bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dose of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in Critically Ill Patients: A Bona Fide Quality Indicator
Authors: Vásquez Jiménez Enzo , Anumudu Samaya J. , Neyra Javier A.
Published: February 2021

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in critically ill patients, and renal replacement therapy (RRT) constitutes an important aspect of acute management during critical illness. Continuous RRT (CRRT) is frequently utilized in intensive care unit settings, particularly in patients with severe AKI, fluid overload, and hemodynamic instability. The main goal of CRRT is to timely optimize solute control, acid-base, and volume status. Total effluent dose of CRRT is a deliverable that depends on multiple factors and therefore should be systematically monitored (prescribed vs. delivered) and iteratively adjusted in a sustainable mode. In this manuscript, we review current evidence of CRRT dosing and provide recommendations for its implementation as a quality indicator of CRRT delivery.
Multi-Gene Panel Testing in Gastroenterology: Are We Ready for the Results?
Authors: Pereira Flávio , Teixeira Manuel R. , Dinis Ribeiro Mário , Brandão Catarina
Published: February 2021

Genetic testing aims to identify patients at risk for inherited cancer susceptibility. In the last decade, there was a significant increase in the request of broader panels of genes as multi-gene panel testing became widely available. However, physicians may be faced with genetic findings for which there is lack of management evidence, despite some progress in understanding their clinical relevance. In this short review, we discuss the advantages and the drawbacks related to multi-gene panel testing in the setting of a Gastrointestinal Familial Cancer Risk clinic. We also summarize the available recommendations on management of pathogenic variant carriers.
Decline and Recurrence of Stroke Consultations during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown Parallels Population Activity Levels
Authors: Schlachetzki Felix , Wilfling Sibylle , Hubert Nikolai Dominik , Wagner Andrea , Haberl Roman L. , Linker Ralf Andreas , Hubert Gordian Jan
Published: February 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown (CPL) lead to a significant decrease in emergency admissions worldwide. We performed a timely analysis of ischemic stroke (IS) and related consultations using the telestroke TEMPiS “working diagnosis” database prior (PL), within (WL), and after easing (EL) of CPL. Methods: Twelve hospitals were selected and data analyzed regarding IS (including intravenous thrombolysis [intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen; IV rtPA] and endovascular thrombectomy [EVT]) and related events from February 1 to June 15 during 2017–2020. In addition, we aimed to correlate events to various mobile phone mobility data. Results: Following the significant reduction of IS, IV rtPA, and EVT cases during WL compared to PL in 2020 longitudinally (p values <0.048), we observed increasing numbers of consultations, IS, recommendations for EVT, and IV rtPA with the network in EL over WL not reaching PL levels yet. Absolute numbers of all consultations paralleled best to mobility data of public transportation over walking and driving mobility. Conclusions: While the decrease in emergency admissions including stroke during CPL can only be in part attributed by patients not seeking medical attention, stroke awareness in the pandemic, and direct COVID-19 triggered stroke remains of high importance. The number of consultations in TEMPiS during the lockdown parallels best with mobility of public transportation. As a consequence, exposure to common viruses, well-known triggers for acute cerebrovascular events and other diseases, are reduced and may add to the decline in stroke consultations. Further studies comparing national responses toward the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and stroke incidences are needed.
Fibrosis pulmonar idiopática: Impacto de la biopsia de pulmón en la función pulmonar
Authors: Lemus-Rangel Ricardo
Published: February 2021

Background: Video-assisted surgical lung biopsy (SLB) is performed in 10–30% of cases to establish the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of SLB on lung function in patients eventually diagnosed with IPF. Methods: This is an observational, retrospective, monocentric study of all consecutive patients eventually diagnosed with IPF in multidisciplinary discussion who underwent SLB over 10 years in a specialized center. The primary end point was the variation in forced vital capacity (FVC) before and after the SLB. The secondary end points were the variations in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), total lung capacity (TLC), carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO), and morbidity and mortality associated with the SLB. Results: In 118 patients who underwent SLB and were diagnosed with IPF, a relative decrease in FVC of 4.8% (p < 0.001) was found between measurements performed before and after the procedure. The mean FVC decrease was 156 ± 386 mL in an average period of 185 days, representing an annualized decline of 363 ± 764 mL/year. A significant decrease was also observed after SLB in FEV1, TLC, and DLCO. Complications within 30 days of SLB occurred in 14.4% of patients. Two patients (1.7%) died within 30 days, where one of them had poor lung function. Survival at 1 year was significantly poorer in patients with FVC <50% at baseline. Conclusion: In this uncontrolled study in patients ultimately diagnosed with IPF, SLB was followed by a significant decline in FVC, which appears to be numerically greater than the average decline in the absence of treatment in the literature. Summary at a Glance: This study evaluated the change in lung function in 118 consecutive patients diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by surgical lung biopsy. Forced vital capacity decreased by 156 ± 386 mL in a mean of 185 days between the last measurement before and first measurement after biopsy, representing an annualized decline of 363 ± 764 mL/year.
Catalogue of Pyrgotidae (Diptera: Tephritoidea) from Chile
Authors: González-Aravena Christian Raúl , Mello Ramon Luciano , Elgueta -Donoso Mario Elgueta Donoso
Published: February 2021

A catalogue of the Pyrgotidae (Diptera) from Chile is provided. All valid names are presented, comprising three species in two genera for the country. All references known to us from the taxonomic and biological literature, to the included names, are provided, including information about name, author, year of publication, page number, type species, type locality, distribution, and references.
Biological and ecological aspects of Bathygobius soporator (Valenciennes, 1837) (Perciformes, Gobiidae) from Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil
Authors: Barrilli Germano Henrique Costa , Vale Julia Gomes do , Stahelin Gabriela , Branco Joaquim Olinto
Published: February 2021

Bathygobius soporator (popularly known as "Maria da toca") is a species that, although abundant, is little studied in aspects regarding growth, feeding and reproduction in southern Brazil. Studies on trophic ecology still raise questions on the species’ actual diet, especially in the context of algae participating as a food resource or an accidental intake. Thus, this study aims to fill this gap, evaluating the growth, feeding, and reproduction of this species. Monthly samples from two periods (1997-1998 and 2005-2006) were analyzed for growth, feeding, and reproduction parameters, totalizing 1177 individuals evaluated. Our results demonstrate that Bathygobius soporator is a species of fast development, reaching the age of first maturation before the first year of life. It presents a sexual dimorphism, being males larger than females. Reproductive peaks occur in the spring and summer months. The species presented a broad trophic spectrum, including algae as the main food resource, not just an accidental intake. The omnivorous-opportunistic trophic ecology of this species is emphasized, agreeing with the information of previous studies.
A new fossil species of Procellaria (Aves: Procellariiformes) from the Pliocene of New Zealand
Authors: Tennyson Alan James Drummond , Tomotani Barbara Mizumo
Published: February 2021

We describe a new Procellaria petrel species from the late Pliocene of Taranaki, New Zealand. The new species is most similar morphologically to the White-Chinned Petrel (P. aequinoctialis), Spectacled Petrel (P. conspicillata) and the Westland Petrel (P. westlandica). Compared with those taxa, the new species has a deeper and shorter premaxilla, longer coracoid and shorter wings, while its legs are a similar size. Today, New Zealand is the centre of global diversity of the genus, with four breeding species. This is the first fossil species of Procellaria to be described from New Zealand, attesting to a reasonably long history of this genus in the region.
As várias faces do imperador: uma análise da representação de Justiniano nas cunhagens e na Crônica de João Malalas
Authors: Sousa Stephanie Martins de
Published: February 2021

O presente artigo propõe um estudo sobre as representações do imperador Justiniano I nos artefatos monetários e na obra Crônicas, de João Malalas, escrita no século VI. Nosso objetivo é examinar os pontos de contato e de afastamento entre as imagens oficial e literária do imperador. Ao longo da Antiguidade, as imagens constituíram importantes recursos de comunicação e persuasão, exercendo um papel fundamental na formação de um discurso público, sendo essenciais para a manutenção e legitimação do poder dos imperadores.
Cinema e História Antiga: uma análise dos druidas da série "Britannia"
Authors: Santos Dominique , Frazão Jéssica , Koch Vitor Moretto
Published: February 2021

Britannia é uma série anglo-estadunidense do gênero fantasia histórica distribuída em formato streaming para televisão e internet pelas empresas Amazon e Sky. O artigo apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa que se insere no conjunto do debate envolvendo a relação entre História e Cinema/Televisão/Séries de TV. O objetivo principal é analisar o referido produto audiovisual de modo a compreender como sua narrativa representa a Britannia Romana, concentrando-se, sobretudo, no papel desempenhado pelos druidas, tentando identificar quais os possíveis aspectos políticos, éticos e identitários que estariam por trás das escolhas que motivaram as representações de tais personagens.
As propriedades apotropaicas das gemas mágicas no Egito Tardio, segundo os "Papiros Gregos Mágicos" (séc. III-IV d.C.)
Authors: Soares Hariadne da Penha
Published: February 2021

O presente artigo tem por objetivo explorar as potencialidades das gemas mágicas como fontes de pesquisa acerca das práticas mágico-religiosas do Egito greco-romano. As gemas mágicas eram artefatos produzidos por meio de práticas e representações, e eram empregadas como objetos apotropaicos no Egito tardio, como podemos verificar por meio da análise dos Papiros Gregos Mágicos, nos quais foram registradas formas de fabricação e uso das “gemas mágicas” como objetos que garantiam proteção e, também, do exame destes amuletos, seus símbolos e inscrições a fim de verificar possíveis convergências entre as fórmulas contidas nos papiros e a cultura material.
Filmes e vídeos como formas de conhecimento: desenvolvimentos atuais e possibilidades futuras
Authors: Villela Alice
Published: February 2021

Resenha de The Routledge  International Handbook of Ethnographic Film and Video, Ed. Phillip Vannini. London and New York: Routledge. 2020. 359p. ISBN: 978-0-367-18582-4 (hbk) ISBN: 978-0-429-19699-7 (ebk)
Review of the tiger beetle genus Calomera Motschulsky, 1862 (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) of the Philippines
Authors: Medina Milton Norman , Anichtchenko Alexander , Wiesner Jürgen
Published: February 2021

The genus Calomera Motschulsky, 1862 from the Philippines is reviewed.  Five species C. angulata Fabricuis, 1798, C. cabigasi Cassola, 2011, C. despectata (Horn, 1892), C. lacrymosa (Dejean, 1825), and C. mindanaoensis (Cassola, 2000) are described with diagnoses, illustrations, notes on their ecology, and distribution remarks.  Status of the taxa C. insularis (Blanchard, 1853) is discussed.  Images of endophallus structures of C. lacrymosa and C. mindanaoensis are given for the first time.  A key to the Philippine Calomera species is provided.
Early Detection of Aortic Degeneration in a Mouse Model of Sporadic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection Using Nanoparticle Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography
Authors: Ghaghada Ketan B. , Ren Pingping , Devkota Laxman , Starosolski Zbigniew , Zhang Chen , Vela Deborah , Stupin Igor V. , Tanifum Eric A. , Annapragada Ananth V. , Shen Ying H. , LeMaire Scott A.
Published: February 2021

Objective:

Early detection of aortic degeneration is critical for improving outcomes in patients with aortic aneurysm and dissection. We investigated nanoparticle contrast-enhanced computed tomography for the early detection of aortic injury.

Approach and Results:

In a mouse model of sporadic aortic aneurysm and dissection, C57BL/6J mice were challenged with a high-fat diet and Ang II (angiotensin II) infusion (n=20). Unchallenged control mice received a standard laboratory diet and saline infusion (n=19). Computed tomography angiography (CTA) was performed to evaluate aortic enlargement, and delayed nanoparticle contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CTD) imaging was performed to detect wall signal enhancement indicative of aortic wall degeneration. Aortic segments that exhibited CTD findings but appeared normal on CTA were termed preclinical aortic disease. Aortic aneurysm and dissection development was determined upon the gross examination of excised aortas. Aortic degeneration and inflammation were examined by performing histological and immunofluorescence analyses. Leakage of Evans blue dye into the aortic wall was used to validate changes in vascular permeability. In challenged mice, gross findings of aortic disease were found in 41% of aortic segments. CTA findings of mild disease (dilatation) and advanced disease (aortic aneurysm and dissection with the presence of false lumen) were seen in 33% of aortic segments. CTD findings of wall signal enhancement were seen in 63% of aortic segments. Of those, 48% appeared normal on CTA. Aortic segments with CTD findings showed aortic wall degeneration and inflammation on histological and immunofluorescence analyses. Immunofluorescence analysis and Evans blue dye uptake suggested passive leakage of nanoparticle contrast agent due to endothelial injury as a potential mechanism underlying the detection of aortic disease on CTD.

Conclusions:

In mice, CTD imaging exhibits high sensitivity for detecting aortic wall degeneration and inflammation before vessel enlargement becomes evident on CTA.
Serum Metabolomic Signatures Can Predict Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Coelewij Leda , Waddington Kirsty E. , Robinson George A. , Chocano Elvira , McDonnell Thomas , Farinha Filipa , Peng Junjie , Dönnes Pierre , Smith Edward , Croca Sara , Bakshi Jyoti , Griffin Maura , Nicolaides Andrew , Rahman Anisur , Jury Elizabeth C. , Pineda-Torra Ines
Published: February 2021

Objective:

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Standard serum lipid measurements in clinical practice do not predict cardiovascular disease risk in patients with SLE. More detailed analysis of lipoprotein taxonomy could identify better predictors of cardiovascular disease risk in SLE.

Approach and Results:

Eighty women with SLE and no history of cardiovascular disease underwent carotid and femoral ultrasound scans; 30 had atherosclerosis plaques (patients with SLE with subclinical plaque) and 50 had no plaques (patients with SLE with no subclinical plaque). Serum samples obtained at the time of the scan were analyzed using a lipoprotein-focused metabolomics platform assessing 228 metabolites by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Data were analyzed using logistic regression and 5 binary classification models with 10-fold cross validation. Patients with SLE had global changes in complex lipoprotein profiles compared with healthy controls despite having clinical serum lipid levels within normal ranges. In the SLE cohort, univariate logistic regression identified 4 metabolites associated with subclinical plaque; 3 subclasses of VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein; free cholesterol in medium and large VLDL particles and phospholipids in chylomicrons and extremely large VLDL particles) and leucine. Together with age, these metabolites were also within the top features identified by the lasso logistic regression (with and without interactions) and random forest machine learning models. Logistic regression with interactions differentiated between patients with SLE with subclinical plaque and patients with SLE with no subclinical plaque groups with the greatest accuracy (0.800). Notably, free cholesterol in large VLDL particles and age differentiated between patients with SLE with subclinical plaque and patients with SLE with no subclinical plaque in all models.

Conclusions:

Serum metabolites are promising biomarkers to uncover and predict multimetabolic phenotypes of subclinical atherosclerosis in SLE.
Beneficial Effect of Statins in COVID-19–Related Outcomes—Brief Report
Authors: Lee Hae-Young , Ahn Juhee , Park Juhong , Kyung Kang Chang , Won Sung-Ho , Wook Kim Dong , Park Jong-Heon , Chung Ki-Hyun , Joh Joon-Sung , Bang Ji Hwan , Hee Kang Cheong , Bum Pyun Wook , Oh Myoung-don ,   the Korean Society of Hypertension, National Committee for Clinical Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases
Published: February 2021

Objective:

Although statins are widely prescribed lipid-lowering drugs, there are concerns about the safety of their use in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), since statins increase the expression of ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2). This study aimed to disclose the association between statins and 60-day COVID-19 mortality.

Approach and Results:

All patients hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were enrolled in this study from January 19 to April 16, 2020, in Korea. We evaluated the association between the use of statins and COVID-19–related mortality in the overall and the nested 1:2 propensity score–matched study. Furthermore, a comparison of the hazard ratio for death was performed between COVID-19 patients and a retrospective cohort of patients hospitalized with pneumonia between January and June 2019 in Korea. The median age of the 10 448 COVID-19 patients was 45 years. Statins were prescribed in 533 (5.1%) patients. After adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities, Cox regression showed a significant decrease in hazard ratio associated with the use of statins (hazard ratio, 0.637 [95% CI, 0.425–0.953];
P
=0.0283). Moreover, on comparing the hazard ratio between COVID-19 patients and the retrospective cohort of hospitalized pneumonia patients, the use of statins showed similar benefits.

Conclusions:

The use of statins correlates significantly with lower mortality in patients with COVID-19, consistent with the findings in patients with pneumonia.

Graphic Abstract:

A graphic abstract is available for this article.
Endothelial Cell Receptors in Tissue Lipid Uptake and Metabolism
Authors: Abumrad Nada A. , Cabodevilla Ainara G. , Samovski Dmitri , Pietka Terri , Basu Debapriya , Goldberg Ira J.
Published: February 2021

Lipid uptake and metabolism are central to the function of organs such as heart, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue. Although most heart energy derives from fatty acids (FAs), excess lipid accumulation can cause cardiomyopathy. Similarly, high delivery of cholesterol can initiate coronary artery atherosclerosis. Hearts and arteries—unlike liver and adrenals—have nonfenestrated capillaries and lipid accumulation in both health and disease requires lipid movement from the circulation across the endothelial barrier. This review summarizes recent in vitro and in vivo findings on the importance of endothelial cell receptors and uptake pathways in regulating FAs and cholesterol uptake in normal physiology and cardiovascular disease. We highlight clinical and experimental data on the roles of ECs in lipid supply to tissues, heart, and arterial wall in particular, and how this affects organ metabolism and function. Models of FA uptake into ECs suggest that receptor-mediated uptake predominates at low FA concentrations, such as during fasting, whereas FA uptake during lipolysis of chylomicrons may involve paracellular movement. Similarly, in the setting of an intact arterial endothelial layer, recent and historic data support a role for receptor-mediated processes in the movement of lipoproteins into the subarterial space. We conclude with thoughts on the need to better understand endothelial lipid transfer for fuller comprehension of the pathophysiology of hyperlipidemia, and lipotoxic diseases such as some forms of cardiomyopathy and atherosclerosis.
A Survey of Kiswahili Literature: 1970-1988
Authors: Mulokozi Mugyabuso M.
Published: February 2021

A survey is given of the development of Kiswahili written literature during the past two decades. Particular attention is given to (a) the rise of the socially critical literature, (b) the emergence of experimental forms of literature, (c) the growing popularity of ‘pop’ fiction, (d) the continued development of the nationalistic-cum-cultural novel and (e) the quantitative and qualitative growth of Kiswahili translations. All this is placed against the background of East-African cultural and political developments since Independence.
Symbolic and Diachronic Study of Inter-Cultural Therapeutic and Divinatory Roles Among Aluund (‘Lunda’) and Chokwe in the Upper Kwaango (South Western Zaire)
Authors: De Boeck Filip
Published: February 2021

This article attempts to analyze inter-cultural ritual (therapeutic and divinatory) interaction between the aLuund and Chokwe of Southwestern Zaire. The fact that the aLuund turn to neighbouring groups for ritual and therapeutic assistance invites questions with regard to the nature of the unity of Luunda cultural order and identity, and the subject of the cultural praxis. A reflection is offered upon the ways in which cultural traditions and identities are generated and maintained, and processes of cultural exchange contribute to shape and activate the unity of the Luunda ritual world.
De Berberse Identiteit en Het Nieuwe Meerpartijenstelsel in Algerije
Authors: Beke Dirk
Published: February 2021

Berber Identity and the New Multi-Partyism in Algeria

The article first argues that the present population of Algeria can be designed as Arabo-Berber and Berber. The original inhabitants, collectively identified by most historians as Berbers, formed no physical ethnic unity, but they had a common Berber language and culture. The Islamisation of the population of North Africa proceeded faster and became almost general, this in contrast to the slower and more limited Arabisation. The physical-ethnic process of Arabisation by settlement and fusion was altogether restrained. The Arabisaiton was essentially a cultural process (language, popular culture, customs, politics, science, arts).

About one fourth of the present Algerians resisted to (entire) Arabisation. They are living in, or originated from mountain or desert regions (Kabyles, Shawiya, Mozabites, Touareg). Since independence the official policy of Arabisation, against the strong influence of the French language, referred exclusively to Arabic character of the nation. All expressions of the Berber identity, culture and language were oppressed.

Since 1980, a growing cultural revival, mainly among the Kabyles, reacted to this policy. The movement was rather cultural than political. The Berber speaking Algerians seem involved into malry other regional and national alliances. With the introduction of the multi-partyism, in 1989, two ‘Berber’ political parties became active: the FFS (Front des Forces socialistes) and the RCD (Rassemblernent pour la Culture et la Démocratie). Both parties claim to be national parties and insist on defending, besides the recognition of the Berber identity and culture, general political options (socialism, democracy etc.). Electoral results, however, show that their support comes essentially from different factions of the Berber speaking population.

It is obvious that the Berber ethnicity is used to gain electoral backing. Besides, today the two ‘Berber’ parties represent the strongest opposition to the Islamic (= Arabic) fundamentalist party, the FIS (Front islamique de Salut), because of their resistance to social, cultural and political intolerance. Secessionist ideas based on Berber ethnicity live only among a small – but well-organised – minority. At the end of 1992, the Berber ethnicity is in Algeria primarily an element of cultural and regional recognition and only secondary an element of political coherence. Finally, Berber ethnicity has also invalidated the official political myth of the homogeneous Algerian Arabic ethnicity.
Wood mechanical properties and their correlation with microstructure in Chinese fir clones
Authors: Wang Yurong , Jia Ru , Sun Haiyan , Liu Yamei , Lyu Jianxiong , Zhao Rongjun , Liu Shengquan
Published: February 2021

Mechanical testing, microscopic image analysis, and X-ray diffraction were used to study the mechanical properties and their correlation with microstructure in three 20-year-old Chinese fir clones (Kailin 24, Kaihua 13, and Kaihua 3). The Chinese fir clones featured a modulus of rupture (MOR) of 52–59 MPa, a modulus of elasticity (MOE) of 10–11 GPa, and a compressive strength parallel to the grain of 31–34 MPa. Kaihua 13 and Kailin 24 had similar mechanical properties and were superior to Kaihua 3 among the tree clones. Radial variation indicated that their outerwood (rings 9–18) had better mechanical properties than their corewood (rings 3–7). Kaihua 13 with better mechanical properties had a larger ratio of cell wall to lumen than Kaihua 3 and Kailin 24. Outerwood with better mechanical properties also had a larger ratio of cell wall to lumen and a smaller microfibril angle compared to corewood with poor mechanical properties. Linear regression analysis also shows that for various clones and different radial positions in the same clone, anatomical structure parameters such as average cell wall thickness and the ratio of cell wall to lumen were positively correlated to their mechanical properties, while the microfibril angle was negatively correlated to mechanical properties. The two factors synergistically influence the mechanical properties of wood.
PEG infiltration: an alternative method to obtain thin sections of cacti tissues
Authors: Mozzi Giacomo , Romero Eunice , Martínez-Quezada Daniel M. , Hultine Kevin R. , Crivellaro Alan
Published: February 2021

Exploring the anatomical variability along the stem of cacti requires obtaining high-quality thin sections from hard and soft tissues. Several embedding, infiltration, and sectioning methods have been applied mainly to investigate the harder stem base of cacti, where thin cross-sections are relatively easy to obtain. However, analyzing the variation of anatomical features along cacti stems remains a challenge. Specifically, at the tip of cacti stems, the soft and water-rich dominant tissues are difficult to infiltrate. Here we show results obtained by adapting polyethylene glycol (PEG) infiltration techniques and present a step-by-step description of a fast and hazardous chemical-free method that allows successful cross-sectioning. This infiltration technique may provide a tool to further explore and quantify xylem anatomical trait variation along stems of a wide range of succulent-stemmed taxa.
The genus Selasia Laporte, 1838 (Coleoptera: Elateridae: Agrypninae) in Sri Lanka
Authors: PACKOVA GABRIELA , KUNDRATA ROBIN
Published: February 2021

The neotenic click-beetle genus Selasia Laporte, 1838 has a centre of diversity in the tropical Africa but also includes several species known from the Palearctic and Oriental regions. In this study, we review the Selasia fauna of Sri Lanka. We describe S. ivanae sp. nov., redescribe S. apicalis Pic, 1914, and discuss the systematic placement of S. isabellae Bourgeois, 1909, which is probably a firefly and is considered incertae sedis.
Description of a new species and a new record of the genus Nola Leach, 1815 (Lepidoptera, Nolidae, Nolinae) from Tibet, China
Authors: DA WA , WANG MIN , HU YAN-QING
Published: February 2021

The genus Nola was established with the western Palaearctic species Noctua cucullatella (Linnaeus, 1758) described from Austria as its type species. Nola occurs in all continents except the Antarctica and contains more than 200 valid Eurasian and North African taxa (László et al., 2014). The genus Nola can be easily distinguished from other genera of Nolinae with the distinctive features as the degenerate uncus, the divided valva with the ventral valval lobe bearing the harpe and a curved carina process in male genitalia. In our recent survey, we report a new species Nola senmuzhaensis sp. nov. and a new record of Nola sikkima (Moore, 1888) from Tibet, China. Adults and genitalia are illustrated. The type specimens are deposited in Southwest University of Science and Technology (SWUST).
Anticipating Deviant Tornado Motion Using a Simple Hodograph Technique
Authors: Nixon Cameron J. , Allen John T.
Published: February 2021

The paths of tornadoes have long been a subject of fascination since the meticulously drawn damage tracks by Dr. Tetsuya Theodore “Ted” Fujita. Though uncommon, some tornadoes have been noted to take sudden left turns from their previous path. This has the potential to present an extreme challenge to warning lead time, and the spread of timely, accurate information to broadcasters and emergency managers. While a few hypotheses exist as to why tornadoes deviate, none have been tested for their potential use in operational forecasting and nowcasting. As a result, such deviations go largely unanticipated by forecasters. A sample of 102 leftward deviant tornadic low-level mesocyclones was tracked via WSR-88D and assessed for their potential predictability. A simple hodograph technique is presented that shows promising skill in predicting the motion of deviant tornadoes, which, upon “occlusion,” detach from the parent storm’s updraft centroid and advect leftward or rearward by the low-level wind. This metric, a vector average of the parent storm motion and the mean wind in the lowest half-kilometer, proves effective at anticipating deviant tornado motion with a median error of less than 6 kt (1 kt ≈ 0.51 m s−1). With over 25% of analyzed low-level mesocyclones deviating completely out of the tornado warning polygon issued by their respective National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office, the adoption of this new technique could improve warning performance. Furthermore, with over 35% of tornadoes becoming “deviant” almost immediately upon formation, the ability to anticipate such events may inspire a new paradigm for tornado warnings that, when covering unpredictable behavior, are proactive instead of reactive.
Clara cell 16 KDa protein mitigates house dust mite-induced airway inflammation and damage via regulating airway epithelial cell apoptosis in a manner dependent on HMGB1-mediated signaling inhibition
Authors: Liu Meixuan , Lu Jingjing , Zhang Qian , Zhang Yunxuan , Guo Zhongliang
Published: February 2021

Background

House dust mite (HDM) inhalation can cause airway epithelial damage which is implicated in the process of airway inflammation in asthma. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is critically required for cellular damage and apoptosis as an important endogenous danger signal. Recently, Clara cell 16KDa protein (CC16) has been identified to exert anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory influence in various injury-related diseases model. However, little is known about its ability to protect against airway epithelial injury in allergic asthma. This study was aimed to clarify the protective roles of CC16 on airway epithelia in HDM-induced asthma and the regulation of HMGB1 by CC16.

Methods

Mice were sensitized and challenged by HDM extract and administrated intranasally with CC16 (5 μg/g or 10 μg/g) or saline in the challenged period. The BEAS-2B human airway epithelial cell line were cultured with CC16 or the control vehicle and then exposed to HDM. Knockdown or overexpression of HMGB1 was induced by cell transfection or intratracheal injection of recombinant adenovirus.

Results

CC16 treatment decreased airway inflammation and histological damage of airway epithelium dose-dependently in HDM-induced asthma model. Airway epithelia apoptosis upon HDM stimulation was noticeably abrogated by CC16 in vivo and in vitro. In addition, upregulation of HMGB1 expression and its related signaling were also detected under HDM conditions, while silencing HMGB1 significantly inhibited the apoptosis of BEAS-2B cells. Furthermore, the activity of HMGB1-mediated signaling was restrained after CC16 treatment whereas HMGB1 overexpression abolished the protective effect of CC16 on HDM-induced airway epithelia apoptosis.

Conclusions

Our data confirm that CC16 attenuates HDM-mediated airway inflammation and damage via suppressing airway epithelial cell apoptosis in a HMGB1-dependent manner, suggesting the role of CC16 as a potential protective option for HDM-induced asthma.
ViR: a tool to solve intrasample variability in the prediction of viral integration sites using whole genome sequencing data
Authors: Pischedda Elisa , Crava Cristina , Carlassara Martina , Zucca Susanna , Gasmi Leila , Bonizzoni Mariangela
Published: February 2021

Background

Several bioinformatics pipelines have been developed to detect sequences from viruses that integrate into the human genome because of the health relevance of these integrations, such as in the persistence of viral infection and/or in generating genotoxic effects, often progressing into cancer. Recent genomics and metagenomics analyses have shown that viruses also integrate into the genome of non-model organisms (i.e., arthropods, fish, plants, vertebrates). However, rarely studies of endogenous viral elements (EVEs) in non-model organisms have gone beyond their characterization from reference genome assemblies. In non-model organisms, we lack a thorough understanding of the widespread occurrence of EVEs and their biological relevance, apart from sporadic cases which nevertheless point to significant roles of EVEs in immunity and regulation of expression. The concomitance of repetitive DNA, duplications and/or assembly fragmentations in a genome sequence and intrasample variability in whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data could determine misalignments when mapping data to a genome assembly. This phenomenon hinders our ability to properly identify integration sites.

Results

To fill this gap, we developed ViR, a pipeline which solves the dispersion of reads due to intrasample variability in sequencing data from both single and pooled DNA samples thus ameliorating the detection of integration sites. We tested ViR to work with both in silico and real sequencing data from a non-model organism, the arboviral vector Aedes albopictus. Potential viral integrations predicted by ViR were molecularly validated supporting the accuracy of ViR results.

Conclusion

ViR will open new venues to explore the biology of EVEs, especially in non-model organisms. Importantly, while we generated ViR with the identification of EVEs in mind, its application can be extended to detect any lateral transfer event providing an ad-hoc sequence to interrogate.
Correction to: Analyzing a putative enhancer of optic disc morphology
Authors: Babenko Vladimir N. , Babenko Roman O. , Orlov Yuriy N.
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Anticancer and antimicrobial potential of enterocin 12a from Enterococcus faecium
Authors: Sharma Preeti , Kaur Sumanpreet , Chadha Bhupinder Singh , Kaur Raminderjit , Kaur Manpreet , Kaur Sukhraj
Published: February 2021

Background

Increase in the number of infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria in neutropenic cancer patients has prompted the search for novel therapeutic agents having dual anticancer and antimicrobial properties. Bacteriocins are cationic proteins of prokaryotic origin that have emerged as one of the most promising alternative antimicrobial agents with applications as food preservatives and therapeutic agents. Apart from their antimicrobial activities, bacteriocins are also being explored for their anticancer potential.

Results

In this study, a broad-spectrum, cell membrane-permeabilizing enterocin with a molecular weight of 65 kDa was purified and characterized from the culture supernatant of vaginal Enterococcus faecium 12a. Enterocin 12a inhibited multidrug-resistant strains of various Gram-negative pathogens such as Salmonella enterica, Shigella flexneri, Vibrio cholerae, Escherichia coli and Gram-positive, Listeria monocytogenes, but had no activities against different strains of gut lactobacilli. The mass spectrometric analysis showed that the enterocin 12a shared partial homology with 4Fe-4S domain-containing redox protein of E. faecalis R712. Further, enterocin 12a selectively inhibited the proliferation of various human cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner but not that of normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Enterocin 12a-treated cancer cells showed apoptosis-like morphological changes.

Conclusion

Enterocin 12a is a novel bacteriocin that has anticancer properties against human cell lines and negligible activity towards non-malignant cells. Therefore, it should be further evaluated for its anticancer potential in animal models.
SiFBA5, a cold-responsive factor from Saussurea involucrata promotes cold resilience and biomass increase in transgenic tomato plants under cold stress
Authors: Mu Jianqiang , Fu Yajuan , Liu Bucang , Zhang Yao , Wang Aiying , Li Yuxia , Zhu Jianbo
Published: February 2021

Background

Saussurea involucrata survives in extreme arctic conditions and is very cold-resistant. This species grows in rocky, mountainous areas with elevations of 2400–4100 m, which are snow-covered year-round and are subject to freezing temperatures. S. involucrata’s ability to survive in an extreme low-temperature environment suggests that it has particularly high photosynthetic efficiency, providing a magnificent model, and rich gene pool, for the analysis of plant cold stress response. Fructose-1, 6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA) is a key enzyme in the photosynthesis process and also mediates the conversion of fructose 1, 6-bisphosphate (FBP) into dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) and glycerol triphosphate (GAP) during glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. The molecular mechanisms underlying S. involucrata’s cold tolerance are still unclear; therefore, our work aims to investigate the role of FBA in plant cold-stress response.

Results

In this study, we identified a cold-responsive gene, SiFBA5, based on a preliminary low-temperature, genome-wide transcriptional profiling of S. involucrata. Expression analysis indicated that cold temperatures rapidly induced transcriptional expression of SiFBA5, suggesting that SiFBA5 participates in the initial stress response. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that SiFBA5 is localized to the chloroplast. Transgenic tomato plants that overexpressed SiFBA5 were generated using a CaMV 35S promoter. Phenotypic observation suggested that the transgenic plants displayed increased cold tolerance and photosynthetic efficiency in comparison with wild-type plants.

Conclusion

Cold stress has a detrimental impact on crop yield. Our results demonstrated that SiFBA5 positively regulates plant response to cold stress, which is of great significance for increasing crop yield under cold stress conditions.
The stress hyperglycaemia ratio is associated with left ventricular remodelling after first acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Meng Shuai , Zhu Yong , Liu Kesen , Jia Ruofei , Nan Jing , Chen Maolin , Lei Xuan , Zou Kaiyuan , Jin Zening
Published: February 2021

Background

Left ventricular negative remodelling after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is considered as the major cause for the poor prognosis. But the predisposing factors and potential mechanisms of left ventricular negative remodelling after STEMI remain not fully understood. The present research mainly assessed the association between the stress hyperglycaemia ratio (SHR) and left ventricular negative remodelling.

Methods

We recruited 127 first-time, anterior, and acute STEMI patients in the present study. All enrolled patients were divided into 2 subgroups equally according to the median value of SHR level (1.191). Echocardiography was conducted within 24 h after admission and 6 months post-STEMI to measure left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD). Changes in echocardiography parameters (δLVEF, δLVEDD, δLVESD) were calculated as LVEF, LVEDD, and LVESD at 6 months after infarction minus baseline LVEF, LVEDD and LVESD, respectively.

Results

In the present study, the mean SHR was 1.22 ± 0.25 and there was significant difference in SHR between the 2 subgroups (1.05 (0.95, 1.11) vs 1.39 (1.28, 1.50), p < 0.0001). The global LVEF at 6 months post-STEMI was significantly higher in the low SHR group than the high SHR group (59.37 ± 7.33 vs 54.03 ± 9.64, p  = 0.001). Additionally, the global LVEDD (49.84 ± 5.10 vs 51.81 ± 5.60, p  = 0.040) and LVESD (33.27 ± 5.03 vs 35.38 ± 6.05, p  = 0.035) at 6 months after STEMI were lower in the low SHR group. Most importantly, after adjusting through multivariable linear regression analysis, SHR remained associated with δLVEF (beta = −9.825, 95% CI −15.168 to −4.481, p  < 0.0001), δLVEDD (beta = 4.879, 95% CI 1.725 to 8.069, p  = 0.003), and δLVESD (beta = 5.079, 95% CI 1.421 to 8.738, p  = 0.007).

Conclusions

In the present research, we demonstrated for the first time that SHR is significantly correlated with left ventricular negative remodelling after STEMI.
Distributive characteristics of the CYP2C9 and AGTR1 genetic polymorphisms in Han Chinese hypertensive patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Chen Keping , Xiao Peng , Li Guochun , Wang Chunling , Yang Chuankun
Published: February 2021

Background

There is an individual variation in response to antihypertensive effect of the angiotensin II receptor antagonist. This study aimed to determine the allele and genotype frequencies ofCYP2C9andAGTR1genetic polymorphisms and explore the potential role of these polymorphisms in guiding the selection of angiotensinIIreceptor antagonist in Han Chinese hypertensive patients.

Methods

Totally 2419 Han Chinese hypertensive patients and 126 normotensive controls were recruited in this study. Venous blood samples were collected from each patient, and the genetic polymorphisms ofCYP2C9andAGTR1were assessed using a gene chip platform. The allele and genotype frequency of each gene and the combined genotypes in this study were analyzed respectively.

Results

The gene chip analysis identified an allelic frequency of 96.51% forCYP2C9*1and 3.49% forCYP2C9*3in the cohort of Han Chinese hypertensive patients. Statistical analysis showed that the frequency of wild-type homozygous forCYP2C9*1/*1 was 93.30%, while the frequency of heterozygous for *1/*3 or mutant homozygous for *3/*3 was 6.41% or 0.29%. Meanwhile, we detected allelic frequencies of 95.06% and 4.94% for the A and C allele ofAGTR1, respectively. While the genotype frequency of wild-type homozygous for AA was 90.41%, the frequency of heterozygous for AC or mutant homozygous for CC was 9.30% or 0.29%. Notably, we observed that 84.66% (2048/2419) of the subjects exhibited a combined genotype ofCYP2C9andAGTR1as *1/*1 + AA, while the combined genotypes *3/*3 + AC or *3/*3 + CC were not detected in hypertension patients. Besides, no significant association was found between normotensive controls and hypertensive patients, or among the three grades of hypertensive patients.

Conclusions

These data revealed the polymorphisms characteristics ofCYP2C9andAGTR1in Han Chinese hypertensive patients, providing valuable information for genotype-based antihypertension therapy in prospective clinical studies in the future.
Testing mechanical chest compression devices of different design for their suitability for prehospital patient transport - a simulator-based study
Authors: Jörgens Maximilian , Königer Jürgen , Kanz Karl-Georg , Birkholz Torsten , Hübner Heiko , Prückner Stephan , Zwissler Bernhard , Trentzsch Heiko
Published: February 2021

Background

Mechanical chest compression (mCPR) offers advantages during transport under cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Little is known how devices of different design perform en-route. Aim of the study was to measure performance of mCPR devices of different construction-design during ground-based pre-hospital transport.

Methods

We tested animax mono (AM), autopulse (AP), corpuls cpr (CC) and LUCAS2 (L2). The route had 6 stages (transport on soft stretcher or gurney involving a stairwell, trips with turntable ladder, rescue basket and ambulance including loading/unloading). Stationary mCPR with the respective device served as control. A four-person team carried an intubated and bag-ventilated mannequin under mCPR to assess device-stability (displacement, pressure point correctness), compliance with 2015 ERC guideline criteria for high-quality chest compressions (frequency, proportion of recommended pressure depth and compression-ventilation ratio) and user satisfaction (by standardized questionnaire).

Results

All devices performed comparable to stationary use. Displacement rates ranged from 83% (AM) to 11% (L2). Two incorrect pressure points occurred over 15,962 compressions (0.013%). Guideline-compliant pressure depth was > 90% in all devices. Electrically powered devices showed constant frequencies while muscle-powered AM showed more variability (median 100/min, interquartile range 9). Although physical effort of AM use was comparable (median 4.0 vs. 4.5 on visual scale up to 10), participants preferred electrical devices.

Conclusion

All devices showed good to very good performance although device-stability, guideline compliance and user satisfaction varied by design. Our results underline the importance to check stability and connection to patient under transport.