate that the new method is powerful, and it could be a better choice for practical processing.
Correction to: A miRNA catalogue and ncRNA annotation of the short-living fish Nothobranchius furzeri
Authors: Baumgart Mario , Barth Emanuel , Savino Aurora , Groth Marco , Koch Philipp , Petzold Andreas , Arisi Ivan , Platzer Matthias , Marz Manja , Cellerino Alessandro
Published: November 2019

Following the publication of this article [1], the authors reported that the images of Figs. 1, 2 and 3 were published in the incorrect order, whereby they mismatch with their captions.
Is geographical variation driving the transcriptomic responses to multiple stressors in the kelp Saccharina latissima?
Authors: Machado Monteiro Cátia Marina , Li Huiru , Bischof Kai , Bartsch Inka , Valentin Klaus Ulrich , Corre Erwan , Collén Jonas , Harms Lars , Glöckner Gernot , Heinrich Sandra
Published: November 2019

Background

Kelps (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae) are brown macroalgae of utmost ecological, and increasingly economic, importance on temperate to polar rocky shores. Omics approaches in brown algae are still scarce and knowledge of their acclimation mechanisms to the changing conditions experienced in coastal environments can benefit from the application of RNA-sequencing.

Despite evidence of ecotypic differentiation, transcriptomic responses from distinct geographical locations have, to our knowledge, never been studied in the sugar kelpSaccharina latissimaso far.

Results

In this study we investigated gene expression responses using RNA-sequencing ofS. latissimafrom environments with contrasting temperature and salinity conditions – Roscoff, in temperate eastern Atlantic, and Spitsbergen in the Arctic. Juvenile sporophytes derived from uniparental stock cultures from both locations were pre-cultivated at 8 °C and SA30. Sporophytes acclimated to 0 °C, 8 °C and 15 °C were exposed to a low salinity treatment (SA20) for 24 h. Hyposalinity had a greater impact at the transcriptomic level than the temperature alone, and its effects were modulated by temperature. Namely, photosynthesis and pigment synthesis were extensively repressed by low salinity at low temperatures. Although some responses were shared among sporophytes from the different sites, marked differences were revealed by principal component analysis, differential expression and GO enrichment. The interaction between low temperature and low salinity drove the largest changes in gene expression in sporophytes from Roscoff while specimens from Spitsbergen required more metabolic adjustment at higher temperatures. Moreover, genes related to cell wall adjustment were differentially expressed between Spitsbergen and Roscoff control samples.

Conclusions

Our study reveals interactive effects of temperature and salinity on transcriptomic profiles inS. latissima. Moreover, our data suggest that under identical culture conditions sporophytes from different locations diverge in their transcriptomic responses. This is probably connected to variations in temperature and salinity in their respective environment of origin. The current transcriptomic results support the plastic response pattern in sugar kelp which is a species with several reported ecotypes. Our data provide the baseline for a better understanding of the underlying processes of physiological plasticity and may help in the future to identify strains adapted to specific environments and its genetic control.
Abscisic acid synergizes with sucrose to enhance grain yield and quality of rice by improving the source-sink relationship
Authors: Chen Tingting , Li Guangyan , Islam Mohammad Rezaul , Fu Weimeng , Feng Baohua , Tao Longxing , Fu Guanfu
Published: November 2019

Background

Abscisic acid (ABA) and sucrose act as molecular signals in response to abiotic stress. However, how their synergy regulates the source-sink relationship has rarely been studied. This study aimed to reveal the mechanism underlying the synergy between ABA and sucrose on assimilates allocation to improve grain yield and quality of rice. The early indica rice cultivar Zhefu802 was selected and planted in an artificial climate chamber at 32/24 °C (day/night) under natural sunlight conditions. Sucrose and ABA were exogenously sprayed (either alone or in combination) onto rice plants at flowering and 10 days after flowering.

Results

ABA plus sucrose significantly improved both the grain yield and quality of rice, which was mainly a result of the higher proportion of dry matter accumulation and non-structural carbohydrates in panicles. These results were mainly ascribed to the large improvement in sucrose transport in the sheath-stems in response to the ABA plus sucrose treatment. In this process, ABA plus sucrose significantly enhanced the contents of starch, gibberellic acids, and zeatin ribosides as well as the activities and gene expression of enzymes involved in starch synthesis in grains. Additionally, remarkable increases in trehalose content and expression levels of trehalose-6-phosphate synthase1, trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase7, and sucrose non-fermenting related protein kinase 1A were also found in grains treated with ABA plus sucrose.

Conclusion

The synergy between ABA and sucrose increased grain yield and quality by improving the source-sink relationship through sucrose and trehalose metabolism in grains.
Correction to: Towards a patient journey perspective on causes of unplanned readmissions using a classification framework: results of a systematic review with narrative synthesis
Authors: Singotani R. G. , Karapinar F. , Brouwers C. , Wagner C. , de Bruijne M. C.
Published: November 2019

Due to an error introduced during copyediting of this article [1], following corrections need to be made.
Prediction of perioperative outcome after hepatic resection for pediatric patients
Authors: Liu Jianxia , Zhang Yunfei , Zhu Hai , Qiu Lin , Guo Chunbao
Published: November 2019

Background

Hepatic resection is associated with significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Optimising the surgical techniques and perioperative management may improve in operative morbidity and mortality. However, perioperative variables involved in the improvement for postoperative outcomes in pediatric hepatectomy have not been defined.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 156 consecutive pediatric patients who underwent hepatectomy at our center (an academic tertiary care hospital) between 2006 and 2016. Baseline demographic variables, intraoperative variables, complications, and hospital stay were explored. The patients were further investigated using univariate and multivariate analysis for the factors involved in the postoperative outcomes.

Results

Of the conditions requiring resections, malignant and benign liver diseases accounted for 47.4% (74/156) and 52.6% (82/156), respectively. The overall hospital mortality was 1.9% (3/156) and the overall postoperative complication rate was 44.2% (69/156). Anatomical resections were performed in 128 patients (82.1%), including 14(9.0%) extended hepatectomies. Eighty percent of patients had three or more segments resected. The median operative time was 167.7 (65–600) minutes and median estimated blood loss was 320.1(10–1600) mL. On multivariate analysis, the estimated blood loss (EBL) (mL) (OR, 2.19; 95CI, 1.18–3.13;p = 0.016), extent of hepatectomy (OR, 1.81; 95CI, 1.06–2.69;p = 0.001) and pringle maneuver (OR, 1.38; 95CI, 1.02–1.88;p = 0.038) were the independent predictors of postoperative complications.

Conclusions

Extent of hepatectomy and estimated blood loss are largely responsible for the perioperative complications. With the surgical devices and management amelioration, like pringle maneuver, the treatment planning may be optimize in pediatric liver resection.
Incidental finding of diffuse cavernous rectal haemangiomatosis during bowel cancer screening
Authors: Abeysekera Kushala W. M. , Pearl Daniel S. , Burn Paul , Lowe Andrew
Published: November 2019

Background

This case seeks to highlight to endoscopists a rare benign disorder that may be encountered during endoscopy. Clinicians may be tempted to biopsy, which could lead to a catastrophic gastrointestinal haemorrhage.

Case presentation

A 66-year-old asymptomatic Caucasian male was referred for colonoscopy with a positive faecal occult blood test as part of the UK national bowel cancer screening programme. Relevant past medical history included atrial fibrillation for which he took Dabigatran. He had a normal haemoglobin, mean cell volume, platelet and clotting function.

During colonoscopy, an unusual vascular pattern encompassing the entire rectum extending to the rectosigmoid junction was noted at intubation. The lesion demonstrated confluent circumferential purple discolouration indicating venous blood supply, with heaping up of the mucosa involving the entire rectum and rectosigmoid junction. There was no corresponding history of venothromboembolic disease or liver disease. The patient proceeded to have computed tomography (CT) which revealed a considerably thickened rectosigmoid wall with multiple small rounded punctate calcifications within it, and no other visceral involvement. Subsequent magnetic resonance (MR) scan of the pelvis demonstrated extensive diffuse thickening of the rectum and lower sigmoid with intermediate to high T2 signal, and an internal architecture of multiple ‘grapelike’ lobulations.

Conclusion

The findings were consistent with diffuse cavernous haemangiomatosis of the rectum (DCHR), an extremely rare benign submucosal vascular intestinal tumour originating from the dentate line. Misdiagnosis of DCHR is common and the macroscopic appearance of DCHR can mimic varices, haemorrhoids, polyps or proctitis. MR imaging is the gold standard for diagnosis. Common presentation is with haematochezia due to mucosal wall erosion. The treatment of choice for symptomatic DCHR is pull-through transection and colo-anal anastomosis. This case seeks to highlight a rare disorder that can be encountered incidentally during lower GI endoscopy. Injudicious biopsy is potentially catastrophic. In a patient who endoscopically has evidence of a DCHR, we advocate MR pelvis assessment to clarify the nature of the lesion to guide future management if required. The patient discussed remains well, asymptomatic, with no evidence of iron deficiency anaemia.
Enhanced coordination of care to reduce medication risks in older home care clients in primary care: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Toivo Terhi , Airaksinen Marja , Dimitrow Maarit , Savela Eeva , Pelkonen Katariina , Kiuru Valtteri , Suominen Tuula , Uunimäki Mira , Kivelä Sirkka-Liisa , Leikola Saija , Puustinen Juha
Published: November 2019

Background

As populations are aging, a growing number of home care clients are frail and use multiple, complex medications. Combined with the lack of coordination of care this may pose uncontrolled polypharmacy and potential patient safety risks. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a care coordination intervention on medication risks identified in drug regimens of older home care clients over a one-year period.

Methods

Two-arm, parallel, cluster randomized controlled trial with baseline and follow-up assessment at 12 months. The study was conducted in Primary Care in Lohja, Finland: all 5 home care units, the public healthcare center, and a private community pharmacy. Participants: All consented home care clients aged > 65 years, using at least one prescription medicine who were assessed at baseline and at 12 months. Intervention: Practical nurses were trained to make the preliminary medication risk assessment during home visits and report findings to the coordinating pharmacist. The coordinating pharmacist prepared the cases for the triage meeting with the physician and home care nurse to decide on further actions. Each patient’s physician made the final decisions on medication changes needed.

Outcomes were measured as changes in medication risks: use of potentially inappropriate medications and psychotropics; anticholinergic and serotonergic load; drug-drug interactions.

Results

Participants (n = 129) characteristics: mean age 82.8 years, female 69.8%, mean number of prescription medicines in use 13.1. The intervention did not show an impact on the medication risks between the original intervention group and the control group in the intention to treat analysis, but the per protocol analysis indicated tendency for effectiveness, particularly in optimizing central nervous system medication use. Half (50.0%) of the participants with a potential need for medication changes, agreed on in the triage meeting, had none of the medication changes actually implemented.

Conclusion

The care coordination intervention used in this study indicated tendency for effectiveness when implemented as planned. Even though the outcome of the intervention was not optimal, the value of this paper is in discussing the real world experiences and challenges of implementing new practices in home care.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02545257). Registered September 9 2015.
The prevalence of HIV among MSM in China: a large-scale systematic analysis
Authors: Dong Meng-Jie , Peng Bin , Liu Zhen-Feng , Ye Qian-ni , Liu Hao , Lu Xi-Li , Zhang Bo , Chen Jia-Jia
Published: November 2019

Background

The prevalence of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) has become a significant public health challenge. The aim was to comprehensively estimate the national prevalence of HIV among MSM and its time trends through a large-scale systematic analysis.

Methods

Systematic search of Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang Data databases without language restriction for studies on the prevalence of HIV among MSM published before Dec.31, 2018. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were published in the peer-reviewed literature and used validated assessment methods to assess the prevalence of HIV among MSM. Estimates were pooled using random-effects analysis.

Results

Data were extracted from 355 cross-sectional studies (571,328 individuals) covered 59 cities from 30 provinces and municipalities of China. The overall national prevalence of HIV among MSM from 2001 to 2018 was estimated to be 5.7% (95% CI: 5.4–6.1%), with high between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 98.0%,P <  0.001). Our study showed an increased tendency in the HIV prevalence as time progressed by meta-regression analysis (I2 = 95.9%,P <  0.0001). HIV prevalence was the highest in those aged 50 years and older with HIV prevalence of 19.3% (95%CI: 13.1-27.4%,N = 13). HIV was more prevalent in the illiterate population (16.8%), than in those who had received an education. Although the internet was a major venue for Chinese MSM seeking male sex partners (35.6, 95%CI: 32.3-39.9%,N = 101), seeking MSM in bathhouses/saunas had the highest associated prevalence of HIV (13.4, 95%CI: 10.3-17.1%,N = 22). The HIV prevalence among MSM varied by location: compared with other regions in China, HIV was highly prevalent among MSM in the southwest (10.7, 95%CI: 9.3-12.2%,N = 91). Compared to participants who sometimes or always used condoms, participants who had never used a condom in the past 6 months had a higher risk of HIV infection, with odds ratios of 0.1 (95%CI: 0.08-0.14).

Conclusions

Our analysis provided reliable estimates of China’s HIV burden among MSM, which appears to present an increasing national public health challenge. Effective government responses are needed to address this challenge and include the implementation of HIV prevention.
Pregnancy outcomes of Q fever: prospective follow-up study on Reunion island
Authors: Mboussou Yoan , Jaubert Julien , Larrieu Sophie , Atiana Laura , Naze Florence , Folio Christine , Randrianaivo Hanitra , Bertolotti Antoine , Picot Sandrine , Robillard Pierre-Yves , Boukerrou Malik , Gérardin Patrick
Published: November 2019

Background

Q fever has been associated with perinatal complications. We conducted a prospective follow-up study to assess both the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) associated withCoxiella burnetiiinfection and the contribution of Q fever to APOs.

Methods

Between May 1 and October 31, 2013, within the regional perinatal health care centre of Saint Pierre, Reunion island, we investigated unexplained miscarriages, stillbirths, preterm births or small-for-gestational age children. Seropositivity forC. burnetiiantibodies was defined using indirect immunofluorescence for a phase 2 IgG titre ≥1:64. Acute Q fever was defined for a high phase 2 IgG titre ≥1:256 (compatible with recent or active infection) or the detection ofC. burnetiigenome in miscarriage products and placentas. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) for Q fever related APOs (taken as a composite outcome or individually) were assessed using Poisson regression models for dichotomous outcomes controlling major confounders.

Results

Over a 6-month period, 179 pregnant women suspected or diagnosed with an APO were investigated for Q fever, of whom 118 met the definition for an APO. Of these, 19 were seropositive and 10 presented a profile indicative of an acute infection. For three women with an acute Q fever, the chronology between the onset of infection, the APO (2 miscarriages, 1 preterm birth) and the seroconversion suggested causality in the pathogenesis. The cumulative incidence of Q fever related APOs was estimated between 2.2‰ and 5.2‰, whether causality was required or not. BothC. burnetiiexposure and acute Q fever were independently associated with APOs (IRR 1.55, 95% CI 1.31–1.84; IRR 1.47, 95% CI 1.15–1.89, respectively).

Conclusions

In the endemic context of Reunion island, acute Q fever may lead to APOs. To limit the burden of Q fever on reproduction, pregnant women should be kept away from farms and avoid direct contact with ruminants.
Delayed diagnosis of acromegaly in a patient with focal segmental Glomerulosclerosis: a rare case report and literature review
Authors: Zheng Jia , Cui Zhao , Lv Ji-cheng , Duan Hong-zhou , Wang Su-xia , Zhang Jun-qing , Zhou Fu-de , Guo Xiao-hui , Zhao Ming-hui
Published: November 2019

Background

Experimental studies have demonstrated that hypersecretion of growth hormone (GH) is associated with development of glomerular sclerosis. However, clinical case of such condition is very rare. Here we presented a case of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) associated with acromegaly.

Case presentation

A 63-year-old man was diagnosed as nephrotic syndrome with minimal change disease for 2 years. Prednisone 1 mg/kg/day for 9 months led to no response. After admission, the second kidney biopsy indicated FSGS (NOS variant). On admission, his acromegalic features were noticed and he complained with a 20-year history of soft tissue swelling of hands and feet. Serum GH and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) concentrations were both elevated significantly. An oral glucose tolerance test showed inadequate suppression of serum GH. The presence of a pituitary macroadenoma with a diameter of 1.4 cm by MRI confirmed the diagnosis of acromegaly. Then, the tumor was subtotally removed by trans-sphenoidal surgery. Partial remission of proteinuria was achieved 3 months after surgery and maintained during follow-up, with gradual reduce of corticosteroid.

Conclusions

This rare case suggested that the hypersecretion of GH may participate, at least in part, in FSGS development and progression. Early diagnosis and treatment of acromegaly is beneficial.
A patient with McLeod syndrome showing involvement of the central sensorimotor tracts for the legs
Authors: Murakami Takenobu , Abe Dan , Matsumoto Hideyuki , Tokimura Ryo , Abe Mitsunari , Tiksnadi Amanda , Kobayashi Shunsuke , Kaneko Chikako , Urata Yuka , Nakamura Masayuki , Sano Akira , Ugawa Yoshikazu
Published: November 2019

Background

McLeod syndrome is a rare X-linked recessive acanthocytosis associated with neurological manifestations including progressive chorea, cognitive impairment, psychiatric disturbances, seizures, and sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy. However, no studies have investigated the functioning of central sensorimotor tracts in patients with McLeod syndrome.

Case presentation

A 66-year-old man had experienced slowly progressive chorea and gait disturbance due to lower limb muscle weakness since his early fifties. Blood examinations showed erythrocyte acanthocytosis and the reduction of Kell antigens in red blood cells. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed atrophy of the bilateral caudate nuclei and putamen. The diagnosis of McLeod syndrome was confirmed by the presence of a mutation of the XK gene on the X chromosome. Somatosensory-evoked potential and transcranial magnetic stimulation studies demonstrated that the central sensory and motor conduction times were abnormally prolonged for the lower extremity but normal for the upper extremity.

Conclusions

This is the first report of the involvement of the central sensorimotor tracts for the legs in a patient with McLeod syndrome. The clinical neurophysiological technique revealed the central sensorimotor tracts involvements clinically masked by neuropathy.