bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A revised synthesis of the rift and drift history of the Gulf of Mexico and surrounding regions in the light of improved age dating of the Middle Jurassic salt
Authors: Pindell James , Villagómez Diego , Molina-Garza Roberto , Graham Rod , Weber Bodo
Published: August 2020

We present an updated, internally consistent synthesis of the Permo-Triassic assembly and Mesozoic evolution of the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, Florida–Bahamas and northern South America (Guiana margin and northern Andes), incorporating advances at regional, field and geochronological levels. The recently determined Bajocian age for salt deposition (using
87
Sr/
86
Sr isotopes) is integrated by modifying the plate kinematic framework with a new Equatorial Atlantic reconstruction that expands the gap between the Americas by 180 km over many kinematic frameworks. NW–SE synrift lithospheric extension along western Florida–Bahamas is estimated at 40%, implying thinned continental crust beneath Great Bank, Bahamas, the conjugate for the Guianas Basin margin. In cordilleran Mexico (excluding the Yucatán Block), we propose two new means by which continental crust migrated into the ‘Colombian overlap position’ of Pangaean reconstructions. The first involved Jurassic–earliest Cretaceous sinistral displacement of the Oaxaca Block along a NW–SE ‘North Oaxaca Transfer’ through or adjacent to the Cuicateco Belt. The second applies to the continental crust in eastern Mexico to the north of Cuicateco, a region we refer to as ‘peninsular Mexico’. There, most Mesozoic basement faults trend NW–SE, and the common occurrence of Permian mid-crustal anatectic basement directly beneath Mesozoic red beds, salt and marine strata suggests extreme extension prior to the onset of sedimentation. Because these Mesozoic sedimentary sections typically sum to 3–8 km in thickness, the post-rift crust of peninsular Mexico probably averaged about 25 km in thickness before later orogenesis. Our reconstructions suggest that this Triassic–Middle Jurassic extension approached 100%, beginning with overthickened Alleghanian (Permian) crust about 50 km in thickness in palaeo-northern Mexico, and was accompanied by a significant sinistral component broadly distributed across the rift array. The updated model provides an exploration and kinematic framework for the entire region.
Regional E-governance Development Index for Developing Nations
Authors: Gupta Rajan , Muttoo Sunil Kumar , Pal Saibal Kumar
Published: August 2020

E-governance has proven to be instrumental in the expansion and evolution of how governments interact with and deliver services to their citizens. The United Nations (UN) E-Governance Development Index (EGDI) is the most widely used metric for assessment of e-governance development; however, this metric is not appropriate for assessment at the regional level, especially for developing nations. Therefore, the authors have studied various factors in the context of developing nations, such as the Online Availability and Performance Index, Telecommunications Index, Human Capital Index, E-governance-related Infrastructure Index, and E-governance Performance Index, with the aim of analyzing the success and implementation rate of e-governance activities across the different regions of a developing nation like India. The results showed that the UN's EGDI is not suitable for assessment at a regional level and that adding new components to the model helps to achieve better results for around 30% of the regions under study. The rankings, which were calculated through the new model and compared against other standard indices, obtained good correlations, proving the validity of the new model. India, as a developing nation, was the region selected for the experimental work. Central governments, state governments, investors, stakeholders, and government consultants can obtain benefits through this research.
Deconstructing Human-assisted Video Transcription and Annotation for Legislative Proceedings
Authors: Ruprechter Thorsten , Khosmood Foaad , Guetl Christian
Published: August 2020

Legislative proceedings present a rich source of multidimensional information that is crucial to citizens and journalists in a democratic system. At present, no fully automated solution exists that is capable of capturing all the necessary information during such proceedings. Even if professional-quality automated transcriptions existed, other tasks such as speaker or rhetorical position identifications are not fully automatable. This work focuses on improving and evaluating the transcription software used by the Digital Democracy initiative, named Transcription Tool. Human transcribers work to up-level state legislative proceedings using this tool. Five phases of tool improvements are introduced and for each phase, the resulting change in efficiency is measured. We investigate over 12,000 individual transcription sessions (2,300 hours of video), where each session is the record of one bill discussion. A set of about 3,200 sessions belonging to a single cohort of 20 transcribers is further evaluated. Through introduction of new tool features, human-assisted transcription efficiency can be improved by 19.4% over five phases. Furthermore, investigation into transcriber usage patterns reveals that transcription time is composed of passive time, speaker identification, text correction, tool startup, as well as splitting and merging utterances. We analyze and rank these as a contribution.
Gall-Inducing Parasites: Convergent and Conserved Strategies of Plant Manipulation by Insects and Nematodes
Authors: Favery Bruno , Dubreuil Géraldine , Chen Ming-Shun , Giron David , Abad Pierre
Published: August 2020

Gall-inducing insects and nematodes engage in sophisticated interactions with their host plants. These parasites can induce major morphological and physiological changes in host roots, leaves, and other tissues. Sedentary endoparasitic nematodes, root-knot and cyst nematodes in particular, as well as gall-inducing and leaf-mining insects, manipulate plant development to form unique organs that provide them with food from feeding cells. Sometimes, infected tissues may undergo a developmental switch resulting in the formation of aberrant and spectacular structures (clubs or galls). We describe here the complex interactions between these plant-reprogramming sedentary endoparasites and their infected hosts, focusing on similarities between strategies of plant manipulation. We highlight progress in our understanding of the host plant response to infection and focus on the nematode and insect molecules secreted in planta. We suggest thatlooking at similarities may identify convergent and conserved strategies and shed light on the promise they hold for the development of new management strategies in agriculture and forestry.
The Geopolitics of Plant Pathology: Frederick Wellman, Coffee Leaf Rust, and Cold War Networks of Science
Authors: McCook Stuart , Peterson Paul D.
Published: August 2020

During the Cold War, coffee became a strategically important crop in the global contest between the United States and the Soviet Union. The economies of many US allies in Latin America depended upon coffee. In the Cold War context, then, the coffee leaf rust ( Hemileia vastatrix) became a geopolitical problem. Coffee experts in Latin America, which produced most of the world's coffee, began to prepare for an outbreak. In the 1950s, they built a global network of coffee experts. This network was sustained by US-led Cold War programs that promoted technical collaboration across the Global South, such as Harry Truman's Point Four programs. We explore the network's growth and evolution through one of its central figures, the American plant pathologist Frederick L. Wellman. This network has survived the end of the Cold War and evolved to reflect the new geopolitical context.
Impact of weight loss and partial weight regain on immune cell and inflammatory markers in adipose tissue in male mice
Authors: Sougiannis Alexander T. , VanderVeen Brandon N. , Cranford Taryn L. , Enos Reilly T. , Velazquez Kandy T. , McDonald Sierra , Bader Jackie E. , Chatzistamou Ioulia , Fan Daping , Murphy E. Angela
Published: August 2020

We examined the immune and inflammatory status of adipose tissue in mice after they underwent weight loss followed by partial weight regain. We show an increase in selected immune cells and inflammatory mediators, in high-fat diet-fed mice that had prior exposure to a high-fat diet. Although weight fluctuations appear to exacerbate immune cell abundance and inflammation in adipose tissue, severity is less than in mice that were exposed to sustained high-fat diet feedings.
Divergence in aerobic capacity impacts bile acid metabolism in young women
Authors: Maurer Adrianna , Ward Jaimie L. , Dean Kelsey , Billinger Sandra A. , Lin Haixia , Mercer Kelly E. , Adams Sean H. , Thyfault John P.
Published: August 2020

Women with contrasting exercise and aerobic capacity levels show clear differences in bile acid (BA) metabolism. Women with low aerobic capacity (Lo-Fit) have increased circulating conjugated BAs post oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), whereas women with high aerobic capacity (Hi-Fit) display a transient increase. Hi-Fit women show an increase in the secondary BA, lithocholic acid, during the OGTT not seen in Lo-Fit women. Differences in circulating BA species between Hi- and Lo-Fit women possibly contribute to differences in insulin sensitivity and energy regulation via different signaling mechanisms.
Human adaptation to hypoxia in critical illness
Authors: McKenna Helen T. , Murray Andrew J. , Martin Daniel S.
Published: August 2020

The syndrome of critical illness is a complex physiological stressor that can be triggered by diverse pathologies. It is widely believed that organ dysfunction and death result from bioenergetic failure caused by inadequate cellular oxygen supply. Teleologically, life has evolved to survive in the face of stressors by undergoing a suite of adaptive changes. Adaptation not only comprises alterations in systemic physiology but also involves molecular reprogramming within cells. The concept of cellular adaptation in critically ill patients is a matter of contention in part because medical interventions mask underlying physiology, creating the artificial construct of “chronic critical illness,” without which death would be imminent. Thus far, the intensive care armamentarium has not targeted cellular metabolism to preserve a temporary equilibrium but instead attempts to normalize global oxygen and substrate delivery. Here, we review adaptations to hypoxia that have been demonstrated in cellular models and in human conditions associated with hypoxia, including the hypobaric hypoxia of high altitude, the intrauterine low-oxygen environment, and adult myocardial hibernation. Common features include upregulation of glycolytic ATP production, enhancement of respiratory efficiency, downregulation of mitochondrial density, and suppression of energy-consuming processes. We argue that these innate cellular adaptations to hypoxia represent potential avenues for intervention that have thus far remained untapped by intensive care medicine.
Sickle Cell Nephropathy and Associated Factors among Asymptomatic Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia
Authors: Nnaji Uchenna Modestus , Ogoke Christian Chukwukere , Okafor Henrietta Uche , Achigbu Kingsley I.
Published: August 2020

Background. Sickle cell nephropathy (SCN) is a serious complication of sickle cell anaemia (SCA) with asymptomatic onset in childhood and possible progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD). In Southeast Nigeria, few studies have evaluated renal function in paediatric SCA patients for early detection of renal impairment and early intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study evaluated the renal function of paediatric SCA patients in a steady state based on glomerular filtration rate and urinalysis findings (proteinuria and haematuria). Methods. A cross-sectional study of consecutively recruited sixty haemoglobin SS (HbSS) children in a steady state and sixty age- and sex-matched haemoglobin AA (HbAA) controls aged 2–18 years was done. Renal function of HbSS subjects was evaluated using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) which was compared with healthy HbAA subjects. The prevalence of significant proteinuria and haematuria, its association with eGFR, and the effect of past sickle cell crisis (in the preceding 24 months) on renal function were also evaluated. Results. Mean eGFR was significantly higher in HbSS subjects than in the HbAA subjects (p=0.001) and decreased with age. Significant proteinuria and haematuria were more prevalent in the HbSS group (3.4% and 6.7%, respectively) compared to the HbAA subjects (0% and 0%, respectively) (p=0.496 and 0.119, respectively). No significant association was observed between eGFR and proteinuria (p=1.000) or haematuria (p=1.000). There was a positive correlation between eGFR and frequency of past painful crisis that required hospitalization (r=0.138, p=0.295) and between eGFR and frequency of blood transfusion (r=0.679, p≤0.001). Conclusions. Asymptomatic paediatric HbSS (SCA) patients had higher mean eGFR indicating an increased risk of nephropathy. There was no association between eGFR and proteinuria or haematuria. Frequent sickle cell crises especially one requiring transfusion were positively correlated with hyperfiltration.
Mining Social Media Data to Study the Consequences of Dementia Diagnosis on Caregivers and Relatives
Authors: Gkotsis George , Mueller Christoph , Dobson Richard J.B. , Hubbard Tim J.P. , Dutta Rina
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Caregivers for people with dementia face a number of challenges such as changing family relationships, social isolation, or financial difficulties. Internet usage and social media are increasingly being recognised as resources to increase support and general public health. Objective: Using automated analysis, the aim of this study was to explore (i) the age and sex of people who post to the social media forum Reddit about dementia diagnoses, (ii) the affected person and their diagnosis, (iii) which subreddits authors are posting to, (iv) the types of messages posted, and (v) the content of these posts. Methods: We analysed Reddit posts concerning dementia diagnoses and used a previously developed text analysis pipeline to determine attributes of the posts and their authors. The posts were further examined through manual annotation of the diagnosis provided and the person affected. Lastly, we investigated the communities posters engage with and assessed the contents of the posts with an automated topic gathering/clustering technique. Results: Five hundred and thirty-five Reddit posts were identified as relevant and further processed. The majority of posters in our dataset are females and predominantly close relatives, such as parents and grandparents, are mentioned. The communities frequented and topics gathered reflect not only the person’s diagnosis but also potential outcomes, for example hardships experienced by the caregiver or the requirement for legal support. Conclusions: This work demonstrates the value of social media data as a resource for in-depth examination of caregivers’ experience after a dementia diagnosis. It is important to study groups actively posting online, both in topic-specific and general communities, as they are most likely to benefit from novel internet-based support systems or interventions.
Readmissions for Depression and Suicide Attempt following Stroke and Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Stein Laura K. , Kornspun Alana , Erdman John , Dhamoon Mandip S.
Published: August 2020

Background and Purpose: Rates of depression after ischemic stroke (IS) and myocardial infarction (MI) are significantly higher than in the general population and associated with morbidity and mortality. There is a lack of nationally representative data comparing depression and suicide attempt (SA) after these distinct ischemic vascular events. Methods: The 2013 Nationwide Readmissions Database contains >14 million US admissions for all payers and the uninsured. Using International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification Codes, we identified index admission with IS (n = 434,495) or MI (n = 539,550) and readmission for depression or SA. We calculated weighted frequencies of readmission. We performed adjusted Cox regression to calculate hazard ratio (HR) for readmission for depression and SA up to 1 year following IS versus MI. Analyses were stratified by discharge home versus elsewhere. Results: Weighted depression readmission rates were higher at 30, 60, and 90 days in patients with IS versus MI (0.04%, 0.09%, 0.12% vs. 0.03%, 0.05%, 0.07%, respectively). There was no significant difference in SA readmissions between groups. The adjusted HR for readmission due to depression was 1.49 for IS versus MI (95% CI 1.25–1.79, p < 0.0001). History of depression (HR 3.70 [3.07–4.46]), alcoholism (2.04 [1.34–3.09]), and smoking (1.38 [1.15–1.64]) were associated with increased risk of depression readmission. Age >70 years (0.46 [0.37–0.56]) and discharge home (0.69 [0.57–0.83]) were associated with reduced hazards of readmission due to depression. Conclusions: IS was associated with greater hazard of readmission due to depression compared to MI. Patients with a history of depression, smoking, and alcoholism were more likely to be readmitted with depression, while advanced age and discharge home were protective. It is unclear to what extent differences in type of ischemic tissue damage and disability contribute, and further investigation is warranted.
Immunological and Symptomatic Effects of Oral Intake of Transgenic Rice Containing 7 Linked Major T-Cell Epitopes from Japanese Cedar Pollen Allergens
Authors: Endo Tomonori , Asaka Daiya , Nakayama Tsuguhisa , Saito Shota , Kodama Hiroki , Mitsuyoshi Ryoto , Takaishi Shinya , Sugimoto Naoki , Omae Sachiko , Takagi Hidenori , Wakasa Yuhya , Ozawa Kenjiro , Takano Makoto , Takaiwa Fumio , Kojima Hiromi , Saito Saburo
Published: August 2020

Background: A rice-based peptide vaccine containing 7 linked human predominant T-cell epitopes (7Crp) derived from Japanese cedar (JC) pollen allergens, Cry j 1 and Cry j 2, was developed. Here, we examined the efficacy and safety of this transgenic rice in JC pollinosis patients. Methods: Transgenic rice (5, 20, and 80 g) was administered orally. We measured the T-cell proliferative activity against 7Crp, Cry j 1, and Cry j 2; the cytokine expression levels; and specific IgE and IgG4 production levels. In addition, the symptom and medication scores were monitored during the pollen season, and quality of life (QOL) was evaluated. Results: T-cell proliferative activities to Cry j 1, Cry j 2, and 7Crp were significantly depressed in a dose-dependent manner. Oral intake of 80 g transgenic rice for 20 weeks resulted in significant suppression of allergen-specific T-cell proliferation with downregulation of IL-13 and upregulation of IL-10 levels but no changes to specific IgE and IgG4 levels. The QOL symptom scores for allergic rhinitis were not significantly improved. Conclusions: Allergen-specific T-cell responses were significantly reduced by oral intake of transgenic rice in a dose-dependent manner. However, neither medication score nor QOL symptom scores could be improved during the JC pollen season with oral intake of transgenic rice for 20 weeks.
Cytology of SMARCA4-Deficient Thoracic Neoplasms: Comparative Analysis of SMARCA4-Deficient Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinomas and SMARCA4-Deficient Thoracic Sarcomas
Authors: Nambirajan Aruna , Dutta Rimlee , Malik Prabhat Singh , Bubendorf Lukas , Jain Deepali
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Inactivating mutations of the SMARCA4 (SWI/SNF-related, matrix-associated, actin-dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily A, member 4) gene and/or loss of the BRG1 (brahma-related gene 1) protein defines SMARCA4-deficient thoracic sarcoma (SMARCA4-dTS), an aggressive neoplasm with a usually fatal outcome. Similar SMARCA4 mutations/BRG1 loss is also seen in a subset of non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs; SMARCA4-dNSCLCs) that lack alterations in currently targetable oncogenic drivers, that is, EGFR, ALK, and ROS1. There is limited knowledge on the cytomorphological features of these SMARCA4-deficient thoracic neoplasms. Methods: We retrospectively analysed the cytology of 2 cases each of SMARCA4-dNSCLC and SMARCA4-dTS to understand their cytomorphological overlap, if any, and identify features that would prompt testing for BRG1 loss. Results: All 4 patients were males presenting with advanced disease, with a mean age of 41.5 years (SMARCA4-dTS) and 58.5 years (SMARCA4-dNSCLC) at presentation. The cytology of the 2 SMARCA4-dTSs was strikingly similar, showing predominantly singly dispersed rhabdoid phenotype tumour cells with perinuclear cytoplasmic condensations in an inflammatory or necrotic background. The cytology raised suspicion for a wide range of differentials, including melanoma, high-grade lymphoma, germ cell tumour, undifferentiated carcinoma, and undifferentiated sarcoma. SMARCA4-dNSCLCs, on the other hand, were recognizable as poorly differentiated (adeno)carcinomas and were easily distinguished from SMARCA4-dTSs, with both cases showing cohesive clusters of frequently large tumour cells with abundant pale cytoplasm. Conclusion: A diagnosis of SMARCA4-dTS is possible on cytology with appropriate ancillary testing and a high index of suspicion. The cytology of SMARCA4-dNSCLCs does not overlap with SMARCA4-dTS; rather, it resembles that of any poorly differentiated (adeno)carcinoma in the limited numbers analysed in this study.
Moving Genomics to Routine Care
Authors: Aryan Zahra , Szanto Attila , Pantazi Angeliki , Reddi Tejaswini , Rheinstein Carolyn , Powers Winslow , Wilson Evan , Deo Rahul C. , Chowdhury Shimul , Salz Lisa , Dimmock David , Nahas Shareef , Benson Wendy , Kingsmore Stephen F. , MacRae Calum A. , Vuzman Dana
Published: August 2020

Background:

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) costs are falling, yet, outside oncology, this information is seldom used in adult clinics. We piloted a rapid WGS (rWGS) workflow, focusing initially on estimating power for a feasibility study of introducing genome information into acute cardiovascular care.

Methods:

A prospective implementation study was conducted to test the feasibility and clinical utility of rWGS in acute cardiovascular care. rWGS was performed on 50 adult patients with acute cardiovascular events and cardiac arrest survivors, testing for primary and secondary disease-causing variants, cardiovascular-related pharmacogenomics, and carrier status for recessive diseases. The impact of returning rWGS results on short-term clinical care of participants was investigated. The utility of polygenic risk scores to stratify coronary artery disease was also assessed.

Results:

Pathogenic variants, typically secondary findings, were identified in 20% (95% CI, 11.7–34.3). About 60% (95% CI, 46.2–72.4) of participants were carriers for one or more recessive traits, most commonly inHFEandSERPINA1genes. Although 64% (95% CI, 50.1–75.9) of participants carried at least one pharmacogenetic variant of cardiovascular relevance, these were actionable in only 14% (95% CI, 7–26.2). Coronary artery disease prevalence among participants at the 95th percentile of polygenic risk score was 88.2% (95% CI, 71.8–95.7).

Conclusions:

We demonstrated the feasibility of rWGS integration into the inpatient management of adults with acute cardiovascular events. Our pilot identified pathogenic variants in one out of 5 acute vascular patients. Integrating rWGS in clinical care will progressively increase actionability.
Continuous Neuromuscular Blockade Following Successful Resuscitation From Cardiac Arrest: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Moskowitz Ari , Andersen Lars W. , Rittenberger Jon C. , Swor Robert , Seethala Raghu R. , Kurz Michael C. , Berg Katherine M. , Chase Maureen , Cocchi Michael N. , Grossestreuer Anne V. , Liu Xiaowen , Holmberg Mathias J. , Callaway Clifton W. , Donnino Michael W.
Published: August 2020

Background

Neuromuscular blockade (NMB) agents are often administered to control shivering during targeted temperature management following cardiac arrest. In this study, we hypothesized that early, continuous NMB would result in a greater reduction in serum lactate levels among comatose patients after cardiac arrest.

Methods and Results

Randomized trial of continuous NMB for 24 hours versus usual care following cardiac arrest conducted at 5 urban centers in the United States. Adult patients who achieved return of spontaneous circulation, remained unresponsive, and underwent targeted temperature management after cardiac arrest were included. The primary outcome was change in lactate over 24 hours. A total of 83 patients were randomized, and 80 were analyzed (37 and 43 in the NMB and usual care arms, respectively). There was no significant interaction between time and treatment group with respect to change in lactate over 24 hours (median lactate change from 4.2 to 2.0 mmol/L [−2.2 mmol/L] in the NMB arm versus 4.0 to 1.7 mmol/L [−2.3 mmol/L] in the usual care arm; geometric mean difference, 1.3 [95% CI, 1.0–1.8];
P
=0.07 for the interaction term). There was no difference in hospital survival (38% [NMB] versus 33% [usual care];
P
=0.63) or survival with good functional outcome (30% [NMB] versus 21% [usual care];
P
=0.35). There were no adverse events in either arm attributed to study interventions.

Conclusions

Continuous NMB compared with usual care did not reduce lactate over the first 24 hours after enrollment compared with usual care. There was no difference in overall hospital survival, hospital survival with good neurologic outcome, or adverse events.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02260258.
Marital Networks and Portfolios of Prestige
Authors: Dluhošová Táňa
Published: August 2020

Many of today’s most successful Taiwanese companies are linked to prominent kin groups. Expanding existing historical scholarship, which has focused on elite families individually, the article opens up a broader perspective by investigating Taiwanese elites as a social group, albeit a heterogeneous one. Based on a dataset comprising family members and their relationships, the article first describes this marital network of 1,271 families. Subsequently, following a Bourdieusian approach, it analyses distinct elite groups and their engagement in multiple fields of activity, information about which is stored in TBIO (Taiwan Biographical Ontology), a biographical database established by the author. The analysis reveals the existence of characteristic combinations of capital—dubbed here ‘portfolios of prestige’—which allowed these families to gain and maintain their positions of influence. In combining Digital Humanities methods and sociological approaches, the article thus identifies salient structural features of Taiwanese elites which have rarely been highlighted and opens up new prospects for future research.
Systematic revision of the caddisfly genus Machairocentron Schmid (Trichoptera: Psychomyioidea: Xiphocentronidae)
Authors: Vilarino Albane , Holzenthal Ralph W.
Published: August 2020

The genus Machairocentron is revised and its included species, M. ascanius Schmid 1982, M. echinatum (Flint 1981), M. falciforme Pes & Hamada 2013, M. lucumon Schmid 1982, M. tarpeia Schmid 1982, and M. teucrus Schmid 1982, are redescribed and illustrated based on type specimens. Two new species from Costa Rica, M. chorotegae sp. nov. and M. eugeniarguedasae sp. nov., and one from Venezuela, M. kalinae sp. nov., are described. An identification key for the Machairocentron genus is also provided.
The Role of the Karaites in the Transmission of the Hebrew Bible and Their Practice of Transcribing It into Arabic Script
Authors: Khan Geoffrey
Published: August 2020

In the Middle Ages the Karaite Jews in the Islamic world used both Arabic and Hebrew script in their writings. They wrote not only Arabic texts in Arabic script but also many of their Hebrew Bibles in Arabic transcription. The Rabbanites, by contrast, used Hebrew script for writing both Arabic and Hebrew. This paper examines the association of the Karaites with the Masoretic transmission of the Hebrew Bible and the motivation for their transcribing the Bible into Arabic script. It is argued that the Arabic transcriptions reflect the polemical stance of the Karaites against the bases of scriptural authority of the Rabbinites and an advanced degree of rapprochement of the Karaites with the Muslim environment. They represent a convergence with the external form of the Muslim Arabic Qurʾān and also with the concepts of authority associated with the transmission of Muslim scripture.
Crop water stress index relationship with soybean seed, protein and oil yield under varying irrigation regimes in a Mediterranean environment
Authors: Vamvakoulas Christos , Argyrokastritis Ioannis , Papastylianou Panayiota , Papatheohari Yolanda , Alexandris Stavros
Published: August 2020

A two-year field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of water stress, including Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI), on seed, protein and oil yields, for two hybrids of drip-irrigated soybean in Central Greece. The experiment was set up as a split plot design with four replicates, five main plots (irrigation treatments) and two sub-plots (soybean hybrids, ‘PR91M10’ and ‘PR92B63’). Irrigation was applied to provide 100, 75, 50 and 25% of the crop evapotranspiration needs and 0% non-irrigated. Biomass weight, seed yield, oil and protein concentration were measured after harvest. To compute CWSI, lower and upper baselines were developed based on the canopy temperature measurements of I100 and I0 treatments, respectively. Deficit irrigation had a significant effect on biomass, seed, protein and oil yields. Hybrid PR92B63 was more responsive to irrigation and showed higher biomass, seed protein and oil yields, while the more sensitive hybrid PR91M10 had the ability to maintain productivity with increasing degrees of water stress. The rain-fed treatments significantly reduced biomass production and seed yield compared with the fully-irrigated ones. The highest and the lowest protein and oil yields were obtained in the I100 and I0 treatments respectively in both years and cultivars. Statistically significant exponential relationships were determined between CWSI and biomass, seed, protein and oil yields. Generally, CWSI could be used to measure crop water status and to improve irrigation scheduling of the crop and 0.10 for PR92B63 and 0.19 for PR91M10 could be offered as threshold values under the climatic conditions of the region.
Photoperiod and silver ions modulate in vitro flowering in Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb.
Authors: Revathi J. , Manokari M. , Latha R. , Priyadharshini S. , Kher Mafatlal M. , Shekhawat Mahipal S.
Published: August 2020

Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb. is an important medicinal plant of Indian, Malayan, and Chinese traditional systems of medicines. In vitro flowering system serves as a model system to study flowering physiology, and role of combination of photoperiodic conditions and ethylene inhibitors. Ethylene is responsible for delayed flowering response in plants; hence, it is interesting to explore the role of ethylene inhibitors and photoperiod on flowering mechanism. The present study, for the first time, reports the influence of silver thiosulfate (STS), silver nitrate, and photoperiod (PP) to induce high-frequency in vitro flowering in O. herbacea. The flowers were induced from the in vitro shoots (2.0 floral buds per shoot) on MS medium containing 4 μM 6-benzylaminopurine + 2 μM indole-3-acetic acid + 5 μM STS at 14-h PP. This study could be the foundation to understand the role of PP and silver ions on flowering physiology at molecular level.
Genus Stathmopoda Herrich-Schäffer, 1853 (Lepidoptera: Stathmopodidae) from China: Descriptions of thirteen new species
Authors: WANG AILING , GUAN WEI , WANG SHUXIA
Published: August 2020

Thirteen new species of the genus Stathmopoda are described from China: S. atrifusca sp. nov., S. cellifaria sp. nov., S. cornuta sp. nov., S. digitiprocessa sp. nov., S. dolichantha sp. nov., S. falsistimulata sp. nov., S. guangxiensis sp. nov., S. ingena sp. nov., S. liberata sp. nov., S. purpurata sp. nov., S. serrifasciaria sp. nov., S. similatridorsalis sp. nov. and S. spinicornuta sp. nov. Images of both adults and genitalia of the new species are provided, along with a map showing the distribution of these species.
The granulate ambrosia beetle, Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae), and its fungal symbiont found in South Africa
Authors: NEL WILMA J. , DE BEER Z. WILHELM , WINGFIELD MICHAEL J. , DUONG TUAN A.
Published: August 2020

Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motchulsky) is a native Asian ambrosia beetle that has been accidentally introduced to many countries of the world, presumably through the international movement of nursery, timber, and wood products. The species is known in various tropical African countries but only as far south as Tanzania on the African continent. In this study, we report X. crassiusculus and its fungal symbiont for the first time from South Africa. The species was identified using both morphological characters and COI sequence data. Xylosandrus crassiusculus were obtained from three different provinces of South Africa and represent two distinct haplotypes. The fungal symbiont, Ambrosiella roeperi, was isolated and identified using DNA sequencing and morphological characterization.
miR-506 Affects Cervical Cancer Cell Resistance to Adriamycin (ADM) Through Regulating Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3)
Authors: Cheng Junjie , Xi Xiaoli , Li Xinyu
Published: August 2020

STAT3 is involved in the development and resistance of several tumors. Abnormal miR-506 expression is associated with cervical cancer. miR-506 was predicted to have a relationship with STAT3. Our study investigated miR-506's role in cervical cancer cell adriamycin (ADM) resistance.
The ADM drug-resistant cell line, Caski/ADM was established followed by measuring miR-506 and STAT3 mRNA level by qRT-PCR and STAT3 protein expression by Western blot. The Caski/ADM cells were separated into miR-NC group and miR-506 mimic group followed by analysis of STAT3 and p-STAT3 level
by Western blot, cell apoptosis and proliferation by flow cytometry. There was a targeted regulatory relationship between miR-506 and STAT3 mRNA. miR-506 in Caski/ADM cells was significantly downregulated compared to that in Caski cells, which further significantly reduced compared to HCerEpiC
cells. Caski/ADM cells had highest STAT3 level followed by Caski cells and HCerEpiC cells. miR-506 mimic transfection significantly upregulated miR-506, decreased STAT3 and p-STAT3 level with increased cell apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation as well as resistance. miR-506 level regulates
cervical cancer ADM resistance. Increasing miR-506 expression down-regulates STAT3 expression, inhibits proliferation of cervical cancer cells, promotes apoptosis and reduces ADM resistance.
Celecoxib Attenuates Cartilage Matrix Damage in Arthritis Rats by Inhibiting NF-κ B
Authors: Du Lukuan , Jiang Zhenghui , Wang Zhaohui , Wang Liming
Published: August 2020

Objective: Celecoxib selectively inhibits the activity of COX-2 and the production of prostaglandin (PG), and plays a therapeutic role in treating osteoarthritis (OA). NF-κB signaling and IL-1α and TNFα are involved in OA pathogenesis. This study explored whether
Celecoxib might exert therapeutic effects on OA through regulating NF-κB signaling and IL-1β and TNF release in OA rat model. Method : The contents of MMP-13, Hyp, IL-1β and TNFα in synovial fluid were detected by ELISA. The protein expressions of NF-κ B
p-p65, COL2A1 and the activity of caspase-3 were detected. OA model rats were separated into OA group and OA+ Celecoxib group followed by analysis of MMP-13, Hyp, IL-1β and TNF level in articular fluid by ELISA and p-p65 and COL2A1 level and caspase-3 activity by western blot. Rat cartilage
tissue was cultured and divided into control group, LPS group and LPS+ Celecoxib group followed by analysis of expressions of p-p65 and COL2A1 in cartilage tissue, IL-1 and TNF content in culture supernatant, and chondrocyte apoptosis. Results: Compared with Sham group, p-p65 expression
and caspase-3 activity in cartilage tissue of OA rats was increased and COL2A1 level was reduced. Meanwhile the expression of MMP-13, Hyp, IL-1β and TNF in articular fluid of OA rats was increased. Compared to OA group, p-p65 expression and caspase-3 activity was decreased and COL2A1
expression was increased in OA+ Celecoxib treatment group along with decreased MMP-13, Hyp, IL-1β and TNF level in articular fluid. p-p65 expression and caspase-3 activity in LPS group was increased and COL2A1 expression was decreased with increased IL-beta; and TNF content. Compared
to LPS group, p-p65 expression and caspase-3 activity was decreased and COL2A1 expression was increased in LPS+ Celecoxib group with decreased content of IL-1β and TNFα. Conclusion: Celecoxib can protect cartilage in OA by inhibiting NF-κB activation and IL-1β
and TNF release, and decreasing cell apoptosis in inflammatory environment.
Rehmanniae Decoction Improve Brain Function in Vascular Dementia Rats Through Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K)/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Sang Peng , Zhao Jiahui , Wang Shun , Yang Hui , Shi Huijuan
Published: August 2020

Objective: Studies have shown that Rehmanniae Decoction (Reh) has therapeutic effect on vascular dementia (VD). PI3K/AKT signaling regulates oxidative stress damage and cell apoptosis. Our study intends torehmanniae decoction's effect on the neural function in VD mice. Methods:
The mice were divided into Sham group, VD group, low dose Reh+ VD group and high dose Reh+ VD group. Water maze test was used to assess learning and memory ability. The activity of caspase-3, the content of MDA and the activity of SOD enzyme in hippocampus were detected. In vitro , HT22 cells
were divided into control group, I–R group, I–R+ 2% Reh serum, I–R+ 4% Reh serum. Flow cytometry was used to detect the intracellular content of ROS and cell apoptosis. Results: Compared with sham group, the learning and memory ability of mice in VD group was significantly
decreased. p-AKT level and SOD activity in the hippocampus was decreased, the Caspase-3 activity and MDA content was significantly increased. After treatment of Reh, the learning and memory ability of VD model mice was significantly improved, p-AKT protein expression and SOD activity were
up-regulated, and Caspase-3 activity and MDA content were reduced. Conclusion: Rehmanniae decoction alleviates the oxidative stress and inhibits cell apoptosis to improve the function of brain by regulating PI3K/AKT pathway.
Long Non-Coding RNA Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 15 (SNHG15) Regulates Gastric Cancer Cell Proliferation and Invasion Through Targeting MiR-92a
Authors: Deng Feng , Zhou Xiaoping , Liu Yang , Wang Haiding , Li Yinzi
Published: August 2020

Gastric cancer pathogenesis remains to be elucidated. LncRNAs involve in tumorigenesis. LncRNA SNHG15 is abnormally expressed in several tumors, but its role in gastric cancer is unclear. The tumor tissue and adjacent tissues of gastric cancer patients were collected for measuring LncRNA
SNHG15 and miR-92a expressions by Real time PCR. Gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 was divided into NC group, si-SNHG15 group, and si-UCA1+ miR-92a inhibitor group followed by analysis of cell proliferation by MTT assay, Capase-3 activity as well as Bax and Bcl-2 level by Real-time PCR. Gastric
cancer tissues presented significantly increased LncRNA SNHG15 and decreased miR-92a expression than adjacent tissues (P < 0 05). LncRNA SNHG15 and miR-92a expression was associated with the tumor differentiation and pathological stage (P < 0 05) with a negative correlation between them.
SNHG15 siRNA transfection significantly inhibited SNHG15 expression and tumor cell proliferation and invasion, increased Caspase 3 activity and Bax level, and decreased Bcl2 (P < 0 05). miR-92a was a targeted miRNA for LncRNA SNHG15. Addition of miR-92a inhibitor can significantly reverse
the above changes (P < 0 05). LncRNA SNHG15 expression is increased and miR-92a expression is decreased in gastric cancer and correlated with the tumor pathological stage. LncRNA SNHG15 regulates human gastric cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion via targeting miR-92a.
Assessing Risk for Mortality in Trauma: The Value of Admission Hemoglobin A1c
Authors: Edwards Jacob D. , Flood Dylan M. N. , Bayouth Lilly A. , Archie William , Irish William , Toschlog Eric A. , Newell Mark A.
Published: August 2020

Background

Recent efforts have been made to identify admission characteristics of trauma patients that are associated with increased risk of mortality. Contemporary literature has established an increased risk of mortality with admission hyperglycemia. However, the effects of longstanding hyperglycemia, as surrogated by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), has not been studied.

Methods

A prospective trauma database was retrospectively reviewed identifying patients with collected HbA1c at admission. Three cohorts were defined by HbA1c: normal (N), <5.7; prediabetic (PD) 5.7-6.5; and diabetic (D) >6.5. Regression models were used to evaluate the risk of increased hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), ventilator days, and mortality. Relative risk (RR) and 95% CI are provided as measures of significance.

Results

A total of 2978 patients were included in the analysis (N: n = 1895, PD: n = 744, and D: n = 339). The D cohort was more likely to be older, female, obese, suffered blunt trauma, and triaged at the highest activation acuity level ( P < .0001). Mean injury severity score (ISS) was similar between groups. The D group was more likely to have longer ICU-LOS (RR 1.5; 95% CI 1.10-2.07) and ventilator days (RR 1.52; 95% CI 1.03-2.26) than the N group. Relative to the N group, the risk of mortality was 50% higher in the PD (RR 1.49; 95% CI 1.17-1.90) and in the D cohorts (RR 1.50; 95% CI 1.03-2.18).

Discussion

Trauma patients with an elevated admission HbA1c have a significantly higher risk of mortality regardless of their history of diabetes. These data add to the body of literature that documents the untoward effect of hyperglycemia on the trauma patient.
Impact of Surgeon-Performed Ultrasound on Treatment of Thyroid Cancer Patients
Authors: Shalaby Mahmoud , Hadedeya Deena , Lee Grace S. , Toraih Eman , Kandil Emad
Published: August 2020

Background

The 2015 American Thyroid Association Management Guidelines for patients with thyroid nodules recommended a comprehensive sonographic evaluation of thyroid nodules’ characteristics and the presence of any suspicious cervical lymph nodes (LNs) in the central and lateral compartments. This detailed sonographic assessment is still not routinely performed. We hypothesized that an endocrine surgeon-performed ultrasound (SUS) significantly enhances the management of thyroid cancer patients when compared with referral ultrasound (RUS).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of 267 consecutive thyroid surgery patients who were diagnosed with thyroid cancer on final pathology. All patients had undergone a SUS, but only 130 cohorts with both RUS and SUS were included. Features of thyroid nodules and LN and changes in the management plan were recorded.

Results

Based on SUS assessment, 26 patients (20%) were noted to have suspicious thyroid nodules which warranted a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and were missed in RUS. On FNA, there were 12 patients with Bethesda categories III/IV and 14 patients with Bethesda V/VI. Those 26 patients were found to have a malignancy in the final pathology assessment. Thirty-eight patients (29.2%) were noted to have suspicious central/lateral neck findings on SUS but were not reported in RUS. Additionally, 8 patients (6.1%) were found to have a parathyroid adenoma by SUS and required concurrent parathyroidectomy.

Discussion

A comprehensive neck ultrasound in thyroid cancer patients, performed by their endocrine surgeon, could enhance management planning and outcomes. This finding highlights the critical need for education and improvement of routine neck ultrasonographic examination performed in the community.
An Evaluation of Tension Measurements During Myofascial Release for Hernia Repair
Authors: Parikh Rajavi S. , Faulkner Justin , Borden Hooks William , Hope William W.
Published: August 2020

Tension-free repairs have revolutionized the way we repair hernias. To help reduce undue tension when performing ventral hernia repair, multiple different techniques of myofascial releases have been described. The purpose of this project is to evaluate tension measurements for commonly performed myofascial releases in abdominal wall hernia repair. Patients undergoing myofascial release techniques for their ventral hernias were enrolled in a prospective Institutional Review Board-approved protocol to measure abdominal wall tension from June 1, 2011 to August 1, 2019. Abdominal wall tensions were measured using tensiometers before and after myofascial release techniques. Descriptive statistics were performed and data were analyzed. Thirty patients had tension measurements (5 anterior myofascial separation, 25 posterior myofascial separation with transversus abdominis release [TAR]). Average age was 60.1 years (range 29-81), 83% Caucasian, 53% female, and 42% recurrent hernias. The average hernia defect in patients undergoing anterior myofascial release was 117.3 cm2, and the average mesh size was 650 cm2. The reduction in tension after anterior release was 4.7 lbs (2.7 lbs vs 7.4 lbs). The average hernia defect in patients undergoing posterior myofascial release (TAR) was 183 cm2, and the average mesh size was 761.36 cm2. The reduction in tension after bilateral posterior rectus sheath incision was 2.55 lbs (5.01 lbs vs 7.56 lbs) with 0.66 lbs further reduction in tension after TAR (4.35 lbs vs 5.01). In this evaluation, abdominal wall tension measurements are shown to be a feasible adjunct during open hernia repair. Preliminary data show tension reductions associated with the different myofascial release techniques and, with further study, may be a useful intraoperative adjunct for decision making in hernia repair.
Vascular Remodeling and Immune Cell Infiltration in Splenic Artery Aneurysms
Authors: Clément Marc , Lareyre Fabien , Loste Alexia , Sannier Aurélie , Burel-Vandenbos Fanny , Massiot Nicolas , Carboni Joseph , Jean-Baptiste Elixène , Caligiuri Giuseppina , Nicoletti Antonino , Raffort Juliette
Published: August 2020

Rupture of splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) is associated with a high mortality rate. The aim of this study was to identify the features of SAAs. Tissue sections from SAAs were compared to nonaneurysmal splenic arteries using various stains. The presence of intraluminal thrombus (ILT), vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), cluster of differentiation (CD)-68+ phagocytes, myeloperoxidase+ neutrophils, CD3+, and CD20+ adaptive immune cells were studied using immunofluorescence microscopy. Analysis of SAAs revealed the presence of atherosclerotic lesions, calcifications, and ILT. Splenic artery aneurysms were characterized by a profound vascular remodeling with a dramatic loss of VSMCs, elastin degradation, adventitial fibrosis associated with enhanced apoptosis, and increased matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression. We observed an infiltration of immune cells comprising macrophages, neutrophils, T, and B cells. The T and B cells were found in the adventitial layer of SAAs, but their organization into tertiary lymphoid organs was halted. We failed to detect germinal centers even in the most organized T/B cell follicles and these lymphoid clusters lacked lymphoid stromal cells. This detailed histopathological characterization of the vascular remodeling during SAA showed that lymphoid neogenesis was incomplete, suggesting that critical mediators of their development must be missing.