bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Buprenorphine and Methadone as Opioid Maintenance Treatments for Heroin-Addicted Patients Induce Oxidative Stress in Blood
Authors: Leventelis Christonikos , Goutzourelas Nikolaos , Kortsinidou Aikaterini , Spanidis Ypatios , Toulia Georgia , Kampitsi Antzouletta , Tsitsimpikou Christina , Stagos Dimitrios , Veskoukis Aristidis S. , Kouretas Demetrios
Published: April 2019

Buprenorphine and methadone are two substances widely used in the substitution treatment of patients who are addicted to opioids. Although it is known that they partly act efficiently towards this direction, there is no evidence regarding their effects on the redox status of patients, a mechanism that could potentially improve their action. Therefore, the aim of the present investigation was to examine the impact of buprenorphine and methadone, which are administered as substitutes to heroin-dependent patients on specific redox biomarkers in the blood. From the results obtained, both the buprenorphine (n=21) and the methadone (n=21) groups exhibited oxidative stress and compromised antioxidant defence. This was evident by the decreased glutathione (GSH) concentration and catalase activity in erythrocytes and the increased concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyls in the plasma, while there was no significant alteration of plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) compared to the healthy individuals (n=29). Furthermore, methadone revealed more severe oxidant action compared to buprenorphine. Based on relevant studies, the tested substitutes mitigate the detrimental effects of heroin on patient redox status; still it appears that they need to be boosted. Therefore, concomitant antioxidant administration could potentially enhance their beneficial action, and most probably, buprenorphine that did not induce oxidative stress in such a severe mode as methadone, on the regulation of blood redox status.
Epigenetic Mechanisms Underlying the Aging of Articular Cartilage and Osteoarthritis
Authors: Zhang Mingcai , Theleman Justin L. , Lygrisse Katherine A. , Wang Jinxi
Published: April 2019

Aging is a progressive and complicated bioprocess with overall decline in physiological function. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease in middle-aged and older populations. Since the prevalence of OA increases with age and breakdown of articular cartilage is its major hallmark, OA has long been thought of as “wear and tear” of joint cartilage. Nevertheless, recent studies have revealed that changes in the chondrocyte function and matrix components may reduce the material properties of articular cartilage and predispose the joint to OA. The aberrant gene expression in aging articular cartilage that is regulated by various epigenetic mechanisms plays an important role in age-related OA pathogenesis. This review begins with an introduction to the current understanding of epigenetic mechanisms, followed by mechanistic studies on the aging of joint tissues, epigenetic regulation of age-dependent gene expression in articular cartilage, and the significance of epigenetic mechanisms in OA pathogenesis. Our recent findings on age-dependent expression of 2 transcription factors, nuclear factor of activated T cell 1 (NFAT1) and SOX9, and their roles in the formation and aging of articular cartilage are summarized in the review. Chondrocyte dysfunction in aged mice, which is mediated by epigenetically regulated spontaneous reduction of NFAT1 expression in articular cartilage, is highlighted as an important advance in epigenetics and cartilage aging. Potential therapeutic strategies for age-related cartilage degeneration and OA using epigenetic molecular tools are discussed at the end.
Feasibility of Postmortem Imaging Assessment of Brain: Liver Volume Ratios with Pathological Validation
Authors: Shelmerdine Susan C. , Chung Kimberly L. , Hutchinson John C. , Elliott Claire , Sebire Neil J. , Arthurs Owen J.
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Organ volumes at postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMR) should reflect autopsy organ weights, and thus brain:liver volume ratios on imaging could be a surrogate for weight volume ratios at autopsy to indicate fetal growth restriction (FGR). This study aims to determine whether imaging-based organ volume ratios can replace autopsy organ weight ratios. Materials and Meth ods: An unselected cohort of perinatal deaths underwent PMMR prior to autopsy. Semiautomated brain and liver volumes were compared to autopsy organ weights and ratios. Ratios were compared using Bland-Altman plots, and intra- and interobserver variability was assessed. Results: A total 49 fetuses (25 male, 51%) at 17–42 weeks gestation were ­assessed. There was a reasonable correlation between autopsy-derived brain:liver weight ratios (AB:LwR) and imaging-derived brain:liver volume ratios (IB:LvR; r = 0.8). The mean difference between AB:LwR and IB:LvR was +0.7 (95% limits of agreement range –1.5 to +2.9). In a small subset where FGR was present, the optimal IB:LvR ≥5.5 gave 83.3% sensitivity and 86.0% specificity for diagnosis. There was acceptable agreement within readers (mean difference in IB:LvRs 0.77 ± 2.21) and between readers –0.36 ± 0.68. Conclusion: IB:LvR provides a surrogate evaluation of AB:LwRs, and may be used as a marker of FGR where autopsy is declined.
Localization of Four Allergens in Artemisia Pollen by Immunofluorescent Antibodies
Authors: Gao Zhong-Shan , Fu Wan-Yi , Zhao Lan , Gao Ling , Zhou Jian-Ya , Gao Bi-Yuan , Wu Shandong , Versteeg Serge A. , Ferreira Fatima , Gadermaier Gabriele , van Ree Ronald
Published: April 2019

Background: Artemisia pollens have a high potential to induce allergic symptoms. Seven allergen components have been identified, but only Art v 7 has been localized in the pollen grain. This study aimed to localize the allergens in the pollen grains of 4 Artemisia spp. Methods: Pollen extracts from 2 Chinese Artemisia spp., A. argyi and A. annua, were used to immunize BALB/c mice. Recombinant Art v 1 and Art v 3 allergens were used to select specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Three mAbs were used to purify the natural allergens and were then analyzed by mass spectrometry. As reported previously, polyclonal antibodies were obtained from rabbits immunized with 3 synthesized peptides of Art an 7. Using conventional histology procedures with pollens from 4 Artemisia spp. (A. argyi, A. annua, A. capilaris, and A. sieversiana), allergen images were observed and recorded by fluorescence and confocal laser microscopy. Results: We obtained 2 specific mAbs against Art v 1, 1 against Art v 2, and 4 against Art v 3 homologs. The Art v 1 and Art v 3 homologs were mainly located on the pollen walls, and the Art v 7 homologous protein was localized intracellularly around nuclei. The location of the Art v 2 homologous protein varied across species, being intracellular around nuclei for A. annua and A. argyi, and in both the pollen wall and around nuclei for A. capilaris and A. sieversiana. Conclusions: Four mugwort allergens were localized in the pollen, and the major Art v 1 and Art v 3 allergens were located mainly in the pollen wall.
Novel Surfactant Administration Techniques: Will They Change Outcome?
Authors: Barkhuff Whittney D. , Soll Roger F.
Published: April 2019

Traditionally, surfactant has been administered to preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome via an endotracheal tube and in conjunction with mechanical ventilation. However, negative consequences of mechanical ventilation such as pneumothorax and bronchopulmonary dysplasia are well known. In order to provide the benefits of surfactant administration without the negative effects of mechanical ventilation, several methods of less invasive surfactant administration have been developed. These methods include InSurE (intubate, surfactant, extubate), pharyngeal administration, laryngeal mask administration, aerosolized surfactant administration, and thin catheter administration (TCA). Of these, TCA has been studied most extensively and holds the most promise as a less invasive and effective mode of surfactant administration to preterm infants. Further studies will aid in determining which patients would benefit most from less invasive surfactant administration.
A Comparison of the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Four Combined Statin and Antiplatelet Therapies on Tumor Necrosis Factor-Mediated Acute Inflammation in vivo
Authors: Cho Okki , Kim Han-Sol , Park Kyung-Yeon , Heo Tae-Hwe
Published: April 2019

Background: Combination therapy has been administered to patients with chronic or complex diseases due to its improved therapeutic effects compared with the results of monotherapy. Due to the pleiotropic effects of statins and antiplatelets, these drugs have been studied in combination with other drugs, but not all combinations exerted obvious beneficial effects compared with individual drugs. In this study, we aimed to compare the anti-inflammatory effects of 4 different combination therapies of statins and antiplatelets on the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-mediated inflammation in vivo. Methods: Mice were orally administered cilostazol plus pravastatin (CILOP) or cilostazol plus rosuvastatin (CILOR), clopidogrel plus pravastatin (CLOP), or clopidogrel plus rosuvastatin (CLOR); then, acute inflammation was induced by the injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or TNF. Serum TNF levels, macrophage accumulation in the lesioned aortas, and mouse mortality were observed to be comparable to the anti-inflammatory effects of the combination therapies. Results: In mice with LPS-induced inflammation, CILOP and CILOR substantially reduced macrophage infiltration of aortic lesions and the serum TNF levels compared with CLOP and CLOR. Moreover, among the 4 combinations, CILOP significantly improved the survival rate of mice with TNF-mediated acute lethal inflammation. Conclusions: The combination therapy comprising cilostazol and statins, particularly pravastatin, exerted the best anti-TNF effect compared with clopidogrel and statin therapy; thus, a suitable combination therapy, such as CILOP, can be a potential remedy to cure TNF-related diseases.
A New Complex Karyotype Involving a KMT2A-r Variant Three-Way Translocation in a Rare Clinical Presentation of a Pediatric Patient with Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Capela de Matos Roberto R. , Ney Garcia Daniela R. , Othman Moneeb A.K. , Moura Ferreira Gerson , Melo Joana B. , Carreira Isabel M. , Meyer Claus , Marschalek Rolf , Costa Elaine S. , Land Marcelo G.P. , Liehr Thomas , Ribeiro Raul C. , Silva Maria Luiza M.
Published: April 2019

Patients with childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with complex karyotypes (CKs) have a dismal outcome. However, for patients with a KMT2A rearrangement (KMT2A-r), the prognosis appears to depend on the fusion partner gene rather than the karyotype structure. Thus, a precise characterization of KMT2A-r and the fusion partner genes, especially in CKs, is of interest for managing AML. We describe the clinical and molecular features of a child who presented with a large abdominal mass, AML, and a new CK, involving chromosomes 11, 16, and 19 leading to a KMT2A-MLLT1 fusion and 2 extra copies of the ELL gene, thus resulting in the concurrent overexpression of MLLT1 and ELL. Molecular cytogenetic studies defined the karyotype as 47,XY,der(11)t(11;16)(q23.3;p11.2),der(16)t(16;19)(p11.2;p13.3),der(19)t(11;19)(q23.3;p13.3),+der(19)t(16;19)(16pter→p11.2::19p13.3→19q11::19p11→19p13.3::16p11.2→16pter). Array CGH revealed a gain of 30.5 Mb in the 16p13.3p11.2 region and a gain of 18.1 Mb in the 19p13.3p12 region. LDI-PCR demonstrated the KMT2A-MLLT1 fusion. Reverse sequence analysis showed that the MLLT1 gene was fused to the 16p11.2 region. RT-qPCR quantification revealed that ELL and MLLT1 were overexpressed (4- and 10-fold, respectively). In summary, this is a pediatric case of AML presenting a novel complex t(11;16;19) variant with overexpression of ELL and MLLT1.
The Rationale and Efficacy of Primary and Secondary Prevention in Adenocarcinomas of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Bornschein Jan , Bird-Lieberman Elizabeth L. , Malfertheiner Peter
Published: April 2019

While the primary risk factor for oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) and its precursor lesion Barrett’s oesophagus (BO) is gastro-oesophageal reflux, the infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the dominant risk factor for gastric cancer. Reduction of reflux by dietary measures and proton pump inhibitors has some merits in OAC prevention, and the chemopreventive effect of Aspirin and statins is being widely investigated; however, improved outcome in OAC occurs primarily as the result of secondary prevention. Early detection of neoplastic lesions in Barrett’s metaplasia can be achieved by surveillance endoscopies. Novel endoscopic imaging modalities carry similar importance as the endoscopic treatment techniques as without detection of early lesions, therapy cannot be applied. Minimally invasive approaches are currently being investigated to identify patients with BO who are at particular risk of neoplastic progression. While dietary factors also play an important role in the prevention of gastric cancer and chemoprevention seems to be promising, the most beneficial effect has been shown for the eradication of H. pylori infection, which results in at least a one third reduction of gastric cancer risk. This effect can be further improved if the eradication takes place prior to the development of pre-neoplastic gastric conditions such as mucosal atrophy or intestinal metaplasia (IM). The definition of the “point of no return”, after which eradication is less effective, is of high importance, although H. pylori eradication can still be beneficial even at more advance stages of mucosal changes. For this reason, patients with advanced atrophy and IM should undergo endoscopic surveillance in the same way as patients with BO. There is also need for development of non-invasive tests to identify patients at high risk of progression to gastric cancer to improve outcome of these surveillance approaches.
Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology 8600 Ampayon, Butuan City, Philippines
Authors: ANINO EMILIO .O
Published: April 2019

Selected fungicides were tested to control damping-off affecting bagrasÂ  seedlings in the Central Nursery of the Paper Industries Corporation of the Philippines (PICOP), Surigao del Sur, Philippines. The fungicides, at three concentrations each, were applied once before seed sowing to control pre-emergence damping-off and applied again after germination to control post-emergence damping-off. Ajax detergent (2g/l H2O), Benlate (0.5 g/1 H2O), Brassicol (1.5 gv'l H2O), and Fungitox (1.0 g/1 H2O) provided the best level of control against the disease. Ajax detergent is the most practical among the best chemicals because it is cheap, locally available, not a health hazard, and less polluting. Key Words :Â  Eucalyptus deglupta/ Seeds/Nursery/flWzoctoma so/am'/Fungicides/Application
MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF EGG PARASITOID, TELENOMUS SPP. (HYMENOPTERA: SCELIONIDAE) FROM SEVERAL LOCATIONS IN JAVA USING RAPD-PCR
Authors: YULIARTI NETTI , HIDAYAT PURNAMA , BUCHORI DAMAYANTI
Published: April 2019

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine the differences of four Telenomus species and five populations of T. rowani from several locations in Java. Amplification of genomic DNA by using primer P2 (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech) indicated that each Telenomus species had a unique set of RAPD bands. Two bands which characterized the genus are estimated to be 300 and 430 bp. Each species had three specific bright bands except T. dignoides which only had two specific bright bands. However, no bands are unique to any of the five populations of T. rowani and all of the bands are less than 500 base-pair. Cluster analysis using UPGMA (Unweighed Pair Group Method With Arithmatic Mean) showed that the four Telenomus species consist of two groups, T. rowani and T. remusÂ  in one cluster and T. dignus with T. dignoides belonging to another cluster. Key words : PCR-RAPD / clustering / Telenomus spp.
Differences in Carotid Plaques Between Symptomatic Patients With and Without Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Gao Xiao , Song Jinyu , Watase Hiroko , Hippe Daniel S. , Zhao Xihai , Canton Gador , Tian Fengshi , Du Ran , Ji Shengzhang , Yuan Chun ,   on behalf of CARE-II Investigators
Published: April 2019

Objective—

Diabetes mellitus is associated with high-risk atherosclerotic plaques. This study aimed to compare characteristics of carotid atherosclerotic plaques in symptomatic Chinese diabetic and nondiabetic patients using vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging.

Approach and Results—

Patients with cerebral ischemic symptoms in the anterior circulation and carotid atherosclerotic plaque determined by ultrasound were recruited from a cross-sectional, observational, multicenter study of CARE-II (Chinese Atherosclerosis Risk Evaluation). All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging for carotid arteries. The morphological and compositional characteristics of carotid plaques were compared between diabetic and nondiabetic patients using linear (continuous variables) and logistic regression (binary variables). In a total of 584 recruited patients, 182 (31.2%) had diabetes mellitus. From the univariate analysis, diabetic patients had significantly greater mean wall area (33.7 versus 31.1 mm
2
;
P
=0.002), maximum wall thickness (3.2 versus 2.8 mm;
P
<0.001), and mean normalized wall index (43.8% versus 41.0%;
P
<0.001) and had significantly higher prevalence of calcification (51.6% versus 36.6%;
P
=0.001), lipid-rich necrotic core (77.5% versus 58.5%;
P
<0.001), and high-risk plaque (29.7% versus 19.9%;
P
=0.011) than nondiabetic patients. After adjusting for clinical characteristics, the differences in presence of calcification (
P
=0.018) and lipid-rich necrotic core (
P
=0.001) remained statistically significant.

Conclusions—

Symptomatic Chinese diabetic patients are more likely to have carotid plaques with calcification and lipid-rich necrotic core than nondiabetic patients, suggesting that diabetic patients may develop more severe atherosclerotic disease that should be accounted for in their clinical management.
Targeted Sequencing Study to Uncover Shared Genetic Susceptibility Between Peripheral Artery Disease and Coronary Heart Disease—Brief Report
Authors: Safarova Maya S. , Fan Xiao , Austin Erin E. , van Zuydam Natalie , Hopewell Jemma , Schaid Daniel J. , Kullo Iftikhar J.
Published: April 2019

Objective—

It is unclear to what extent genetic susceptibility variants are shared between peripheral artery disease (PAD) and coronary heart disease (CHD), both manifestations of atherosclerotic vascular disease. We investigated whether common and low-frequency/rare variants in loci associated with CHD are also associated with PAD.

Approach and Results—

Targeted sequencing of 41 genomic regions associated with CHD in genome-wide association studies was performed in 1749 PAD cases (65±11 years, 61% men) and 1855 controls (60±11 years, 56% men) of European ancestry. PAD cases had a resting/postexercise ankle-brachial index ≤0.9, or history of lower extremity revascularization; controls had no history of PAD. We tested the association of common (defined as minor allele frequency ≥5%) variants with PAD assuming an additive genetic model with adjustment for age and sex. To identify low-frequency/rare variants (minor allele frequency <5%) associated with PAD, we conducted gene-level analyses using sequence kernel association test and permutation test. After Bonferroni correction, we found common variants in
SH2B3, ABO
, and
ZEB2
to be associated with PAD (
P
<4.5×10
−5
). At the gene level, the strongest associations were for
LPL
and
SH2B3
.

Conclusions—

Targeted sequencing of 41 genomic regions associated with CHD revealed several common variants/genes to be associated with PAD, highlighting the basis of shared genetic susceptibility between CHD and PAD.
Holiday Season and Weekend Effects on Stroke Mortality: A Nationwide Cohort Study Controlling for Stroke Severity
Authors: Huang Huei‐Kai , Chang Wei‐Chuan , Hsu Jin‐Yi , Wang Jen‐Hung , Liu Pin‐Sung , Lin Shu‐Man , Loh Ching‐Hui
Published: April 2019

Background

The effect of holiday season admission for stroke on mortality has not been investigated. Thus, we aimed to evaluate whether “holiday season” and “weekend” effects exist on mortality risk for stroke admission.

Methods and Results

A nationwide cohort study was conducted using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. We identified all patients admitted for stroke between 2011 and 2015 in Taiwan, and categorized them according to the admission date: holiday season (at least 4 days off) (n=3908), weekend (n=13 774), and weekday (n=49 045). We analyzed in‐hospital, 7‐day, and 30‐day mortality using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for stroke severity and other confounders. Compared with weekday admissions, holiday season admission for stroke was significantly associated with a 20%, 33%, and 21% increase in in‐hospital, 7‐day, and 30‐day mortality, respectively. Compared with weekend admissions, holiday season admissions were associated with a 24%, 30%, and 22% increased risk of in‐hospital, 7‐day, and 30‐day mortality, respectively. However, mortality did not differ significantly between weekend and weekday admissions. Subanalyses after stratification for age, sex, and stroke type also revealed similar trends.

Conclusions

We report for the first time a “holiday season effect” on stroke mortality. Patients admitted during holiday seasons had higher mortality risks than those admitted on weekends and weekdays. This holiday season effect persisted even after adjusting for stroke severity and other important confounders. These findings highlight the need for healthcare delivery systems with a consistent quality of round‐the‐clock care for patients admitted for stroke.
Per-Pass Analysis of Thrombus Composition in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy
Authors: Duffy Sharon , McCarthy Ray , Farrell Michael , Thomas Sunitha , Brennan Paul , Power Sarah , O’Hare Alan , Morris Liam , Rainsford Eleanor , MacCarthy Eugene , Thornton John , Gilvarry Michael
Published: April 2019

Background and Purpose—

Mechanical thrombectomy may involve multiple attempts to retrieve the occluding thrombus. This study examined the composition of thrombus fragments retrieved with each pass of a device during the thrombectomy procedure. Second, the per-pass composition was compared with procedural and clinical data including angiographic outcome and stroke etiology.

Methods—

Thrombi were retrieved from 60 patients with acute ischemic stroke, where thrombus fragments retrieved in each pass were segregated as individual samples and maintained throughout the histological analysis as independent samples. All samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Martius Scarlet Blue. The relative composition of red blood cells, fibrin, and white blood cells in thrombus fragments from each pass was quantified.

Results—

Over the 60 cases, thrombus material was retrieved in 106 of 138 passes. The number of passes required to complete the cases ranged from 1 to 6 passes. The analysis of thrombus fragments retrieved in each pass provided a greater insight into the thrombectomy procedure progression than the overall thrombus composition; the red blood cell content of thrombus fragments retrieved in passes 1 and 2 was significantly higher than that retrieved in passes 3 to 6. The removal of thrombus material in a total of 1, 2, or 3 passes was associated with the highest percentage of final modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2c-3. There was no association between modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score and per-pass thrombus composition.

Conclusions—

The differentiation achieved through the per-pass analysis of acute ischemic stroke thrombi provides a greater insight into the thrombectomy procedure progression than the combined per-case thrombus analysis. Insights gained may be a useful consideration in determining the treatment strategy as a case evolves and may be useful for the development of new devices to increase rates of 1-pass recanalization.
Violence against Women: Assessing Italy’s Compliance with the osce Commitments and the Current International Legal Framework
Authors: Capone Francesca
Published: April 2019

Violence against women (vaw) represents a phenomenon that over the past decade has reached an unprecedented level in Italy. As a result this topic has been included amongst the key issues addressed by the Independent Evaluation Report on the occasion of the Italian osce Chairmanship 2018. Relying and building on the study conducted by this author in order to contribute to the Report, the present article provides an overview of the key findings of the research, discussing how and to what extent Italy’s approach is in line with the osce commitments on vaw. This article aims at pointing out existing weaknesses and strengths of the Italian legal and policy framework as well as at identifying possible ways forward to bolster Italy’s compliance with the osce commitments and the existing international and regional standards.
International Approaches as Plausible Solutions to Resolve the Battle of Forms under the Indian Law of Contract
Authors: Khanderia Saloni
Published: April 2019

The Indian court’s rigid application of the last-shot rule to resolve the problem of the battle of forms among conflicting standard terms in domestic disputes has resulted in unreasonableness and has fostered the conclusion of contracts in bad faith. Likewise, although there is substantial evidence to prove the existence of party autonomy in the choice of law and jurisdiction under Indian private international law, its courts have failed to delineate a coherent solution for “battles” arising on these aspects. The paper thus examines the plausibility of employing the solutions prescribed by the unidroit’s Principles on International Commercial Contracts and the Hague Conference on Private International Law’s Hague Principles on Choice of Law in International Commercial Contracts on the subject, as gap-fillers to interpret, supplement or develop the Indian national and private international law.
Bedside Manners: Sickness and the Jesuit Mission in Early Modern New France
Authors: Dunn Mary
Published: April 2019

Situated in the original context of their composition, the Jesuit Relations illuminate something not just of Jesuit discourse as Thomas Worcester has argued, but Jesuit practice too, revealing the ways in which sickness and disease functioned as missionary strategy in New France. In the deft hands of the Jesuits, sickness and disease were opportunities for the conversion of the dying, occasions for the practice of Christian virtue, and invitations for dramatic displays of divine power. It was the sickbed that called both for the cultivation of patience, constancy, and holy resignation among the suffering sick and for the practice of charity among those who tended them. Moreover, it was at the bedside of the sick and the dying where the most eloquent arguments in defense of the Christian faith were made, giving sound evidence of the omnipotence of the Christian God.
A new species of Phanera (Leguminosae: Cercidoideae) from the Western Ghats of Kerala, India
Authors: VADHYAR RAKESH G. , BENJAMIN J. H. FRANKLIN
Published: April 2019

A new species of Phanera from southern Western Ghats, India, is described as P. murthyi. It appears to be endemic to Kozhikode district, Kerala.
Nomenclatural changes in Anastatus Motschulsky and the description of Anastatus eurycanthae Gibson n. sp. (Eupelmidae: Eupelminae), an egg parasitoid of Eurycantha calcarata Lucas (Phasmida: Phasmatidae) from Papua New Guinea
Authors: GIBSON GARY A. P. , DEWHURST CHARLES , MAKAI SIMON
Published: April 2019

Anastatus eurycanthae Gibson n. sp. (Eupelmidae: Eupelminae) is newly described as an egg parasitoid of Eurycanthacalcarata Lucas (Phasmida: Phasmatidae), an important pest of oil palm in Papua New Guinea. Both sexes are describedand illustrated by macrophotography and scanning electron microscopy. Basic biological data are provided on the parasi-toid. Six species are transferred from A. (Anastatus) Motschulsky to other genera, namely Eupelmus tennysoni Girault(1921) revived comb., Eupelmus (Eupelmus) darwini (Girault 1915) n. comb., Reikosiella (Hirticauda) pasteuri (Girault1915) n. comb., R. (Hirticauda) tricolor (Girault 1915) n. comb., Tineobius (Tineobius) adamsi (Yoshimoto & Ishii 1965) n. comb., and T. (Tineobius) crassipes (Yoshimoto & Ishii 1965) n. comb.
A phylogeny for Aromobates (Anura: Dendrobatidae) with description of three new species from the Andes of Venezuela, taxonomic comments on Aromobates saltuensis, A. inflexus, and notes on the conservation status of the genus
Authors: BARRIO-AMORÓS CÉSAR LUIS , SANTOS JUAN CARLOS
Published: April 2019

Aromobates is a genus endemic to the northern Andes of Colombia and Venezuela. Limited information is available aboutthis genus diversity, current distribution, and taxonomic characterization. Here, we describe three new species of Aromo-bates from the Andes of Venezuela. We provide the most comprehensive phylogeny of Aromobates to date and taxonomicnotes on Aromobates saltuensis Rivero and A. inflexus Rivero. We also discuss the limitations of the current molecularand morphological diagnosis of Aromobates. Finally, we comment on the conservation status and research priorities for this genus.
A new rare species of Arcynopteryx (Plecoptera: Perlodidae) from the basin of Lake Baikal (Russia)
Authors: TESLENKO VALENTINA A. , ZHILTZOVA LIDIA A.
Published: April 2019

A new species of Plecoptera Arcynopteryx angarensis sp. n. is described, illustrated and compared with congeners. Arcynopteryx angarensis is known only from historical records at the source of the Angara River (Lake Baikal Basin). It has not been collected since 1930.
Redescription and generic placement of Neopamera mumfordi (Van Duzee, 1935) and Remaudiereana castanea (Van Duzee, 1935) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Lygaeoidea: Rhyparochromidae)
Authors: DELLAPÉ PABLO M. , MALIPATIL M. B.
Published: April 2019

A new genus, Neocnemodus gen. nov., is erected to accommodate Neopamera mumfordi (Van Duzee) from the Marquesas Islands; the species is redescribed and illustrated, and its relationships with the genera Cnemodus Herrich-Schaeffer and Andercnemodus Brailovsky & Cervantes-Peredo are analysed. Another Marquesas Island myodochine species, Remaudiereana castanea (Van Duzee), is redescribed, illustrated, and its generic placement discussed.
A revision of the endemic South African long-jawed ground spider genus Drassodella Hewitt, 1916 (Araneae: Gallieniellidae)
Authors: MBO ZINGISILE , HADDAD CHARLES R.
Published: April 2019

The genus Drassodella Hewitt, 1916 is one of four Afrotropical genera of Gallieniellidae, and is presently represented by seven species, all endemic to South Africa. The type material of six of the described species was studied and they are redescribed from both sexes: D. melana Tucker, 1923, D. quinquelabecula Tucker, 1923, D. salisburyi Hewitt, 1916, D. septemmaculata (Strand, 1909), D. tenebrosa Lawrence, 1938 and D. vasivulva Tucker, 1923. Of these, the males of D. melana, D. tenebrosa and D. vasivulva are described for the first time. Recent field work yielded additional females of D. purcelli Tucker, 1923 from the vicinity of the type locality, and this sex is redescribed; the male remains unknown. A further 12 new species are recognized: D. amatola sp. nov. (♀ ♂), D. aurostriata sp. nov. (♀ ♂), D. baviaans sp. nov. (♂), D. flava sp. nov. (♀ ♂), D. guttata sp. nov. (♀ ♂), D. lotzi sp. nov. (♀), D. maculata sp. nov. (♀), D. montana sp. nov. (♀ ♂), D. tolkieni sp. nov. (♀ ♂), D. trilineata sp. nov. (♀), D. transversa sp. nov. (♀ ♂) and D. venda sp. nov. (♀ ♂). Based on the genitalic structures, there appear to be two distinct species groups. The D. melana species group, which includes D. melana, D. tenebrosa and eight new species mainly distributed in eastern and northern South Africa, is characterised by very conservative genitalic morphology in both sexes. The D. salisburyi species group, with considerable variation in the structure of the copulatory organs and distributed in the southern half of South Africa, includes the remaining nine species, of which four are new. Although D. tenebrosa represents an intermediate between the two groups, with palpal morphology more typical of the D. melana species group and epigynal morphology typical of the D. salisburyi group, it is placed in the former species group based on its distribution in eastern South Africa. The biology, habitat preferences and biogeography of Drassodella are briefly discussed.
New taxa of Tateidae (Caenogastropoda, Truncatelloidea) from springs associated with the Great Artesian Basin and Einasleigh Uplands, Queensland, with the description of two related taxa from eastern coastal drainages
Authors: PONDER W.F. , ZHANG W.-H. , HALLAN A. , SHEA M.E.
Published: April 2019

Species from artesian springs associated with the Queensland Great Artesian Basin that were previously included in the tateid genus Jardinella are included in three new genera, namely Eulodrobia, with six species, five of them new and all from the Eulo Supergroup; Springvalia, with one species from the Springvale Supergroup; and Carnarvoncochlea with two previously-described species, from the Carnarvon Supergroup. The genus Edgbastonia is extended to include eight previously described species, in addition to the type species, and four new species-group taxa from the Barcaldine Supergroup springs; all but the type species are included in the new subgenus Barcaldinia. Three new species from non-artesian springs in north Queensland are included in Edgbastonia, one of them tentatively. Two additional related new genera, both with a single new species, are described from outside the Great Artesian Basin; Conondalia from southeast Queensland and Nundalia from north-eastern New South Wales. The genus Jardinella, previously used for all the Queensland spring tateids, is here restricted to three species found in coastal rivers and streams in northeast Queensland. A molecular phylogenetic analysis using COI and 16S mitochondrial genes in combination suggests that the Queensland Great Artesian Basin taxa may be more closely related to the tateid genera Austropyrgus, Pseudotricula, Posticobia and Potamopyrgus than to the South Australian GAB taxa, thus indicating the separate origins of these two desert spring faunas.
A new species of the genus Parachauliodes (Megaloptera: Corydalidae: Chauliodinae) from Northern Kyushu, Japan
Authors: SHIMONOYA MITSURU
Published: April 2019

A new species of the genus Parachauliodes van der Weele, 1909, P. rastellus sp. nov., is described from northern Kyushu, Japan. This new species is most similar to P. japonicus (McLachlan) and differs by the form of the male antenna and genitalia. Parachauliodes is primarily characterized by the “bilobed” ectoproct of male genitalia and by the serrate antenna of both sexes. In the new species, the male ectoproct is bilobed, but sexual dimorphism in the antennae is present. The male antenna of the new species is pectinate with short branches and the female antenna is serrate. Accordingly, including the new species P. rastellus, the antennae of Parachauliodes can either be serrate or pectinate with short branches in the male, serrate in the female. The types of “Parachauliodes” buchi Navás are illustrated. A brief description of copulation, oviposition, eggs and hatching for the new species is also given.
A novel assay for triglycerides using glycerol dehydrogenase and a water-soluble formazan dye, WST-8
Authors: Kawano Miki , Hokazono Eisaku , Osawa Susumu , Sato Shouichi , Tateishi Takiko , Manabe Masahiro , Matsui Hirotaka , Kayamori Yuzo
Published: April 2019

Background

The glycerol-3-phosphate (GPO)-peroxidase (POD) chromogenic method is one of the most widely used methods to assay triglycerides. However, it is well known that peroxidase is affected by reducing agents, and recently, it has been reported that some materials affect its activity. Moreover, there is a high possibility of non-specific reaction, as the method uses many enzymes. Against this background, we developed a simpler assay method for triglycerides without using peroxidase.

Methods

Triglycerides were hydrolysed to glycerol and fatty acids by lipoprotein lipase followed by the oxidation of glycerol to dihydroxyacetone with simultaneous production of NADH by glycerol dehydrogenase. To overcome incomplete conversion of glycerol to dihydroxyacetone by glycerol dehydrogenase at equilibrium, we added 2-(2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)-3–(4-nitrophenyl)-5–(2,4-disulfophenyl)-2 H-tetrazolium monosodium salt (WST-8) to the reaction mixture to remove NADH, allowing the reaction to complete while showing stoichiometric production of reduced WST-8.

Results

The reaction was linear up to 6.4 mmol/L. The mean intra-assay ( n = 20) and inter-assay ( n = 20) imprecision, as determined by replicate analysis of three pooled human serum samples with different triglyceride concentrations, were 1.1–2.3% and 1.1–1.5% coefficient of variation (%CV), respectively. No interference by 2.5 g/L haemoglobin, 65  μmol/L free bilirubin and 359  μmol/L conjugated bilirubin was observed. The equation obtained in comparison with that by the GPO-POD method including endogenous glycerol-eliminating step was: y = 1.0002x + 0.0395 mmol/L; r = 0.999; Sy/x = 0.049 mmol/L; n = 97.

Conclusion

Our method is an accurate, yet simpler and more sensitive for the quantitative analysis of triglycerides.
Internal and External Hiring
Authors: DeVaro Jed , Kauhanen Antti , Valmari Nelli
Published: April 2019

Using large-scale, linked, employer–employee, Finnish panel data, the authors examine firms’ internal versus external hiring decisions more comprehensively than has prior literature. The results show that vacancies in job hierarchies are filled more often by horizontal moves than by promotions. Most horizontal moves are external and within the same job functions, so that internally promoted workers face external competitors occupying higher job levels. Compared to internally promoted workers, external and internal horizontal hires have stronger observable ability indicators (e.g., education, experience, prior work history) but weaker job performance in the year preceding the transfer. Internal and external horizontal hires have similar job histories.
Mechanoadaptive Responses in the Periodontium Are Coordinated by Wnt
Authors: Xu Q. , Yuan X. , Zhang X. , Chen J. , Shi Y. , Brunski J.B. , Helms J.A.
Published: April 2019

Despite an extensive literature documenting the adaptive changes of bones and ligaments to mechanical forces, our understanding of how tissues actually mount a coordinated response to physical loading is astonishingly inadequate. Here, using finite element (FE) modeling and an in vivo murine model, we demonstrate the stress distributions within the periodontal ligament (PDL) caused by occlusal hyperloading. In direct response, a spatially restricted pattern of apoptosis is triggered in the stressed PDL, the temporal peak of which is coordinated with a spatially restricted burst in PDL cell proliferation. This culminates in increased collagen deposition and a thicker, stiffer PDL that is adapted to its new hyperloading status. Meanwhile, in the adjacent alveolar bone, hyperloading activates bone resorption, the peak of which is followed by a bone formation phase, leading ultimately to an accelerated rate of mineral apposition and an increase in alveolar bone density. All of these adaptive responses are orchestrated by a population of Wnt-responsive stem/progenitor cells residing in the PDL and bone, whose death and revival are ultimately responsible for directly giving rise to new PDL fibers and new bone.
Improving an Administrative Case Definition for Longitudinal Surveillance of Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Snyder Angela B. , Zhou Mei , Theodore Rodney , Quarmyne Maa-Ohui , Eckman James , Lane Peter A.
Published: April 2019

Objective:

Several states are building infrastructure and data collection methods for longitudinal, population-based surveillance systems for selected hemoglobinopathies. The objective of our study was to improve an administrative case definition for sickle cell disease (SCD) to aid in longitudinal surveillance.

Methods:

We collected data from 3 administrative data sets (2004-2008) on 1998 patients aged 0-21 in Georgia who had ≥1 encounter in which an SCD International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code was recorded, and we compared these data with data from a laboratory and medical record review. We assessed performance (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value [PPV], and negative predictive value [NPV]) of case definitions that differed by number and type of SCD-coded encounters; addition of SCD-associated treatments, procedures, and complications; and length of surveillance (1 vs 5 years). We identified correct diagnoses for patients who were incorrectly coded as having SCD.

Results:

The SCD case definition of ≥3 SCD-coded encounters in 5 years simplified and substantially improved the sensitivity (96.0% vs 85.8%) and NPV (68.2% vs 38.2%) of the original administrative case definition developed for 5-year, state-based surveillance (≥2 encounters in 5 years and ≥1 encounter for an SCD-related treatment, procedure, or complication), while maintaining a similar PPV (97.4% vs 97.4%) and specificity (76.5% vs 79.0%).

Conclusions:

This study supports an administrative case definition that specifies ≥3 ICD-9-CM–coded encounters to identify SCD with a high degree of accuracy in pediatric patients. This case definition can be used to help establish longitudinal SCD surveillance systems.
Chemical stable, superhydrophobic and self-cleaning fabrics prepared by two-step coating of a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane and silica nanoparticles
Authors: Yeerken Tasixiang , Wang Guang , Li Hui , Liu Hongling , Yu Weidong
Published: April 2019

A superhydrophobic aramid fabric with a novel self-cleaning ability and excellent chemical stability was prepared by the two-step coating technique using an easily available material system consisting of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane, particles of PTFE and silica (SiO2). The chemical resistant layer was achieved through compounding aramid fabric with the PTFE membrane, for which the contact angle was varied from completely infiltrating to 130°. Then the PTFE-coated fabric was modified with PTFE and SiO2 particles to obtain the superhydrophobic layer. The hydrophobicity was significantly enhanced with a contact angle of 154° and rolling angle of 4° due to the role of low surface energy and rough micro/nano structures. Furthermore, the PTFE/SiO2-coated fabric eventually fabricated could withstand at least 300 cycles of abrasion and strong acid/alkaline attacks for 100 hours. In addition, the breathable performance and flexibility of the coated fabric were within our acceptable ranges. The simple but effective PTFE/SiO2-coated fabric may be useful for the development of individual protective clothing for emergency rescue applications.
Two‐Level Games and the Policy Process: Assessing Domestic–Foreign Policy Linkage Theory
Authors: Noone Harry
Published: April 2019

International relations scholars have struggled to adequately link domestic and international levels in theoretical models and causal analyses of foreign policy, despite widespread acknowledgment of the need to do so. This study elaborates on this challenge by assessing the utility of several policy process frameworks that have so far been underutilized in foreign policy analysis. The assumptions of one particularly fruitful method, the Two‐Level Game, will be compared with those of three policy process frameworks: the Advocacy Coalition Framework, the Multiple Streams Framework, and Punctuated Equilibrium Theory. When analyzing three specific concepts (the question of rationality, the dynamics of agenda setting, and the strategic action of relevant actors), it is apparent that the assumptions of the policy process frameworks largely clash with those of the Two‐Level Game, raising the potential for their augmentation of the field of foreign policy analysis despite their relative underuse.
Global security hierarchies after 1919
Authors: Phillips Andrew
Published: April 2019

Since 1919, world leaders have sought to uphold and advance international order by sponsoring a succession of global security hierarchies, understood as authoritative arrangements that are global in scope and dedicated to mitigating international security challenges. These hierarchies have progressively broadened in the inclusivity of their security referents. Explicitly racist and civilizational answers to the question ‘security for whom’ have given way to more cosmopolitan visions of security hierarchy. The scope of the challenges these hierarchies have aimed to mitigate (‘security from what’) has also broadened, alongside the intrusiveness of the measures (‘security through which means’) licenced to manage them. The progression towards more inclusive, ambitious and intrusive global security hierarchies has nevertheless evolved in tension with the parallel globalization of both nationalism and the sovereign state system. These countervailing influences – in conjunction with the recent worldwide resurgence of illiberal forces – now threaten the prospective longevity of today’s United Nation (UN)-centric cosmopolitan global security hierarchy.
Is Social Ontology Prior to Social Scientific Methodology?
Authors: Lauer Richard
Published: April 2019

In this article, I examine “Ontology Matters!” (OM!) arguments. OM! arguments conclude that ontology can contribute to empirical success in social science. First, I capture the common form between different OM! arguments. Second, I describe quantifier variance as discussed in metaontology. Third, I apply quantifier variance to the common form of OM! arguments. I then present two ways in which ontology is prior to social science methodology, one realist and one pragmatic. I argue that a pragmatic interpretation of ontology’s priority gives proponents of realist OM! arguments a special burden that they must meet to render their argument successful.
Switching to secukinumab in difficult-to-treat psoriasis recalcitrant to methotrexate, cyclosporine and leflunomide, in a tuberculosis-endemic country
Authors: Gupta Aastha , Sardana Kabir , Gautam Ram K
Published: April 2019

Several biological agents have been approved for the treatment of recalcitrant psoriasis. However, there is a lack of a consensus algorithm guiding the drug selection for patients who have failed conventional drugs. In cases not improving with cyclosporine, direct switching to a biological therapy usually leads to a disease flare owing to increased production of interleukin (IL)-17A. Thus, secukinumab, a rapidly acting anti-IL-17A drug, may be ideal in such situations.
Atypical Presentation of Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma after Radiation Therapy for the Treatment of Keloids
Authors: Fortson James K. , Rosenthal Michael , Patel Vijaykumar , Lawrence Gillian E. , Lin Jennifer S.
Published: April 2019

Radiation therapy to the head and neck for the treatment of benign diseases carries the potential for the late development of carcinoma. Low-dose radiation has been used as an adjunctive treatment for recurrent keloids, especially massive keloids, but the carcinogenic potential of ionizing radiation in this setting remains controversial. We report the case of a 37-year-old black woman with a history of severe earlobe keloids who had been first treated with resection and postoperative radiation at the age of 9 years. When she had reached the age of 36 years, she required reoperation for massive keloid scarring after which she underwent a second course of postoperative radiation to the right side of her face and neck. Some 20 months after the second administration of radiation therapy, she developed a mucoepidermoid carcinoma in the right parotid gland. The tumor was successfully treated with surgery.