bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent antigen exposure via the eryptotic pathway drives terminal T cell dysfunction
Authors: Watkins Elyse A. , Antane Jennifer T. , Roberts Jaeda L. , Lorentz Kristen M. , Zuerndorfer Sarah , Dunaif Anya C. , Bailey Lucas J. , Tremain Andrew C. , Nguyen Mindy , De Loera Roberto C. , Wallace Rachel P. , Weathered Rachel K. , Kontos Stephan , Hubbell Jeffrey A.
Published: February 2021

Targeting antigen to erythrocytes in vivo leads to a state of dysfunction and exhaustion in antigen-specific T cells.
Role of Plasmids in the Ecology and Evolution of “High-Risk” Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli Clones
Authors: Johnson Timothy J.
Published: February 2021

Bacterial plasmids have been linked to virulence in
Escherichia coli
and
Salmonella
since their initial discovery. Though the plasmid repertoire of these bacterial species is extremely diverse, virulence-associated attributes tend to be limited to a small subset of plasmid types.
CwlQ Is Required for Swarming Motility but Not Flagellar Assembly in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Sanchez Sandra , Dunn Caroline M. , Kearns Daniel B.
Published: February 2021

Bacteria are surrounded by a wall of peptidoglycan and early work in
Bacillus subtilis
was the first to suggest that bacteria needed to enzymatically remodel the wall to permit insertion of the flagellum. No PG remodeling enzyme alone or in combination, however, has been found to be essential for flagellar assembly in
B. subtilis
.
Hepatitis C during disease modifying therapy with Fingolimod for Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Aslanyan Aram , Anwar-Hashim Zoheb , Siripurapu Rekha , Mihalova Tatiana
Published: February 2021

We present a case of 48-year-old woman with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), who switched disease modifying therapy from Copaxone to Fingolimod due to her clinical and radiological MS disease progression. Unexpectedly after 2.5 years of stable MS symptoms and liver function tests (LFTs), we noted deranged LFTs during routine testing. Additional investigations showed hepatitis C positivity, genotype 3. It is likely a case of hepatitis C reactivation secondary to prolonged immunosuppressive effects of Fingolimod. Although the increased risk of viral reactivation related to varicella zoster virus is known to occur with Fingolimod treatment, to our knowledge, this is only the second case of hepatitis C disease activity reported with Fingolimod treatment. We would like to raise the awareness of hepatitis C viral reactivation as a possible complication of prolonged immunosuppression with Fingolimod.
Frequent amplification of HDAC genes and efficacy of HDAC inhibitor chidamide and PD-1 blockade combination in soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Que Yi , Zhang Xiao-Long , Liu Ze-Xian , Zhao Jing-Jing , Pan Qiu-Zhong , Wen Xi-Zhi , Xiao Wei , Xu Bu-Shu , Hong Dong-Chun , Guo Tian-Hui , Shen Lu-Jun , Fan Wei-Jun , Chen Huo-Ying , Weng De-Sheng , Xu Hai-Rong , Zhou Peng-Hui , Zhang Yi-Zhuo , Niu Xiao-Hui , Zhang Xing
Published: February 2021

Background

The advent of immune checkpoint therapy has been a tremendous advance in cancer treatment. However, the responses are still insufficient in patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS). We aimed to identify rational combinations to increase the response to immune checkpoint therapy and improve survival.

Methods

Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed in 11 patients with liposarcoma. Somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) were analyzed at the gene level to identify obvious amplification patterns in drug-target genes. The expression and prognostic value of class I histone deacetylases (HDACs) was evaluated in 49 patients with sarcoma in our center and confirmed in 263 sarcoma samples from The Tumor Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Q-PCR, flow cytometry and RNA-seq were performed to determine the correlations between class I HDACs, chidamide and PD-L1 in vitro and in vivo. The efficacy of combining chidamide with PD-1 blockade was explored in an immunocompetent murine model and a small cohort of patients with advanced sarcoma. Western blot, ChIP assay and dual luciferase assessment were applied in the mechanistic study.

Results

The HDAC gene family was frequently amplified in STS. SCNAs in the HDAC gene family were extensively amplified in 8 of 11 (73%) patients with liposarcoma, based on a drug-target gene set, and we verified amplification in 76.65% (197/257) of cases by analyzing TCGA sarcoma cohort. Class I HDAC expression is associated with a poor prognosis for patients with STS, and its inhibition is responsible for promoting apoptosis and upregulating of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). The HDAC class I inhibitor chidamide significantly increases PD-L1 expression, increased the infiltration of CD8+T cells and reduced the number of MDSCs in the tumor microenvironment. The combination of chidamide with an anti-PD-1 antibody significantly promotes tumor regression and improves survival in a murine model. Moreover, chidamide combined with the anti-PD-1 antibody toripalimab is effective in patients with advanced and metastatic sarcoma, and the side effects are tolerable. Mechanistically, chidamide increases histone acetylation at the PD-L1 gene through the activation of the transcriptional factor STAT1.

Conclusions

The combination of chidamide and anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) therapy represents a potentially important strategy for STS.
Physical Activity after Cardiac EventS (PACES): a group education programme with subsequent text message support designed to increase physical activity in individuals with diagnosed coronary heart disease: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Herring Louisa Y , Dallosso Helen , Schreder Sally , Smith Emily J , Waheed Ghazala , Gray Laura J , Khunti Kamlesh , Yates Thomas , Highton Patrick J , Rowlands Alex V , Hudson Ian , Seidu Samuel , Davies Melanie J
Published: February 2021

Aim

To assess the effectiveness of a low-cost pragmatic intervention (structured education and ongoing text message support) to increase daily physical activity in participants 12–48 months after a coronary heart disease cardiac event (myocardial infarction, angina or acute coronary syndrome) diagnosis.

Methods

A single-centre randomised controlled trial of 291 adults randomised to a structured education programme (n=145) or usual care (n=146). The programme consisted of two 2.5 hour sessions delivered 2 weeks apart, followed by supplementary text message support. The GENEActiv accelerometer assessed the primary outcome at 12 months (change in overall physical activity (expressed in milli gravitational (mg) units) from baseline). Secondary outcomes included anthropometric, physical function, cardiovascular, biochemical and patient-reported outcome measures. Linear regression was used to compare outcome measures between groups on a modified intention-to-treat basis.

Results

Participants’ mean age was 66.5±9.7 years, 84.5% males, 82.5% white British and 15.5% south Asian. At 12 months, there was no difference between the groups in terms of change in overall physical activity (−0.23 mg(95% CI −1.22 to 0.75), p=0.64) and the programme was well accepted (88% attendance). Exploratory analyses showed that average moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels increased in individuals not meeting physical activity guidelines (≥150 min per week) on enrolment compared with those who did, by 8 minutes per day (8.04 (95% CI 0.99 to 15.10), p=0.03).

Conclusion

The programme was well attended but showed no change in physical activity levels. Results show high baseline MVPA levels and suggest that Physical Activity after Cardiac EventS education may benefit cardiac patients not currently meeting activity guidelines.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN91163727.
Characteristic Times for the Fermi–Ulam Model
Authors: Hermes Joelson D. Veloso , Leonel Edson D.
Published: February 2021

The mean Poincaré recurrence time as well as the Lyapunov time are measured for the Fermi–Ulam model. It is confirmed that the mean recurrence time is dependent on the size of the window chosen in the phase space where particles are allowed to return. The fractal dimension of the region is determined by the slope of the recurrence time against the size of the window and two numerical values are measured: (i) [Formula: see text] confirming normal diffusion for chaotic regions far from periodic domains and (ii) [Formula: see text] leading to anomalous diffusion measured inside islands of stability and invariant curves corresponding to regular orbits, a signature of local trapping of an ensemble of particles. The Lyapunov time is the inverse of the Lyapunov exponent. Therefore, the Lyapunov time is measured over different domains in the phase space through a direct determination of the Lyapunov exponent.
Presence of Megastability and Infinitely Many Equilibria in a Periodically and Quasi-Periodically Excited Single-Link Manipulator
Authors: Singh Jay Prakash , Koley Jit , Lochan Kshetrimayum , Roy Binoy Krishna
Published: February 2021

In the last two years, many chaotic or hyperchaotic systems with megastability have been reported in the literature. The reported systems with megastability are mostly developed from their dynamic equations without any reference to the physical systems. In this paper, the dynamics of a single-link manipulator is considered to observe the existence of interesting dynamical behaviors. When the considered dynamical system is excited with (a) periodically forced input or (b) quasi-periodically forced input, it indicates the existence of megastability. This paper reports megastability in a physical dynamical system with infinitely many equilibria. The considered system has other dynamical behaviors like chaotic, quasi-periodic and periodic. These behaviors are analyzed using Lyapunov spectrum, bifurcation diagram and phase plots. The simulation results reveal that the objectives of the paper are achieved successfully.
Average of geometric structures in Finsler spaces with Lorentzian signature
Authors: Gallego Torromé Ricardo
Published: February 2021

Given the class of Finsler spaces with Lorentzian signature [Formula: see text] on a manifold [Formula: see text] endowed with a timelike vector field [Formula: see text] satisfying [Formula: see text] at any point [Formula: see text] of the slit tangent bundle, a pseudo-Riemannian metric defined on [Formula: see text] of signature [Formula: see text] is associated to the fundamental tensor [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, an affine, torsion free connection is associated to the Chern connection determined by [Formula: see text]. The definition of the average connection does not make use of [Formula: see text]. Therefore, there is no direct relation between these two averaged objects.
pp-wave potential functions: A complete study using Noether symmetries
Authors: Obaidullah U. , Jamal Sameerah
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we examine the functional forms of the potentials [Formula: see text] that emerge from the Lagrangian of the pp-wave spacetime. To facilitate this investigation, Noether symmetries are employed as well as their linear combinations and subalgebras. We exploit the geometric fact that Noether point symmetries of geodesic Lagrangians are generated from the Homothetic algebra of spacetimes. Thus, we provide a complete analysis of the potentials of this spacetime, which are split into 14 isometry categories.
Bounds on the spectral sparsification of symmetric and off-diagonal nonnegative real matrices
Authors: Mercado Sergio , Villagra Marcos
Published: February 2021

We say that a square real matrix [Formula: see text] is off-diagonal nonnegative if and only if all entries outside its diagonal are nonnegative real numbers. In this paper, we show that for any off-diagonal nonnegative symmetric matrix [Formula: see text], there exists a nonnegative symmetric matrix [Formula: see text] which is sparse and close in spectrum to [Formula: see text].
Transplantation of Human Umbilical Cord‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improves Cartilage Repair in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Yang Guihua , Shao Jiashen , Lin Jiachen , Yang Haixia , Jin Jing , Yu Chenxi , Shen Bo , Hu Xiaorui , Si Huijie , Li Xiaoxin , Niu Yuchen , Wu Zhihong
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of transplanting human umbilical cord blood‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB‐MSCs) in the treatment of cartilage injury. First, the articular cartilage defect model in rabbits was constructed. Then, the identified hUCB‐MSCs and rabbit bone marrow stem cells (rBM‐MSCs) were transplanted into the bone defect, respectively, and the cartilage repair effect was observed by hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemistry. Besides, the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content and biomechanics of the restoration area were also evaluated. In our study, hUCB‐MSCs and rBM‐MSCs exhibited typical MSC characteristics, with positive expressions of CD73, CD105, and CD90 and negative for CD45, CD34, CD14, and HLA‐DR. After the transplantation of hUCB‐MSCs and rBM‐MSCs, the overall quality of cartilage tissue was significantly improved, and the recipients did not show significant side effects in general. However, the expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13) in the de novo tissues of the hUCB‐MSCs and rBM‐MSCs groups was both increased, indicating that the novel tissues may have some potential osteoarthritic changes. In conclusion, our results suggest the therapeutic effect of hUCB‐MSCs transplantation in cartilage regeneration, providing a promising future in the clinical treatment of cartilage injury.
Comparative Anesthesia Effect of Brachial Plexus Block Based on Smart Electronic Medical Ultrasound-Guided Positioning and Traditional Anatomical Positioning
Authors: Yu Zhaoxiang , Liu Yang , Zhu Chunlei
Published: February 2021

With the intensification of population aging, the improvement of visualization technology, and the concept of accelerated rehabilitation surgery, the anesthesia method of upper extremity surgery is gradually changing. However, these methods are often caused by anatomical variations and often have low block success rates and patient satisfaction. The neuroanatomical position should be accurately located so that the puncture needle is right next to the nerve bundle or in the nerve sheath. This is very important for implementing accurate brachial plexus anesthesia. This article uses ultrasound-guided positioning technology and traditional anatomical positioning technology for brachial plexus block treatment, aiming to explore the anesthesia effect of brachial plexus block with different techniques. This article selects 120 patients undergoing brachial plexus block surgery for forearm or hand surgery and divides these 120 patients into 6 groups with 20 people in each group. The first 3 groups were treated with brachial plexus block using ultrasound-guided positioning technology. The latter 3 groups were treated with brachial plexus block using traditional anatomical positioning technology. Experiments proved that during anesthesia, compared with the ultrasound group, the heart rate of the traditional anatomy group was significantly decreased (

P
<
0.05

), and the average arterial pressure of the six groups of patients at each time point had no statistical difference (

P
>
0.05

). This shows that whether it is ultrasound-guided positioning technology or traditional anatomical positioning technology, it has no effect on the average arterial pressure of the patient at each time point. In addition to intuitive and accurate viewing of needle and nerve contact, ultrasound real-time guidance allows intuitive viewing of anesthesia. This is a special advantage of nerve block under ultrasound guidance.
A derrubada de cada estátua é um apelo
Authors: Rahme Anna Maria Abrão Khoury
Published: February 2021

O artigo aborda aspectos que envolvem a manutenção patrimonial ou a demolição sumária dos ditos monumentos honoríficos, a inserir observações críticas nos debates sobre a derrubada das estátuas e selecionar como objeto de estudos duas obras – ambas denunciadas por alguns grupos como elegias ao escravismo brasileiro – de autoria de Júlio Guerra: Borba Gato e Mãe Preta, examinadas sob a ótica das ideias de Georges Didi-Huberman a respeito das imagens.
Covid-19 e museus: sintomas versus evidências
Authors: Lourenço Maria Cecília França
Published: February 2021

O texto visa inquirir sobre intervenções online em obras museais, na pandemia, advinda da atual Síndrome. Criações icônicas foram espelhadas, mas também relidas. Debate-se: museus nutririam os elos com o público ao voltar ao normal? A ação se abrirá a outros? Por que se optou por tais criações e órgãos? Seria sintoma de atributo raro, ou o renome se originou de marketing? Teria a crise suscitado diálogo com museu, em forma de lazer? Vivificou-se o papel de bem cultural?
Herpetofauna assemblage in two watershed areas of Kumoan Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Ahmed Kaleem , Khan Jamal A.
Published: February 2021

We surveyed herpetofauna along the poorly-explored region of two watersheds of Kumoan Himalaya, Dabka and Khulgarh.  Adaptive cluster method was used to collect forest floor reptiles, and stream transect was used for stream reptiles and amphibians.  In total, 18 species of reptiles were recorded in two watersheds, with 15 and nine species recorded in Dabka and Khulgarh, respectively.  Forest floor density of reptiles was 87.5/ha in Dabka and 77.7/ha in Khulgarh.  In terms of species, Asymblepharus ladacensis and Lygosoma punctatus density were highest in Dabka and Khulgarh, respectively.  Eight species of amphibians were recorded in Dabka with a density of 9.4/ha and four species in Khulgarh with density of 5.2/ha.  In both watersheds, density of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis was highest.  Reptilian and amphibian diversity of Dabka was 1.52 and 1.23, respectively, and in Khulgarh 0.43 and 0.23, respectively.  In both watersheds reptile density, diversity and richness decreased with increasing elevation.  Reptile density showed a weak correlation with microhabitat features such as litter cover, litter depth, and soil moisture in both watersheds.  Amphibian density was positively correlated with soil moisture, litter cover, and litter depth.  Comparison showed that Dabka is richer and more diverse than Khulgarh, presumably because of the undisturbed habitat, broad and slow stream, and deeper forest litter of the former.
Small mammals in the human-dominated landscape in the northern Western Ghats of India
Authors: Bajaru Sameer , Kulavmode Amol R. , Manakadan Ranjit
Published: February 2021

The Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot is under huge anthropogenic pressure, with unique flora and fauna facing severe threats from habitat fragmentation, loss, and degradation.  The northern Western Ghats has been poorly studied for its small mammal fauna, hence we examined small mammals near Pune from 2014 to 2017.  Live trapping was carried out in irrigated and rainfed agriculture fields, forests, and grasslands at low, mid, and high elevations.  A total of 538 individuals were trapped, representing 17 species of rodents and one shrew.  Most abundantly captured species were Millardia kondana (23%), Mus saxicola (19%), Suncus murinus (17%), and Mus booduga (13%).  Species richness and abundance of small mammals varied across the habitats.  High elevation grasslands were species-rich relative to low elevation grasslands and forests.  Our observations indicate that human disturbances play a role in determining the richness and abundance of small mammals in the area, where populations are under threat from urbanization, tourism, agriculture, grazing, and fire.  Habitat and species specific conservation measures need to be taken, coupled with in-depth species–habitat relationship studies, for the conservation of small mammal diversity of the northern Western Ghats.
Association of Psychosocial Factors With Short‐Term Resting Heart Rate Variability: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Shah Anish S. , Alonso Alvaro , Whitsel Eric A. , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Vaccarino Viola , Shah Amit J.
Published: February 2021

Background

Psychosocial factors predict heart disease risk, but our understanding of underlying mechanisms is limited. We sought to evaluate the physiologic correlates of psychosocial factors by measuring their relationships with heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of autonomic health, in the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study. We hypothesize that increased psychosocial stress associates with lower HRV.

Methods and Results

We studied 9331 participants in ARIC with short‐term HRV data at visits 2 and 4. The mean (SD) age was 54.4 (5.7) years, 55% were women, and 25% were Black. Psychosocial factors included: (1) vital exhaustion (VE), (2) anger proneness, a personality trait, and (3) perceived social support. Linear models adjusted for sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors. Low frequency HRV (ln ms
2
) was significantly lower in the highest versus lowest quartiles of VE (B=−0.14, 95% CI, −0.24 to −0.05). When comparing this effect to age (B=−0.04, 95% CI, −0.05 to −0.04), the difference was equivalent to 3.8 years of accelerated aging. Perceived social support associated with lower time‐domain HRV. High VE (versus low VE) also associated with greater decreases in low frequency over time, and both anger and VE associated with greater increases in resting heart rate over time. Survival analyses were performed with Cox models, and no evidence was found that HRV explains the excess risk found with high VE and low perceived social support.

Conclusions

Vital exhaustion, and to a lesser extent anger and social support, were associated with worse autonomic function and greater adverse changes over time.
Adverse Outcomes Associated With Higher Mean Blood Pressure and Greater Blood Pressure Variability Immediately After Successful Embolectomy in Those With Acute Ischemic Stroke, and the Influence of Pretreatment Collateral Circulation Status
Authors: Liu Dacheng , Nie Ximing , Pan Yuesong , Yan Hongyi , Pu Yuehua , Wei Yufei , Cai Yuan , Ding Yarong , Lu Qixuan , Zhang Zhe , Gu Weibin , Hou Xinyi , Yang Zhonghua , Wen Miao , Wang Penglian , Ma Gaoting , Ma Ning , Miao Zhongrong , Leng Xinyi , Yan Bernard , Davis Stephen M. , Wang Yongjun , Liu Liping
Published: February 2021

Background

To investigate whether collateral status could modify the associations between post‐thrombectomy blood pressure (BP) measures and outcomes.

Methods and Results

Patients with anterior‐circulation large‐vessel‐occlusion successfully recanalized in a multicenter endovascular thrombectomy registry were enrolled. Pretreatment collateral status was graded and dichotomized (good/poor) in angiography. Maximum, minimum, and mean systolic BP (SBP) and BP variability (assessed by the SD, coefficient of variation) during the initial 24 hours after endovascular thrombectomy were obtained. The primary outcome was unfavorable 90‐day outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 3–6). Secondary outcomes included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 90‐day mortality. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of BP parameters over the outcomes were obtained in all patients and in patients with good/poor collaterals. Among 596 patients (mean age 66 years; 59.9% males), 302 (50.7%) patients had unfavorable 90‐day outcome. In multivariable analyses, higher mean SBP (aOR, 1.59 per 10 mm Hg increment; 95% CI, 1.26–2.02;
P
<0.001), mean SBP >140 mm Hg (versus ≤120 mm Hg; aOR, 4.27; 95% CI, 1.66–10.97;
P
=0.002), and higher SBP SD (aOR, 1.08 per 1‐SD increment; 95% CI, 1.01–1.16;
P
=0.02) were respectively associated with unfavorable 90‐day outcome in patients with poor collateral but not in those with good collateral. A marginal interaction between SBP coefficient of variation tertiles and collaterals on 90‐day functional outcome (
P
for interaction, 0.09) was observed. A significant interaction between SBP coefficient of variation tertiles and collaterals on 90‐day mortality (
P
for interaction, 0.03) was observed.

Conclusions

Higher postprocedural BP is associated with 90‐day unfavorable outcomes after successful endovascular thrombectomy in patients with poor collateral.

Registration

URL:
https://www.chictr.org.cn
; Unique identifier: ChiCTR1900022154.
Morphology, molecular profiles and distribution of Japanese populations of Steinernema tielingense Ma, Chen, Li, Han, Khatri-Chhetri, De Clercq & Moens, 2012 (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae)
Authors: Mamiya Yasuharu , Akiba Mitsuteru , Ekino Taisuke , Kanzaki Natsumi
Published: February 2021

Steinernema tielingense was found to be widely distributed in Japan. The molecular characteristics of the nematodes isolated from Japan are basically in accordance with those mentioned in the original description of S. tielingense. However, the Japanese isolates are morphologically distinct from the type population by the following characters: length of the infective juvenile, 711 (671-769) μm, excretory pore of adult males and infective juveniles located posterior mid-pharynx, D% < 50%, smaller H value of 35% and shorter spicules in adult males of both generations. Although discrepancies in morphology and morphometric data between the Chinese isolate and Japanese isolate were observed, the molecular data matched and on this basis the Japanese isolate was identified as being conspecific with S. tielingense. The symbiotic bacterium isolated from the Japanese population of S. tielingense was identified as Xenorhabdus bovienii.
The “Elephant Mosaic” Panel from the Huqoq Synagogue: Ehud Ben Gera in Jewish-Galilean Traditions
Authors: Yoskovich Avraham
Published: February 2021

The so-called Elephant Mosaic panel from the Huqoq synagogue floor has sparked intense scholarly debate regarding its interpretation. This article proposes a biblical episode as its topic: the killing of the Moabite king Eglon by Ehud ben Gera (Judges 3). Reading the panels as a unified composition, the biblical-midrashic interpretation offered here combines biblical elements with their rabbinic interpretations. The importance of the latter inheres in their reflection of the Galilean milieu contemporary with the Huqoq community. The suggested interpretation also shares common motifs with another source, Megillat Antiochus, thus raising the question of whether, as interpreted here, the Byzantine artistic elements shed light on how the Huqoq community portrayed biblical themes and transmitted later traditions, especially those connected to divine deliverance.
Jewish Palestinian Aramaic: Chronology, Geography, and Typology
Authors: Fassberg Steven E.
Published: February 2021

Jewish Palestinian Aramaic was the language of the Jews of Palestine and is identifiable from around the third or fourth centuries CE until the last centuries of the first millennium, by which time it was completely displaced in speech by Arabic. This article surveys its origins and subsequent stages of development, chronologically from Palestinian Targumic to Palestinian Talmudic to Late Jewish Literary Aramaic. Geonic and post-Geonic scribes were not kind to manuscripts written in Jewish Palestinian Aramaic since they did not know the language and were influenced by the more prestigious Babylonian Aramaic. As a result, they sometimes inserted Aramaic forms they knew from non-Palestinian texts. It is probably these scribes who are responsible for the ‘gemischtem Sprachtypus’ of the late targumim.
A guide to the identification of diaspores of the main macrophytes in the Pantanal
Authors: CATIAN GISELE , DE LIMA GABRIEL TIRINTAN , FABIANO VITORIA SILVA , GONÇALVES VINÍCIUS MANVAILER , SCREMIN-DIAS EDNA
Published: February 2021

As a major component in plant evolution and reproduction, diaspores are often central to research, not only in botany, but also in zoology, ecology, and limnology. Yet, identification of these structures without the original plant is difficult and hinder the development of research in cases in which the mother plant is not known e.g. in seed bank research or studies with animals (stomach contents, feces, nests) that are associated with diaspores. This guide is a novel resource to the identification of the main species of the Pantanal’s aquatic flora, with high quality photographs of diaspores—except for grass-like Cyperaceae. Diaspores were collected from 53 species (22 families) that occur in different water bodies in the Pantanal. Photographs were organized in plates in alphabetical order of plant families according to APG IV. Among represented taxa are macroalgae (Chara and Nitella), ferns (Salvinia and Marsilea) and Angiosperms (Onagraceae (7), Fabaceae (7), Alismataceae (6), and Polygonaceae (5) presented the highest number of species). This guide also can contribute to insights into community patterns prior to disturbances, carried out through seed bank identification, important in environmental restoration work.
The identity of Cirsium henryi (Asteraceae, Cardueae)
Authors: JIN ZI-CHAO , CHEN YOU-SHENG
Published: February 2021

Cirsium forrestii, C. melanoplepis and C. taliense have been usually treated as synonyms of C. henryi. Our critical examination of type materials and field observation reveals that all the three taxa are actually not conspecific with C. henryi. Cirsium forrestii and C. taliense should be both reinstated as independent species, whileas C. melanoplepis is in fact conspecific with C. forrestii. Cirsium taliense is found conspecific with C. chlorolepis, and C. chlorolepis is newly treated as a synonym for C. taliense. We modified the description of C. henryi, which in fact only occurs in Hubei province of China. Lectotypification is proposed for C. henryi  and C. taliense.
Participatory budgeting and government efficiency: evidence from municipal governments in South Korea
Authors: Jung Sun-Moon
Published: February 2021

The current study evaluates the role of a democratic institution—participatory budgeting—in improving government efficiency. Participatory institutions aim to enhance governance, information sharing, and the responsiveness of political agents to citizens, leading to fiscal accountability and efficiency. Drawing from a database of 221 municipal governments in South Korea around a mandatory participatory budgeting adoption period, we find that participatory budgeting adoptions are followed by improvement in multiple dimensions of government efficiency. In particular, municipal governments experience statistically significant improvements in their fiscal sustainability and administrative efficiency. In additional analysis, we find that the efficiency improvements are more pronounced in the presence of strong mayoral leadership. Overall findings suggest that participatory budgeting programs contribute to fiscal health and administrative efficiency, above and beyond their role in securing fiscal democracy.

Points for practitioners

The current study suggests that participatory budget systems not only contribute to quality in democracy (as prior studies have found), but also improve fiscal efficiency and accountability by serving as a bottom-up governance mechanism. We document that introductions of participatory budgeting programs are followed by statistically significant improvements in fiscal sustainability and administrative efficiency. The results also indicate that the efficiency-improvement effect differs across municipalities, depending on their political environments. Overall, this study provides a strong argument for the participatory budgeting system by empirically supporting its efficiency-improvement effect.
Nonmedical Marijuana Use and Cardiovascular Events: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yang Peter K. , Odom Erika C. , Patel Roshni , Loustalot Fleetwood , Coleman King Sallyann
Published: February 2021

Introduction:

Although marijuana use has increased since 2012, the perceived risk of adverse outcomes has decreased. This systematic review summarizes articles that examined the association between nonmedical marijuana use (ie, observed smoking, self-report, or urinalysis) and cardiovascular events in observational or experimental studies of adults aged ≥18.

Methods:

We searched Medline, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane Library Database, and Global Health from January 1, 1970, through August 31, 2018. Of 3916 citations, 16 articles fit the following criteria: (1) included adults aged ≥18; (2) included marijuana/cannabis use that is self-reported smoked, present in diagnostic coding, or indicated through a positive diagnostic test; (3) compared nonuse of cannabis; (4) examined events related to myocardial infarction, angina, acute coronary syndrome, and/or stroke; (5) published in English; and (6) had observational or experimental designs.

Results:

Of the 16 studies, 4 were cohort studies, 8 were case-control studies, 1 was a case-crossover study, 2 were randomized controlled trials, and 1 was a descriptive study. Studies ranged from 10 participants to 118 659 619 hospitalizations. Marijuana use was associated with an increased likelihood of myocardial infarction within 24 hours in 2 studies and stroke in 6 studies. Results of studies suggested an increased risk for angina and acute coronary syndrome, especially among people with a history of a cardiovascular event.

Conclusion:

This review suggests that people who use marijuana may be at increased risk for cardiovascular events. As states expand new laws permitting marijuana use, it will be important to monitor the effect of marijuana use on cardiovascular disease outcomes, perhaps through the inclusion of data on nonmedical marijuana use in diverse national and local surveillance systems.
How uro-oncology has been affected by COVID-19 emergency? Data from Piedmont/Valle d’Aosta Oncological Network, Italy
Authors: Oderda Marco , Calleris Giorgio , Falcone Marco , Fasolis Giuseppe , Muto Giovanni , Oderda Gianluca , Porpiglia Francesco , Volpe Alessandro , Bertetto Oscar , Gontero Paolo
Published: February 2021

Introduction:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has dramatically hit all Europe and Northern Italy in particular. The reallocation of medical resources has caused a sharp reduction in the activity of many medical disciplines, including urology. The restricted availability of resources is expected to cause a delay in the treatment of urological cancers and to negatively influence the clinical history of many cancer patients. In this study, we describe COVID-19 impact on uro-oncological management in Piedmont/Valle d’Aosta, estimating its future impact.

Methods:

We performed an online survey in 12 urological centers, belonging to the Oncological Network of Piedmont/Valle d’Aosta, to estimate the impact of COVID-19 emergency on their practice. On this basis, we then estimated the medical working capacity needed to absorb all postponed uro-oncological procedures.

Results:

Most centers (77%) declared to be “much”/“very much” affected by COVID-19 emergency. If uro-oncological consultations for newly diagnosed cancers were often maintained, follow-up consultations were more than halved or even suspended in around two out of three centers. In-office and day-hospital procedures were generally only mildly reduced, whereas major uro-oncological procedures were more than halved or even suspended in 60% of centers. To clear waiting list backlog, the urological working capacity should dramatically increase in the next months; delays greater than 1 month are expected for more than 50% of uro-oncological procedures.

Conclusions:

COVID-19 emergency has dramatically slowed down uro-oncological activity in Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta. Ideally, uro-oncological patients should be referred to COVID-19-free tertiary urological centers to ensure a timely management.
The Anti-Capitalism of Pro-Slavery Discourse: Lessons Unlearned by Postmodernists
Authors: Brass Tom
Published: February 2021

Compared here is what links antebellum pro-slavery discourse to contemporary postmodern theory, and how a shared antagonism to capitalism and support for ‘those below’ constitutes a populist anti-capitalism of the right. Unlike the anti-capitalism of the left, that of the right mobilises on the basis of categories outside the working class. An idealised perception of traditional culture as empowering, plus a mutual dislike of laissez-faire underwrites the emergence and consolidation of the (non-class) identity politics endorsed by pro-slavery discourse and postmodernism, but against which Marxism warned. A consequence of this failure politically to differentiate opposition to capitalism is the current misunderstanding by postmodern theory of the deleterious impact of a globally burgeoning industrial reserve army on working class solidarity/organisation in metropolitan capitalist nations.
‘Wir schaffen das’: Hope and hospitality beyond the humanitarian border
Authors: Holzberg Billy
Published: February 2021

This article examines how hope for a different culture of hospitality has been articulated during the long summer of migration of 2015 in Germany by juxtaposing Angela Merkel’s ‘Wir schaffen das’ speeches with the cross-border migrant March of Hope. The article suggests that while Merkel’s rhetoric opens the horizon to a more hospitable Europe, her policies of humanitarian securitisation ultimately redistribute hope away from migrants and towards a German nation imagined to be in need of protection from them. Subsequently, the article turns to the March of Hope to see how the gesture of hospitality embedded in Merkel’s rhetoric was reinterpreted and resisted. It shows that cross-border marches reveal affective infrastructures of care and hospitality that extend beyond the humanitarian border enacted by the state. These infrastructures provide the space for intimate negotiations of citizenship in which the relationality of social life is not framed through the racialised emergency logics of biopolitical control.
Insufficient melanopic equivalent daylight illuminance in nursing home dementia units across seasons and gaze directions
Authors: Kolberg E , Pallesen S , Hjetland GJ , Nordhus IH , Thun E , Flo-Groeneboom E
Published: February 2021

Adequate illumination plays an important part in providing a healthy environment for nursing home patients with dementia. With increasing awareness of non-visual responses to light, new approaches to quantifying illuminance have emerged. In the present study, we assessed the illuminance in nursing home dementia units in terms of melanopic equivalent daylight illuminance, a metric which aims to quantify the non-visual physiological effects of light by weighing irradiance according to non-visual photoreception. It is among the most comprehensive studies of light conditions conducted in dementia units in terms of melanopic equivalent daylight illuminance to date, and the first to elucidate seasonal differences in melanopic illumination. Light conditions were assessed in all 15 nursing homes with dedicated long-term dementia units in Bergen municipality (60.39°N), Norway, during summer and winter. Results indicated that seasonal differences and gaze direction had some impact on melanopic equivalent daylight illuminance, but most measurements still fell below even conservative recommendations across seasons. The findings indicate a need for additional light sources that can compensate for limited natural daylight in dementia units. The ubiquity of insufficient melanopic equivalent daylight illuminance in dementia units suggests a role for lighting interventions in future research seeking to improve entrainment, sleep and mental health of dementia unit residents.
Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis for Treatment of Focal Cartilage Defects in the Knee: A Follow-up Study
Authors: Gille Justus , Reiss Ellen , Freitag Moritz , Schagemann Jan , Steinwachs Matthias , Piontek Tomasz , Reiss Eric
Published: February 2021

Background:

Autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) is a well-established treatment for full-thickness cartilage defects.

Purpose:

To evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of AMIC for the treatment of chondral lesions of the knee.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A multisite prospective registry recorded demographic data and outcomes for patients who underwent repair of chondral defects. In total, 131 patients were included in the study. Lysholm, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain were used for outcome analysis. Across all patients, the mean ± SD age of patients was 36.6 ± 11.7 years. The mean body weight was 80.0 ± 16.8 kg, mean height was 176.3 ± 7.9 cm, and mean defect size was 3.3 ± 1.8 cm2. Defects were classified as Outerbridge grade III or IV. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare outcomes across all time points.

Results:

The median follow-up time for the patients in this cohort was 4.56 ± 2.92 years. Significant improvement ( P < .001) in all scores was observed at 1 to 2 years after AMIC, and improved values were noted up to 7 years postoperatively. Among all patients, the mean preoperative Lysholm score was 46.9 ± 19.6. At the 1-year follow-up, a significantly higher mean Lysholm score was noted, with maintenance of the favorable outcomes at 7-year follow-up. The KOOS also showed a significant improvement of postoperative values compared with preoperative data. The mean VAS had significantly decreased during the 7-year follow-up. Age, sex, and defect size did not have a significant effect on the outcomes.

Conclusion:

AMIC is an effective method of treating chondral defects of the knee and leads to reliably favorable results up to 7 years postoperatively.
Anterolateral ligament reconstruction associated with hamstring ACL reconstruction reduces the rate of repeat graft ruptures in a population of young athletes at follow-up in 2 years
Authors: Laboudie Pierre , Douiri Adil , Graveleau Nicolas , Bouguennec Nicolas , Biset Alexandre
Published: February 2021

Objectives:

The rate of repeat graft ruptures in young athletes is a major concern after ACL reconstruction. Our objective was to evaluate the association between two reconstruction techniques and repeat ruptures, repeat surgery, return to sports and complications in center playing sportspersons younger than 20 years of age.

Methods:

A prospective study was conducted in patients under 20 years of age who were center players and who had primary ACL reconstruction with a semitendinosus graft (ST4) by a suspension technique, or a semitendinosus graft with suspension technique combined with independent anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ST4+ALL). Patients were followed up in a minimum of 2 years. Survival data from the Kaplan-Meier analysis were used as well as multivariate logistic regression to identify risk factors for repeat rupture. 203 patients (mean age, 16.3±2 years) with a mean follow-up of 40.6±11 months (24-63 months) were included. There were 101 patients in the ST4 group, and 102 patients in the ST4+ALL group.

Results:

There was a 9.9% repeat in ruptures in the ST4 group versus 5.8% in the ST4+ALL group (p=0.288). The rate of repeat ruptures in the ST4+ALL group was 5 times lower than in the ST4 group in multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR], 0.201; 95% CI, 0.044-0.922). There was a 6.9% rate of secondary meniscal procedures in the ST4 group versus 1.9% in the ST4+ALL group (p=0.101). Differential laxity was 1.3±1.3 (-2 - 5) in the ST4 group versus 0.9±1.3 (-6 - 4.8) in the ST4+ALL group (p=0.008). There was a 42.2% return to the same sports level in the ST4 group versus 52% in the ST4+ALL group (p=0.178). The mean postoperative scores at the last follow-up were: IKDC: 83.3±14.3 and 82±14.4; ACL-RSI: 69.8±23.5 and 67.4±22.4; Tegner: 6.6±1.8 and 6.9±1.8 and Lysholm: 86.4±15.2 and 86±16.8; for ST4 and ST4+ALL groups, respectively.

Conclusion:

Anterolateral ligament reconstruction reduces the rate of repeat ruptures in athletes younger than 20 years of age after a semitendinosus graft. It is also associated with fewer secondary meniscal procedures, better control of laxity and a better rate of return to the same level of sports without further complications.
Correction to: Casticin inhibits nasopharyngeal carcinoma growth by targeting phosphoinositide 3-kinase
Authors: Liu Jingxian , Yang Jinghong , Hou Yuhe , Zhu Zhenwei , He Jie , Zhao Hao , Ye Xidong , Li Dengke , Wu Zhaohui , Huang Zhongxi , Hao Bingtao , Yao Kaitai
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Assessment of genetic referrals and outcomes for women with triple negative breast cancer in regional cancer centres in Australia
Authors: Hallenstein Lucie G. , Sorensen Carol , Hodgson Lorraine , Wen Shelly , Westhuyzen Justin , Hansen Carmen , Last Andrew T. J. , Amalaseelan Julan V. , Salindera Shehnarz , Ross William , Spigelman Allan D. , Shakespeare Thomas P. , Aherne Noel J.
Published: February 2021

Background

Guidelines for referral to cancer genetics service for women diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer have changed over time. This study was conducted to assess the changing referral patterns and outcomes for women diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer across three regional cancer centres during the years 2014–2018.

Methods

Following ethical approval, a retrospective electronic medical record review was performed to identify those women diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, and whether they were referred to a genetics service and if so, the outcome of that genetics assessment and/or genetic testing.

Results

There were 2441 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer seen at our cancer services during the years 2014–2018, of whom 237 women were diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. Based on age of diagnosis criteria alone, 13% (31/237) of our cohort fulfilled criteria for genetic testing, with 81% (25/31) being referred to a cancer genetics service. Of this group 68% (21/31) were referred to genetics services within our regions and went on to have genetic testing with 10 pathogenic variants identified; 5x BRCA1, 4x BRCA2 and × 1 ATM:c.7271 T > G.

Conclusions

Referral pathways for women diagnosed with TNBC to cancer genetics services are performing well across our cancer centres. We identified a group of women who did not meet eligibility criteria for referral at their time of diagnosis, but would now be eligible, as guidelines have changed. The use of cross-discipline retrospective data reviews is a useful tool to identify patients who could benefit from being re-contacted over time for an updated cancer genetics assessment.
Correction to: The effects of dog management on Echinococcus spp. prevalence in villages on the eastern Tibetan Plateau, China
Authors: Weng Xiaodong , Mu Zhiqiang , Wei Xu , Wang Xu , Zuo Qingqiu , Ma Shuo , Ding Youzhong , Wang Xiaoming , Wu Weiping , Craig Philip S. , Wang Zhenghuan
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.