bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecology of Fungal Plant Pathogens
Authors: Termorshuizen Aad J.
Published: January 2017

Fungal plant pathogens are ubiquitous and highly diverse. Key to their success is high host density, which notably is the case in agroecosystems. Several hypotheses related to the effects of plant pathogens on plant diversity (the Janzen-Connell hypothesis, the dilution effect hypothesis) and the phenomenon of higher biomass in plant mixtures (i.e., overyielding) can all be explained by the quantitative interplay between host and pathogen density. In many agroecosystems, fungal plant pathogens cause great losses, since in monocultures diseased plants cannot be replaced by healthy plants. On the other hand, in natural ecosystems fungal plant pathogens shape the succession of vegetation and enhance the biodiversity of forests and grasslands. When pathogens are introduced into areas outside their natural range, they may behave differently, causing severe damage. Once introduced, changes may occur such as hybridization with other closely related pathogens or host shifts, host jumps, or horizontal gene transfer. Such changes can be hazardous for both agricultural and natural ecosystems.
Interplay between Myeloid Cells and Humoral Innate Immunity
Authors: Jaillon Sébastien , Bonavita* Eduardo , Garlanda Cecilia , Mantovani Alberto
Published: January 2017

The innate immune system represents the first line of defense against pathogens and comprises both a cellular and a humoral arm. Fluid-phase pattern recognition molecules (PRMs), which include collectins, ficolins, and pentraxins, are key components of the humoral arm of innate immunity and are expressed by a variety of cells, including myeloid, epithelial, and endothelial cells, mainly in response to infectious and inflammatory conditions. Soluble PRMs share basic multifunctional properties including activation and regulation of the complement cascade, opsonization of pathogens and apoptotic cells, regulation of leukocyte extravasation, and fine-tuning of inflammation. Therefore, soluble PRMs are part of the immune response and retain antibody-like effector functions. Here, we will review the expression and general function of soluble PRMs, focusing our attention on the long pentraxin PTX3.
Tuberculous Lymphadenitis and Parotitis
Authors: Cataño Juan Carlos , Robledo Jaime
Published: January 2017

Tuberculous lymphadenitis is the most common extrapulmonary manifestation of disseminated tuberculosis (TB). It is considered to be the local manifestation of the systemic disease that has disseminated to local lymph nodes, but a high index of suspicion is needed for the diagnosis, because there are several infectious and noninfectious diseases that can mimic the same clinical picture. In recent years, different diagnostic methods have been introduced, including fine-needle aspiration cytology, which has emerged as a simple outpatient diagnostic procedure that replaced the complete excisional node biopsy, and a number of molecular methods which have greatly improved diagnostic accuracy. This chapter covers the most actual knowledge in terms of epidemiology, clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, and treatment and emphasizes current trends in diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis. TB parotid gland involvement is extremely rare, even in countries in which TB is endemic. Because of the clinical similarity, parotid malignancy and other forms of parotid inflammatory disease always take priority over the rarely encountered TB parotitis when it comes to differential diagnosis. As a result, clinicians often fail to make a timely diagnosis of TB parotitis when facing a patient with a slowly growing parotid lump. This chapter highlights the most important features of this uncommon disease.
Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Undergoing in Vitro Fertilisation Or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jo Junyoung , Lee Yoon Jae
Published: January 2017

Objectives

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the efficacy, effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Methods

We searched a total of 15 databases through October 2015. The participants were women with PCOS (diagnosed using the Rotterdam criteria) undergoing IVF or ICSI. Eligible trials were those with intervention groups receiving manual acupuncture (MA) or electroacupuncture (EA), and control groups receiving sham acupuncture, no treatment or other treatments. Outcomes included the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), live birth rate (LBR), ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) and incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and adverse events (AEs). For statistical pooling, the risk ratio (RR) and its 95% (confidence interval) CI was calculated using a random effects model.

Results

Four RCTs including 430 participants were selected. All trials compared acupuncture (MA/EA) against no treatment. Acupuncture significantly increased the CPR (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.71) and OPR (RR 2.03, 95% CI 1.08 to 3.81) and decreased the risk of OHSS (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.94); however, there was no significant difference in the LBR (RR 1.61, 95% CI 0.73 to 3.58). None of the RCTs reported on AEs.

Conclusions

Acupuncture may increase the CPR and OPR and decrease the risk of OHSS in women with PCOS undergoing IVF or ICSI. Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of acupuncture as an adjunct to assisted reproductive technology in this particular population.
Spontaneous retroperitoneal haematoma resulting in bowel ischaemia
Authors: Iskandarani Mohamad Khalid , Monem Mohammed , Mohamed Zakir
Published: January 2017

A 69-year-old man presented to the emergency department with sudden onset abdominal pain. He was hypotensive and tachycardic with a peritonitic abdomen. On admission, the patient had been taking clopidogrel, a known cause of spontaneous retroperitoneal haematoma. An initial computed tomography of the abdomen showed a mass in the pelvis, which was thought to most likely be a gastrointestinal stromal tumour arising from the sigmoid colon. Explorative surgery identified a retroperitoneal haematoma of the rectosigmoid region. There was no evidence of bowel perforation. Hence a washout and closure was performed. Five days following an initial improvement, the patient developed symptoms of peritonitis. A second operation revealed that the rectum had become necrotic and perforated with free faeces. The ischaemia was caused by the retroperitoneal haematoma restricting the blood supply to this part of the upper rectum.
Concomitant orbital cavernous haemangioma and schwannoma in a patient
Authors: Gupta Shweta , Kaliki Swathi , Gowrishankar Swarnalata
Published: January 2017

A woman aged 39 years presented with right eye painless proptosis and decreased vision since 5 months. Right fundus examination revealed optic disc oedema. CT of the orbit revealed a well-defined homogeneous mass in the intraconal space in both orbits. Surgical excisional biopsy of the orbital lesions was performed. Histopathological examination of the right orbital lesion was suggestive of cavernous haemangioma and the left orbital lesion revealed schwannoma. The patient had an unremarkable postoperative course with improved visual acuity. This case illustrates benign orbital masses of 2 different tissues of origin in a single patient, which has not been described in the literature.
Predicting patient ‘cost blooms’ in Denmark: a longitudinal population-based study
Authors: Tamang Suzanne , Milstein Arnold , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Pedersen Lars , Mackey Lester , Betterton Jean-Raymond , Janson Lucas , Shah Nigam
Published: January 2017

Objectives

To compare the ability of standard versus enhanced models to predict future high-cost patients, especially those who move from a lower to the upper decile of per capita healthcare expenditures within 1 year—that is, ‘cost bloomers’.

Design

We developed alternative models to predict being in the upper decile of healthcare expenditures in year 2 of a sample, based on data from year 1. Our 6 alternative models ranged from a standard cost-prediction model with 4 variables (ie, traditional model features), to our largest enhanced model with 1053 non-traditional model features. To quantify any increases in predictive power that enhanced models achieved over standard tools, we compared the prospective predictive performance of each model.

Participants and Setting

We used the population of Western Denmark between 2004 and 2011 (2 146 801 individuals) to predict future high-cost patients and characterise high-cost patient subgroups. Using the most recent 2-year period (2010–2011) for model evaluation, our whole-population model used a cohort of 1 557 950 individuals with a full year of active residency in year 1 (2010). Our cost-bloom model excluded the 155 795 individuals who were already high cost at the population level in year 1, resulting in 1 402 155 individuals for prediction of cost bloomers in year 2 (2011).

Primary outcome measures

Using unseen data from a future year, we evaluated each model's prospective predictive performance by calculating the ratio of predicted high-cost patient expenditures to the actual high-cost patient expenditures in Year 2—that is, cost capture.

Results

Our best enhanced model achieved a 21% and 30% improvement in cost capture over a standard diagnosis-based model for predicting population-level high-cost patients and cost bloomers, respectively.

Conclusions

In combination with modern statistical learning methods for analysing large data sets, models enhanced with a large and diverse set of features led to better performance—especially for predicting future cost bloomers.
Fibroblast drug scavenging increases intratumoural gemcitabine accumulation in murine pancreas cancer
Authors: Hessmann E , Patzak M S , Klein L , Chen N , Kari V , Ramu I , Bapiro T E , Frese K K , Gopinathan A , Richards F M , Jodrell D I , Verbeke C , Li X , Heuchel R , Löhr J M , Johnsen S A , Gress T M , Ellenrieder V , Neesse A
Published: January 2017

Objective

Desmoplasia and hypovascularity are thought to impede drug delivery in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, stromal depletion approaches have failed to show clinical responses in patients. Here, we aimed to revisit the role of the tumour microenvironment as a physical barrier for gemcitabine delivery.

Design

Gemcitabine metabolites were analysed in LSL-KrasG12D/+; LSL-Trp53R172H/+; Pdx-1-Cre (KPC) murine tumours and matched liver metastases, primary tumour cell lines, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. Functional and preclinical experiments, as well as expression analysis of stromal markers and gemcitabine metabolism pathways were performed in murine and human specimen to investigate the preclinical implications and the mechanism of gemcitabine accumulation.

Results

Gemcitabine accumulation was significantly enhanced in fibroblast-rich tumours compared with liver metastases and normal liver. In vitro, significantly increased concentrations of activated 2′,2′-difluorodeoxycytidine-5′-triphosphate (dFdCTP) and greatly reduced amounts of the inactive gemcitabine metabolite 2′,2′-difluorodeoxyuridine were detected in PSCs and CAFs. Mechanistically, key metabolic enzymes involved in gemcitabine inactivation such as hydrolytic cytosolic 5′-nucleotidases (Nt5c1A, Nt5c3) were expressed at low levels in CAFs in vitro and in vivo, and recombinant expression of Nt5c1A resulted in decreased intracellular dFdCTP concentrations in vitro. Moreover, gemcitabine treatment in KPC mice reduced the number of liver metastases by >50%.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that fibroblast drug scavenging may contribute to the clinical failure of gemcitabine in desmoplastic PDAC. Metabolic targeting of CAFs may thus be a promising strategy to enhance the antiproliferative effects of gemcitabine.
Climate change and cattle farming
Authors: Statham Jonathan , Green Martin , Husband James , Huxley Jon
Published: January 2017

Issues raised by cattle farming in relation to climate change extend beyond discussion of greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. There are profound consequences for water availability, soil degradation, biodiversity and local ecology, as well as in terms of conflict for energy supplies. Although climate change impacts on cattle farming (through effects on water availability, heat stress and flooding, for example), this article focuses on how cattle farming impacts on climate change. It explores the issues in terms of the impact of cattle farming on the environment, and how to measure and reduce climate change impacts at farm level. Managing the complex and conflicting balance of factors required for sustainable food production offers an important role for the veterinary surgeon.
Effective atomic number of Mn–Co–Fe2O3 ternary alloys using the Rayleigh to Compton scattering ratio
Authors: Büyükyıldız M. , Kurudirek M.
Published: January 2017

The objective of this work is to determine effective atomic number (Zeff) of Fe2O3(0.2)–Mnx–Coy (x + y = 0.8) ternary alloys using scattering of gamma photons and to compare available methods used to calculate Zeff. For this purpose, we have developed a fitting equation using the ratio of Rayleigh (R) to Compton (C) scattering intensity, R/C for the calculation of effective atomic number of ternary alloy (i.e., Mn–Co–Fe2O3). R and C scattering intensities for the given materials have been measured using a mono-energetic beam of 59.54 keV gamma rays and a scattering angle of 130° (x = 4.36 Å−1). The R/C ratios of elements with 20 ≤ Z ≤ 30 were used to constitute the best fit equation. R/C scattering ratios, when plotted as a function of atomic number, results in a fitted equation, which is then used for derivation of Zeff of the alloys. Also, experimental R/C values were used to determine effective atomic number of the alloys by using interpolation procedure. For comparison, Zeff of alloys were also calculated using different methods. Maximum relative differences between Zeff for experimental and theoretical results were found to be ≤8.04% (exp. 1 (fitting) versus method 6) and were found to be ≤8.99% (exp. 2 (interpolation) versus method 7) indicating a good agreement for the chosen alloys.
Space use by gray wolves (Canis lupus) in response to simulated howling: a case study and a call for further investigation
Authors: Leblond Mathieu , Dussault Christian , St-Laurent Martin-Hugues
Published: January 2017

Simulated wolf howling sessions are a popular ecotourism activity, but no exhaustive evaluation has been made on their potential impacts on wolf ecology. We evaluated the effects of simulated wolf howling sessions on the space use of gray wolves (Canis lupus L., 1758) in the Montmorency Forest (Quebec, Canada). Although we equipped 22 individuals with GPS collars from 2005 to 2008, only four wolves could potentially hear our 20 simulated howls (July to October 2008). We used power analyses to select two spatiotemporal scales of analysis with sufficient location data to investigate wolf reactions. We evaluated the distance and orientation of wolf movements relative to howling stations, their movement rates, and their mean distance to other collared pack members, which we used as an index of pack cohesion. We found that wolves approached howling stations (at both scales) and were closer to other pack members (at broad scale only) after simulated howls. The reactions of wolves were of relatively low magnitude, and we conclude that simulated howling sessions were unlikely to have strong negative impacts on the movement patterns of wolves. We encourage future studies to evaluate the effects of simulated howling on the activity levels and fine-scale space use by wolves.
On a barrier anti-Zeno effect in a special model allowing for an analytical solution
Authors: Namiot V. A. , Shchurova L. Yu.
Published: January 2017

We consider a situation when observations can increase particle flow across a barrier by many orders of magnitude compared with the tunneling probability (a barrier anti-Zeno effect). It may be of interest for explaining the paradoxical results of experiments on “cold fusion” that has earlier been observed by other authors for various systems.

We examine the anti-Zeno effect in a model of a barrier of a special shape, which has similarities with the form of barriers to nuclear fusion in a solid, and moreover has an analytic solution. We have deducted formulas that demonstrate the conditions of increasing the barrier permeability.
Impulsive Expressions in Stochastic Simulation Algorithms
Authors: Altıntan Derya , Purutçuoğlu Vi̇lda , Uğur Ömür
Published: January 2017

Jumps can be seen in many natural processes. Classical deterministic modeling approach explains the dynamical behavior of such systems by using impulsive differential equations. This modeling strategy assumes that the dynamical behavior of the whole system is deterministic, continuous, and it adds jumps to the state vector at certain times. Although deterministic approach is satisfactory in many cases, it is a well-known fact that stochasticity or uncertainty has crucial importance for dynamical behavior of many others. In this study, we propose to include this abrupt change in the stochastic modeling approach, beside the deterministic one. In our model, we introduce jumps to chemical master equation and use the Gillespie direct method to simulate the evolutionary system. To illustrate the idea and distinguish the differences, we present some numerically solved examples.
Antibacterial Activity and Physical Properties of Fish Gelatin-Chitosan Edible Films Supplemented with D-Limonene
Authors: Yao Yunzhen , Ding Ding , Shao Hongyuan , Peng Qifan , Huang Yaqin
Published: January 2017

Fish gelatin-chitosan edible films with D-limonene were successfully prepared, which exhibited exceptional mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity. It has been demonstrated that water-soluble chitosan, fish gelatin, and D-limonene could be a candidate precursor to prepare low cost and high-performance edible food packaging material. The results showed that D-limonene in the films could effectively resist the penetration of light and water because of its hydrophobicity. Moreover, the elongation at break (EAB) increased with the addition of D-limonene, which indicated that D-limonene served as a strong plasticizer for the film. Microscopic characterization showed that D-limonene was uniformly distributed in the as-prepared film. And we found that the film exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli). All the results indicate that the as-prepared film could be a promising food packaging.
Photophysical Properties of Fluorescent Probe Thioflavin T in Crowded Milieu
Authors: Rodina Natalia P. , Sulatsky Maksim I. , Sulatskaya Anna I. , Kuznetsova Irina M. , Uversky Vladimir N. , Turoverov Konstantin K.
Published: January 2017

Thioflavin T (ThT) is a widely used fluorescent probe of amyloid fibrils, which accompanies many serious neurodegenerative and other diseases. Until recently, examinations of processes of amyloid fibril formation in vitro were conducted in solutions whose properties were significantly different from those found inside the densely packed cells. Such crowded cellular milieu is typically simulated in vitro using concentrated solutions of inert polymers, which do not usually interact with proteins. However, these crowding agents can have a direct effect on the ThT molecule, and this effect must be taken into account. We examined the influence of PEG-400, PEG-12000, and Dextran-70 on the photophysical properties of ThT. It was shown that these crowding agents caused the red shift of the absorption, fluorescence excitation, and fluorescence spectra of ThT. Under these conditions, the increases of the molar extinction coefficient, fluorescence quantum yield, and excitation lifetime of ThT are also observed. However, these changes are significantly less pronounced than those observed for ThT bound to fibrils. It is concluded that, despite some effects of crowding agents on intrinsic fluorescent properties of ThT, this dye can be used as a probe of structure and formation of amyloid fibrils in crowded milieu in vitro.
Design and Validation of Equiaxial Mechanical Strain Platform, EQUicycler, for 3D Tissue Engineered Constructs
Authors: Elsaadany Mostafa , Harris Matthew , Yildirim-Ayan Eda
Published: January 2017

It is crucial to replicate the micromechanical milieu of native tissues to achieve efficacious tissue engineering and regenerative therapy. In this study, we introduced an innovative loading platform, EQUicycler, that utilizes a simple, yet effective, and well-controlled mechanism to apply physiologically relevant homogenous mechanical equiaxial strain on three-dimensional cell-embedded tissue scaffolds. The design of EQUicycler ensured elimination of gripping effects through the use of biologically compatible silicone posts for direct transfer of the mechanical load to the scaffolds. Finite Element Modeling (FEM) was created to understand and to quantify how much applied global strain was transferred from the loading mechanism to the tissue constructs. In vitro studies were conducted on various cell lines associated with tissues exposed to equiaxial mechanical loading in their native environment. In vitro results demonstrated that EQUicycler was effective in maintaining and promoting the viability of different musculoskeletal cell lines and upregulating early differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells. By utilizing EQUicycler, collagen fibers of the constructs were actively remodeled. Residing cells within the collagen construct elongated and aligned with strain direction upon mechanical loading. EQUicycler can provide an efficient and cost-effective tool to conduct mechanistic studies for tissue engineered constructs designed for tissue systems under mechanical loading in vivo.
Decreased Expression of Hsa_circ_00001649 in Gastric Cancer and Its Clinical Significance
Authors: Li Wen-han , Song Yong-chun , Zhang Hao , Zhou Zhang-jian , Xie Xin , Zeng Qing-nuo , Guo Kun , Wang Ting , Xia Peng , Chang Dong-min
Published: January 2017

Background. It has been reported that circRNAs are differentially expressed in a wide range of cancers and could be used as a new biomarker for diagnosis. However, the correlation between circRNAs and gastric cancer (GC) it is still unclear. Materials and Methods. In this study, by using real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions (qRT-PCRs), we detected the expression level of hsa_circ_0001649 in tissue and serum samples from GC patients. Results. We found that hsa_circ_0001649 expression was significantly downregulated in GC tissue compared with their paired paracancerous histological normal tissues (PCHNTs) (P<0.01). We next analyzed the expression level of hsa_circ_0001649 in serum samples between preoperative and postoperative GC patients. We found that its level in serum was significantly upregulated after surgery (P<0.01). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.834. Moreover, the expression level of hsa_circ_0001649 was significantly correlated with pathological differentiation (P=0.039). Conclusion. Our test suggested that hsa_circ_0001649 was significantly downregulated in GC and may become a novel potential biomarker in the diagnosis of GC.
Optimizing Key Parameters of Ground Delay Program with Uncertain Airport Capacity
Authors: Liu Jixin , Li Kaijian , Yin Minjia , Zhu Xuehua , Han Ke
Published: January 2017

The Ground Delay Program (GDP) relies heavily on the capacity of the subject airport, which, due to its uncertainty, adds to the difficulty and suboptimality of GDP operation. This paper proposes a framework for the joint optimization of GDP key parameters including file time, end time, and distance. These parameters are articulated and incorporated in a GDP model, based on which an optimization problem is proposed and solved under uncertain airport capacity. Unlike existing literature, this paper explicitly calculates the optimal GDP file time, which could significantly reduce the delay times as shown in our numerical study. We also propose a joint GDP end-time-and-distance model solved with genetic algorithm. The optimization problem takes into account the GDP operational efficiency, airline and flight equity, and Air Traffic Control (ATC) risks. A simulation study with real-world data is undertaken to demonstrate the advantage of the proposed framework. It is shown that, in comparison with the current GDP in operation, the proposed solution reduces the total delay time, unnecessary ground delay, and unnecessary ground delay flights by 14.7%, 50.8%, and 48.3%, respectively. The proposed GDP strategy has the potential to effectively reduce the overall delay while maintaining the ATC safety risk within an acceptable level.
Amniotic Fluid Infection in Preterm Pregnancies with Intact Membranes
Authors: Myntti Tarja , Rahkonen Leena , Nupponen Irmeli , Pätäri-Sampo Anu , Tikkanen Minna , Sorsa Timo , Juhila Juuso , Andersson Sture , Paavonen Jorma , Stefanovic Vedran
Published: January 2017

Introduction. Intra-amniotic infection (IAI) is a major cause of preterm labor and adverse neonatal outcome. We evaluated amniotic fluid (AF) proteolytic cascade forming biomarkers in relation to microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) and IAI in preterm pregnancies with intact membranes. Material and Methods. Amniocentesis was made to 73 women with singleton pregnancies; 27 with suspected IAI; and 46 controls. AF biomarkers were divided into three cascades: Cascade 1: matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), MMP-9, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and interleukin-6; Cascade 2: neutrophil elastase (HNE), elafin, and MMP-9; Cascade 3: MMP-2, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), MMP-8/TIMP-1 molar ratio, and C-reactive protein (CRP). MMP-8 was measured by an immunoenzymometric assay and the others were measured by ELISA. Standard biochemical methods, molecular microbiology, and culture techniques were used. Results. MMP-8, MMP-9, MPO, elafin, and TIMP-1 concentrations were higher in IAI suspected cases compared to controls and also in IAI suspected cases with MIAC compared to those without MIAC when adjusted by gestational age at amniocentesis. All biomarkers except elafin and MMP-2 had the sensitivity of 100% with thresholds based on ROC-curve. Odd ratios of biomarkers for MIAC were 1.2-38 and 95% confidential intervals 1.0-353.6. Conclusions. Neutrophil based AF biomarkers were associated with IAI and MIAC.
Crosstalk between Vitamins A, B12, D, K, C, and E Status and Arterial Stiffness
Authors: Mozos Ioana , Stoian Dana , Luca Constantin Tudor
Published: January 2017

Arterial stiffness is associated with cardiovascular risk, morbidity, and mortality. The present paper reviews the main vitamins related to arterial stiffness and enabling destiffening, their mechanisms of action, providing a brief description of the latest studies in the area, and their implications for primary cardiovascular prevention, clinical practice, and therapy. Despite inconsistent evidence for destiffening induced by vitamin supplementation in several randomized clinical trials, positive results were obtained in specific populations. The main mechanisms are related to antiatherogenic effects, improvement of endothelial function (vitamins A, C, D, and E) and metabolic profile (vitamins A, B12, C, D, and K), inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (vitamin D), anti-inflammatory (vitamins A, D, E, and K) and antioxidant effects (vitamins A, C, and E), decrease of homocysteine level (vitamin B12), and reversing calcification of arteries (vitamin K). Vitamins A, B12, C, D, E, and K status is important in evaluating cardiovascular risk, and vitamin supplementation may be an effective, individualized, and inexpensive destiffening therapy.
Three Extensions of Tong and Richardson’s Algorithm for Finding the Optimal Path in Schedule-Based Railway Networks
Authors: Xie J. , Wong S. C. , Lo S. M.
Published: January 2017

High-speed railways have been developing quickly in recent years and have become a main travel mode between cities in many countries, especially China. Studying passengers’ travel choices on high-speed railway networks can aid the design of efficient operations and schedule plans. The Tong and Richardson algorithm that is used in this model offers a promising method for finding the optimal path in a schedule-based transit network. However, three aspects of this algorithm limit its application to high-speed railway networks. First, these networks have more complicated common line problems than other transit networks. Without a proper treatment, the optimal paths cannot be found. Second, nonadditive fares are important factors in considering travel choices. Incorporating these factors increases the searching time; improvement in this area is desirable. Third, as high-speed railways have low-frequency running patterns, their passengers may prefer to wait at home or at the office instead of at the station. Thus, consideration of a waiting penalty is needed. This paper suggests three extensions to improve the treatments of these three aspects, and three examples are presented to illustrate the applications of these extensions. The improved algorithm can also be used for other transit systems.
Viral Nucleic Acids in the Serum Are Dependent on Blood Sampling Site in Patients with Clinical Suspicion of Myocarditis
Authors: Pawlak Agnieszka , Przybylski Maciej , Durlik Marek , Gil Katarzyna , Nasierowska-Guttmejer Anna M. , Byczkowska Katarzyna , Ziemba Andrzej , Gil Robert J.
Published: January 2017

Background: The meaning of viral nucleic acids in the myocardium in many cases is difficult for clinical interpretation, whereas the presence of viral nucleic acids in the serum is a marker of active infection. We determined the diagnostic value of viral nucleic acids in ventricular serum and peripheral serum samples in comparison with endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) specimens in patients with clinically suspected myocarditis. Methods: The viral nucleic acid evaluation was performed in serum samples and EMB specimens by real-time PCR in 70 patients (age: 47 ± 16 years). The biopsy specimens were examined by histo- and immunohistochemistry to detect inflammatory response. Results: The viral nucleic acids were detected in ventricular and peripheral serum, and EMB samples of 10 (14%), 14 (20%), and 32 (46%) patients, respectively. Notably, viral nucleic acids of the same virus as in the EMB sample were present more often in ventricular than in peripheral serum (60 vs. 7%, p = 0.01). A significant concurrence was observed between the positive and the negative results of viral nucleic acids present in EMB and ventricular serum (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: The detection of the same viral nucleic acid type in the myocardium and in ventricular serum being significantly more frequent than in the peripheral serum may suggest that the site of the blood collection is important for more precise and reliable confirmation of the active viral replication in the heart.
Mutation c.943G>T (p.Ala315Ser) in FGFR2 Causing a Mild Phenotype of Crouzon Craniofacial Dysostosis in a Three-Generation Family
Authors: Graul-Neumann Luitgard M. , Klopocki Eva , Adolphs Nicolai , Mensah Martin A. , Kress Wolfram
Published: January 2017

Crouzon syndrome craniofacial dysostosis type I [OMIM 123500] is caused by mutations in the gene encoding fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 (FGFR2). An overlapping phenotype with Muenke and Crouzon syndrome with acanthosis nigricans (FGFR3 mutations) is known. The clinical diagnosis can be corroborated by molecular studies in about 80-90% of the cases. No clear genotype/phenotype correlation has been identified yet. Here, we describe a second family with a mild phenotype in which the FGFR2 mutation c.943G>T leading to the amino acid substitution p.Ala315Ser was detected. Five affected family members showed craniofacial dysostosis without overt craniosynostosis. They all had midface hypoplasia. Crouzonoid appearance with mild protrusion of bulbi was only apparent in our index patient as well as obstructive sleep apnea episodes leading to reduced oxygen saturation; therefore, surgical intervention was suggested. One other affected family member additionally had iris coloboma.
Impact of Sex and Contact‐to‐Device Time on Clinical Outcomes in Acute ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction—Findings From the National Cardiovascular Data Registry
Authors: Roswell Robert O. , Kunkes Jordan , Chen Anita Y. , Chiswell Karen , Iqbal Sohah , Roe Matthew T. , Bangalore Sripal
Published: January 2017

Background

Emergent myocardial reperfusion via primary percutaneous coronary intervention is optimal care for patients presenting with
ST
‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (
STEMI
). Delays in such interventions are associated with increases in mortality. With the shift in focus to contact‐to‐device (C2D) time as a new perfusion metric, this study was designed to examine how sex affects C2D time and mortality in
STEMI
patients.

Methods and Results

Clinical data on male and female
STEMI
patients were extracted and analyzed from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry from July 1, 2008 to December 31, 2014. A total of 102 515 patients were included in the final analytic cohort. The median C2D time in female patients with
STEMI
was delayed when compared to male patients (80 [65–97] versus 75 [61–90] minutes;
P
<0.001). The unadjusted mortality was higher in female patients when compared to male patients with
STEMI
(4.1% versus 2.0%;
P
<0.001). For every 5‐minute increase in C2D time, the adjusted odds ratio for mortality was 1.04 (95%
CI,
1.03–1.06) for female patients with
STEMI
and 1.07 (95% CI, 1.06–1.09) for male patients (
P
for sex by C2D interaction=0.003).

Conclusions

To date, this is the largest analysis of
STEMI
patients that measures the impact of the new recommended C2D reperfusion metric on in‐hospital mortality. Female
STEMI
patients have longer C2D times and increased mortality. The disparity can be improved and survival can increase in this high‐risk patient cohort by decreasing systems issues that cause increased reperfusion times in female
STEMI
patients.
Symptomatic Carotid Occlusion Is Frequently Associated With Microembolization
Authors: Liberman Ava L. , Zandieh Ali , Loomis Caitlin , Raser-Schramm Jonathan M. , Wilson Christina A. , Torres Jose , Ishida Koto , Pawar Swaroop , Davis Rebecca , Mullen Michael T. , Messé Steven R. , Kasner Scott E. , Cucchiara Brett L.
Published: January 2017

Background and Purpose—

Symptomatic carotid artery disease is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiologic mechanisms of cerebral ischemia among patients with carotid occlusion remain underexplored.

Methods—

We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of patients hospitalized within 7 days of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack because of ≥50% carotid artery stenosis or occlusion. Transcranial Doppler emboli detection was performed in the middle cerebral artery ipsilateral to the symptomatic carotid. We describe the prevalence of microembolic signals (MES), characterize infarct topography, and report clinical outcomes at 90 days.

Results—

Forty-seven patients, 19 with carotid occlusion and 28 with carotid stenosis, had complete transcranial Doppler recordings and were included in the final analysis. MES were present in 38%. There was no difference in MES between those with carotid occlusion (7/19, 37%) compared with stenosis (11/28, 39%;
P
=0.87). In patients with radiographic evidence of infarction (n=39), 38% had a watershed pattern of infarction, 41% had a nonwatershed pattern, and 21% had a combination. MES were present in 40% of patients with a watershed pattern of infarction. Recurrent cerebral ischemia occurred in 9 patients (19%; 6 with transient ischemic attack, 3 with ischemic stroke). There was no difference in the rate of recurrence in those with compared to those without MES.

Conclusions—

Cerebral embolization plays an important role in the pathophysiology of ischemia in both carotid occlusion and stenosis, even among patients with watershed infarcts. The role of aggressive antithrombotic and antiplatelet therapy for symptomatic carotid occlusions may warrant further investigation given our findings.
Verbascum gimgimense (Scrophulariaceae), a new species from Muş province (Turkey)
Authors: FIRAT MEHMET
Published: January 2017

Verbascum gimgimense Fırat, a new species is described from Muş province, Turkey. From a morphological point of view, the new species appears to be similar to Verbascum leiocarpum, from which it differs in several morphological features including plant height, indumentum, leaf and flower size, filament hair colour, etc. A comprehensive description of the newly described species is provided, including detailed photographs, geographical distribution, habitat and ecology, vernacular name and IUCN conservation status.
Verbascum mughlaeum (Scrophulariaceae), a new species from SW Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: DUMAN HAYRİ , UZUNHİSARCIKLI M. ERKAN , TAN KIT
Published: January 2017

Verbascum mughlaeum (Scrophulariaceae) is described as a species new to science and illustrated. It is a local endemic restricted to the provinces of Muğla and Antalya in SW Anatolia, Turkey. There are some morphological similarities with V. syriacum, endemic to the E Aegean island of Rhodos (Greece) and its affinities with this species is discussed.
DNA Barcoding: Mixed results for big-headed flies (Diptera: Pipunculidae)
Authors: SKEVINGTON JEFFREY H. , KEHLMAIER CHRISTIAN , STÅHLS GUNILLA
Published: January 2017

Sequence data from 658 base pairs of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (cox1) were analysed for 28 described species of Pipunculidae (Diptera) in an effort to test the concept of DNA Barcoding on this family. Two recently revised but distantly related pipunculid lineages with presumed different evolutionary histories were used for the test (Clistoabdominalis Skevington, 2001 and Nephrocerus Zetterstedt, 1838). An effort was made to test the concept using sister taxa and morphologically similar sibling species swarms in these two genera. Morphological species concepts for Clistoabdominalis taxa were either supported by cox1 data or found to be too broad. Most of the discordance could be accounted for after reassessing morphological characters. In these cases, the molecular data were invaluable in assisting taxonomic decision-making. The radiation of Nearctic species of Nephrocerus could not be diagnosed using cox1. The ability of cox1 to recover phylogenetic signal was also tested on Clistoabdominalis. Morphological data for Clistoabdominalis were combined with the molecular data set. The pipunculid phylogeny from molecular data closely resembles the published phylogeny based on morphology. Partitioned Bremer support is used to localize areas of conflict between the datasets.
A review of the genus Criotettix Bolivar (Orthoptera: Scelimenidae) from China
Authors: WEI SHIZHEN , ZHENG ZHEMIN , DENG WEIAN
Published: January 2017

A total of nineteen species of Criotettix Bolivar occurring in China were systematically researched in this paper. Two species, Criotettix longinota sp. nov. and Criotettix nigripennis sp. nov. are described as new to science. Synonymy, distribution and a key to species are presented. The type specimens are deposited in the Institute of Zoology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China.
Four new species of Isoneuromyia from China (Diptera: Keroplatidae)
Authors: XU HUACHAO , CAO JIAN , WU HONG , EVENHUIS NEAL L. , ZHOU ZUJI
Published: January 2017

Four new species of the genus Isoneuromyia Brunetti are described from China: I. sinica Xu, Cao et Evenhuis, n. sp; I. completa Xu, Cao et Evenhuis, n. sp; I. singulus Xu, Cao et Evenhuis, n. sp; I. wolongensis Xu, Cao et Evenhuis, n. sp. Another species, I.semirufa (Meigen) is newly recorded from Zhejiang province in China. A key to Chinese species of Isoneuromyia is given.
The identity of the Javan Krait, Bungarus javanicus Kopstein, 1932 (Squamata: Elapidae): evidence from mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence analyses and morphology
Authors: KUCH ULRICH , MEBS DIETRICH
Published: January 2017

The Javan Krait (Bungarus javanicus Kopstein, 1932) was described on the basis of a single specimen that had been discovered subsequent to its delivery of lethal bites to two sleeping people in a rice field hut. Until 1936, only two additional specimens were found in the vicinity of the type locality near Cirebon on the north coast of West Java province, Indonesia. The taxonomic status of B. javanicus has remained doubtful due to its great similarity to the common and widely distributed Malayan Krait (Bungarus candidus), from which it was distinguished only by its black (vs. black-andwhite banded) colouration. We rediscovered B. javanicus near its type locality in 1993 and obtained substantial series of black kraits in West and Central Java provinces in 1996 and 1998. We provide a detailed redescription of the type specimen and the two other specimens of B. javanicus available to Kopstein. We then use nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene to estimate relationships among 27 black and black-and-white banded kraits from Java and Bali. In addition, we use exon-primed intron-crossing primers to analyze a sequence segment of the alpha-bungarotoxin (A31) gene from ten black and black-and-white banded kraits from these islands. Four mitochondrial haplotypes were identified which exhibited minimal sequence divergence and no correlation to colouration. In particular, both external phenotypes were found in the same genealogical lineage near Indramayu, where black kraits and black-and-white banded B. candidus occur in syntopy. Neither the nucleotide sequence of intron 2 nor partial exon 2 and 3 sequences of the alphabungarotoxin (A31) gene exhibited variation within the sample from Java and Bali. Intron 2 sequence divergence between the Javan kraits and the closely related Bungarus multicinctus is 1.1%. Morphological examination of specimens of B. javanicus and B. candidus from Java revealed no differences beyond colouration. The combined evidence identifies the locally strong populations of black kraits in Java as conspecific with local B. candidus. Their regional dichromatism includes two fundamentally different patterns for predator avoidance, and is interpreted as the result of increased genetic fixation of mutations in one or several instable genes (which can cause similar pattern abnormalities in various species of Bungarus), in the course of the colonization of the alluvial plains of northern Java. These plains are of very recent origin and likely offered selective pressures different from those in older parts of the island, rendering both black and black-and-white banded phenotypes successful in predator avoidance.
Holorchis castex n. sp. (Digenea: Lepocreadiidae) from the painted sweet-lips Diagramma pictum (Thunberg, 1792) (Perciformes: Haemulidae) from New Caledonia
Authors: BRAY RODNEY A. , JUSTINE JEAN-LOU
Published: January 2017

Holorchis castex n. sp. is described from the haemulid fish Diagramma pictum off New Caledonia. It is easily distinguished from all other species in the genus in that the vitellarium reaches well into the forebody. Its relationships with members of the genera Pseudaephnidiogenes and Aephnidiogenes are also discussed. The monorchiid Lasiotocus plectorhynchi is reported from the same host.
Two new species of Disella (Eriophyidae: Nothopodinae: Nothopodini) from South China
Authors: WANG GUO-QUAN , LI DE-WEI , WEI SUI-GAI
Published: January 2017

Two new species of Disella from the Lao Mountains and Tongling Great Canyon, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China are described and illustrated: Disella biaristatume sp. nov. on Huodendron biaristatum (Styracaceae) and Disella baisensis sp. nov. on Caesalpinia sp. (Fabaceae). Both species described here are vagrant on the undersurface of host leaves. A key to the species of Disella from China is provided.
Psychoanalytic Theory and its Relation to Clinical Work
Authors: Schwaber Evelyne Albrecht
Published: January 2017

Freud's shift to the fantasy theory of neurosogenesis defined the investigation of intrapsychic life as our fundamental theoretical purview. In assigning to inner experience a data base for scientific exploration, there is reflected a central epistemological innovation which must profoundly alter the way we view what is real. This paper considers some of the continuing clinical challenges and far-reaching implications posed by this shift to “psychic reality” as our core psychoanalytic theory.
Recurring Thoughts on Unconscious Ego Resistances
Authors: Busch Fred
Published: January 2017

Analysis of the unconscious ego resistances is one of those clinical concepts more honored in the breach than in the observance. This same point has been made periodically over the past fifty years. It has not been sufficiently realized that a true psychoanalytic understanding of resistance analysis could only begin with Freud's second theory of anxiety. Freud himself never fully embraced this theory, and clinical contributions since then have varied in their ability to use the techniques inherent in the second theory of anxiety. Recent contributions to the literature have not eliminated the espousal of theories of resistance based on earlier views of anxiety. Reasons cited for this include: the ambiguities in Freud's writing, the direction of the early ego theorists, and proclivities toward deeper interpretations.
Psychoanalytic Training Today
Authors: Morris James
Published: January 2017

Psychoanalytic education in the United States faces multiple challenges as we enter the last decade of this century. (1) Changing interest and career path patterns for psychiatrists have resulted in fewer medical applications for psychoanalytic training. (2) Increased opportunities for full psychoanalytic training of nonphysicians have resulted in increased applications from highly skilled clinicians who often have more clinical experience than their medical colleagues. (3) Increased enrollment of women candidates has required rethinking of progression requirements, in light of their combined careers as professionals and mothers. (4) Independent institutes not accredited by the American Psychoanalytic Association compete for applicants while maintaining training standards that require less time and immersion in psychoanalytic theory and practice. (5) Economic factors increasingly influence the desirability of prolonged psychoanalytic training and the availability of suitable analysands for control analyses. (6) Evolution of theory and practice and the emergence of “new schools” of psychoanalytic thought have rendered the previous psychoanalytic landscape dominated by drive theory and ego psychology more multifaceted and less uniform. The American Psychoanalytic Association and its institutes attempt to understand these changing patterns and take them into consideration in the design and implementation of psychoanalytic training programs. Only one aspect of this complex situation will be described in this work, the current state of psychoanalytic training in the 28 institutes accredited by the American Psychoanalytic Association. Although the data available at this time leave unanswered many important questions about the philosophies that organize the content and emphases of the curriculum in different institutes, much has been learned about the overall structure of psychoanalytic training programs.