bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of neural tube defects with congenital abnormalities of the urogenital system in a Chinese cohort
Authors: Hong Zhi-Hua , Jin Dong-Hui , Yuan Xiao-Jian , Zhao Yang , Lin Hou-Wei , Chen Jie
Published: February 2021

Background

This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the correlation between congenital abnormality of the urogenital system and various factors in children with neural tube defects (NTDs).

Methods

A total of 190 children with congenital NTDs, who were admitted to a hospital from May 2013 to May 2018, were included into the present study. All admitted children with congenital NTDs were carried out routine abdominal B-ultrasound examinations to determine the malformations of the abdominal organs, including the urinary system. Children with a B-ultrasound result of suspected and unsure malformation underwent intravenous pyelography (IVP) and voiding cysto-urethrography (VCU), and this was further confirmed by the CT results.

Results

The incidence of urogenital malformation was 12.1% (23/190) in children with congenital NTDs. For the 23 children with urogenital malformations, most of these children had no definite urinary system symptoms, while some of these children had multiple incidences of urinary system infections.

Conclusions

Congenital NTDs are often combined with urogenital malformations, if not specifically searched these may be overlooked. The early detection of these malformations is beneficial to reduce the risk of operation and improve the prognosis.
Analysis of clinical characteristics of severe pertussis in infants and children: a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Caiying , Zhang Huimin , Zhang Yanlan , Xu Lin , Miao Min , Yang Hongling , Liu Yuhuan , He Shuxin , Pang Lin
Published: February 2021

Background

The incidence of pertussis shows an increasing trend in recent years, but some clinicians often lack sufficient understanding of the clinical characteristics and risk factors for severe pertussis, and more effective measures should be taken to reduce the incidence and mortality of pertussis in young infants

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted, and 184 infants and children with pertussis who had been hospitalized in the Department of Pediatrics of Beijing Ditan Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University from January 2016 to December 2017 were included. Clinical data of the patients were collected and the clinical characteristics were statistically analyzed

Results

Among the 184 patients, 41.85% were infants < 3 months of age, and 65.22% of the total patients were not vaccinated against pertussis. There were 22 critically ill children, among whom 4 died, and compared with mild cases, they had a higher proportion of children younger than 3 months of age and infants not vaccinated against pertussis (63.64% vs. 38.89% and 100% vs. 60.49%, respectively); a higher proportion of children with severe pneumonia (100% vs. 0%); higher leukocyte count(× 109/L , 35.80 ± 20.53 vs 19.41 ± 8.59); and a higher proportion of children with severe hyperleukocytosis (18.18% vs. 0%, respectively) (P<0.05)

Conclusions

1. Infants aged <3 months not vaccinated for pertussis appear more likely to become infected and have more severe disease. 2. Severe pneumonia and hyperleukocytosis are the main mechanisms underlying severe pertussis.
Self-directed learning by video as a means to improve technical skills in surgery residents: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chartrand Geneviève , Soucisse Mikael , Dubé Pierre , Trépanier Jean-Sébastien , Drolet Pierre , Sideris Lucas
Published: February 2021

Background

With their demanding schedules, surgical residents have limited time to practice techniques. The aim is to evaluate the pedagogic model of self-directed learning using video in surgery residents.

Methods

Informed consent was obtained from all the participants. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2018 at Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont (University of Montreal). Participants were general surgery residents. There were 27 eligible residents; 22 completed the study. They were filmed performing an intestinal anastomosis on cadaveric pig bowel. The self-directed learning by video (SDL-V) group was given an expert video, which demonstrated the technique performed by an experienced surgeon. The control group continued with their regular duties. Three weeks later, participants performed a second filmed anastomosis. Two attending surgeons evaluated the residents’ filmed anastomosis using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills scale. After their second anastomosis, all participants had access to the expert video and completed a survey.

Results

Score did not differ significantly between groups during the first (control: 23.6 (4.5) vs. SDL-V: 23.9 (4.5), p = 0.99, presented as mean (SD)) or second filmed anastomosis procedure (control: 27.1 (3.9) vs. SDL-V: 29.6 (3.4) p = 0.28). Both groups improved significantly from pre- to post-intervention (mean difference between the two anastomosis procedure with 95% CI for control: 3.5, [1.1; 5.9] and for SDL-V: 5.8, [3.4: 8.2]). Correlation between the evaluators for score was moderate (r = 0.6, 95% CI: [0.3: 0.8]). The pass/fail global evaluation exhibited poor inter-rater reliability (Kappa: 0.105, 95% CI: [− 0.2:0.4]). On the survey, all participants wanted more expert-made videos of specific surgical techniques.

Conclusions

Despite a higher final OSATS score for the intervention group, self-directed learning by video failed to produce a statistically significant difference on the overall OSATS scores between the two groups in this small cohort.
A prospective seroepidemiological study of toxocariasis during early childhood in coastal Ecuador: potential for congenital transmission and risk factors for infection
Authors: Oviedo-Vera Aida Y. , Chis Ster Irina , Chico Martha E. , Silva Marcia B. , Salazar-Garcés Luis F. , Alcantara-Neves Neuza M. , Cooper Philip J.
Published: February 2021

Background

Although Toxocara spp. infection has a worldwide distribution, to our knowledge, no data from birth cohorts have been reported in published studies on the potential for congenital transmission and determinants of infection in early childhood.

Methods

We followed 290 mother-infant pairs from birth to 5 years of age through periodic collection of data and samples at birth, 7 and 13 months and 2, 3 and 5 years of age. Data on potential risk factors and confounders were collected by maternal questionnaire. Blood for plasma was collected from the mother at time of birth and periodically from the child for detection of anti-Toxocara spp. immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies using a Toxocara canis larval excretory-secretory antigen-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Stool samples were collected from the mother around the time of birth and periodically from the child for microscopic detection of soil-transmitted helminths (STH). Associations between potential risk factors and Toxocara spp. seroprevalence and seroconversion were estimated using multivariable logistic regression and generalized estimating equations.

Results

Toxocara spp. seroprevalence was 80.7% in mothers and in children was 0%, 9.3%, 48.4%, 64.9%, and 80.9% at 7 months, 13 months, 2, 3 and 5 years, respectively. Risk factors significantly associated with increases in seroprevalence over the first 5 years of life in multivariable analyses were age [Odds ratio (OR) 2.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39–2.27, P < 0001], male sex (female vs. male: OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.48–0.89, P = 0.006), maternal ethnicity (non-Afro vs. Afro-Ecuadorian: OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.47–0.91, P = 0.011), lower maternal educational and socioeconomic level, and childhood STH (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.51–3.47, P < 0.001). Seroconversion rates for infection were greatest at 2 years of age (3.8%/month). Factors associated significantly with seroconversion at 2, 3 or 5 years were childhood STH infection, male sex, and more frequent domestic cat exposure.

Conclusions

Our data, from an area of high Toxocara spp. endemicity, indicate no congenital transmission but high rates of seroconversion after 13 months of age reaching maternal levels of seroprevalence by 5 years of age. Factors associated with seroprevalence and seroconversion included STH infections, domestic cats, maternal ethnicity, male sex, STH infections, and markers of greater poverty.

Graphical Abstract
Power transformer fault diagnosis system based on Internet of Things
Authors: Wang Guoshi , Liu Ying , Chen Xiaowen , Yan Qing , Sui Haibin , Ma Chao , Zhang Junfei
Published: February 2021

Transformer is the most important equipment in the power system. The research and development of fault diagnosis technology for Internet of Things equipment can effectively detect the operation status of equipment and eliminate hidden faults in time, which is conducive to reducing the incidence of accidents and improving people's life safety index.

Objective

To explore the utility of Internet of Things in power transformer fault diagnosis system.

Methods

A total of 30 groups of transformer fault samples were selected, and 10 groups were randomly selected for network training, and the rest samples were used for testing. The matter-element extension mathematical model of power transformer fault diagnosis was established, and the correlation function was improved according to the characteristics of three ratio method. Each group of power transformer was diagnosed for four months continuously, and the monitoring data and diagnosis were recorded and analyzed result. GPRS communication network is used to complete the communication between data acquisition terminal and monitoring terminal. According to the parameters of the database, the working state of the equipment is set, and various sensors are controlled by the instrument driver module to complete the diagnosis of transformer fault system.

Results

The detection success rate of the power transformer fault diagnosis system model established in this paper is as high as 95.6%, the training error is less than 0.0001, and it can correctly identify the fault types of the non training samples. It can be seen that the technical support of the Internet of Things is helpful to the upgrading and maintenance of the power transformer fault diagnosis system.
Biosynthesis of resveratrol using metabolically engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Park Jin Yeong , Lim Jeong-Hyeon , Ahn Joong-Hoon , Kim Bong-Gyu
Published: February 2021

Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a phenolic compound widely used in pharmaceutics and nutraceutics. Although resveratrol is produced by some plant species, including grapes, peanuts, and berries, the content of resveratrol and its derivatives are very low. Therefore, an alternative biosynthetic method using microorganisms, such asEscherichia coli, has been developed over the past two decades. In the present study, a resveratrol-over-producingE. colistrain was developed using three strategies. First, we increased the synthesis ofp-coumaric acid, a precursor of resveratrol, by manipulating genes in the shikimate pathway ofE. coli. Second, three genes involved in resveratrol biosynthesis, such as tyrosine ammonia lyase (TAL), 4-coumaroyl CoA ligase (4CL), and stilbene synthase (STS), were cloned from diverse sources, such as plants and microorganisms, and the best combination was selected to maximize resveratrol production inE. coli. Finally, culture conditions, such as cell concentration, culture temperature, and carbon sources, were established for optimal resveratrol production. Through these strategies, approximately 80.4 mg/L of resveratrol was biosynthesized after 48 h of culture using glycerol as a carbon source.
High expression of BCL6 inhibits the differentiation and development of hematopoietic stem cells and affects the growth and development of chickens
Authors: Li Hongmei , Hu Bowen , Hu Shang , Luo Wen , Sun Donglei , Yang Minmin , Liao Zhiying , Wei Haohui , Zhao Changbin , Li Dajian , Shi Meiqing , Luo Qingbin , Zhang Dexiang , Nie Qinghua , Zhang Xiquan
Published: February 2021

Background

B-cell CLL/lymphoma 6 (BCL6) is a transcriptional master regulator that represses more than 1200 potential target genes. Our previous study showed that a decline in blood production in runting and stunting syndrome (RSS) affected sex-linked dwarf (SLD) chickens compared to SLD chickens. However, the association between BCL6 gene and hematopoietic function remains unknown in chickens.

Methods

In this study, we used RSS affected SLD (RSS-SLD) chickens, SLD chickens and normal chickens as research object and overexpression of BCL6 in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), to investigate the effect of the BCL6 on differentiation and development of HSCs.

Results

The results showed that comparison of RSS-SLD chickens with SLD chickens, the BCL6 was highly expressed in RSS-SLD chickens bone marrow. The bone marrow of RSS-SLD chickens was exhausted and red bone marrow was largely replaced by yellow bone marrow, bone density was reduced, and the levels of immature erythrocytes in peripheral blood were increased. At the same time, the hematopoietic function of HSCs decreased in RSS-SLD chickens, which was manifested by a decrease in the hematopoietic growth factors (HGFs) EPO, SCF, TPO, and IL-3, as well as hemoglobin α1 and hemoglobin β expression. Moreover, mitochondrial function in the HSCs of RSS-SLD chickens was damaged, including an increase in ROS production, decrease in ATP concentration, and decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). The same results were also observed in SLD chickens compared with normal chickens; however, the symptoms were more serious in RSS-SLD chickens. Additionally, after overexpression of the BCL6 in primary HSCs, the secretion of HGFs (EPO, SCF, TPO and IL-3) was inhibited and the expression of hemoglobin α1 and hemoglobin β was decreased. However, cell proliferation was accelerated, apoptosis was inhibited, and the HSCs entered a cancerous state. The function of mitochondria was also abnormal, ROS production was decreased, and ATP concentration and ΔΨm were increased, which was related to the inhibition of apoptosis of stem cells.

Conclusions

Taken together, we conclude that the high expression of BCL6 inhibits the differentiation and development of HSCs by affecting mitochondrial function, resulting in impaired growth and development of chickens. Moreover, the abnormal expression of BCL6 might be a cause of the clinical manifestations of chicken comb, pale skin, stunted growth and development, and the tendency to appear RSS in SLD chickens.
Evaluation of curcumin and copper acetate against Salmonella Typhimurium infection, intestinal permeability, and cecal microbiota composition in broiler chickens
Authors: Leyva-Diaz Anaisa A. , Hernandez-Patlan Daniel , Solis-Cruz Bruno , Adhikari Bishnu , Kwon Young Min , Latorre Juan D. , Hernandez-Velasco Xochitl , Fuente-Martinez Benjamin , Hargis Billy M. , Lopez-Arellano Raquel , Tellez-Isaias Guillermo
Published: February 2021

Background

Interest in the use of natural feed additives as an alternative to antimicrobials in the poultry industry has increased in recent years because of the risk of bacterial resistance. One of the most studied groups are polyphenolic compounds, given their advantages over other types of additives and their easy potentiation of effects when complexes are formed with metal ions. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of dietary supplementation of copper acetate (CA), curcumin (CR), and their combination (CA-CR) against Salmonella Typhimurium colonization, intestinal permeability, and cecal microbiota composition in broiler chickens through a laboratory Salmonella infection model. S. Typhimurium recovery was determined on day 10 post-challenge by isolating Salmonella in homogenates of the right cecal tonsil (12 chickens per group) on Xylose Lysine Tergitol-4 (XLT-4) with novobiocin and nalidixic acid. Intestinal integrity was indirectly determined by the fluorometric measurement of fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d) in serum samples from blood obtained on d 10 post-S. Typhimurium challenge. Finally, microbiota analysis was performed using the content of the left caecal tonsil of 5 chickens per group by sequencing V4 region of 16S rRNA gene.

Results

The results showed that in two independent studies, all experimental treatments were able to significantly reduce the S. Typhimurium colonization in cecal tonsils (CT, P < 0.0001) compared to the positive control (PC) group. However, only CA-CR was the most effective treatment in reducing S. Typhimurium counts in both independent studies. Furthermore, the serum fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d) concentration in chickens treated with CR was significantly lower when compared to PC (P = 0.0084), which is related to a decrease in intestinal permeability and therefore intestinal integrity. The effect of dietary treatments in reducing Salmonella was further supported by the analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences using Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) since Salmonella was significantly enriched in PC group (LDA score > 2.0 and P < 0.05) compared to other groups. In addition, Coprobacillus, Eubacterium, and Clostridium were significantly higher in the PC group compared to other treatment groups. On the contrary, Fecalibacterium and Enterococcus in CR, unknown genus of Erysipelotrichaceae at CA-CR, and unknown genus of Lachnospiraceae at CA were significantly more abundant respectively.

Conclusions

CR treatment was the most effective treatment to reduce S. Typhimurium intestinal colonization and maintain better intestinal homeostasis which might be achieved through modulation of cecal microbiota.
A new method for the conservation of ancient colored paintings on ramie textiles
Authors: Liu Jiaojiao , Li Yuhu , Hu Daodao , Xing Huiping , Chao Xiaolian , Cao Jing , Jia Zhihui
Published: January 2021

Textiles are valuable cultural heritage items that are susceptible to several degradation processes due to their sensitive nature, such as the case of ancient ma colored-paintings. Therefore, it is important to take measures to protect the precious ma artifacts. Generally, ″ma″ includes ramie, hemp, flax, oil flax, kenaf, jute, and so on. In this paper, an examination and analysis of a painted ma textile were the first step in proposing an appropriate conservation treatment. Standard fiber and light microscopy were used to identify the fiber type of the painted ma textile. Moreover, custom-made reinforcement materials and technology were introduced with the principles of compatibility, durability and reversibility. The properties of tensile strength, aging resistance and color alteration of the new material to be added were studied before and after dry heat aging, wet heat aging and UV light aging. After systematic examination and evaluation of the painted ma textile and reinforcement materials, the optimal conservation treatment was established, and exhibition method was established. Our work presents a new method for the conservation of ancient Chinese painted ramie textiles that would promote the protection of these valuable artifacts.
Assessing above-ground biomass-functional diversity relationships in temperate forests in northern Mexico
Authors: Vargas-Larreta Benedicto , López-Martínez Jorge Omar , González Edgar J. , Corral-Rivas José Javier , Hernández Francisco Javier
Published: January 2021

Background

Studies on the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem productivity have suggested that species richness and functional diversity are the main drivers of ecosystem processes. Several patterns on this relationship have been found, including positive, unimodal, negative, and neutral trends, keeping the issue controversial. In this study, taxonomic diversity and functional diversity as drivers of above-ground biomass (AGB) were compared, and the mechanisms that influence biomass production were investigated by testing the complementarity and the mass-ratio hypotheses.

Methods

Using data from 414 permanent sample plots, covering 23% of temperate forest in the Sierra Madre Oriental (México), we estimated the above-gound biomass (AGB), taxonomic and functional diversity indices, as well as community weighted mean values (CWM) for three functional traits (maximum height, leaf size and wood density) for trees ≥7.5 cm DBH, in managed and unmanaged stands. To compare taxonomic diversity differences between managed and unmanaged stands we carried out a rarefaction analysis. Furthermore, we evaluated the relationship between AGB and taxonomic and functional diversity metrics, as well as CWM traits throught spatial autoregressive models.

Results

We found a hump-shaped relationship between AGB and species richness in managed and unmanaged forests. CMW of maximum height was the most important predictor of AGB in both stands, which suggested that the mechanism underlaying the AGB-diversity relationship is the dominance of some highly productive species, supporting the mass-ratio hypothesis. Above-ground biomass was significantly correlated with three of the five functional diversity metrics, CWM maximum height and species richness. Our results show the importance of taking into account spatial autocorrelation in the construction of predictive models to avoid spurious patterns in the AGB-diversity relationship.

Conclusion

Species richness, maximum height, functional richness, functional dispersion and RaoQ indices relate with above-ground biomass production in temperate mixed-species and uneven-aged forests of northern Mexico. These forests show a hump-shaped AGB-species richness relationship. Functional diversity explains better AGB production than classical taxonomic diversity. Community weighted mean traits provide key information to explain stand biomass in these forests, where maximum tree height seems to be a more suitable trait for understanding the biomass accumulation process in these ecosystems. Although the impact of forest management on biodiversity is still debated, it has not changed the AGB-diversity relationships in the forests of the Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico.
Acute and Life-threatening Complications in Cushing Syndrome: Prevalence, Predictors, and Mortality
Authors: Schernthaner-Reiter Marie Helene , Siess Christina , Micko Alexander , Zauner Christian , Wolfsberger Stefan , Scheuba Christian , Riss Philipp , Knosp Engelbert , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra , Luger Anton , Vila Greisa
Published: January 2021

Context

Cushing syndrome (CS) results in significant morbidity and mortality.

Objective

To study acute and life-threatening complications in patients with active CS.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study using inpatient and outpatient records of patients with CS in a tertiary center. A total of 242 patients with CS were included, including 213 with benign CS (pituitary n = 101, adrenal n = 99, ectopic n = 13), and 29 with malignant disease. We collected acute complications necessitating hospitalization, from appearance of first symptoms of hypercortisolism until 1 year after biochemical remission. Mortality data were obtained from the national registry. Baseline factors relating to and predicting acute complications were tested using uni- and multivariate analysis.

Results

The prevalence of acute complications was 62% in patients with benign pituitary CS, 40% in patients with benign adrenal CS, and 100% in patients with ectopic CS. Complications observed in patients with benign CS included infections (25%), thromboembolic events (17%), hypokalemia (13%), hypertensive crises (9%), cardiac arrhythmias (5%), and acute coronary events (3%). Among these patients, 23% had already been hospitalized for acute complications before CS was suspected, and half of complications occurred after the first surgery. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and 24-hour urinary free cortisol positively correlated with the number of acute complications per patient. Patients with malignant disease had significantly higher rates of acute complications. Mortality during the observation period was 2.8% and 59% in benign and malignant CS, respectively.

Conclusions

This analysis highlights the whole spectrum of acute and life-threatening complications in CS, and their high prevalence even before disease diagnosis and after successful surgery.
Constructing a New Sexual Paradigm
Authors: Shi Liang
Published: February 2021

At the turn of the twentieth century Chinese sexuality underwent a metamorphosis, resulting in the replacement of a rich indigenous discourse by imported Western theories. This article traces the evolution of a modern subject and episteme emerging from the historical transformation in the area of same-sex relations and delineates the perspectives and values that clashed in the encounter of cultures. A key text the author examines is an official decree of 1912 that outlawed xianggong houses in Beijing, signifying the death of the custom of xianggong, which it condemned, in new Western terms, as decadent, immoral, and disgraceful. The study analyzes indigenous terms such as mojing 磨鏡 (mirror rubbing) and nanfeng 男風 (male wind) and compares them with their replacements, for example, tongxing'ai 同性愛 and tongxinglian 同性戀 (homosexuality), to illuminate the differences in their social-historical significations. The author concludes that the Republican era witnessed the construction of a new sexual taxonomy centered on the dichotomy of heterosexuality and homosexuality.
A Study of Early Chinese Concepts of Qing 情 and a Dialogue with Western Emotion Studies
Authors: Cai Zong-qi
Published: February 2021

The term qing 情 (emotion) has lain at the core of Chinese thinking about literature from antiquity through modern times. It is of profound paradigmatic significance because each major reconceptualization of qing by literary writers and scholars almost invariably signifies and undergirds a new direction of literary production and reception. Mapping out qing's long and complex lexical-conceptual history over the millennia is crucial to the study of Chinese literary thought, premodern and modern alike. In undertaking such a historicized macro study, this article consistently grounds it in the microanalysis of influential and representative statements on qing made since antiquity. Through careful contextualization, it seeks to determine which particular meaning(s) of qing is most likely intended in each instance and if and how an author has reconceptualized the term to present a new understanding of literature. It also strives to assess the theoretical significance of all major qing reconceptualizations in the broader context of Chinese intellectual and literary history. Wherever appropriate, it draws insights from Western emotion studies to illuminate hitherto unrecognized theoretical significance of some major qing reconceptualizations.
Proton pump inhibitors and mandibular bone quality: A preliminary study
Authors: Coşgunarslan Aykağan , Canger Emin Murat , Soydan Çabuk Damla
Published: February 2021

Objectives:

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) provide a long-lasting anti-acidic effect by inhibiting the proton pump, and they are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs worldwide. PPIs adversely affect the bone structure via deficiency of vitamins and minerals. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible PPI-induced bone changes in the mandible on panoramic radiographs with the methods of fractal analysis and panoramic morphometric indices.

Methods:

Panoramic radiographs of 402 patients were used (201 PPI users, 201 control group). Fractal analysis was performed on 4 regions of interests (ROI): 1- upper part of the ramus, 2- angulus, 3- anterior of the mental foramen, 4- distal of the middle ramus. Also, the panoramic mandibular index (PMI), mandibular cortical width (MCW), and Klemetti index (KI) were performed on radiographs.

Results:

There were significant differences in terms of ROI3, MCW, and KI between the control and study groups (p < 0.05) while there was no significant difference for ROI1, ROI2, ROI4, and PMI (p > 0.05). Males were severely affected than females.

Conclusions:

Osteoporotic changes were detected in the trabecular and cortical bone in the mental foramen region in PPI users with fractal analysis and morphometric indices, while there were no differences for mandibular ramus and angulus regions according to fractal analysis.
Βιβλιογραφικό σημείωμα: D. HOLTON- G. HORROCKS -M.JANSSEN -T. LENDARI -I. MANOLESSOU-N.TOUFEXIS, The Cambridge Grammar of Medieval and Early Modern Greek. Vol. 1. General Introduction and Phonology.Vol. 2. Nominal Morphology. Vol. 3, Verb Morphology. Vol 4. Syntax, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2019
Authors: ΛΑΜΠΑΚΗΣ Στυλιανός
Published: February 2021

Bibliographical note:D. Holton – G. Horrocks – M. Jannsen –T. Lendari – I. Manolessou – N. Toufexis, The Cambridge Grammar of Medieval and Early Modern Greek. Vol. 1. General Introduction and Phonology [σελ. clxx, 1-238]. – Vol. 2. Nominal Morphology [σελ. xxii, 239-1264]. – Vol. 3. Verb Morphology [σελ. xxii, 1265-1858]. – Vol. 4. Syntax [σελ. xvi, 1859-2094], Cambridge 2019
Population characterization and parasitological assessment of the giant African snail (Achatina fulica) in urban areas of Cartagena, Colombia
Authors: Cano-Pérez Eder , Torres-Pacheco Jaison , Barraza-Quiroz Luis , Morelos-Muñoz Jorge , Gómez-Camargo Doris
Published: February 2021

Background: The giant African snail, Achatina fulica, is an invasive species recognized for being a serious agricultural pest and an intermediary vector for diverse parasites that cause diseases in humans. The knowledge of the state of African snail populations in urban areas is of great ecological and public health importance. Therefore, our objective was to characterize the status of giant African snail populations present in the city of Cartagena, Colombia, including the assessment of nematode parasites in the specimens.

Methods. Sites were visited following information from citizens affected by the presence of the African snail. The specimens were collected and transported to the laboratory; subsequently, they were weighed, measured, and classified by size. Dissections of lung tissue and soft organs were performed to search for and identify nematode parasites. Size measurement between the sampled sites was statistically compared and density and biomass indicators were established.

Results. In total, 204 snails were collected distributed among four sites within Cartagena city. Of these, 50% were juvenile specimens (10-40 mm). The size of the specimens showed significant differences between the sampling areas. The calculated density was between 0.0019-0.68 ind/m2 and the biomass between 3.92-48.75 kg/ha. No presence of nematode parasites was observed in these specimens.

Conclusions. Densities and biomasses of A. fulica in Cartagena do not reach levels considered highly harmful. On the other hand, although no parasites were found in these snails, it is relevant to continue with studies on the human health risks that represent the presence of this invasive species in urban areas of Cartagena.
The Bergholtz Collection: Architectural Drawings of the Palaces in Jelgava and Rundale from Nationalmuseum (Stockholm)
Authors: Smirnov Georgy , Vyatchanina Tatyana
Published: February 2021

The article deals with two Courland palaces built by the Duke ErnstJohann Biron in Mitau and Ruhental (today, respectively, Jelgava andRundale, Latvia) in connection with architectural drawings of theso-called Bergholtz collection, which is part of the Tessin-HårlemanCollection (THC) in Nationalmuseum in Stockholm. Twelve drawingsof the two Courland palaces make this collection of special interestto those interested in the art of the Baltic region.The first part of the paper is dedicated to the person of FriedrichWilhelm von Bergholtz and to his collection. Who was the creatorof the collection, what were the reasons to gather it and what otherdrawings are stored there? Born in the German duchy of Holstein,Bergholtz spent in all about 15 years in Russia. An extremely richand diverse collection of architectural drawings was gathered mainly(presumably totally) during his third visit in 1742–1746 as tutor ofKarl-Peter-Ulrich, heir to the Russian throne and future emperor ofRussia under the moniker Peter III. The circumstances of compilingthe collection and reasons for it are quite obscure. All the assumptionsmade by different authors remain mere guesswork. The greaterpart of the Bergholtz collection deals with St Petersburg and itssurroundings. All other drawings, numbering 174 in total, referto Moscow, to several provinces of the Russian empire and to theDuchy of Courland.The second part of the article reveals and describes 12 sheetsfrom the Bergholtz collection dedicated to the Baroque palaces inCourland constructed in the 1730s for duke Ernst Johann Bironaccording to the projects of the great architect Francesco Rastrelli.The research resulted in the discovery of seven sheets depicting plansand façades of the palaces in Ruhental, showing how they are almostexact copies of the original projects stored in the collection of theAlbertina museum in Vienna. Of the five drawings that representthe palace in Mitau, two are also copies of the Vienna sheets, andthree are copies of completed projects. Thus, the most valuable amongthe architectural drawings from the Bergholtz collection are threedrawings depicting the façade, and plans for two floors, of the palacein Mitau – the only known copies of Rastrelli’s project, the originalsof which have not yet been discovered.
Analysis of Hospital Resource Availability and COVID‐19 Mortality Across the United States
Authors: Janke Alexander T , Mei Hao , Rothenberg Craig , Becher Robert D , Lin Zhenqiu , Venkatesh Arjun K
Published: February 2021

Although the impact of COVID‐19 has varied greatly across the United States, there has been little assessment of hospital resources and mortality. We examine hospital resources and death counts among hospital referral regions from March 1 to July 26, 2020. This was an analysis of American Hospital Association data with COVID‐19 data from the New York Times. Hospital‐based resource availabilities were characterized per COVID‐19 case. Death count was defined by monthly confirmed COVID‐19 deaths. Geographic areas with fewer intensive care unit beds (incident rate ratio [IRR], 0.194; 95% CI, 0.076‐0.491), nurses (IRR, 0.927; 95% CI, 0.888‐0.967), and general medicine/surgical beds (IRR, 0.800; 95% CI, 0.696‐0.920) per COVID‐19 case were statistically significantly associated with an increased incidence rate of death in April 2020. This underscores the potential impact of innovative hospital capacity protocols and care models to create resource flexibility to limit system overload early in a pandemic.
Genetic Analysis and Pathogenic Characterization of Alternaria tenuissima Induced Fruit Rot of Bitter Gourd
Authors: SEHRISH IFTIKHAR  , WAHEED ANWAR  , Akhter Adnan , SAJID ALI  , HAFIZ AZHAR ALI KHAN  , MUHAMMAD KHURSHID  , MUHAMMAD SALEEM HAIDER
Published: January 2021

Abstract. Iftikhar S, Anwar W, Akhter A, Ali S, Khan HAA, Khurshid M, Haider MS. 2021. Genetic analysis and pathogenic characterization of Alternaria tenuissima induced fruit rot of bitter gourd. Biodiversitas 22: 617-625. Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia Linn.), belongs to Cucurbitaceae family, is widely cultivated in areas with warm climate. In 2017, fruits of bitter gourd-bearing rot symptoms were observed in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The disease-causing fungal isolate was collected from the diseased fruits on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Microscopic examination revealed short conidiophores arose singly, measuring 79.8- 158.5 μm long and 3.94-7.89 μm thick. The size of conidia varied from 25.7 to 46.45 μm and 8.55-14.39 μm in length and width respectively, which were characteristics of Alternaria spp. To confirm the identity and molecular characterization of the isolate, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, translation elongation factor 1 alpha (TEF1-α), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and RNA polymerase II large subunit 2 (RPB2) genes were amplified. The sequence analysis of amplicons and phylogenetic studies specified the homology of isolated Alternaria spp. with the previously reported A. tenuissima in GeneBank. The pathogenicity tests conducted on the fruits of bitter gourd confirmed the disease development with typical Alternaria induced rot symptoms, thus satisfied Koch's postulate. To our knowledge, this is the first record of A. tenuissima causing fruit rot of bitter gourd in Pakistan.
Genetic differentiation of dengue vector Aedes aegypti in the small geographical scale of Banyumas District, Indonesia based on Cytochrome Oxidase I
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed A. , Nuryanto Agus , Kusmintarsih Endang Srimurni K
Published: January 2021

Abstract. Mohammed MA, Nuryanto A, Kusmintarsih ES. 2021. Genetic differentiation of dengue vector Aedes aegypti in the small geographical scale of Banyumas District, Indonesia based on Cytochrome Oxidase I. Biodiversitas 22: 675-683. Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) is a major vector of arboviruses. Currently, Ae. aegypti is spreading throughout the Banyumas District, Central Java, Indonesia and there is little information regarding the genetic variation of this species, yet the information is essential to develop effective vector control measures. The aims of this study was to evaluate the genetic differentiation of Ae. aegypti populations in South Purwokerto and Cilongok subdistricts. Mosquito larvae were collected using oviposition traps inside houses in South Purwokerto and Cilongok (Jastaba village). Twenty larvae of Ae. aegypti, ten from each location were identified and used for genetic analysis. Analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome Oxidase I (mtCOI) produced around 600 bp fragments, detecting ten haplotypes. The haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity indices were higher in South Purwokerto samples. Tajima and Fu’s statistics indicated that the sampled populations were in genetic equilibrium. Indices of demographic history were fit for a spatial expansion model. Higher genetic variation was observed within the population compared to between the populations. Furthermore, strong genetic difference was detected between the two populations, with highly significant FS (p < 0.0001). Weak haplotype sharing occurred between the two populations assuming that the gene flow was facilitated by human transportation. All haplotypes were a cluster of single clades and closely related to haplotypes generated from previous studies in Central Java.
Assessing the conservation value of medicinal plant collections in Bogor Botanic Gardens, Indonesia
Authors: Hidayat Syamsul , Zuhud Ervizal A.M. , Widyatmoko Didik , BAHRUNI Bahruni
Published: January 2021

Abstract. Hidayat S, Zuhud EAM, Widyatmoko D, Bahruni. 2021. Assessing the conservation value of medicinal plant collections in Bogor Botanic Gardens, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 696-706.  Botanic gardens contain plant collections for the purpose primarily for ex-situ conservation, yet the public rarely appreciates these collections. As such, assessing the conservation value of botanic gardens collections is very important as an effort to increase public awareness of the importance of botanic gardens and their plant collections. This research aimed to assess the conservation value of plant collection in Bogor Botanic Gardens (BBG), Indonesia using quantitative and qualitative methods. We focused our assessment on medicinal plant collections with the habitus of tree. Conservation value of a plant collection was approached by preservation value and utilization value both quantitatively using monetary units and qualitatively using non-monetary index. Based on these two approaches, quantitatively most (91%) of the medicinal plant collections in BBG assessed in this study have a value of more than one million rupiahs, even 21% have a value of more than 100 million rupiahs, implying the high monetary value of medicinal plant collection in Bogor Botanic Gardens. Meanwhile, qualitatively, the conservation value score of a species will be strongly influenced by the existence of protection laws issued by the government and the cultural level of plants' use by the community. Our framework of assessing the conservation value of plant collections, especially those with medicinal purposes, can be replicated in other botanic gardens.
Genetic structuring of Ephedra an important medicinal plant from low to high altitudinal zones of Balochistan, Pakistan
Authors: Basit Abdul , Saeed Shazia , Ahmed Alia , Baloch Nizam , Ali Asif Zahid
Published: January 2021

Abstract. Basit A, Saeed S, Ahmed A, Baloch N, Ali AZ. 2021. Genetic structuring of Ephedra an important medicinal plant from low to high altitudinal zones of Balochistan, Pakistan. Biodiversitas 22: 713-718. The current study is based on the genetic structuring of three Ephedra species compared to the morphological and phytochemical investigation. Ephedra is a significant, medicinally important genus growing naturally in arid and semi-arid regions of Balochistan Pakistan. Resolving the taxonomic identification of Ephedra species genetic variability was estimated by using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA and Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats. Higher values revealed that E. foliata possess high genetic diversity. Less diversity was observed within Takatu Mountain Range population. Diversity in Nushki region was found higher than the Takatu Mountain Range. The genetic diversity was maintained within the populations of all three species of Ephedra at Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park. That may be due to the less anthropogenic activity in conserved region of the Park. Assessment and conservation of genetic diversity through molecular markers is essential that could be used as a key to conserve genetic variability. This study is the first endeavor to estimate genetic and phytochemical diversity within and among diverse populations of Ephedra from the region to the best of our knowledge. Genetic diversity can be used as key tool for further development of a management plan for ex situ reproduction and in situ conservation
The use of alternative liquid media for propagation of pathogenic fungi and their effect on weeds
Authors: Soesanto Loekas , Mugiastuti Endang , Manan Abdul
Published: January 2021

Abstract. Soesanto L, Mugiastuti E, Manan A. 2021. The use of alternative liquid media for propagation of pathogenic fungi and their effect on weeds. Biodiversitas 22: 719-725. Weeds cause high yield losses and are controlled by chemical, physical and mechanical control. Weed pathogenic fungi could be used as a biological control agent. However, the propagation media of them are still a higher cost, therefore, the new alternative and inexpensive media for weed pathogenic fungi propagation are required. The propagation of weed pathogenic fungi in liquid media in-vitro used randomize completely design consisted of three pathogenic weed fungi, i.e., Chaetomium sp., Fusarium sp., and Curvularia lunata and three liquid media, i.e., PDB, rice washing water, and tofu liquid waste. The in-planta tests used split-plot design used weed pathogenic fungi multiplied in the best formula from in-vitro results (rice washing water) and control as the main plot and four weeds, i.e., Cyperus kyllingia, Cynodon dactylon, Portulaca oleracea, and Ageratum conyzoides as subplot. The variables observed were conidia density, incubation period, disease intensity, number of leaves, and weed height. The results showed that rice washing water and tofu liquid waste were suitable media for the propagation of the weed pathogenic fungi. Chaetomium sp. was virulent fungi against broad leaves weeds, especially A. conyzoides. This fungus can be promoted to manufacture organic herbicides against the weed.
Short communication: Savanna-forest boundary on Mount Rinjani, Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Authors: SUTOMO Sutomo , Van Etten Eddie , Iryadi Rajif
Published: January 2021

Abstract. Sutomo, van Etten E, Iryadi R. 2021. Short communication: Savanna-forest boundary on Mount Rinjani, Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 726-731. Seasonally dry tropical forests tend to be bordered by or are mixed with savanna ecosystems. This research investigates the location and nature of forest-savanna boundary on Mt. Rinjani and hypothesizes on potential causes of such boundary formation. The field survey locations were based on MODIS burnt area data. We made 30 plots (50 x 50 m) established along transects to obtain vegetation and environment data across boundaries. For data analysis, we use community correspondence index (CCI), vegetation composition using Importance Value Index (IVI), and Analysis of Similarity (ANOSIM) to detect differences in floristic and environmental characteristics across boundaries. Species composition in the transition zone (based on highest IVI results) comprises Ficus septica, Macaranga tanarius, Lindera sp., Engelhardia spicata, Saurauria sp., Rytidosperma penicillatum, and Athyrium sp. The Non-Metric Multi-Dimensional Scaling (NMDS) based on environmental data showed clear separation between savanna and forest, although boundaries were floristically similar to forest. Micro- and macro-environmental factors, as well as, fire disturbances, are also important features of the forest-savanna boundary on Mt. Rinjani. We present evidence of boundary dynamics in the form of forest advance on the Mt. Rinjani south-west slope.
Bioactivity of carotenoid produced by soft coral symbiotic microorganisms from Panjang and Karimunjawa Island, Centra Java, Indonesia
Authors: Kusmita Lia , Nuryadi Handung , Abi Widyananto Prasetyo , MUCHLISSIN SAKTI , Sabdono Agus , Trianto Agus , Karna Radjasa Ocky
Published: January 2021

Abstract. Kusmita L, Nuryadi H, Widyananto PA, Muchlissin S, Sabdono A, Trianto A, Radjasa OK. 2021. Bioactivity of carotenoid produced by soft coral symbiotic microorganisms from Panjang and Karimunjawa Island, Centra Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 732-740. The diversity of soft corals is more varied in waters. One of the characteristics of soft corals is the production of secondary metabolites, i. i.e. carotenoids. Carotenoids are phytonutrients found in the cells of a wide variety of plants, algae, and bacteria as secondary metabolic compounds with antioxidant functions. Carotenoid biosynthesis is strongly influenced by the environment in which the producing organism grows. This study was aimed to uncover the antioxidant and anti-ultraviolet activities of carotenoids produced by soft coral symbiotic microorganisms in the waters surrounding the Panjang and Karimunjawa Islands in the North Java Sea, Indonesia. The parameters observed included water quality, antioxidant activity, and anti-ultraviolet activity. The results indicated that the water quality at Panjang Island did not meet quality standards (including salinity, visibility, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, and nitrate) while that at Karimunjawa did. The diversity of soft corals was more varied at Karimunjawa Island than at Panjang Island. In contrast to the bioactivity, the carotenoid extracts from the Panjang Island soft coral symbiotic microorganisms showed higher activity than those from Karimunjawa Island microorganisms. The highest antioxidant activity was found in the bacterial isolate 19.PP.Sc1.6 from Panjang Island and was identified based on the 16S rRNA gene as Virgibacillus salarius, with 99% similarity.