bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical significance of nocturnal home blood pressure monitoring and nocturnal hypertension in Asia
Authors: Fujiwara Takeshi , Hoshide Satoshi , Tomitani Naoko , Cheng Hao‐min , Soenarta Arieska Ann , Turana Yuda , Chen Chen‐Huan , Minh Huynh Van , Sogunuru Guru Prasad , Tay Jam Chin , Wang Tzung‐Dau , Chia Yook‐Chin , Verma Narsingh , Li Yan , Wang Ji‐Guang , Kario Kazuomi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNocturnal home blood pressure (BP) monitoring has been used in clinical practice for ~20 years. The authors recently showed that nocturnal systolic BP (SBP) measured by a home BP monitoring (HBPM) device in a Japanese general practice population was a significant predictor of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, independent of office and morning home SBP levels, and that masked nocturnal hypertension obtained by HBPM (defined as nocturnal home BP ≥ 120/70 mmHg and average morning and evening BP < 135/85 mmHg) was associated with an increased risk of CVD events compared with controlled BP (nocturnal home BP < 120/70 mmHg and average morning and evening BP < 135/85 mmHg). This evidence revealed that (a) it is feasible to use a nocturnal HBPM device for monitoring nocturnal BP levels, and (b) such a device may offer an alternative to ambulatory BP monitoring, which has been the gold standard for the measurement of nocturnal BP. However, many unresolved clinical problems remain, such as the measurement schedule and conditions for the use of nocturnal HBPM. Further investigation of the measurement of nocturnal BP using an HBPM device and assessments of the prognostic value are thus warranted. Asians are at high risk of developing nocturnal hypertension due to high salt sensitivity and salt intake, and the precise management of their nocturnal BP levels is important. Information and communication technology‐based monitoring devices are expected to facilitate the management of nocturnal hypertension in Asian populations.
Carp edema virus‐related mortality in wild adult common carp (cyprinus carpio) in Italy
Authors: Marsella Andrea , Pretto Tobia , Abbadi Miriam , Quartesan Rosita , Cortinovis Luana , Fiocchi Eleonora , Manfrin Amedeo , Toffan Anna 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMortality in wild fish populations represents a challenging issue for public fish health inspectors. When a single fish species is involved, an infective aetiology is frequently suspected, with focus on viral notifiable diseases. However, other viral agents not subjected to regulation and causing mortality in common carp have been reported such as carp edema virus (CEV). In mid‐June 2020, a severe common carp mortality was observed in an artificial lake in north‐east of Italy. Sleepy fish were noted some days before the beginning of the mortality itself, which lasted several days and involved over 340 adult specimens. During the outbreak, water temperature was around 15°C, water quality was normal, and no adverse meteorological events were reported in the area. Four specimens, which showed severe cutaneous hyperaemia and increased mucus production on skin and gills, were tested by bacteriological methods and virological analysis targeting the main carp pathogens. Molecular analysis performed on gills, kidney and brains from all the fish analysed resulted positive for CEV, which, based on anamnestic information and laboratory findings, was considered the responsible for the mortality event herein described.
Ethylene‐induced stomatal closure is mediated via MKK1/3–MPK3/6 cascade to EIN2 and EIN3
Authors: Zhang Teng‐Yue , Li Zhong‐Qi , Zhao Yu‐Dong , Shen Wen‐Jie , Chen Meng‐Shu , Gao Hai‐Quan , Ge Xiao‐Min , Wang Hui‐Qin , Li Xue , He Jun‐Min 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMitogen‐activated protein kinases (MPKs) play essential roles in guard cell signaling, but whether MPK cascades participate in guard cell ethylene signaling and interact with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide (NO), and ethylene‐signaling components remain unclear. Here, we report that ethylene activated MPK3 and MPK6 in the leaves of wild‐type Arabidopsis thaliana as well as ethylene insensitive2 (ein2), ein3, nitrate reductase1 (nia1), and nia2 mutants, but this effect was impaired in ethylene response1 (etr1), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase AtrbohF, mpk kinase1 (mkk1), and mkk3 mutants. By contrast, the constitutive triple response1 (ctr1) mutant had constitutively active MPK3 and MPK6. Yeast two‐hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and pull‐down assays indicated that MPK3 and MPK6 physically interacted with MKK1, MKK3, and the C‐terminal region of EIN2 (EIN2 CEND). mkk1, mkk3, mpk3, and mpk6 mutants had typical levels of ethylene‐induced H2O2 generation but impaired ethylene‐induced EIN2 CEND cleavage and nuclear translocation, EIN3 protein accumulation, NO production in guard cells, and stomatal closure. These results show that the MKK1/3–MPK3/6 cascade mediates ethylene‐induced stomatal closure by functioning downstream of ETR1, CTR1, and H2O2 to interact with EIN2, thereby promoting EIN3 accumulation and EIN3‐dependent NO production in guard cells.
An x‐ray microanalytical method for measuring in vivo element and water concentrations, relating to osmoregulation, in cells and tissues of the posterior eye
Authors: Marshall Alan T. , Crewther Sheila G. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractOsmoregulation is critical for cell and tissue survival yet there are relatively few methods available to determine osmotic gradients from water and elemental concentration either in single cells or across multiple cellular layers of tissue. X‐ray microanalysis of frozen‐hydrated preparations in a scanning electron microscope is one such powerful, sensitive, nondestructive technique. Here we use x‐ray microanalysis to quantitatively analyse intracellular element concentrations and oxygen concentrations, as a proxy for water concentrations, in selected individual cells of the posterior eye. Using frozen‐hydrated preparations of the retinal complex of chicken eyes, it is shown that structural preservation is sufficient to identify cell layers and individual cells. The quantitative analysis of selected areas in the photoreceptor layer, inner nuclear layer and ganglion cell layer, where specific cell types were known to be present, provided measurements of intracellular element concentrations comparable with the analysis of individual cells. It is also shown that in the cells of the retinal pigment epithelium and outer photoreceptor segments elemental analyses were reasonably consistent at the cellular level in different depth levels of the same sample. Comparison of oxygen concentrations, as a proxy for water concentration, at two accelerating voltages (15 and 5 kV) indicated that at 15 kV oxygen concentration was largely derived from intracellular water. Water concentrations could be calculated and concentrations of diffusible elements (Na, K) could be defined in mmol/L. From the latter it is possible to calculate osmotic concentrations of individual cells and osmotic gradients across the tissue.Lay DescriptionUnderstanding many cellular processes, in both healthy and diseased states, depends on knowing how the water content of cells and their surrounding fluids is controlled. The transport of water is generally down its concentration gradient or against the osmotic concentration gradient defined by solutes such as sodium, potassium and chloride dissolved in the water. We have refined a microanalytical method, that detects the x‐rays emitted from specific elements when they are bombarded by electrons in a scanning electron microscope, to apply it to the analysis of the retina of the eye. The method facilitates the measurement of the elemental composition, water and osmotic concentration gradients of cells and tissues in the eye, that may be involved in the development of myopia, or short sightedness, a condition that afflicts many people including some 80 ‐ 90% of children in Asia.
Effects of leukoreduction on storage lesions in whole blood and blood components of dogs
Authors: Stefani Annalisa , Capello Katia , Carminato Antonio , Wurzburger Wendy , Furlanello Tommaso , Bertazzo Valentina , Marsilio Elisabetta , Albertin Elena , La Pietra Giacomo , Bozzato Elisa , Mutinelli Franco , Vascellari Marta 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundLeukoreduction is a routine procedure in human transfusion medicine but is uncommon in veterinary.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of leukoreduction on the quality of canine whole blood (WB) and blood products during storage.AnimalsTen canine blood donors.MethodsThis is a case series study. An amount of 450 mL of blood was collected from each dog. Five WB and 5 packed red blood cells (pRBC) bags were divided into 2 units each: leukoreduced (LR) and non‐leukoreduced (nLR). RBC count, erythrocytes' mean osmotic fragility (MOF), 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate (2,3‐DPG), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), percentage of hemolysis, potassium (K), lactate, glucose, and cytokines were measured weekly from day of donation (T0) to day 35 (T35); pH, coagulation times, and clotting factors were evaluated at T0 and T35 from WB and in fresh frozen plasma after 1 year of storage.ResultsLeukoreduction showed positive effects on lactate (T35: LR WB 14.42 mmol/L SD 2.71, nLR WB 22.42 mmol/L SD 1.86, LR pRBC 20.88 mmol/L SD 2.65, nLR pRBC 36.81 mmol/L SD 2.34; P < .0001), pH (T35: LR WB 6.88 SD 0.16, nLR WB 6.69 SD 0.20, P = .02; LR pRBC 6.57 SD 0.23, nLR pRBC 6.22 SD 0.11; P < .001), and K (LR pRBC 4.08 mmol/L SD 0.88, nLR pRBC 5.48 mmol/L SD 0.90; P < .001). Increasing values of IL8 were observed in nLR units during storage (T0: 4167 ± 11 888 pg/mL; T35: 6367 ± 11 612 pg/mL).Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceLR blood units are recommended to critically ill dogs with marked inflammatory conditions.
Who Succeeds in the Competition for Regional Dominance in the Contemporary Middle East?
Authors: Honig Or Arthur , Arsenault Joshua T. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSince the end of World War II, several local actors have tried to gain regional dominance in the Middle East. These attempts have met with varying levels of success. This study seeks to explain this variation. We will not address the equally important question of when and why specific states decide to make bids for regional dominance. We maintain that while realism is a useful theoretical lens for explaining this variation, it is necessary to adjust some realist assumptions slightly to make realism work well in the Middle Eastern context. This is so because realism was developed based on modern European and American experiences. Specifically, our adjustments of realism's assumptions produced the following three preconditions that must be met for a local actor's bid to succeed. First, one must pursue those types of power which are the most potent at a specific time given the Middle Eastern environment. Second, while traditional realists recommend forging large coalitions by reducing threat perception and making bargains through traditional diplomacy or Realpolitik, we argue that domination through subversion or intimidation is more effective. Third, one must not only avoid counterproductive intervention by the great powers, but also have them actively on one's side.
Democrats’ Attitudes toward the Israeli‐Palestinian Conflict
Authors: Rynhold Jonathan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSince 2015, there has been a sharp turnaround in US Democrats’ sympathies for Israel and the Palestinians. The percentage of Democrats with a preference for Israel is more or less tied with those preferring the Palestinians, wiping out Israel's historic advantage. Long‐term processes of liberalization and secularization have generated a more difficult environment for Israel and a more favorable one for the Palestinians, but they alone do not account for the shift. Rather, the fusing of these trends with changes in Israel triggered the change. The formation of a narrow right‐wing government in 2015 played a significant role. However, the primary cause of the collapse in sympathy for Israel was the way in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Republican‐first strategy to block the Iran nuclear deal turned Israel into a highly salient motif of partisanship at a time of unparalleled hostility between the two major US parties. While the fall in sympathy for Israel spans both wings of the Democratic Party, the sharp increase in sympathy for the Palestinians has occurred primarily among liberal Democrats. It is intertwined with the growing political salience of Black Lives Matter, which helps to generate a narrative associating racial discrimination in America with the plight of the Palestinians.
Syria‐Russia and the “Arab Spring“: A Reassessment
Authors: Blanga Udi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAfter a decade of civil war, hundreds of thousands of casualties and immense destruction is now clear that Bashar al‐Assad won the war in Syria. Assad's victory in the war is the result of a variety of reasons, one of them is the military and economic assistance he received from Russia, his close ally. The present article follows the Russian involvement in Syria and examines what are Russia's interests in Syria? Has the Kremlin taken a uniform and consistent diplomatic position towards Syria and the Middle East, both in the Soviet era and after the fall of the USSR, or has its policy changed over the years? Why did Moscow see fit to intervene in the internal Syrian conflict in 2015, considering that until then the United States seemed to have been dominant in the Middle East? Finally, did Russia take this action out of global motives that go beyond the regional context? In this context, the main argument of this article is that the Syrian civil war gave Moscow a one‐time opportunity to penetrate the Middle East more deeply and further its ambitions in the region. Moscow identified an outstanding opportunity to restore its status as a superpower and promote its regional and global objectives, at the expense of the United States.
Resisting Change: Tunisia and Algeria Manage Islamism
Authors: Zhang Chuchu , Zoubir Yahia H. 
Published: February 2021

AbtstractA recurrent question is whether Islamist parties surreptitiously capitalize on political change to weaken or establish their own authoritarianism. In this article, we contend that the answer to this question depends largely on how ruling elites in authoritarian systems structure and manage the Islamist marketplace, thus affecting the position of Islam in politics and society. In our comparative analysis of Tunisia and Algeria, we distinguish between a state‐dominated Islamist marketplace and a managed, open, pluralist Islamist marketplace. We postulate that Islamist parties in monopolized Islamist marketplaces are more likely to gain ground when they challenge authoritarianism. Thus, the marginalization/repression of Islamist political parties cannot, nor should it, seek to eliminate Islamist sentiments, while the opening of an Islamist pluralist marketplace is less likely to produce a hegemonic Islamist political party. The analysis of the trajectories of the Islamist movements informs on the management of Islamism and provides lessons for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and, conceivably, Islamic States elsewhere. Therefore, both policy makers and academics should renounce “de‐Islamizing” an Islamic society and focus instead on judicious approaches to managing Islamism in Muslim‐dominated societies and integrating Islamist parties into a democratic polity.
China's Iran Strategy: What Is at Stake?
Authors: Monshipouri Mahmood , Heiran‐Nia Javad 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper seeks to unpack China's grand energy policy in the Middle East. It examines the proposed Iran‐China deal, to which China's great game in Iran presents new challenges. Beijing sees Iran as a key potential asset in Western Asia. Regional experts argue that, given Iran's extensive natural resources and human capital, as well as a relatively untapped market, the country is seen by the Chinese ruling class as a potentially valuable ally. Uncertainty, pessimism, and a deeply rooted culture of resistance against foreign influence and intervention help explain why skepticism about this deal is so pervasive in Iran. A closer look at Iran's history also illustrates that the country's interests would likely be more effectively served if it diversified its economic and political relations with both the West and the East, thus allowing the government to balance its relationship with those countries while retaining a degree of political independence.
Systematic screening for COVID‐19 associated invasive aspergillosis in ICU patients by culture and PCR on tracheal aspirate
Authors: van Grootveld Rebecca , van Paassen Judith , de Boer Mark G.J. , Claas Eric C.J. , Kuijper Ed J. , van der Beek Martha T. ,   LUMC‐COVID‐19 Research Group
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundA high prevalence of COVID‐19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has been reported, though histopathological evidence is frequently lacking. To assess the clinical significance of Aspergillus species in respiratory samples of mechanically ventilated COVID‐19 patients, we implemented routine screening for Aspergillus in tracheal aspirate (TA).Patients/methodsFrom all adult COVID‐19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), TA samples were collected twice a week for Aspergillus screening by PCR and or culture. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) sampling was performed in patients with a positive screening result if possible. Clinical information was obtained from the electronic patient record and patients were categorised according to the recently published consensus case definition for CAPA.ResultsOur study population consisted of 63 predominantly (73%) male patients, with a median age of 62 years and total median ICU stay of 18 days. Aspergillus species were present in TA screening samples from 15 patients (24%), and probable CAPA was diagnosed in 11 (17%) patients. Triazole resistance was detected in one patient (14%). Concordance between TA and BAL was 86%, and all TA culture positives were confirmed in BAL. We were able to withhold treatment in three of fifteen patients with positive screening (20%) but negative BAL results.ConclusionsPositive culture, molecular detection and or antigen detection of Aspergillus species do not equal infection. Until we understand the clinical relevance of Aspergillus species detected in respiratory samples of COVID‐19 patients, minimal‐invasive screening by TA is a feasible method to monitor patients. Positive screening results should be an indication to perform a BAL to rule out upper airway colonisation.
H3K36 methyltransferase SDG708 enhances drought tolerance by promoting abscisic acid biosynthesis in rice
Authors: Chen Kai , Du Kangxi , Shi Yichen , Yin Liufan , Shen Wen‐Hui , Yu Yu , Liu Bing , Dong Aiwu 
Published: February 2021

Summary

Chromatin modifications play important roles in plant adaptation to abiotic stresses, but the precise function of histone H3 lysine 36 (H3K36) methylation in drought tolerance remains poorly evaluated.

Here, we report that SDG708, a specific H3K36 methyltransferase, functions as a positive regulator of drought tolerance in rice. SDG708 promoted abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis by directly targeting and activating the crucial ABA biosynthesis genes NINE‐CIS‐EPOXYCAROTENOID DIOXYGENASE 3 (OsNCED3) and NINE‐CIS‐EPOXYCAROTENOID DIOXYGENASE 5 (OsNCED5).

Additionally, SDG708 induced hydrogen peroxide accumulation in the guard cells and promoted stomatal closure to reduce water loss. Overexpression of SDG708 concomitantly enhanced rice drought tolerance and increased grain yield under normal and drought stress conditions.

Thus, SDG708 is potentially useful as an epigenetic regulator in breeding for grain yield improvement.
Long‐range assembly of sequences helps to unravel the genome structure and small variation of the wheat–Haynaldia villosa translocated chromosome 6VS.6AL
Authors: Xing Liping , Yuan Lu , Lv Zengshuai , Wang Qiang , Yin Chunhong , Huang Zhenpu , Liu Jiaqian , Cao Shuqi , Zhang Ruiqi , Chen Peidu , Karafiátová Miroslava , Vrána Jan , Bartoš Jan , Doležel Jaroslav , Cao Aizhong 
Published: February 2021

SummaryGenomics studies in wild species of wheat have been limited due to the lack of references; however, new technologies and bioinformatics tools have much potential to promote genomic research. The wheat–Haynaldia villosa translocation line T6VS·6AL has been widely used as a backbone parent of wheat breeding in China. Therefore, revealing the genome structure of translocation chromosome 6VS·6AL will clarify how this chromosome formed and will help to determine how it affects agronomic traits. In this study, chromosome flow sorting, NGS sequencing and Chicago long‐range linkage assembly were innovatively used to produce the assembled sequences of 6VS·6AL, and gene prediction and genome structure characterization at the molecular level were effectively performed. The analysis discovered that the short arm of 6VS·6AL was actually composed of a large distal segment of 6VS, a small proximal segment of 6AS and the centromere of 6A, while the collinear region in 6VS corresponding to 230–260 Mb of 6AS‐Ta was deleted when the recombination between 6VS and 6AS occurred. In addition to the molecular mechanism of the increased grain weight and enhanced spike length produced by the translocation chromosome, it may be correlated with missing GW2‐V and an evolved NRT‐V cluster. Moreover, a fine physical bin map of 6VS was constructed by the high‐throughput developed 6VS‐specific InDel markers and a series of newly identified small fragment translocation lines involving 6VS. This study will provide essential information for mining of new alien genes carried by the 6VS·6AL translocation chromosome.
Permissivism and self‐fulfilling propositions
Authors: Muralidharan Anantharaman 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRecently, self‐fulfilling cases, that is, ones in which an agent's believing a proposition guarantees its truth, have been offered as counterexamples to uniqueness. According to uniqueness, at most one doxastic attitude is epistemically rational given the evidence. I argue that self‐fulfilling cases are not counterexamples to uniqueness because belief‐formation is not governed by epistemic rationality in such cases. Specifically, this is because epistemic rationality is not just about forming true beliefs, but about tracking mind‐independent truths. In support of the latter claim, I offer three arguments, namely that self‐fulfilling and non‐self‐fulfilling cases differ in their phenomenology, in the norms that guide belief formation, and in the way they relate to the evidence.
Extensive tissue necrosis of the tongue in a methamphetamine user: A case report
Authors: Shudo Atsushi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimsMethamphetamine (meth) is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system, and its side effects may result in severe self‐mutilation. This report describes a case of a meth user with severe oral injury that demonstrates the necessity for prompt treatment when severe tongue biting occurs.Methods and resultsA 43‐year‐old meth‐using man with severe tongue biting was left untreated for more than 24 hours, resulting in extensive ischemic changes in the tongue and eventual extensive tissue necrosis. After debridement and deep suture repair in several layers, the wound healed. However, tongue dysfunction and a speech disorder remained because of tongue shortening.ConclusionMeth may induce or aggravate severe oral self‐mutilation. Tongue biting with severe tissue damage may occur as oral self‐mutilation in meth users; however, among self‐mutilation behaviors, tongue biting is especially difficult to prevent. A withdrawal from meth and a behavioral approach may be necessary for fundamental prevention, but it is often difficult in high dependence users. When severe tongue biting occurs, prompt suture reconstruction must be performed before ischemic change occurs to prevent tissue necrosis.