bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ALDH2 Activity Reduces Mitochondrial Oxygen Reserve Capacity in Endothelial Cells and Induces Senescence Properties
Authors: Nannelli G. , Terzuoli E. , Giorgio V. , Donnini S. , Lupetti P. , Giachetti A. , Bernardi P. , Ziche M.
Published: November 2018

Endothelial cells (ECs) are dynamic cells that turn from growth into senescence, the latter being associated with cellular dysfunction, altered metabolism, and age‐related cardiovascular diseases. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is a mitochondrial enzyme metabolizing acetaldehyde and other toxic aldehydes, such as 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE). In conditions in which lipid peroxidation products and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are accumulated, ECs become dysfunctional and significantly contribute to the progression of vascular‐dependent diseases. The aim of the present study has been to investigate whether inhibition of ALDH2 alters endothelial functions together with the impairment of bioenergetic functions, accelerating the acquisition of a senescent phenotype. HUVECs transfected with siRNA targeting ALDH2 or treated with daidzin, an ALDH2 inhibitor, were used in this study. We observed an alteration in cell morphology associated with endothelial dysfunctions. Loss of ALDH2 reduced cell proliferation and migration and increased paracellular permeability. To assess bioenergetic function in intact ECs, extracellular flux analysis was carried out to establish oxygen consumption rates (OCR). We observed a decrease in mitochondrial respiration and reserve capacity that coincided with SA‐β‐Gal accumulation and an increase in p21 and p53 expression in siALDH2 or daidzin‐treated HUVECs. Treatment with N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC) reduced endothelial dysfunctions mediated by siALDH2, indicating that oxidative stress downstream to siALDH2 plays an instrumental role. Our results highlight that ALDH2 impairment accelerates the acquisition of a premature senescent phenotype, a change likely to be associated with the observed reduction of mitochondrial respiration and reserve capacity.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Level of Soluble CD27 Is Associated with Disease Severity in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Liu Baozhu , Zhong Xiaonan , Lu Zhengqi , Qiu Wei , Hu Xueqiang , Wang Honghao
Published: November 2018

Object: CD27 belongs to the tumor necrosis factor receptor family and is constitutively expressed on T cells. The concentration of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) soluble (s)CD27 is elevated in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, whether the level of CSF sCD27 is elevated in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) remains unknown. The aim of this study was to measure the CSF concentration of sCD27 and to determine its relationship with NMOSD disease activity. Methods: CSF CXCL13 was measured by ELISA in neuromyelitis optica (NMO) (n = 31) and MS (n = 23) patients and in controls (CTLs) (n = 22). Results: The concentration of sCD27 was higher in the NMO group than in the MS (p = 0.082) and CTL (p = 0.002) groups, and there was a positive correlation with CSF IL-6 (p = 0.000) and a negative correlation with IL-10 (p = 0.073). In the NMO group, patients with higher sCD27 concentrations exhibited worse disease disability in their CSF (p = 0.006). Moreover, the sCD27 concentrations had a significantly positive correlation with the level of CSF total protein (p = 0.030). Furthermore, the patients positive for AQP4-IgG (n = 26) seemed to have higher levels of sCD27 in their CSF (p = 0.069) than those negative for AQP4-IgG (n = 5). Conclusions: We revealed that the level of CSF sCD27 was elevated in NMOSD and correlated with NMOSD disease activity.
Autologous Lipotransfer - Daily Therapeutic Practice in Breast Cancer: An Intergroup Analysis Encompassing NOGGO, WSG, GBG, AWO Gyn and DGPRÄC
Authors: Kümmel Aylin , Kümmel Sherko , Blohmer Jens-Uwe , Faridi Andree , Nitz Ulrike , Loibl Sibylle , von Fritschen Uwe , Rezek Daniela , Hagemann Friederike , Holtschmidt Johannes , Botzenhardt Suzan , Reinisch Mattea
Published: November 2018

Background: Autologous fat transfer in breast reconstruction has become increasingly important in breast reconstructive surgery. Although the indication to obtain fat, the various operative procedures, and the risks for the patient have been addressed in a large number of studies, detailed information on the everyday use of autologous lipotransfer in breast units in Germany is still lacking. Methods: The objective of the study was to obtain primary data on the use of autologous lipotransfer to treat breast cancer patients in Germany and to determine measures for quality assurance in the daily practice. An online questionnaire concerning breast cancer and lipofilling was sent to specialists in gynecology and plastic surgery. Results: Two-thirds of the specialists who responded to the questionnaire use autologous lipotransfer for breast reconstruction and did not report an increase of local recurrence following lipotransfer. There were only small differences between gynecologists and plastic surgeons regarding the procedure and indication for lipotransfer. The method is highly accepted by patients and physicians, and both gynecologists and plastic surgeons rated the improvement achieved through lipofilling as ‘high'. Conclusions: The lack of randomized controlled data, especially in high-risk patients, demonstrates the necessity for a registry study on this topic. Our survey describes, in detail, the indications for lipofilling as well as its appropriate application in breast cancer patients in Germany and may thereby reduce the present therapeutic uncertainties.
Relationship between Ribosomal Protein S6-pS240 Expression and other Prognostic Factors in Non-Special Type Invasive Breast Cancer
Authors: Cuperjani Frederik , Gashi Lumturije , Kurshumliu Fisnik , Dreshaj Shemsedin , Selimi Fitim
Published: November 2018

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of ribosomal protein (RP) S6-pS240 in non-special type invasive breast cancer in relation to other prognostic markers and gain new insights to facilitate more individualized treatment. Methods: The following clinical and histopathological parameters of 120 patients were determined: S6-pS240 expression, age, menopausal status, tumor size and grade, TNM stage, Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI), lymph node stage, estrogen and progesterone receptor (ER/PR) expression, HER2/neu amplification, lymphovascular invasion, and proliferative index as measured by Ki-67. Treatment protocol and disease-free survival were evaluated accordingly. Results: Significant positive correlations were seen between S6-pS240 expression and Ki-67 values (rho = 0.530, p < 0.001), and NPI (rho = 0.370, p < 0.001) and HER2/neu amplification (rho = 0.368, p < 0.001). A negative correlation was found between S6-pS240 and ER/PR expression (rho = 0.362, p < 0.001). Patients with negative RP S6-pS240 expression had significantly longer disease-free survival (log-rank test, p = 0.005). Conclusion: Immunohistochemical analysis of RP S6-pS240 is a valuable additional prognostic marker in patients with invasive breast cancer. Routine use of S6-pS240 immunohistochemistry is recommended.
Local Thymosin β4 Gel Injection Prevents Esophageal Stricture after Circumferential Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in a Porcine Model
Authors: Wang Hua , Shuai Qun , Tang Jian , Long Dan , Xu Chen , Liu Feng , Li Zhao-Shen
Published: November 2018

Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is widely used in the treatment of early esophageal cancer. However, the incidence of postoperative esophageal stricture is relatively high, especially after full circumferential ESD. Previous studies have shown that thymosin β4 (Tβ4) has anti-fibrotic activity and prevents scar formation. In this study, we investigated the safety and therapeutic effect of Tβ4 injection in preventing esophageal stricture after circumferential ESD in a porcine model. Methods: A total of 8 Bama pigs underwent esophageal circumferential ESD under anesthesia (n = 4 for experimental and control group). Local injection of Tβ4 gel was administered in the experimental group. Follow-up endoscopy was conducted, and balloon dilation (EBD) was performed to prevent the occurrence of esophageal stricture. Results: Esophageal stricture developed after circumferential ESD in all pigs. Local Tβ4 gel injection has shortened resolution of the stricture (p = 0.012) and was associated with a lesser number of EBD sessions (p = 0.002). The severity of esophageal stricture was milder in the experimental group (p = 0.046 vs. control group). No adverse events occurred in the study. Conclusions: Local Tβ4 gel injection appeared to be safe and effective for the prevention of esophageal stricture after circumferential ESD in a porcine model.
In-Hospital Mortality and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events after Kidney Transplantation in the United States
Authors: Goyal Abhinav , Chatterjee Kshitij , Mathew Roy O. , Sidhu Mandeep S. , Bangalore Sripal , McCullough Peter A. , Rangaswami Janani
Published: November 2018

Background: Kidney transplantation (KT) is the treatment of choice for end-stage kidney disease. Cardiovascular disease is a major determinant of morbidity and mortality in patients with KT. Temporal trends in perioperative cardiovascular outcomes after KT are understudied, especially in light of an aging KT waitlist population. Methods: We performed a retrospective observational cohort study using the National Inpatient Sample for the years 2004–2013. All adult patients undergoing KT were identified using the appropriate International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Demographic and hospital characteristics, discharge disposition, payer status, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were summarized using summary statistics. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of MACEs in the perioperative period of KT. Results: A total of 147,431 KTs were performed between 2004 and 2013. The mean age at KT went up from 48.1 to 51.8 years from 2004 to 2013. Medicare was the primary payer for 59.6% of the KTs. Overall average perioperative mortality was 0.5%, median length of stay was 5 days, and 6.5% of patients experienced an MACE, 78% of which were heart failures (HFs). Important predictors of perioperative MACEs were age ≥65 years (OR = 2.14), Medicare as primary payer (OR = 1.51), diabetes (OR = 1.46), recreational drug use (OR = 1.72), pulmonary circulation disorders (OR = 3.28), and malnutrition (OR = 1.91). Conclusion: Despite increases in age at the time of KT, the absolute risk of perioperative MACEs has remained stable from 2004 to 2013. HF is a major component of postoperative MACEs in KT. Malnutrition and pulmonary hypertension are major nontraditional predictors of perioperative MACE outcomes.
Re-Excision Rates in Breast-Conserving Surgery for Invasive Breast Cancer after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with and without the Use of a Radiopaque Tissue Transfer and X-ray System
Authors: Jamaris Suniza , Akpolat-Basci Leyla , Stephanou Miltiades , Wetzig Sarah , Cubuk Yueksel , Gerharz Johannes , Bittner Ann-Kathrin , See Mee Hoong , Liedtke Cornelia , Kolberg Hans-Christian
Published: November 2018

Background: Significant re-excision rates in breast-conserving surgery (BCS) after neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy may result from difficulties in defining the surgical target particularly in cases with excellent treatment response. Devices allowing an exact topographic localisation of the lesion in the resected tissue could reduce re-excision rates by optimising the intraoperative detection of involved margins. Methods: 80 patients with invasive breast cancer receiving BCS after neoadjuvant chemotherapy were included in this non-randomized case-control study. 40 patients with specimen radiography performed in a standard approach (control group) were compared to 40 patients with use of a radiopaque tissue transfer system (study group). Results: 19/80 (23.75%) patients required re-excision because of involved margins; among those, 14/40 (35%) were in the control group and 5/40 (12.5%) in the study group. The association between the use of the radiopaque tissue transfer system and the lower re-excision rate was statistically significant (p = 0.023). Conclusion: Our analysis provides a rationale for the routine use of a radiopaque tissue transfer system for specimen radiography in BCS after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for invasive breast cancer in order to reduce re-excision rates.
Giant Left-Sided Amyand’s Hernia: A Challenging Procedure in a Rural Hospital
Authors: Rudiman Reno , Winata Andika A.
Published: November 2018

The finding of a vermiform appendix in the case of an inguinal hernia that extends below the midpoint of the inner thigh when the patient is in a standing position is defined as giant left-sided Amyand’s hernia. It is a very rare case and significantly challenging in terms of preoperative diagnosis and surgical management. Here we present our experience with a case of a giant left-sided Amyand’s hernia that was followed up for 2 months.
Peritoneal Dialysis Exit Site Pyoderma Gangrenosum: A Case Report
Authors: Anwar Salman , Holfeld Karen , Prasad Bhanu
Published: November 2018

Background: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, chronic inflammatory condition exhibiting mucopurulent or hemorrhagic exudates. The majority of cases are associated with inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatological diseases, and hematological malignancies. In the absence of typical serological markers and specific histopathological changes, the diagnosis is often clinical. Being rare, it is frequently misdiagnosed, which leads to a delay in instituting appropriate therapy. Case Presentation: We present a 53-year-old male of Aboriginal descent with end-stage renal disease due to diabetes who underwent insertion of a peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter. Five weeks after PD catheter insertion, he started to notice a painful ulcer surrounded by a bed of erythema. The lesion eventually progressed to a purulent, hemorrhagic ulcer surrounded by a raised, irregular, violaceous border along the entirety of the PD catheter tunnel. There was no history of underlying systemic diseases commonly associated with PG. The catheter was removed, and an elliptical biopsy was taken, which ruled out infection, malignancy, and vasculitis. The changes were felt to be consistent with PG. The patient underwent treatment initially with topical corticosteroids, followed by oral prednisone, which unfortunately worsened his diabetic control; due to this, he was transitioned to cyclosporine, with complete resolution. Conclusions: Lesions at the PD catheter exit site are usually treated for infections. However, for ulcers that are painful, rapidly expanding, nonhealing, and unresponsive to antibiotics, PG should be considered as a differential diagnosis. This is the first reported case of PG occurring at the exit site of a PD catheter.
Efficacy of a CDK4/6 Inhibitor in a Patient with Breast Cancer and Liposarcoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Loretan Laura , Moskovszky Linda Eszter , Kurrer Michael , Exner G. Ulrich , Trojan Andreas
Published: November 2018

Background: The cyclin D/cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)4/6 inhibitor of the CDK4 (INK4)/retinoblastoma (Rb) pathway plays a crucial role in cell cycle progression. Selective CDK4/6 inhibitors specifically target a variety of tumors, with the main focus on hormone receptor(HR)-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)-negative breast cancer (BC). Case Report: We report on the efficacy of neoadjuvant palbociclib and letrozole application in a patient suffering from invasive estrogen receptor (ER)+/HER2- BC and concurrent well-differentiated and dedifferentiated liposarcoma (WD-DDLPS) of the thigh. Clinical and histological workup upon surgery revealed significant regressive changes in both the liposarcoma and the BC. The 24-month follow-up shows no signs of disease. Conclusion: CDK4/6 inhibitors exhibit a high therapeutic potential, although reliable prognostic markers need to be identified.
Quantitative RT-PCR Assay for Detecting Lymph Node Metastasis in Endometrial Cancer: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Togami Shinichi , Kawamura Toshihiko , Fukuda Mika , Yanazume Shintaro , Kamio Masaki , Kobayashi Hiroaki
Published: November 2018

Objective: The detection accuracy of sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for endometrial cancer (EC) remains unclear and was assessed in this preliminary study. Methods: We studied primary cancer tissues and pelvic lymph nodes (PLN) from 105 patients with EC. qRT-PCR assay was performed to determine the copy numbers of CK19 mRNA in EC tissues, and negative and positive LN samples. Further, qRT-PCR results were compared with pathological findings. Results: CK19 mRNA expression was detected in 98% (104/106) of the tumors, with a median copy number of 3.0 × 105/μL. Twelve LN were diagnosed as positive by pathological examination. The median copy number of CK19 mRNA for positive and negative LN was 8.1 × 104/μL and 90.4/µL, respectively. CK19 mRNA expression was higher in pathologically positive LN than in pathologically negative LN (p < 0.01); the pathological and qRT-PCR findings showed no discrepancy. When the cutoff value was set at 4,500 copies/µL, qRT-PCR assay using CK19 mRNA exhibited high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that qRT-PCR assay, using CK19 mRNA, exhibits a high accuracy for detecting LN metastasis in EC and represents a useful alternative to conventional pathological diagnosis of EC.
Crosstalk between Estrogen Withdrawal and NFκB Signaling following Penetrating Brain Injury
Authors: Cook Samarah , Hung Vanessa , Duncan Kelli A.
Published: November 2018

Objectives: Characterized by neuroinflammation, traumatic brain injury (TBI) induces neuropathological changes and cognitive deficits. Estrogens are neuroprotective by increasing cell survival and this increase is mediated by a decrease in neuroinflammation. To further explore the relationship between estrogens, brain injury, and neuroinflammation, we examined the expression of the IKK/NFκB complex. The IKK/NFκB complex is a pleiotropic regulator of many cellular signaling pathways linked to inflammation, as well as three major cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). We hypothesized that NFκB expression would be upregulated following injury and that this increase would be exacerbated when circulating estrogens were decreased with fadrozole (aromatase inhibitor). Methods: Using adult zebra finches, we first determined the expression of major components of the NFκB complex (NFκB, IκB-α, and IκB-β) following injury using qPCR. Next, male and female finches were collected at 2 time points (2 or 24 h after injury) and brain tissue was analyzed to determine whether NFκB expression was differentially expressed in males and females at either time point. Finally, we examined how the expression of NFκB changed when estrogen levels were decreased immediately after injury. Results: Our study documented an increase in the expression of the major components of the NFκB complex (NFκB, IκB-α, and IκB-β) following injury. Decreasing estrogen levels resulted in a surprising decrease in the NFκB complex studied here. Discussion: These data further expand the model of how estrogens and other steroid hormones interact with the inflammatory pathways following injury and may prove beneficial when developing therapies for treatment of TBI.
Extramedullary Haematopoiesis in Axillary Lymph Nodes of Breast Carcinoma Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall
Authors: Badr Nahla M. , Roberts Claudia , Shaaban Abeer M.
Published: November 2018

Extramedullary haematopoiesis (EMH) in the axillary lymph node of breast cancer patients is extremely rare but when encountered can represent a diagnostic challenge. We aim to highlight this incidental finding as a diagnostic pitfall which can be mistaken for metastatic carcinoma (particularly of the metaplastic type). We report the case of a 68-year-old Caucasian female with a family history of cancer. Core biopsy revealed that she had grade II oestrogen receptor-negative, Her2-positive invasive ductal carcinoma. She was offered neoadjuvant chemotherapy with Herceptin and subsequently underwent breast-conserving surgery. Microscopic examination of the post-treatment breast surgical specimen showed a partial pathological response with large areas of tumour regression. The sentinel lymph node showed frequent large single and multinucleate giant cells with hyperchromatic nuclei located predominantly within the subcapsular and medullary sinuses. The morphological differentials of metastatic carcinoma, sinus histiocytosis and extramedullary haematopoiesis were considered. A panel of immunohistochemistry showed these large cells to be negative for epithelial markers and CD68. They were strongly positive for CD42b (megakaryocyte marker). Smaller myeloperoxidase and factor VIII-positive cells were identified. The findings confirmed EMH. Sentinel nodes are often well scrutinised by pathologists for evidence of metastatic carcinoma as an important prognostic parameter both in the standard and neoadjuvant setting. Nodal megakaryocytes have been described in response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy particularly in association with Herceptin treatment. Pathologists’ awareness of this finding in the neoadjuvant setting is crucial to avoid a mistaken diagnosis of malignancy. A relevant immunohistochemical panel together with careful attention to morphology should help establish the correct diagnosis.
Impact of Laparoscopy to Assess Resectability in Stage IIIC Epithelial Ovarian, Tubal and Peritoneal Cancer Patients
Authors: Sánchez-Iglesias Jose Luis , Perez-Benavente Assumpció , Correa-Paris Alejandro , De la Torre Fernandez de Vega Javier , Carbonell Socias Melchor , Gil-Moreno Antonio
Published: November 2018

Aims: To evaluate overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with stage IIIC epithelial ovarian, tubal and peritoneal cancer (EOC) who underwent a laparoscopy to assess surgical resectability prior to Primary Debulking Surgery (PDS) or Interval Debulking Surgery (IDS). Methods: Retrospective cohort study that included all women with stage IIIC EOC treated at our center between 2000 and 2010. Patients were classified in groups: PDS, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) with IDS, NACT without IDS; and then sub-classified based on residual tumor (RT). A laparoscopy to assess resectability was performed before PDS and IDS. Results: Among 111 patients included, 66 underwent PDS, and 45 were treated with NACT, 80% of them receiving subsequent IDS. OS was 75.6 months in the PDS group, and 52.8 months for IDS group (p = 0.100); the PFS was 30 months and 19.2 months respectively (p = 0.049). Median OS was 104.4 and 52.8 months for patients with optimal cytoreduction (RT = 0) in the PDS and IDS group respectively (p < 0.05). Laparoscopy did not modify the preoperative consideration for PDS; however, 9 laparotomies were avoided based on laparoscopic findings after NACT. Conclusion: Laparoscopy for the assessment of surgical resectability in stage IIIC EOC has no impact on survival; but it still could be useful for the reduction of unnecessary laparotomies after NACT.
Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma Detected During Long-Term Management of Endometriotic Cysts in Young Patients: Possible Heterogeneity of this Tumor
Authors: Komiyama Shinichi , Nagashima Masaru , Taniguchi Tomoko , Yokouchi Yuki , Kugimiya Tsuyoki
Published: November 2018

Ovarian endometriotic cysts have been identified as the possible origin of ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC), so predicting or preventing future transformation is important. Early detection of clear cell carcinoma is important because it shows low sensitivity to chemotherapy and the prognosis is worse than for other histologic types. We recently treated 2 patients with OCCC. They were both young women with no family history of cancer who received long-term oral contraceptive therapy for endometriotic cysts, and the histologic diagnosis was typical clear cell carcinoma in both patients. However, in Case 1, the tumor was detected by periodic examination, tumor expression of WT1 was positive, and the stage was IA. On the other hand, Case 2 presented with fever of unknown origin, her tumor showed expression of p53, and the stage was IVB. Case 1 is alive with no evidence of disease at 38 months after surgery, while Case 2 died after 19 months despite intensive treatment. These contrasting cases suggest that we need to be aware of the risk of cancer in young women receiving long-term hormone therapy for endometriotic cysts and that OCCC may show greater heterogeneity than what has been reported previously.
Transient Anarthria and Quadriplegia in a Patient with Basilar Artery Hypoplasia and Coincidental Intracranial Lipoma: A Case Report
Authors: Jung Kyu-On , Lee Seung-Jae , Kim Hyung Jun , Heo Deokhyun , Park Jeong-Ho
Published: November 2018

Cerebral ischemia may be rarely associated with a hypoplastic vertebrobasilar system. Intracranial lipoma is also a very rare congenital malformation. We report the case of a 52-year-old woman with vertebrobasilar transient ischemic attack associated with basilar artery hypoplasia and coincidental intracranial lipoma. She presented with sudden-onset dizziness, anarthria, and quadriplegia lasting for about 30 min. The patient’s initial blood pressure was measured at 200/120 mm Hg. The magnetic resonance and computed tomographic images showed the absence of an acute ischemic lesion in the brain but revealed a hypoplasia of the basilar artery and bilateral V4 vertebral arteries. A lipoma of 11 mm in long diameter was also found in the quadrigeminal cistern and at the superior vermis. The electroencephalography, transthoracic echocardiogram, 24-h Holter monitoring, and transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, including patent foramen ovale study, were all noted as negative. The patient was treated with oral aspirin 100 mg, atorvastatin 10 mg, and antihypertensive medication. She had no symptom recurrence after the treatment. Our case suggests that hypoplasia of the vertebrobasilar arteries can be a predisposing factor for posterior circulation ischemia, especially when additional vascular risk factors coexist.
Rhabdomyolysis among Critically Ill Combat Casualties: Long-Term Outcomes
Authors: Faulk Tarra , Walker Lauren E. , Howard Jeffrey T. , Janak Jud C. , Sosnov Jonathan A. , Stewart Ian J.
Published: November 2018

Background: Although rhabdomyolysis has been associated with acute kidney injury and mortality in the short term, the long-term consequences of an episode of rhabdomyolysis remain unknown. We sought to identify the long-term outcomes of rhabdomyolysis, including mortality, renal function, and incidence of hypertension (HTN), among service members initially admitted to the intensive care unit after sustaining a combat injury in Iraq or Afghanistan between February 1, 2002 and February 1, 2011. Methods: Information on age, sex, injury severity score, mechanism of injury, serum creatinine, burn injury, presenting mean arterial pressure, and creatine kinase were retrospectively collected and analyzed for 2,208 patients. Standard descriptive tests were used to compare characteristics of patients with and without rhabdomyolysis. Competing risk Cox proportional hazards models were performed to assess the associated risk of rhabdomyolysis with both HTN and poor renal function. Results: While rhabdomyolysis was associated with HTN on univariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR] 1.30, 95% CI 1.03–1.64; p = 0.029), this difference did not persist on multivariable analysis (HR 1.27, 95% CI 0.99–1.62; p = 0.058). The median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 119 (interquartile range [IQR] 103–128) among those with rhabdomyolysis, compared with 108 (IQR 94–121) in the group without rhabdomyolysis (p < 0.001). Conclusion: After adjustment, patients with rhabdomyolysis were not at an increased risk of HTN compared to patients without rhabdomyolysis. eGFR was paradoxically higher in patients with rhabdomyolysis. There was no association found between rhabdomyolysis and mortality.
Icodextrin is Associated with a Lower Risk of Stroke in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Chiu Chih-Wei , Tsai Tsung-Hsun , Lin Cheng-Li , Yen Tzung-Hai , Wang I-Kuan , Li Chi-Yuan
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: This study investigated whether peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients using icodextrin were at a reduced risk of stroke. Methods: From Taiwan National Health Insurance data, it was found that there were 6,796 new end-stage renal disease patients undergoing dialysis between 2005 and 2011. We compared the risk of stroke between PD patients with or without icodextrin treatment. The follow-up period began from the date of PD initiation to the end of 2011. The time-dependent Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to analyze the risk of stroke. Results: Among PD patients, the icodextrin users had both a lower incidence and risk of stroke than icodextrin non-users (incidence: 22.4 vs. 25.2/1,000 person-years) with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.76 (95% CI 0.63–0.93). The results were similar in models considering death a competing risk (overall: adjusted subhazard ratio [SHR] 0.78, 95% CI 0.63–0.94). Icodextrin users also had a lower risk of ischemic stroke with or without considering death a competing risk (adjusted SHR 0.71, 95% CI 0.57–0.89 and adjusted HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.59–0.93, respectively), compared to non-users. Conclusion: The use of icodextrin is associated with a lower incidence and risk of stroke in PD patients.
Contrast-Enhanced Sonography in Patients with Hyposplenia: A Retrospective Analysis in Forty-Three Patients
Authors: Trenker Corinna , May Lisa , Librizzi Damiano , Neesse Albrecht , Görg Christian
Published: November 2018

Purpose: In contrast to splenomegaly, the clinical value of a small spleen (hyposplenia) is unclear. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has not been investigated systematically in hyposplenia. Methods: Between February 2005 and January 2017, 43 patients with hyposplenia (< 7 × 3 cm) were examined by B-mode ultrasound (US) and CEUS. A retrospective data analysis was performed. Results: A total of 39 (91%) patients had an underlying disease (UD; allogenic stem cell transplantation, n = 16; autoimmune-diseases, n = 7; sickle cell anemia, n = 5; solid tumors, n = 5; others, n = 6). In 4 (9%) cases, hyposplenia was an incidental finding. The echogenicity of the spleen was normal (homogeneous, isoechogenic) in 17 (39.5%) and abnormal in 26 (60.5%) cases (inhomogeneous, n = 26 and hyperechoic, n = 9). In CEUS, 21 (49%) patients presented a normal isoenhancement. An abnormal enhancement was detected in 22 (51%) patients with UD (arterial/parenchymal inhomogeneous, n = 1; no [arterial, n = 3 and parenchymal, n = 6]; reduced [arterial, n = 8 and parenchymal, n = 15]). Conclusions: Hyposplenia is a rare pathologic finding and often associated with hematological/oncological and autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, altered B-mode US appearance and a pathological CEUS pattern are frequently found. However, the clinical implication, especially regarding splenic function remains obscure to date.
Modelagem e simulação de pinça mecânica sensoreada
Authors: Saito Marcos Felipe
Published: November 2018

O projeto baseia-se na modelagem, simulação e controle, feita no software MATLAB, de uma pinça mecânica acionada por um motor com o intuito de segurar um objeto de baixa resistência à pressões superficiais, portanto feito com controle preciso sob a força à ser aplicada no objeto. O projeto é o estudo de um modelo simples de apenas um grau de liberdade, mas é a base dos modelos de prótese mecânica atualmente, dotados de mais graus de liberdade.
Resolução comentada da P1 de 2017 de Transferência de Calor (PME3360)
Authors: Porcacchia Eber Saj
Published: November 2018

A disciplina de Transferência de Calor (PME3360) costuma ser vista pelos alunos como um dos grandes desafios a serem vencidos durante a graduação da engenharia. Por associar conceitos introduzidos pela Termodinâmica à complexidade da Mecânica dos Fluidos, a matéria, de fato, demanda dos alunos habilidades de interpretação e modelagem de problemas juntamente com a manipulação algébrica. Tendo em vista tal situação, esse texto busca levar até os alunos, por meio da resolução de exercícios de prova, um material para auxiliá-los nos estudos da disciplina. Com isso, espera-se que os alunos consigam ter maior familiaridade com a aplicação da teoria aprendida em problemas reais e entendam melhor quais habilidades serão exigidas no momento da prova.
Apostila de eletrônica digital da Escola Avançada de Engenharia Mecatrônica
Authors: Moreira Silva Jorge Luiz , Furukawa Celso Massatoshi
Published: November 2018

Esta é a apostila de eletrônica digital usada na última edição da Escola Avançada de Engenharia Mecatrônica (EAEM) realizada entre 23 e 30 de julho de 2017 na Escola Politécnica da Universidade de São Paulo. A parte teórica aborda representação numérica em bases não decimais, portas lógicas, diagramas lógicos, álgebra booleana. O curso também inclui uma parte de atividades em laboratório na qual o aluno monta o circuito de um somador completo em protoboard com os circuitos integrados OR, AND e XOR. A primeira versão da apostila foi escrita para a EAEM de 2013 e foi submetida a uma atualização na edição de 2016 do evento, resultando na versão que se encontra nas próximas páginas.
Vera-duthiea zebrina (Asparagaceae, Scilloideae), a new species from eastern South Africa, and a first genus record for southern Africa
Authors: MARTÍNEZ-AZORÍN MARIO , CROUCH NEIL R. , CRESPO MANUEL B.
Published: November 2018

In the course of revising the subfamily Urgineoideae of the Hyacinthaceae it became evident, based on molecular and morphological data, that some plants usually named ‘Drimia indica’ from northeastern South Africa represent rather an undescribed species of Vera-duthiea. This is the first record of this genus occurring in southern Africa. The new species (V. zebrina) was collected and illustrated some 50 years ago, but never validly published. We here provide data on its morphology, ecology, and distribution.
Lectotypification of the Linnaean name Arum dracunculus (Araceae)
Authors: FERRER-GALLEGO PEDRO PABLO , LAGUNA EMILIO
Published: November 2018

The typification of the name Dracunculus vulgaris (≡ Arum dracunculus) (Araceae) is discussed. The designation of the corresponding type is based on the consultation of the Linnaeus’s original material and the literature cited in the respective protologue. A specimen preserved in the Adriaan van Royen herbarium at L (Leiden) is designated as the lectotype.
Episternus onthophagi: a new monotypic genus of epizoic fungus found on Onthophagus beetles (Scarabaeoidea)
Authors: GÓRZ ANDRZEJ , BOROŃ PIOTR
Published: November 2018

During research on the biological diversity of coprophagous Scarabaeoidea in the Polish Carpathians, a particular morphotype of epizoic fungus was found on several species of coprophages of the Onthophagus genus. The fungus occurs on the mesosternum and legs of the beetles. Detailed morphological observations and genetic analyses proved this epizoic fungus to be distinct from any other known species, it is new to science. It is very characteristic in terms of morphological features, as it grows in the form of thallus closely adhered to the insect exoskeleton with only the outermost layer of cells viable. The shape of thallus itself is determined by its location on insect’s body. Only vegetative structures and conidial reproduction were observed. In the presented study, we describe and establish this newly found morphotype in the rank of new monotypic genus and document its distinctness with eleven barcode sequences. Three gene based, LSU plus SSU plus ITS, phylogenetic positioning places the new genus firmly nested within Lasiosphaeriaceae (Sordariales) with Zygospermella insignis (Mouton) Cain as its closest relative. No epizoic colonization of dung beetles was described in Lasiosphaeriaceae to date nor Lasiosphaeriaceae species with similar morphology. The potential role of the described epizoic fungus in the living environment of the Onthophagus dung beetles is discussed.
A new termite species (Isoptera: Termitidae: Termitinae: Amitermes) and first record of a Subterranean Termite from the Coastal Desert of South America
Authors: SCHEFFRAHN RUDOLF H. , HUCHET JEAN-BERNARD
Published: November 2018

At about one hundred species (Scheffrahn & Su 1987), Amitermes, is the second largest genus after Microcerotermes in the subfamily Termitinae. This cosmopolitan genus is found in a wide variety of habitats from rainforests e.g., Amitermes excellens (Silvestri) from Guyana (Emerson 1925) and Amitermes dentatus (Haviland) from Sumatra (Gathorne-Hardy et al. 2001) to deserts, e.g. Amitermes emersoni Light from Coachella, California (Light 1930) and Amitermes desertorum Desneux from Egypt (Sands 1992). Only eight species of Amitermes are known from the Neotropics and only five occur across mainland South America. Soldiers of Amitermes are characterized by a bulbous head capsule and sickle-shaped mandibles, each with a single tooth of various shapes on their inner margins. Soldiers of all species have a large cephalic gland opening to a circular fontanelle on the frons. When confronted by an agonist, the soldier emits a terpenoid secretion which oozes onto setae around and below the fontanelle (Scheffrahn et al. 1983). Herein, is described a new Amitermes from Peru and the first record of a subterranean termite along the Pacific coastal desert of South America.
The original descriptions of reptiles
Authors: UETZ PETER
Published: November 2018

By September 2009 an estimated 9084 species of extant reptiles have been described by a total of 4579 papers and books which are listed in a supplementary file. In this review I summarize the history of these species beginning with Linnaeus in 1758. While it took 80 years to reach the first 1000 species in 1838, species descriptions since then have been added roughly at the rate of 1000 new species every 20 years, with a significant acceleration only during the past two decades.  The top 40 most productive herpetologists (in terms of “species output”) have described 4780 species, amounting to over half of all species. George Albert Boulenger leads this elite list with 573 species that are still recognized today. Historically, 18 classic works of the 18th and 19th century can be singled out,  describing almost 1000 species still recognized, including the Erpétologie Générale, published between 1834 and 1854 in nine volumes. The top 25 journals have published more than 3600 species descriptions in the past 250 years (including 169 in Zootaxa, ranked sixth), corresponding to about 40% of all species.
Two new species of genus Deferunda Distant (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Achilidae) from southwest China
Authors: CHEN XIANG-SHENG , HE TING-TING
Published: November 2018

Two new species of Deferunda Distant, 1912 (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidae: Achilidae: Plectoderini), D. diana sp. nov. (China: Yunnan) and D. qiana sp. nov. (China: Guizhou, Yunnan), from southwest China, are described. The generic characters are modified, including the addition of male genitalia characters. A key for identifying the known species of Deferunda is provided.
New taxa in the Eriophyidae (Acari, Prostigmata) from forest trees in southern Brazil
Authors: FLECHTMANN CARLOS H. W. , DE QUEIROZ DALVA L.
Published: November 2018

Two new genera and five new species of Eriophyidae from forest trees in southern Brazil are described, namely: Juxtacolopodacus n. gen., Juxtacolopodacus phalakros n. sp. from Mollinedia clavigera Tul. (Monimiaceae); Procalacarus perporosus n. sp., from Randia armata (Sw.) (Rubiaceae); Scolotosus Flechtmann & Keifer, n.gen., Scolotosus centrolobii Flechtmann & Keifer, n. sp., from Centrolobium robustum Mart. (Leguminosae); Scolotosus hartfordi n. sp., from Centrolobium tomentosum Guill. (Leguminosae), and Metaculus tanythrix n. sp., from Dicksonia sellowiana Hook. (Dicksoniaceae).
Type and non-type specimens of Aegla (Decapoda: Anomura: Aeglidae) housed in the Museo de La Plata, Argentina
Authors: CÉSAR INÉS I. , DAMBORENEA CRISTINA
Published: November 2018

The present contribution deals with the type and non-type material of the species of Aegla (Decapoda: Anomura: Aeglidae) deposited in the Invertebrate Collection of Museo de La Plata, Argentina. One hundred and thirty-four lots are included, of which 10 lots are type specimens. The material examined includes 11 of the 13 species known from Argentina. Among the studied lots, those examined by Ringuelet (1948, 1960) and by Bond-Buckup & Buckup (1994) stand out. Also, several lots from different regions of Argentina were identified. Type specimens examined were compared with the original descriptions; photographs of the specimens are given in the present report. For each lot the following information is provided: georeferenced locality of collection, collector and collecting date, bibliographical references, category, number of collection according to the rules of the Museo de La Plata, label data (precise transcription), remarks and map of the locations.
Bathymetric Influence on the Coastal Sea Level Response to Ocean Gyres at Western Boundaries
Authors: Wise Anthony , Hughes Chris W. , Polton Jeff A.
Published: November 2018

It is our aim with this paper to investigate how the presence of a continental shelf and slope alters the relationship between interior ocean dynamics and western boundary (coastal) sea level. The assumption of a flat-bottomed basin with vertical sidewall at the coast is shown to hide the role that depth plays in the net force acting on the coast. A linear β-plane theory is then developed describing the transmission of sea level over variable depth bathymetry as analogous to the steady advection–diffusion of a thermal fluid. The parameter , relating the friction parameter r to the bathymetry depth H and width , is found to determine the contribution of interior sea level to coastal sea level, with small giving maximum penetration and large maximum insulation. In the small (infinite friction) limit the frictional boundary layer extends far offshore, and coastal sea level tends toward the vertical sidewall solution. Adding simple stratification produces exactly the same result but with reduced effective depth and hence enhanced penetration. Penetration can be further enhanced by permitting weakly nonlinear variations of thermocline depth. Wider and shallower shelves relative to the overall scales are also shown to maximize penetration for realistic values of . The theory implies that resolution of bathymetry and representation of friction can have a large impact on simulated coastal sea level, calling into question the ability of coarse-resolution models to accurately represent processes determining the dynamic coastal sea level.
The PSID and Income Volatility: Its Record of Seminal Research and Some New Findings
Authors: Moffitt Robert , Zhang Sisi
Published: November 2018

The Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) has made more contributions to the study of income volatility than any other dataset in the United States. Its record of providing data for seminal research is unmatched. In this article, we first present the reasons that the PSID has made such major contributions to research on the topic. Then we review the major papers that have used the PSID to study income volatility, comparing their results to those using other datasets. Last, we present new results for income volatility among U.S. men through 2014, finding that both gross volatility and the variance of transitory shocks display a three-phase trend: upward trends from the 1970s to the 1980s, a stable period in the 1990s through the early 2000s, and a large increase during the Great Recession.
The Effects of Union Dissolution on the Economic Resources of Men and Women: A Comparative Analysis of Germany and the United States, 1985–2013
Authors: Bayaz-Ozturk Gulgun , Burkhauser Richard V. , Couch Kenneth A. , Hauser Richard
Published: November 2018

We analyze the consequences of union dissolution on the economic resources of men and women in the United States and Germany over three decades, using the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) and another international survey, the German Socio-Economic Panel, which was modeled after the PSID. Measured either by family size–adjusted “pregovernment” or “postgovernment” incomes (incomes to men and women either before or after taxes and cash transfers from social welfare programs), women fare worse than men in both countries in each of the two time periods we study (1985–1993 and 2005–2013). This is primarily due to reductions in access to their partner’s earnings, even though those reductions are somewhat mitigated by increases in their own earnings and by reductions in taxes and family size. German women experienced larger proportionate reductions in postgovernment resources than American women in the first period examined five years after a family split. American women did worse in the later period, experiencing statistically significant declines in their postgovernment incomes relative to the initial period.
Le secret du déterminisme esthétique. Le rite et l’écologie de l’esprit de Gregory Bateson
Authors: Cardita Ângelo
Published: November 2018

Cette étude se concentre sur les perspectives épistémologiques, rituelles et esthétiques de Gregory Bateson, dans le but d’ouvrir vers la possibilité d’élaborer une théologie comme anticipation d’une science de la « Creatura » – l’aspect de la réalité gouverné par la différence et l’information, qui englobe et se différencie du « Pleroma » – le monde physique sans distinction. Après avoir éclairé la portée théologique de l’écologie de l’esprit de Bateson, on discute de la « schismogenèse » dans le but de conduire à l’intuition de processus habités par l’amour contraires à la spirale de la violence, une intuition que Bateson cherchera à consolider dans une perspective esthétique, rituelle et ludique, autour de l’idée d’une sorte de déterminisme qui fonctionne comme un secret – comme un savoir silencieux et toutefois partagé, qui doit être révélé et gardé en même temps. Cette étude soutient que le rite est la réalité religieuse caractérisée par le déterminisme esthétique dont parle Bateson. Le rite est la réalité paradigmatique de la nouvelle épistémologie en quête de la « structure qui relie », non seulement à l’intérieur de la religion comme « sacrement », mais aussi comme reprise de la dynamique de la vie de la « Creatura ». Cette reprise est d’ordre esthétique et se concrétise comme une différence qui crée une différence. On conclut en considérant les possibles objections au secret comme instrument de contrôle et pointant vers la situation actuelle de la théologie à l’égard des sciences humaines.
Understanding subjective well-being among social workers in Israel
Authors: Itzick Michal , Kagan Maya
Published: November 2018

Based on the conservation of resources theory, this study assesses the association between selected demographic factors (relationship status, years of work experience) and psycho-social factors (self-rated health, burnout, loneliness, and sense of coherence), and the subjective well-being of social workers. The data were collected through structured questionnaires ( n = 394). The findings suggest that relationship status, self-rated health, burnout, loneliness, and sense of coherence significantly predicted subjective well-being among social workers. It may be concluded that social workers who have a strong arsenal of demographic and psycho-social resources will experience fewer negative psychological outcomes and report higher levels of subjective well-being.