bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Id4 Suppresses the Growth and Invasion of Colorectal Cancer HCT116 Cells through CK18-Related Inhibition of AKT and EMT Signaling
Authors: Chen Hui-Jing , Yu Yue , Sun Yan-Xia , Huang Chuan-Zhong , Li Jie-Yu , Liu Fang , Guo Guo-Xiang , Ye Yun-Bin
Published: April 2021

Id4 is one of the inhibitors of DNA-binding proteins (Id) and involved in the pathogenesis of numerous cancers. The specific mechanism underlying the Id4-mediated regulation of proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells is still largely unclear. In the present study, results showed CRC cells had a lower baseline Id4 expression than normal intestinal epithelial NCM460 cells. In order to explore the role of Id4 in the tumorigenicity, CRC HCT116 cells with stable Id4 expression were used, and results showed Id4 overexpression arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase, inhibited the cell proliferation and the colony formation, as well as suppressed the migration and invasion. In the in vivo model, Id4 overexpression inhibited the tumor growth and metastasis in the nude mice. Furthermore, Id4 overexpression upregulated the expression of proteins associated with cell proliferation, inhibited the PI3K/AKT pathway, and suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HCT116 cells. Moreover, Id4 significantly decreased cytokeratin 18 (CK18) expression, but CK18 overexpression in Id4 expressing HCT116-Id4 cells rescued the activation of AKT, p-AKT, MMP2, MMP7, and E-cadherin. Collectively, our study indicated Id4 may inhibit CRC growth and metastasis through inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway in a CK18-dependent manner and suppressing EMT. Id4 may become a target for the treatment of CRC.
Anthraquinones from the Roots of Kniphofia insignis and Evaluation of Their Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Tadesse Asnakew Amare , Ayana Negera Abdissa , Keneni Dele Abdissa
Published: April 2021

Sequential extraction using a cold maceration method and column chromatographic separation of the roots Kniphofia insignis headed to the isolation of three anthraquinones: one monomeric anthraquinone (1) and two dimeric anthraquinones (2 and 3). It was further purified by Sephadex LH-20 and recrystallized. The structures of these compounds were established based on the spectroscopic analyses including NMR (1H-NMR and 13C-NMR and infrared) and comparison with reported literatures. In an in vitro antimicrobial assay of the crude extracts, the isolated compounds were made against four bacterial strains (S. aureus ATCC 25923, B. subtilis ATCC 6633, E. coli ATCC 35218, and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853) and Fusarium spp. fungal strain. In the crude extracts of chloroform, substantial antimicrobial activity was seen with the highest activity against B. subtilis (16 mm) and E. coli (22 mm). Meanwhile, compound 1 has a better zone of inhibition with 14 mm against P. aeruginosa, whereas compound 2 showed better activity (13 mm) against Fusarium spp. fungal strain.
Investigating the Biomarkers of the Sasang Constitution via Network Pharmacology Approach
Authors: Lee Won-Yung , Lee Choong-Yeol , Kim Chang-Eop , Kim Ji-Hwan
Published: April 2021

Sasang constitutional (SC) medicine classifies people into Soeum (SE), Soyang (SY), Taeeum (TE), and Taeyang (TY) types based on psychological and physical traits. However, biomarkers of these types are still unclear. We aimed to identify biomarkers among the SC types using network pharmacology methods. Target genes associated with the SC types were identified by grouping herb targets that preserve and strengthen the requisite energy (Bomyeongjiju). The herb targets were obtained by constructing an herb-compound-target network. We identified 371, 185, 146, and 89 target genes and their unique biological processes related to SE, SY, TE, and TY types, respectively. While the targets of SE and SY types were the most similar among the target pairs of the SC types, those of TY type overlapped with only a few other SC-type targets. Moreover, SE, SY, TE, and TY were related to “diseases of the digestive system,” “diseases of the nervous system,” “endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases,” and “congenital malformations, deformations, and chromosomal abnormalities,” respectively. We successfully identified the target genes, biological processes, and diseases related to each SC type. We also demonstrated that a drug-centric approach using network pharmacology analysis provides a deeper understanding of the concept of Sasang constitutional medicine at a phenotypic level.
Change of Apoptosis and Glucose Metabolism in Lung Cancer Xenografts during Cytotoxic and Anti-Angiogenic Therapy Assessed by Annexin V Based Optical Imaging and 18F-FDG-PET/CT
Authors: Gross Jasmin , Palmowski Karin , Doleschel Dennis , Rix Anne , Gremse Felix , Verburg Frederic , Mottaghy Felix M. , Kiessling Fabian , Lederle Wiltrud , Palmowski Moritz
Published: April 2021

Aim of the Study. To compare Annexin V-based optical apoptosis imaging with the assessment of the glucose metabolism using 18F-FDG-PET/CT for monitoring the response to cytotoxic (carboplatin) and anti-angiogenic (sunitinib) therapy. Methods. For apoptosis imaging, the near-infrared probe Annexin Vivo750 was used in combination with fluorescence molecular tomography and microcomputed tomography (FMT/µCT). Glucose metabolism was assessed using 18F-FDG-PET/CT. Five groups of nude mice bearing lung cancer xenografts (A549) were investigated: (i) untreated controls and two groups after (ii) cytotoxic (carboplatin) or (iii) anti-angiogenic (sunitinib) treatment for four and nine days, respectively. Imaging data were validated by immunohistochemistry. Results. In response to carboplatin treatment, an inverse relation was found between the change in glucose metabolism and apoptosis in A549 tumors. Annexin Vivo showed a continually increasing tumor accumulation, while the tumor-to-muscle ratio of 18F-FDG continuously decreased during therapy. Immunohistochemistry revealed a significantly higher tumor apoptosis (

p
=
0.007

) and a minor but not significant reduction in vessel density only at day 9 of carboplatin therapy. Interestingly, during anti-angiogenic treatment there was an early drop in the tumor-to-muscle ratio between days 0 and 4, followed by a subsequent minor decrease (18F-FDG tumor-to-muscle-ratio: 1.9 ± 0.4; day 4: 1.1 ± 0.2; day 9: 1.0 ± 0.2;

p
=
0.021

and

p
=
0.001

, respectively). The accumulation of Annexin Vivo continuously increased over time (Annexin Vivo: untreated: 53.7 ± 36.4 nM; day 4: 87.2 ± 53.4 nM; day 9: 115.1 ± 103.7 nM) but failed to display the very prominent early induction of tumor apoptosis that was found by histology already at day 4 (TUNEL:

p
=
0.0036

) together with a decline in vessel density (CD31:

p
=
0.004

), followed by no significant changes thereafter. Conclusion. Both molecular imaging approaches enable visualizing the effects of cytotoxic and anti-angiogenic therapy in A549 tumors. However, the early and strong tumor apoptosis induced by the anti-angiogenic agent sunitinib was more sensitively and reliably captured by monitoring of the glucose metabolism as compared to Annexin V-based apoptosis imaging.
Filling Path Planning and Polygon Operations for Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing Process
Authors: Zhang Jiansheng , Wang Qiuyun , Xiao Guiqian , Zhou Jie
Published: April 2021

To improve the service life of hot forging die, the additive manufacturing algorithm and additive manufacturing device for die remanufacturing are developed. Firstly, a compound filling algorithm in which the inner zone is filled by linear scanning and the outer contour is filled by offsetting is developed in order to solve the problems encountered in filling path planning for wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) like staircase effect at marginal division, degenerated edge at outer contour, programming difficulty, and so forth. Meanwhile, the attitude control algorithm of welding gun is proposed to control the angle between welding gun and welding path so as to improve the welding forming quality. Secondly, the high-temperature and low-temperature wear resistances of Fe-based and Ni-based alloy are tested. The results show that Ni-based alloy has higher high-temperature wear resistance. Finally, a disabled crankshaft hot forging die is selected for application test and the results show that, using the techniques discussed in this paper, welding materials can be saved by more than 50% and machining cost can be saved by more than 60%. In addition, the surface of automatic-repaired die is smooth without oxidation, collapse, and other defects after forging 3000 times, which is much better than that of manual-repaired die.
Experimental Study on Dynamic Characteristics of Shut-In and Restart Process in Water Drive Strong Heterogeneous Oil Reservoir
Authors: Chen Hao , Yang Mingyang , Yu Haizeng , Yang Shenglai , Wang Mibang
Published: April 2021

The main purpose of this investigation is to study the dynamic characteristics of shut-in and restart process in reservoirs with high water cut and strong vertical heterogeneity. The physical model, which includes three layers with low, medium, and high-permeability from top to bottom, was made according to the similarity law. Water drive test, the first restart test, and the second restart test were conducted, respectively. Water cut, oil recovery, and saturation distribution of the remaining oil were obtained during the tests. On this basis, mechanisms of shut-in and restart process of the reservoir were analyzed. It is concluded that appropriate developing plan such as layering mining and cyclic waterflooding should be implemented for developing strong heterogeneity reservoirs. The shut-in and restart tests showed that closing the water-flooded layer is beneficial for enlarging the sweep volume. Besides, water cut of 98% does not mean the economic limits of waterflooding. Under the effect of capillary force and gravitational differentiation, oil and water will redistribute in the formation. The redistribution of the oil and water, the fluctuation of the pressure difference, and the rebuild of the flow path, which produce parts of the bypassed oil, are the main mechanisms of the recovery enhancement by shut-in and restart operation. It should be noted that the shut-in and restart process indeed prolongs the waterflooding development. However, simply replying on the oil and water distribution under static conditions cannot greatly enhance the oil recovery.
Breaking Mechanism and Damage Evolution Rule of Ultra‐High‐Pressure Water Jet Impacting Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Liu Jialiang , Chen Yuelong , Zhu Yujie
Published: April 2021

Based on smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method, this paper carried out the numerical simulation of ultra‐high‐pressure water jet (UHP‐WJ) impacting steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC), verified the established numerical model by UHP‐WJ impacting SFRC and computed tomography (CT) scanning experiments, and explored breaking mechanism and damage evolution rule of SFRC impacted by UHP‐WJ. Results indicate that in the weak effect zone of steel fiber, the failure of concrete is generated and developed along the axial direction of UHP‐WJ into a bowl‐shaped crater with the combining action of compressive stress and shear stress. In the affected area of steel fiber, due to the inhomogeneity in the contact area of steel fiber and concrete, the stress concentration in the contact area is produced, causing the formation of propagated crack along the steel fiber. And the steel fiber has an obstruction effect on the development of broken bodies on the upper and lower sides of steel fiber. With the sustained action of UHP‐WJ, the steel fiber in the intense radiation area of stress waves takes place fracture and finally the broken bodies on the upper and lower sides of steel fiber fuse. In addition, based on the CT scans and digital image processing technology, this paper also comparatively analyzed the internal fragmentations of SFRC and the ordinary concrete subjected to UHP‐WJ impact, and it is found that compared with the ordinary concrete, there is smaller dimension of crater and it is difficult to engender macrocrack for SFRC, with lower damage and higher damage attenuation speed along the axial and radial directions.
A Heuristic Solution Approach to Order Batching and Sequencing for Manual Picking and Packing Lines considering Fatiguing Effect
Authors: Feng Xiaochun , Hu Xiangpei
Published: April 2021

In this research, we study an extended version of the joint order batching and scheduling optimization for manual vegetable order picking and packing lines with consideration of workers’ fatiguing effect. This problem is faced by many B2C fresh produce grocers in China on a daily basis which could severely decrease overall workflow efficiency in distribution center and customer satisfaction. In this order batching and sequencing problem, the setup time for processing each batch is volume-dependent and similarity dependent, as less ergonomic motion is needed in replenishing and picking similar orders. In addition, each worker’s fatiguing effect, usually caused by late shift and repetitive operation, which affects order processing times, is assumed to follow a general form of logistic growth with respect to the start time of order processing. We develop a heuristic approach to solve the resultant NP-hard problem for minimization of the total completion time. For order batching, a revised similarity index takes into account not only the number of common items in any two orders but also the proportion of these items based on the vegetable order feature. To sequence batches, the genetic algorithm is adapted and improved with proposed several efficient initialization and precedence rules. Within each batch, a revised nondecreasing item quantity algorithm is used. The performance of the proposed heuristic solution approach is evaluated using numerical instances generated from practical warehouse operations of our partnering B2C grocer. The efficiency of the proposed heuristic approach is demonstrated.
Prospective Comparison of Moderate Conscious Sedation and Anesthesia Assistance for the Performance of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Authors: Akhter Ahmed , Patel Ravi , Nelsen Eric , Benson Mark E. , Gopal Deepak V. , Soni Anurag , Pfau Patrick
Published: April 2021

Objectives. Recent trends have favored the use of anesthesia personnel more frequently for advanced endoscopic procedures. We hypothesize a selective sedation approach based on patient and procedural factors using either moderate conscious sedation (MCS) or general anesthesia (GA) will result in similar outcomes and safety with significant cost savings. Methods. A 12-month prospective study of all adult endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCPs) performed at a tertiary medical center was enrolled. Technical success, cannulation rates, procedural related complications, procedure time, and cost were compared between MCS and GA. Results. A total of 876 ERCPs were included in the study with 74% performed with MCS versus 26% with GA. The intended intervention was completed successfully in 95% of cases with MCS versus 96% cases with GA (

p

 = 0.59). Cannulation success rates with MCS were 97.5 versus 97.8% with GA (

p

 = 0.81). Overall, adverse event rates were similar in both groups (MCS: 6.6% vs. GA: 9.2%,

p

 = 0.21). Mean procedure time was less for MCS versus GA, 18.3 and 26 minutes, respectively (

p

 < 0.0001). Selective use of MCS vs. universal sedation with GA resulted in estimated savings of $8,190 per case and $4,735,202 per annum. Conclusions. Preselection of ERCP sedation of moderate conscious sedation versus general anesthesia based upon patient risk factors and planned therapeutic intervention allows for the majority of ERCPs to be completed with MCS with similar rates of technical success and improvement in resource utilization and cost savings compared to performing ERCPs universally with anesthesia assistance.
Behavior Analysis of a Flexure Hinge Array
Authors: Le Chau Ngoc , Tran Ngoc Thoai , Dao Thanh-Phong
Published: April 2021

Compliant mechanisms have been well designed to reach an ultra-high accuracy in positioning systems. However, the displacement of compliant mechanisms is still a major problem that restricts practical applications. Hence, a new flexure hinge array (FHA) is proposed to improve its displacement in this article. This paper is aimed to design and optimize the FHA. The structure of FHA is constructed by series-parallel array. Analytical calculations of the FHA are derived so as to analyze the stiffness and deformation. The displacement of the FHA is optimized by moth-flame optimization algorithm. The results determined that optimal parameters are found at Lt1 of 20.58 mm,

w

t
1

of 1.92 mm, and

w

t
2

of 2.29 mm. Besides, the optimal displacement is about 27.02 mm. Through Kruskal–Wallis test, the results verified that the proposed MFO outperforms other optimization algorithms in terms of searching the largest displacement. Validations of the analytical models are verified through simulations and experiments. The theoretical results are close to the experimental results. Additionally, the displacement of the FHA is superior that of existing joints. The displacement in the z-direction is approximately 32 mm according to a displacement of 12 mm in the x-direction.
Inhibition of Granulocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Overcomes Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in LKB1-Deficient Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Li Rui , Salehi-Rad Ramin , Crosson William , Momcilovic Milica , Lim Raymond J. , Ong Stephanie L. , Huang Zi Ling , Zhang Tianhao , Abascal Jensen , Dumitras Camelia , Jing Zhe , Park Stacy J. , Krysan Kostyantyn , Shackelford David B. , Tran Linh M. , Liu Bin , Dubinett Steven M.
Published: April 2021

LKB1 inactivating mutations are commonly observed in patients with KRAS-mutant non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although treatment of NSCLC with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has resulted in improved overall survival in a subset of patients, studies have revealed that co-occurring KRAS/LKB1 mutations drive primary resistance to ICIs in NSCLC. Effective therapeutic options that overcome ICI resistance in LKB1-mutant NSCLC are limited. Here, we report that loss of LKB1 results in increased secretion of the C–X–C motif (CXC) chemokines with an NH2-terminal Glu-Leu-Arg (ELR) motif in premalignant and cancerous cells, as well as in genetically engineered murine models (GEMM) of NSCLC. Heightened levels of ELR+ CXC chemokines in LKB1-deficient murine models of NSCLC positively correlated with increased abundance of granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (G-MDSC) locally within the tumor microenvironment and systemically in peripheral blood and spleen. Depletion of G-MDSCs with antibody or functional inhibition via all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) led to enhanced antitumor T-cell responses and sensitized LKB1-deficent murine tumors to PD-1 blockade. Combination therapy with anti–PD-1 and ATRA improved local and systemic T-cell proliferation and generated tumor-specific immunity. Our findings implicate ELR+ CXC chemokine-mediated enrichment of G-MDSCs as a potential mediator of immunosuppression in LKB1-deficient NSCLC and provide a rationale for using ATRA in combination with anti–PD-1 therapy in patients with LKB1-deficient NSCLC refractory to ICIs.

Significance:

These findings show that accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in LKB1-deficient non–small cell lung cancer can be overcome via treatment with all-trans-retinoic acid, sensitizing tumors to immunotherapy.
Grandmaternal Perinatal Serum DDT in Relation to Granddaughter Early Menarche and Adult Obesity: Three Generations in the Child Health and Development Studies Cohort
Authors: Cirillo Piera M. , La Merrill Michele A. , Krigbaum Nickilou Y. , Cohn Barbara A.
Published: April 2021

Background:

Serum DDTs during or just after pregnancy were associated with breast cancer in mothers (F0), and with breast cancer, mammographic density, and obesity in adult daughters (F1) in the Child Health and Development Studies multi-generational cohort in prior publications. Here, we investigate F0 perinatal serum DDT associations with granddaughters'(F2) measured obesity at a median age of 26 and self-reported age at menarche.

Methods:

F2 weight, height and waist circumference were measured by trained examiners. o,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE were measured in archived F0 perinatal serum. F0 DDT associations with F2 outcomes, accounting for F1 characteristics, were estimated in log-linear models adjusted for F0 and F1 body mass index (BMI), race, and menarche timing (N = 258 triads for obesity; N = 235 triads for early menarche). Interactions between F0 BMI and DDTs were estimated.

Results:

F0 o,p'-DDT was associated with F2 obesity [Odds ratio (OR), 2.6; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.3–6.7; tertile 3 vs. 1), among normal weight F0 (70%), but not among overweight and obese F0 (Pinteraction = 0.03), independent of other DDTs. F0 o,p'-DDT was also associated with F2 early menarche (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1–3.9, tertile 3 vs. 1) and this association was not modified by F0 BMI.

Conclusions:

Ancestral exposure to environmental chemicals, banned decades ago, may influence the development of earlier menarche and obesity, which are established risk factors for breast cancer and cardiometabolic diseases.

Impact:

Discovery of actionable biomarkers of response to ancestral environmental exposures in young women may provide opportunities for breast cancer prevention.

See related commentary by Fenton and Boyles, p. 1459
Femoral Mycotic Aneurysm Secondary to Community: Acquired Methicillin: Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection
Authors: Butt Fahad Fayyaz , Kandath Mohamed Ashraf , Mir Fatima Farid , Ahmed Thouqeer
Published: April 2021

We present the case of a thirteen-year-old, morbidly obese boy admitted with right hip septic arthritis and severe sepsis. Blood and joint aspirate cultures confirmed growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Parenteral antibiotic therapy was administered according to culture sensitivity reports, and several joint re-explorations were required for drainage of pus recollection at the hip site. Over a month-long inpatient stay culminated in an episode of profuse fresh bleeding from the right hip wound site, with subsequent CT angiography confirming mycotic aneurysm development at the deep branch of the femoral artery. Emergent endovascular embolization and coil insertion ensued, allowing steady improvement till discharge home.
Thyroid Dysfunction in Ménière’s Disease: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Hwang Gloria , Saadi Robert , Patel Vijay A. , Liaw Jeffrey , Isildak Huseyin
Published: April 2021

Introduction: The precise etiology of Ménière’s disease (MD) remains unknown; however, given the association of MD with serum antibodies and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex, several studies have proposed a relationship between MD and thyroid disorders. Similarly, multiple hypotheses exist regarding the metabolic disturbances of fluctuating thyroid hormone as a potential contributing agent in the development of MD. Methods: A total of 171 abstracts were identified and screened by 2 independent reviewers. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 8 studies were selected for final analysis. Due to heterogeneity of clinical data, meta-analysis was not feasible. Results: The prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disease and hypothyroidism in MD varied significantly from 1 to 38%. Notable bias was introduced given the lack of standardization of diagnostic criteria across studies. Articles that described autoimmune thyroid-specific antibodies and HLA types also presented inconclusive results. Multiple studies noted a potential etiologic role of hypothyroidism in MD, which was often confounded by thyroxine supplementation. Conclusions: Despite a potential correlation in the medical literature between thyroid disorders and MD, there is currently no definitive causal relationship. Although most of the present medical literature focuses on autoimmunity, dysregulated thyroid hormone levels may also be implicated in the association of MD with thyroid disorders.
Prevalence and Timing of Tracheostomy and Its Impact on Clinical Outcomes in COVID-19 Pneumonia Patients in Dubai Hospital
Authors: Nadeem Rashid , Zahra Ahmed Najah , Hassan Mustafa , Parvez Yusuf , Gundawar Nilesh , Hussein Mohammed A.M. , Younis Manal , Mathews Manoj P. , Khan Wasim , Saleh Majid Ahmed , Mumtaz Imran , Aljaghoub Hebah Rami , Elfatih Ahd , Waleed Alaa , Ghoneem Alaa
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Coronavirus has caused more than a million deaths as of October 2020. Hospitals consider tracheostomy after the patient is virus negative, usually after 3 weeks. Prevalence and timing of tracheostomy and its impact on survival among COVID patients are unknown. Methods: A retrospective, single-center study of all patients with COVID-19 ARDS who underwent tracheostomy was conducted. Patients with age <18 and patients treated with ECMO were excluded. Duration of ventilation before tracheostomy was recorded. Clinical variables, outcome variables, and confounding variables were recorded and compared between patients with tracheostomy and without tracheostomy. The aim was to determine prevalence and timing of tracheostomy and its impact on clinical outcomes. Results: We found that tracheostomies were performed only in 21 out of 196 patients (10.8%). Tracheostomies were performed after 3 weeks on average (22.1 ± 7.5 days). Survival was significantly higher in patients who underwent tracheostomy (85.7 vs. 42.5%, p = 0.001). LOSICU was longer for tracheostomy patients than patients without tracheostomy (median [IQR]: 35 [23–47] vs. 15 [9–21], p = 0.001). Patients who underwent tracheostomy had a higher proportion of treatment with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) (52 vs. 30%, p = 0.04), more COVID-19 swab testing (6.5 [4.5–8.5] vs. 5 [3–7], p = 0.002), more days on mechanical ventilation (34.5 [24–45] vs. 11 [5.5–16.5], p = 0.001), and more length of stay in the hospital (54 [38–70] vs. 20 [10.5–29.5], p = 0.001). All other factors were not statistically different between the 2 groups. Approximately 29% of patients had possible false-negative testing as their swab became positive after being negative. Conclusion: Tracheostomy was performed only in 10% of our patients with COVID-19 ARDS. Time to tracheostomy was after 3 weeks on average. Survival was better in patients with tracheostomy, but tracheostomized patients stayed longer in the ICU and hospital and utilized more days of mechanical ventilation and CRRT.
Contributions of Real-World Evidence and Real-World Data to Decision-Making in the Management of Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Demetri George D. , Stacchiotti Silvia
Published: April 2021

Real-world data are defined as data relating to any aspect of a patient’s health status collected in the context of routine health surveillance and medical care delivery. Sources range from insurance billing claims through to electronic surveillance data (e.g., activity trackers). Real-world data derive from large populations in diverse clinical settings and thus can be extrapolated more readily than clinical trial data to patients in different clinical settings or with a variety of comorbidities. Real-world data are used to generate real-world evidence, which might be regarded as a “meta-analysis” of accumulated real-world data. Increasingly, regulatory authorities are recognizing the value of real-world data and real-world evidence, especially for rare diseases where it may be practically unfeasible to conduct randomized controlled trials. However, the quality of real-world evidence depends on the quality of the data collected which, in turn, depends on a correct pathological diagnosis and the homogeneous behaviour of a reliably defined and consistent disease entity. As each of the more than 80 varieties of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) types represents a distinct disease entity, the situation is exceedingly complicated. Discordant diagnoses, which affect data quality, present a major challenge for use of real-world data. As real-world data are difficult to collect, collaboration across sarcoma reference institutions and sophisticated information technology solutions are required before the potential of real-world evidence to inform decision-making in the management of STS can be fully exploited.
Transamniotic Stem Cell Therapy for Experimental Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Structural, Transcriptional, and Cell Kinetics Analyses in the Nitrofen Model
Authors: Chalphin Alexander V. , Lazow Stefanie P. , Labuz Daniel F. , Tracy Sarah A. , Kycia Ina , Zurakowski David , Fauza Dario O.
Published: April 2021

Purpose: We examined select pulmonary effects and donor cell kinetics after transamniotic stem cell therapy (TRASCET) in a model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Methods: Pregnant dams (n = 58) received nitrofen on gestational day 9.5 (E9) to induce fetal CDH. Fetuses (n = 681) were divided into 4 groups: untreated (n = 99) and 3 groups receiving volume-matched intra-amniotic injections on E17 of either saline (n = 142), luciferase-labeled amniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells (afMSCs; n = 299), or acellular recombinant luciferase (n = 141). Pulmonary morphometry, quantitative gene expression of pulmonary vascular tone mediators, or screening for labeled afMSCs were performed at term (E22). Statistical comparisons were by Mann-Whitney U-test, nested ANOVA, and Wald test. Results: TRASCET led to significant downregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and endothelin receptor-A expressions compared to both untreated and saline groups (both p < 0.001). TRASCET also led to a significant decrease in arteriole wall thickness compared to the untreated group (p < 0.001) but not the saline group (p = 0.180). Donor afMSCs were identified in the bone marrow and umbilical cord (p = 0.035 and 0.015, respectively, vs. plain luciferase controls). Conclusions: The effects of TRASCET in experimental CDH appear to be centered on the pulmonary vasculature and to derive from circulating donor cells.
MAP17 Expression in Colorectal Cancer Is a Prognostic Factor for Disease Recurrence and Dismal Prognosis Already in Early Stage Disease
Authors: Tampakis Athanasios , Tampaki Ekaterini Christina , Nonni Afroditi , Kontos Michael , Tsourouflis Gerasimos , Posabella Alberto , Fourie Lana , Bolli Martin , Kouraklis Gregory , von Flüe Markus , Felekouras Evangelos , Nikiteas Nikolaos
Published: April 2021

Background: Disease recurrence in colorectal cancer constitutes a major cause of significant cancer-associated morbidity and mortality. MAP17 is a small protein, and its overexpression in malignant tumors has been correlated with aggressive tumor phenotypes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression patterns of MAP17 in colorectal cancer specimens and to assess its clinical significance. Patients and Methods: Surgical specimens of 111 patients with primary resectable colorectal cancer constituted the study population. Expression of MAP17 was assessed by immunohistochemistry, and the results were correlated with clinical and survival data. Results: MAP17 was expressed in cancer cells and endothelial cells of tumor blood vessels. Expression of MAP17 more than 10% was correlated with advanced disease stage (p < 0.001), higher T classification (p = 0.007), the presence of lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001), vascular (p = 0.013) and perineural invasion (p = 0.012). Patients exhibiting MAP17 expression of more than 30% in cancer cells compared to those expressing MAP17 less than 10% demonstrated a significantly worse 3-year progression-free survival (35.2 vs. 91%, p < 0.001) and 5-year overall survival (40.8 vs. 91%, p < 0.001). Cox regression analysis confirmed MAP17 expression of more than 30% as a prognostic marker of progression free survival (HR 0.136, 95% CI = 0.056–0.329, p < 0.001) and overall survival (HR 0.144 [95% CI) = 0.049–0.419, p < 0.001) independent of other clinicopathological characteristics. Statistically significantly worse 3-year progression-free survival and 5-year overall survival was demonstrated in the subgroup analysis of patients with early stage cancer only and high expression of MAP17. Conclusions: High MAP17 expression in patients with colorectal cancer is a significant risk factor for cancer-associated morbidity and mortality already in early stage disease.
ETKİN ÜCRET TEORİSİ ÇERÇEVESİNDE TÜRKİYE’DE REEL ÜCRETLER İLE ÜRETİM ARASINDAKİ İLİŞKİNİN İNCELENMESİ: SEKTÖRLER İLE EKONOMETRİK BİR ANALİZ
Authors: POLAT Mehmet Ali , FENDOĞLU Eda
Published: April 2021

Reel ücret dinamiklerini anlamanın en iyi yolu işgücü verimliliğinin bileşenlerini anlamaktan geçmektedir. İşgücü verimliliğinde yaşanan değişimler, maliyet kanalı yoluyla enflasyonu etkilediği için para politikası açısından da önem arz etmektedir. Etkin ücret teorisi, ücret katılıkları ve eksik rekabet olguları dikkate alınarak oluşturulmuş bir yaklaşımdır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, Türkiye için uygun ücret politikalarının nasıl olması gerektiği tartışmalarına açıklık getirebilmektir. Bu nedenle çalışmada, reel ücretler ile üretim arasındaki ilişki, sektörler itibariyle Yeni Keynesyen bir yaklaşım olan “Etkin Ücret Teorisi” dikkate alınarak ekonometrik analiz çerçevesinde incelenmiştir. Bu bağlamda, etkin ücret teorisinin Türkiye imalat sanayiinde nasıl işlediği, ücretler ile verimlilik arasındaki ilişkiye bakılarak araştırılmıştır. Çalışmada, saatlik reel ücretlerdeki artışların saatlik üretim miktarı üzerindeki etkileri, Türkiye’nin 2009:Q1-2020:Q3 dönemi verileri kullanılarak, genel ekonomi ve 13 alt sektör için ayrı ayrı analiz edilmiştir. Bu bağlamda, genel olarak reel ücretlerdeki artışların Türkiye’de üretimi artırdığına ve Etkin Ücret Teorisinin Türkiye ekonomisinde geçerli olduğuna karar verilmiştir.
Typification of the name Asperula rupestris (Rubiaceae)

Authors: DI GRISTINA EMILIO , SCAFIDI FILIPPO , DOMINA GIANNIANTONIO
Published: April 2021

Asperula rupestris Tineo (1827: 276) is a species endemic to Sicily, southern Italy. It is a chasmophyte growing on north-exposed calcareous rocks and cliffs of the main promontories of NW Sicily and the islands of Favignana and Marettimo, Egadi Islands, NW of Siciliy (see e.g., Giardina et al. 2007).
Revision of the Rhagovelia angustipes complex (Insecta: Hemiptera: Veliidae) from Colombia
Authors: GALINDO-MALAGÓN XIMENA ALEJANDRA , MORALES IRINA , MOREIRA FELIPE FERRAZ FIGUEIREDO
Published: April 2021

Water striders of the genus Rhagovelia Mayr, 1865 (Insecta: Hemiptera: Veliidae) have colonized the water surface mainly in lotic freshwater systems, but also in coastal marine environments. They are characterized by the swimming fan in the distal tarsomere of the middle leg that allows them to quickly maneuver. In the Americas, it was subdivided into four monophyletic complexes (angustipes, collaris, obesa and robusta), one paraphyletic grade (abrupta), each with several groups of species, and one additional group (varipes). However, the taxonomy of this genus still has inconsistencies due to its morphological complexity and to the misinterpretation of characters. For this reason, we present a revision of the species of the angustipes complex occurring in Colombia. Material deposited in nine biological collections was examined, including several types. A total of 3,674 specimens  were studied, belonging to 26 valid species, of which R. boyacensis sp. nov., R. graziae sp. nov. and R. molanoi sp. nov., are described as new; and R. angustipes Uhler, 1894 is recorded from the country for the first time. Furthermore, eleven species are redescribed and twelve are considered synonyms. Finally, a key to the species of the angustipes complex occurring in Colombia is presented, as well as updated distribution maps.
Description of a new species and new records of Gerromorpha (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera) from Panama and Colombia
Authors: RODRIGUES JULIANA MOURÃO DOS SANTOS , CRUMIÈRE ANTONIN JEAN JOHAN , MONDRAGÓN-F. SILVIA PATRICIA , MORALES IRINA , KHILA ABDERRAHMAN , MOREIRA FELIPE FERRAZ FIGUEIREDO
Published: April 2021

The fauna of semiaquatic bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerromorpha) from Panama has been explored mainly between the end of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, with few reports since then, whereas that from Colombia has been intensively studied in the last decade. Here, we describe Rhagovelia joceliae Rodrigues & Moreira, sp. nov. (Veliidae: Rhagoveliinae), from Panama. Additionally, new records from these countries are presented for Mesovelia mulsanti White, 1879, Mes. zeteki Harris & Drake, 1941 (Mesoveliidae: Mesoveliinae), Lipogomphus leucostictus (Champion, 1898) (Hebridae: Hebrinae), Hydrometra caraiba Guérin-Méneville, 1857 (Hydrometridae: Hydrometrinae), Platyvelia brachialis (Stål, 1860), Stridulivelia (Stridulivelia) raspa (Hungerford, 1929) (Veliidae: Veliinae), R. elegans Uhler, 1894, R. perija Polhemus, 1997, R. rosensis Padilla-Gil, 2011 (Veliidae: Rhagoveliinae), Euvelia advena Drake, 1957, Microvelia albonotata Champion, 1898, Mi. fantastika Padilla-Gil, 2019, Mi. mimula White, 1879 (Veliidae: Microveliinae), Metrobates laudatus Drake & Harris, 1937, Telmatometra ujhelyii Esaki, 1926 (Gerridae: Trepobatinae), Brachymetra albinervus (Amyot & Serville, 1843) (Gerridae: Charmatometrinae), Potamobates anchicaya Polhemus & Polhemus, 1995 (Gerridae: Cylindrostethinae), Limnogonus hyalinus (Fabricius, 1803), and Tachygerris opacus (Champion, 1898) (Gerridae: Gerrinae).
Taxonomic revision of Guapinannus Wygodzinsky, 1951 (Hemiptera: Schizopteridae), with description of 19 new species
Authors: FRANKENBERG SARAH , KNYSHOV ALEXANDER , CHAMBERLAIN ROCHELLE HOEY- , WEIRAUCH CHRISTIANE
Published: April 2021

Guapinannus Wygodzinsky, 1951 (Hemiptera: Schizopteridae) was described based on a single female specimen from Costa Rica. Some additional specimens representing this genus have since become available and were incorporated into a comparative male genitalic study across Dipsocoromorpha and into combined molecular and morphological hypotheses of the infraorder. However, the species-level diversity of Guapinannus has remained unexplored and undocumented. Based on examination of 264 specimens from central and South America, we here revise the taxonomy of Guapinannus, describing 19 species as new (Guapinannus anaticulus, sp. n.; Guapinannus artus, sp. n.; Guapinannus auriculus, sp. n.; Guapinannus castigatus, sp. n.; Guapinannus clava, sp. n.; Guapinannus dispar, sp. n.; Guapinannus falcis, sp. n.; Guapinannus graziae, sp. n.; Guapinannus minutus, sp. n.; Guapinannus orbiculatus, sp. n.; Guapinannus plurilobus, sp. n.; Guapinannus policis, sp. n.; Guapinannus robustus, sp. n.; Guapinannus sinuosus, sp. n.; Guapinannus tatumbia, sp. n.; Guapinannus tenuis, sp. n.; Guapinannus tergus, sp. n.; Guapinannus trilobus, sp. n.; Guapinannus uncus, sp. n.). In addition, we provide photos of the female holotype of Guapinannus bierigi Wygodzinsky, 1951, SEM documentation for Guapinannus clava, sp. n., habitus photos and a map for all species, and line drawings of male genitalic features for all species for which males are known.
Colimacoris joceliae, sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Miridae: Deraeocorinae: Hyaliodini): A new species from Panama, with a Key to the species of Colimacoris
Authors: KIM JUNGGON , ROCA-CUSACHS MARCOS , RIDER DAVID A. , JUNG SUNGHOON
Published: April 2021

The new Neotropical hyaliodine Colimacoris joceliae Kim & Jung, sp. nov., is described from Panama. Morphological information, including a description and diagnosis of the new species is presented with photographs. A key for the identification of the species of Colimacoris is also provided.
A revalidation and new synonymies among some species of Brontostoma Kirkaldy (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Ectrichodiinae)
Authors: GIL-SANTANA HÉLCIO R. , OLIVEIRA JADER , BÉRENGER JEAN-MICHEL
Published: April 2021

Based on the examination of types and additional specimens, the following new synonymies and revalidation are proposed in the genus Brontostoma Kirkaldy, 1904 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Ectrichodiinae): Brontostoma discus (Burmeister, 1835) = Brontostoma nanus Carpintero, 1980, syn. nov.; and Brontostoma haematodes (Blanchard, 1846), sp. reval. = Brontostoma discus nigricans Carpintero, 1980, syn. nov. The previous synonym of Brontostoma venusta (Walker, 1873) with B. discus is confirmed. Brontostoma discus is recorded from French Guiana for the first time. Brontostoma cicheroi Carpintero, 1980 is very similar to B. discus, but because its holotype was not available for study no taxonomic conclusion could be achieved.
Identification of Nymphal Instars of Mecidea major Sailer and Mecidea minor Ruckes (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae: Mecideini) from the Southwestern and Central United States
Authors: MCPHERSON J. E. , BUNDY C. SCOTT
Published: April 2021

The mecideine stink bug genus Mecidea is represented in America north of Mexico by three species: Mecidea major Sailor, Mecidea minor Ruckes, and Mecidea longula Stål. M. major and M. minor are widely distributed, occurring collectively from the Midwest to California. M. longula is known only from south Florida. The life histories of M. major and M. minor have been published including laboratory rearing from egg to adult and descriptions of the immature stages. However, no key has been developed for identification of the nymphs of these two species. Here, we present a key to the nymphs of these taxa to the species and instar levels.
The scent of life: Foreword from the Editors
Authors: CAMPOS LUIZ ALEXANDRE , SCHWERTNER CRISTIANO FELDENS
Published: April 2021

This special issue of Zootaxa is published in honor of Dr. Jocélia Grazia (Fig. 1) from the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, one of the world’s most respected and influential active taxonomists in Heteroptera. Though she retired from her long-time position as a Full Professor, away from undergraduate classes and administrative duties, Jocélia is still an active researcher and passionate about studying true bugs. An intense conviction she passes to her many students and becomes evident in her publications. If there is one word to define Jocélia Grazia, it is energy. Even the most novice and inexperienced student perceives the enthusiasm and dedication Jocélia faces from the small bureaucratic problems through the most challenging scientific questions.
Revision of Macropygium Spinola, 1837 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae: Ochlerini) with the revalidation of three species and the description of one new species
Authors: DA SILVA LAYSE MITSUE HARADA , CAMPOS LUIZ ALEXANDRE
Published: April 2021

The Ochlerini (Discocephalinae) are endemic in the Neotropical region, and the tribe currently contains 38 genera and 149 species. The monotypic Macropygium Spinola, 1837 is the most widespread ochlerine genus in the Americas, ranging from Mexico to Argentina. Macropygium reticulare (Fabricius, 1803) is one of the few Ochlerini of phytosanitary importance, transmitting Phytomonas spp. in palm crops in South America. Nonetheless its wide distribution, and phytosanitary importance, the taxonomy of Macropygium has been neglected. Here we present a revision of Macropygium, revalidate three species, Macropygium spinolae Stål, 1860, REVISED STATUS (removed from the synonymy with M. reticulare), Macropygium bifidum (Westwood, 1837), NEW COMBINATION (removed from the synonymy with M. reticulare), and Macropygium subsulcatum (Amyot & Serville, 1843), REVISED STATUS (removed from the synonymy with M. reticulare). We remove Ochlerus guttipes Walker, 1867 from the synonymy with M. reticulare, and propose O. guttipes a new junior synonym of M. spinolae. Finally, we describe one new species, Macropygium graziae Silva & Campos, Sp. Nov.. A key for the species of Macropygium is provided.
Two new species of Ocyochterus (Heteroptera: Ochteridae) from Ecuador and Panama
Authors: POLHEMUS DAN A.
Published: April 2021

Two new species of Ocyochterus are described, O. graziae from Ecuador, and O. gilloglyi from Panama, and compared to the other two Andean species previously known in the genus. Dorsal habitus and anterior head photos are provided for all described species of Ocyochterus, and photomicrographs are provided for the male genitalic structures of O. graziae and O. gilloglyi. A distribution map is provided for all species in the genus.
Water bugs (Hemipera: Heteroptera: Nepomorpha & Gerromorpha) of Chile: phylogenetic and biogeographic considerations, and a catalog of the fauna
Authors: DAMGAARD JAKOB , MOREIRA FELIPE FERRAZ FIGUEIREDO
Published: April 2021

The Chilean fauna of water bugs comprises seven species of semi-aquatic bugs (Heteroptera: Gerromorpha), representing five genera, three tribes, four subfamilies and four families; and 27 species and one subspecies of aquatic bugs (Heteroptera: Nepomorpha), representing four subgenera, eight genera, three tribes, seven subfamilies, and five families. We compare the fauna with neighboring countries and find that several otherwise widespread and abundant taxa are missing in Chile, but that Chepuvelia usingeri China, 1963 (Macroveliidae), Microvelia chilena Drake & Hussey, 1955 (Veliidae), Limnocoris dubiosus Montandon, 1898 (Naucoridae), Nerthra (Nerthra) parvula (Signoret, 1863), N. (N.) undosa Nieser & Chen, 1992, N. (Rhinodermacoris) praecipua Todd, 1957 (Gelastocoridae), and Sigara (Tropocorixa) termasensis (Hungerford, 1928a) (Corixidae) are endemic to the country. To this list, we add †Nerthra (Nerthra) subantarctica Faúndez & Ashworth, 2015, even though the species is only known from a subfossil. We can also inform that while water bugs are found in the archipelagoes of southern Chile, no species has been reported from the Juan Fernandez Islands, Easter Island and other off-shore islands. Several of the Chilean species are without any close extant relatives, such as C. usingeri and Aquarius chilensis (Berg, 1881) (Gerridae), or with relatives in Oceania (N. praecipua), suggesting that historical events such as dispersal and extinction have had a major influence on the composition of the Chilean fauna.
The Symptoms-Varices-Pathophysiology classification of pelvic venous disorders: A report of the American Vein & Lymphatic Society International Working Group on Pelvic Venous Disorders
Authors: Meissner Mark H. , Khilnani Neil M. , Labropoulos Nicos , Gasparis Antonios P. , Gibson Kathleen , Greiner Milka , Learman Lee A. , Atashroo Diana , Lurie Fedor , Passman Marc A. , Basile Antonio , Lazarshvilli Zaza , Lohr Joann , Kim Man-Deuk , Nicolini Philippe H. , Pabon-Ramos Waleska M. , Rosenblatt Melvin
Published: April 2021

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With the support of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Vein & Lymphatic Society, the American Venous Forum, the Canadian Society of Phlebology, the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology Society of Europe, the European Venous Forum, the International Pelvic Pain Society, the International Union of Phlebology, the Korean Society of Interventional Radiology, the Society of Interventional Radiology, and the Society for Vascular Surgery