bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moral Hinterlands of Pre-Colonial Indian Cities
Authors: Gordon Stewart
Published: October 2019

This paper explores relations between Western Indian cities and the supply areas connected to them. It begins with a discussion of the term “hinterland,” frequently used to describe these relations. As we shall see, the term greatly simplifies a complex set of relationships between cities, smaller towns, and rural villages. We will consider three case studies of money advanced against future assets. The first concerns the relation of thirteenth-century Jewish traders to their indigenous spice suppliers on the Malabar Coast; the second, the relation of eighteenth-century East India Company traders to cloth producers; and the third, the relation of Pune investors to taxation areas against which they loaned money to the Maratha government. In a time of slow communications and transportation the central problem was “trust at a distance”; the operative relationships were as much emotional and moral as economic. Finally, I will suggest a new way to conceptualize cities and their hinterlands.
Fossil soldier beetles (Coleoptera: Cantharidae) of the Georg Statz Collection from the Oligocene Rott Formation, Germany

Authors: FANTI FABRIZIO , WALKER LINDSAY J.
Published: October 2019

Specimens of the family Cantharidae Imhoff, 1856 from the Georg Statz Collection (latest Oligocene, Rott Formation, Germany) are studied. Six specimens are relatively complete for species-level determinations, including one with a partial aedeagus visible, a first for soldier beetles preserved as compressions. The new species herein described include: Cantharis (Cantharis) bradburyi sp. nov., C. (C.) lidiae sp. nov., C. (C.) rottensis sp. nov., Podistra (Absidia) quies sp. nov., Rhagonycha (Rhagonycha) carolynae sp. nov. and R. (R.) ultramundana sp. nov.. Notably, these genera are still found in Germany and the present report thus provides support for earlier occurrences of Cantharis, Podistra, and Rhagonycha from the Eocene Baltic amber.
Atypical short elytra in Cretaceous short-winged flower beetles (Coleoptera: Kateretidae)

Authors: PERIS DAVID , JELÍNEK JOSEF
Published: October 2019

Although the family Kateretidae has fewer than 100 described extant species, its fossil record is growing. The description given here of Electrumeretes birmanicus gen. et sp. nov. and Polliniretes penalveri gen. et sp. nov. brings the number of fossil species in Kateretidae up to nine. Eight of the fossil species have been described from amber deposits and six are from the Cretaceous. All the Cretaceous fossil species and one from the Eocene share atypically short elytra and three dorsally exposed abdominal tergites, whereas in Recent relatives, even though they have shortened elytra, only the pygidium and a part of the preceding one or two abdominal tergites are exposed. It is suggested that shortened elytra (brachelytry) represents an ancestral state and that elytra may have become secondary longer in extant relatives.
New material of the cricket Sinagryllus xinjiangensis Wang et al., 2019 (Grylloidea, Baissogryllidae) from the Lower Jurassic of Xinjiang, NW China

Authors: XU CHUNPENG , FANG YAN , FANG YANAN , WANG HE , WANG BO , JARZEMBOWSKI EDMUND A. , ZHANG HAICHUN
Published: October 2019

Grylloidea is a large superfamily of orthopteran insects, comprising over 4,000 species in four extant families (Gryllidae, Mogoplistidae, Gryllotalpidae and Myrmecophilidae) and two extinct families (Baissogryllidae and Protogryllidae) to date (Resh & Cardé, 2009; Cigliano et al., 2018; Wang et al., 2019). Grylloids, commonly known as true crickets, are a group of adaptable insects occurring in all the temperate parts of the world except the highest mountain peaks. And interestingly, there are several apterous grylloid genera (e.g., Caconemobius) living in mangrove swamps, where they use the stems to submerge themselves in saltwater and are able to “skate” on water surfaces (Resh & Cardé, 2009; Kim & Kim, 2010).
Rediscovery of Diplazium procumbens (Athyriaceae) in Peninsular Malaysia after more than 70 years, with notes on the morphology, spore ornamentation and anatomy

Authors: MAIDEEN HAJA , ALIAH NUR , NORHAZRINA NIK , GO RUSEA
Published: October 2019

Recent floristic sampling in Fraser’s Hill, Pahang, Malaysia resulted in recollection of a rare Diplazium species in Peninsular Malaysia, D. procumbens, a poorly known species which was first described by R.E. Holttum in 1940. In this paper, we provide comprehensive morphological and anatomical description of the species based on our thorough examination of specimens including the type, and designate a lectotype and isolectotype. We also studied the spore ornamentation of D. procumbens using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and discovered that the spores have folds and non-fenestrate perine.  Descriptions of the habitat and ecology are also presented.
Taxonomic resolution of the North American invasive species of the genus Bythotrephes Leydig, 1860 (Crustacea: Cladocera: Cercopagididae)
Authors: KOROVCHINSKY NIKOLAI M. , ARNOTT SHELLEY E.
Published: October 2019

The invasive species of the genus Bythotrephes introduced in the North American lakes in 1970s-early 1980s was named variously either B. cederstroemi or B. longimanus. The investigation of individuals of the genus from 15 Canadian lakes has allowed us to identify all of them as B. cederströmii Schödler, based on the detailed taxonomic redescription of the Eurasian representatives of the species. The available documented data (figures and photographs) on Bythotrephes from other North American lakes, made it possible to recognize their identity with this species as well. The possible introduction of interspecific hybrids of the genus Bythotrephes in the North American lakes has not been confirmed.
Leucoraja elaineae sp. nov., a new rough skate (Rajiformes: Rajidae) from the Western Indian Ocean
Authors: EBERT DAVID A. , LESLIE ROBIN W.
Published: October 2019

A new species of the genus Leucoraja is described from off Kenya in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). The new species was collected during a survey of the R/V Fridtiof Nansen. Leucoraja elaineae sp. n. is the third species in the genus found to occur in the WIO, and the only species in the genus Leucoraja known exclusively from this region. Its closest geographic congener L. wallacei, occurring from Namibia to southern Mozambique, can be separated by a combination of morphological and meristic characters including an elongated, pronounced snout (L. elaineae sp. n.) vs a short, blunt snout (L. wallacei), higher predorsal vertebral (107 vs 64-74) and pectoral fin radial counts (77 vs 61-64), a dorsal surface pattern consisting of a single ocelli at the midbase of each pectoral fin, paired small white spots, and no banding or crossbars on its tail vs numerous rosettes and whorls, no prominent ocelli at the pectoral fin bases, and 3-4 tail bands. The only other WIO Leucoraja species in the genus, L. compagnoi is known only from South Africa and has a short, blunt snout, a lower upper tooth count (38 vs 57 in L. elaineae sp. n.), a plain dorsal disc color with no markings and distinct bands on its tail. All other members of the genus occur in the North Atlantic, except one species that occurs in the eastern Central Atlantic and one in the eastern Indian Ocean.
Myzostoma khanhkhoaensis (Myzostomida), a new myzostomid species from the Nhatrang Bay, Vietnam
Authors: KOLBASOVA GLAFIRA D. , MEKHOVA ELENA S.
Published: October 2019

A new myzostome species, described here as Myzostoma khanhkhoaensis sp. nov., was collected in Nhatrang Bay, central Vietnam, during investigation of symbionts associated with crinoids. Myzostoma khanhkhoaensis sp. nov. was found only on Clarkcomanthus albinotus Rowe, Hoggett, Birtles & Vail, 1986 in dense groups of up to 25 specimens. This species closely matches the colour pattern of the host by adjusting its cryptic colour and infects the distal part of crinoid arms, causing them to become curved. This is the first record of myzostomes that induce deformation of skeletal elements without the formation of galls or cysts. Morphologically M. khanhkhoaensis sp. nov. is close to M. cuniculus and M. pseudocuniculus but clearly differs from both of them by the shape of caudal blade and chaetae. Molecular-genetics analysis based on CO1, 16S and 18S DNA placed M. khanhkhoaensis sp. nov. in a clade including M. cuniculus, M. pseudocuniculus and M. indocuniculus.
Formulating Industrial Policy
Authors: Besley Tim , Davies Richard
Published: October 2019

Executive Summary

Alongside the challenge of maintaining economic competitiveness in the face of great uncertainty, Brexit brings an opportunity for the government to set out a new industrial strategy. The case for doing so rests on the need to address areas of persistent structural weakness in the UK economy, including low productivity. But it is important that any new industrial strategy be based on appropriately granular data reflecting the real structure of the UK corporate sector: the overwhelmingly preponderant role of services as opposed to manufacturing, for example; the importance of young, fast-growing firms as opposed to SMEs; the relatively high failure rate of companies in the UK; and the relative lack of successful mid-sized firms. Such a data-driven approach might spawn an industrial strategy quite different from the piecemeal programmes of recent years.

Internationally, the UK is a laggard in this area, and the recently-created Industrial Strategy Council does not look strong enough to change that position. To move forward, the government needs to make industrial strategy a central plank of economic policy, embedded at the heart of the administration with its own staff and funding, and operations based on a comprehensive review of the economic contribution and potential of various types of firm. Needless to say, it cannot be a substitute for a continuing commitment to competition and markets, or a stalking horse for protectionism: interventions should be justified by carefully-argued market failure arguments, be time-limited, and transparently evaluated.
Beyond Trump? A critique of Nancy Fraser’s call for a new left hegemony
Authors: Isaac Jeffrey C.
Published: October 2019

Nancy Fraser’s essay ‘From Progressive Neoliberalism to Trump – and Beyond’ is an important intervention in current discussions of Trumpism and how the left, broadly, should understand and respond to it. Fraser’s piece is an admirable effort to situate Trumpism in a broader and deeper political–economic context. At the same time, her argument suffers from a kind of reductionism and takes comfort from a questionable grand narrative of emancipation that is difficult any longer to take seriously. It thus warrants both careful attention and serious criticism. My basic political point: Fraser’s version of ‘socialism or barbarism’ is unconvincing, and the adamant and principled defence of liberal democracy, and its further reform, ought to be a priority for left liberals and leftists more generally who are serious about countering right-wing populist authoritarianism.
Clinical analysis of emergency exploratory laparotomy in patients with intractable postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Chen Lichun , Wu Baohua , Han Qing , Yan Jianying
Published: October 2019

Objective

This study was performed to explore the causes and clinical characteristics of emergency exploratory laparotomy in patients with intractable postpartum hemorrhage.

Methods

This retrospective study was performed from January 2004 to December 2017. Patients with intractable postpartum hemorrhage were grouped according to the initial pathogenesis as determined by exploratory laparotomy: uterine atony, placental factors, coagulation dysfunction, or uterine rupture.

Results

This study involved 72 patients who underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy, accounting for 0.04% of total deliveries. Uterine preservation surgery and hysterectomy were performed in 31 and 41 patients, respectively. Abnormal events upon returning to the ward were primarily vaginal hemorrhage and pelvic hematoma. The frequency of uterine artery ligation was lower in the hysterectomy group than uterine preservation group. The prothrombin activity level, fibrinogen level, and platelet count before surgery were lower in the hysterectomy group than uterine preservation group. The international normalized ratio and activated partial thromboplastin time were higher in the hysterectomy group than uterine preservation group. In total, 44 patients developed complications.

Conclusion

Placental implantation is a primary cause of hysterectomy after emergency laparotomy. However, the possibility of postpartum hemorrhage caused by coagulation disorders should not be ignored.
Effect of regional arterial infusion combined with early enteral nutrition on severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Wang Xiaojuan , Xu Jinbu , Li Jiguang , Cheng Yajuan , Liu Lu , Du Zhiqiang
Published: October 2019

Objective

To measure the therapeutic effects of regional arterial infusion (RAI) in combination with early enteral nutrition (EEN) in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

Methods

A prospective randomized controlled study enrolled patients with SAP. They were randomly divided into a conventional treatment group that served as the control and a combination therapy group that received RAI combined with EEN. The Acute Physiology, Age, Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores, the levels of serum biochemical indices, functional recovery, the incidence of complications and total effectiveness rate were evaluated.

Results

A total of 100 patients were enrolled in the study. The APACHE II scores and the concentrations of blood glucose, serum amylase, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and IL-17 were significantly decreased, while albumin and serum calcium and total effectiveness rate in the combination therapy group were significantly higher than in the conventional treatment group. The combination therapy group had a significantly reduced time to abdominal pain relief, time of first defaecation, hospital stay and incidence of complications compared with the conventional treatment group.

Conclusion

The combination of RAI and EEN improved clinical biochemical indices, reduced the incidence of complications and promoted early recovery in patients with SAP.
Comparative Evaluation of Effects of Different Corticotomy Designs on Velocity of Upper Canine Retraction: A Finite Element Study
Authors: Ahuja Sachin , Gupta Seema , Bhambri Eenal , Jaura Baljinder , Ahuja Varun
Published: October 2019

Purpose: Understanding the effects of different corticotomy designs on the velocity of maxillary canine retraction.

Materials and Method: The 3-dimensional model of maxillary dentition was constructed and 3 corticotomy designs were compared with the conventional approach of canine retraction. 4 models were constructed for the present study: 1 with no corticotomy cuts (model 1), 1 with vertical cuts on both buccal and palatal side (model 2), other with cuts only on buccal side (model 3), and 1 with circular holes (model 4). Stress intensity and force distribution were evaluated after applying 150 gm of orthodontic forces on maxillary canine.

Results: Models with corticotomy approaches exhibited approximately twice the displacement when compared with conventional noncorticotomy procedure. The stresses were mainly concentrated on the distal side of the canine in all the models. The rate of canine retraction was the highest in model with buccal and palatal corticotomy compared to other designs.

Conclusions: Corticotomies help orthodontists to alter the biomechanical responses of dentoalveolar structures during maxillary canine retraction and accelerate tooth movement. Clinically, buccal corticotomy is a better choice for the patients as it is less traumatic and more acceptable to patients.
Land surface temperature retrieval from Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS images based on back-propagation neural network
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhang Meng , Hong Danfeng
Published: October 2019

Land surface temperature (LST) is an important parameter related to the environmental assessment concerning the surface energy, water balance, greenhouse effect, etc. at local and global scales. With the rapid development of the remote sensing technology, various methodologies have been developed to retrieve LST from space-based remote sensing images. Due to the ill-posed problem, the LST retrieval is still a challenge. In this research, a so-called multiple band reflectance (MBR)-LST model has been proposed based on the back-propagation neural (BPN) network, which can be employed to retrieve the LSTs from Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI)/TIRS images as well as produce continuous spatial LST distributions with a spatial resolution of 30 m. Experiments conducted in two randomly selected areas in mainland China proved that the proposed MBR-LST model has yielded a much better performance than the traditional radiative transfer equation (RTE) method with respect to both the accuracy and stability for the LST retrievals. Moreover, another significant advantage of the proposed MBR-LST is the generic nature – once trained by the sample data in the whole region of mainland China, the proposed MBR-LST model can be utilized for the accurate LST-retrievals in any area of mainland China.
Prostatectomy Versus Observation for Localized Prostate Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Luo Xiaojin , Yi Meilian , Hu Qun , Yin Weihua
Published: October 2019

Background and Aims:

Controversy exists regarding whether prostatectomy benefits localized prostate cancer patients; the aim of our study was to evaluate the role of prostatectomy in localized prostate cancer patients.

Materials and Methods:

A systematic search was conducted using PubMed and Web of Science through March 22, 2019, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines to identify randomized studies reporting on prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer patients.

Results:

Of a total of 1827 studies, six were considered for evidence synthesis. A total of 2524 patients in 3 studies were included for survival analysis, where 1256 patients received prostatectomy and 1268 patients received no treatment but were regularly followed up. Three other studies were included for adverse effects analysis. Prostatectomy displayed a significantly decreased risk of death of 9% compared with that of observation for patients with localized prostate cancer (risk ratio = 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.85–0.97; p = 0.007). Pooled data indicated that prostatectomy reduced the risk of disease progression by 43% (risk ratio = 0.57; 95% confidence interval, 0.47–0.70; p < 0.00001). Anxiety, depressed mood, well-being, and sense of meaningfulness for patients were not different between the prostatectomy and observation groups. However, prostatectomy increased the risk of erectile dysfunction by 2.10-fold (risk ratio = 2.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.36–3.26; p = 0.0009) and the risk of urinary function problems by 2.02-fold (risk ratio = 2.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.15–3.54; p = 0.01).

Conclusion:

Prostatectomy prolonged survival and deferred disease progression compared to observation for patients with localized prostate cancer. Symptoms between the two groups were not significantly different except for erectile and urinary function. Patients should decide on prostatectomy after balancing the survival benefit and risk of erectile dysfunction.
Leadership practices of principals of high-performing community high schools: Evidence from Nepal
Authors: Khanal Jeevan , Perry Freya , Park Sae-Hoon
Published: October 2019

Empirical studies of school leadership in South Asia are limited. This qualitative study examines the ways in which principals in three award-winning community high schools enact leadership practices in their specific contexts in Nepal. The results reveal that the principals used multiple frames of leadership and were proactive towards reforms. High levels of interest, collaboration, prohibition of political activities inside the school, approachability for parents, recruitment of high-quality teachers and innovative programmes proved to be critical for success. This study has implications for how principals enact their role to transform low-performing schools into high-performing schools within a short period.
Prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Cuenca, Ecuador
Authors: Correa-Díaz Edgar Patricio , Ortiz María Angélica , Toral Ana María , Guillen Fernando , Terán Enrique , Ontaneda Daniel , García-Castillo María , Jácome-Sánchez Carolina , Torres-Herrán Germaine , Ortega-Heredia Andrés , Buestán María Eugenia , Murillo-Calle Juan , Raza Praneeta , Baño Guillermo
Published: October 2019

Background

Cuenca, a city in the Andean Region of southern Ecuador, has 591,996 inhabitants. A decade-old study showed the prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Cuenca was 0.75 cases per 100,000 inhabitants but no new epidemiological studies in this city have been performed since then. The aim of this study, conducted in 2016, was to update the prevalence records of multiple sclerosis in Cuenca.

Methods

We performed a descriptive cross-sectional study in which we investigated prevalence rates in November of 2016. We estimated the prevalence of multiple sclerosis by cross-matching registries from the two neurological referral hospitals in Cuenca.

Results

A total of 23 records were obtained from the two sources. The estimated prevalence was 3.88 per 100,000 inhabitants (95% confidence interval: 3.83–3.94). The disease was predominant among women (60%). The mean age of this cohort was 37 years (standard deviation ±12.4). Of the cases, 78% were relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. The mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score was 2.5.

Conclusions

This study is an update to the first study conducted 10 years ago and shows the prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Cuenca has increased. However, the prevalence of multiple sclerosis is still low and very similar to that reported in neighbouring countries.
Berberine and Tinospora cordifolia exert a potential anticancer effect on colon cancer cells by acting on specific pathways
Authors: Palmieri Annalisa , Scapoli Luca , Iapichino Anastasia , Mercolini Laura , Mandrone Manuela , Poli Ferruccio , Giannì Aldo Bruno , Baserga Camilla , Martinelli Marcella
Published: October 2019

Berberine (BBR) is a natural active principle with potential antitumor activity. The compound targets multiple cell signaling pathways, including proliferation, differentiation, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms behind the anticancer activity of BBR by comparing the effects of purified BBR with those of the extract of Tinospora cordifolia, a medicinal plant that produces this metabolite. The expression levels of a panel of 44 selected genes in human colon adenocarcinoma (HCA-7) cell line were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). BBR treatment resulted in a time- and dose-dependent down regulation of 33 genes differently involved in cell cycle, differentiation, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. The trend was confirmed across the two types of treatment, the two time points, and the different absolute dosage of BBR. These findings suggest that the presence of BBR in T. cordifolia extract significantly contributes to its antiproliferative activity.
Non-syndromic cleft palate: Association analysis on three gene polymorphisms of the folate pathway in Asian and Italian populations
Authors: Carinci Francesco , Palmieri Annalisa , Scapoli Luca , Cura Francesca , Borelli Francesco , Morselli Paolo Giovanni , Nouri Nayereh , Abdali Hossein , Gianni Aldo Bruno , Russillo Antonio , Docimo Raffaella , Martinelli Marcella
Published: October 2019

Periconceptional folic acid supplementation can reduce the risk of inborn malformations, including orofacial clefts. Polymorphisms of MTHFR, TCN2, and CBS folate-related genes seem to modulate the risk of cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) in some populations. CL/P and cleft palate only (CPO) are different malformations that share several features and possibly etiological causes. In the present investigation, we conducted a family-based, candidate gene association study of non-syndromic CPO. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms, namely, rs1801133 of MTHFR, rs1801198 of TCN2, and rs4920037 of CBS, were investigated in a sample that included 129 Italian and 65 Asian families. No evidence of association between the three genotyped polymorphisms and CPO was found in the Italian and Asian cases, indeed the transmission disequilibrium test did not detect any asymmetry of transmission of alleles. This investigation, although with some limitation, further supports that CL/P and CPO diverge in their genetic background.
Developments in Pediatric Ventricular Assist Device Support
Authors: Tume Sebastian C. , Conway Jennifer , Ryan Kathleen R. , Philip Joseph , Fortkiewicz Justine M. , Murray Jenna
Published: October 2019

Mechanical support devices have revolutionized the management of circulatory failure. This has been met by a dramatic increase in ventricular assist device (VAD) utilization in children over the last two decades. Previous wide gaps in experience and knowledge have significantly narrowed in the recent years. As we continue to gain experience with this technology, we face new challenges such as complex congenital circulations and small patient size. The emergence of new pharmacologic therapies and device technology offers more opportunities and requires constant adjustment in practice. As we continue to embark on this journey, constant insight is needed to refine patient selection criteria, minimize complications, and continue to push the field for safer smaller devices to accommodate these complex patient populations. In this review focused at inpatient critical care environment, we discuss the recent field developments and focus on challenging patient populations, the emergence of temporary support, management of anticoagulation, and diagnostic approach to stroke in the setting of VAD support.
Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients With Acute Stroke
Authors: Padmaja Mantha Satya , Krishnaswamy Uma Maheswari , Javali Mahendra V.
Published: October 2019

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an eminently modifiable and emerging risk factor for acute stroke. This prospective study was conducted in a tertiary care center to estimate the proportion of OSA in patients presenting with acute stroke.

Materials and Methods: Consecutive stable patients with acute stroke were included. Stroke severity, subtype, and anatomical location were classified using standardized scales. Included subjects were screened for OSA with a detailed history (intrusive snoring, witnessed apneas, and excessive daytime sleepiness), quantification of sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale), clinical examination, and level-3 polysomnography. OSA severity was quantified based on the Apnea–Hypopnea Index.

Results: 104 clinically stable stroke patients (67 males and 37 females) were included in the study; mean age was 60.9±13.2 years. Most patients (92 [88.5%]) had ischemic stroke, 9 (8.7%) had hemorrhagic stroke, and 3 (2.9%) had a transient ischemic attack. Intrusive snoring was reported by 37 (35.6%) patients, excessive daytime sleepiness by 32 (30.8%) and witnessed apneas by 19 (18.3%) patients. On level-3 polysomnography, 74 (71.2%) patients were diagnosed to have OSA. Mild OSA was diagnosed in 34 patients, while moderate and severe OSA were diagnosed in 20 patients each.

Conclusions: Our study has demonstrated a strong causal relationship between OSA and stroke, thus reinforcing the need to screen all patients with stroke for OSA. Timely institution of nocturnal noninvasive ventilation in stroke patients with OSA would help to reduce the effects of OSA on stroke morbidity and recurrence.
Preventing the risks of monotony related fatigue while driving through gamification
Authors: Bier Lukas , Emele Michael , Gut Kaja , Kulenovic Jasna , Rzany David , Peter Max , Abendroth Bettina
Published: October 2019

Background

Driving fatigue can have serious consequences. Too often fatal accidents are caused by fatigue. However, it is not uncommon for fatigue to occur while driving when the driver is under-challenged. Due to the increasing automation of vehicles, it is foreseeable that the number of accidents caused by monotony will increase. Interactions between driver and vehicle through gamification can remedy the situation and provide the driver with new stimuli during an otherwise monotonous journey.

Methods

In order to test the effectiveness of such interactions, we conducted a driving simulator study with 31 test persons to investigate driving performance and psycho-physiological parameters. Each subject ran through the experiment three times in randomized order to test the interaction system in comparison to a ride in which the driver was alone and a ride in which the driver had a co-driver.

Results

The results provide clear indications of safer driving of the test subjects when driving with gamification and with a passenger. The tested interaction system prevents upcoming fatigue in a similar way to communication with a passenger. The experiments also provide insights into the effects of monotony in vehicle driving.
Strong selection pressures maintain divergence on genomic islands in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) populations
Authors: Rodríguez-Ramilo Silvia T. , Baranski Matthew , Moghadam Hooman , Grove Harald , Lien Sigbjørn , Goddard Mike E. , Meuwissen Theo H. E. , Sonesson Anna K.
Published: October 2019

Background

Two distinct populations have been extensively studied in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhuaL.): the Northeast Arctic cod (NEAC) population and the coastal cod (CC) population. The objectives of the current study were to identify genomic islands of divergence and to propose an approach to quantify the strength of selection pressures using whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data. After applying filtering criteria, information on 93 animals (9 CC individuals, 50 NEAC animals and 34 CC × NEAC crossbred individuals) and 3,123,434 autosomal SNPs were used.

Results

Four genomic islands of divergence were identified on chromosomes 1, 2, 7 and 12, which were mapped accurately based on SNP data and which extended in size from 11 to 18 Mb. These regions differed considerably between the two populations although the differences in the rest of the genome were small due to considerable gene flow between the populations. The estimates of selection pressures showed that natural selection was substantially more important than genetic drift in shaping these genomic islands. Our data confirmed results from earlier publications that suggested that genomic islands are due to chromosomal rearrangements that are under strong selection and reduce recombination between rearranged and non-rearranged segments.

Conclusions

Our findings further support the hypothesis that selection and reduced recombination in genomic islands may promote speciation between these two populations although their habitats overlap considerably and migrations occur between them.
Genome-wide identification and transcript analysis of TCP transcription factors in grapevine
Authors: Leng Xiangpeng , Wei Hongru , Xu Xiaozhao , Ghuge Sandip A. , Jia Dongjie , Liu Gengsen , Wang Yongzhang , Yuan Yongbing
Published: October 2019

Background

The plant-specific TCP transcription factors play different functions in multiple processes of plant growth and development. TCP family genes have been identified in several plant species, but no comprehensive analysis of the TCP family in grapevine has been undertaken to date, especially their roles in fruit development.

Results

A total of 18 non-redundant grapevine TCP (VvTCP) genes distributing on 11 chromosomes were identified. Phylogenetic and structural analysis showed that VvTCP genes were divided into two main classes - class I and class II. The Class II genes were further classified into two subclasses, the CIN subclass and the CYC/TB1 subclass. Segmental duplication was a predominant duplication event which caused the expansion of VvTCP genes. The cis-acting elements analysis and tissue-specific expression patterns of VvTCP genes demonstrated that these VvTCP genes might play important roles in plant growth and development. Expression patterns of VvTCP genes during fruit development and ripening were analyzed by RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR. Among them, 11 VvTCP genes were down-regulated during different fruit developmental stages, while only one VvTCP genes were up-regulated, suggesting that most VvTCP genes were probably related to early development in grapevine fruit. Futhermore, the expression of most VvTCP genes can be inhibited by drought and waterlogging stresses.

Conclusions

Our study establishes the first genome-wide analysis of the grapevine TCP gene family and provides valuable information for understanding the classification and functions of the TCP genes in grapevine.
Characterization of genome-wide variations induced by gamma-ray radiation in barley using RNA-Seq
Authors: Tan Cong , Zhang Xiao-Qi , Wang Yin , Wu Dianxin , Bellgard Matthew I. , Xu Yanhao , Shu Xiaoli , Zhou Gaofeng , Li Chengdao
Published: October 2019

Background

Artificial mutagenesis not only provides a new approach to increase the diversity of desirable traits for breeding new varieties but are also beneficial for characterizing the genetic basis of functional genes. In recent decades, many mutation genes have been identified which are responsible for phenotype changes in mutants in various species includingArabidopsisand rice. However, the mutation feature in induced mutants and the underlying mechanisms of various types of artificial mutagenesis remain unclear.

Results

In this study, we adopted a transcriptome sequencing strategy to characterize mutations in coding regions in a barley dwarf mutant induced by gamma-ray radiation. We detected 1193 genetic mutations in gene transcription regions introduced by gamma-ray radiation. Interestingly, up to 97% of the gamma irradiation mutations were concentrated in certain regions in chromosome 5H and chromosome 7H. Of the 26,745 expressed genes, 140 were affected by gamma-ray radiation; their biological functions included cellular and metabolic processes.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that mutations induced by gamma-ray radiation are not evenly distributed across the whole genome but located in several concentrated regions. Our study provides an overview of the feature of genetic mutations and the genes affected by gamma-ray radiation, which should contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of radiation mutation and their application in gene function analysis.
Exercise therapy improves eGFR, and reduces blood pressure and BMI in non-dialysis CKD patients: evidence from a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Lijun , Wang Yangyang , Xiong Lianlian , Luo Yanfang , Huang Zhijun , Yi Bin
Published: October 2019

Background

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, which often lead to physical inactivity that correlates with CKD exacerbation. The benefits of regular exercise to cardiovascular health have been well established in healthy population and highly suggestive in patients with CKD. To further strengthen the evidence base for the management of CKD, this meta-analysis was performed to systematically evaluate the effects of exercise therapy on renal function, blood pressure, blood lipid and body mass index (BMI) in non-dialysis CKD patients.

Methods

This meta-analysis was conducted following a previous protocol. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of exercise therapy in non-dialysis CKD patients were searched in Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and three major Chinese biomedical databases (CNKI, WANGFANG and VIP) from their start date to October 30th, 2018. The Cochrane systematic review methods were applied for quality assessment and data extraction, and Revman version 5.3 was used for systematic review and meta-analysis.

Results

13 RCTs, representing 421 patients with non-dialysis CKD, were included in this meta-analysis. Compared to the controls, exercise therapy brought an increase in eGFR (MD = 2.62, 95% CI:0.42 to 4.82, P = 0.02, I2 = 22%), and decreases in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (MD = -5.61, 95% CI:-8.99 to − 2.23, P = 0.001, I2 = 44%), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (MD = -2.87, 95% CI:-3.65 to − 2.08, P < 0.00001, I2 = 16%) and BMI (MD = -1.32, 95% CI:-2.39 to − 0.25, P = 0.02, I2 = 0%) in non-dialysis CKD patients. Exercise therapy of short-term (< 3 months) decreased triglyceride (TG) level (P = 0.0006). However, exercise therapy did not significantly affect serum creatinine (SCr), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL) or low density lipoprotein (LDL) in non-dialysis CKD patients.

Conclusion

Exercise therapy could benefit non-dialysis CKD patients by increasing eGFR while reducing SBP, DBP and BMI. Additionally, short-term intervention of exercise could decrease TG.
CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout of SPRY2 in human hepatocytes leads to increased glucose uptake and lipid droplet accumulation
Authors: Cook Naomi L. , Pjanic Milos , Emmerich Andrew G. , Rao Abhiram S. , Hetty Susanne , Knowles Joshua W. , Quertermous Thomas , Castillejo-López Casimiro , Ingelsson Erik
Published: October 2019

Background

The prevalence of obesity and its comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is dramatically increasing throughout the world; however, the underlying aetiology is incompletely understood. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified hundreds of genec susceptibility loci for obesity and T2DM, although the causal genes and mechanisms are largely unknown. SPRY2 is a candidate gene identified in GWAS of body fat percentage and T2DM, and has recently been linked to insulin production in pancreatic β-cells. In the present study, we aimed to further understand SPRY2 via functional characterisation in HepG2 cells, an in vitro model of human hepatocytes widely used to investigate T2DM and insulin resistance.

Methods

CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing was used to target SPRY2 in HepG2 cells, and the functional consequences of SPRY2 knockout (KO) and overexpression subsequently assessed using glucose uptake and lipid droplet assays, measurement of protein kinase phosphorylation and RNA sequencing.

Results

The major functional consequence of SPRY2 KO was a significant increase in glucose uptake, along with elevated lipid droplet accumulation. These changes were attenuated, but not reversed, in cells overexpressing SPRY2. Phosphorylation of protein kinases across key signalling pathways (including Akt and mitogen activated protein kinases) was not altered after SPRY2 KO. Transcriptome profiling in SPRY2 KO and mock (control) cells revealed a number of differentially expressed genes related to cholesterol biosynthesis, cell cycle regulation and cellular signalling pathways. Phospholipase A2 group IIA (PLA2G2A) mRNA level was subsequently validated as significantly upregulated following SPRY2 KO, highlighting this as a potential mediator downstream of SPRY2.

Conclusion

These findings suggest a role for SPRY2 in glucose and lipid metabolism in hepatocytes and contribute to clarifying the function of this gene in the context of metabolic diseases.
Neutrophils from severe asthmatic patients induce epithelial to mesenchymal transition in healthy bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Haddad Alexandre , Gaudet Mellissa , Plesa Maria , Allakhverdi Zoulfia , Mogas Andrea K. , Audusseau Severine , Baglole Carolyn J. , Eidelman David H. , Olivenstein Ronald , Ludwig Mara S. , Hamid Qutayba
Published: October 2019

Background

Asthma is a heterogenous disease characterized by chronic inflammation and airway remodeling. An increase in the severity of airway remodeling is associated with a more severe form of asthma. There is increasing interest in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition process and mechanisms involved in the differentiation and repair of the airway epithelium, especially as they apply to severe asthma. Growing evidence suggests that Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition (EMT) could contribute to airway remodeling and fibrosis in asthma. Severe asthmatic patients with remodeled airways have a neutrophil driven inflammation. Neutrophils are an important source of TGF-β1, which plays a role in recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells, extracellular matrix (ECM) production and fibrosis development, and is a potent inducer of EMT.

Objective

As there is little data examining the contribution of neutrophils and/or their mediators to the induction of EMT in airway epithelial cells, the objective of this study was to better understand the potential role of neutrophils in severe asthma in regards to EMT.

Methods

We used an in vitro system to investigate the neutrophil-epithelial cell interaction. We obtained peripheral blood neutrophils from severe asthmatic patients and control subjects and examined for their ability to induce EMT in primary airway epithelial cells.

Results

Our data indicate that neutrophils from severe asthmatic patients induce changes in morphology and EMT marker expression in bronchial epithelial cells consistent with the EMT process when co-cultured. TGF-β1 levels in the culture medium of severe asthmatic patients were increased compared to that from co-cultures of non-asthmatic neutrophils and epithelial cells.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

As an inducer of EMT and an important source of TGF-β1, neutrophils may play a significant role in the development of airway remodeling and fibrosis in severe asthmatic airways.
Barriers to equitable maternal health in Aotearoa New Zealand: an integrative review
Authors: Dawson Pauline , Jaye Chrys , Gauld Robin , Hay-Smith Jean
Published: October 2019

Background

The purpose of this review was to examine the literature for themes of underlying social contributors to inequity in maternal health outcomes and experiences in the high resource setting of Aotearoa New Zealand. These ‘causes of the causes’ were explored and compared with the international context to identify similarities and New Zealand-specific differences.

Method

A structured integrative review methodology was employed to enable a complex cross disciplinary analysis of data from a variety of published sources. This method enabled incorporation of diverse research methodologies and theoretical approaches found in the literature to form a unified overall of the topic.

Results

Six integrated factors – Physical Access, Political Context, Maternity Care System, Acceptability, Colonialism, and Cultural factors – were identified as barriers to equitable maternal health in Aotearoa New Zealand. The structure of the maternal health system in New Zealand, which includes free maternity care and a woman centred continuity of care structure, should help to ameliorate inequity in maternal health and yet does not appear to. A complex set of underlying structural and systemic factors, such as institutionalised racism, serve to act as barriers to equitable maternity outcomes and experiences. Initiatives that appear to be working are adapted to the local context and involve self-determination in research, clinical outreach and community programmes.

Conclusions

The combination of six social determinants identified in this review that contribute to maternal health inequity is specific to New Zealand, although individually these factors can be identified elsewhere; this creates a unique set of challenges in addressing inequity. Due to the specific social determinants in Aotearoa New Zealand, localised solutions have potential to further maternal health equity.
CircMYO10 promotes osteosarcoma progression by regulating miR-370-3p/RUVBL1 axis to enhance the transcriptional activity of β-catenin/LEF1 complex via effects on chromatin remodeling
Authors: Chen Junxin , Liu Gang , Wu Yizheng , Ma Jianjun , Wu Hongfei , Xie Ziang , Chen Shuai , Yang Yute , Wang Shengyu , Shen Panyang , Fang Yifan , Fan Shunwu , Shen Shuying , Fang Xiangqian
Published: October 2019

Background

CircMYO10 is a circular RNA generated by back-splicing of gene MYO10 and is upregulated in osteosarcoma cell lines, but its functional role in osteosarcoma is still unknown. This study aimed to clarify the mechanism of circMYO10 in osteosarcoma.

Methods

CircMYO10 expression in 10 paired osteosarcoma and chondroma tissues was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The function of circMYO10/miR-370-3p/RUVBL1 axis was assessed regarding two key characteristics: proliferation and endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Bioinformatics analysis, western blotting, real-time PCR, fluorescence in situ hybridization, immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down assays, luciferase reporter assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and rescue experiments were used to evaluate the mechanism. Stably transfected MG63 cells were injected via tail vein or subcutaneously into nude mice to assess the role of circMYO10 in vivo.

Results

CircMYO10 was significantly upregulated, while miR-370-3p was downregulated, in osteosarcoma cell lines and human osteosarcoma samples. Silencing circMYO10 inhibited cell proliferation and EMT in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistic investigations revealed that miR-370-3p targets RUVBL1 directly, and inhibits the interaction between RUVBL1 and β-catenin/LEF1 complex while circMYO10 showed a contrary effect via the inhibition of miR-370-3p. RUVBL1 was found to be complexed with chromatin remodeling and histone-modifying factor TIP60, and lymphoid enhancer factor-1 (LEF1) to promote histone H4K16 acetylation (H4K16Ac) in the vicinity of the promoter region of gene C-myc. Chromatin immunoprecipitation methods showed that miR-370-3p sponge promotes H4K16Ac in the indicated region, which is partially abrogated by RUVBL1 small hairpin RNA (shRNA) while circMYO10 showed a contrary result via the inhibition of miR-370-3p. Either miR-370-3p sponge or ShRUVBL1 attenuated circMYO10-induced phenotypes in osteosarcoma cell lines. MiR-370-3p inhibition abrogated the inhibition of proliferation, EMT of osteosarcoma cells in vitro and in vivo seen upon circMYO10 suppression via Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Conclusions

CircMYO10 promotes osteosarcoma progression by regulating miR-370-3p/RUVBL1 axis to promote chromatin remodeling and thus enhances the transcriptional activity of β-catenin/LEF1 complex, which indicates that circMYO10 may be a potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma treatment.