bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Recombinant Human Acetylcholinesterase Activity by Antipsychotics
Authors: Obara Keisuke , Fujii Ayano , Arie Chiaki , Harada Natsuki , Yamaki Fumiko , Matsuo Kazuhiro , Yoshio Takashi , Tanaka Yoshio
Published: May 2019

Background/Aims: Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) are representative side effects of antipsychotics, caused by their inhibitory action on dopaminergic nerves in nigrostriatal pathways. EPS could be also caused by direct augmentation of cholinergic effects, for example, by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. We investigated the potential inhibitory effects of 26 clinically available antipsychotics on the activity of recombinant human AChE (rhAChE) to predict the role of antipsychotic-induced AChE inhibition in EPS onset. Method: The degree of rhAChE activity inhibition was calculated using the 5,5′-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) method. Results: At a concentration of 10–5 mol/L, haloperidol, bromperidol, timiperone, nemonapride, pimozide, risperidone, blonanserin, aripiprazole, and brexpiprazole inhibited rhAChE activity by >20%. Risperidone, aripiprazole, and brexpiprazole inhibited rhAChE activity in a concentration-dependent manner, and their effects were more potent than those of other antipsychotics. The inhibitory effects of these 3 drugs were evident from 10–6 mol/L, and their pIC50 values were 4.74 ± 0.04, 4.80 ± 0.04, and 4.93 ± 0.06, respectively. Notably, the concentration range in which aripiprazole inhibited rhAChE activity (≥10–6 mol/L) overlapped with its clinically achievable blood levels. Conclusion: Aripiprazole may cause EPS at clinical dosages by augmenting cholinergic effects via AChE inhibition, in addition to its suppressive effect on dopaminergic neurons.
A Prospective Study of the Incidence of Myasthenia Gravis in the East Midlands of England
Authors: Maddison Paul , Ambrose Philip Alexander , Sadalage Girija , Vincent Angela
Published: May 2019

Objectives: A number of worldwide studies have highlighted a rising incidence of myasthenia gravis (MG) over the past few decades. This is largely due to an increase in numbers in older patients. To establish whether this was a consistent finding in the United Kingdom, we conducted a large, 4-year prospective cohort study of all known patients with new-onset MG in the East Midlands of the United Kingdom. Methods: Between 2014 and 2018, all 120 patients with a new diagnosis of MG who were residing in the East Midlands were enrolled. Results: Median age at disease onset was 63 years (78% aged over 50 years) and most patients (57%) were male. The average annual incidence rate (IR) was 17.6/1,000,000 (95% CI 10.7–28.6). IRs remained stable between 2014 and 2018 except for rising IRs in patients over 65 years of age (p value for trend, <0.001). Conclusions: Twenty years after the last comprehensive prospective incidence survey of MG in the east of England, we have demonstrated a rising incidence. The greatest increases seen were in patients over 65 years. Given the rigorous study methods employed, future replicate prospective studies from the same region will establish whether these rising figures are due to biological factors, independent of improved case ascertainment.
Lymph Nodes Invasion of Marcille’s Fossa Associates with High Metastatic Load in Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Extended Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection: The Role of “Marcillectomy”
Authors: Porcaro Antonio B. , Cacciamani Giovanni E. , Sebben Marco , Tafuri Alessandro , Processali Tania , Rizzetto Riccardo , De Luyk Nicolò , Pirozzi Marco , Amigoni Nelia , Corsi Paolo , Inverardi Davide , Brunelli Matteo , Migliorini Filippo , De Marco Vincenzo , Artibani Walter
Published: May 2019

Introduction: To assess the incidence of malignancy involvement of lymph nodes (LNs) in Marcille’s fossa in patients undergoing robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and extended pelvic lymph nodes dissection (ePLND) for prostate cancer (PCa). Design, Setting, and Participants: Between January 2014 and December 2017, details of patients who underwent RARP and ePLND were prospectively analysed. All the nodal packets were dissected separately, grouped into left and right nodes and submitted in separate packages to dedicated pathologist. Results and Limitations: Two hundred and twenty-one patients underwent ePLND and RARP in the study period. In aggregate, Marcille’s LNs involvement was found in 5 (2.3%) of patients, 2 on the left side and 3 on the right side. Per cent of positive cores and Gleason at biopsy are clinical predictors of LNs invasion; moreover, in the surgical specimen, seminal vesicle invasion and high-grade cancer were factors related to loco-regional metastases. Conclusions: Marcille’s nodes involvement is associated to contemporarily multiple LN metastases in other template locations in high-risk PCa patients. The Marcille’s lymphadenectomy would be recommended when planning an ePLND in high-risk PCa.
Is There any Association between Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder and Human Papillomavirus? A Case-Control Study
Authors: Sarier Mehmet , Sepin Nevgun , Keles Yildiz , Imir Levent , Emek Mestan , Demir Meltem , Kukul Erdal , Soylu Ahmet
Published: May 2019

Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a well-known oncogenic virus associated with anogenital carcinomas. Despite the anatomical proximity of the bladder and the anogenital region, the relationship between HPV and urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) is still a controversial issue. This study aimed to test the urethral swabs and first-void urine samples of patients with UCB for HPV-Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and to compare the results with a control group. Materials and Methods: Sixty-nine patients who were diagnosed with UCB between January and December 2018 were included in this case-control study. Sixty-nine patients who visited the urology outpatient clinic for non-oncological reasons within the study period were designated as the control group. Urethral swab and first-void morning urine samples were collected from each patient. HPV-DNA presence was investigated using a PCR kit that can detect a total of 22 HPV genotypes, of which 18 are high-risk and 3 are low-risk genotypes. Results: The mean age of the patients included in the study was 63.2 ± 12.6 years and the male to female ratio was 5.3. HPV-DNA was detected in 28.9% (20/69) of the patients in the case group and in 8.7% (6/69) of the patients in the control group. HPV-DNA positivity was significantly higher in the case group (OR 4.24; 95% CI 1.63–12.34). No statistically significant relationship was found between HPV-DNA positivity and tumor grade (p = 0.36). Conclusion: A statistically significant relationship exists between HPV infection and UCB, regardless of the tumor grade.
Concomitant Heroin and Cocaine Use among Opioid-Dependent Patients during Methadone, Buprenorphine or Morphine Opioid Agonist Therapy
Authors: Gastberger Salome , Baumgartner Markus R. , Soyka Michael , Quednow Boris B. , Hulka Lea M. , Herdener Marcus , Seifritz Erich , Mutschler Jochen
Published: May 2019

Background: Among all the treatment methods developed so far, opioid agonist treatment (OAT) is the most effective therapy for opioid dependence. While methadone (MTD) is the most commonly used, fewer data are available on alternative opioid agonist. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of buprenorphine (BUP) and slow-released morphine compared to MTD with regard to the reduction of concomitant heroin and cocaine use. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 105 patients receiving MTD, BUP, or slow-release morphine as opioid agonist therapy at the Psychiatric Hospital of Zurich. Illicit drug use was assessed using a retrospective 3-month hair toxicology analysis to quantify concentrations of heroin degradation products and metabolites, as well as cocaine and cocaine metabolites. We have also collected self-reports, but in the data of the study, only the results of the hair analysis were considered. Results: BUP-treated patients showed lower rates of illicit opiate consumption in comparison to the group treated with MTD or slow-released morphine (p < 0.05). The proportion of heroin-positive hair samples associated with slow-release morphine treatment was similar to the proportion associated with MTD treatment. Neither the MTD vs. slow-released morphine groups nor the BUP vs. MTD groups showed significant differences in the number of patients consuming cocaine although patients in the BUP group had significantly lower concentrations of cocaine in hair testing compared to the patients in the MTD group. Prevalence of cocaine consumption was also significantly lower in the BUP group compared to patients in the slow-release morphine group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that BUP OAT is associated with reduced additional opiate co-use.
Endoscopic-Assisted Powered Adenoidectomy versus Conventional Adenoidectomy: A Randomized Study
Authors: Singh Saroo , Padiyar B. Vageesh , Sharma Nishi
Published: May 2019

Background: Adenoidectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in children. Conventional curettage adenoidectomy has the advantage of being cost-effective and continues to be a commonly used method, especially in developing countries. Objective: To compare conventional curettage adenoidectomy and endoscopic-assisted powered adenoidectomy using a microdebrider. Methods: A total of 60 patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group I underwent conventional curettage adenoidectomy while group II underwent endoscopic-assisted powered adenoidectomy. Duration of surgery, amount of intraoperative bleeding, adequateness of removal, and damage to adjacent structures were assessed and compared between the two groups. All patients were followed for 24 months. Results: In our study, we observed approximately three times more mean blood loss and total operating time in the endoscopic-assisted powered procedure compared to the conventional technique (150 and 56 mL, respectively; 63 and 27 min, respectively). Nine (30%) cases in group I had more than 50% residual adenoid tissue while 20–50% of residual adenoid tissue was documented among 7 patients (23%). Postoperative pain was found to be significantly higher in group I compared to group II. In both groups, recovery time ranged from 24 to 48 h with a mean of 33.6 h for group I and 36 h for group II; 23 patients (77%) in group II presented with residual disease in the 3-month follow-up period. Conclusion: The endoscopic-assisted powered adenoidectomy technique is very efficient in complete removal of adenoid tissue, thus preventing patients from undergoing a second surgery and its possible associated risks. The precision of the microdebrider prevents damage to adjacent vital structures. However, on the other hand, conventional adenoidectomy scored better in terms of shorter duration of surgery and less intraoperative bleeding.
КОНСТЕЛЯЦІЯ БІОХІМІЧНИХ ТА ФІЗИЧНИХ МАРКЕРІВ ФУНКЦІОНАЛЬНОГО СТАНУ ОРГАНІЗМУ ХВОРИХ НА ІНФАРКТ МІОКАРДА З РІВНЯМИ СИСТОЛІЧНОГО І ДІАСТОЛІЧНОГО АРТЕРІАЛЬНОГО ТИСКУ ТА МОЖЛИВІСТЬ ЇХ ВИКОРИСТАННЯ У ПРОЦЕСІ РЕАБІЛІТАЦІЇ
Authors: Levytska L. V.
Published: May 2019

Вступ. Надання повноцінної медичної допомоги хворим на інфаркт міокарда (ІМ) з коморбідною патологією (КП) на фоні артеріальної гіпертензії залишається складною медичною проблемою, якої на сьогодні не вирішено.

Мета дослідження – вивчити особливості клінічного перебігу інфаркту міокарда з коморбідною патологією залежно від рівнів систолічного та діастолічного артеріального тиску, виявити ранні маркерні й лімітуючі параметри функціональних показників організму та стратифікаційні ризики для контролю за ефективністю реабілітаційного процесу в цієї категорії пацієнтів.

Методи дослідження. Обстежено 371 хворого на інфаркт міокарда віком (66,2±10,4) року. В 93,8 % обстежених було виявлено супутню патологію. Вивчено основні функціональні показники стану організму хворого на ІМ з КП та їх зв’язок із систолічним (САТ) і діастолічним артеріальним тиском (ДАТ), а також з показниками толерантності до фізичного навантаження.

Результати й обговорення. Було встановлено пряму кореляцію між рівнями САТ у гострий період ІМ та тривалістю анамнезу артеріальної гіпертензії (r=0,130; P=0,040), товщиною задньої стінки лівого шлуночка (r=0,189; P<0,001), фракцією викиду лівого шлуночка (r=0,275; P<0,0001) і розміром аорти (r=0,228; P<0,0001). Існував також достовірий прямий зв’язок між рівнями ДАТ і товщиною задньої стінки лівого шлуночка (r=0,130; P=0,022), розміром аорти (r=0,172; P=0,002), розміром лівого передсердя (r=0,188; P=0,001), фракцією викиду лівого шлуночка (r=0,210; P<0,001), а також рівнями креатиніну крові (r=0,119; P=0,023). Виявлений достовірний обернений зв’язок між рівнями САТ/ДАТ і пароксизмом фібриляції передсердь, кардіогенним шоком, набряком легень та аневризмою лівого шлуночка може свідчити про виснаження гемодинамічних резервів, знижених внаслідок гострого ішемічного ушкодження міокарда.

Висновки. Показники САТ/ДАТ у гострий період ІМ є ранніми прогностичними маркерами біохімічних, морфологічних та гемодинамічних змін у хворих на ІМ з КП, адекватно відображають загальний функціональний стан пацієнта і серцево-судинні ризики, тому їх необхідно моніторувати в процесі реабілітації. Рівень креатиніну в таких пацієнтів має достовірний прямий зв’язок з показниками ДАТ у гострий період ІМ та морфологічними змінами серцевого м’яза, тому його можна успішно використовувати як маркер системного гемодинамічного контролю на етапах кардіореабілітації.
Four highland species of Galianthe (Rubiaceae: Spermacoceae) with restricted distribution in South America: conservation assessment and complete descriptions
Authors: FLORENTÍN JAVIER E. , NUÑEZ FLORENTIN MARIELA , BAREA PASTORE JOSÉ FLORIANO
Published: May 2019

Full descriptions of four Galianthe species, complemented by new data on fruits and seed characters are presented. These species occur at 500–3000 m elevations: G. gertii and G. reitzii in southeastern Brazil; G. guaranitica in eastern Paraguay and central-western Brazil; and G. boliviana in the sub-Andean region of northern Bolivia and southern Peru. Conservation status, with comments on distribution, is provided for three of them and is reassessed for one. The lectotypification of G. guaranitica is discussed.
A new, brightly colored species of Pseudoboa Schneider, 1801 from the Amazon Basin (Serpentes, Xenodontinae)
Authors: ZAHER HUSSAM , OLIVEIRA MARIA ERMELINDA , FRANCO FRANCISCO LUÍS
Published: May 2019

A new species of Pseudoboa, P. martinsi, is described from the Amazon basin of Brazil, with records from the states of Pará, Amazonas, Roraima and Rondônia. The new species is distinguished from the other five species of the genus by a combination of scalation and coloration characters. Individuals of the new species were found in both primary and disturbed forested areas. The species seems to be predominantly nocturnal and secretive because specimens were found foraging in the litter during night.
A new North American chorus frog species (Amphibia: Hylidae: Pseudacris) from the south-central United States
Authors: LEMMON EMILY MORIARTY , LEMMON ALAN R. , COLLINS JOSEPH T. , CANNATELLA DAVID C.
Published: May 2019

We describe a new species of chorus frog of the North American treefrog genus Pseudacris from the south-central United States. This new species is morphologically similar to the parapatric species P. feriarum and has thus previously been considered synonymous with this species. The new species is geographically distinct from P. feriarum and from its sister species, P. nigrita. We diagnose the new species based on advertisement call, morphological, and genetic characters.
New genus and new species of Cirripedia (Chthamalidae, Tetraclitidae, Archaeobalanidae and Balanidae) from the Middle Miocene of the faluns of Touraine (France)
Authors: CARRIOL RENÉ-PIERRE
Published: May 2019

This study of the faluns of Touraine provides further knowledge on the biodiversity and the distribution of the Middle Miocene Cirripedes. The occurrence of Tesseropora dumortieri (Fischer, 1866), previously known only from the Miocene of Rhône and Isère (France), of Actinobalanus collinsi Zullo & Perreault, 1989, previously known only from the Lower Miocene of Belgium, and Actinobalanus bisulcatus (Darwin, 1854a), never found in the Middle Miocene, is established and that of Actinobalanus dolosus (Darwin, 1854a) is refuted. A new genus of Archaeobalaninae (Paracti- nobalanus gen. nov.), three new Chthamalidae (Chthamalus grazianii sp. nov., Chthamalus nasus sp. nov., Chthamalus robustus sp. nov.), two new Archaeobalanidae (Paractinobalanus moronii sp. nov., Acasta vesiculosa sp. nov.) and a new Balanidae (Balanus nodulus sp. nov.) are described. The three new species of chthamalids represent the oldest known in the world.
Two new minute species of Phrynopus (Lissamphibia: Anura) from the Cordillera oriental in Peru
Authors: DUELLMAN WILLIAM E. , HEDGES S. BLAIR
Published: May 2019

Two small new species of terrestrial frogs of the genus Phrynopus are described from the Andes in the Departament of Pasco in central Peru. The presence of a tympanum in one species is shared with P. peruanus. The second species shares characters with the larger P. dagmarae from the Departament of Huánuco. The new species are the smallest known members of the genus.
Bathycopea (Isopoda: Sphaeromatidea: Ancinidae) from Japan, with descriptions of two new species and redescription of B. parallela Birstein
Authors: SHIMOMURA MITCHITAKA
Published: May 2019

Two new species of Bathycopea Tattersall, 1905 are described from Japan. Bathycopea oculata sp. nov. differs from its congeners in having laterally rounded pleonite 1, well-developed eye lobes with 43–57 ommatidia, uropod about 4–4.7 times as long as wide, blunt and broadly rounded distal corner of carpus of pereopod 1, and the propodus of male pereopod 2 about 2.9 times as long as carpus. Bathycopea dicarina sp. nov. is distinctive in having pleotelson with two dorsal carinae and the merus and carpus of male pereopod 2 slightly longer than ischium. Bathycopea parallela Birstein, 1963 is redescribed using newly collected specimens from the region of the type locality. A key to species of the genus is provided.
A new species of Scissurella from the Azores with discussions on Sinezona semicostata Burnay & Rolan, 1990 and Sinezona cingulata (O.G. Costa, 1861) (Gastropoda: Vetigastropoda: Scissurellidae)
Authors: NOLT JAYA M.
Published: May 2019

A new species of Scissurella d’Orbigny, 1824 from the Azores is described and compared to similar species from the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean areas: Sinezona cingulata (O.G. Costa, 1861), Scissurella costata d’Orbigny, 1824, Sin. semicostata Burnay & Rolán, 1990, Sci. lobini (Burnay & Rolán, 1990) as well as two representatives from the Caribbean, Sin. confusa Rolán & Luque, 1994 and Sci. redferni (Rolán, 1996). The description and comparisons are based on shell and radula morphology examined by scanning electron microscopy. The species that are considered here are described by features including: shell shape, shell sculpture, shape of teleoconch I, which begins after the protoconch and ends at the onset of the selenizone and teleoconch II which extends from the selenizone to the aperture, presence or absence of a slit or foramen, details of the umbilical region and protoconch sculpture and width. Scissurella azorensis n. sp. is characterized by the protoconch sculpture, which contains axial cords on the outer margins only, having a open umbilicus region, teleoconch I being greater then one whorl and the amount of strong axial cords over the entire shell. The distributional range for Sin. semicostata is extended to the Salvage Islands. Sinezona fayalensis (Dautzenberg, 1889), Sin. depressa (Watson, 1897) and Sin. crossei (Folin, 1869) are compared to Sin. cingulata to show synonymy.
Telmaeshna paradoxica gen. et sp. nov., a new fossil dragonfly (Insecta: Odonata: Anisoptera) from the Yixian Formation, Liaoning, China
Authors: ZHANG BINGLAN , REN DONG , PANG HONG
Published: May 2019

Telmaeshna paradoxica gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation, near Chaomidian Village, Beipiao City, Liaoning Province, China. It is included in the Anisoptera: Aeshnoptera: Aeshnomorpha: Panaeshnida, on the basis of the following characters: strongly elongated pterostigma; well-defined anal loop and Rspl; undulated RP2, RP3/4 and MA; divided hypertriangle and discoidal triangle; and prolonged gaff. It cannot be assigned to any described extant or extinct family of Panaeshnida, but we refrain from erecting a new family to accommodate it until more features (forewing, body characters) are known. Consequently, this new genus is provisionally retained as family uncertain. Its phylogenetic relationships within Anisoptera are discussed.
A new species and key to known species of genus Oxya Serville (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Catantopinae) from China
Authors: YIN XIANG-CHU , YIN HONG , ZHENG JING-YU
Published: May 2019

During routine identification of the grasshoppers of the Dasa river, Guizhou Province of China in 2004, a new species [Oxya guizhouensis sp, nov.] of the genus Oxya Serville (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Catantopinae) was discovered. It is described here. A key to all known species of the genus from China is given. The type specimens are deposited in the Museum of Hebei University (MHU), Baoding, Hebei, China.
A new species of Gorogobius (Perciformes: Gobiidae) from Sao Tomé Islands
Authors: KOVAČIĆ MARCELO , SCHLIEWEN ULRICH K
Published: May 2019

Gorogobius stevcici sp. nov. is described from the São Tomé Islands, Gulf of Guinea. Although it exhibits the unique combination of characters of Gorogobius Miller, it differs from present generic diagnosis of that genus. Therefore, a revised generic diagnosis and description of Gorogobius is provided. The new species differs from its only congener, G. nigricintus, by (1) presence of pore β; (2) row g anteriorly ends more or less in front of row o; (3) transverse interorbital row p present; (4) snout with four median preorbital rows; (5) 37–41 vs. 29–33 longitudinal scale rows; (6) 22–24 vs. 18 predorsal scales; (7) 9 vs. 10–11 anal fin rays; (8) 17 vs. 18–20 pectoral fin rays; (9) coloration.
Pseudomystus heokhuii, a new species of bagrid catfish from Sumatra (Teleostei: Bagridae)
Authors: LIM KELVIN K. P , NG HEOK HEE
Published: May 2019

Pseudomystus heokhuii, a new species of bagrid catfish is described from highly acidic blackwater habitats in central Sumatra. The new species can be distinguished from congeners by its unique color pattern of a pale midlateral stripe and pale oblique bands on the sides of the body. It is most similar to, and can be found sympatrically with, P. leiacanthus, but can be further distinguished from it in having two (vs. one) dark narrow irregular bars on the caudal fin, longer pectoral spine (19.3–22.4% SL vs. 15.2–18.6), longer caudal fin (33.5–40.0% SL vs. 25.7–31.9) with pointed (vs. rounded) lobes, longer nasal and maxillary barbels (63.1–81.1% HL vs. 31.3–51.5 and 86.2–125.3% HL vs. 70.9–91.3 respectively; nasal barbel reaching to dorsal insertion of opercular flap vs. to just beyond posterior orbital margin and maxillary barbel reaching just beyond base of last pectoral-fin ray vs. to base of pectoral spine), a straight (vs. crescentic) premaxillary tooth patch, a more sharply tapering snout when viewed dorsally, and an even (vs. slightly convex) predorsal profile.
Pycnogonida (Arthropoda) from the eastern Mediterranean Sea with description of a new species of Anoplodactylus
Authors: KRAPP FRANZ , KOCAK CENGIZ , KATAGAN TUNCER
Published: May 2019

Material of Pycnogonida was collected by scuba diving and snorkelling in the eastern Mediterranean Sea from the Aegean Sea to northern Cyprus in 1995–2002; some additional samples were taken in 2006 (mainly in Gencelli Cove, Turkey). This yielded the first record of Ammothella appendiculata for the region. A. longioculata and Callipallene spectrum are newly recorded for Turkey. A hitherto undescribed and tiny species of Anoplodactylus was found. The insufficiently known adult stage of Ammothella uniunguiculata is figured by SEM photograph.
Species of Amphinemura (Plecoptera: Nemouridae) from Tibet, China
Authors: LI WEIHAI , YANG DING
Published: May 2019

Two Tibetan species, Amphinemura pediformis sp. n. and Amphinemura pterygoidea sp. n., are described as new to science. Their relationships with related species are discussed. A key to the species of the genus Amphinemura from Tibet is provided.
A new species of Ernstia (Porifera: Calcarea) described from marine aquarium
Authors: SANAMYAN KAREN , SANAMYAN NADYA , MARTYNOV ALEXANDER , KORSHUNOVA TATIANA
Published: May 2019

A new species of calcareous sponge, Ernstia pyrum sp. nov. (Calcarea, Calcinea, Clathrinida, Clathrinidae) is described from marine reef aquarium. It is assumed that its type locality is Indonesia. Molecular data render this species as a member of the genus Ernstia, although its morphology deviates in significant points from the original definition of the genus. In particular Ernstia pyrum sp. nov. has a clear atrial cavity not lined with choanocytes (true atrium), a feature not reported before for this genus.
On the genus Typhlopolycystis Karling, 1956 (Platyhelminthes, Kalyptorhynchia, Polycystididae), with data on the five known species and the description of eleven new species
Authors: SCHOCKAERT ERNEST R. , MOONS PATRICIA , JANSSEN TOON , TESSENS BART S. , REYGEL PATRICK C. , REVIS NATHALIE , JOUK PHILIPPE E. H. , WILLEMS WIM R. , ARTOIS TOM J.
Published: May 2019

An overview is given of all representatives of the genus Typhlopolycystis Karling, 1956: the five known species (T. coeca Karling, 1956; T. mediterranea Brunet, 1965; T. coomansi Schockaert and Karling, 1975; T. schockaerti Karling, 1978 and T. rubra Noldt and Reise, 1985) and eleven new species: T. microphthalma n. sp. from S. France, T. fonsecai n. sp. and T. maikoni n. sp. from Brazil, T. norenburgi n. sp. and T. leasiae n.sp from the Pacific coast of Panama, T. pluvialiae n. sp. from Lanzarote (Canary Islands, Spain), T. riegeri n. sp. from Tanzania, T. tahitienis n. sp. from French Polynesia, T. australiensis n. sp. from South Australia, T. sarda n. sp. from Sardinia (Italy), the S. of France and from Lanzarote, and T. errata n. sp. from Sardinia (Italy). We consider T. limicola Schilke, 1970 as a species inquirenda of which no type material exists. Finally, some comments are given on the distribution of the genus of which representatives have been found in almost all places that have been sampled world wide.
Macrostomum shenda and M. spiriger, two new brackish-water species of Macrostomum (Platyhelminthes: Macrostomorpha) from China
Authors: XIN FAN , ZHANG SI-YU , SHI YONG-SHI , WANG LEI , ZHANG YU , WANG AN-TAI
Published: May 2019

In this study, two new brackish-water species of Macrostomum (M. shenda n. sp. and M. spiriger n. sp.) collected from Shenzhen, China, were described based on morphological, histological, and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Macrostomum shenda n. sp. differs from its congeners in the oblique and non-thickening distal opening of its narrow funnel-shaped stylet. In addition, its sperm have neither bristles nor brush, and are surrounded by an undulating membrane in the mid-body region. In M. spiriger n. sp., the stylet is spirally twisted. Its reproductive apparatus has a seminal bursal pore opening exteriorly. Results of the 18S and 28S rDNA phylogenetic analyses also support the establishments of these two new species. Moreover, the 18S and 28S rDNA sequences of some species within Macrostomum in previous studies have been revised to avoid ambiguity, while Macrostomum dongyuanensis Wang & Sun, 2015 was re-identified as a new record of M. quiritium Kolasa, 1973 from China.
Estimation of Melting-Layer Cooling Rate from Dual-Polarization Radar: Spectral Bin Model Simulations
Authors: Carlin Jacob T. , Ryzhkov Alexander V.
Published: May 2019

Diabatic cooling from hydrometeor phase changes in the stratiform melting layer is of great interest to both operational forecasters and modelers for its societal and dynamical consequences. Attempts to estimate the melting-layer cooling rate typically rely on either the budgeting of hydrometeor content estimated from reflectivity Z or model-generated lookup tables scaled by the magnitude of Z in the bright band. Recent advances have been made in developing methods to observe the unique polarimetric characteristics of melting snow and the additional microphysical information they may contain. However, to date no work has looked at the thermodynamic information available from the polarimetric radar brightband signature. In this study, a one-dimensional spectral bin model of melting snow and a coupled polarimetric operator are used to study the relation between the polarimetric radar bright band and the melting-layer cooling rate. Simulations using a fixed particle size distribution (PSD) and variable environmental conditions show that the height and thickness of the bright band and the maximum brightband Z and specific differential phase shift are all sensitive to the ambient environment, while the differential reflectivity is relatively insensitive. Additional simulations of 2700 PSDs based on in situ observations above the melting layer indicate that the maximum Z, , and within the melting layer are poorly correlated with the maximum cooling rate while is strongly correlated. Finally, model simulations suggest that, in addition to riming, concurrent changes in aggregation and precipitation intensity and the associated cooling may plausibly cause observed sagging brightband signatures.
Alcohol Consumption and Aortic Root Dilatation: Insights from the Corinthia Study
Authors: Oikonomou Evangelos , Lazaros George , Tsalamandris Sotirios , Vogiatzi Georgia , Christoforatou Evangelia , Papakonstantinou Margenti , Goliopoulou Athina , Tousouli Maria , Chasikidis Christos , Tousoulis Dimitris
Published: May 2019

Aortic diameter and progression to thoracic aortic aneurysm are influenced by several factors. In this study, we investigated the association of alcohol consumption with aortic root and ascending aorta dilatation. In the context of the Corinthia study, we examined 1751 patients with echocardiography. Several demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Alcohol consumption was assessed based on a questionnaire of frequency, type, and quantity. Accordingly, patients were categorized as everyday alcohol consumers (EDACs) and as social drinkers (SoD). Everyday alcohol consumers were further categorized to group 1: 0 to 1 drink/d; group 2: 1 to 2 drinks/d; and group 3: ≥3 drinks/d. From the study population, 40% were categorized as EDAC and had an increased aortic root diameter (AoRD) and an elevated AoRD index compared with SoD. Interestingly, there was a stepwise increase in aortic root and ascending aorta diameter according to daily alcohol consumption. Specifically, patients consuming ≥3 drinks of alcohol/d had increased indexed aortic by 1.4 mm/m2 compared with SoD even after adjustment for possible confounders. Daily alcohol consumption is associated with increased aortic root diameter. These findings may have important clinical implications, especially in patients with borderline or dilated aortic root, and merit further investigation.
Formative Perspectives on the Relation Between CSR Communication and CSR Practices: Pathways for Walking, Talking, and T(w)alking
Authors: Schoeneborn Dennis , Morsing Mette , Crane Andrew
Published: May 2019

Within the burgeoning corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication literature, the question of the relationship between CSR practices and CSR communication (or between “walk” and “talk”) has been a central concern. Recently, we observe a growing interest in formative views on the relation between CSR communication and practices, that is, works which ascribe to communication a constitutive role in creating, maintaining, and transforming CSR practices. This article provides an overview of the heterogeneous landscape of formative views on CSR communication scholarship. More specifically, we distinguish between three variants of such formative views: walking-to-talk, talking-to-walk, and t(w)alking. These three orientations differ primarily regarding the temporal dynamics that they ascribe to the relation between CSR communication and practices and regarding the object that is formed through communication. This new typology helps systematize the emerging field of research on CSR communication, and we use it as a compass to provide directions for future research in this area.
Identifying Children With Clinical Language Disorder: An Application of Machine-Learning Classification
Authors: Justice Laura M. , Ahn Woo-Young , Logan Jessica A. R.
Published: May 2019

In this study, we identified child- and family-level characteristics most strongly associated with clinical identification of language disorder for preschool-aged children. We used machine learning to identify variables that best classified children receiving therapy for language disorder among a sample of 483 3- to 5-year-old children (54% affected). Using a dichotomous outcome based on receipt of language therapy, we applied the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) classification approach to a range of background data available on the children, including teacher and caregiver ratings of communication and social skills. The sample was randomly split into a training (67% of children) and test sample (33% of children) to examine out-of-sample classification accuracy. The full model had excellent classification accuracy based on area under the curve (AUC) of .87 and .85 on the training and test sets, respectively, when utilizing all available background data. Variables most strongly contributing to accurate classification of language-therapy receipt were cognitive impairment, age, gender, and teacher- and parent-reported communication, social, and literacy skills. Use of machine-learning approaches to classify children receiving language services in school settings may provide a valuable approach for identifying those factors that best differentiate children with and without language disorders from a clinical perspective.
The Highly Integrated Dialogue between Neurons and Astrocytes in Brain Function
Authors: Vesce Sabino , Bezzi Paola , Volterra Andrea
Published: May 2019

For decades neurons have been regarded as the only cells involved in the generation and control of brain signalling, while the surrounding glia was supposed to provide structural and metabolic support to neuronal function. However, based on a number of recent findings, a new view is emerging: astrocytes, the glial cells ensheathing synaptic specializations, are active and integrated participants of neurotransmission. Not only do astrocytes take up and remove synaptically released glutamate (the major excitatory neurotransmitter), thus ending its stimulatory action and preventing neuronal damage, but also and oustandingly, they are able to undergo rapid bidirectional communication with neurons, based on reciprocal glutamatergic signalling. Thus, release of glutamate from synaptic terminals, in addition to postsynaptic neurons, turns on the astrocytes nearby which respond by liberating the same neurotransmitter via a novel Ca2+-dependent mechanism and thereby signal back to neurons. The present review discusses the above findings and their important implications as well as additional evidence supporting the new concept of an integrated neuron-astrocyte communication in brain function.
Adaptive state feedback control for nonlinear systems with multiple interval time-varying delays and non-symmetric dead-zone input: A Lyapunov-Krasovskii approach
Authors: Zheng Wei , Zhang Zhiming , Wang Hongbin , Wen Shuhuan , Wang Hongrui
Published: May 2019

This paper addresses the stability analysis and adaptive state feedback control for a class of nonlinear discrete-time systems with multiple interval time-varying delays and non-symmetric dead-zone input. The multiple interval time-varying delays uncertainties are bounded by the nonlinear function with unknown coefficients. The non-symmetric dead-zone input without the knowledge of the dead-zone parameters is considered for the nonlinear system. The smooth adaptive state feedback controller is designed. By introducing the new Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, it can be seen that the solutions of the closed-loop error system converge to an adjustable bounded region. In general, the proposed adaptive state feedback control strategy does not require the knowledge of maximum and minimum values for the characteristic slopes, and the knowledge of all system states. The control design conditions are relaxed because the system output is available for the controller design. Finally, three simulation examples are performed to show the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Maxillary Giant Cell Granuloma: A Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: McArthur Drake , Palacios Enrique , Nguyen Jeremy
Published: May 2019

This is a case of a 32-year-old female with a known diagnosis of Turner syndrome who presented with complaints of chronic progressive right-sided facial pain and sinus pressure, and who was afebrile. On physical examination, there was eye proptosis on the right and significant increased fullness in the right infraorbital and maxillary regions. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a large expansile space-occupying lesion in the right maxillary area, that histologically turned out to be a giant cell reparative granuloma. The lesion was completely removed and of interest, the patient was followed up both clinically and on imaging for 10 years with no signs of recurrence. A discussion on this entity, as well the clinical and imaging differential diagnoses, is carried out.
The Unified Airway: Does Asthma Influence Paranasal Sinus Pneumatization?
Authors: Marino Michael J. , Riley Charles A. , Wu Eric L. , Weinstein Jacqueline E. , McCoul Edward D.
Published: May 2019

Asthma has been implicated as a driving force in lower airway remodeling; however, its effect on upper airway development has not been studied. Clinical disease, particularly cystic fibrosis (CF), has been associated with anatomical paranasal sinus variation, although the mechanism for these variations remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine whether asthma is associated with altered sinus pneumatization. Five hundred ninety-one computed tomography scans, including 303 adolescents (age 13-18) and 288 adults (age > 18), were evaluated using the Assessment of Pneumatization of the Paranasal Sinuses (APPS) instrument. The APPS score is validated for assessing anatomical variation and total sinus volume. A diagnosis of asthma was ascertained from the medical record, and patients with CF were included as a positive control group. Patients with asthma had mean APPS score of 9.66, compared to 9.85 for participants without asthma ( P = .585). Subgroup analysis demonstrated similar findings among adults ( P = .817) and adolescents ( P = .585). Patients with a diagnosis of CF had significant sinus hypoplasia according to a mean APPS scores of 3.50 ( P < .001). Sinus hypoplasia persisted in both adults ( P < .001) and adolescents ( P < .001) with CF. The presence of asthma is not associated with altered paranasal sinus pneumatization. In contrast, CF is associated with significantly reduced sinus pneumatization. These findings suggest that aberrant sinus pneumatization may not be a feature of asthma and that chronic mucosal respiratory disease is not a generalizable cause for altered paranasal sinus pneumatization.
The Effects of IPO Mandatory Lockups and Corporate Governance on Underpricing: Evidence From the Australian Securities Exchange
Authors: Haman Janto , Chalmers Keryn , Fang Victor
Published: May 2019

In Australia, initial public offering (IPO) firms not satisfying profit or asset tests are permitted to list on the securities exchange with mandatory lockups (MLs) imposed on insiders’ shares. We investigate whether such lockups, and the lockup periods, are associated with underpricing. We find that the incremental effect of the association between longer ML periods and higher underpricing is stronger for firms with higher insiders’ equity ownership subject to MLs relative to firms with lower insiders’ equity ownership subject to MLs. This suggests that the extent and length of insiders’ equity ownership subject to MLs convey information regarding IPO firms’ risk. We also find that good corporate governance reduces IPO underpricing for firms with MLs. It moderates the IPO underpricing for firms with higher and longer insiders’ equity ownership subject to MLs. Our findings are informative for regulators in understanding how MLs can assist in allowing smaller and younger firms with inadequate financial strength and performance to publicly raise equity capital, while morally protecting investors and preserving market integrity.
Do GISTs Occur in Rats and Mice? Immunohistochemical Characterization of Gastrointestinal Tumors Diagnosed as Smooth Muscle Tumors in The National Toxicology Program
Authors: Janardhan Kyathanahalli S. , Venkannagari Priyanka , Jensen Heather , Hoenerhoff Mark J. , Herbert Ronald A. , Malarkey David E. , Sills Robert C. , Pandiri Arun R.
Published: May 2019

The majority of the tumors in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of rats and mice, with spindle cell morphology, are diagnosed as smooth muscle tumors (SMTs). Similarly, several decades ago human GI tumors with spindle cell morphology were also diagnosed as SMTs. However, later investigations identified most of these tumors in humans as gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). The GISTs are considered to arise from the interstitial cells of Cajal located throughout the GI tract. Positive immunohistochemical staining with CKIT antibody is a well-accepted diagnostic marker for GISTs in humans. Since there is a considerable overlap between the histomorphology of SMTs and GISTs, it is not possible to distinguish them on hematoxylin and eosin stained sections. As a result, GISTs are not routinely diagnosed in toxicological studies. The current study was designed to evaluate the tumors diagnosed as leiomyoma or leiomyosarcoma in the National Toxicology Program’s 2-year bioassays using CKIT, smooth muscle actin, and desmin immunohistochemistry. The results demonstrate that most of the mouse SMTs diagnosed as leiomyoma or leiomyosarcoma are likely GISTs, whereas in rats the tumors are likely SMTs and not GISTs.
Adolescent Peer and Parent Relationships Into Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Granger Theresa A. , Cook Paul F. , Ramos Gianna
Published: May 2019

Threats to adolescent and young adult health and well-being come primarily from behavior and life choices. The purpose of this study was to understand the role that peer and parent relationships have on reckless and deviant behaviors during the transition from adolescence to emerging adulthood. Select Wave I and Wave III variables from the Add Health database were studied. Adolescent reckless behavior was significantly associated with emerging adult deviant behavior, Wald χ2(1, N = 4,615) = 105, p < .001, β = 0.152, SE(β) = 0.015 Adolescent reckless behavior increases the probability of emerging adult deviant behavior among adolescents having lower scores on the quality of peer relationships, Wald χ2(1, N = 4,615) = 56, p < .001, β = 0.062, SE(β) = 0.008, and the quality of parent relationships, Wald χ2(1, N = 4,545) = 36, p < .001 β = 0.052, SE(β) = 0.009.
Entrepreneurship, Excise Taxes, and the “Flight to Quality”
Authors: Friske Wesley , Cockrell Seth
Published: May 2019

Research on entrepreneurial marketing is now fairly common, and macromarketing is an established field. However, studies that incorporate variables of interest to both entrepreneurial marketing and macromarketing scholars are scarce. In the spirit of the special issue, this study crosses disciplinary boundaries in order to investigate how a macro-level policy variable (i.e., excise taxes) affects a key marketing variable (i.e., product quality) in a sample of small firms (i.e., microbreweries). The results of the study support Barzel’s “flight to quality” hypothesis. We conclude that high excise taxes invite quality-based competition. Furthermore, entrepreneurial microbreweries appear to recognize the flight to quality, and they capitalize on the opportunity to bring relatively high quality products to market. Implications for entrepreneurial marketing researchers, macromarketing researchers, and public policy are discussed.
Physics-based scene-level reasoning for object pose estimation in clutter
Authors: Mitash Chaitanya , Boularias Abdeslam , Bekris Kostas
Published: May 2019

This paper focuses on vision-based pose estimation for multiple rigid objects placed in clutter, especially in cases involving occlusions and objects resting on each other. Progress has been achieved recently in object recognition given advancements in deep learning. Nevertheless, such tools typically require a large amount of training data and significant manual effort to label objects. This limits their applicability in robotics, where solutions must scale to a large number of objects and variety of conditions. Moreover, the combinatorial nature of the scenes that could arise from the placement of multiple objects is difficult to capture in the training dataset. Thus, the learned models might not produce the desired level of precision required for tasks, such as robotic manipulation. This work proposes an autonomous process for pose estimation that spans from data generation to scene-level reasoning and self-learning. In particular, the proposed framework first generates a labeled dataset for training a convolutional neural network (CNN) for object detection in clutter. These detections are used to guide a scene-level optimization process, which considers the interactions between the different objects present in the clutter to output pose estimates of high precision. Furthermore, confident estimates are used to label online real images from multiple views and re-train the process in a self-learning pipeline. Experimental results indicate that this process is quickly able to identify in cluttered scenes physically consistent object poses that are more precise than those found by reasoning over individual instances of objects. Furthermore, the quality of pose estimates increases over time given the self-learning process.