bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a telerehabilitation programme for postoperative recovery from knee surgery: specifications and requirements
Authors: Naeemabadi MReza , Dinesen Birthe , Andersen Ole Kæseler , Madsen Niels Kragh , Simonsen Ole Højgaard , Hansen John
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Telerehabilitation programmes have been attracting increasing attention as a potential alternative to conventional rehabilitation. Video conferencing can facilitate communication between healthcare professionals and patients. However, in certain cases, video conferencing may face practical limitations. As an alternative to real-time conferencing, sensor-based technologies can transmit the acquired data to healthcare providers. This study aimed to design and develop a sensor-based telerehabilitation programme and to outline the corresponding requirements for such a system.

Development

The development of the sensor-based telerehabilitation programme was carried out based on user needs. The programme includes a portable platform for the patient as well as a web-based platform for the healthcare professional, thus allowing for an individualised rehabilitation programme. Communication, training, reporting, and information services were provided for the patients. Moreover, the portability and usability of the programme were enhanced by utilising the system in offline mode as well.

Application

The programme is currently being tested in the North Denmark Region to assess the feasibility and acceptance of a telerehabilitation programme as an alternative solution to the self-training programme for patients who have been discharged from knee surgery. The preliminary results of our assessment showed a high level of acceptance among the users.

Discussion

In this study, a semi-online sensor-based telerehabilitation programme was tested. It is argued that a similar sensor-based telerehabilitation programme can be utilised as an alternative solution for self-training rehabilitation in the future; however; further studies and development are required to ensure the quality and reliability of sensor-based services.
Morphological classification of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma that predicts molecular subtypes and correlates with clinical outcome
Authors: N Kalimuthu Sangeetha , Wilson Gavin W , Grant Robert C , Seto Matthew , O’Kane Grainne , Vajpeyi Rajkumar , Notta Faiyaz , Gallinger Steven , Chetty Runjan
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Transcriptional analyses have identified several distinct molecular subtypes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) that have prognostic and potential therapeutic significance. However, to date, an indepth, clinicomorphological correlation of these molecular subtypes has not been performed. We sought to identify specific morphological patterns to compare with known molecular subtypes, interrogate their biological significance, and furthermore reappraise the current grading system in PDAC.

Design

We first assessed 86 primary, chemotherapy-naive PDAC resection specimens with matched RNA-Seq data for specific, reproducible morphological patterns. Differential expression was applied to the gene expression data using the morphological features. We next compared the differentially expressed gene signatures with previously published molecular subtypes. Overall survival (OS) was correlated with the morphological and molecular subtypes.

Results

We identified four morphological patterns that segregated into two components (‘gland forming’ and ‘non-gland forming’) based on the presence/absence of well-formed glands. A morphological cut-off (≥40% ‘non-gland forming’) was established using RNA-Seq data, which identified two groups (A and B) with gene signatures that correlated with known molecular subtypes. There was a significant difference in OS between the groups. The morphological groups remained significantly prognostic within cancers that were moderately differentiated and classified as ‘classical’ using RNA-Seq.

Conclusion

Our study has demonstrated that PDACs can be morphologically classified into distinct and biologically relevant categories which predict known molecular subtypes. These results provide the basis for an improved taxonomy of PDAC, which may lend itself to future treatment strategies and the development of deep learning models.
Large deviations and fluctuation theorem for selectively decoupled measures on shift spaces
Authors: Cuneo Noé , Jakšić Vojkan , Pillet Claude-Alain , Shirikyan Armen
Published: June 2019

We establish the Level-1 and Level-3 Large Deviation Principles (LDPs) for invariant measures on shift spaces over finite alphabets under very general decoupling conditions for which the thermodynamic formalism does not apply. Such decoupling conditions arise naturally in multifractal analysis, in Gibbs states with hard-core interactions, and in the statistics of repeated quantum measurement processes. We also prove the LDP for the entropy production of pairs of such measures and derive the related Fluctuation Relation. The proofs are based on Ruelle–Lanford functions, and the exposition is essentially self-contained.
Applications of nonlinear longitudinal wave equation in a magneto-electro-elastic circular rod and new solitary wave solutions
Authors: Iqbal Mujahid , Seadawy Aly R. , Lu Dianchen
Published: June 2019

In this work, we consider the nonlinear longitudinal wave equation (LWE) which involves mathematical physics with dispersal produced by the phenomena of transverse Poisson’s effect in a magneto-electro-elastic (MEE) circular rod. We use the extended form of two methods, auxiliary equation mapping and direct algebraic method to investigated the families of solitary wave solutions of one-dimensional nonlinear LWE. These new exact and solitary wave solutions are derived in the form of trigonometric function, periodic solitary wave, rational function, and elliptic function, hyperbolic function, bright and dark solitons solutions of the LWE, which represent the electrostatic potential and pressure for LWE and also the graphical representation of electrostatic potential and pressure are shown with the aid of Mathematica program.
Bayesian Survival Analysis for Generalized Pareto Distribution Under Progressively Type II Censored Data
Authors: Li Shaowei , Gui Wenhao
Published: June 2019

In this paper, based on the progressively type II censoring data of generalized Pareto distribution, we consider the maximum likelihood estimation and asymptotic interval estimations of survival function and hazard function by using the Fisher information matrix and delta method. Also, we present a nonparametric Bootstrap-p method to generate the bootstrap samples and derive confidence interval estimation. In addition, we propose the Bayes estimator of Adaptive Rejection Metropolis Sampling algorithm to derive the point estimate and credible intervals. Finally, Monte Carlo simulation study is carried out to compare the performances of the three proposed methods based on different data schemes. An illustrative example is presented.
Exact Reliability for a Consecutive Circular k-out-of-r-from-n: F System with Equal and Unequal Component Probabilities
Authors: Amirian Y. , Khodadadi A. , Chatrabgoun O.
Published: June 2019

A consecutive linear (circular) [Formula: see text]-out-of-[Formula: see text]-from-[Formula: see text]: F system consists of [Formula: see text] linear (circular)-ordered components such that the system fails if and only if there exists a set of [Formula: see text] consecutive linear (circular) component that contains at least [Formula: see text] failed components. Consecutive linear (circular) [Formula: see text]-out-of-[Formula: see text]-from-[Formula: see text]: F systems attract tremendous attention for researchers of reliability analysis. Recent efforts in this area have focused on simple situations or approximation bands for their reliability but closed form and exact amount not gained. In this paper, we designed an innovative algorithm and an innovative program to obtain the exact reliability for an extensive class of consecutive circular [Formula: see text]-out-of-[Formula: see text]-from-[Formula: see text]: F system with particular emphasis for equal and unequal component probabilities. Finally, we reviewed an applied example and applied comparative and numerical results and calculated the exact reliability of this strategic system.
A characterization of probability measures in terms of semi-quantum operators
Authors: Popa Gabriela , Stan Aurel I.
Published: June 2019

A canonical definition of the joint semi-quantum operators of a finite family of random variables, having finite moments of all orders, is given first in terms of an existence and uniqueness theorem. Then two characterizations, one for the polynomially symmetric, and another for the polynomially factorizable probability measures, having finite moments of all orders, are presented.
Three-fold symmetric Hahn-classical multiple orthogonal polynomials
Authors: Loureiro Ana F. , Van Assche Walter
Published: June 2019

We characterize all the multiple orthogonal three-fold symmetric polynomial sequences whose sequence of derivatives is also multiple orthogonal. Such a property is commonly called the Hahn property and it is an extension of the concept of classical polynomials to the context of multiple orthogonality. The emphasis is on the polynomials whose indices lie on the step line, also known as [Formula: see text]-orthogonal polynomials. We explain the relation of the asymptotic behavior of the recurrence coefficients to that of the largest zero (in absolute value) of the polynomial set. We provide a full characterization of the Hahn-classical orthogonality measures supported on a [Formula: see text]-star in the complex plane containing all the zeros of the polynomials. There are essentially three distinct families, one of them [Formula: see text]-orthogonal with respect to two confluent functions of the second kind. This paper complements earlier research of Douak and Maroni.
Controllable Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Piezoelectric-Actuated High-Frequency Vibration Self-Circulating Microfluidic Reactor
Authors: Liu Guojun , He Fang , Li Yan , Li Xinbo , Zhao Hong , Wang Conghui , Zhan Conghong , Tang Chunxiu
Published: June 2019

Based on the liquid-phase reduction mechanism, a controllable synthesis method, which uses piezoelectric-actuated high-frequency vibration self-circulating microfluidic reactor, to prepare silver nanoparticles is proposed. Firstly, the synthesis mechanism of silver nanoparticles and the working principle of the microfluidic reactor were analyzed. Then, in order to study and explore the influence of self-circulating and high frequency vibration on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, a series of related synthesis experiments were carried out. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The effects of micropump driving voltage and high-frequency vibration on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles were analyzed. The experiment results show that when the silver nanoparticles were synthesized using piezoelectric-actuated high-frequency vibration self-circulating microfluidic reactor, the higher the driving voltage of the circulating reflux micropump, the faster the vortex rotation speed in the mixing pool and the more uniform the reagent reaction. Besides, high-frequency vibration can suppress the aggregation of silver nanoparticles, and balance the growth environment of particles, which is beneficial to the formation of silver nanoparticles with good monodispersity, high sphericity and small size deviation.
Spatial dynamics of a nonlocal delayed unstirred chemostat model with periodic input
Authors: Pu Wu-Jun , Jiang Danhua , Wang Ya , Bai Zhanbing
Published: June 2019

In this paper, a nonlocal delayed chemostat model of a single species feeding on a periodically varying input nutrient is proposed. By the theory of semigroup, the existence and uniqueness of solution of the system are obtained. Furthermore, we investigate a threshold result on the global dynamics, and the uniform persistence of the system is established.
Improved Movie Recommendations Based on a Hybrid Feature Combination Method
Authors: Alshammari Gharbi , Kapetanakis Stelios , Alshammari Abdullah , Polatidis Nikolaos , Petridis Miltos
Published: June 2019

Recommender systems help users find relevant items efficiently based on their interests and historical interactions with other users. They are beneficial to businesses by promoting the sale of products and to user by reducing the search burden. Recommender systems can be developed by employing different approaches, including collaborative filtering (CF), demographic filtering (DF), content-based filtering (CBF) and knowledge-based filtering (KBF). However, large amounts of data can produce recommendations that are limited in accuracy because of diversity and sparsity issues. In this paper, we propose a novel hybrid method that combines user–user CF with the attributes of DF to indicate the nearest users, and compare four classifiers against each other. This method has been developed through an investigation of ways to reduce the errors in rating predictions based on users’ past interactions, which leads to improved prediction accuracy in all four classification algorithms. We applied a feature combination method that improves the prediction accuracy and to test our approach, we ran an offline evaluation using the 1M MovieLens dataset, well-known evaluation metrics and comparisons between methods with the results validating our proposed method.
Study of mechanical properties and subsurface damage of quartz glass at high temperature based on MD simulation
Authors: Guo Xiaoguang , Chen Chong , Kang Renke , Jin Zhuji
Published: June 2019

The mechanical properties (hardness, elastic modulus) and subsurface damage of quartz glass at high temperature are studied by nanoindentation simulation based on molecular dynamics (MD). By heating the quartz crystal model to 3000[Formula: see text]K and annealing to 300[Formula: see text]K twice, the quartz glass model is prepared. According to the nanoindentation simulation results, the hardness of quartz glass decreases by 53.6% and the elastic modulus increases by 10.9% at 1500[Formula: see text]K compared to those at 300[Formula: see text]K. When the temperature rises from 300[Formula: see text]K to 1500[Formula: see text]K, the critical grinding depth of quartz glass increases from nanoscale to micron-scale. The investigation of subsurface damage shows that the damaged layer thickness decreases slightly with the increase of temperature. The damaged layer extends downward under the indenter at lower temperature and extends along the indenter at higher temperature.
The application of pXRF for the chemical and mineralogical characterization of heavy mineral sands
Authors: Gallhofer D. , Lottermoser B. G.
Published: June 2019

Heavy mineral sands (HMS) are a resource of Ti minerals, zircon, monazite and critical elements such as Hf and the rare earth elements (REE). Portable field techniques capable of measuring the geochemical composition, such as portable XRF (pXRF), may assist in identifying and quantifying the multiple minerals present in HMS. In this study, we assess the application of pXRF to the characterization of garnet–magnetite mineral sands from the Namibian coastline. Forty-six HMS samples from the northern Namibian coast were analysed by pXRF for SiO
2
, Ti, Mn, Fe, Zr, Th, Y, V and Hf. The HMS were analysed as powdered and unground samples to test whether minimal sample preparation yields reliable results. Our tests show that the pXRF results of unground sands scatter widely due to sample heterogeneity. Powdered samples, however, can be measured precisely and can be corrected with conventional laboratory analyses. Some spectral interference specific to this material occurs, e.g. Th on Pb and Bi and Hf on Cu. Selectively corrected pXRF data for powdered HMS were compared to XRD Rietveld data to determine proportions of heavy minerals (Ti minerals, Fe oxides, zircon, garnet). Geochemical and mineralogical data correlated well for garnet and moderately for Fe oxides and Ti minerals. The presence of zircon and monazite is also indicated by Zr, Hf and Th concentrations, which demonstrates that pXRF is a useful tool for HMS characterization.

Supplementary material:
Tables of raw data (Supplementary Table S1), statistical parameters (Supplementary Table S2) and corrected pXRF values (Supplementary Table S3) are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4536992
State-of-the-art analysis of geochemical data for mineral exploration
Authors: Grunsky E. C. , Caritat P. de
Published: June 2019

Multi-element geochemical surveys of rocks, soils, stream/lake/floodplain sediments and regolith are typically carried out at continental, regional and local scales. The chemistry of these materials is defined by their primary mineral assemblages and their subsequent modification by comminution and weathering. Modern geochemical datasets represent a multi-dimensional geochemical space that can be studied using multivariate statistical methods from which patterns reflecting geochemical/geological processes are described (process discovery). These patterns form the basis from which probabilistic predictive maps are created (process validation). Processing geochemical survey data requires a systematic approach to effectively interpret the multi-dimensional data in a meaningful way. Problems that are typically associated with geochemical data include closure, missing values, censoring, merging, levelling different datasets and adequate spatial sample design. Recent developments in advanced multivariate analytics, geospatial analysis and mapping provide an effective framework to analyse and interpret geochemical datasets. Geochemical and geological processes can often be recognized through the use of data discovery procedures such as the application of principal component analysis. Classification and predictive procedures can be used to confirm lithological variability, alteration and mineralization. Geochemical survey data of lake/till sediments from Canada and of floodplain sediments from Australia show that predictive maps of bedrock and regolith processes can be generated. Upscaling a multivariate statistics-based prospectivity analysis for arc-related Cu–Au mineralization from a regional survey in the southern Thomson Orogen in Australia to the continental scale, reveals a number of regions with a similar (or stronger) multivariate response and hence potentially similar (or higher) mineral potential throughout Australia.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Exploration 17 collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/exploration-17
Influence of a reservoir bed on diapirism and drilling hazards near a salt diapir: a geomechanical approach
Authors: Heidari Mahdi , Nikolinakou Maria A. , Hudec Michael R. , Flemings Peter B.
Published: June 2019

We use a 2D forward finite-element model to explore how a laterally continuous permeable bed impacts the geological evolution and the geomechanical properties of a salt basin. We show that a permeable bed tilted by rise of a salt diapir substantially increases pore pressure in sediments near the diapir through hydraulically connecting these sediments to deep, high-overpressure sediments far from the diapir. The pore-pressure increase near the diapir has the following significant consequences: it causes a faster rise of the diapir; brings sediments near the diapir close to shear failure
in situ
; causes unloading of sediments around the crest of the permeable bed; and reduces the margin of appropriate mud weights for drilling near the diapir. The rise of the salt diapir induces concentrated lateral deformation and thereby overpressure in mudrocks encasing the permeable bed in an area near the bottom of the basin. This anomalously high overpressure is in marked contrast with the overpressure in the permeable bed, resulting in a large pore-pressure gradient between the permeable bed and encasing mudrocks. Our study provides insight into the importance of permeable beds to the structural evolution of a salt basin and to the exploration and production of hydrocarbon near salt diapirs.
Semi-automated Cleaning of Laser Scanning Campaigns with Machine Learning
Authors: Marais Patrick , Dellepiane Matteo , Cignoni Paolo , Scopigno Roberto
Published: June 2019

Terrestrial laser scanning campaigns provide an important means to document the 3D structure of historical sites. Unfortunately, the process of converting the 3D point clouds acquired by the laser scanner into a coherent and accurate 3D model has many stages and is not generally automated. In particular, the initial cleaning stage of the pipeline—in which undesired scene points are deleted—remains largely manual and is usually labour intensive. In this article, we introduce a semi-automated cleaning approach that incrementally trains a random forest (RF) classifier on an initial keep/discard point labelling generated by the user when cleaning the first scan(s). The classifier is then used to predict the labelling of the next scan in the sequence. Before this classification is presented to the user, a denoising post-process, based on the 2D range map representation of the laser scan, is applied. This significantly reduces small isolated point clusters that the user would otherwise have to fix. The user then selects the remaining incorrectly labelled points and these are weighted, based on a confidence estimate, and fed back into the classifier to retrain it for the next scan. Our experiments, across 8 scanning campaigns, show that when the scan campaign is coherent, i.e., it does not contain widely disparate or contradictory data, the classifier yields a keep/discard labelling that typically ranges between 95% and 99%. This is somewhat surprising, given that the data in each class can represent many object types, such as a tree, person, wall, and so on, and that no further effort beyond the point labeling of keep/discard is required of the user. We conducted an informal timing experiment over a 15-scan campaign, which compared the processing time required by our software, without user interaction (point label correction) time, against the time taken by an expert user to completely clean all scans. The expert user required 95mins to complete all cleaning. The average time required by the expert to clean a single scan was 6.3mins. Even with current unoptimized code, our system was able to generate keep/discard labels for all scans, with 98% (average) accuracy, in 75mins. This leaves as much as 20mins for the user input required to relabel the 2% of mispredicted points across the set of scans before the full system time would match the expert’s cleaning time.
Polyphony
Authors: Raffaillac Thibault , Huot Stéphane
Published: June 2019

This paper introduces a new Graphical User Interface (GUI) and Interaction framework based on the Entity-Component-System model (ECS). In this model, interactive elements (Entities) are characterized only by their data (Components). Behaviors are managed by continuously running processes (Systems) which select entities by the Components they possess. This model facilitates the handling of behaviors and promotes their reuse. It provides developers with a simple yet powerful composition pattern to build new interactive elements with Components. It materializes interaction devices as Entities and interaction techniques as a sequence of Systems operating on them. We present Polyphony, an experimental toolkit implementing this approach, and discuss our interpretation of the ECS model in the context of GUIs programming.
Advanced maternal age and the impact on maternal and offspring cardiovascular health
Authors: Cooke Christy-Lynn M. , Davidge Sandra T.
Published: June 2019

Delaying pregnancy, which is on the rise, may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in both women and their children. The physiological mechanisms that lead to these effects are not fully understood but may involve inadequate adaptations of the maternal cardiovascular system to pregnancy. Indeed, there is abundant evidence in the literature that a fetus developing in a suboptimal in utero environment (such as in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and/or preeclampsia) is at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood, the developmental origins of health and disease theory. Although women of advanced age are at a significantly increased risk of pregnancy complications, there is limited information as to whether advanced maternal age constitutes an added stressor on the prenatal environment of the fetus, and whether or not this is secondary to impaired cardiovascular function during pregnancy. This review summarizes the current literature available on the impact of advanced maternal age on cardiovascular adaptations to pregnancy and the role of maternal age on long-term health risks for both the mother and offspring.
Identification of Novel RAS Signaling Therapeutic Vulnerabilities in Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas
Authors: Koncar Robert F. , Dey Brittany R. , Stanton Ann-Catherine J. , Agrawal Nishant , Wassell Michelle L. , McCarl Lauren H. , Locke Abigail. L. , Sanders Lauren , Morozova-Vaske Olena , Myers Max I. , Hamilton Ronald L. , Carcaboso Angel M. , Kohanbash Gary , Hu Baoli , Amankulor Nduka M. , Felker James , Kambhampati Madhuri , Nazarian Javad , Becher Oren J. , James C. David , Hashizume Rintaro , Broniscer Alberto , Pollack Ian F. , Agnihotri Sameer
Published: June 2019

Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) are incurable brain tumors with an aggressive onset. Apart from irradiation, there are currently no effective therapies available for patients with DIPG, who have a median survival time of less than one year. Most DIPG cells harbor mutations in genes encoding histone H3 (H3K27M) proteins, resulting in a global reduction of H3K27 trimethylation and activation of oncogenic signaling pathways. Here we show that the H3K27M mutations contribute to RAS pathway signaling, which is augmented by additional RAS activators including PDGFRA. H3K27M mutation led to increased expression of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK). A RAS pathway functional screen identified ERK5, but not ERK1/2, as a RAS pathway effector important for DIPG growth. Suppression of ERK5 decreased DIPG cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. In addition, depletion or inhibition of ERK5 significantly increased survival of mice intracranially engrafted with DIPG cells. Mechanistically, ERK5 directly stabilized the proto-oncogene MYC at the protein level. Collectively, our data demonstrate an underappreciated role of H3K27M in RAS activation and reveal novel therapeutic targets for treating DIPG tumors.

Significance:

These findings identify the H3K27M mutation as an enhancer of RAS activation in DIPG and ERK5 as a novel, immediately actionable molecular target.
Where Sin3a Meets STAT3: Balancing STAT3-Mediated Transcriptional Activation and Repression
Authors: Monteleone Emanuele , Poli Valeria
Published: June 2019

STAT3 can mediate epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes (TSG). However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved, except that this action is mediated by DNA methylation and requires STAT3 acetylation. In this issue of Cancer Research, Gambi and colleagues confirm that oncogene-driven constitutive STAT3 acetylation is responsible for TSG silencing. Furthermore, they show that the Sin3a transcriptional repressor complex is an obligatory partner of STAT3 on the promoters of the repressed genes, shedding light on the mechanisms involved in STAT3-mediated transcriptional repression, and more importantly, identifying that the STAT3–Sin3a axis is a potential selective therapeutic target in STAT3-dependent tumors.

See related article by Gambi et al., p. 3076
The Modifying Effect of Age on Survival in Parkinson’s Disease: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Peretz Chava , Rozani Violetta , Giladi Nir , El-Ad Baruch , Tsamir Judith , Hemo Beatriz , Gurevich Tanya
Published: June 2019

Background: To estimate the survival of a population-based cohort of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients stratified by age and sex over a 13-year period. Methods: The dynamic PD cohort included 6,622 incident PD patients who initiated anti-parkinsonian medications at age >40 years. The reference population (n = 401,498) consisted of members of a large health maintenance organization. We estimated the PD patients’ death risk and sex- and age-specific standardized mortality ratio (SMR). Results: During a follow-up of 5.2 ± 3.3 years, 36% of the cohort died. Older age at first PD treatment was associated with a 55% increase in mortality (for 5-year increase, p < 0.01). More PD patients died when compared to the same age and sex reference population in all age groups, with significant results at age groups >60 years at first treatment. The age-pooled SMR was twofold (SMR for the males = 2.05, 95% CI 1.73–2.42; SMR females = 2.13, 95% CI 1.74–2.62). The highest excess death for males was 2.5-fold for those aged 60–69 years, decreasing to twofold for those in the age range 70–79 years and to 1.5-fold for those aged 80+ years. A similar trend was found among females. Conclusion: Our large-scale cohort enabled us to find an age-differential standardized death risk among PD patients, with the largest increased risk at ages 60–69 years. Comorbidities and other contributory factors warrant further investigation.
Biomarker Predictors of Adverse Acute Kidney Injury Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients: The Dublin Acute Biomarker Group Evaluation Study
Authors: McMahon Blaithin A. , Galligan Marie , Redahan Lynn , Martin Terri , Meaney Edel , Cotter Eoin J. , Murphy Niamh , Hannon Claire , Doran Peter , Marsh Brian , Nichol Alistair , Murray Patrick T.
Published: June 2019

Background: The Dublin Acute Biomarker Group Evaluation (DAMAGE) Study is a prospective 2-center observational study investigating the utility of urinary biomarker combinations for the diagnostic and prognostic assessment of acute kidney injury (AKI) in a heterogeneous adult intensive care unit (ICU) population. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether serial urinary biomarker measurements, in combination with a simple clinical model, could improve biomarker performance in the diagnostic prediction of severe AKI and clinical outcomes such as death and need for renal replacement therapy (RRT). Methods: Urine was collected daily from patients admitted to the ICU, for a total of 7 post-admission days. Urine biomarker concentrations (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin [NGAL], α-glutathione S-transferase [GST], π-GST, kidney injury molecule-1 [KIM-1], liver-type fatty acid-binding protein [L-FABP], Cystatin C, creatinine, and albumin) were measured. Urine biomarkers were combined with a clinical prediction of AKI model, to determine ability to predict AKI (any stage, within 2 days or 7 days of ICU admission), or a ­30-day composite clinical outcome (RRT – or death). Results: A total of 257 (38%) patients developed AKI within 7 days of ICU admission. Of those who developed AKI, 106 (41%) patients met stage 3 AKI within 7 days of ICU admission and 208 patients of the entire study cohort (31%) met the composite clinical endpoint of in-hospital mortality or RRT within 30 days of ICU admission. The addition of urinary NGAL/albumin to the clinical model modestly improved the prediction of AKI, in particular severe stage 3 AKI (area under the curve [AUC] of 0.9 from 0.87, p = 0.369) and the prediction of 30-day RRT or death (AUC 0.83 from 0.79, p = 0.139). Conclusion: A clinical model incorporating severity of illness, patient demographics, and chronic illness with currently available clinical biomarkers of renal function was strongly predictive of development of AKI and associated clinical outcomes in a heterogeneous adult ICU population. The addition of urinary NGAL/albumin to this simple clinical model improved the prediction of severe AKI, need for RRT and death, but not at a statistically or clinically significant level, when compared to the clinical model alone.
What Is the Significance of Rete Testis Invasion by Malign Germ Cell Tumor and Does Hilum Predict Metastasis?
Authors: Ediz Caner , Ihvan Aysenur
Published: June 2019

Background: The significance of hilar soft tissue invasion of rete testis in malign germ cell tumors is still controversial on current guidelines. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the importance of hilar soft tissue involvement in germ cell tumors and evaluated the possibility of a risk factor such as rete testis. Method: Totally, 59 radical orchiectomy specimens operated between 2007 and 2015 at our clinics. All records were retrospectively researched. Patients’ age, level of tumor markers, tumor size, histological subtype, clinical stage, presence or absence of carcinoma in situ, vascular/lymphatic and/or hilar soft tissue invasion, tumoral necrosis, number, site and diameter of metastasis, type of further treatment (radiotherapy or chemotheraphy) and follow-up period were recorded and evaluated for all patients. Results: Twenty-six of totally 59 malign germ cell tumors were seminomatous and 33 were nonseminomatous (NS). Mean patients age was 38.54 years (range 17–89 years). Mean follow-up duration was 39.84 months (range 3–96). Serum tumor marker levels were found associated with rete testis invasion (p = 0.035). Hilar soft tissue invasion was significantly associated with vascular invasion (p = 0.001). As it was expected, vascular invasion was significantly associated with metastasis (p = 0.024). Conclusions: We concluded that there is a strong association between hilar soft tissue invasion and vascular invasion. Especially in NS germ cell tumors, hilar soft tissue involvement a risk factor for prognosis and to determine the need for additional treatment. According to our study, hilar soft tissue status should be reported on routine pathology report.
Differentiating Acute Interstitial Nephritis from Acute Tubular Injury: A Challenge for Clinicians
Authors: Moledina Dennis G. , Parikh Chirag R.
Published: June 2019

Background: Differentiating etiologies of acute kidney injury (AKI) is critical in determining the course of care in clinical practice. For example, acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) requires withdrawal of the offending drug and immunosuppressive therapy, while acute tubular injury (ATI) does not have any disease-specific therapies. Failure to distinguish AIN from ATI in a timely manner can lead to kidney fibrosis and chronic kidney disease. In this review, we discuss current tests and novel biomarkers to distinguish ATI from AIN. Summary: In a prospective cohort study of 32 participants with AIN and 41 with ATI, clinical features and current, laboratory tests did not provide sufficient distinction between the 2 subpopulations of AKI. The findings in our cohort are consistent with our review of the literature. Given the limitations of clinical features and laboratory assessments, clinical practice relies on kidney biopsy for histological diagnosis, which is not always feasible, and is associated with bleeding complications in high-risk populations. In addition, histological diagnosis is prone to sampling errors and inter-rater variability. In the interest of identifying a novel biomarker, we compared urine and plasma levels of cytokines in the Th1, Th2, and Th9 pathways, which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of AIN. Urine TNF-α and interleukin-9 were higher in AIN participants than in ATI controls and helped discriminate AIN from ATI (area under curve 0.83 [0.73–0.92]). Key Messages: Differentiation between AIN and ATI in patients with AKI using currently available tests is challenging. Urine TNF-α and interleukin-9 may help clinicians separate AIN from ATI.
Coronary Artery Calcium From Early Adulthood to Middle Age and Left Ventricular Structure and Function
Authors: Yared Guilherme S. , Moreira Henrique T. , Ambale-Venkatesh Bharath , Vasconcellos Henrique D. , Nwabuo Chike C. , Ostovaneh Mohammad R. , Reis Jared P. , Lloyd-Jones Donald M. , Schreiner Pamela J. , Lewis Cora E. , Sidney Stephen , Carr John J. , Gidding Samuel S. , Lima João A.C.
Published: June 2019

Background:

The relationship of coronary artery calcium (CAC) with adverse cardiac remodeling is not well established. We aimed to study the association of CAC in middle age and change in CAC from early adulthood to middle age with left ventricular (LV) function.

Methods:

CAC score was measured by computed tomography at CARDIA study (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) year-15 examination and at year-25 examination (Y25) in 3043 and 3189 participants, respectively. CAC score was assessed as a continuous variable and log-transformed to account for nonlinearity. Change in CAC from year-15 examination to Y25 was evaluated as the absolute difference of log-transformed CAC from year-15 examination to Y25. LV structure and function were evaluated by echocardiography at Y25.

Results:

At Y25, mean age was 50.1±3.6 years, 56.6% women, 52.4% black. In the multivariable analysis at Y25, higher CAC was related to higher LV mass (β=1.218; adjusted
P
=0.007), higher LV end-diastolic volume (β=0.811; adjusted
P
=0.007), higher LV end-systolic volume (β=0.350; adjusted
P
=0.048), higher left atrial volume (β=0.214; adjusted
P
=0.009), and higher E/e′ ratio (β=0.059; adjusted
P
=0.014). CAC was measured at both year-15 examination and Y25 in 2449 individuals. Higher change in CAC score during follow-up was independently related to higher LV mass index in blacks (β=4.789; adjusted
P
<0.001), but not in whites (β=1.051; adjusted
P
=0.283).

Conclusions:

Higher CAC in middle age is associated with higher LV mass and volumes and worse LV diastolic function. Being free of CAC from young adulthood to middle age correlates to better LV function at middle age. Higher change in CAC score during follow-up is independently related to higher LV mass index in blacks.
Ganoderma shanxiense, a new species from northern China based on morphological and molecular evidence
Authors: LIU HONG , GUO LI-JIE , LI SU-LING , FAN LI
Published: June 2019

Ganoderma shanxiense is described from Shanxi Province, northern China. It resembles a species of the G. lucidum complex in the appearance of the basidiomata but differs in the basidiospores which have a tapering and obtuse rather than truncate end. The multilocus phylogeny based on ITS, tef1α, rpb1 and rpb2 sequences supports G. shanxiense as a distinct species but closely related to G. lucidum and its allies. A key to the species of Ganoderma lucidum complex in China is presented.
A review of the lycophyte and fern names treated as new in Carl Peter Thunberg’s Flora Japonica
Authors: MAZUMDAR JAIDEEP , EBIHARA ATSUSHI
Published: June 2019

Following the advice of Carl Linnaean, his apostle Carl Peter Thunberg first explored Japan, a forbidden country for Europeans at that time. Thunberg collected several plants from Japan and described them in detail in his Flora Japonica. He also introduced some new species, the names of which are still accepted today, but as he published them later than their first publication he did not validly publish them. Here a revised list is presented of these lycophyte and fern (pteridophyte) names considered by Thunberg to be new, along with their valid publication details, type information and currently accepted names.
Catalogue of Sabellidae (Annelida: Polychaeta) from the Grand Caribbean Region
Authors: TOVAR-HERNÁNDEZ MARÍA ANA , SALAZAR-SILVA PATRICIA
Published: June 2019

The most recent checklist of polychaete worms of the Grand Caribbean region dates from 1996. Since then systematic contributions for the family Sabellidae have been published resulting in changes in the taxonomic status of various genera and species. This catalogue provides new names, synonymies, new records and a list of corrected references. Twenty two genera and 51 species are listed. Fabriciinae is represented by 10 species and six genera and Sabellinae with 41 species and 16 genera. Sixteen species that were originally described from the Grand Caribbean region are currently recognised as not valid, and 11 records as questionable until any revision sustains their distribution. Information for type locality and location of type materials are included.
One new genus and four new species of Phyllocoptinae (Acari: Eriophyoidea) from Fujian Province, southeastern China
Authors: SONG ZI-WEI , XUE XIAO-FENG , HONG XIAO-YUE
Published: June 2019

One new genus and four new species of the Phyllocoptinae from Fujian Province, southeastern China are described and illustrated. They are Fujianacarus gen. nov. and Fujianacarus wisterianis sp. nov. on Wisteria sinensis (Sims) Sweet (Fabaceae); Epitrimerus buxsinica sp. nov. on Buxus sinica (Rehd. et Wils.) Cheng (Buxaceae); Shevtchenkella camelliae sp. nov. on Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Ktze. (Theaceae) and Jutarus dolichocladae sp. nov. on Bambusa dolichoclada Hayata (Poaceae). All species are vagrant on the undersurface of leaves, causing no apparent damage to the host plant.
An unusual new species of Scenopinus Latreille (Diptera: Scenopinidae) from Australia
Authors: WINTERTON SHAUN L.
Published: June 2019

Scenopinidae are a small family (ca. 300 species) of asiloid flies distributed on all continents except Antarctica. This family is closely related to Therevidae (Stiletto flies) based on the secondarily segmented characteristic of their larvae. Scenopinids are typically very small flies, frequently less than 5 mm total body length.
An unusual new genus and species of Hecalini leafhopper from southern China (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae)
Authors: HE ZHI-QIANG , ZHANG YA-LIN , WEBB MICHAEL D.
Published: June 2019

An interesting new genus and species of Hecalini leafhopper, Hecalusina unispinosa, sp. n., are described from southern China. The unusual features of the new genus, including the male and female genitalia, are discussed and compared to other Hecalini.
A new species of Notonyx A. Milne-Edwards, 1873 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Goneplacidae) from Indonesia
Authors: NG PETER K. L. , CLARK PAUL F.
Published: June 2019

A new species of Notonyx A. Milne-Edwards, 1873 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Goneplacidae) is described from the Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia. It differs from known congeners by possessing a relatively broader carapace and distinctive male first gonopod. The affinities of the new species with the superficially similar N. nitidus A. Milne-Edwards, 1873, and N. gigacarcinicus Clark & Ng, 2005, are discussed.
Two new species and a new subspecies of Tetraclitella (Cirripedia: Thoracica) from the Cainozoic of Australia and New Zealand and a consideration of the significance of tubiferous walls
Authors: BUCKERIDGE JOHN S.
Published: June 2019

A tubiferous cirripede Tetraclitella judiciae sp. nov., previously known only from two isolated and incomplete shell wall plates identified as Tetraclitella sp. cf. T. purpurascens (Wood, 1815), is described from the early Miocene of Victoria, Australia; a further taxon, Tetraclitella purpurascens miocenica subsp. nov., occurs in the late Miocene-Pliocene of Victoria, and specimens from the early Miocene of New Zealand, previously recorded as Tetraclitella sp. cf. T. purpurascens (Wood, 1815) are redesignated as Tetraclitella nodicostata sp. nov. Tetraclitella is the first cirripede genus known to have had tubiferous walls. Incorporation of chitinous stringers within the shell wall of early tetraclitids (e.g. Epopella) may have facilitated the development of the tubiferous shell wall, which permitted sessile barnacles to maximise the shell strength to calcite ratio: in doing so, these chitinous stringers not only reduced the diversion of energy required to extract calcium carbonate from seawater, but improved the effectiveness of the shell wall in resisting predators. It is also argued here that the presence of chitin within the shell increased resistance to both corrasion and corrosion, the latter becoming an increasing problem for calcareous shelled organisms following a drop in the pH of seawater after the PalaeoceneEocene Thermal Maximum.
A review of the genus Scaphidium Oliver (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scaphidiinae) from Tianmushan, East China
Authors: HE WEN-JIA , TANG LIANG , LI LI-ZHEN
Published: June 2019

Five species of the genus Scaphidium are recorded from the Tianmushan mountain chain, including Scaphidum wuyongxiangi He, Tang & Li, sp. nov. The male of S. stigmatinotum Löbl is discovered and described for the first time. The variability of S. sinense Pic is discussed. A key to Scaphidium species of this area is provided.
A taxonomic catalog, including host and geographic distribution, of the species of the genus Gyropus Nitzsch (Phthiraptera: Amblycera: Gyropidae)
Authors: VALIM MICHEL P. , LINARDI PEDRO MARCOS
Published: June 2019

This taxonomic catalog of the species of the genus Gyropus (Phthiraptera, Amblycera, Gyropidae) includes 27 species and subspecies listed in alphabetical order. The deposition of types, synonymies, collection data, geographical and host distribution are presented for each species. Relevant published taxonomic and biological references are provided. Cases of doubtful host records are discussed with some changes in host associations proposed based on current knowledge of host geographical distributions. The host of Gyropus martini matthaeensis, the only species without a known host, is proposed based on morphological features and distribution records.
Five new species of Cernotina Ross (Trichoptera: Polycentropodidae) from Central Amazonia, Brazil
Authors: SANTOS ALLAN PAULO MOREIRA , NESSIMIAN JORGE LUIZ
Published: June 2019

Five new species of Cernotina Ross, 1938—Cernotina odonta sp. nov., Cernotina lobisomem sp. nov., Cernotina pesae sp. nov., Cernotina aruma sp. nov., and Cernotina flexuosa sp. nov.—are described and figured from specimens collected in Central Amazonia, Amazonas State, Brazil. With the addition of these new species, 31 species of the genus are now known from Brazil and 22 in Amazonas State.
Description of two new species of Sinophlaeoba and the female of S. bannaensis (Orthoptera: Acrididae) from Yunnan, China
Authors: MAO BEN-YONG , OU XIAO-HONG , REN GUO-DONG
Published: June 2019

The generic diagnosis of genus Sinophlaeoba Niu et Zheng, 2005 is reviewed. The main morphological characters that this genus distinguishes with its relatives are: head nearly as long as pronotum; pronotum with irregular and short carinae between median and lateral carinae; tegmina not surpassing beyond the middle of hind femora and touching each other in mid dorsal line. S. laoyinshan sp. nov. and S. brachyptera sp. nov. from Yunnan, China are described as new species, as well as the female of S. bannaensis Niu et Zheng, 2005 for the first time. All specimens are deposited in the College of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Dali University (CLDU), except that are mentioned otherwise. A key to three known species is given.
Two new species of Eriococcus (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Eriococcidae), from the Andino Patagonica region of Argentina, with a key to the Eriococcus species of that region
Authors: GONZÁLEZ PATRICIA
Published: June 2019

The adult females of two new species of Eriococcidae from the Andino Patagonica region of Argentina, namely Eriococcus dombeyae González sp. nov. and E. pumiliae González sp. nov. are described and illustrated; both species are on Nothofagus. A key to the Eriococcus species from Andean Patagonian forests is included.