bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Chronic Stroke on Functional Arm Reaching: Quantifying Deficits in the Ipsilesional Upper Extremity
Authors: Subramaniam Savitha , Varghese Rini , Bhatt Tanvi
Published: February 2019

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to quantify ipsilesional upper extremity (UE) stand-reaching performance (kinematics and kinetics) among chronic stroke survivors.Method. Community-dwelling chronic stroke survivors (n=13) and age-similar healthy adults (n=13) performed flexion- and abduction-reaching tasks. Surface EMG and acceleration were sampled using wireless sensors from the prime movers (anterior and middle deltoid) and provided performance-outcome (reaction time, burst duration, movement time, and movement initiation time) and performance-production (peak acceleration) measures and were then evaluated.Results. Individuals with chronic stroke demonstrated significantly reduced performance outcomes (i.e., longer reaction time, burst duration, movement time, and movement initiation time) and performance production ability (i.e., smaller peak acceleration) compared to their healthy counterparts (p< 0.05) for both flexion- and abduction-reaching movements.Conclusion. Our results are suggestive of post-stroke deficits in ipsilesional motor execution during a stand-reaching task. Based on these findings, it is essential to integrate ipsilesional UE training into rehabilitation interventions as this might aid functional reaching activities of daily living and could ultimately help community-dwelling chronic stroke survivors maintain their independent living.
A New Mathematical Modeling Method for Four‐Stage Helicopter Main Gearbox and Dynamic Response Optimization
Authors: Chen Yuan , Zhu Rupeng , Jin Guanghu , Xiong Yeping , Gao Jie , Liao Meijun
Published: February 2019

A new mathematical modeling method, namely, the finite element method and the lumped mass method (LMM‐FEM) mixed modeling, is applied to establish the overall multinode dynamic model of a four‐stage helicopter main gearbox. The design of structural parameters of the shaft is the critical link in the four‐stage gearbox; it affects the response of multiple input and output branches; however, only the meshing pairs were frequently shown in the dynamic model in previous research. Therefore, each shaft is also treated as a single node and the shaft parameters are coupled into the dynamic equations in this method, which is more accurate for the transmission chain. The differential equations of the system are solved by the Fourier series method, and the dynamic response of each meshing element is calculated. The sensitivity analysis method and parameter optimization method are applied to obtain the key shaft parameters corresponding to each meshing element. The results show that the magnitude of dynamic response in converging meshing pair and tail output pair is higher than that of other meshing pairs, and the wall thickness has great sensitivity to a rotor shaft. In addition, the sensitivity analysis method can be used to select the corresponding shaft node efficiently and choose parameters appropriately for reducing the system response.
Benzoic Acid Used as Food and Feed Additives Can Regulate Gut Functions
Authors: Mao Xiangbing , Yang Qing , Chen Daiwen , Yu Bing , He Jun
Published: February 2019

As a kind of antibacterial and antifungal preservative, benzoic acid is widely used in foods and feeds. Recently, many studies showed that it could improve the growth and health, which should, at least partially, be derived from the promotion of gut functions, including digestion, absorption, and barrier. Based on the similarity of gut physiology between human and pigs, many relative studies in which piglets and porcine intestinal epithelial cells were used as the models have been done. And the results showed that using appropriate benzoic acid levels might improve gut functions via regulating enzyme activity, redox status, immunity, and microbiota, but excess administration would lead to the damage of gut health through redox status. However, the further mechanisms that some intestinal physiological functions might be regulated are not well understood. The present review will, in detail, summarize the effect of benzoic acid on gut functions.
A Clinically Applicable Positive Allosteric Modulator of GABA Receptors Promotes Human β-Cell Replication and Survival as well as GABA’s Ability to Inhibit Inflammatory T Cells
Authors: Tian Jide , Dang Hoa , Karashchuk Nataliya , Xu Irvin , Kaufman Daniel L.
Published: February 2019

A major goal of T1D research is to develop new approaches to increase β-cell mass and control autoreactive T cell responses. GABAA-receptors (GABAA-Rs) are promising drug targets in both those regards due to their abilities to promote β-cell replication and survival, as well as inhibit autoreactive T cell responses. We previously showed that positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of GABAA-Rs could promote rat β-cell line INS-1 and human islet cell replication in vitro. Here, we assessed whether treatment with alprazolam, a widely prescribed GABAA-R PAM, could promote β-cell survival and replication in human islets after implantation into NOD/scid mice. We observed that alprazolam treatment significantly reduced human islet cell apoptosis following transplantation and increased β-cell replication in the xenografts. Evidently, the GABAA-R PAM works in conjunction with GABA secreted from β-cells to increase β-cell survival and replication. Treatment with both the PAM and GABA further enhanced human β-cell replication. Alprazolam also augmented the ability of suboptimal doses of GABA to inhibit antigen-specific T cell responses in vitro. Thus, combined GABAA-R agonist and PAM treatment may help control inflammatory immune responses using reduced drug dosages. Together, these findings suggest that GABAA-R PAMs represent a promising drug class for safely modulating islet cells toward beneficial outcomes to help prevent or reverse T1D and, together with a GABAA-R agonist, may have broader applications for ameliorating other disorders in which inflammation contributes to the disease process.
Ruptured Multifocal Hepatic Aneurysms in a Woman with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Successfully Treated with Transcatheter Arterial Embolization: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Shiu Sz-Iuan , Yong Su Ann , Lai Kuo-Lung , Tseng Chih-Wei , Wang Chen-Yu , Lee Bor-Jen , Chen Yi-Hsing
Published: February 2019

To present a first reported case of ruptured multifocal hepatic aneurysms in a woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who was treated successfully with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) in literature, similar cases in the previous English literature were also reviewed and analyzed to summarize the clinical manifestations, management, and outcome in these patients. The data were gathered from the medical record and literature reviews were searched from PudMed. In our review, patients with SLE-related hepatic aneurysms were often middle-aged females. Most of them presented with acute abdominal pain and hypotension. The overall mortality rate was 50%, but it was lower (12.5%) in patients who received TAE. Both TAE and surgical intervention are used to treat SLE-related hepatic aneurysms. Our review raised concerns about early detection, diagnosis, and prompt intervention of possible hepatic aneurysm rupture in patients with SLE.
Simultaneous Determination of Five Chromones of Radix Saposhnikoviae Extract in Rat Plasma by UPLC-MS/MS: Application to a Comparative Pharmacokinetic Study in Normal and Febrile Rats
Authors: Meng Li , Gao Hui , Chen Bin , Liu Peng-peng , Shan Guo-shun , Zhang Fan , Jia Tian-zhu
Published: February 2019

A rapid and sensitive quantitative analytical method was established for the simultaneous determination of five chromones (prim-O-glucosylcimifugin, cimifugin, 4′-O-β-D-glucosyl-5-O-methylvisamminol, 5-O-methylvisammiol, and sec-o-glucosylhamaudol) in the plasma of RS-treated rats for the first time using ultra performance liquid chromatography- (UPLC-) tandem mass spectrometry. The Waters Acquity UPLC BEH C18 (50 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) was used as the chromatographic column, 0.1% formic acid water and 0.1% formic acid acetonitrile comprised the mobile phases, and all samples were determined under positive ion mode. The results showed that all analytes had good linearity (r>0.9902), between-day and within-day precisions less than 15%, accuracy between −5.50% and 5.53%, and extraction recovery between 88.26% and 97.65%. Both the matrix effect and stability met the requirements. This method was successfully applied for the comparative pharmacokinetics of five active components of RS in normal and febrile rats. The results showed that the pharmacokinetic behavior of RS extract significantly differed between the two types of rats.
Differential Expression of mRNAs in the Brain Tissues of Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease Based on GEO Expression Profile and Its Clinical Significance
Authors: Ma Guowei , Liu Mingyan , Du Ke , Zhong Xin , Gong Shiqiang , Jiao Linchi , Wei Minjie
Published: February 2019

Background. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an urgent point for AD prevention and treatment. The biomarkers of AD still remain indefinite. Based on the bioinformatics analysis of mRNA differential expressions in the brain tissues and the peripheral blood samples of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients, we investigated the target mRNAs that could be used as an AD biomarker and developed a new effective, practical clinical examination program. Methods. We compared the AD peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) expression dataset (GEO accession GSE4226 and GSE18309) with AD brain tissue expression datasets (GEO accessions GSE1297 and GSE5281) from GEO in the present study. The GEO gene database was used to download the appropriate gene expression profiles to analyze the differential mRNA expressions between brain tissue and blood of AD patients and normal elderly. The Venn diagram was used to screen out the differential expression of mRNAs between the brain tissue and blood. The protein-protein interaction network map (PPI) was used to view the correlation between the possible genes. GO (gene ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Gene and Genomic Encyclopedia) were used for gene enrichment analysis to determine the major affected genes and the function or pathway. Results. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that there were differentially expressed genes in peripheral blood and hippocampus of AD patients. There were 4958 differential mRNAs in GSE18309, 577 differential mRNAs in GSE4226 in AD PBMCs sample, 7464 differential mRNAs in GSE5281, and 317 differential mRNAs in GSE129 in AD brain tissues, when comparing between AD patients and healthy elderly. Two mRNAs of RAB7A and ITGB1 coexpressed in hippocampus and peripheral blood were screened. Furthermore, functions of differential genes were enriched by the PPI network map, GO, and KEGG analysis, and finally the chemotaxis, adhesion, and inflammatory reactions were found out, respectively. Conclusions. ITGB1 and RAB7A mRNA expressions were both changed in hippocampus and PBMCs, highly suggested being used as an AD biomarker with AD. Also, according to the results of this analysis, it is indicated that we can test the blood routine of the elderly for 2-3 years at a frequency of 6 months or one year. When a patient continuously detects the inflammatory manifestations, it is indicated as a potentially high-risk AD patient for AD prevention.
Aortitis as a Harbinger of Occult Malignancy
Authors: O’Connell Erik W. , Reams Jennifer , Denio Alfred E.
Published: February 2019

Noninfectious aortitis can be associated with an occult malignancy. Although glucocorticosteroids are often used, there is no clear evidence-based therapy and there is little consensus regarding treatment. Identifying and treating an underlying trigger is the most efficacious therapy. We present an unusual case initially concerning acute bacterial endocarditis of the native mitral valve; however, aseptic ischemic valvitis manifested on pathology. Concurrent aortitis was diagnosed with angiography. Occult colon adenocarcinoma was discovered during diagnostic abdominal imaging. Treatment of this underlying malignancy was associated with dynamic mitigation of inflammation affecting the entire aorta and a reduction in associated symptoms. This is an unusual case of a paraneoplastic secondary large vessel vasculitis involving the entire aorta, a diagnosis of exclusion but a consideration that can have dramatic impact on both morbidity and mortality.
Development of Innovative Polymer-Based Matricial Nanostructures for Ritonavir Oral Administration
Authors: Giaretta Mosiele , Bianchin Mariana Domingues , Kanis Luiz Alberto , Contri Renata Vidor , Külkamp-Guerreiro Irene Clemes
Published: February 2019

Ritonavir is used in the treatment of pediatric human immunodeficiency virus infection. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate innovative polymer-based matricial nanostructures containing ritonavir for a sustained delivery. Two formulations were prepared by interfacial deposition of preformed polymers using Eudragit® RS100 in combination with Polycaprolactone triol 300 (NPR-300) or Polycaprolactone triol 900 (NPR-900). Ritonavir (1 mg mL-1) was incorporated in the formulations. NPR-300 showed a mean size of 559 nm, SPAN of 1.66, zeta potential of 5.9 mV, pH of 4.23, drug content of 73%, and stability under storage for 15 days. NPR-900 showed a mean size of 120 nm, SPAN of 0.83, zeta potential of 7.0 mV, pH of 4.2, drug content of 81%, and stability under storage for 60 days. The ritonavir content was 100% incorporated in both formulations. TEM images demonstrated spherical matricial structures. The ritonavir release in the simulated gastric medium was controlled by incorporation into the nanoparticles, especially into NPR-900. The formulations showed mucoadhesive properties, and the taste evaluation by an in vivo sensory panel indicated that particle size might influence taste perception since the formulation with the larger size of the nanoparticles (NPR-300) worsened the taste of the suspension. The NPR-900 was the most promising nanoparticle formulation for oral delivery of ritonavir.
Piecewise Adaptive Sliding Mode Control for Aeroengine Networked Control Systems with Resource Constraints
Authors: Zhou Bin , Xie Shousheng , Ren Litong , Wang Lei , Zhang Yu , Zhang Ledi , Wang Hao
Published: February 2019

Within the future application of wireless network for the aeroengine control problem, resource constraints (caused by the limitation of hardware) and network traffic restriction must be considered as one of the difficulties to be solved; thus, the network connection and transmission efficiency can be ensured. With focus on the problem of active packed dropout, a MEF‐TOD (Maximum Error First‐Try Once Discard) scheduling based network parameter and sliding mode joint design method has been proposed. First, a scheduling protocol strained control system and network parameter joint model have been established based on MEF‐TOD scheduling strategy, taking sampling period and data packet capacity as unknown network parameters. Subsequently, considering the influence of scheduling strategy, a sliding surface containing a compensation term has been designed, and then a sliding mode parameter and unknown network parameter heuristic joint design method has been developed. Finally, an attenuation factor based piecewise adaptive sliding mode strategy has been designed considering the influence of sampling period on system performance. Simulation results indicate that the joint design method can obtain the network parameter group which has the minimum performance function upper bound, thus achieving relatively high network utilization. The proposed piecewise adaptive sliding mode controller has good dynamic performance and is robust to the packet dropout problem caused by network scheduling and can effectively suppress chattering.
Ethanol Extract of Securidaca longipedunculata Induces Apoptosis in Brain Tumor (U87) Cells
Authors: Ngulde Saidu I. , Sandabe Umar K. , Abounader Roger , Dawson Thomas K. , Zhang Ying , Iliya Ibrahim , Hussaini Isa M.
Published: February 2019

Incidence of cancer is estimated to be on the increase and current anticancer drugs are characterized by narrow margin of safety and side effects. There is the need to explore new drugs especially from plants since plants serve as major source of drugs. Securidaca longipedunculata Fresen plant is called the mother of all medicines in northern Nigeria and is used traditionally in the treatment of cancers by most traditional medicine practitioners in the region. This study is aimed at evaluating the anticancer activity of the plant extract using U87 brain tumor cell line. Ethanol extract of its root bark was prepared and fractionated by silica gel column chromatography. In vitro activity of the extract and fractions were assessed on the viability of U87 malignant brain tumor cell line by using hemacytometer, annexin V-PE and 7AAD flow cytometry and western blot detection of Poly-ADP-Ribose-Polymerase (PARP) cleavage. The results showed that the extract significantly (p<0.01) inhibited proliferation of U87 cell line with IC50 of 20.535 μg/ml. Apoptosis was induced by the extract (41.53 ± 10.33%) and the polar fraction (47.3 ± 2.7%) via cleavage of PARP. It was concluded that the ethanol extract of S. longipedunculata root bark inhibited proliferation of U87 cell line and induced apoptosis by cleavage of PARP, thus supporting folkloric use of the plant in the management of cancers.
Biomaterial Scaffolds Recruit an Aggressive Population of Metastatic Tumor Cells In Vivo
Authors: Bushnell Grace G. , Hardas Tejaswini P. , Hartfield Rachel M. , Zhang Yining , Oakes Robert S. , Ronquist Scott , Chen Haiming , Rajapakse Indika , Wicha Max S. , Jeruss Jacqueline S. , Shea Lonnie D.
Published: February 2019

For most cancers, metastasis is the point at which clinical treatment shifts from curative intent to extending survival. Biomaterial implants acting as a synthetic premetastatic niche recruit metastatic cancer cells and provide a survival advantage, and their use as a diagnostic platform requires assessing their relevance to disease progression. Here, we showed that scaffold-captured tumor cells (SCAF) were 30 times more metastatic to the lung than primary tumor (PT) cells, similar to cells derived from lung micrometastases (LUNG). SCAF cells were more aggressive in vitro, demonstrated higher levels of migration, invasion, and mammosphere formation, and had a greater proportion of cancer stem cells than PT. SCAF cells were highly enriched for gene expression signatures associated with metastasis and had associated genomic structural changes, including globally enhanced entropy. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that SCAF cells are distinct from PT and more closely resemble LUNG, indicating that tumor cells retrieved from scaffolds are reflective of cells at metastatic sites.

Significance:

These findings suggest that metastatic tumor cells captured by a biomaterial scaffold may serve as a diagnostic for molecular staging of metastasis.
Antibody-Mediated Endocytosis of Polysialic Acid Enables Intracellular Delivery and Cytotoxicity of a Glycan-Directed Antibody–Drug Conjugate
Authors: Cox Emily C. , Thornlow Dana N. , Jones Michaela A. , Fuller Jordan L. , Merritt Judith H. , Paszek Matthew J. , Alabi Christopher A. , DeLisa Matthew P.
Published: February 2019

The specific targeting of differentially expressed glycans in malignant cells has emerged as an attractive anticancer strategy. One such target is the oncodevelopmental antigen polysialic acid (polySia), a polymer of α2,8-linked sialic acid residues that is largely absent during postnatal development but is re-expressed during progression of several malignant human tumors, including small-cell and non–small cell lung carcinomas, glioma, neuroblastoma, and pancreatic carcinoma. In these cancers, expression of polySia correlates with tumor progression and poor prognosis and appears to modulate cancer cell adhesion, invasiveness, and metastasis. To evaluate the potential of PolySia as a target for anticancer therapy, we developed a chimeric human polySia-specific mAb that retained low nanomolar (nmol/L) target affinity and exhibited exquisite selectivity for polySia structures. The engineered chimeric mAb recognized several polySia-positive tumor cell lines in vitro and induced rapid endocytosis of polySia antigens. To determine whether this internalization could be exploited for delivery of conjugated cytotoxic drugs, we generated an antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) by covalently linking the chimeric human mAb to the tubulin-binding maytansinoid DM1 using a bioorthogonal chemical reaction scheme. The resulting polySia-directed ADC demonstrated potent target-dependent cytotoxicity against polySia-positive tumor cells in vitro. Collectively, these results establish polySia as a valid cell-surface, cancer-specific target for glycan-directed ADC and contribute to a growing body of evidence that the tumor glycocalyx is a promising target for synthetic immunotherapies.

Significance:

These findings describe a glycan-specific antibody-drug conjugate that establishes polySia as a viable cell surface target within the tumor glycocalyx.
Retinoic Acid–Related Orphan Receptor C Regulates Proliferation, Glycolysis, and Chemoresistance via the PD-L1/ITGB6/STAT3 Signaling Axis in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Cao Dalong , Qi Zihao , Pang Yangyang , Li Haoran , Xie Huyang , Wu Junlong , Huang Yongqiang , Zhu Yao , Shen Yijun , Zhu Yiping , Dai Bo , Hu Xin , Ye Dingwei , Wang Ziliang
Published: February 2019

Retinoic acid–related orphan receptor C (RORC) is a member of the nuclear orphan receptor family and performs critical regulatory functions in cell proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance in various types of malignant tumors. Here we showed that expression of RORC is lost in tumor tissues of bladder cancer patients. Enhanced expression of RORC suppressed cell proliferation and glucose metabolism and increased cisplatin-induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. RORC bound the promoter region of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and negatively regulated PD-L1 expression. PD-L1 directly interacted with integrin β6 (ITGB6) and activated the ITGB6/FAK signaling pathway. RORC prevented the nuclear translocation of STAT3 via suppression of the PD-L1/ITGB6 signaling pathway, which further inhibited bladder cell proliferation and glucose metabolism and increased cisplatin-induced apoptosis. These findings reveal that RORC regulates bladder cancer cell proliferation, glucose metabolism, and chemoresistance by participating in the PD-L1/ITGB6/STAT3 signaling axis. Moreover, this new understanding of PD-L1 signaling may guide the selection of therapeutic targets to prevent tumor recurrence.

Significance:

These findings suggest that RORC-mediated regulation of a PD-L1/ITGB6/FAK/STAT3 signaling axis in bladder cancer provides several potential therapeutic targets to prevent tumor progression.
B7-H3 Expression in Merkel Cell Carcinoma–Associated Endothelial Cells Correlates with Locally Aggressive Primary Tumor Features and Increased Vascular Density
Authors: Aung Phyu P. , Parra Edwin Roger , Barua Souptik , Sui Dawen , Ning Jing , Mino Barbara , Ledesma Debora Alejandra , Curry Jonathan L. , Nagarajan Priyadharsini , Torres-Cabala Carlos A. , Efstathiou Eleni , Hoang Anh G. , Wong Michael K. , Wargo Jennifer A. , Lazar Alexander J. , Rao Arvind , Prieto Victor G. , Wistuba Ignacio , Tetzlaff Michael T.
Published: February 2019

Purpose:

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous malignancy whose pathogenesis and prognosis are related to the integrity of the host immune system. Despite promising clinical responses to immune-checkpoint blockade, response and resistance remain unpredictable, underscoring a critical need to delineate novel prognostic biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets for this disease.

Experimental Design: Expression of immune-regulatory markers (PD-L2, B7-H3, B7-H4, IDO-1, ICOS, TIM3, LAG3, VISTA, and OX-40) was assessed using singlet chromogenic IHC in 10 primary MCCs. Multiplex immunofluorescence quantified CD31 and B7-H3 expression in 52 primary and 25 metastatic MCCs. B7-H3 and CD31 expressions were tabulated as a series of independent (X,Y) cell centroids. A spatial G-function, calculated based on the distribution of distances of B7-H3+ (X,Y) cell centroids around the CD31+ (X,Y) cell centroids, was used to estimate a colocalization index equivalent to the percentage of CD31-positive cell centroids that overlap with a B7-H3–positive cell centroid.

Results:

Primary and metastatic MCCs exhibit a dynamic range of colocalized CD31 and B7-H3 expression. Increasing colocalized expression of B7-H3 with CD31 significantly associated with increased tumor size (P = 0.0060), greater depth of invasion (P = 0.0110), presence of lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.0453), and invasion beyond skin (P = 0.0428) in primary MCC. Consistent with these findings, increasing colocalized expression of B7-H3 and CD31 correlated with increasing vascular density in primary MCC, but not metastatic MCC.

Conclusions:

Our results demonstrate that colocalized expression of B7-H3/CD31 is a poor prognostic indicator and suggest therapies targeting B7-H3 may represent an effective approach to augmenting immune-activating therapies for MCC.
Large-scale Circulating microRNA Profiling for the Liquid Biopsy of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Urabe Fumihiko , Matsuzaki Juntaro , Yamamoto Yusuke , Kimura Takahiro , Hara Tomohiko , Ichikawa Makiko , Takizawa Satoko , Aoki Yoshiaki , Niida Shumpei , Sakamoto Hiromi , Kato Ken , Egawa Shin , Fujimoto Hiroyuki , Ochiya Takahiro
Published: February 2019

Purpose:

The high false-positive rate of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) may lead to unnecessary prostate biopsies. Therefore, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that decisions regarding PSA-based screening of prostate cancer should be made with caution in men ages 55–69 years, and that men ≥70 years should not undergo PSA screening. Here, we investigated the potential of serum miRNAs as an accurate diagnostic method in patients with suspected prostate cancer.

Experimental Design:

Serum samples of 809 patients with prostate cancer, 241 negative prostate biopsies, and 500 patients with other cancer types were obtained from the National Cancer Center, Japan. Forty-one healthy control samples were obtained from two other hospitals in Japan. Comprehensive microarray analysis was performed for all samples. Samples were divided into three sets. Candidate miRNAs for prostate cancer detection were identified in the discovery set (n = 123). A diagnostic model was constructed using combinations of candidate miRNAs in the training set (n = 484). The performance of the diagnostic model was evaluated in the validation set (n = 484).

Results:

In the discovery set, 18 candidate miRNAs were identified. A robust diagnostic model was constructed using the combination of two miRNAs (miR-17-3p and miR-1185-2-3p) in the training set. High diagnostic performance with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 90% was achieved in the validation set regardless of the Gleason score and clinical tumor–node–metastasis stage.

Conclusions:

The model developed in this study may help improve the diagnosis of prostate cancer and reduce the number of unnecessary prostate biopsies.
Sustained Type I Interferon Reinforces NK Cell–Mediated Cancer Immunosurveillance during Chronic Virus Infection
Authors: Oh Ji Hoon , Kim Myeong Joon , Choi Seong Jin , Ban Young Ho , Lee Heung Kyu , Shin Eui-Cheol , Lee Kyung-Mi , Ha Sang-Jun
Published: February 2019

The importance of natural killer (NK) cells in the early immune response to viral or bacterial infection is well known. However, the phenotype, function, and physiologic role of NK cells during the late stage of persistent viral infection have not been extensively studied. Here, we characterized NK cells in mice persistently infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus clone 13 and showed that in contrast to NK cells from acutely infected or uninfected mice, NK cells from chronically infected mice expressed a terminally differentiated phenotype, stronger cytotoxicity, and reduced inhibitory receptor expression. In an in vivo tumor model, chronically infected mice exhibited significantly delayed tumor progression in an NK cell–dependent manner. NK cells from chronically infected mice also expressed high STAT1, and blocking the type I interferon (IFN) receptor revealed that type I IFN signaling directly regulated NK cell cytotoxicity. Our findings indicate that sustained type I IFN signaling during chronic viral infection potentiates the cytolytic function of NK cells and contributes to NK cell–dependent host immune surveillance.
A ilusão do tempo em La Jetée, de Chris Marker
Authors: Poroger Felipe Arrojo
Published: February 2019

A partir das reflexões de Friedrich Nietzsche em O eterno retorno e Jorge Luís Borges em Nova refutação do tempo, propõe-se tecer uma leitura crítica do filme La Jetée, de Chris Marker, a fim de examinar como a sua dimensão temporal dialoga com o ideário dos dois autores citados. Mais do que posicionar a obra como devedora de certa linhagem teórica – embora isso seja inevitável –, objetiva-se encontrar os pontos de convergência e choque com as propostas nietzschianas e borgianas. Para tal, optou-se por segmentar o texto em três momentos: I) breve apresentação do conceito de eternoretorno, sua formulação e dimensão doutrinária, II) exposição do tema para Borges, a crítica aos mandamentos nietzschianos e abandono da concepção do tempo como instância dotada de sentido, III) reflexão sobre a estrutura temporal de LaJetée, a partir dos conceitos discutidos.
Characterization of dorsal guard hair of the wild goats and sheep (Bovidae: Caprinae) occurring in the Himalaya and Western Ghats of India
Authors: Kamalakannan Manokaran
Published: February 2019

The morphological and microscopic characteristics of dorsal guard hair of six species of the Indian goat-antelopes are described.  Although the cuticular characteristics of hair of all the six species studied are similar, the morphological, medulla and transverse section characteristics of hair are varied between the species.  The hair of Indian caprines can easily be identified on the basis of their unique medulla and transverse section.  The high-resolution microphotographs and key characteristics of hair are presented here and can be used as an appropriate reference for species identification of the wild goats and sheep occurring in the Himalaya and Western Ghats of India.
New record of Low’s Flatfaced Longhorn Beetle Sarothrocera lowii White, 1846 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Lamiini) in Nagaland, India, along with first-time descriptions of male and female genitalia
Authors: Kolla Sreedevi , Sharma Manisha , Ghate Hemant Vasant
Published: February 2019

Sarothrocera lowii White, 1846 is the only species belonging to the genus Sarothrocera (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae).  Both the sexes of S. lowii were collected from Medziphema, Nagaland, northeastern India, during surveys in 2016.  Earlier, Ghate et al. (2012) and Kumawat et al. (2015) reported this species from Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, respectively, based on female specimens.  This paper describes detailed characters of male S. lowii with comments on the female, along with the genitalia descriptions of both sexes for the first time.  The species is a new report from Nagaland, India, adding to the known distribution.
‘Non-protected’ primates as bushmeat, pets and pests in southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Kazaba Paul Kaseya
Published: February 2019

This article reports the uses of primates in a fast-expanding city, and human-primate interactions in the vicinity of a protected area in southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  Surveys in markets, households and restaurants suggested that primate meat is frequently sold and consumed in the city of Lubumbashi.  Carcasses of diurnal monkeys accounted for almost 10% of the total weight of smoked bushmeat sold between March and July 2016 in urban markets, and in 21% of households the last bushmeat consumed prior the date of the survey was of a primate species.  Kinda Baboons Papio kindae, Malbrouck Monkeys Chlorocebus cynosuros and Blue Monkeys Cercopithecus mitis were found illegally kept as pets.  Occasional observations and questionnaire surveys carried out in both the Sector North of Upemba National Park and its neighboring areas, indicated wild populations of these species which were mentioned as “pest primates” by 73% of respondents.  There is no compensation scheme for damages caused by wildlife to crops, and culling problematic animals was listed by a majority (70%) of respondents as the most effective way to repel crop-raiding primates.  Given the current population growth, and considering the increasing spatial overlap between human activities and wildlife, wild populations of these primates are no doubt at risk, but all the three species belong to the Least Concern category on the latest version of the IUCN Red List.  The Blue Monkey is a ‘partially protected’ species in DRC, while the two other benefit from less strict conservation measures and their legal status of ‘non-protected’ remains.  This situation illustrates the necessity of updating legal status and establishing a Red List of species at the country level.
Substantial Cardiovascular Morbidity in Adults With Lower-Complexity Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Saha Priyanka , Potiny Praneetha , Rigdon Joseph , Morello Melissa , Tcheandjieu Catherine , Romfh Anitra , Fernandes Susan M. , McElhinney Doff B. , Bernstein Daniel , Lui George K. , Shaw Gary M. , Ingelsson Erik , Priest James R.
Published: February 2019

Background:

Although lower-complexity cardiac malformations constitute the majority of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD), the long-term risks of adverse cardiovascular events and relationship with conventional risk factors in this population are poorly understood. We aimed to quantify the risk of adverse cardiovascular events associated with lower-complexity ACHD that is unmeasured by conventional risk factors.

Methods:

A multitiered classification algorithm was used to select individuals with lower-complexity ACHD and individuals without ACHD for comparison among >500 000 British adults in the UK Biobank. ACHD diagnoses were subclassified as isolated aortic valve and noncomplex defects. Time-to-event analyses were conducted for the primary end points of fatal or nonfatal acute coronary syndrome, ischemic stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation and a secondary combined end point for major adverse cardiovascular events. Maximum follow-up time for the study period was 22 years with retrospectively and prospectively collected data from the UK Biobank.

Results:

We identified 2006 individuals with lower-complexity ACHD and 497 983 unexposed individuals in the UK Biobank (median age at enrollment, 58 [interquartile range, 51–63] years). Of the ACHD-exposed group, 59% were male, 51% were current or former smokers, 30% were obese, and 69%, 41%, and 7% were diagnosed or treated for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus, respectively. After adjustment for 12 measured cardiovascular risk factors, ACHD remained strongly associated with the primary end points, with hazard ratios ranging from 2.0 (95% CI, 1.5–2.8;
P
<0.001) for acute coronary syndrome to 13.0 (95% CI, 9.4–18.1;
P
<0.001) for heart failure. ACHD-exposed individuals with ≤2 cardiovascular risk factors had a 29% age-adjusted incidence rate of major adverse cardiovascular events, in contrast to 13% in individuals without ACHD with ≥5 risk factors.

Conclusions:

Individuals with lower-complexity ACHD had a higher burden of adverse cardiovascular events relative to the general population that was unaccounted for by conventional cardiovascular risk factors. These findings highlight the need for closer surveillance of patients with mild to moderate ACHD and further investigation into management and mechanisms of cardiovascular risk unique to this growing population of high-risk adults.
Annotated checklist and type catalog of fish genera and species described from Taiwan
Authors: HO HSUAN-CHING , SHAO KWANG-TSAO
Published: February 2019

An annotated checklist of fish genera and species described from Taiwanese waters through 2009 is presented. It includes 20 genera and 336 species/subspecies in 99 families. Of these, 225 species/subspecies are currently recognized as valid and 111 are invalid, including 7 questionable species. The current status of each taxon, if different from that of the original description, is provided. Thus far, 41 primary freshwater and estuarine species/subspecies are considered as endemic and 55 marine species are found only around Taiwan. The type series collected from Taiwan are also listed based on the information provided in the original descriptions and from our investigation. It includes approximately 2217 specimens in 779 lots, including 242 holotypes and lectotypes, 5 neotypes, 35 lots of syntypes and 497 lots of paratypes and paralectotypes. There are still 19 species lacking primary types and 11 lots with at least 31 unknown secondary type specimens.
Tapeworms (Cestoda: Proteocephalidea) of Synodontis spp. (Siluriformes) in Africa: survey of species and their redescriptions
Authors: CHAMBRIER ALAIN DE , SCHOLZ TOMÁŠ , MAHMOUD ZUHEIR N. , MARIAUX JEAN , JIRKŮ MILOSLAV
Published: February 2019

Proteocephalidean tapeworms parasitic in Synodontis spp. (Siluriformes: Mochokidae) in Africa are critically reviewed based on examination of their type specimens and extensive new material from Kenya and Sudan. Proteocephalus synodontis Woodland, 1925 and Proteocephalus membranacei Troncy, 1978 are considered to be valid and both species are redescribed. Proteocephalus synodontis differs from congeners parasitic in other African freshwater fishes, including P. membranacei, in the possession of an extraordinarily developed inner longitudinal musculature formed by massive bundles of muscle fibres. A considerable variability was found in the size (35–140 × 30–75 μm) and shape (from elongate, tear-shaped to spherical) of the apical organ, which was present in all specimens from the Nile River basin in the Sudan, but absent in all but two juvenile specimens from Lake Turkana in Kenya. A congruent low molecular variability was also observed and these slight morphological and genetic differences may indicate ongoing allopatric speciation of tapeworms from the two previously connected basins. Nevertheless, all tapeworms were identical in all other morphological and molecular characteristics and are considered conspecific. Proteocephalus largoproglottis Troncy, 1978 from Synodontis membranacea from Lake Chad is synonymized with P. membranacei described from the same host and locality. Proteocephalus synodontis and P. membranacei differ from each other in the development of the inner longitudinal musculature, shape of the scolex and presence of weakly developed, almost indistinguishable ventral osmoregulatory canals in the latter species.
A new synanthropic species of Charinus Simon, 1892 from Brazilian Amazonia and notes on the genus (Arachnida: Amblypygi: Charinidae)
Authors: DE MIRANDA GUSTAVO SILVA , DE LEÃO GIUPPONI ALESSANDRO PONCE
Published: February 2019

A new species of the genus Charinus—C. vulgaris— is described from Porto Velho, Rondônia. This is the first record of the family Charinidae from the Brazilian Amazonia and of a synanthropic species in South America. Additionally, two new records of the genus for Brazil are made and a key to the Brazilian species of the genus is given.
Taxonomy and distribution of caecilian amphibians (Gymnophiona) of Brazilian Amazonia, with a key to their identification
Authors: MACIEL ADRIANO O. , HOOGMOED MARINUS S.
Published: February 2019

Based on examination of 622 specimens of Gymnophiona, 15 species are recognized for Brazilian Amazonia. Geographical variation in characters is low and is mainly restricted to the number of annuli. One new species is described, Microcaecilia rochai sp. nov. New distribution data and maps for most species are provided. A key to the identification of caecilians of Brazilian Amazonia is presented.
Three Pseudocerotidae species (Platyhelminthes, Polycladida, Cotylea) from the Argentinean coast
Authors: BULNES VERÓNICA N. , ALBANO MARIANO J. , OBENAT SANDRA M. , CAZZANIGA NÉSTOR J.
Published: February 2019

Three species of flatworms, Phrikoceros mopsus (Marcus, 1952), Thysanozoon brocchii (Risso, 1818) and Thysanozoon mirtae sp. nov., are described from specimens collected from shallow rocky shores of Mar del Plata harbour, in the southwestern Atlantic. P. mopsus had been described as living in the coasts of Brazil and southern Patagonia. T. brocchii has a more extensive known distribution, from the Mediterranean to the coasts of Brazil and the Argentinean Patagonia. Their morphological variation is here recorded and discussed. Thysanozoon mirtae sp. nov. is characterized by its colour pattern, colourless tentacles, and the presence of well developed spermiducal vesicles and a strong parenchymatic musculature.
A revision of the Anthaxia (Anthaxia) midas Kiesenwetter, 1857 species-group (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Anthaxiini)
Authors: BAIOCCHI DANIELE , MAGNANI GIANLUCA
Published: February 2019

The Anthaxia (Anthaxia) midas Kiesenwetter, 1857 species-group is defined and revised. A new species from Turkey, A. (A.) cebecii sp. nov., is described and compared to its most similar species. A. midas oberthuri Schaefer, 1938 is elevated to the rank of species, and a lectotype is designated. A. (A.) spathuligera Obenberger, 1924 and A. (A.) midas muelleri Obenberger, 1925 are reconfirmed synonyms of A. midas Kiesenwetter, 1857.All species of the new species-group are illustrated, including the hitherto unknown male of A. (A.) patsyae Baiocchi, 2008, all type specimens and original data labels. In addition to diagnostic characters, informations on the distribution, biology and taxonomic position of each species are also presented, together with a short definition of the new species-group, and a key to its species.
First record of Stenoheriades Cockerell in tropical Asia: Stenoheriades bifida, new species (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)
Authors: GRISWOLD TERRY
Published: February 2019

The little known osmiine genus Stenoheriades Cockerell, previously thought to be restricted to the Afrotropics, the Mediterranean region, and the Arabian Peninsula, is here recorded from tropical Asia in the form of S. bifida, new species. This disjunct distribution adds to a growing list of endemic megachilids in southern India. The new species exhibits novel morphologies in the Megachilidae that also distinguish it from previously known species groups in Stenoheriades.
A new African species of Stenichnodes (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: February 2019

The genus Stenichnodes is known to occur in Africa and SE Asia, and is divided into two subgenera. The sole African species belongs to Stenichnodes s. str. and is known from a single male specimen found in Chad. A specimen collected in Kenya that has spent nearly 30 years in a museum collection misidentified as a female of Parastenichnaphes cf. sumatrensis (sic!) is here recognized as a male of Stenichnodes s. str. and described as S. error sp. n.
Submarine cave hermit crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura: Paguroidea) from three islands of the Ryukyu Islands, southwestern Japan
Authors: OSAWA MASAYUKI , FUJITA YOSHIHISA
Published: February 2019

Hermit crab species are reported on the basis of specimens collected by recent faunal surveys in submarine caves of three islands (Ie, Okinawa, and Shimoji Islands) of the Ryukyu Islands, southwestern Japan. The material includes three species in three genera of Diogenidae and 11 species in four genera of Paguridae. Catapaguroides longior Komai, Yamada & Shirakawa, 2010 and Pylopaguropsis granulata Asakura, 2000, each previously known only from the holotype, are recorded with intraspecific morphological variation observed in the present specimens. Color and morphological variations of Pagurixus nomurai Komai & Asakura, 1995 are also discussed. The present specimens of Catapaguroides foresti McLaughlin, 2002, C. longior, and Pylopaguropsis granulata suggest that the three species prefer the sandy or silty substrate in the deeper inner sites of submarine caves rather than other cryptic habitats in coral or rocky reefs.
Revision of Noctiliostrebla (Diptera: Streblidae), parasites of bulldog bats (Chiroptera: Noctilionidae: Noctilio)
Authors: ALCANTARA DANIEL MAXIMO CORREA , GRACIOLLI GUSTAVO , NIHEI SILVIO S.
Published: February 2019

The Neotropical genus Noctiliostrebla Wenzel (Diptera: Streblidae) is revised after examination of the types of all nominal species, and 11 species are recognized. Seven new species are described, and a lectotype is designated for Lipoptena dubia Rudow. Resulting information on species distributions and host records can be summarized as follows: Noctiliostrebla dubia (Rudow) is restricted to the Amazon region and is a parasite of Noctilio leporinus (Linnaeus) (Chiroptera: Noctilionidae); Noctiliostrebla traubi Wenzel is restricted to Central America and northern South America, being the only species of the genus parasitizing N. leporinus in Central America; the distribution ranges of N. maai Wenzel and N. traubi are similar, but the host of N. maai is N. albiventris Desmarest; Noctiliostrebla aitkeni Wenzel is restricted to northern South America and has only been recorded as parasitizing N. leporinus; Noctiliostrebla ecuadorensis sp. n. occurs only in Ecuador, on N. albiventris; Noctiliostrebla guerreroi sp. n. has only been recorded from the Amazon region on N. albiventris; Noctiliostrebla falsispina sp. n. is restricted to south-central South America and is a parasite of N. leporinus; the distributions of N. lamasi sp. n. and N. falsispina sp. n. are similar, and the two species usually co-occur on N. leporinus; Noctiliostrebla morena sp. n. has a similar distribution to those of N. falsispina sp. n. and N. lamasi sp. n., but parasitizes N. albiventris; Noctiliostrebla pantaneira sp. n. has a similar distribution to N. morena sp. n. and usually co-occurs with it on N. albiventris; Noctiliostrebla caissara sp. n. is restricted to the southeastern coast of South America and is a parasite of N. leporinus. All species are included in a key and illustrated.
3. The Ethics of Emergent Creativity: Can We Move Beyond Writing as Human Enterprise, Commodity and Innovation?
Authors: Adema Janneke
Published: February 2019

This contribution explores whether we can foreground a different vision of creativity and from there a reconfigured ethics of writing that is less focused on objects, outcomes, and ownership and more on messy, processual and relational notions of creativity as becoming. It argues from a feminist new materialist position that the current discourse on creativity is a material expression of creativity rather than merely its representation, and shows how this discourse has been defining, classifying, constructing, and situating creativity within a neoliberal framework of ‘creative industries’. Opening up from this discourse and the way we perform it through our writing practices might therefore enable us to explore extended relationalities of creativity, open-ended publishing processes, and a feminist ethics of care and responsibility. Alongside this reconfigured discourse this contribution will explore various entangled writing and publishing practices, from ‘uncreative writing’, to piracy and radical open access publishing in academia. How are these experimental, hybrid and posthuman writing practices intervening in the established discourse on creativity, and how can we through them start to performatively explore a new discourse and reconfigure the relationships that underlie our writing processes?