bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Should Focal Nodular Hyperplasia Still be Operated Upon? Analysis of a Case Series
Authors: Campos Amico Enio , de Souza Izadora K. , Grigório Trigueiro Juliana R. , Cunha Miranda Fernanda , Lacerda Sousa Rogério , de Araújo Lima Liguori Adriano
Published: February 2019

Background: Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a frequent benign liver lesion. Its course is considered benign, and there is no recommendation for its treatment. Nevertheless, the literature presents a high incidence of surgery. Aim: To evaluate the results of conservative treatment in a series of patients with presumed FNH. Methods: The study included patients diagnosed with FNH from May 2007 to July 2017 based on conventional imaging or magnetic resonance imaging with liver-specific contrast (MRI-LSC) or lesion biopsy (histology/immunohistochemical analysis). Patients were followed clinically and using imaging exams. Results: In a total of 54 patients, the diagnosis was obtained by typical findings on computed tomography scan and gadolinium MRI in 48.1% of the patients, by MRI-LSC in 31.5%, and by histological examination in 20.4% of cases. The mean follow-up time was 35.5 months. The initially asymptomatic patients remained symptom-free, and none of those with HNF-related pain had to worsen of the initial symptom. Conservative treatment was effective in 94.4% of the cases. In only 3 cases, there was a need for some therapeutic approach (5.5%); 2 cases for pain and 1 case for lesion growth during follow-up. Conclusion: The present study suggests that it is safe to conservatively manage patients with FNH presumed by highly accurate imaging tests. Similar to hepatic hemangiomas, surgery for FNH should be an exception.
Low Levels of Serum β-Carotene and β-Carotene/Retinol Ratio Are Associated with Histological Severity in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients
Authors: Wang Lijun , Ding Chenghe , Zeng Fangfang , Zhu Huilian
Published: February 2019

β-Carotene has been reported to alleviate hepatic steatosis (SS), inflammation, and fibrosis in vivo and vitro studies. However, the clinical relevance of serum β-carotene and β-carotene-to-retinol (SC/SR) ratio with histological severity in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients is unknown. This case-control study enrolled 24 control subjects and 62 NAFLD patients. Liver biopsies were collected and histological characteristics were assessed. Information with regard to demographic, anthropometric and dietary intake was assessed by face-to-face interviews with questionnaire. Serum β-carotene and retinol concentrations were determined by the HPLC method. Serum β-carotene and SC/SR levels in NAFLD patients were significantly lower than these in controls (0.23 ± 0.01 vs. 0.35 ± 0.04 μmol/L, 0.38 ± 0.03 vs. 0.84 ± 0.10). Compared with individuals without SS, both β-carotene and SC/SR levels were significantly decreased in those with moderate SS (0.34 ± 0.03 vs. 0.21 ± 0.02 μmol/L, 0.76 ± 0.09 vs. 0.37 ± 0.05). Subjects with mild inflammation had a significantly lower β-carotene and SC/SR levels than those without inflammation (0.23 ± 0.01 vs. 0.33 ± 0.04 μmol/L, 0.77 ± 0.09 vs. 0.38 ± 0.03). Serum SC/SR was significantly lower in patients with mild fibrosis than those without fibrosis (0.45 [0.27–0.83] vs. 0.34 [0.26–0.51]). According to the NAFLD Activity Scoring score, both β-carotene and SC/SR gradually decreased with disease progression from normal liver, simple SS to steatohepatitis borderline (ptrend ≤ 0.001). These results show that NAFLD patients have lower circulating β-carotene concentration and SC/SR ratio, which are associated with the histological severity of NAFLD.
Raspberries Improve Postprandial Glucose and Acute and Chronic Inflammation in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Schell Jace , Betts Nancy M. , Lyons Timothy J. , Basu Arpita
Published: February 2019

Background: Postprandial metabolic impairments in diabetes have been shown to play an important role in vascular complications. Dietary polyphenols and other bioactive compounds in berries have been shown to improve postprandial hyperglycemia and related metabolic impairments, but few clinical studies have been reported in diabetes. Objective: To examine the effects of daily dietary raspberries on postprandial and 4-week fasting glucose, lipids and biomarkers of inflammation in obese adults with type 2 diabetes. Design: This was a randomized crossover study with 2 different phases: a “postprandial phase” of acute raspberry supplementation (2 separate days at least 1 week apart), followed by a 1-week washout phase and then a 10-week “diet supplement phase”, with and without raspberry supplementation periods of 4 weeks each, separated by 2-week washout phase. Results: The postprandial phase revealed significantly lower levels of serum glucose at 2 and 4 h postprandial after raspberry versus control phase. In addition, among the serum biomarkers of inflammation, interleukin (IL)-6 and high-sensitivity tumor necrosis factor alpha (hsTNF-α) were also lower at 4 h postprandial following raspberry versus control meal (all p < 0.05). Finally, postprandial serum triglycerides showed a decreasing trend at 4 h in the raspberry versus control phase. Four-week daily raspberry supplementation continued to show a significant lowering effects on IL-6 and hsTNF-α versus control phase (all p < 0.05); systolic blood pressure revealed a decreasing trend after 4-week of raspberry supplementation. No effects were noted on fasting glucose and lipids, C-reactive protein and arterial elasticity. Conclusions: Thus, dietary raspberries, which are low in calories and high in polyphenols and other nutrients may lower postprandial hyperglycemia and inflammation, and in general exert selected anti-inflammatory effects in adults with diabetes. These findings deserve further investigation.
Prophylaxis and Management of Skin Toxicities
Authors: Salzmann Martin , Marmé Frederik , Hassel Jessica C.
Published: February 2019

Skin toxicity is a common problem not only when treating breast cancer but in all cancer types. Visible on the surface, these side effects come not just with burdening symptoms but also with stigmatization. With increasing diversity in therapeutic options, dermatologic side effects are also becoming increasingly complex and more challenging for the clinician. We reviewed the most common dermatologic side effects of current anticancer therapy, including toxicity induced by chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. In particular, we focus on xerosis and pruritus, (acneiform) exanthema, hand-foot syndrome, nail toxicities, alopecia, and mucositis. We propose measures for the prevention and management of these side effects based on current literature. With high incidences in both chemotherapy and targeted therapy, prophylactic measures are crucial to reducing the incidence and severity of skin toxicity and therefore key to therapy adherence. Appropriate management of these toxicities will help avoid unnecessary treatment discontinuation.
High Resolution Estimation of AoA, AoD and TdoA from MIMO Channel Sounding Measurements with Virtual Antenna Arrays: Maximum-Likelihood vs. Unitary Tensor-ESPRIT
Authors: Haefner Stephan , Thomä Reiner
Published: February 2019

Estimating the parameters of a geometric propagation model from MIMO channel sounding measurements will be considered, which requires the solution of an inverse problem. Thus, a model of the measured data is derived, which incorporates a model of the measurement system as well as the parameters of interest. Based on the data model a maximum-likelihood estimator will be derived to infer the model parameters. Because virtual antenna arrays are considerer, formed by step-wise rotating directive antennas at transmitter and receiver side, the MIMO measurements are conducted in the beam-space. Hence, the data model can be described by a multidimensional convolution of the measurement system and the propagation channel. Based on the convolutional modelling, the parameter estimation problem is transformed into a harmonic retrieval problem, which can be solved by an Unitary Tensor-ESPRIT algorithm. The maximum-likelihood and ESPRIT estimator are compared by Monte-Carlo simulations according to their root-mean-square estimation error.
Molecular and Nonmolecular Magnetic Resonance Coronary and Carotid Imaging
Authors: Hajhosseiny Reza , Bahaei Tamanna S. , Prieto Claudia , Botnar René M.
Published: February 2019

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Over the past 2 decades, increasing research attention is converging on the early detection and monitoring of atherosclerotic plaque. Among several invasive and noninvasive imaging modalities, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is emerging as a promising option. Advantages include its versatility, excellent soft tissue contrast for plaque characterization and lack of ionizing radiation. In this review, we will explore the recent advances in multicontrast and multiparametric imaging sequences that are bringing the aspiration of simultaneous arterial lumen, vessel wall, and plaque characterization closer to clinical feasibility. We also discuss the latest advances in molecular magnetic resonance and multimodal atherosclerosis imaging.
Impact of Initial Shunt Type on Echocardiographic Indices in Children After Single Right Ventricle Palliations
Authors: Frommelt Peter C. , Hu Chenwei , Trachtenberg Felicia , Baffa Jeanne Marie , Boruta Richard J. , Chowdhury Shahryar , Cnota James F. , Dragulescu Andreea , Levine Jami C. , Lu Jimmy , Mercer-Rosa Laura , Miller Thomas A. , Shah Amee , Slesnick Timothy C. , Stapleton Gary , Stelter Jessica , Wong Pierre , Newburger Jane W. ,   for the Pediatric Heart Network Investigators
Published: February 2019

Background

Heart size and function in children with single right ventricle (RV) anomalies may be influenced by shunt type at the Norwood procedure. We sought to identify shunt-related differences during early childhood after staged surgical palliations using echocardiography.

Methods

We compared echocardiographic indices of RV, neoaortic, and tricuspid valve size and function at 14 months, pre-Fontan, and 6 years in 241 subjects randomized to a Norwood procedure using either the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt or RV-to-pulmonary-artery shunt.

Results

At 6 years, the shunt groups did not differ significantly in any measure except for increased indexed neoaortic area in the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt. RV ejection fraction improved between pre-Fontan and 6 years in the RV-to-pulmonary artery shunt group but was stable in the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt group. For the entire cohort, RV diastolic and systolic size and functional indices were improved at 6 years compared with earlier measurements, and indexed tricuspid and neoaortic annular area decreased from 14 months to 6 years. The prevalence of ≥moderate tricuspid and neoaortic regurgitation was uncommon and did not vary by group or time period. Diminished RV ejection fraction at the 14-month study was predictive of late death/transplant; the hazard of late death/transplant when RV ejection fraction was <40% was tripled (hazard ratio, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.41–7.17).

Conclusions

By 6 years after staged palliation, shunt type has not impacted RV size and function, and RV and valvar size and function show beneficial remodeling. Poor RV systolic function at 14 months predicts worse late survival independent of the initial shunt type.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00115934.
Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Replacement in Nonelderly Adults
Authors: Etnel Jonathan R.G. , Huygens Simone A. , Grashuis Pepijn , Pekbay Begüm. , Papageorgiou Grigorios , Roos Hesselink Jolien W. , Bogers Ad J.J.C. , Takkenberg Johanna J.M.
Published: February 2019

Background:

To support decision-making in aortic valve replacement in nonelderly adults, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of reported outcome after bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement and to translate this to age-specific patient outcome estimates.

Methods and Results:

A systematic review was conducted for papers reporting clinical outcome after aortic valve replacement with currently available bioprostheses in patients with a mean age <55 years, published between January 1, 2000, and January 9, 2016. Pooled reported event rates and time-to-event data were pooled and entered into a microsimulation model to calculate life expectancy and lifetime event risk for the ages of 25, 35, 45, and 55 years at surgery. Nineteen publications were included, encompassing a total of 2686 patients with 21 117 patient-years of follow-up (pooled mean follow-up: 7.9±4.2 years). Pooled mean age at surgery was 50.7±11.0 years. Pooled early mortality risk was 3.30% (95% CI, 2.39–4.55), late mortality rate was 2.39%/y (95% CI, 1.13–2.94), reintervention 1.82%/y (95% CI, 1.31–2.52), structural valve deterioration 1.59%/y (95% CI, 1.21–2.10), thromboembolism 0.53%/y (95% CI, 0.42–0.67), bleeding 0.22%/y (95% CI, 0.16–0.32), endocarditis 0.48%/y (95% CI, 0.37–0.62), and 20-year pooled actuarial survival was 58.7% and freedom from reintervention was 29.0%. Median time to structural valve deterioration was 17.3 years and median time to all-cause first reintervention was 16.9 years. For a 45-year-old adult, for example, this translated to a microsimulation-based estimated life expectancy of 21 years (general population: 32 years) and lifetime risk of reintervention of 78%, structural valve deterioration 71%, thromboembolism 12%, bleeding 5%, and endocarditis 9%.

Conclusions:

Aortic valve replacement with bioprostheses in young adults is associated with high structural valve deterioration and reintervention rates and low, though not absent, hazards of thromboembolism and bleeding. Foremostly, most patients will require one or more reinterventions during their lifetime and survival is impaired in comparison with the age- and sex-matched general population. Prosthesis durability remains the main concern in nonelderly patients.
Cellular Mechanisms of Aortic Aneurysm Formation
Authors: Quintana Raymundo Alain , Taylor W. Robert
Published: February 2019

Aortic aneurysms are a common vascular disease in Western populations that can involve virtually any portion of the aorta. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are much more common than thoracic aortic aneurysms and combined they account for >25 000 deaths in the United States annually. Although thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms share some common characteristics, including the gross anatomic appearance, alterations in extracellular matrix, and loss of smooth muscle cells, they are distinct diseases. In recent years, advances in genetic analysis, robust molecular tools, and increased availability of animal models have greatly enhanced our knowledge of the pathophysiology of aortic aneurysms. This review examines the various proposed cellular mechanisms responsible for aortic aneurysm formation and identifies opportunities for future studies.
Sex-Related Differences in Patients Undergoing Thoracic Aortic Surgery
Authors: Chung Jennifer , Stevens Louis-Mathieu , Ouzounian Maral , El-Hamamsy Ismail , Bouhout Ismail , Dagenais Francois , Cartier Andreanne , Peterson Mark D. , Boodhwani Munir , Guo Ming , Bozinovski John , Yamashita Michael H. , Lodewyks Carly , Atoui Rony , Bittira Bindu , Payne Darrin , Tarola Christopher , Chu Michael W. A. ,   On behalf of the Canadian Thoracic Aortic Collaborative
Published: February 2019

Background:

Contemporary outcomes after surgical management of thoracic aortic disease have improved; however, the impact of sex-related differences is poorly understood.

Methods:

A total of 1653 patients (498 [30.1%] female) underwent thoracic aortic surgery with hypothermic circulatory arrest between 2002 and 2017 in 10 institutions of the Canadian Thoracic Aortic Collaborative. Outcomes of interest were in-hospital death, stroke, and a modified Society of Thoracic Surgeons–defined composite for mortality or major morbidity (stroke, renal failure, deep sternal wound infection, reoperation, prolonged ventilation). Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of these outcomes.

Results:

Women were older (mean±SD, 66±13 years versus 61±13 years;
P
<0.001), with more hypertension and renal failure, but had less coronary disease, less previous cardiac surgery, and higher ejection fraction than men. Rates of aortic dissection were similar between women and men. Rates of hemiarch, and total arch repair were similar between the sexes; however, women underwent less aortic root reconstruction including aortic root replacement, Ross, or valve-sparing root operations (29% versus 45%;
P
<0.001). Men experienced longer cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times, but similar durations of circulatory arrest, methods of cerebral perfusion, and nadir temperatures. Women experienced a higher rate of mortality (11% versus 7.4%;
P
=0.02), stroke (8.8% versus 5.5%;
P
=0.01), and Society of Thoracic Surgeons–defined composite end point for mortality or major morbidity (31% versus 27%;
P
=0.04). On multivariable analyses, female sex was an independent predictor of mortality (odds ratio, 1.81;
P
<0.001), stroke (odds ratio, 1.90;
P
<0.001), and Society of Thoracic Surgeons–defined composite end point for mortality or major morbidity (odds ratio, 1.40;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

Women experience worse outcomes after thoracic aortic surgery with hypothermic circulatory arrest. Further investigation is required to better delineate which measures may reduce sex-related outcome differences after complex aortic surgery.
Placental Growth Factor as an Indicator of Maternal Cardiovascular Risk After Pregnancy
Authors: Benschop Laura , Schalekamp-Timmermans Sarah , Broere-Brown Zoe A. , Roeters van Lennep Jeanine E. , Jaddoe Vincent W.V. , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W. , Ikram M. Kamran , Steegers Eric A.P. , Roberts James M. , Gandley Robin E.
Published: February 2019

Background:

Angiogenic placental growth factor (PlGF) concentrations rise during pregnancy, peaking at the end of midpregnancy. Low PlGF concentrations during pregnancy are associated with pregnancy complications with recognized later-life cardiovascular risk. We hypothesized that low PlGF concentrations, especially in midpregnancy, identify not only a subset of women at risk for pregnancy complications but also women with greater cardiovascular risk factor burden after pregnancy regardless of pregnancy outcome.

Methods:

In a population-based prospective cohort study of 5475 women, we computed gestational age–adjusted multiples of the medians of early pregnancy and midpregnancy PlGF concentrations. Information on pregnancy complications (preeclampsia, small for gestational age, and spontaneous preterm birth) was obtained from hospital registries. Six years after pregnancy, we measured maternal systolic and diastolic blood pressures, cardiac structure (aortic root diameter, left atrial diameter, left ventricular mass, and fractional shortening), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, and central retinal arteriolar and venular calibers. Blood pressure was also measured 9 years after pregnancy.

Results:

Women were on average 29.8 (SD, 5.2) years of age in pregnancy, were mostly European (55.2%), and 14.8% developed a pregnancy complication. Quartile analysis showed that especially women with midpregnancy PlGF in the lowest quartile (the low-PlGF subset) had a larger aortic root diameter (0.40 mm [95% CI, 0.08–0.73]), left atrial diameter (0.34 mm [95% CI, −0.09 to 0.78]), left ventricular mass (4.6 g [95% CI, 1.1–8.1]), and systolic blood pressure (2.3 mm Hg [95% CI, 0.93–3.6]) 6 years after pregnancy than women with the highest PlGF. Linear regression analysis showed that higher midpregnancy PlGF concentrations were associated with a smaller aortic root diameter (−0.24 mm [95% CI, −0.39 to −0.10]), smaller left atrial diameter (−0.75 mm [95% CI, −0.95 to −0.56]), lower left ventricular mass (−3.9 g [95% CI, −5.5 to −2.3]), and lower systolic blood pressure (−1.1 mm Hg [95% CI, −1.7 to −0.46]). These differences persisted after the exclusion of women with complicated pregnancies.

Conclusions:

Women with low PlGF in midpregnancy have a greater aortic root diameter, left atrial diameter, and left ventricular mass and higher systolic blood pressure 6 and 9 years after pregnancy compared to women with higher PlGF, including women with uncomplicated pregnancies. The pathophysiological implications of lower PlGF concentrations in midpregnancy might provide insight into the identification of pathways contributing to greater cardiovascular risk factor burden.
Relationship Between Low‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Lipoprotein(a) Lowering in Response to PCSK9 Inhibition With Evolocumab
Authors: Shapiro Michael D. , Minnier Jessica , Tavori Hagai , Kassahun Helina , Flower Andrea , Somaratne Ransi , Fazio Sergio
Published: February 2019

Background

Beyond their potent LDL (low‐density lipoprotein) cholesterol (
LDL
‐C)–lowering efficacy (50–60%), PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) inhibitors also reduce Lp(a) (lipoprotein[a]) levels by 25% to 30%, suggesting a 2:1 response ratio. We aimed to characterize the relationship between
LDL
‐C and Lp(a) lowering by evolocumab, a
PCSK
9 inhibitor, in a large clinical trial population and to determine the prevalence of concordant/discordant
LDL
‐C and Lp(a) responses to
PCSK
9 inhibition.

Methods and Results

Data were analyzed from 4 randomized, 12‐week, multicenter, phase 3 evolocumab trials. Patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, nonfamilial hypercholesterolemia, or statin intolerance participated in the trials. The main measure was the degree of concordance or discordance of
LDL
‐C and Lp(a) in response to
PCSK
9 inhibition; concordant response was defined as
LDL
‐C reduction >35% and Lp(a) reduction >10%. The study cohort comprised 895 patients (438 female; median age: 59.0 years [interquartile range: 51–66 years]). Baseline mean level of
LDL
‐C was 133.6 mg/dL (SE: 1.7) and median Lp(a) level was 46.4 mg/dL (interquartile range: 18.4–82.4 mg/dL). A discordant response was observed in 165 (19.7%) patients. With these cutoffs, the prevalence of discordance was higher when considering baseline Lp(a) concentrations >30 mg/dL (26.5%) or >50 mg/dL (28.6%).

Conclusions

We demonstrate high prevalence of discordance in
LDL
‐C and Lp(a) reduction in response to evolocumab, particularly when considering higher baseline Lp(a) concentrations, indicating the possibility of alternative pathways beyond LDLR (
LDL
receptor)–mediated clearance involved in Lp(a) reduction by evolocumab.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifiers:
NCT
01763827,
NCT
01763866,
NCT
01763905,
NCT
01763918.
Category Mismatches in Coordination Revisited
Authors: Bruening Benjamin , Al Khalaf Eman
Published: February 2019

We reexamine cases of coordinated elements that do not match in syntactic category. We show that these fall into two types. The first type includes predicates, modifiers in the clausal domain, and such modifiers apparently coordinated with arguments. We argue that these do not actually involve coordination of unlike categories. The second type involves coordinated arguments of different categories. With this type, unlike the first, noninitial conjuncts may violate selectional restrictions. To account for these violations, researchers have typically posited a special status for the first conjunct in a coordinate structure, such that it alone can determine the category of the coordinate phrase. We show that such accounts are untenable. First, the final conjunct can be what matters for selection, if it is closest to the selecting or selected element. Second, category mismatches are not free, but are extremely limited and exactly match those observed in ellipsis and displacement. This calls for a uniform account of these mismatches, not one specific to coordination. We spell out such an analysis, in which displacement, ellipsis, and coordination permit certain categories to behave as certain other categories through their effects on null syntactic heads.
Wood species analysis of traditional hand-operated spinning wheels from Central Europe
Authors: Kolář Tomáš , Gryc Vladimír , Mayer Konrad , Rybníček Michal , Vavrčík Hanuš , Weber Andrea , Grabner Michael , Noshiro Shuichi
Published: February 2019

Hand spinning has become increasingly popular as a recovery of the traditional techniques of natural fibre processing and cultural heritage protection. Modern spinning wheels are usually made of easily available wood species, particularly hardwoods, and one spinning wheel usually consists of one or two species. However, the wood species that were used for the individual parts of old spinning wheels in Central Europe are still unknown. To improve our understanding of traditional craftsmen and their skills, we investigated old spinning wheels that originated from Central Europe in the 19th and the 20th century. In this study, we present a collection of 643 samples from 54 artefacts representing the region between the European Alps and the Western Carpathians. Spinning wheels were usually made of 3 to 5 wood species, and the species selection varied among regions. Generally, high wood density (> 600 kg.m−3) species prevailed in Austria and Western Slovakia, but lower wood density (< 600 kg.m−3) species were preferred in the south-eastern Czech Republic. Easily workable species were used for the production of the spinning wheels, primarily Tilia, Fagus sylvatica, Picea abies, and Acer. In addition to these species, a high proportion of fruit-bearing trees and three shrubs were identified. Wood anatomy, as an important scientific method, contributed to understanding the reasons for species selection and the suitability of their properties which will enable the conservation of sustainable folk traditions and crafts, as well as the knowledge of traditional craftsmen.
Structurally complex, yet anatomically plesiomorphic: permineralized plants from the Emsian of Gaspé (Quebec, Canada) expand the diversity of Early Devonian euphyllophytes
Authors: Bickner Maya A. , Tomescu Alexandru M. F.
Published: February 2019

The Battery Point Formation of eastern Canada hosts an Emsian (c. 400–395 Ma) flora that marks one of the rare occurrences of anatomically-preserved Early Devonian plants. We describe four new euphyllophytes from small permineralized axes in this unit. Leptocentroxyla tetrarcha gen. et sp. nov. has a four-ribbed mesarch actinostele with Psilophyton-type (P-type) tracheids and a central area of scalariform tracheids. Stenoloboxyla ambigua gen. et sp. nov. has a bar-shaped to three-ribbed mesarch stele lacking central protoxylem, with one of the ribs less pronounced, P-type tracheids, and sclerenchyma forming a discontinuous layer in the cortex. Jowingera triloba gen. et sp. nov. has a three-ribbed mesarch actinostele with central protoxylem and P-type tracheids. Tainioxyla quebecana gen. et sp. nov. has bar-shaped xylem with mesarch protoxylem strands, P-type tracheids, and anatomy typical of cambial growth initiation. These new species raise the diversity of Battery Point Formation permineralized plants to nine genera, adding significantly to the diversity of Early Devonian plants characterized anatomically. The four species encompass structural diversity of unexpected breadth and novelty for their age. They are different from both older and coeval euphyllophytes and from younger euphyllophytes, exhibiting combinations of derived and plesiomorphic characters. Their mesarch actinosteles and barshaped protosteles, histological differentiation within metaxylem and cortex, and secondary growth, represent aspects of structural complexity common in more derived Middle-Late Devonian euphyllophytes. Concurrently, the four species share P-type tracheids typical of Early Devonian basal euphyllophytes with simpler anatomies. These new fossils offer a first glimpse of a plexus of plants representing a previously unsuspected stage of euphyllophyte morphoanatomical evolution. They demonstrate significant euphyllophyte diversification and exploration of structural complexity under way during the Early Devonian, against a background of plesiomorphic-type tracheids. When more completely characterized, these Emsian plants will provide links for resolving phylogenetic relationships at the base of the euphyllophyte clade.
A new species of Cephalocereus (Cactaceae) from southern Mexico
Authors: ARIAS SALVADOR , TAPIA HÉCTOR J. , GUZMÁN ULISES
Published: February 2019

Cephalocereus parvispinussp. nov. (Cactaceae) from the Mixtecan region (Oaxaca state, Mexico) is described and illustrated. The morphological and molecular evidence support its recognition as a distinct species within the genus Cephalocereus. The new species is characterized by arborescent habit up to 8 m in height, acrotonic branching, stems with 15−23 ribs; flowers 3.5−4 cm long, pericarpel and receptacular tube without podaria nor spines; fruit 1.7−2.2 cm long, dark red, with white flesh; seeds ca. 1.4 ×0.6 mm, dark brown, with a rugose micro-relief. The phylogenetic analysis usingseven cpDNA markers,shows that C. parvispinusis the sister species of C. polylophusand C. euphorbioides.
The Plusiinae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Authors: POGUE MICHAEL G.
Published: February 2019

Seventeen species of Plusiinae have been found in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in Tennessee and North Carolina, USA. These species are documented with adult images, description, flight period, abundance, elevation range, Park and general distribution, and larval hosts from the literature. Maps illustrate the known distribution of each species within the Park. Sixteen of the 17 species occur above 4,000 feet in elevation. The most diverse locality in the Park has 14 species.
Phellinocis, a new genus of Neotropical Ciidae (Coleoptera: Tenebrionoidea)
Authors: LOPES-ANDRADE CRISTIANO , LAWRENCE JOHN F.
Published: February 2019

Phellinocis gen. n. is described based on three species: P. romualdoi sp. n. (type species) from Brazil, P. erwini sp. n. from Panama and P. thayerae sp. n. from Costa Rica and Panama. Diagnostic characters of the genus include the oblong, highly convex, subglabrous body, strongly declined, convex to slightly concave and often fluted elytral apices, 8or 9-segmented antennae, short and concave prosternum, laminate prosternal process, and protibia with simple outer edge and two stout teeth at apex. Phellinocis romualdoi has two features not found in any other described species of Ciidae: intraspecific variation in antennal segmentation and presence of a setal patch on the first ventrite of the female. Comparisons are made with a number of other ciid genera, and the genus is placed in the tribe Ciini. A key to species of Phellinocis is provided, together with descriptions of external morphology of adults, and morphology of male genitalia.
Franz Spaeth: Publications and proposed taxa
Authors: STAINES C. L.
Published: February 2019

Franz Spaeth (1863–1946) was an Austrian lawyer who became an authority on world Cassidinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). From 1885 until 1961 he published 145 papers in which he described 111 genera and 1212 species. This article presents a brief biographical sketch, a bibliography of his published works, and a list of proposed taxa.
A review of the Pomerantziidae (Acari: Prostigmata: Pomerantzioidea), with the description of a new genus
Authors: FAN QING-HAI , CHEN YAN
Published: February 2019

The family Pomerantziidae is reviewed and the genus Pomerantzia Baker is redefined. A new genus Apomerantzia is established for two described species, A. kethleyi (Price, 1975) comb. n. and A. prolata (Price, 1971) comb. n., formerly placed in Pomerantzia. Keys to stages and species of the family are provided. An Oriental species, P. subterranea sp. n. collected from deep soil in Fuzhou, China is described and illustrated. The family is recorded in China for the first time.
A new species of Megasoma Kirby (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) from Sinaloa, Mexico
Authors: MORÓN MIGUEL-ANGEL
Published: February 2019

A new species, Megasoma nogueirai sp. nov., from tropical subdeciduous forests at 290–820 m of altitude in Sinaloa, northwestern Mexico, is described and illustrated. Differences with M. elephas (F.) and M. occidentalis Bolívar, Jiménez and Martínez, are outlined.
The Philippine Coraebini Bedel, 1921 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Agrilini) Part 6: new and resurrected genera and new species
Authors: BELLAMY C. L.
Published: February 2019

The genus Sibuyanella Obenberger, 1942, is resurrected from synonymy under Obenbergerula Strand, 1932 and S. boudanti, sp. nov. from Bohol Island, and S. mimica, sp. nov. from Boac and Mindoro islands, are described. A second species of Philippscelus Bellamy, 1998, P. panayensis, sp. nov. is described from Panay Island, Philippines. Lumawigia gibbicephala, gen. & sp. nov. is described from Luzon Island. Three new species of Brachycoraebus Kerremans, 1903: B. mindanaoensis, B. basilanensis and B. minutus, are described. New distribution records are given for Coraebosoma manilense Obenberger, 1923 and C. samarense Bellamy, 1990. Two justified emendations: Philippscelus Bellamy, 1998 and Amorphosomatina Majer, 2000 are given. All new taxa are illustrated and keys to the species of Sibuyanella and Philippine Brachycoraebus are given.Key words: Taxonomy, new genus, new species, justified emendation, Coleoptera, Buprestidae, Coraebini, Philippines
A new species of Catinia Bocquet & Stock, 1957 (Copepoda, Catiniidae) associated with mud shrimps, Axianassa australis Rodrigues & Shimizu, 1992 (Decapoda, Thalassinidea, Laomediidae), from Brazil
Authors: KIHARA TERUE C. , ROCHA CARLOS E.F. , SANTOS CYNTHIA
Published: February 2019

Catinia aiso sp. n. was found in association with the mud shrimp, Axianassa australis Rodrigues & Shimizu, 1992 collected in the intertidal zone of Araçá Beach, state of São Paulo, Brazil (23°48’50’’S, 45°23’48’’W). The new species shares with Catinia plana Bocquet & Stock, 1957 the structure of the oral appendages, the setal formula of the swimming legs, the robust pedunculate sucker on the antenna, and the absence of the maxilliped in adult females. However, the two species can be separated by the rostrum shape, the presence or absence of an inner coxal seta on leg 4, and the structure of leg 5 in both sexes. Catinia aiso also differs from C. plana in the depressed ovoid body shape, the ornamentation of the maxilla in the female and in the modified claw of the maxilliped of the male. The sexual dimorphism expressed in the armature of the antennule and the endopodal segments of the swimming legs in C. plana, is absent in C. aiso. This is the first record of Catinia since the genus was established on the basis of material from the Baie de Morgat, France, in 1957.
Simpsonichthys nielseni sp. n. (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae): a new annual killifish from the São Francisco River basin, Brazil
Authors: COSTA WILSON J.E.M.
Published: February 2019

Simpsonichthys nielseni, new species, is described from the middle São Francisco River basin, Brazil. It is a member of the S. notatus species group (which includes S. notatus, S. stellatus, S. similis, S. rufus, S. trilineatus, S. auratus, and S. radiosus), which is characterized by a derived pattern of frontal squamation. The new species differs from congeners by possessing a unique color pattern of the caudal fin in males, which includes six or seven light blue stripes diverging from the fin base, terminating in sharp tips on the fin margins. Simpsonichthys nielseni and S. stellatus share an apomorphic color pattern consisting of elongated light spots alternating with black zones on the dorsalfin base in males.
Simulium (Thyrsopelma) duodenicornium, a new black fly species (Diptera: Simuliidae) from the Southeast Region of Brazil
Authors: PEPINELLI MATEUS , HAMADA NEUSA , TRIVINHO-STRIXINO SUSANA
Published: February 2019

We describe the female, male, pupa, and larva of a new black fly species in the subgenus Thyrsopelma. Males of Simulium duodenicornium n. sp. have a black scutum, without silver bands or patterns, covered with golden yellow hairs. The female scutal pattern is similar to that of most other species in the subgenus Thyrsopelma with a black scutum covered by groups of gray-whitish hairs. Males of the new species can be distinguished by the shape of the ventral plate and females by the shape of the hypogynial valves. The pupa of the new species has 12 short, thick, rigid gill filaments, with highly sclerotized and pointed tips. The pupa is similar to those of Simulium guianense s. l. Wise and Simulium perplexum Shelley, Maia-Herzog, Luna Dias & Couch, but the gill filaments are thicker basally and do not have spicules in an annular arrangement. The larvae are similar to those of most species in the subgenus Thyrsopelma, with ovoid setae covering the body cuticle. The stream in which S. duodenicornium was collected forms part of the headwaters of the Piracicaba River, which is a tributary of the Tietê River. This stream is located in Joanópolis County, São Paulo State, Brazil, in a rainforest area of the Serra da Mantiqueira, in the Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica) domain.
Mathesius liaoningensis gen. et sp. nov. of Jehol Biota, a presumptive relative of the clerid or thaneroclerid branches of Cleroidea (Coleoptera)
Authors: KOLIBÁČ JIŘÍ , HUANG DI-YING
Published: February 2019

Mathesius liaoningensis, a new genus and species of Cleroidea, probably relative of clerid or thaneroclerid branches of the superfamily, is described from the Lower Cretaceous; it belongs among the oldest and the best preserved cleroid fossils that have been known so far. The unique specimen was found in Yixian Formation (ca. 125 Ma) near Huangbanjigou Village, Beipiao City, Liaoning Province, NE China and belongs to the famous Chinese Jehol Biota. A classification of Mathesius liaoningensis gen. et sp. nov. within Cleroidea is based on cucujiform aedeagus with distinct medial apodeme (strut) and probably paired struts of the phallobase, pentamerous mesoand metatarsi, narrowly separated proand mesocoxae, metacoxae extending laterally to meet elytra. A possible relationship with the clerid or thaneroclerid branches is based on predacious mandibles, absence of large spines in tibiae, lobes at least in mesoand metatarsomeres 2–3 (probably 1–4), probably six visible abdominal ventrites, and shape of body. With the exception of the aforementioned features, the well-preserved fossil shows interesting morphological characters which are figured in detail and discussed in the context of morphology of some recent cucujiform families.
Morphological and molecular delineation of a new species in the Ceratina dupla species-group (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopinae) of eastern North America
Authors: REHAN SANDRA M. , SHEFFIELD CORY S.
Published: February 2019

DNA barcoding is used to verify characters to morphologically differentiate genetically distinct species of eastern North American small carpenter bees, Ceratina. Here we reveal that the common eastern North American species, Ceratina dupla s. l., is actually three separate species based on fixed differences in DNA barcode sequences and morphological characters. This study adds a new species, C. mikmaqi Rehan & Sheffield, to the Ceratina dupla species-group of eastern North America, and raises another form, C. floridana formerly C. dupla floridana, to full species. Temporal niche partitioning between C. dupla and C. mikmaqi and geographic isolation of C. floridana further support the division of the C. dupla s. l. group into three species. A diagnosis and description of the new species are provided, as is a key for eastern North American species of Ceratina.
Three new species of Tettigoniidae from Mexico (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae; Phaneropterinae; Insarini and Odonturini)
Authors: FONTANA PAOLO , BUZZETTI FILIPPO MARIA , MARIÑO-PÉREZ RICARDO , GARCÍA-GARCÍA PATRICIA LUCERO
Published: February 2019

Three new species of Katydids from Mexico are described in Insara Walker, 1869: I. oaxacae and I. acutitegmina, respectively, collected in Oaxaca and Chiapas states and Arachnitus apterus n. sp. of Arachnitus Hebard, 1932 from Puebla and Oaxaca states.
Review of the nominotypical subgenus of Arachnospila Kincaid (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) of Russia and neighbouring countries with the lectotypification of enigmatic Pompilus sogdianus Morawitz and description of new species
Authors: LELEJ ARKADY S. , LOKTIONOV VALERY M.
Published: February 2019

Eleven species are reviewed. A lectotype of Pompilus sogdianus Morawitz 1893 is designated, illustrated and redescribed. The distribution of Arachnospila sogdiana (Morawitz) is limited to Tajikistan only. A new species from Tajikistan, A. gussakovskii sp. nov., is described and illustrated. A new synonymy is proposed for Pompilus clericalis Morawitz 1893 =Arachnospila mongolorufa Wolf & Móczár 1972, syn. nov. Psammochares subocellatus Haupt 1933 is synonymized with Psammochares effodiens f. quadrimaculata Haupt 1929, syn. nov., which is raised to specific status and removed to Arachnospila. The synonymy of Arachnospila sogdiana koenigsmanni Wolf 1970 with Pompilus sogdianus Morawitz 1893 is confirmed. Pompilus turcorum de Dalla Torre 1897 (=Pompilus vagans Radoszkowski 1877, nom. praeocc., nec Costa 1874) is resurrected and moved to Arachnospila. A key to the species for both sexes is given.
Nivalios gen. nov. (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Flatidae), first record of the tribe Nephesini from China
Authors: ZHANG YA-LIN , PENG LING-FEI , WANG YING-LUN
Published: February 2019

This paper describes one new flatid genus, Nivalios gen. n., and one new species, N. punctatus sp. n., from southern China. The new genus is assigned to the tribe Nephesini. A key to genera of the tribe Nephesini from the Oriental Region is provided. Scanning electron micrographs of the antennal sensilla, cross-sections through the subapical rostral segment and wax glands on the tegmen of the new species are included.
Species of Euglossa (Glossura) and E. (Glossuropoda) (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Euglossina) occurring in the Amazon, including new records for Brazil
Authors: NEMÉSIO ANDRÉ , FERRARI RAFAEL R.
Published: February 2019

Species of Glossura Cockerell, 1917 (genus Euglossa Latreille, 1802) are among the most common orchid-bees in inventories carried out in the Brazilian Amazon. Nevertheless, recent re-definitions of the subgenus, as well as recently described species, made recognition of individual species more difficult. In this study we review all species belonging to the subgenus occurring in the Amazon Basin, as well as those species belonging to the closely related subgenus Glossuropoda Moure, 1989, and report new records of Euglossa (Glossura) lugubris Roubik, 2004 and Euglossa (Glossura) occidentalis Roubik, 2004 for Brazil. Additionally, an illustrated identification key for all fifteen species of both subgenera recorded for the Amazon Basin is provided.
Two new species of genus Hesperentomon Price, 1960 (Protura, Hesperentomidae) from Northern China
Authors: BU YUN , SHRUBOVYCH JULIA , YIN WEN YING
Published: February 2019

Two new species of Hesperentomidae are described from northern China. Hesperentomon fopingense sp. nov. is characterized by 16 P-setae on urotergites II–VI, long, slender foretarsal sensilla t-1 and t-2 and a round flap on the inner side of the acrostylus of the female squama genitalis. Hesperentomon dunhuaense sp. nov. is characterized by 12 P-setae on urotergites II–VI, short, slender foretarsal sensilla t-1 and t-2 and a slender flap on outer side of the acrostylus of the female squama genitalis.
Taxonomy of the fishes of the family Leiognathidae (Pisces, Teleostei) from the West coast of India
Authors: ABRAHAM K. J. , JOSHI K. K. , MURTY V. S. R.
Published: February 2019

A total of 16 species of the family Leiognathidae have been collected from the commercial landings from Cochin and Neendakara on the western coast of India from 1998–2000. Detailed morphometric data have been collected and all 16 species are redescribed with live color photographs here. Various relationships in the morphometric characteristics have been studied and regression equations fitted to enable comparison of the populations of these species from Kerala with those from other regions. Of the 16 species collected and described in the present work, five species, Nuchequula nuchalis, Equulites absconditus, Equulites leuciscus, Aurigequula longispina, and Gazza achlamys, are reported for the first time from the entire western coast of India.
Phylogeny of pentatomomorphan bugs (Hemiptera-Heteroptera: Pentatomomorpha) based on six Hox gene fragments
Authors: TIAN XIAOXUAN , XIE QIANG , LI MIN , GAO CUIQING , CUI YING , XI LI , BU WENJUN
Published: February 2019

Pentatomomorpha is one of the most diversified infraorders of the true bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera). The phylogenetic relationships among superfamilies within this infraorder are still in dispute. In this study, 31 species representing 26 pentatomomorphan and four cimicomorphan putative families were chosen, and six Hox gene fragments with as many as 4 kilobases for each representative were analyzed to reconstruct the phylogeny of the Pentatomomorpha. The (Homeotic) Hox gene family is a group of nuclear genes, which is considered to determine animal segmentation. The combined nucleotide and amino acid sequences were used separately as two data matrices, and analyzed by employing maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. Results strongly support the monophyly of Trichophora and the superfamilies Pentatomoidea, Lygaeoidea, Coreoidea, and Pyrrhocoroidea. The relationship of (Aradoidea + (Pentatomoidea + (Lygaeoidea + (Coreoidea + Pyrrhocoroidea)))) was mostly congruent with previous results based on the morphological data. Our results suggested that the Hox genes could be used as novel molecular markers for phylogenetic research on the Pentatomomorpha and other insects.
The position of the Hymenosomatidae MacLeay, 1838, within the Brachyura (Crustacea, Decapoda)
Authors: GUINOT DANIÈLE
Published: February 2019

The Hymenosomatidae is unique among the Brachyura on the basis of spermatozoal ultrastructure and morphological characters of the adults and larvae. The location of the hymenosomatid male gonopore, always a controversial question, is here shown to be sternal, not coxo-sternal. This disposition, analogous to the arrangement of Thoracotremata, contradicts all morphological characters that indicate a heterotreme affiliation, close to the Majoidea and Dorippoidea. Molecular data also support such an assignment. The multiple hymenosomatid plesiomorphies are reviewed. The exceptional male reproductive system, a new scheme for the Eubrachyura, is assumed, at least in part, to be the result of a strong carcinisation in an ancient, deeply rooted group, at present the most ecologically diverse in Brachyura. The presence of the Hymenosomatidae on the former Gondwanan landmasses and its worldwide pattern of distribution are consistent with the hypothesis of a Gondwanan origin of the family.
Gekko canaensis sp. nov. (Squamata: Gekkonidae), a new gecko from Southern Vietnam
Authors: VAN TRI NGO , GAMBLE TONY
Published: February 2019

A new species of Gekko Laurenti 1768 is described from southern Vietnam. The species is distinguished from its congeners by its moderate size: SVL to maximum 108.5 mm, dorsal pattern of five to seven white vertebral blotches between nape and sacrum and six to seven pairs of short white bars on flanks between limb insertions, 1–4 internasals, 30–32 ventral scale rows between weak ventrolateral folds, 14–18 precloacal pores in males, 10–14 longitudinal rows of smooth dorsal tubercles, 14–16 broad lamellae beneath digit I of pes, 17–19 broad lamellae beneath digit IV of pes, and a single transverse row of enlarged tubercles along the posterior portion of dorsum of each tail segment.