bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caddisflies collected using a Malaise trap at a spring-fed brook of Shimauchi-yusui in the Matsumoto Basin, central Japan: fauna and phenology

Authors: NOZAKI TAKAO , ITO TOMIKO , TOJO KOJI
Published: July 2019

Adult caddisflies were collected weekly from a spring-fed brook of Shimauchi-yusui from 11 April 2013 to 5 June 2014. A total of 11867 specimens belonging to 39 species, 18 genera and 14 families were identified. The most abundant species collected in 1 year (the first 52 weeks) were Agapetus sibiricus Martynov 1918 (60%), Apatania aberrans (Martynov 1933) (12%) and Micrasema spinosum Nozaki and Tanida 2007 (5.4%). The Trichoptera fauna mainly reflected the major larval habitats of this brook, but other factors such as water temperature also probably affect species composition. The most common species (wherein more than 50 individuals were collected) had discrete seasonal flight periods.
Larval description of Rhyacophila osellai Malicky, 1981 (Trichoptera: Rhyacophilidae) with some notes on its habitat

Authors: EKINGEN PINAR , KAZANCI NILGUN
Published: July 2019

The unknown larva of Rhyacophila osellai Malicky, 1981 is described, and its diagnostic features illustrated. Mature pupae of R. osellai were identified from the male genitalia, and were associated with the larval stage by the metamorphotype method. Because larvae of caddisflies are used in biological monitoring studies, descriptions of unknown larvae are important to improve the knowledge of relationships between larvae and water quality.
Andiorrhinus meansi sp.n., a new giant earthworm from the Wokomung Massif, Guyana (Clitellata: Glossoscolecidae)
Authors: JAMES SAMUEL W.
Published: July 2019

A new species of Andiorrhinus Cognetti, Andiorrhinus meansi sp. n. from the Wokomung Massif, an isolated sandstone tepui in the Guyanan interior, in cloud forest with a thick organic soil, is described and named for its collector, D. B. Means. This giant earthworm with last hearts in the 11 th segment is placed in the subgenus A. (Turedrilus) Righi, but is not otherwise morphologically similar to other members of the subgenus. It differs in the numbers and locations of spermathecae, the form of the calciferous glands, and body size. In consideration of the morphology of the newly described species and after reviewing the majority of Andiorrhinus species, it is proposed to abandon the subgenera within Andiorrhinus pending more detailed study and a revision of the genus.
Complementary diagnosis of the genus Insuetophrynus (Anura, Cycloramphidae) based on larval characters
Authors: RABANAL FELIPE E. , FORMAS J. RAMON
Published: July 2019

The external and internal characteristics of the tadpoles of Insuetophrynus acarpicus are compared with other members of the family Cycloramphidae and used to complement the generic diagnosis previously based solely on adult morphological characteristics. The redescription includes larval external morphology, internal buccal features examined by SEM, and description of the chondrocranium and hyobranchial apparatus.
Erratum: JIE LIU, SHUQIANG LI & PETER JÄGER (2008) New cave-dwelling huntsman spider species of the genus Sinopoda (Araneae: Sparassidae) from southern China. Zootaxa, 1857, 1–20.
Authors: LIU JIE , LI SHUQIANG , JÄGER PETER
Published: July 2019

(Erratum)
Cowanomyia hillaryi gen. et sp. n., a remarkable new gnoristine (Diptera: Mycetophilidae: Sciophilinae) from New Zealand
Authors: JASCHHOF MATHIAS , JASCHHOF CATRIN
Published: July 2019

A new genus and a new species, Cowanomyia hillaryi gen. et sp. n., of Gnoristini (Mycetophilidae: Sciophilinae) is described from New Zealand. A striking feature of Cowanomyia is the one-branched media in combination with the furcate anterior cubitus, which is a pattern found among Mycetophilidae only in Adicroneura. Cowanomyia and Adicroneura are evidently not closely related. The position of Cowanomyia among world Gnoristini, as presently known, remains unresolved for the time being.
New species of the leafhopper genus Drabescus Stål (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Selenocephalinae) from Papua New Guinea
Authors: SHANG SUQIN , ZHANG YALIN , SHEN LIN
Published: July 2019

Five new species of the leafhopper genus Drabescus Stål, D. longispinus, D. bifurcatus, D. bicornis, D. wauensis and D. brevispinus, spp. nov., are described and illustrated from Papua New Guinea. A check-list and key to the species from Papua New Guinea are given.
Morphological and molecular identification of all developmental stages of four whitefly species (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) commonly intercepted in quarantine
Authors: MALUMPHY CHRISTOPHER , WALSH KATHERINE , SUAREZ M. BELEN , COLLINS DOMINIQUE W. , BOONHAM NIEL
Published: July 2019

Whiteflies are inadvertently, but commonly, transported in international plant trade. Rapid, accurate identification is the essential first step when such insects are intercepted by quarantine authorities. Whitefly taxonomy, and identification, is almost entirely based on the fourth-larval instar or puparium, but often only the eggs, early larval instars or adults are detected. Morphological descriptions of the egg, first three larval stages and adult are presented for four species commonly detected in trade, Bemisia afer (Priesner & Hosny), B. tabaci (Gennadius), Trialeurodes ricini (Misra) and Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood). Morphological characters are provided that enable most life stage/species combinations in these four species to be distinguished. The structure of the antenna is a reliable and simple character for separating the four larval instars. Phenotypic plasticity, previously only reported in the puparial stage, also occurs in the second and third-larval instars. Where morphological separation of two species is sometimes inconclusive, or impossible, identification can be achieved using four real-time PCR assays, designed and validated to distinguish between the four species. The assays are generic in their set-up and can be multiplexed to form two reactions allowing discrimination of B. afer and B. tabaci in one well, and T. ricini and T. vaporariorum in another.
Studies on water mites (Acari, Hydrachnidia) from the Himalayas, II. New records and descriptions of seven new species from India
Authors: PESIC VLADIMIR , PANESAR ARNE
Published: July 2019

New records of water mites (Acari: Hydrachnidia) from the Indian Himalayas are reported. Seven species new to science: Sperchon schwoerbeli sp. nov., S. bakeri sp. nov., Atractides lahauli sp. nov., A. himachali sp. nov., A. acetabulensis sp. nov., A. davecooki sp. nov. and Aturus indicus sp. nov., are described from the western Himalayas (Himachal Pradesh State, India).
Checklist of reef decapod crustaceans (Crustacea: Decapoda) in the southern Gulf of California, México
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ LUIS , BALART EDUARDO F. , REYES-BONILLA HÉCTOR
Published: July 2019

Recent studies of reef fauna near La Paz bay and Loreto bay in the Gulf of California have promoted interest in recognize the assemblages of invertebrates close to the reefs. Crustaceans that inhabit coral heads have received little attention because of their small size. Additionally, the methods used in evaluating the reef community need to be carefully managed to avoid damaging the corals. A list of forty-four decapods species found at La Paz and Loreto areas is presented. Quarterly sampling trips were made from May 2004 to July 2008. At each area, six sites were selected because the coral substrate covered a suitable area. The marked survey sites were traversed by a SCUBA diver and censuses of conspicuous invertebrates were made. Attempts to avoid disturbing any aspect of the habitat was of primary importance. Of the 44 species recorded, just 20 species were common to both areas. Species richness for the two areas showed 70.9% similarity. Range extensions and new records for some species are presented.
A new species of Chaetiliidae (Crustacea: Isopoda: Valvifera) from the Río de la Plata estuary, Argentina-Uruguay, and reconsideration of Macrochiridothea and Chiriscus
Authors: POORE GARY C. B. , RAMÍREZ F. , SCHIARITI A.
Published: July 2019

A new species, Macrochiridothea estuariae, is described from the estuary of the Río de la Plata. It differs from other species of the genus in having weakly defined incisions on the side of the head. The genus Chiriscus Richardson, 1911, previously synonymised with Macrochiridothea Ohlin, 1901 is revived on the basis of a lobed article 4 on antenna 2 and a longer pereonite 7 to include the type species, Chiriscus australis Richardson, 1911, and C. giambiagiae (Torti & Bastida, 1972) transferred from Macrochiridothea. Nine other species of Macrochiridothea from southern South America and another from New Zealand are briefly diagnosed. A key is provided.
Protura (Hexapoda) from Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Authors: NAKAMURA OSAMI , LIKHITRAKARN NATDAINAI
Published: July 2019

Eight proturan species were collected from Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, northern Thailand. Among them, three species are new to science: Baculentulus chiangmaiensis, Kenyentulus suthepicus, and Eosentomon chiangmaiense. Baculentulus ogawai (Imadaté) is redescribed.
Arcuatitibia kerzhneri, a new genus and species of Reduviinae (Hemiptera: Reduviinae) from China
Authors: LUO ZHAOHUI , LU ZHAOZHI , CAI WANZHI
Published: July 2019

A new genus, Arcuatitibia Luo, Lu & Cai, and one new species, A. kerzhneri Luo, Lu & Cai, are described in the subfamily Reduviinae, based on the materials from Xinjiang, China. The dorsal habitus, male genitalia, and other diagnostic morphological features are illustrated.
Comparative larval morphology in Madagascan frogs of the genus Mantella (Amphibia: Mantellidae)
Authors: JOVANOVIC OLGA , GLOS JULIAN , GLAW FRANK , RANDRIANIAINA ROGER-DANIEL , VENCES MIGUEL
Published: July 2019

We describe and compare the tadpole morphology of nine species of frogs of the endemic Madagascan genus Mantella based upon specimens identified through DNA barcoding or captive bred. The tadpole morphology of M. crocea/ milotympanum-hybrids, M. madagascariensis, M. pulchra, M. viridis, M. baroni, M. bernhardi and M. betsileo is described for the first time. In general, Mantella have small and generalized tadpoles with a uniform dark colouration. The oral disc is elliptical, emarginated, and positioned anteroventrally. In M. laevigata the oral disc is rounded, not emarginated, and positioned ventrally; eyes are positioned and directed dorsally, while in other species they are directed dorsolaterally. Labial tooth row formulas of Mantella tadpoles differ among some species, and in M. aurantiaca and M. crocea/milotympanum they also show intraspecific variation. Species identification is difficult when considering only morphometric variables. Tadpoles within each species group of the genus do not cluster together (except for some clustering of species belonging to the M. madagascariensis group), confirming that the larval morphology in closely related Mantella species is not suitable for determining phylogenetic relationships. Mantella laevigata, distinguished by tree-hole breeding and parental care, shows the most distinguished larval morphology.
Confirmation of the cicada Tibicen pronotalis walkeri stat. nov. (= T. walkeri, Hemiptera: Cicadidae) in Florida: finding singing insects through their songs
Authors: HILL KATHY B. R. , MARSHALL DAVID C.
Published: July 2019

A recent publication (Sanborn et al. 2008) removed the cicada Tibicen pronotalis walkeri Metcalf stat. nov. [= T. walkeri Metcalf = T. marginalis (Walker) = T. marginata (Say), see last paragraph for new taxonomic status] from the list of species recorded from Florida, stating that no specimens were known from the state and that previous records were probably misidentifications of other Tibicen Latr. species. In the summer of 2008, we found T. p. walkeri (Fig. 1a) near the Chattahoochee River inside the Florida border and near the Chattahoochee, Flint, and Kinchafoonee waterways in Georgia (Fig. 1b). We return this species to the list of cicadas in Florida, and add a couplet to the key of Sanborn et al. (2008). Additional surveys are needed to determine the poorly known ranges of cicada species in the USA, and a focus on species-specific songs provides a means of accomplishing this task quickly and accurately.
New placement for Spaniotoma (Eukiefferiella) claviculata Edwards, 1931 (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: MASSAFERRO JULIETA , DONATO MARIANO , BROOKS STEPHEN J.
Published: July 2019

In a recent examination of Edwards’ Patagonian chironomid types in the Natural History Museum (London, UK) (NHM) we found the species Spaniotoma (Eukiefferiella) claviculata Edwards, 1931, previously considered by Spies & Reiss (1996) as an unplaced valid species, as belonging to the genus Parakiefferiella Thienemann. This species fits all characters in the generic diagnosis of Cranston et al. (1989) by the possession of bare eyes, wings and squama; extended costa; acrostichals absent but with median tuft of microtrichia on scutum; hypopygium with anal point short, broadly based and subtriangular with few basal setae, virga well developed and inferior volsella subrectangular.
New species of Cophixalus (Anura: Microhylidae) from Papua New Guinea
Authors: KRAUS FRED , ALLISON ALLEN
Published: July 2019

We describe nine new species of the microhylid frog genus Cophixalus from the Southeastern Peninsula and adjacent islands of Papua New Guinea. All but one of the new species are small – adult males attain 20 mm in only one of the new forms. None of the new species has finger discs consistently larger than toe discs, a character state sometimes claimed to be diagnostic for the genus; most have finger discs distinctly and consistently smaller than toe discs. This raises the number of recognized Papuan members of the genus to 34, and several more undescribed forms exist, making this one of the largest frog genera in the region.
Taxonomy and distribution of Abrawayaomys (Rodentia: Cricetidae), an Atlantic Forest endemic with the description of a new species
Authors: PARDIÑAS ULYSES F. J. , TETA PABLO , D’ELÍA GUILLERMO
Published: July 2019

Abrawayaomys is a monotypic sylvan cricetid genus that stands out within the sigmodontine radiation due to its spiny pelage associated with unusual craniodental morphology. We made a reappraisal of its knowledge throughout the known distribution, critically addressing their geographic distribution in Argentina (four recording localities restricted to the province of Misiones) and providing a detailed morphological analysis of one trapped individual from Iguazú area; this, plus an examination of other available specimens and literature data permits to produce an emended diagnosis for the genus. Comparisons among the few known specimens from Argentina and Brazil highlighted several differences in measurements as well as in craniodental and external morphology, allowing the description of a new species and suggesting the potential existence of another still undescribed form for the Brazilian populations of Minas Gerais. This new alpha-taxonomy scenario is preliminary correlated to the main geomorphological features that characterize southeastern Brazil. The phylogenetic position of Abrawayaomys, historically assigned to Thomasomyini or considered as a sigmodontine incertae sedis, is discussed in the light of the traits described here. Based on this new evidence, we suggest assigning Abrawayaomys to Thomasomyini, although similarities (here regarded as convergences) with members of Akodontini are highlighted.
Additions to the decapod crustacean fauna of the Hawaiian Islands, III. A new species of the genus Babamunida (Crustacea: Galatheidae) from Hawaii based on morphological and molecular evidence
Authors: SCHNABEL KAREEN E. , MARTIN JOEL W. , MOFFITT ROBERT B.
Published: July 2019

Babamunida kanaloa n. sp., a new galatheid from approximately 250 m depth off the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (French Frigate Shoals), is described. DNA sequence data from two gene regions (16S and CO1) corroborates the placement of this new species in the genus Babamunida. Images taken independently using the Deep Submergence Vehicle Pisces IV are almost certainly of the same species based on overall size and color pattern and provide limited ecological information. This new species brings the number of species in the genus Babamunida to six and the total number of galatheid species known from the Hawaiian Islands to four (possibly higher depending on some previous records that might be questionable).
Periclimenaeus pectinidactylus n. sp. (Crustacea: Decapoda: Pontoniinae) from the Belizean Barrier Reef, Caribbean Sea
Authors: ĎURIŠ ZDENĚK , HORKÁ IVONA , SANDFORD FLOYD
Published: July 2019

A new species of sponge-associated pontoniine shrimp from the Belizean Barrier Reef in the Caribbean Sea is described and illustrated, and its systematic position is discussed. The single specimen available is incomplete, lacking the major second pereiopod. A comb-like arrangement of the cutting edges on the first pereiopod fingers is unique within the genus. A very short carpocerite and a strongly reduced incisor process on the mandible are among other features which are rare in other Periclimenaeus species.
A new genus and species of Eumolpinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) from the western dry forest of Ecuador
Authors: FLOWERS R. WILLS
Published: July 2019

Australotymnes jipijapa new genus, new species (type locality: Ecuador) is described. Adults were collected from vegetation during the rainy season in disturbed and converted dry forest in western Ecuador.
A new species and further records of quill mites (Acari: Cheyletoidea: Syringophilidae) parasitic on birds (Aves) in England
Authors: NATTRESS BARRY , SKORACKI MACIEJ
Published: July 2019

Four additional species of quill mites of the family Syringophilidae Lavoipierre have now been recorded in England. This includes one new species, Bubophilus aluconis sp. nov., which parasitizes the tawny owl Strix aluco (Strigiformes: Strigidae). It differs from other species of this genus, B. ascalaphus Philips et Norton, 1978 and B. asiobius Skoracki et Bochkov, 2002 by the number of chambers in transverse branch of the peritremes (2-3), the length ratio of setae vi and ve (1:1.6-2), and the lengths of the stylophore and aggenital setae ag1 (180 and 135-145, respectively).
Evaluation and Bias Correction of S2S Precipitation for Hydrological Extremes
Authors: Li Wei , Chen Jie , Li Lu , Chen Hua , Liu Bingyi , Xu Chong-Yu , Li Xiangquan
Published: July 2019

Subseasonal to seasonal (S2S) weather forecasting has made significant advances and several products have been made available. However, to date few studies utilize these products to extend the hydrological forecast time range. This study evaluates S2S precipitation from eight model ensembles in the hydrological simulation of extreme events at the catchment scale. A superior bias correction method is used to correct the bias of S2S precipitation for hydrological forecasts, and the results are compared with direct bias correction of hydrological forecasts using raw precipitation forecasts as input. The study shows that the S2S models can skillfully forecast daily precipitation within a lead time of 11 days. The S2S precipitation data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), and United Kingdom’s Met Office (UKMO) models present lower mean error than that of other models and have higher correlation coefficients with observations. Precipitation data from the ECMWF, KMA, and UKMO models also perform better than that of other models in simulating multiple-day precipitation processes. The bias correction method effectively reduces the mean error of daily S2S precipitation for all models while also improving the correlation with observations. Moreover, this study found that the bias correction procedure can apply to either precipitation or streamflow simulations for improving the hydrological forecasts, even though the degree of improvement is dependent on the hydrological variables. Overall, S2S precipitation has a potential to be applied for hydrological forecasts, and a superior bias correction method can increase the forecasts’ reliability, although further studies are still needed to confirm its effect.
Evaluation of X-Band Dual-Polarization Radar-Rainfall Estimates from OLYMPEX
Authors: Derin Yagmur , Anagnostou Emmanouil , Anagnostou Marios , Kalogiros John
Published: July 2019

The difficulty of representing high rainfall variability over mountainous areas using ground-based sensors is an open problem in hydrometeorology. Observations from locally deployed dual-polarization X-band radar have the advantage of providing multiparameter measurements near ground that carry significant information useful for estimating drop size distribution (DSD) and surface rainfall rate. Although these measurements are at fine spatiotemporal scale and are less inhibited by complex topography than operational radar network observations, uncertainties in their estimates necessitate error characterization based upon in situ measurements. During November 2015–February 2016, a dual-polarized Doppler on Wheels (DOW) X-band radar was deployed on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State as part of NASA’s Olympic Mountain Experiment (OLYMPEX). In this study, rain gauges and disdrometers from a dense network positioned within 40 km of DOW are used to evaluate the self-consistency and accuracy of the attenuation and brightband/vertical profile corrections, and rain microphysics estimation by SCOP-ME, an algorithm that uses optimal parameterization and best-fitted functions of specific attenuation coefficients and DSD parameters with radar polarimetric measurements. In addition, the SCOP-ME precipitation microphysical retrievals of median volume diameter D0 and normalized intercept parameter NW are evaluated against corresponding parameters derived from the in situ disdrometer spectra observations.
Detection of Breaking Waves in Single Wave Gauge Records of Surface Elevation Fluctuations
Authors: Liberzon Dan , Vreme Alexandru , Knobler Sagi , Bentwich Itamar
Published: July 2019

We report the development of a new method for accurate detection of breaking water waves that addresses the need for an accurate and cost-effective method that is independent of human decisions. The new detection method, which enables the detection of breakers using only surface elevation fluctuation measurements from a single wave gauge, supports the development of a new method for research relating to water waves and wind–wave interactions. According to the proposed method, detection is based on the use of the phase-time method to identify breaking-associated patterns in the instantaneous frequency variations of surface elevation fluctuations. A wavelet-based pattern recognition algorithm is devised to detect such patterns and provide accurate detection of breakers in the examined records. Validation and performance tests, conducted using both laboratory and open-sea data, including mechanically generated and wind-forced waves, are reported as well. These tests allow us to derive a set of parameters that assure high detection accuracy rates. The method is shown to be capable to achieve a positive detection rate exceeding 90%.
Adaptive decentralized tracking control of a class of large-scale nonlinear systems with unknown dead-zone inputs using neural network
Authors: Han Yu-Qun , Zhu Shan-Liang , Duan De-Yu , Chu Lei , Yang Shu-Guo
Published: July 2019

In this paper, an adaptive decentralized control approach is proposed for a class of large-scale nonlinear systems with unknown dead-zone inputs using neural network. Firstly, the dead-zone outputs are firstly represented as simple linear systems with a static time-varying gain and bounded disturbance by introducing characteristic function. Secondly, in the controller design, neural networks are utilized to approximate the unknown nonlinear functions. Thirdly, an adaptive decentralized tracking control approach is constructed via backstepping design technique. It is shown that the proposed control approach can assure that all the signals of the closed-loop system semi-globally uniformly ultimately bounded and the tracking errors finally converge to a small domain around the origin. The proposed method can get precise tracking results with low computational cost, and have a good real-time performance and convergence. Finally, two examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Dimensions of Religious Involvement Represent Positive Pathways in Cognitive Aging
Authors: Kraal A. Zarina , Sharifian Neika , Zaheed Afsara B. , Sol Ketlyne , Zahodne Laura B.
Published: July 2019

Older Black and Hispanic adults report more religious involvement, and religious involvement has been linked to better cognition. This study examined which aspects of religious involvement are associated with better longitudinal episodic memory and whether religious involvement offsets racial and ethnic inequalities in episodic memory. Using Health and Retirement Study data ( N = 16,069), latent growth curves estimated independent indirect pathways between race and ethnicity and 6-year memory trajectories through religious attendance, private prayer, and religious belief, controlling for nonreligious social participation, depressive symptoms, chronic health diseases, age, education, and wealth. Negative direct effects of Black race and Hispanic ethnicity on memory were partially offset by positive indirect pathways through more private prayer and religious attendance. While results were significant for memory intercept and not subsequent memory change, religious attendance and private prayer were independently associated with better cognitive health among diverse older adults. Findings may inform culturally relevant intervention development to promote successful aging and reduce older adults’ cognitive morbidity.
Increased risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma associated with frequent and long-term consumption of salted meat and salted fat
Authors: Zhao Lin , Li Yu-Chen , Wu Jiang-Ping , Zhao Yan-Jie , Wang Rui-Bin , Jiang Min , Song Qing-Kun
Published: July 2019

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the association between the consumption of salted meat and salted fat and esophageal cancer risk among individuals with normal esophageal mucosa or esophagitis.

Methods

This case-control study enrolled 216 individuals from Yanting County. Information on the consumption of salted meat and salted fat was collected using a food-frequency questionnaire validated among Yanting people.

Results

Higher intake frequencies (≥once a week) of salted meat and salted fat were associated with 2.40-fold and 7.37-fold increased risks of esophageal cancer among individuals with normal esophageal mucosa, while long-term intakes (≥6 months) increased the risks by 6.87-fold and 85.45-fold, respectively. Similarly, the odds ratios (ORs) of patients with esophagitis developing esophageal cancer from frequent intakes of salted meat and salted fat were 6.48 and 5.05, respectively, and the ORs associated with long-term intakes were 44.38 and 74.90, respectively.

Conclusions

Frequent and long-term consumption of salted meat and salted fat could increase the risk of esophageal cancer in individuals from Yanting with normal esophageal mucosa or esophagitis. Efforts should thus be made to reduce the consumption of these foods among people in this region.
Assessment of patients’ psychological state and self-efficacy associated with postoperative constipation after thoracolumbar fracture surgery
Authors: Jing Deng , Jia Li
Published: July 2019

Objective

We aimed to explore the relationship among the duration of constipation at 30 days after thoracolumbar fracture surgery, self-efficacy, and anxiety or depression in patients with constipation after thoracolumbar fracture surgery.

Methods

In this descriptive correlational study, 108 patients with thoracolumbar fracture undergoing pedicle screw fixation surgery were recruited from January 2015 to May 2017 in our hospital. From the day of surgery, we conducted a 1-month follow-up investigation. We evaluated the pattern of defecation, stool consistency, and incidence of defecation-related problems using a structured interview. Clinical data were obtained using a patient intake form, and we applied the Health Behavior Self-Efficacy Scale (HBSES), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

Results

Approximately 83.3% of patients experienced postoperative constipation, and most exhibited normal defecation by postoperative day 13. Self-efficacy and anxiety and depression were graded at a medium level in most patients. The average HBSES score was 74.39 ± 11.08, and the mean HADS score was 7.97 ± 4.08. The duration of postoperative constipation was negatively correlated with self-efficacy and positively associated with anxiety or depression.

Conclusions

Self-efficacy, anxiety, and depression are important sociopsychological factors associated with the duration of postoperative constipation.
Clinical features and risk factors of acute kidney injury in children with acute paraquat intoxication
Authors: Song Yue , Li Chaofeng , Luo Fenglan , Tao Yuhong
Published: July 2019

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the clinical features and risk factors of acute kidney injury (AKI) in children with acute paraquat intoxication.

Methods

A retrospective study of 110 hospitalized children with acute paraquat intoxication in West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University was conducted from January 2010 to May 2017. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to compare the survival rates of children with different AKI stages. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to analyse the risk factors for paraquat-induced AKI.

Results

AKI occurred in 42 of 110 (38.2%) children. We observed AKI stage 1 in two (4.8%) children, AKI stage 2 in 11 (26.2%), and AKI stage 3 in 29 (69.0%). The survival rate of children in AKI stage 3 (34.5%) was significantly lower than that in children in AKI stage 2 (63.6%) and AKI stage 1 (100%). Multivariate analysis showed that oral ulcers and elevated blood glucose levels were significant independent risk factors for paraquat-induced AKI in children (odds ratio = 4.223 and 5.545, respectively).

Conclusions

The incidence and mortality rates of paraquat-induced AKI in children are high. Oral ulcers and elevated blood glucose levels are independent risk factors affecting the occurrence of paraquat-induced AKI in children.
Characteristics and reasons for light rain reduction in Southwest China in recent decades
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Wu Jian , Zhao Deming , Xia Lan
Published: July 2019

Although light rain events have a small intensity and amount, light rain also exerts a significant influence on the environment and climate, and observations have revealed a significant reduction in light rain in many regions around the globe. The specific reasons for light rain reduction have not been clearly revealed. Some studies attribute the reduction in light rain to an increase in aerosol, while other studies tend to associate it with global warming. Therefore, further studies should be conducted to increase knowledge regarding the reasons for the decrease in light rain. Light rain events were analyzed using daily precipitation data collected from 67 gauge stations across Southwest China from 1960 to 2010. The results show that both the amount of light rain and the number of light rain days have decreased during the last 50 years at different magnitudes (0–2 mm, 2–5 mm, and 5–10 mm), in which the light rain amount and number of light rain days for 0–2 mm of rainfall present the largest regionally averaged decreasing rates of –0.20 mm/a and –0.73 days/a from 1960 to 2010, respectively. Furthermore, the maximum (minimum) light rain amount and number of light rain days appear in summer (winter). In addition, an increasing trend in the light rain amount in discrete events and a decreasing trend in the light rain amount in consecutive events are simultaneously revealed, in which the reduction in the frequency of consecutive light rain events is more significant than that of discrete light rain events. The reduction in light rain in the eastern part of Southwest China from 1979 to 2010 is mainly caused by a combination of water vapor reduction and warming. Moreover, the influence of aerosols on the observed reduction in light rain is not statistically significant at the inter-annual scale. The results provide some main correlation factors for predicting the long-term changes of light rain in China and even the global region.
Stem Cell–Conditioned Medium Promotes Graft Remodeling of Midsubstance and Intratunnel Incorporation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in a Rat Model
Authors: Sun Yaying , Chen Wenbo , Hao Yuefeng , Gu Xueping , Liu Xingwang , Cai Jiangyu , Liu Shaohua , Chen Jiwu , Chen Shiyi
Published: July 2019

Background:

Stem cell–conditioned medium (CM) has been increasingly used in regenerative medicine. However, its effect on graft-host integration after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) remains unclear.

Purpose:

To examine the effect of human bone marrow stem cell (hBMSC)–CM on graft-bone integration and graft midsubstance ligamentization in a rat model of ACLR.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

CM was obtained from the supernatant of commercially available hBMSCs in serum-free Dulbecco’s modified Eagle medium (DMEM). In a rat model of an ACL injury, isometric ACLR was performed. Three groups were established: CM injection group (CM; n = 40), control injection group (CI; n = 40) with serum-free DMEM injections, and no injection group (NI; n = 40). An intra-articular injection was performed weekly. Micro–computed tomography was conducted at 2, 4, and 8 weeks postoperatively. Histological and biomechanical analyses were conducted at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively. The NIH3T3 fibroblast was utilized as a model in vitro to examine the effect of CM using the cell counting kit–8 (CCK-8) assay and immunofluorescence staining of Ki-67, α–smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen 1 (Col 1).

Results:

At 4 and 8 weeks, the femoral and tibial bone tunnel areas as well as the interface between the graft and host bone were smaller, while the bone volume/total volume ratio was higher, in the CM group. Sharpey-like fibers formed at 8 weeks in the CM group. At 4 and 8 weeks, more Col 1 was noticed in the CM group than in the NI group (both P < .001) or CI group (both P < .001). Immunohistochemically, the α-SMA–positive area was up-regulated at the graft-bone interface at 4 weeks ( P < .001) and declined at 8 weeks ( P < .001) in the CM group compared with the other 2 groups. At the midsubstance, α-SMA expression decreased from 4 to 8 weeks in all groups and was significantly lower in the CM group than in the NI group ( P < .01) or CI group ( P < .05) at 8 weeks. The CCK-8 assay showed that CM increased NIH3T3 viability ( P < .001) and the level of Ki-67 ( P < .05), α-SMA ( P < .001), and Col 1 ( P < .001) in CM-educated NIH3T3 cells.

Conclusion:

hBMSC-CM accelerates graft-bone incorporation and midsubstance ligamentization and enhances the proliferation, differentiation, and collagen synthesis of fibroblasts.

Clinical Relevance:

Graft-host integration is essential after ACLR. The current study identified a novel agent, that is, hBMSC-CM, as a candidate for promoting integration.
Transplantation of Aggregates of Autologous Synovial Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Treatment of Cartilage Defects in the Femoral Condyle and the Femoral Groove in Microminipigs
Authors: Kondo Shimpei , Nakagawa Yusuke , Mizuno Mitsuru , Katagiri Kenta , Tsuji Kunikazu , Kiuchi Shinji , Ono Hideo , Muneta Takeshi , Koga Hideyuki , Sekiya Ichiro
Published: July 2019

Background:

Previous work has demonstrated that patients with cartilage defects of the knee benefit from arthroscopic transplantation of autologous synovial mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in terms of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), qualitative histologic findings, and Lysholm score. However, the effectiveness was limited by the number of cells obtained, so large-sized defects (>500 mm2) were not investigated. The use of MSC aggregates may enable treatment of larger defects by increasing the number of MSCs adhering to the cartilage defect.

Purpose:

To investigate whether transplantation of aggregates of autologous synovial MSCs with 2-step surgery could promote articular cartilage regeneration in microminipig osteochondral defects.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Synovial MSCs derived from a microminipig were examined for in vitro colony-forming and multidifferentiation abilities. An aggregate of 250,000 synovial MSCs was formed with hanging drop culture, and 16 aggregates (for each defect) were implanted on both osteochondral defects (6 × 6 × 1.5 mm) created in the medial femoral condyle and femoral groove (MSC group). The defects in the contralateral knee were left empty (control group). The knee joints were evaluated at 4 and 12 weeks by macroscopic findings and histology. MRI T1rho mapping images were acquired at 12 weeks. For cell tracking, synovial MSCs were labeled with ferucarbotran before aggregate formation and were observed with MRI at 1 week.

Results:

Synovial MSCs showed in vitro colony-forming and multidifferentiation abilities. Regenerative cartilage formation was significantly better in the MSC group than in the control group, as indicated by International Cartilage Repair Society score (macro), modified Wakitani score (histology), and T1rho mapping (biochemical MRI) in the medial condyle at 12 weeks. Implanted cells, labeled with ferucarbotran, were observed in the osteochondral defects at 1 week with MRI. No significant difference was noted in the modified Wakitani score at 4 weeks in the medial condyle and at 4 and 12 weeks in the femoral groove.

Conclusion:

Transplantation of autologous synovial MSC aggregates promoted articular cartilage regeneration at the medial femoral condyle at 12 weeks in microminipigs.

Clinical Relevance:

Aggregates of autologous synovial MSCs could expand the indications for cartilage repair with synovial MSCs.
Angiography and phlebography in a hemodialysis population: A retrospective analysis of interventional results
Authors: Hadimeri Ursula , Wärme Anna , Nasic Salmir , Fransson Sven-Göran , Wigelius Ann , Stegmayr Bernd
Published: July 2019

Objective:

To clarify the reasons and beneficial effects and duration of arteriovenous fistula patency after radiological interventions in arteriovenous fistula. The patients investigated were referred due to arteriovenous fistula access flow problems.

Material and methods:

In 174 patients, 522 radiological investigations and endovascular treatments such as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty were analyzed, retrospectively. All investigations were performed due to clinical suspicion of impaired arteriovenous fistula function.

Results:

Arterial stenosis was significantly more frequent among patients with diabetic nephropathy (p < 0.001) and interstitial nephritis (p < 0.001). According to the venous stenosis, the diagnosis did not affect the frequency (p = 0.22) or the degree (p = 0.39) of stenosis. The degree of stenosis prior to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty correlated significantly with the degree of remaining stenosis after intervention (p < 0.001). Of the 174 patients, 123 (71%) performed a total of 318 investigations including percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. Repeated percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed significantly more often in patients with diabetic nephropathy. The median times to the first percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and to the subsequent percutaneous transluminal angioplasties were 9.5 and 5 months, respectively. Arteriovenous fistula in patients with diabetic nephropathy performed similar to most other diagnoses, although performing more percutaneous transluminal angioplasty/patient than most other diagnoses.

Conclusion:

Many patients could maintain long-term patency of arteriovenous fistula, including those with diabetic nephropathy, with repeated interventions; this motivates a closer follow-up for these patients. Clinically significant stenosis should be dilated as meticulously and as soon as possible. Occlusions of the arteriovenous fistula in most instances can be successfully thrombolyzed or dilated upon early diagnosis.
Stone residual fragments: A thorny problem
Authors: Prezioso Domenico , Barone Biagio , Di Domenico Dante , Vitale Raffaele
Published: July 2019

Urolithiasis represents a widespread and common disorder among the world population, with a predicted increase in affected patients in the coming years. Treatment of renal and ureteral stones varies widely, and achieving true stone-free status in all patients is still difficult. Moreover, imaging used to assess residual fragments following procedure impacts the diagnosed stone-free rate percentage considerably. In particular, the use of computed tomography scans has led to a better evaluation of residual fragments as well as so-called clinically insignificant residual fragments, which in a considerable number of cases are, despite their definition, causes of adverse urological events, thus creating a thorny problem for both patients and urologists. Currently, there is no gold standard or validated protocol regarding the management, clearance and prevention of residual fragments. In this article, we review the current literature regarding residual fragments, clinically insignificant residual fragments and their natural history, reporting on diagnostic methods, incidence, complications and outcome with the use of less invasive procedures, taking into consideration viable treatment and management of patients affected.
Algorithm Overdependence: How the Use of Algorithmic Recommendation Systems Can Increase Risks to Consumer Well-Being
Authors: Banker Sachin , Khetani Salil
Published: July 2019

Consumers increasingly encounter recommender systems when making consumption decisions of all kinds. While numerous efforts have aimed to improve the quality of algorithm-generated recommendations, evidence has indicated that people often remain averse to superior algorithmic sources of information in favor of their own personal intuitions (a type II problem). The current work highlights an additional (type I) problem associated with the use of recommender systems: algorithm overdependence. Five experiments illustrate that, stemming from a belief that algorithms hold greater domain expertise, consumers surrender to algorithm-generated recommendations even when the recommendations are inferior. Counter to prior findings, this research indicates that consumers frequently depend too much on algorithm-generated recommendations, posing potential harms to their own well-being and leading them to play a role in propagating systemic biases that can influence other users. Given the rapidly expanding application of recommender systems across consumer domains, the authors believe that an appreciation and understanding of these risks is crucial to the effective guidance and development of recommendation systems that support consumer interests.
In vitro biocompatibility study approaches to evaluate the safety profile of electrolyzed water for skin and eye
Authors: Sipahi H , Reis R , Dinc O , Kavaz T , Dimoglo A , Aydın A
Published: July 2019

Electrolyzed water (EW) is a widely used disinfectant agent with high oxidation–reduction potential (ORP). Although EW has been used in many areas, such as food hygiene, agriculture, and animal husbandry, the studies presented in the literature are not enough to clarify the toxic effects of EW. The aim of this study is, therefore, to produce EWs at different pH, ORP, and chlorine concentrations and to assess their safety in terms of toxicology. At the beginning of the study, the antimicrobial activity of the EW types with respect to bacteria and fungus was investigated. EWs below pH 7 were all effective in inactivating Enterococcus hirae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans completely. In vitro studies of cell cultures revealed that different concentrations of EWs were not cytotoxic for the L929 cells under 10- to 80-fold dilutions. In addition, it has been determined that produced EWs did not have irritation potential, according to the in vitro EpiDerm™, reconstituted skin irritation test in the frames of biocompatibility tests. For the mucous membrane irritation test, the hen’s egg test-chorioallantoic membrane experiment was performed, and EWs were found to have no eye irritation. In conclusion, it has been shown that produced EWs with antimicrobial efficacy were found to be safe for skin and eye according to in vitro biocompatibility study studies. Thus, the establishment of a technological infrastructure for the EW production and the use of produced EW as an effective disinfectant in the food, medical, and agricultural areas should be encouraged.
Neurotrophic Factor Secretion and Neural Differentiation Potential of Multilineage-differentiating Stress-enduring (Muse) Cells Derived from Mouse Adipose Tissue
Authors: Nitobe Yohshiro , Nagaoki Toshihide , Kumagai Gentaro , Sasaki Ayako , Liu Xizhe , Fujita Taku , Fukutoku Tatsuhiro , Wada Kanichiro , Tanaka Toshihiro , Kudo Hitoshi , Asari Toru , Furukawa Ken-Ichi , Ishibashi Yasuyuki
Published: July 2019

Multilineage-differentiating stress-enduring (Muse) cells are endogenous pluripotent stem cells that can be isolated based on stage-specific embryonic antigen-3 (SSEA-3), a pluripotent stem cell-surface marker. However, their capacities for survival, neurotrophic factor secretion, and neuronal and glial differentiation are unclear in rodents. Here we analyzed mouse adipose tissue-derived Muse cells in vitro. We collected mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from C57BL/6 J mouse adipose tissue and separated SSEA-3+, namely Muse cells, and SSEA-3–, non-Muse cells, to assess self-renewability; pluripotency marker expression (Nanog, Oct3/4, Sox2, and SSEA-3); spontaneous differentiation into endodermal, mesodermal, and ectodermal lineages; and neural differentiation capabilities under cytokine induction. Neurally differentiated Muse and non-Muse cell functions were assessed by calcium imaging. Antioxidant ability was measured to assess survival under oxidative stress. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) secretion were analyzed in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. SSEA-3+ Muse cells (6.3 ± 1.9% of mouse adipose-MSCs), but not non-Muse cells, exhibited self-renewability, spontaneous differentiation into the three germ layers, and differentiation into cells positive for Tuj-1 (27 ± 0.9%), O4 (17 ± 3.4%), or GFAP (23 ± 1.3%) under cytokine induction. Neurally differentiated Muse cells responded to KCl depolarization with greater increases in cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels than non-Muse cells. Cell survival under oxidative stress was significantly higher in Muse cells (50 ± 2.7%) versus non-Muse cells (22 ± 2.8%). Muse cells secreted significantly more BDNF, VEGF, and HGF (273 ± 12, 1479 ± 7.5, and 6591 ± 1216 pg/mL, respectively) than non-Muse cells (133 ± 4.0, 1165 ± 20, and 2383 ± 540 pg/mL, respectively). Mouse Muse cells were isolated and characterized for the first time. Muse cells showed greater pluripotency-like characteristics, survival, neurotrophic factor secretion, and neuronal and glial-differentiation capacities than non-Muse cells, indicating that they may have better neural-regeneration potential.