bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Reservoir Fluctuations on Reactivated Large Landslides: A Case Study
Authors: Iqbal Javed , Tu Xinbin , Gao Wei
Published: April 2019

Filling of Xiangjiaba Reservoir Lake in the Southwest China triggered and reactivated numerous landslides due to water fluctuation. In order to understand the relationship between reservoirs and slope instability, a typical reservoir landslide (Dasha landslide) at the right bank of Jinsha River was selected as a case study for in-depth investigations. The detailed field investigations were carried out to identify the landslide with respect to its surroundings and to find out the slip surface. Boreholes were drilled to find out the subsurface lithology and the depth of failure of Dasha landslide. The in situ geotechnical tests were performed, and the soil samples from exposed slip surface were retrieved for geotechnical laboratory analysis. Finally, stability analysis was done using the 3D strength reduction method under different conditions of reservoir water level fluctuations and rainfall conditions. The in-depth investigations show that the Dasha landslide is a bedding rockslide which was once activated in 1986. The topography of Dasha landslide is relatively flat, while the back scarp and local terrain is relatively steep. The total volume of landslides is about 580×104 m3 with an average thickness of 20 m. Bedrock in the landslide area is composed of Suining Formation of the Jurassic age. The main rock type is silty mudstone with sandstone, and the bedding orientation is 300~310° ∠ 7~22°. The factor of safety (FOS) of Dasha landslide obtained by 3D strength reduction cannot meet the minimum safety requirement under the working condition of reservoir level fluctuation as designed, with effect of rainfall and rapid drawdown.
Attitude Analysis of Small Satellites Using Model-Based Simulation
Authors: Rawashdeh Samir A.
Published: April 2019

CubeSats, and small satellites in general, being small and relatively light, are sensitive to disturbance torques in the orbital environment. We developed a simulation tool that includes models of the major environmental torques and small satellite experiences in low Earth orbit, which allows users to study the attitude response for a given spacecraft and assist in the design of attitude control systems, such as selecting the magnet strength when using passive magnetic stabilization or designing the shape of the spacecraft when using aerodynamic attitude stabilization. The simulation tool named the Smart Nanosatellite Attitude Propagator (SNAP) has been public in precompiled form and widely used since 2010; this paper accompanies the release of SNAP’s source code with the inclusion of new models for aerodynamic torque and other new features. Details on internal models are described, including the models for orbit propagation, Earth’s magnetic field, gravity gradient torque, spacecraft shape modelling and aerodynamic torque, permanent magnetic dipole torque, and magnetic hysteresis. A discussion is presented on the significance of aerodynamic torque and magnetic hysteresis on a magnetically stabilized 3-unit CubeSat in the orbit of the International Space Station, from which many small satellites are deployed.
Association between AXIN1 Gene Polymorphisms and Bladder Cancer in Chinese Han Population
Authors: Li Qin , Zhang Peng , Wang Yanyun , Zhang Yan , Li Kai , Song Yaping , Su Min , Zhou Bin , Zhang Lin
Published: April 2019

Background. Previous evidence has indicated that the reduction of axis inhibition protein 1 (AXIN1) expression is related with the poor differentiation of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the potential association between AXIN1 and bladder cancer (BC) is unknown. We aimed to initially explore the relevance of AXIN1 gene polymorphisms (rs12921862 C/A, rs1805105 T/C, and rs370681 C/T) and BC. Methods. Three hundred and sixteen BC patients and 419 healthy controls had been enrolled. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used for genotyping three tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of AXIN1. The SNPstats online analysis software and SPSS software were used for statistical analysis. Results. Our data revealed that three tag SNPs were associated with an increased risk of BC (rs12921862: P<0.001, OR 95%CI=4.61 (3.13-6.81); rs1805105: P=0.046, OR 95%CI=1.35 (1.00-1.82); and rs370681: P=0.004, OR 95%CI=1.56 (1.15-2.10)). For rs12921862, A allele was an independently protective factor which correlated with a better prognosis in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients (P=0.03, OR 95%CI=0.10 (0.01-0.84)). Stratification analysis demonstrated that rs370681 polymorphism was related with high-grade bladder cancer (P=0.04, OR 95%CI=1.85 (1.04-3.23)). Conclusion. The AXIN1 gene polymorphisms might implicate in BC risk, and rs12921862 could be a potential forecasting factor for prognosis of BC patients.
Digital Noninterleaved High‐Power Totem Pole PFC Based on Internal Model Design
Authors: Gao Fei , Xia Rongfei , Chen Yifei , Feng Yongjian
Published: April 2019

When the control signal u(t) of totem pole PFC with GaN HEMTs is a function of measurable state variables, the state feedback gain matrix can be determined by applying state variable feedback control with Ackerman formula, so that the poles of closed‐loop system can be allocated to the desired position. This correction method is especially beneficial to optimal system control according to performance requirements. By introducing the internal model of reference input, a state space function including the first‐order and second‐order differential of error is constructed; this novel controller makes controlled system track the reference input signal progressively with zero steady‐state error. A 4 kW PFC prototype is designed to verify this design method.
Risk Assessment of Slope Failure Using Assumption of Maximum Area of Sliding Mass and Factor of Safety Equal to Unit
Authors: Chu Xuesong , Li Liang , Cheng Yung-ming
Published: April 2019

This paper aims to develop an effective tool for quantifying the risk of slope failure and identifying the sources of failure risk by combining the limit equilibrium method and the assumption of maximum area of sliding mass with factor of safety = 1. The assumption adopted in this study is firstly validated through the results from the homogeneous slope model, the laboratory experiment, and the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) program, respectively. Secondly, the proposed method is implemented through the quantification of slope failure risk and the identification of failure sources for a homogeneous slope and a cohesive slope. The conventional method which quantifies the failure risk based on the slip surface with minimum factor of safety (FS) is also performed to enable the comparison with the proposed method. The comparative study has demonstrated that the conventional method tends to underestimate the failure risk due to the negligence of the whole failure process as compared with the proposed method. The failure risk has a tendency to increase as vertical spatial variability of friction angle and Su grow less significant for both proposed method and conventional method. However, the failure sources identified by the conventional method are more likely to decrease as the vertical spatial variability of Su becomes less significant for cohesive slope, whereas the proposed method is able to find a nearly constant number of failure sources by considering the whole process of slope failure. As a result, it is worthwhile to point out that attention is highly recommended to be focused on the failure sources when the spatial variability is less significant, even if it is not considered during the risk mitigation and reinforcing works.
Monoamine Oxidase-Related Vascular Oxidative Stress in Diseases Associated with Inflammatory Burden
Authors: Sturza Adrian , Popoiu Călin M. , Ionică Mihaela , Duicu Oana M. , Olariu Sorin , Muntean Danina M. , Boia Eugen S.
Published: April 2019

Monoamine oxidases (MAO) with 2 isoforms, A and B, located at the outer mitochondrial membrane are flavoenzyme membranes with a major role in the metabolism of monoaminergic neurotransmitters and biogenic amines in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues, respectively. In the process of oxidative deamination, aldehydes, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonia are constantly generated as potential deleterious by-products. While being systematically studied for decades as sources of reactive oxygen species in brain diseases, compelling evidence nowadays supports the role of MAO-related oxidative stress in cardiovascular and metabolic pathologies. Indeed, oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are the most common pathomechanisms of the main noncommunicable diseases of our century. MAO inhibition with the new generation of reversible and selective drugs has recently emerged as a pharmacological strategy aimed at mitigating both processes. The aim of this minireview is to summarize available information regarding the contribution of MAO to the vascular oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in hypertension, metabolic disorders, and chronic kidney disease, all conditions associated with increased inflammatory burden.
DR4-Ser424O-GlcNAcylation Promotes Sensitization of TRAIL-Tolerant Persisters and TRAIL-Resistant Cancer Cells to Death
Authors: Lee Hyeonjeong , Oh Yumin , Jeon Young-Jun , Lee Song-Yi , Kim Hyunjoo , Lee Ho-June , Jung Yong-Keun
Published: April 2019

TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) resistance, including nongenetically acquired tolerance in cancer persister cells, is a major obstacle to translating TRAIL therapy into patients with cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Here, we show that DR4/TRAIL-R1 is O-GlcNAcylated at Ser424 in its death domain to mediate both apoptosis and necrosis upon TRAIL ligation. We found that DR4–Ser424 mutations, identified from our cell-based functional screen using a cancer patient–derived cDNA expression library and from The Cancer Genome Atlas, caused TRAIL resistance in various human cancer cell lines. Using O-GlcNAc transferase knockdown cells, DR4-preferred versus DR5-preferred cancer cells, and a DR5-neutralizing antibody, we evaluated the essential role of DR4-specific O-GlcNAc modification in TRAIL cytotoxicity. In contrast to DR4, DR5 was not O-GlcNAcylated by TRAIL treatment, discriminating DR4 from DR5-mediated signaling. Apart from genetic changes in DR4-Ser424, we further classified various cancer cell lines originated from stomach, colon, lung, and glioblastoma according to their sensitivity to and receptor preference upon TRAIL death signaling and generated TRAIL-tolerant persister-derived DLD-1PER cells. Among these, we discovered that DR4 was not modified by O-GlcNAc in most of the TRAIL-resistant cancer cells and DLD-1PER cells. Interestingly, promoting DR4 O-GlcNAcylation intentionally using 2-deoxy-d-glucose or a high concentration of glucose sensitized those resistant cancer cells to TRAIL. The O-GlcNAcylation–defective DR4 failed to form DISC/necrosome and could not translocate to aggregated platforms for receptor clustering. Our findings demonstrate that DR4 O-GlcNAcylation is crucial for TRAIL death signaling, providing new opportunities for TRAIL therapy overcoming TRAIL resistance in cancers.

Significance:

This study reports that a novel posttranslational modification by O-GlcNAcylation of one of the two human TRAIL receptors with a death domain, TRAIL-R1 (DR4), plays a crucial role in enabling both apoptotic and necroptotic cell death induction by TRAIL.
Inhibition of Ataxia-Telangiectasia Mutated and RAD3-Related (ATR) Overcomes Oxaliplatin Resistance and Promotes Antitumor Immunity in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Combès Eve , Andrade Augusto F. , Tosi Diego , Michaud Henri-Alexandre , Coquel Flavie , Garambois Veronique , Desigaud Delphine , Jarlier Marta , Coquelle Arnaud , Pasero Philippe , Bonnefoy Nathalie , Moreaux Jerome , Martineau Pierre , Del Rio Maguy , Beijersbergen Roderick L. , Vezzio-Vie Nadia , Gongora Celine
Published: April 2019

Although many patients with colorectal cancer initially respond to the chemotherapeutic agent oxaliplatin, acquired resistance to this treatment remains a major challenge to the long-term management of this disease. To identify molecular targets of oxaliplatin resistance in colorectal cancer, we performed an shRNA-based loss-of-function genetic screen using a kinome library. We found that silencing of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated and RAD3-related (ATR), a serine/threonine protein kinase involved in the response to DNA stress, restored oxaliplatin sensitivity in a cellular model of oxaliplatin resistance. Combined application of the ATR inhibitor VE-822 and oxaliplatin resulted in strong synergistic effects in six different colorectal cancer cell lines and their oxaliplatin-resistant subclones, promoted DNA single- and double-strand break formation, growth arrest, and apoptosis. This treatment also increased replicative stress, cytoplasmic DNA, and signals related to immunogenic cell death such as calreticulin exposure and HMGB1 and ATP release. In a syngeneic colorectal cancer mouse model, combined administration of VE-822 and oxaliplatin significantly increased survival by promoting antitumor T-cell responses. Finally, a DNA repair gene signature discriminated sensitive from drug-resistant patients with colorectal cancer. Overall, our results highlight the potential of ATR inhibition combined with oxaliplatin to sensitize cells to chemotherapy as a therapeutic option for patients with colorectal cancer.

Significance:

These findings demonstrate that resistance to oxaliplatin in colorectal cancer cells can be overcome with inhibitors of ATR and that combined treatment with both agents exerts synergistic antitumor effects.
When Failure Is Worse Than Giving Up: The Case of CTL
Authors: Colombo Mario Paolo , Lecis Daniele
Published: April 2019

Although much emphasis is given to the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors to restore the functionality of exhausted lymphocytes, very little is known about the fate of cancer cells that escape from the cytotoxic activity of T cells. In a previous issue of Cancer Research, Stein and colleagues investigated the response of cancer cells to CD8+ T cells disarmed of their killing activity. Spared cancer cells acquired stem cell–like features and displayed an enhanced capacity to form tumors and metastasize. These increased tumorigenic properties could represent the other side of the coin of T-cell surveillance seen in wound healing in which recognition of damaged tissue as “self” gives the green light for healing process.

See related article by Stein and colleagues; Cancer Res 79(7):1507–19
Bronchodilitator-Verneblung mit Raumluft oder Sauerstoff bei akuter Luftnot von COPD-Patienten
Authors: Haidl Peter
Published: April 2019

Background: In exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, administration of high concentrations of oxygen may cause hypercapnia and increase mortality compared with oxygen titrated, if required, to achieve an oxygen saturation of 88-92%. Optimally titrated oxygen regimens require two components: titrated supplemental oxygen to achieve the target oxygen saturation and, if required, bronchodilators delivered by air-driven nebulisation. The effect of repeated air vs oxygen-driven bronchodilator nebulisation in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is unknown. We aimed to compare the effects of air versus oxygen-driven bronchodilator nebulisation on arterial carbon dioxide tension in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods: A parallel group double-blind randomised controlled trial in 90 hospital in-patients with an acute exacerbation of COPD. Participants were randomised to receive two 2.5 mg salbutamol nebulisers, both driven by air or oxygen at 8 L/min, each delivered over 15 min with a 5 min interval in-between. The primary outcome measure was the transcutaneous partial pressure of carbon dioxide at the end of the second nebulisation (35 min). The primary analysis used a mixed linear model with fixed effects of the baseline PtCO2, time, the randomised intervention, and a time by intervention interaction term; to estimate the difference between randomised treatments at 35 min. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. Results: Oxygen-driven nebulisation was terminated in one participant after 27 min when the PtCO2 rose by > 10 mmHg, a predefined safety criterion. The mean (standard deviation) change in PtCO2 at 35 min was 3.4 (1.9) mmHg and 0.1 (1.4) mmHg in the oxygen and air groups respectively, difference (95% confidence interval) 3.3 mmHg (2.7 to 3.9), p < 0.001. The proportion of patients with a PtCO2 change ≥4 mmHg during the intervention was 18/45 (40%) and 0/44 (0%) for oxygen and air groups respectively. Conclusions: Oxygen-driven nebulisation leads to an increase in PtCO2 in exacerbations of COPD. We propose that airdriven bronchodilator nebulisation is preferable to oxygen-driven nebulisation in exacerbations of COPD. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number ACTRN12615000389505. Registration confirmed on 28/4/15.
Der Nutzen von smartphonebasierten Gesundheits-Apps beim Selbstmanagement von COPD-Patienten
Authors: Knoch Johannes
Published: April 2019

Background: Mobile health applications are increasingly used in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) to improve their self-management, nonetheless, without firm evidence of their efficacy. This meta-analysis was aimed to assess the efficacy of mobile health applications in supporting self-management as an intervention to reduce hospital admission rates and average days of hospitalization, etc. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science (SCI), Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched for relevant articles published before November 14th, 2017. A total of 6 reports with randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were finally included in this meta-analysis. Results: Patients using mobile phone applications may have a lower risk for hospital admissions than those in the usual care group (risk ratio (RR) = 0.73, 95% CI [0.52, 1.04]). However, there was no significant difference in reducing the average days of hospitalization. Conclusion: Self-management with mobile phone applications could reduce hospital admissions of patients with COPD.
Progress Toward Improved Cardiovascular Health in the United States
Authors: Pahigiannis Katherine , Thompson-Paul Angela M. , Barfield Whitney , Ochiai Emmeline , Loustalot Fleetwood , Shero Susan , Hong Yuling
Published: April 2019

The Healthy People Initiative has served as the leading disease prevention and health promotion roadmap for the nation since its inception in 1979. Healthy People 2020 (HP2020), the initiative’s current iteration, sets a national prevention agenda with health goals and objectives by identifying nationwide health improvement priorities and providing measurable objectives and targets from 2010 to 2020. Central to the overall mission and vision of Healthy People is an emphasis on achieving health equity, eliminating health disparities, and improving health for all population groups. The Heart Disease and Stroke (HDS) Work Group of the HP2020 Initiative aims to leverage advances in biomedical science and prevention research to improve cardiovascular health across the nation. The initiative provides a platform to foster partnerships and empower professional societies and nongovernmental organizations, governments at the local, state, and national levels, and healthcare professionals to strengthen policies and improve practices related to cardiovascular health. Disparities in cardiovascular disease burden are well recognized across, for example, race/ethnicity, sex, age, and geographic region, and improvements in cardiovascular health for the entire population are only possible if such disparities are addressed through efforts that target individuals, communities, and clinical and public health systems. This article summarizes criteria for creating and tracking the 50 HDS HP2020 objectives in 3 areas (prevention, morbidity/mortality, and systems of care), reports on progress toward the 2020 targets for these objectives based on the most recent data available, and showcases examples of relevant programs led by participating agencies. Although most of the measurable objectives have reached the 2020 targets ahead of time (n=14) or are on track to meet the targets (n=7), others may not achieve the decade’s targets if the current trends continue, with 3 objectives moving away from the targets. This summary illustrates the utility of HP2020 in tracking measures of cardiovascular health that are of interest to federal agencies and policymakers, professional societies, and other nongovernmental organizations. With planning for Healthy People 2030 well underway, stakeholders such as healthcare professionals can embrace collaborative opportunities to leverage existing progress and emphasize areas for improvement to maximize the Healthy People initiative’s positive impact on population-level health.
Association of N-Terminal Pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Long-Term Outcome in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Chin Kelly M. , Rubin Lewis J. , Channick Richard , Di Scala Lilla , Gaine Sean , Galiè Nazzareno , Ghofrani Hossein-Ardeschir , Hoeper Marius M. , Lang Irene M. , McLaughlin Vallerie V. , Preiss Ralph , Simonneau Gérald , Sitbon Olivier , Tapson Victor F.
Published: April 2019

Background:

NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide) levels are included in the multiparametric risk assessment approach for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) outlined in PAH guidelines. However, data supporting the use of NT-proBNP risk thresholds in assessing prognosis in PAH are limited. The GRIPHON trial (Prostacyclin [PGI
2
] Receptor Agonist In Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension) provides an opportunity to assess the prognostic value of NT-proBNP thresholds in a controlled clinical trial and to evaluate the response to selexipag according to these thresholds.

Methods:

The event-driven GRIPHON trial randomly assigned patients to selexipag or placebo. NT-proBNP was measured at regular intervals in GRIPHON. Here, patients were categorized post hoc into low, medium, and high NT-proBNP subgroups according to 2 independent sets of thresholds: (1) baseline tertiles: <271 ng/L; 271 to 1165 ng/L; >1165 ng/L; and (2) 2015 European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society guidelines cutoffs: <300 ng/L; 300 to 1400 ng/L; >1400 ng/L. Hazard ratios (selexipag versus placebo) with 95% CIs were calculated for the primary end point (composite morbidity/mortality events) by NT-proBNP category at baseline using Cox proportional-hazards models, and at any time during the exposure period using a time-dependent Cox model.

Results:

With both thresholds, baseline and follow-up NT-proBNP categories were highly prognostic for future morbidity/mortality events during the study (
P
<0.0001). In the time-dependent analysis, the risk of experiencing a morbidity/mortality event was 92% and 83% lower in selexipag-treated patients with a low and medium NT-proBNP level, and 90% and 56% lower in placebo-treated patients with a low and medium NT-proBNP level, in comparison with patients with a high NT-proBNP level. Selexipag reduced the risk of morbidity/mortality events across all 3 NT-proBNP categories in both the baseline and time-dependent analyses, with a more pronounced treatment benefit of selexipag seen in the medium and low NT-proBNP subgroups (interaction
P
values 0.20 and 0.007 in the baseline and time-dependent analyses).

Conclusions:

These analyses further establish the prognostic relevance of NT-proBNP levels in PAH and provide first evidence for the association of NT-proBNP level and treatment response. Using 2 similar sets of thresholds, these analyses support the relevance of the low, medium, and high NT-proBNP categories as part of the multiparametric risk assessment approach outlined in the European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society guidelines for the management of PAH patients.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01106014.
Cost-Effectiveness of Telemonitoring and Self-Monitoring of Blood Pressure for Antihypertensive Titration in Primary Care (TASMINH4)
Authors: Monahan Mark , Jowett Sue , Nickless Alecia , Franssen Marloes , Grant Sabrina , Greenfield Sheila , Hobbs F. D. Richard , Hodgkinson James , Mant Jonathan , McManus Richard J.
Published: April 2019

The use of self-monitoring of blood pressure, with or without telemonitoring, to guide therapy decisions by physicians for patients with hypertension has been recently demonstrated to reduce blood pressure compared with using clinic monitoring (usual care). However, both the cost-effectiveness of these strategies compared with usual care, and whether the additional benefit of telemonitoring compared with self-monitoring alone could be considered value for money, are unknown. This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of physician titration of antihypertensive medication using self-monitored blood pressure, with or without telemonitoring, to make hypertension treatment decisions in primary care compared with usual care. A Markov patient-level simulation model was developed taking a UK Health Service/Personal Social Services perspective. The model adopted a lifetime time horizon with 6-month time cycles. At a willingness to pay of £20 000 per quality-adjusted life year, self-monitoring plus telemonitoring was the most cost-effective strategy (£17 424 per quality-adjusted life year gained) compared with usual care or self-monitoring alone (posting the results to the physician). However, deterministic sensitivity analysis showed that self-monitoring alone became the most cost-effective option when changing key assumptions around long-term effectiveness and time horizon. Overall, probabilistic sensitivity analysis suggested that self-monitoring regardless of transmission modality was likely to be cost-effective compared with usual care (89% probability of cost-effectiveness at £20 000/quality-adjusted life year), with high uncertainty as to whether telemonitoring or self-monitoring alone was the most cost-effective option. Self-monitoring in clinical practice is cost-effective and likely to lead to reduced cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.
Long-Term Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter and Hypertension Incidence in China
Authors: Huang Keyong , Yang Xueli , Liang Fengchao , Liu Fangchao , Li Jianxin , Xiao Qingyang , Chen Jichun , Liu Xiaoqing , Cao Jie , Shen Chong , Yu Ling , Lu Fanghong , Wu Xianping , Zhao Liancheng , Wu Xigui , Li Ying , Hu Dongsheng , Huang Jianfeng , Liu Yang , Lu Xiangfeng , Gu Dongfeng
Published: April 2019

The risk of incident hypertension associated with long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM
2.5
) was still unclear by studies conducted in North America and Europe, and this relationship has rarely been quantified at higher ambient concentrations typically found in developing countries. We aimed to investigate the association between PM
2.5
and incident hypertension using the large-scale prospective cohorts in China. We included 59 456 participants without hypertension aged ≥18 years from the China-PAR (Prediction for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in China) project. Data on ambient PM
2.5
at participants’ residential address were obtained during 2004 to 2015 using a satellite-based spatial-temporal model. Hazard ratios and 95% CIs were calculated for incident hypertension using stratified Cox proportional hazards models with adjustment of potential confounders. The findings indicated that average PM
2.5
concentration from 2004 to 2015 at study participants’ address was 77.7 μg/m
3
. During the follow-up of 364 947 person-years, we identified 13 981 incident hypertension cases. Compared with the lowest quartile exposure of PM
2.5
, participants in the highest quartile had an increased risk of incident hypertension with a hazard ratio (95% CI) of 1.77 (1.56–2.00). Each 10 μg/m
3
increment of PM
2.5
concentration could increase 11% risk of hypertension (hazard ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.05–1.17). This cohort study provided the first evidence from China that long-term exposure to PM
2.5
was independently associated with incident hypertension at relatively high ambient concentrations. Stringent strategies on PM
2.5
pollution control are warranted to improve the air quality and contribute to the reduction of disease burden of hypertension in China.
Cerebral Small Vessel Disease and Stage 1 Hypertension Defined by the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines
Authors: Nam Ki-Woong , Kwon Hyung-Min , Jeong Han-Yeong , Park Jin-Ho , Kwon Hyuktae , Jeong Su-Min
Published: April 2019

Although the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines have introduced a novel definition of hypertension in their 2017 hypertension guidelines, the influence of novel stage 1 hypertension on cerebrovascular diseases remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between stage 1 hypertension, as defined by the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines and cerebral small vessel disease in a healthy population. We assessed consecutive health checkup participants without the use of antihypertensive medication between 2006 and 2013. White matter hyperintensity volumes were rated using semiautomated quantitative methods. The presence of lacunes, cerebral microbleeds, and enlarged perivascular spaces was also measured as cerebral small vessel disease lesions. We classified the blood pressure of all participants according to the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines. A total of 2460 participants were evaluated. In adjusted linear and logistic regression analyses, stage 1 hypertension was independently associated with white matter hyperintensity volume (β=0.158; 95% CI, 0.046–0.269;
P
=0.006), presence of lacune (adjusted odds ratio, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.00–2.73;
P
=0.048), and deep cerebral microbleeds (adjusted odds ratio, 2.50, 95% CI, 1.08–5.79;
P
=0.033). Stage 2 hypertension showed higher coefficients or adjusted odds ratio values and lower
P
values in all analyses of white matter hyperintensity volumes, lacunes, and deep cerebral microbleeds, indicating dose-response effects across blood pressure categories. Stage 1 hypertension according to the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines is associated with cerebral small vessel disease lesions, especially in white matter hyperintensity lesions, lacunes, and deep cerebral microbleeds.
Arteriopathy Influences Pediatric Ischemic Stroke Presentation, but Sickle Cell Disease Influences Stroke Management
Authors: Guilliams Kristin P. , Kirkham Fenella J. , Holzhauer Susanne , Pavlakis Steven , Philbrook Bryan , Amlie-Lefond Catherine , Noetzel Michael J. , Dlamini Nomazulu , Sharma Mukta , Carpenter Jessica L. , Fox Christine K. , Torres Marcela , Ichord Rebecca N. , Jordan Lori C. , Dowling Michael M. ,   on behalf of the International Pediatric Stroke Study Investigators
Published: April 2019

Background and Purpose—

Sickle cell disease (SCD) and arteriopathy are pediatric stroke risk factors that are not mutually exclusive. The relative contributions of sickled red blood cells and arteriopathy to stroke risk are unknown, resulting in unclear guidelines for primary and secondary stroke prevention when both risk factors are present. We hypothesized that despite similarities in clinical presentation and radiographic appearance of arteriopathies, stroke evaluation and management differ in children with SCD compared with those without SCD.

Methods—

We compared presentation and management of children with and without SCD enrolled in the IPSS (International Pediatric Stroke Study) with acute arterial ischemic stroke, according to SCD and arteriopathy status. Regression modeling determined relative contribution of SCD and arteriopathy in variables with significant frequency differences.

Results—

Among 930 childhood arterial ischemic strokes, there were 98 children with SCD, 67 of whom had arteriopathy, and 466 without SCD, 392 of whom had arteriopathy. Arteriopathy, regardless of SCD status, increased likelihood of hemiparesis (odds ratio [OR], 1.94; 95% CI, 1.46–2.56) and speech abnormalities (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.29–2.19). Arteriopathy also increased likelihood of headache but only among those without SCD (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.40–2.55). Echocardiograms were less frequently obtained in children with SCD (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.37–0.93), but the frequency of identified cardiac abnormalities was similar in both groups (
P
=0.57). Children with SCD were less likely to receive antithrombotic therapy, even in the presence of arteriopathy (OR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.08–0.22). Arteriopathy was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of antithrombotic therapy in children without SCD (OR, 5.36; 95% CI, 3.55–8.09).

Conclusions—

Arteriopathy, and not SCD status, was most influential of stroke presentation. However, SCD status influenced stroke management because children with SCD were less likely to have echocardiograms or receive antithrombotic therapy. Further work is needed to determine whether management differences are warranted.
Rhytidhysteron mangrovei (Hysteriaceae), a new species from mangroves in Phetchaburi Province, Thailand
Authors: KUMAR VINIT , CHEEWANGKOON RATCHADAWAN , THAMBUGALA KASUN M. , JONES GARETH E.B. , BRAHMANAGE RASHIKA S. , DOILOM MINGKWAN , JEEWON RAJESH , HYDE KEVIN D.
Published: April 2019

During an investigation of micro-fungi inhabiting mangrove forests, a new species of Rhytidhysteron was collected and isolated from dead twigs of a mangrove tree. Rhytidhysteron mangrovei sp. nov. is introduced, described, illustrated and compared with accepted species in the genus. Morphological comparison based on the size of exciple, the appearance of ascomata and ascospore septations and size as well as the multi-gene phylogenetic analyses based on LSU, ITS and TEF DNA sequences support its establishment in Rhytidhysteron. Placement of the genus in Hysteriaceae is also well-supported. In addition, phylogenetic analysis and DNA sequence data indicate that Rhytidhysteron mangrovei is closely related to Rhytidhysteron thailandicum. However, R. mangrovei is morphologically distinct from R. thailandicum, by having a relatively smaller size of exciple and perpendicularly rough-striate ascomata.
Amanita mansehraensis, a new species in section Vaginatae from Pakistan
Authors: SABA MALKA , HAELEWATERS DANNY , FIAZ MUHAMMAD , KHALID ABDUL NASIR , PFISTER DONALD H.
Published: April 2019

A new species of Amanita subgenus Amanita sect. Vaginatae is described and illustrated based on material collected in pine forests in district Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtoonkhaw, Pakistan. Amanita mansehraensis is recognized by the presence of a light brown or light greyish olive pileus with strong brown or deep brown pileus center; non-appendiculate, rimose, sulcate or plicate striate pileus margin; subglobose to ellipsoid basidiospores; and a saccate volva. The internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and large subunit of the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (nrLSU) were used for the delimitation of this species based on sequence data. The evolutionary relationships of A. mansehraensis with other species of Amanita were inferred by means of Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian inferences of the nrLSU dataset and concatenated ITS+nrLSU dataset. Amanita mansehraensis is most closely related to A. brunneofuliginea, A. pseudovaginata, and the recently described A. glarea.
Two new species of marsupial tree-frogs genus Gastrotheca Fitzinger, 1843 (Anura, Hemiphractidae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: TEIXEIRA JR. MAURO , DAL VECHIO FRANCISCO , RECODER RENATO SOUSA , CARNAVAL ANA CAROLINA , STRANGAS MARIA , DAMASCENO ROBERTA PACHECO , DE SENA MARCO AURÉLIO , RODRIGUES MIGUEL TREFAUT
Published: April 2019

Two new species of Gastrotheca are described from northeastern Minas Gerais and southern Bahia, in the Atlantic Forestof Brazil. Data on morphology, calls, mitochondrial, and nuclear DNA are provided. Allied to G. fissipes and G.megacephala, the new taxa provide evidence for a higher diversity of species of Gastrotheca than previously thought atthe Atlantic Forest. The data also suggest that G. pulchra, another Atlantic Forest taxon, is more closely related to non-Atlantic Forest species than to the remaining analyzed Brazilian Gastrotheca species. This implies that the Gastrotheca at the Brazilian coastal forests have at least two independent origins.
A new species of the pontoniine shrimp genus Onycocaris Nobili, 1904 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Caridea: Palaemonidae) from Sagami Bay, central Japan
Authors: KOMAI TOMOYUKI , ITOU ISAMU
Published: April 2019

The pontoniine shrimp genus Onycocaris Nobili, 1904 currently contains 18 species, all known from the Indo-WestPacific. In this study, a new species of the genus, O. hayamaensis, is described and illustrated on the basis of fourovigerous female and three male specimens collected from Sagami Bay, central Japan, at shallow subtidal depths of5–6 m. The specimens lived in internal cavities of an unidentified species of a haliclonid sponge, Haliclona sp. Thisnew species is referred to the O. quadratophthalma (Balss, 1921) species group, represented by four species, i.e., O.balssi Bruce, 2011, O. fujinoi Bruce, 2011, O. quadratophthalma, and O. trullata Bruce, 1978. Differentiatingcharacters between the new species and the latter four species are discussed. The present new species exhibits strongsexual dimorphism in the second pereopods and heterochaely in the male second pereopods, though these traits are notfully documented in some of other congeneric species. Diagnostic characters derived from the second pereopods should be treated carefully.
Haemoproteus nucleocondensus n. sp. (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae) from a Eurasian sogbird, the Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus
Authors: KRIŽANAUSKIENĖ ASTA , IEZHOVA TATJANA A. , PALINAUSKAS VAIDAS , CHERNETSOV NIKITA , VALKIŪNAS GEDIMINAS
Published: April 2019

Haemoproteus (Parahaemoproteus) nucleocondensus n. sp. (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae) is described from aEurasian songbird, the Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus based on the morphology of its blood stages andpartial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Transmission of this haemoproteid occurs in Africa, where theGreat Reed Warblers are infected. Due to unclear reasons, its transmission does not occur at European breeding groundsof this bird, resulting in absence of the parasites in juvenile birds before and during seasonal migration. Haemoproteusnucleocondensus can be readily distinguished from other avian haemoproteids by tiny, compact microgametocyte nucleithat are significantly smaller than macrogametocyte nuclei, a rare character of haemosporidian parasites. By thismorphological feature, the new species is similar to Haemoproteus payevskyi, Haemoproteus micronuclearis, andHaemoproteus nucleofascialis. Haemoproteus nucleocondensus can be readily distinguished from both H. payevskyi andH. micronuclearis, primarily due to its numerous growing gametocytes (size greater than erythrocyte nuclei), which donot touch the envelope of erythrocytes along their entire margin; such gametocytes do not develop in Haemoproteuspayevskyi and H. micronuclearis, but present in H. nucleofascialis. However, microgametocyte nuclei are band-like inshape in the latter parasite; that is not a case in H. nucleocondensus. Illustrations of blood stages of the new species aregiven, and morphological and phylogenetic analyses identify the DNA lineages that are associated with these parasites.Genetic distance between cyt b gene sequences of the new species and H. payevskyi, H. micronuclearis, and H.nucleofascialis is 4.4%, 5.9%, and 8.1%, respectively. Cytochrome b gene sequences (GenBank no. JX026901) can be used for bar-coding in studies of H. nucleocondensus.
Revision of Chinese Oretinae (Lepidoptera, Drepanidae)
Authors: SONG WENHUI , XUE DAYONG , HAN HONGXIANG
Published: April 2019

The subfamily Oretinae from China is revised. Three genera and thirty species are reported from China. One new species Oreta inflativalva sp. nov. is described. Fourteen new synonyms are established: Oreta obtusa dejeani Watson (= Oreta sinuata Chu & Wang, syn. nov. = Oreta asignis Chu & Wang, syn. nov.); Oreta speciosa (Bryk) (= Oreta hyalina Chu & Wang, syn. nov.); Oreta shania Watson (= Oreta bimaculata Chu & Wang, syn. nov., = Oreta cera Chu & Wang, syn. nov.); Oreta flavobrunnea Watson (= Oreta dalia Chu & Wang, syn. nov.); Oreta pavaca pavaca Moore (= Oreta zigzaga Chu & Wang, syn. nov.); Oreta pavaca sinensis Watson (= Oreta fusca Chu & Wang, syn. nov., = Oreta unichroma Chu & Wang, syn. nov., = Oreta lushansis Fang, syn. nov.); Oreta trispinuligera Chen (= Oreta ankyra Chu & Wang, syn. nov.); Oreta hoenei hoenei Watson (= Oreta trianga Chu & Wang, syn. nov.); Spectroreta hyalodisca Hampson (= Spectroreta fenestra Chu & Wang, syn. nov.); Neoreta brunhyala (Shen & Chen) comb. nov. (= Spectroreta thumba Xin & Wang, syn. nov.). The generic name Neoreta Warren, 1897 is revived for Amphitorna Turner, 1911. Four species are newly recorded for China. The female genitalia of Oreta liensis and Oreta angularis are described for the first time. Three misidentifications in Chu & Wang (1987) are corrected. Diagnoses for the subfamily, genera, and all species are provided. Illustrations of the adults and genitalia are provided.
Revision of Garthiella Titgen, 1986 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Xanthidae), with description of a new subfamily and a new species from the central Philippines
Authors: MENDOZA JOSE CHRISTOPHER E. , MANUEL-SANTOS MARIVENE R.
Published: April 2019

Examination of the holotype and other specimens of the type species of Garthiella Titgen, 1986, G. aberrans (Rathbun,1906), reveals that this genus must be excluded from Chlorodiellinae Ng & Holthuis, 2007, due to the absence of thediagnostic morphological features of the subfamily such as spoon-tipped chelae, prominent dactylo-propodal locks on theambulatory legs, and subdistal teeth on the ambulatory dactyli. Garthiellinae subfam. nov. is therefore established for thisgenus, as molecular and morphological evidence show that it cannot be classified in any other subfamily of XanthidaeMacLeay, 1838. A new species of Garthiella from the Bohol Sea, central Philippines, is also described. Garthiellasikatuna sp. nov. can be distinguished from G. aberrans by its relatively flatter and less granular carapace, more pronounced and curved anterolateral teeth, longer and more slender pereopods and by the form of the male first gonopods.
Publication and Dating of the Exploration Scientifique de l’Algérie: Histoire Naturelle des Animaux Articulés (1846–1849) by Pierre Hippolyte Lucas
Authors: EVENHUIS NEAL L.
Published: April 2019

The history of the Exploration Scientifique de l’Algérie and the publication of its results are given. The contents of theplates and text for the livraisons of the 3-volume set of Pierre Hippolyte Lucas’s Histoire Naturelle des Animaux Articulésare researched and dates of publication proposed, with annotations given on the composition of text and plates of eachlivraison, including notice of the dating of plates of birds, fish, reptiles, and mammals, the new names therein which pre-date their publication in text in some cases as much as 20 years later. An index to all taxa proposed as new in this work is presented giving the earliest known date of publication for each name.
An annotated checklist of Mutillidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera) from Iran
Authors: LJUBOMIROV TOSHKO , GHAHARI HASSAN
Published: April 2019

An annotated list for 151 species group-names recorded from territory of modern Iran during two hundred years (1811–2011) of research is given. The list is based on the original literature sources and consideration of geopolitical changes of Persian/Iranian country borders and administrative subregion borders during this period. The occurrence of 92 species in 25 genera for Iran is verified. The records of four specific names from Iran are reqiured in clarification. An information about the sex on which the relevant species has been recorded and the distribution by provinces is presented and illustrated on maps. Subsequent missspelling beludzhistanica Lelej 2002 (in genus Dentilla) is not valid.
The genus Bactrothrips in China (Thysanoptera: Idolothripinae): morphological and molecular data, and a key with two new species
Authors: DANG LIHONG , QIAO GEXIA
Published: April 2019

Seven species of Bactrothrips Karny are recognized from China, based on morphological and molecular data, including Bactrothrips elongatus n. sp. and B. furvescrus n. sp. Meiothrips baishanzuensis Duan & Li is a new synonym of B. brevitubus Takahashi, and Bactrothrips brevitubus zhamanus Han & Zhang is a new synonym of B. pictipes Haga & Okajima. Molecular evidence provides clear relationships in the N-J tree among species studied here. A generic diagnosis and key to Chinese Bactrothrips species are also given.
Marine mites (Acari: Hydrachnidia) of the Mediterranean Sea: Descriptions of two new species, key for identification and future prospects
Authors: PEŠIĆ VLADIMIR , DURUCAN FURKAN , ZAWAL ANDRZEJ
Published: April 2019

This paper provides a current overview of the diversity of the marine water mite family Pontarachnidae of the Mediterranean Sea. The checklist includes ten species from two genera, i.e. Litarachna Walter, 1925 and Pontarachna Philippi, 1840. Two species i.e., Litarachna muratsezgini sp. nov. and Pontarachna turcica sp. nov. from the Gulf of Antalya (Levantine Sea, Turkey), are described as new for science. Moreover, the key for the identification of Mediterranean Pontarachnidae species and a brief discussion on the current gaps and future prospects of our knowledge of this important but neglected component of the marine meiofauna are given.
Coloration variability of the Oriental genus Agnorimus Miyake & Iwase, 1991 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae) with synonymic notes
Authors: QIU JIAN-YUE , XU HAO , CHEN LI
Published: April 2019

Based on an examination of a large number of specimens, considerable variability of the elytral coloration patterns and the parameres of the Asian genus Agnorimus Miyake & Iwase, 1991 are observed; and the taxonomic status of all four described taxa have been re-considered. The result shows that only A. pictus (Moser, 1902) can be recognized as valid species, while A. hayashii Miyake & Iwase, 1991 new synonym is proposed as a new junior synonym of it. The geographic distribution of this genus is significantly expanded, and most of the distributional records are illustrated in a map with intraspecific variations indicated.