bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ten Years of 2D Longitudinal Strain for Early Myocardial Dysfunction Detection: A Clinical Overview
Authors: Zito Concetta , Longobardo Luca , Citro Rodolfo , Galderisi Maurizio , Oreto Lilia , Carerj Maria Ludovica , Manganaro Roberta , Cusmà-Piccione Maurizio , Todaro Maria Chiara , Di Bella Gianluca , Imbalzano Egidio , Khandheria Bijoy K. , Carerj Scipione
Published: December 2018

In recent years, the role of left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) as the gold standard parameter for the evaluation of systolic function has been questioned, and many efforts have been concentrated in the clinical validation of new noninvasive tools for the study of myocardial contractility. Improvement in the accuracy of speckle-tracking echocardiography has resulted in a large amount of research showing the ability of two-dimensional strain to overcome EF limitations in the majority of primary and secondary heart diseases. Currently, global longitudinal strain (GLS) is considered the most accurate and sensitive parameter for the assessment of early left ventricular dysfunction. This review summarizes the advantages that this measurement can provide in several clinical settings. Moreover, the important cautions that should be considered in making the choice to use GLS also are addressed. Finally, a special focus on bull’s-eye polar maps for the assessment of regional changes of longitudinal function and the usefulness of these maps in the differential diagnosis of several diseases is provided.
Numerical Investigation of Complex Thermal Coal‐Gas Interactions in Coal‐Gas Migration
Authors: Ni Xiaoyan , Gong Peng , Xue Yi
Published: December 2018

Understanding the influence of temperature on the gas seepage of coal seams is helpful to achieve the efficient extraction of underground coal seam gas. Thermal coal‐gas interactions involve a series of complex interactions between gas and solid coal. Although the interactions between coal and gas have been studied thoroughly, few studies have considered the temperature evolution characteristics of coal seam gas extraction under the condition of variable temperature because of the complexity of the temperature effect on gas drainage. In this study, the fully coupled transient model combines the relationship of gas flow, heat transfer, coal mass deformation, and gas migration under variable temperature conditions and represents an important nonlinear response to gas migration caused by the change of effective stress. Then, this complex model is implemented into a finite element (FE) model and solved through the numerical method. Its reliability was verified by comparing with historical data. Finally, the effect of temperature on coal permeability and gas pressure is studied. The results reveal that the gas pressure in coal fracture is generally higher than that in the matrix blocks. The higher temperature of the coal seam induces the faster increase of the gas pressure. Temperature has a great effect on the gas seepage behavior in the coal seams.
Biomaterial Engineering for Controlling Pluripotent Stem Cell Fate
Authors: Bertucci Taylor B. , Dai Guohao
Published: December 2018

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) represent an exciting cell source for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to their self-renewal and differentiation capacities. The majority of current PSC protocols rely on 2D cultures and soluble factors to guide differentiation; however, many other environmental signals are beginning to be explored using biomaterial platforms. Biomaterials offer new opportunities to engineer the stem cell niches and 3D environments for exploring biophysical and immobilized signaling cues to further our control over stem cell fate. Here, we review the biomaterial platforms that have been engineered to control PSC fate. We explore how altering immobilized biochemical cues and biophysical cues such as dimensionality, stiffness, and topography can enhance our control over stem cell fates. Finally, we highlight biomaterial culture systems that assist in the translation of PSC technologies for clinical applications.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement for Pure Native Aortic Valve Regurgitation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jiang Jubo , Liu Xianbao , He Yuxin , Xu Qiyuan , Zhu Qifeng , Jaiswal Sanjay , Wang Lihan , Hu Po , Gao Feng , Sun Yinghao , Liu Chunhui , Lin Xiaoping , Liang Jie , Ren Kaida , Wang Jian'an
Published: December 2018

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a recent and an effective treatment option for high- or extreme-surgical-risk patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. However, pure severe native aortic valve regurgitation (NAVR) without aortic stenosis remains a contraindication to TAVR. The aim of our systemic review analysis was to evaluate TAVR in patients with pure NAVR. Methods: We searched the published articles in the PubMed and Web of Science databases (2002–2017) using the Boolean operators for studies of NAVR patients undergoing TAVR. Reference lists of all returned articles were searched recursively for other relevant citations. Pooled estimates were calculated using a random-effects meta-analysis. Results: Finally, a total of 10 studies were included in this analysis. The CoreValve was more frequently used with a lower rate of device success and a higher rate of residual aortic regurgitation. The new-generation transcatheter heart valves (THVs) performed a significantly higher rate with less residual aortic regurgitation and a success rate close to 100%. The 30-day all-cause mortality rates ranged from 0 to 30% with an estimate summary rate of 9% (95% CI: 5–15%; I2 = 33%). Cerebrovascular events, major or life-threatening bleeding, major vascular complications, acute kidney disease, and new permanent pacemaker implantation occurred similarly in both the new- and old-generation THV devices. Conclusions: Aortic regurgitation remains a challenging pathology for TAVR. TAVR is a feasible and reasonable option for carefully selected patients with pure aortic regurgitation.
Correlation of Ultrasound Findings and Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology for the Diagnosis of Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Kapila Kusum , Alath Preetha , Hebbar Govind H. , Jaragh Mohammed , George Sara S. , AlJassar Ayesha
Published: December 2018

Objective: Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (USG-FNAC) is used for the detection of axillary lymph node (ALN) metastasis in patients with breast carcinoma (BC). US findings have a good diagnostic accuracy with high sensitivity and specificity. The aim of this study is to correlate the detection of ALN metastases on US with FNAC in BC patients. Study Design: In 75 BC patients, over a period of 9 months (January to September 2017), the size, cortical thickness (CT), presence or absence of hilar fat, and length/width ratio of ALN on US were reviewed and correlated with FNAC findings. Results: The age range was 29–78 (mean 52) years. There were 38 patients with a single ALN and 37 with multiple ALNs. ALNs with a maximum length of > 2.5 cm were malignant in 100% of cases while those ≥1.5 cm were malignant in 80.4%. ALNs with a CT of > 3 mm had metastasis in 78.1% cases. ALNs with absent hilar fat showed tumour in 87.5% cases. A length/width ratio of < 2 showed a metastatic tumour in 66.7% of aspirates. Conclusion: An association was seen between metastatic carcinoma on FNAC and axillary US features of a maximum length of ≥1.5 cm, the absence of hilar fat, and a CT of > 3 mm (p < 0.05).
Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome Caused by Nivolumab in a Patient with Squamous Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Nakatani Yuki , Tanaka Natsuki , Enami Tomomi , Minami Seigo , Okazaki Tomoko , Komuta Kiyoshi
Published: December 2018

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a representative paraneoplastic neurological syndrome. Recently, nivolumab, an anti-programmed cell death 1 inhibitor, has been approved for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Careful attention should be paid to immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including neurotoxicity. We herein report a 73-year-old woman with LEMS that occurred during nivolumab treatment for pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma. After the 20th week of nivolumab, she experienced various neurological symptoms such as ptosis, lower limb weakness, and photophobia. Findings from a nerve conduction study and a positive anti-P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium channel antibody made a diagnosis of LEMS. Pyridostigmine and 3,4-diaminopyridine temporarily improved her symptoms. This was the first case of LEMS as a neurological irAE. LEMS should be considered as a possible neurological irAE.
Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Depression Like Behavior in Mice via the Inhibition of Neuroinflammation and Oxido-Nitrosative Stress
Authors: Cheng Li , Huang Chao , Chen Zhuo
Published: December 2018

Depression is a mental disease that causes severe economic and social burdens. The mechanism for the onset of depression remains largely unknown. Recently, more and more attention is being given to the role of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in depression. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), a clinically available agent used to treat cholesterol gallstone and protect neurons against neurodegeneration, has been reported to prevent neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the effect of TUDCA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression-like behavior, neuroinflammation, and oxido-nitrosative stress in mice. Results showed that TUDCA pretreatment (once daily for 7 consecutive days) at the dosage of 200 and 400 mg/kg, but not 100 mg/kg, markedly attenuated LPS (0.83 mg/kg)-induced behavioral abnormalities in the tail suspension test, forced swim test, and sucrose preference test. Further analysis showed that the TUDCA pretreatment (200, 400 mg/kg) not only inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines induced by LPS stimulation, such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, but attenuated LPS-triggered oxido-nitrosative stress in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Taken together, our results provide evidence to show that the TUDCA could be a potential antidepressant, and its antidepressive mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of the neuroinflammatory response and oxido-nitrosative stress in the brain.
Risk Factors Analysis of Postoperative Pleural Effusion after Liver Resection
Authors: Tsai Kuei-Yen , Chen Hsin-An , Wang Wan-Yu , Huang Ming-Te
Published: December 2018

Background: Pulmonary complications remain relatively high in morbidities that arise after liver surgery and are associated with increased length of hospital stay and higher cost. Identification of possible risk factors in this retrospective analysis may help reduce operative morbidity and achieve better outcomes. Methods: In all, 363 consecutive patients underwent elective hepatectomies between July 2008 and November 2013 and these were identified and analyzed retrospectively. Patient demographics and perioperative variables were collected. The main outcome was an analysis of risk factors associated with postoperative pleural effusion (PPE). Results: Of 363 patients receiving hepatectomies, 80 patients (22.0%) developed pulmonary complications. The predominant pulmonary complication in this series is pleural effusion (76 patients, 95%). Univariate analysis found that older age, higher body mass index (BMI), chronic obstructive lung disease, asthma, heart disease, hepatitis C infection, heavy smoking, American Society of Anesthesiology class III and IV, hepatectomy site, combined surgeries, perioperative blood transfusion, and cirrhosis of liver were associated with PPE. Only older age, higher BMI, asthma, heavy smoker, combined gastrointestinal surgeries, and perioperative blood transfusion were identified as independent risk factors in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: This study identifies 6 risk factors for PPE. Identification and management of some of these factors could possibly reduce morbidity and improve short-term surgical outcomes.
Prevalence of Retinal Vein Occlusion in Europe: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Jeany Q. , Terheyden Jan Henrik , Welchowski Thomas , Schmid Matthias , Letow Julia , Wolpers Caroline , Holz Frank G. , Finger Robert P.
Published: December 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and incidence of retinal vein occlusions (RVO) in Europe. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence and incidence of RVO in Europe according to the Meta-Analyses of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines was performed in the databases PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. Based on Eurostat data, the total number of affected individuals in the EU was calculated and projected to the year 2050. Results: The random-effects pooled prevalence of RVO in Europe was 0.7% (95% CI: 0.5–0.9%) in persons aged 55 years and older based on the examination of 25,002 individuals from 4 prevalence studies. No European incidence studies were identified. The total number of affected individuals in the EU was estimated to rise by almost 20% from 900,000 today to 1.1 million in 2050. Conclusion: Published articles on the prevalence and incidence of RVO in Europe are limited. With the expected increase in affected persons, further epidemiological research is warranted for adequate healthcare planning.
Best Vascular Access in the Elderly: Time for Innovation?
Authors: Asif Arif , Bakr Mohamed M. , Levitt Michael , Vachharajani Tushar
Published: December 2018

Background: Conflicting data continue to surround the optimal dialysis access for the elderly. Many propose that catheters are the best option for this population; others emphasize the creation of an arteriovenous fistula. Summary: While an arteriovenous access is the best available access, it has a high early failure rate, particularly in the elderly. However, significant differences exist in forearm (men ≥65 years ~70%; women ≥65 years ~80%) versus upper arm (men ≥65 years ~40%; women ≥65 years ~38%) fistula failure rates in the elderly, with upper arm having much lower failure rates. Two percutaneous innovative techniques that successfully establish fistulas at the upper arm using proximal radial/ulnar ­artery as the inflow have been recently introduced. These procedures have been successfully performed in the elderly. Importantly, these techniques bypass the open surgical exploration and as such avoid the surgical manipulation of the juxta-anastomotic region (a common cause for the development of juxta-anastomotic stenosis and early fistula failure). Key Message: This article discusses the arteriovenous fistula creation in the elderly, highlights the factors necessary for successful fistula creation, and describes the 2 innovative techniques that can be used to provide a robust platform for successful fistula creation in this population.
Recognizing Common Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in the Nephrology Clinic
Authors: Van de Velde-Kossmann Karen M. 
Published: December 2018

Renal failure patients have an increased risk of infection, including skin and soft tissue infections. This increased susceptibility is multifactorial, due to the conditions causing the renal failure as well as complications of treatment and renal failure’s innate effects on patient health. These infections have a significant impact on patient morbidity, increased hospital and procedural demands, and the cost of health care. Many renal failure patients are seen regularly by their nephrology clinic caregivers due to the need for frequent dialysis and transplant monitoring. Familiarity with common skin and soft tissue infections by these caregivers allowing enhanced patient education, optimal infection prevention, and early recognition could significantly reduce the morbidity and cost of these disorders, such as diabetic foot syndrome, necrotizing fasciitis, and herpetic infections.
Cervical Artery Dissection in Patients of African Ancestry
Authors: Green Ilana E. , Rahman Shareena A. , Owens Debra L. , Sale Michèle M. , Currie Lillian J. , Keene Keith L. , Worrall Bradford B. , Southerland Andrew M.
Published: December 2018

Background and Purpose: The majority of published data in cervical artery dissection (CeAD), a common cause of stroke in young adults, derive from populations of European ancestry (EA), including a recent genome-wide study identifying an association with the rs9349379 polymorphism of the PHACTR1 gene. Little is known about CeAD in individuals of African ancestry (AA) despite robust epidemiological data showing increased risk of stroke at younger ages. We hypothesize that AA patients with CeAD have different epidemiology and clinical profiles compared to those of EA, and a different genetic architecture related to rs9349379 of the PHACTR1 gene. Methods: We searched a single-center database of CeAD to identify AA and EA patients. We compared differential prevalence of CeAD versus all young stroke between AA and EA patients. We characterized clinical profiles via electronic medical record review. Data include descriptive statistics reported as medians or percentages. We also obtained publicly available allele frequencies of rs9349379 in AA and EA populations. Results: AA patients comprise 7% of CeAD cases and 27% of young stroke cases while EA patients comprise 90% of CeAD cases and 70% of young stroke cases. Prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia were 74, 30, and 50%, respectively, in AA patients compared to 37, 6, and 25% in EA patients. Allele frequencies for the CeAD risk allele, rs9349379(A), are higher in AA populations compared to EA populations. Conclusion: AA patients represent a smaller proportion of CeAD cases compared to young stroke cases at our center. AA patients suffering CeAD have higher prevalence of both vascular risk factors and frequency of the CeAD risk allele compared to EA patients. These findings suggest a complex interplay between traditional vascular risk factors and genetic predisposition underlying CeAD pathogenesis. Further prospective research is needed to clarify these associations and disparities.
Neuroimmune and Inflammatory Signals in Complex Disorders of the Central Nervous System
Authors: Liberman Ana Clara , Trias Emiliano , da Silva Chagas Luana , Trindade Pablo , dos Santos Pereira Marissol , Refojo Damian , Hedin-Pereira Cecilia , Serfaty Claudio A.
Published: December 2018

An extensive microglial-astrocyte-monocyte-neuronal cross talk seems to be crucial for normal brain function, development, and recovery. However, under certain conditions neuroinflammatory interactions between brain cells and neuroimmune cells influence disease outcome and brain pathology. Microglial cells express a range of functional states with dynamically pleomorphic profiles from a surveilling status of synaptic transmission to an active player in major events of development such as synaptic elimination, regeneration, and repair. Also, inflammation mediates a series of neurotoxic roles in neuropsychiatric conditions and neurodegenerative diseases. The present review discusses data on the involvement of neuroinflammatory conditions that alter neuroimmune interactions in four different pathologies. In the first section of this review, we discuss the ability of the early developing brain to respond to a focal lesion with a rapid compensatory plasticity of intact axons and the role of microglial activation and proinflammatory cytokines in brain repair. In the second section, we present data of neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative disorders and discuss the role of reactive astrocytes in motor neuron toxicity and the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In the third section, we discuss major depressive disorders as the consequence of dysfunctional interactions between neural and immune signals that result in increased peripheral immune responses and increase proinflammatory cytokines. In the last section, we discuss autism spectrum disorders and altered brain circuitries that emerge from abnormal long-term responses of innate inflammatory cytokines and microglial phenotypic dysfunctions.
Digital Follow-Up and the Perspective of Patient-Centered Care in Oncology: What’s the PROblem?
Authors: Giordano Frank A. , Welzel Grit , Siefert Victor , Jahnke Lennart , Ganslandt Thomas , Wenz Frederik , Grosu Anca-Ligia , Heinemann Felix , Nicolay Nils H.
Published: December 2018

There is accumulating evidence from randomized trials suggesting that digital patient-centered care allows a more reliable detection of tumour-related symptoms and adverse events – with a direct impact on overall survival. Consequently, a variety of unsynchronized approaches were kicked off to (electronically) measure patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Despite increasing evidence that PRO data are highly relevant for patient care, the data generated in these initial projects lack standardized processing pathways in order to impact clinical routine; therefore, potential future routine PRO assessments require adequate analysis, storage and processing to allow a robust, reproducible and reliable incorporation into routine clinical decision-making. Here, we discuss relevant challenges of digital follow-up that need to be tackled to render PRO data as relevant to physicians as laboratory or biomarker data.
Taper Fracture of Uncemented Femoral Stem after Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Al Habsi Salim , Luthra Jatinder Singh , Al Badei Hamid
Published: December 2018

Fracture through the tapered femoral neck of total hip arthroplasty is extremely rare. We report the taper neck fracture of a cementless stem in an extensively porous-coated femoral prosthesis used for total hip arthroplasty due to chronic hip infection 8 years previously in a 42-year-old man, weighing 110 kg with a body mass index of 39. We consider that cyclical loading stresses, fretting corrosion, and high body mass index are possible potential risk factors of such fracture.
Potencialidades da narrativa greimasiana
Authors: Tatit Luiz , Beividas Waldir
Published: December 2018

Epicentro das reflexões da semiótica de Algirdas Julien Greimas, desde sua origem, a narratividade é investigada aqui em três direções propositivas: (i) compreender a tensividade implícita no modelo narrativo greimasiano, a partir das propostas heurísticas de Claude Zilberberg; (ii) incorporar à narratividade – concebida como antropologia do imaginário humano – o regime tímico-pulsional, defendido por Jean Petitot; (iii) sugerir a entrada da semiótica no debate sobre as “grandes narrativas da antropogênese” – narrativas científicoevolucionistas sobre a espécie humana, narrativas humanistas da “exceção humana”, narrativas fenomenológicas da “diferença antropológica” – para instruir tal debate com a proposta de um relato semiológico que ponha em evidência a presença e a ação da linguagem na antropogênese.
A complexidade eficácia / eficiência
Authors: Moreno Luisa Ruiz
Published: December 2018

Por mais notória que seja a similitude de conteúdo dos termos eficácia e eficiência, frequentemente tomados como sinônimos, há, no entanto, uma diferença entre eles, muito embora o uso tenha privilegiado a eficácia, englobando em seu interior a ideia de eficiência. Semioticamente falando, essa distinção, ainda que mínima, não deixa de ser considerável, sobretudo à luz da noção de competência – condição de possibilidade e fonte gerativa da significação. Este estudo propõe problematizar tal diferença para extrair toda a riqueza que ela contém para a teoria da significação.
A Efetividade dos Mecanismos de Proteção do Patrimônio Cultural na Preservação da Memória Coletiva
Authors: Sousa Rosilene Paiva Marinho de , Azevedo Netto Carlos Xavier , Oliveira Bernardina Maria Juvenal Freire de
Published: December 2018

Analisa os mecanismos de proteção aplicados ao patrimônio cultural brasileiro buscando para uma compreensão mais apurada, apresentar a proteção do referido patrimônio histórico no Brasil. Nesse sentido, apresenta uma visão de como o patrimônio cultural se apresenta nos dias atuais, bem como a influência da informação patrimonial na garantia da memória, e da construção da identidade. No que tange ao percurso metodológico, trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória, bibliográfica e documental. Ao final, será realizada uma abordagem crítica, buscando discutir a efetividade dos mecanismos de proteção do patrimônio histórico brasileiro, exemplificativamente o inventário, registros, vigilância, tombamento desapropriação, para a preservação e conservação do patrimônio cultural e se os mesmos contribuem para a preservação da memória histórica e social.
A História Econômica nas Fontes do Arquivo Nacional
Authors: Fonseca Thiago Vinicius Mantuano da , Marinho Marcos De Brito Monteiro
Published: December 2018

Este artigo surge a partir de algumas inquietudes sobre a historiografia e o seu futuro, especialmente com as ameaças ao funcionamento do Arquivo Nacional. Para tanto, pretendemos fazer um duplo trabalho de divulgação: tanto da importância do Acervo sob guarda do Arquivo Nacional para o estabelecimento e futuro da História Econômica como campo autônomo e com vocação de síntese para a historiografia; quanto da demonstração de como os estudos e pesquisas no âmbito da História Econômica ajudaram a impulsionar o desenvolvimento da preservação, organização e demanda pela documentação no Arquivo Nacional.
Association Between Residential Greenness and Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Authors: Yeager Ray , Riggs Daniel W. , DeJarnett Natasha , Tollerud David J. , Wilson Jeffrey , Conklin Daniel J. , O'Toole Timothy E. , McCracken James , Lorkiewicz Pawel , Xie Zhengzhi , Zafar Nagma , Krishnasamy Sathya S. , Srivastava Sanjay , Finch Jordan , Keith Rachel J. , DeFilippis Andrew , Rai Shesh N. , Liu Gilbert , Bhatnagar Aruni
Published: December 2018

Background

Exposure to green vegetation has been linked to positive health, but the pathophysiological processes affected by exposure to vegetation remain unclear. To study the relationship between greenness and cardiovascular disease, we examined the association between residential greenness and biomarkers of cardiovascular injury and disease risk in susceptible individuals.

Methods and Results

In this cross‐sectional study of 408 individuals recruited from a preventive cardiology clinic, we measured biomarkers of cardiovascular injury and risk in participant blood and urine. We estimated greenness from satellite‐derived normalized difference vegetation index (
NDVI
) in zones with radii of 250 m and 1 km surrounding the participants’ residences. We used generalized estimating equations to examine associations between greenness and cardiovascular disease biomarkers. We adjusted for residential clustering, demographic, clinical, and environmental variables. In fully adjusted models, contemporaneous
NDVI
within 250 m of participant residence was inversely associated with urinary levels of epinephrine (−6.9%; 95% confidence interval, −11.5, −2.0/0.1
NDVI
) and F2‐isoprostane (−9.0%; 95% confidence interval, −15.1, −2.5/0.1
NDVI
). We found stronger associations between
NDVI
and urinary epinephrine in women, those not on β‐blockers, and those who had not previously experienced a myocardial infarction. Of the 15 subtypes of circulating angiogenic cells examined, 11 were inversely associated (8.0–15.6% decrease/0.1
NDVI
), whereas 2 were positively associated (37.6–45.8% increase/0.1
NDVI
) with contemporaneous
NDVI
.

Conclusions

Independent of age, sex, race, smoking status, neighborhood deprivation, statin use, and roadway exposure, residential greenness is associated with lower levels of sympathetic activation, reduced oxidative stress, and higher angiogenic capacity.
Temporal Trends in Utilization of Cardiac Therapies and Outcomes for Myocardial Infarction by Degree of Chronic Kidney Disease: A Report From the NCDR Chest Pain–MI Registry
Authors: Bagai Akshay , Lu Di , Lucas Joseph , Goyal Abhinav , Herzog Charles A. , Wang Tracy Y. , Goodman Shaun G. , Roe Matthew T.
Published: December 2018

Background

We sought to determine temporal trends in use of evidence‐based therapies and clinical outcomes among myocardial infarction (
MI)
patients with chronic kidney disease (
CKD
).

Methods and Results

MI
patients from the NCDR (National Cardiovascular Data Registry) Chest Pain–
MI
Registry between January 2007 and December 2015 were categorized into 3 groups by degree of
CKD
(end‐stage renal disease on dialysis,
CKD
[glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
] not requiring dialysis, and no
CKD
[glomerular filtration rate ≥60 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
]). Logistic regression modeling was used to determine the association between calendar years (2014–2015 versus 2007–2008) and each outcome by degree of
CKD
. Among 325 396 patients with ST‐segment–elevation MI, 1.0% had end‐stage renal disease requiring dialysis, and 26.1% had
CKD
not requiring dialysis. Use of primary percutaneous coronary intervention increased over time regardless of the presence or degree of
CKD
(
P=
0.40 for interaction). In‐hospital mortality was temporally higher among patients with preserved renal function (odds ratio: 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.13–1.39;
P
<0.001) but not among patients with
CKD
(
P
=0.035 for interaction). Among 506 876 non–ST‐segment–elevation MI patients, 3.4% had end‐stage renal disease requiring dialysis, and 34.4% had
CKD
not requiring dialysis. P2Y
12
inhibitor use within 24 hours increased over time only among dialysis patients (
P
for interaction <0.001). Use of coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention also increased, with the greatest increase among dialysis patients (
P
for interaction <0.001 and <0.001, respectively). In‐hospital mortality was lower, regardless of the presence or degree of
CKD
(
P
=0.64 for interaction).

Conclusions

Uptake of evidence‐based medical and invasive therapies has increased over the past decade among
MI
patients with
CKD
, particularly dialysis patients, with improvement of in‐hospital mortality observed among patients with non–ST‐segment–elevation MI, but not ST‐segment–elevation MI, and
CKD
.
Should Perturbation of the Preconceptive Environment be Considered a Risk Factor for the Development of Cardiovascular Disease Later in Life?
Authors: Stapleton Phoebe
Published: December 2018

See Article by
Tanwar et al
Dinonemertes shinkaii sp. nov., (Nemertea: Hoplonemertea: Polystilifera: Pelagica) a new species of bathypelagic nemertean
Authors: KAJIHARA HIROSHI , LINDSAY DHUGAL J.
Published: December 2018

A new species of bathypelagic polystiliferous nemertean Dinonemertes shinkaii is described based on the holotype obtained by the manned submersible Shinkai 6500 from a depth of 2343 m in Japan Trench, Northwest Pacific. Dinonemertes shinkaii can be distinguished from its congeners in having a translucent body, 24 proboscis nerves, two pairs of intestinal caecal diverticula, and about 25 pairs of intestinal lateral diverticula. This species represents the first dinonemertid to have pseudostriated muscle fibres in the rhynchocoel circular muscle layers.
Two new water mites species (Acariformes: Hydrachnidia) from interstitial waters of the Russian Far East
Authors: SEMENCHENKO KSENIA A.
Published: December 2018

Illustrated descriptions of two water mite species, Amerothyasella tiunovae sp. n. and Uchidastygacarus primoryensis sp. n., from interstitial waters of the Russian Far East are presented.
A check-list of Ensifera from Algeria (Insecta: Orthoptera)
Authors: SAHNOUN AOUAOUCHE MOHAMED , DOUMANDJI SALAH EDDINE , DESUTTER-GRANDCOLAS LAURE
Published: December 2018

Today Chopard’s 1943, “les Orthoptéroides d’Afrique du Nord", is still the reference book to work on Algerian Ensifera. 49 cricket (Grylloidea) species (16 genera) and 46 katydid and bushcricket (Tettigonioidea, Tettigoniidae) species (21 genera) were then mentioned, in addition to Lezina peyerimhoffi Chopard, 1929 (Stenopelmatidae). Since that time, no recent synthesis has been proposed for Algerian Ensifera, while their taxonomy changed deeply and new species have been described. In the present paper, we propose a reviewed list of Ensifera species from Algeria. All the species mentioned by Chopard (1943) and posterior authors, or collected during our own field work, are mentioned, including new species, i.e. 118 species or subspecies. The geographic localities where these species have been found are given, together with their geographic coordinates, bioclimatic stages and biogeographic zones. These data are used to discuss the diversity and geographic distribution of ensiferan communities in Algeria.
Resolving cryptic species with morphology and DNA; thrips as a potential biocontrol agent of Brazilian peppertree, with a new species and overview of Pseudophilothrips (Thysanoptera)
Authors: MOUND L. A. , WHEELER G. S. , WILLIAMS D. A.
Published: December 2018

Molecular and morphological evidence is presented to support the description of a second species of Pseudophilothrips from Brazil in association with Schinus terebinthifolius, an invasive weedy tree in North America. Pseudophilothrips is here recognized as a weakly defined genus comprising 13 described species from the Americas. This genus is presumably derived from within, rather than sister-genus to, the worldwide genus Liothrips of leaf-feeding species.
On new collections of deep-sea Gadiformes (Actinopterygii: Teleostei) from the Brazilian continental slope, between 11° and 23° S
Authors: MELO MARCELO R. S. , BRAGA ADRIANA C. , NUNAN GUSTAVO W. A. , COSTA PAULO A. S.
Published: December 2018

New collections made by the French research vessel Thalassa and the Brazilian Astro Garoupa on the Brazilian continental slope, between 11° and 23° S revealed a great diversity of deep-sea gadiforms obtained between 200 and 2270 m. Of the 34 species collected, 13 (38%) are being reported for the first time in the western South Atlantic and one may represent a new species. The most species-rich family in the area is Macrouridae (25 species), followed by Moridae (4), Phycidae (2), Merlucciidae (2), and Bregmacerotidae (1). Most of the species collected is also found in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean and have their known ranges of distribution extended into the tropical waters of central Brazil. Four species typically occur in temperate waters and were found only in the southernmost stations. A summary comparison of the bathymetric distributions of each species on the slope is provided.
A distinctive new species of moss salamander (Caudata: Plethodontidae: Nototriton) from an imperiled Honduran endemism hotspot
Authors: TOWNSEND JOSIAH H. , BUTLER J. MICHAEL , WILSON LARRY DAVID , AUSTIN JAMES D.
Published: December 2018

A new species of Nototriton is described from Refugio de Vida Silvestre Texiguat in northern Honduras, and is presented in a new phylogenetic hypothesis for the genus Nototriton. This species differs from all other congeners by a number of morphological characteristics, including but not limited to large nares, syndactylous hands and feet with pointed toe tips, and a pale ventral surface with light mottling. Mitochondrial sequence divergence distinguishes this species from all other Nototriton (3.6–6.0% at 16S and 10.2–15.1% at cytochrome b). Refugio de Vida Silvestre Texiguat harbors a remarkable herpetofauna, including 20% of all endemic amphibian and reptile species in Honduras, among which are five species (one anuran, one lizard, and three snakes) known only from the immediate vicinity of the type locality of the new species. Despite the evolutionary and conservation importance of this reserve, it remains one of the most imperiled cloud forests in Honduras due to persistent illegal logging and forest clearing.
A new species of Liolaemus (Reptilia: Squamata) from southwestern Rio Negro province, northern Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: AVILA LUCIANO JAVIER , PEREZ CRISTIAN HERNAN FULVIO , MORANDO MARIANA , SITES, JR. JACK WALTER
Published: December 2018

A new species of lizard of the genus Liolaemus from southwestern Rio Negro Province, central Patagonia is described. The new species is a member of the Liolaemus fitzingerii group, and molecular data show it as sister taxon of L. martorii, but it differs in size, squamation, coloration, and sexual dimorphism. Liolaemus casamiquelai sp. nov. is terrestrial, dwelling on loose sandy soil in a shrubby landscape, and seems to be oviparous and insectivorous.
Redescription of the monotypic genus Cinusa Schioedte and Meinert, 1884 (Isopoda, Cymothoidae), a buccal-cavity isopod from South Africa
Authors: HADFIELD KERRY A. , BRUCE NIEL L. , SMIT NICO J.
Published: December 2018

The parasitic isopod Cinusa tetrodontis Schioedte and Meinert, 1884, is the only species in Cinusa and has one known host, the evil-eye puffer fish, Amblyrhynchotes honckenii. The original Latin description contained many generic or family traits and thus the genus and species are redescribed. A complete revision of the genus was carried out, detailed illustrations of C. tetrodontis are provided and a lectotype designated and deposited in the Zoological Museum, University of Copenhagen.
A re-description of Cyrtodactylus chrysopylos Bauer (Squamata: Gekkonidae) with comments on the adaptive significance of orange coloration in hatchlings and descriptions of two new species from eastern Myanmar (Burma)
Authors: GRISMER L. LEE , WOOD PERRY L., JR. , THURA MYINT KYAW , WIN NAY MYO , GRISMER MARTA S. , TRUEBLOOD LLYOD A. , QUAH EVAN S. H.
Published: December 2018

The karstic foothills and hilly western edge of the Shan Plateau of eastern Myanmar continue to be sources of discovery for new species of the gekkonid genus Cyrtodactylus. Two new karst-associated species within this unique landscape from Mandalay Region—C. aunglini sp. nov. from the Kyauk Nagar Cave and C. myaleiktaung sp. nov. from Mya Leik Taung Mountain—are described on the basis of color pattern, morphology, and genetics. A molecular phylogeny of the C. gansi group (defined herein) based on 1481 base pairs of the mitochondrial gene ND2 and its flanking tRNAs place C. aunglini sp. nov. as the sister species to C. gansi and C. myaleiktaung sp. nov. as the sister species of C. chrysopylos. A new population of C. chrysopylos from a boulder-strewn, karstic ridge near the village of Yane, Shan State at an elevation 951 m is reported here. Genetic and geographic variation as well as differences in natural history between it and the lowland cave population of C. chrysopylos from the type locality in the Panlaung-Pyadalin Cave Wildlife Sanctuary, Shan State at 303 m are discussed. Hatchlings of the new population from Yane are nearly uniformly bright-orange in color. We provide evidence in support of a hypothesis claiming this color functions as a mechanism for crypsis during low levels of illumination and is not involved in intraspecific communication.
A new species of Brasilotyphlus (Gymnophiona: Siphonopidae) and a contribution to the knowledge of the relationship between Microcaecilia and Brasilotyphlus
Authors: CORREIA LARISSA LIMA , NUNES PEDRO M. SALES , GAMBLE TONY , MACIEL ADRIANO OLIVEIRA , MARQUES-SOUZA SERGIO , FOUQUET ANTOINE , RODRIGUES MIGUEL TREFAUT , MOTT TAMÍ
Published: December 2018

A third species of Brasilotyphlus, a siphonopid caecilian, is described based on six specimens from two twin mountains in Roraima state, northern Brazil. Brasilotyphlus dubium sp. nov. differs from all other congeners in having a combination of 123–129 primary annuli and 9–16 secondary annular grooves. The first molecular data were generated and analyzed for Brasilotyphlus, and the genus was recovered as monophyletic and nested within a paraphyletic Microcaecilia. The extent of genetic and taxonomic sampling, and moderate phylogenetic support are not considered sufficient enough to place Brasilotyphlus in the synonymy of Microcaecilia.
The Extratropical Transition of Tropical Cyclones. Part II: Interaction with the Midlatitude Flow, Downstream Impacts, and Implications for Predictability
Authors: Keller Julia H. , Grams Christian M. , Riemer Michael , Archambault Heather M. , Bosart Lance , Doyle James D. , Evans Jenni L. , Galarneau Thomas J. , Griffin Kyle , Harr Patrick A. , Kitabatake Naoko , McTaggart-Cowan Ron , Pantillon Florian , Quinting Julian F. , Reynolds Carolyn A. , Ritchie Elizabeth A. , Torn Ryan D. , Zhang Fuqing
Published: December 2018

The extratropical transition (ET) of tropical cyclones often has an important impact on the nature and predictability of the midlatitude flow. This review synthesizes the current understanding of the dynamical and physical processes that govern this impact and highlights the relationship of downstream development during ET to high-impact weather, with a focus on downstream regions. It updates a previous review from 2003 and identifies new and emerging challenges and future research needs. First, the mechanisms through which the transitioning cyclone impacts the midlatitude flow in its immediate vicinity are discussed. This “direct impact” manifests in the formation of a jet streak and the amplification of a ridge directly downstream of the cyclone. This initial flow modification triggers or amplifies a midlatitude Rossby wave packet, which disperses the impact of ET into downstream regions (downstream impact) and may contribute to the formation of high-impact weather. Details are provided concerning the impact of ET on forecast uncertainty in downstream regions and on the impact of observations on forecast skill. The sources and characteristics of the following key features and processes that may determine the manifestation of the impact of ET on the midlatitude flow are discussed: the upper-tropospheric divergent outflow, mainly associated with latent heat release in the troposphere below, and the phasing between the transitioning cyclone and the midlatitude wave pattern. Improving the representation of diabatic processes during ET in models and a climatological assessment of the ET’s impact on downstream high-impact weather are examples for future research directions.
Systematic Error Analysis and Calibration of 2-m Temperature for the NCEP GEFS Reforecast of the Subseasonal Experiment (SubX) Project
Authors: Guan Hong , Zhu Yuejian , Sinsky Eric , Li Wei , Zhou Xiaqiong , Hou Dingchen , Melhauser Christopher , Wobus Richard
Published: December 2018

The National Centers for Environmental Prediction have generated an 18-yr (1999–2016) subseasonal (weeks 3 and 4) reforecast to support the Climate Prediction Center’s operational mission. To create this reforecast, the subseasonal experiment version of the GEFS was run every Wednesday, initialized at 0000 UTC with 11 members. The Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) and Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS) served as the initial analyses for 1999–2010 and 2011–16, respectively. The analysis of 2-m temperature error demonstrates that the model has a strong warm bias over the Northern Hemisphere (NH) and North America (NA) during the warm season. During the boreal winter, the 2-m temperature errors over NA exhibit large interannual and intraseasonal variability. For NA and the NH, weeks 3 and 4 errors are mostly saturated, with initial conditions having a negligible impact. Week 2 errors (day 11) are ~88.6% and 86.6% of their saturated levels, respectively. The 1999–2015 reforecast biases were used to calibrate the 2-m temperature forecasts in 2016, which reduces (increases) the systematic error (forecast skill) for NA, the NH, the Southern Hemisphere, and the tropics, with a maximum benefit for NA during the warm season. Overall, analysis adjustment for the CFSR period makes bias characteristics more consistent with the GDAS period over the NH and tropics and substantially improves the corresponding forecast skill levels. The calibration of the forecast using week 2 bias provides similar skill to using weeks 3 and 4 bias, promising the feasibility of using week 2 bias to calibrate the weeks 3 and 4 forecast. Our results also demonstrate that 10-yr reforecasts are an optimal training period. This is particularly beneficial considering limited computing resources.
Predictive Value of Endocan Based on TIMI Risk Score on Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events After Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Ziaee Mojtaba , Mashayekhi Sina , Ghaffari Samad , Mahmoudi Javad , Sarbakhsh Parvin , Garjani Alireza
Published: December 2018

We assessed the prognostic value of serum levels of endocan in patients with the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) through its correlation with the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score and compared the possible association with clinical outcomes. In this prospective cross-sectional study, we enrolled 320 patients with documented ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-STEMI (NSTEMI), or unstable angina (UA) who underwent diagnostic coronary angiography. Endocan was measured soon after admission in the emergency department. In-hospital death, heart failure, and recurrent infarction were considered major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). There was a significant positive correlation between endocan level and TIMI risk score and MACE. The optimal cutoff values of endocan to predict clinical end points were 3.45 ng/mL in patients with STEMI and 2.85 ng/mL in patients with UA/NSTEMI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that endocan independently correlated with MACE. Moreover, cardiac troponin I, creatine kinase-MB, and circulating endocan were found to be independently associated with MACE in patients with ACS. In conclusion, a high endocan level on hospital admission is an independent predictor of worse cardiovascular outcomes and higher TIMI risk score in patients with ACS.
Autotaxin and soluble IL-2 receptor concentrations in cerebrospinal fluids are useful for the diagnosis of central nervous system invasion caused by haematological malignancies
Authors: Shimura Takuya , Kurano Makoto , Morita Yoshifumi , Yoshikawa Naoyuki , Nishikawa Masako , Igarashi Koji , Shimamoto Satoshi , Aoki Junken , Yatomi Yutaka
Published: December 2018

Background

Invasion of the central nervous system by haematological malignancies is diagnosed by cytological analyses of cerebrospinal fluid or diagnostic imaging, while quantitative biomarkers for central nervous system invasion are not available and needed to be developed.

Methods

In this study, we measured the concentrations of autotaxin and soluble IL-2 receptor in cerebrospinal fluid and evaluated their usefulness as biomarkers for central nervous system invasion.

Results

We observed that both the autotaxin and soluble IL-2 receptor concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid were higher in subjects with central nervous system invasion than in those without, and the cerebrospinal fluid concentrations were independent from the serum concentrations of these biomarkers. ROC analyses revealed that the soluble IL-2 receptor concentration in cerebrospinal fluid was a strong discriminator of central nervous system invasion in subjects with haematological malignancies, while the autotaxin concentration in cerebrospinal fluid also had a strong ability to discriminate central nervous system invasion when the subjects were limited to those with lymphoma. The combined measurement of autotaxin and soluble IL-2 receptor in cerebrospinal fluid improved the sensitivity without notably reducing the specificity for central nervous system invasion in subjects with lymphoma when central nervous system invasion was diagnosed in cases where either value was beyond the respective cut-off value.

Conclusion

These results suggest the possible usefulness of soluble IL-2 receptor and autotaxin concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid for the diagnosis of central nervous system invasion.