bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors for Complicated Disease Course after Stepping Down from Combination to Antitumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Monotherapy in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Yerushalmy-Feler Anat , Moran-Lev Hadar , Galai Tut , Cohen Shlomi
Published: January 2019

Objective: Combinations of antitumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and immunomodulators may be indicated in high-risk inflammatory bowel disease patients. Our aims were to compare disease course between children that did and did not step down to anti-TNFα monotherapy and to define risk factors for complicated disease course after stepping down. Methods: A retrospective review of the medical records of consecutive children who were treated with combination therapy. Results: Of 64 children, 32 continued combination therapy while the others stepped down to monotherapy (median duration of 6 months [range 6–10]). Children that stepped down had a trend of lower anti-TNFα levels (median [interquartile range] of 2.4 [1–4.2] µg/mL) compared to those that did not step down (4.5 [2.2–6.23] µg/mL, p = 0.065). Children with Crohn’s disease that stepped down had a significantly higher risk for disease exacerbation, hospital admission, and operation (p < 0.025). Univariate analysis revealed that penetrating phenotype, upper gastrointestinal involvement, higher disease activity at diagnosis, and lower anti-TNFα levels under combination therapy were predictors for complicated course after stepping down. Conclusion: Stepping down to anti-TNFα monotherapy may be related to lower anti-TNFα levels and to a more complicated disease course thereafter. Predictors for a complicated course were identified.
Ablation of Myeloid ADK (Adenosine Kinase) Epigenetically Suppresses Atherosclerosis in ApoE
−/−
(Apolipoprotein E Deficient) Mice
Authors: Zhang Min , Zeng Xianqiu , Yang Qiuhua , Xu Jiean , Liu Zhiping , Zhou Yaqi , Cao Yapeng , Zhang Xiaoyu , An Xiaofei , Xu Yiming , Huang Lei , Han Zhen , Wang Tao , Wu Chaodong , Fulton David J. , Weintraub Neal L. , Hong Mei , Huo Yuqing
Published: January 2019

Objective—

Monocyte-derived foam cells are one of the key players in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Adenosine receptors and extracellular adenosine have been demonstrated to modulate foam cell formation. ADK (adenosine kinase) is a major enzyme regulating intracellular adenosine levels, but its functional role in myeloid cells remains poorly understood. To enhance intracellular adenosine levels in myeloid cells, ADK was selectively deleted in novel transgenic mice using Cre-LoxP technology, and foam cell formation and the development of atherosclerotic lesions were determined.

Approach and Results—

ADK was upregulated in macrophages on ox-LDL (oxidized low-density lipoprotein) treatment in vitro and was highly expressed in foam cells in atherosclerotic plaques. Atherosclerotic mice deficient in ADK in myeloid cells were generated by breeding floxed ADK (ADK
F/F
) mice with LysM-Cre (myeloid-specific Cre recombinase expressing) mice and ApoE
−/−
(apolipoprotein E deficient) mice. Mice absent ADK in myeloid cells exhibited much smaller atherosclerotic plaques compared with controls. In vitro assays showed that ADK deletion or inhibition resulted in increased intracellular adenosine and reduced DNA methylation of the
ABCG1
(ATP-binding cassette transporter G1) gene. Loss of methylation was associated with ABCG1 upregulation, enhanced cholesterol efflux, and eventually decreased foam cell formation.

Conclusions—

Augmentation of intracellular adenosine levels through ADK knockout in myeloid cells protects ApoE
−/−
mice against atherosclerosis by reducing foam cell formation via the epigenetic regulation of cholesterol trafficking. ADK inhibition is a promising approach for the treatment of atherosclerotic diseases.
Left Atrial Reservoir Function and Outcome in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Carluccio Erberto , Biagioli Paolo , Mengoni Anna , Francesca Cerasa Maria , Lauciello Rosanna , Zuchi Cinzia , Bardelli Giuliana , Alunni Gianfranco , Coiro Stefano , Gronda Edoardo G. , Ambrosio Giuseppe
Published: January 2019

Background

Left atrial (LA) volume is a marker of cardiac remodeling and prognosis in heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (EF), but LA function is rarely measured or characterized. We investigated determinants and prognostic impact of LA reservoir function in patients with HF with reduced EF.

Methods and Results

In 405 patients with stable HF with reduced EF (EF, ≤40%) in sinus rhythm, we assessed LA reservoir function by both LA total EF (by phasic volume changes) and peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS; by speckle tracking echocardiography); LA functional index was also calculated. During follow-up (median, 30 months; Q1–Q3, 13–52), 139 patients (34%) reached the composite end point (all-cause death/HF hospitalization). Median PALS was 15.5% (interquartile range, 11.2–20.6). By univariable analysis, all LA function parameters significantly predicted outcome (
P
<0.01 for all), with PALS showing the highest predictive accuracy (area under the curve, 0.75; sensitivity, 73%; specificity, 70%). Impaired PALS was associated with greater left ventricular and LA volumes, worse left ventricular EF, left ventricular global longitudinal strain, right ventricular systolic function, and more severe diastolic dysfunction. After multivariable adjustment (including LA volume and left ventricular global longitudinal strain), PALS, but not LA total EF or LA functional index, remained significantly associated with outcome (hazard ratio per 1-SD decrease, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.05–1.84;
P
=0.030). Adding PALS to a base model, including age, sex, LA volume, EF, E/E′ ratio, and global longitudinal strain, provided incremental predictive value (continuous net reclassification improvement, 0.449;
P
=0.0009).

Conclusions

In HF with reduced EF, assessment of LA reservoir function by PALS allows powerful prognostication, independently of LA volume and left ventricular longitudinal contraction.
Analysis of Cell Type-Specific Effects of MicroRNA-92a Provides Novel Insights Into Target Regulation and Mechanism of Action
Authors: Rogg Eva-Maria , Abplanalp Wesley T. , Bischof Corinne , John David , Schulz Marcel H. , Krishnan Jaya , Fischer Ariane , Poluzzi Chiara , Schaefer Liliana , Bonauer Angelika , Zeiher Andreas M. , Dimmeler Stefanie
Published: January 2019

Background:

MicroRNAs (miRs) regulate nearly all biological pathways. Because the dysregulation of miRs can lead to disease progression, they are being explored as novel therapeutic targets. However, the cell type-specific effects of miRs in the heart are poorly understood. Thus, we assessed miR target regulation using miR-92a-3p as an example. Inhibition of miR-92a is known to improve endothelial cell function and recovery after acute myocardial infarction.

Methods:

miR-92a-3p was inhibited by locked nucleic acid (LNA)-based antimiR (LNA-92a) in mice after myocardial infarction. Expression of regulated genes was evaluated 3 days after myocardial infarction by RNA sequencing of isolated endothelial cells, cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, and CD45
+
hematopoietic cells.

Results:

LNA-92a depleted miR-92a-3p expression in all cell types and derepressed predicted miR-92a-3p targets in a cell type-specific manner. RNAseq showed endothelial cell-specific regulation of autophagy-related genes. Imaging confirmed increased endothelial cell autophagy in LNA-92a treated relative to control animals. In vitro inhibition of miR-92a-3p augmented EC autophagy, derepressed autophagy-related gene 4a, and increased luciferase activity in autophagy-related gene 4a 3’UTR containing reporters, whereas miR-92a-3p overexpression had the opposite effect. In cardiomyocytes, LNA-92a derepressed metabolism-related genes, notably, the high-density lipoprotein transporter Abca8b. LNA-92a further increased fatty acid uptake and mitochondrial function in cardiomyocytes in vitro.

Conclusions:

Our data show that miRs have cell type-specific effects in vivo. Analysis of miR targets in cell subsets disclosed a novel function of miR-92a-3p in endothelial cell autophagy and cardiomyocyte metabolism. Because autophagy is upregulated during ischemia to supply nutrients and cardiomyocyte metabolic-switching improves available substrate utilization, these prosurvival mechanisms may diminish tissue damage.
Inflammation and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation Initiated in Response to Pressure Overload by Ca
2+
/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II δ Signaling in Cardiomyocytes Are Essential for Adverse Cardiac Remodeling
Authors: Suetomi Takeshi , Willeford Andrew , Brand Cameron S. , Cho Yoshitake , Ross Robert S. , Miyamoto Shigeki , Brown Joan Heller
Published: January 2019

Background:

Inflammation is associated with cardiac remodeling and heart failure, but how it is initiated in response to nonischemic interventions in the absence of cell death is not known. We tested the hypothesis that activation of Ca
2+
/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II δ (CaMKIIδ) in cardiomyocytes (CMs) in response to pressure overload elicits inflammatory responses leading to adverse remodeling.

Methods:

Mice in which CaMKIIδ was selectively deleted from CMs (cardiac-specific knockout [CKO]) and floxed control mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC). The effects of CM-specific CaMKIIδ deletion on inflammatory gene expression, inflammasome activation, macrophage accumulation, and fibrosis were assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, histochemistry, and ventricular remodeling by echocardiography.

Results:

TAC induced increases in cardiac mRNA levels for proinflammatory chemokines and cytokines in ≤3 days, and these responses were significantly blunted when CM CaMKIIδ was deleted. Apoptotic and necrotic cell death were absent at this time. CMs isolated from TAC hearts mirrored these robust increases in gene expression, which were markedly attenuated in CKO. Priming and activation of the NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 inflammasome, assessed by measuring interleukin-1β and NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 mRNA levels, caspase-1 activity, and interleukin-18 cleavage, were increased at day 3 after TAC in control hearts and in CMs isolated from these hearts. These responses were dependent on CaMKIIδ and associated with activation of Nuclear Factor-kappa B and reactive oxygen species. Accumulation of macrophages observed at days 7 to 14 after TAC was diminished in CKO and, by blocking Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 signaling, deletion of CM Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 or inhibition of inflammasome activation. Fibrosis was also attenuated by these interventions and in the CKO heart. Ventricular dilation and contractile dysfunction observed at day 42 after TAC were diminished in the CKO. Inhibition of CaMKII, Nuclear Factor-kappa B, inflammasome, or Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 signaling in the first 1 or 2 weeks after TAC decreased remodeling, but inhibition of CaMKII after 2 weeks did not.

Conclusions:

Activation of CaMKIIδ in response to pressure overload triggers inflammatory gene expression and activation of the NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 inflammasome in CMs. These responses provide signals for macrophage recruitment, fibrosis, and myocardial dysfunction in the heart. Our work suggests the importance of targeting early inflammatory responses induced by CM CaMKIIδ signaling to prevent progression to heart failure.
Metabolomic Consequences of Genetic Inhibition of PCSK9 Compared With Statin Treatment
Authors: Sliz Eeva , Kettunen Johannes , Holmes Michael V. , Williams Clare Oliver , Boachie Charles , Wang Qin , Männikkö Minna , Sebert Sylvain , Walters Robin , Lin Kuang , Millwood Iona Y. , Clarke Robert , Li Liming , Rankin Naomi , Welsh Paul , Delles Christian , Jukema J. Wouter , Trompet Stella , Ford Ian , Perola Markus , Salomaa Veikko , Järvelin Marjo-Riitta , Chen Zhengming , Lawlor Debbie A. , Ala-Korpela Mika , Danesh John , Davey Smith George , Sattar Naveed , Butterworth Adam , Würtz Peter
Published: January 2019

Background:

Both statins and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors lower blood low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels to reduce risk of cardiovascular events. To assess potential differences between metabolic effects of these 2 lipid-lowering therapies, we performed detailed lipid and metabolite profiling of a large randomized statin trial and compared the results with the effects of genetic inhibition of PCSK9, acting as a naturally occurring trial.

Methods:

Two hundred twenty-eight circulating metabolic measures were quantified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, including lipoprotein subclass concentrations and their lipid composition, fatty acids, and amino acids, for 5359 individuals (2659 on treatment) in the PROSPER (Prospective Study of Pravastatin in the Elderly at Risk) trial at 6 months postrandomization. The corresponding metabolic measures were analyzed in 8 population cohorts (N=72 185) using
PCSK9
rs11591147 as an unconfounded proxy to mimic the therapeutic effects of PCSK9 inhibitors.

Results:

Scaled to an equivalent lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the effects of genetic inhibition of PCSK9 on 228 metabolic markers were generally consistent with those of statin therapy (
R
2
=0.88). Alterations in lipoprotein lipid composition and fatty acid distribution were similar. However, discrepancies were observed for very-low-density lipoprotein lipid measures. For instance, genetic inhibition of PCSK9 had weaker effects on lowering of very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with statin therapy (54% versus 77% reduction, relative to the lowering effect on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol;
P
=2×10
-7
for heterogeneity). Genetic inhibition of PCSK9 showed no significant effects on amino acids, ketones, or a marker of inflammation (GlycA), whereas statin treatment weakly lowered GlycA levels.

Conclusions:

Genetic inhibition of PCSK9 had similar metabolic effects to statin therapy on detailed lipid and metabolite profiles. However, PCSK9 inhibitors are predicted to have weaker effects on very-low-density lipoprotein lipids compared with statins for an equivalent lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which potentially translate into smaller reductions in cardiovascular disease risk.
Refining Prediction of Atrial Fibrillation–Related Stroke Using the P
2
-CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc Score
Authors: Maheshwari Ankit , Norby Faye L. , Roetker Nicholas S. , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Koene Ryan J. , Rooney Mary R. , O’Neal Wesley T. , Shah Amil M. , Claggett Brian L. , Solomon Scott D. , Alonso Alvaro , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Heckbert Susan R. , Chen Lin Y.
Published: January 2019

Background:

In people with atrial fibrillation (AF), periods of sinus rhythm present an opportunity to detect prothrombotic atrial remodeling through measurement of P-wave indices (PWIs)—prolonged P-wave duration, abnormal P-wave axis, advanced interatrial block, and abnormal P-wave terminal force in lead V1. We hypothesized that the addition of PWIs to the CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score would improve its ability to predict AF-related ischemic stroke.

Methods:

We included 2229 participants from the ARIC study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) and 700 participants from MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) with incident AF who were not on anticoagulants within 1 year of AF diagnosis. PWIs were obtained from study visit ECGs before development of AF. AF was ascertained using study visit ECGs and hospital records. Ischemic stroke cases were based on physician adjudication of hospital records. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios and 95% CIs of PWIs for ischemic stroke. Improvement in 1-year stroke prediction was assessed by C-statistic, categorical net reclassification improvement, and relative integrated discrimination improvement.

Results:

Abnormal P-wave axis was the only PWI associated with increased ischemic stroke risk (hazard ratio, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.33–2.55) independent of CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc variables, and that resulted in meaningful improvement in stroke prediction. The β estimate was approximately twice that of the CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc variables, and thus abnormal P-wave axis was assigned 2 points to create the P
2
-CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score. This improved the C-statistic (95% CI) from 0.60 (0.51–0.69) to 0.67 (0.60–0.75) in ARIC and 0.68 (0.52–0.84) to 0.75 (0.60–0.91) in MESA (validation cohort). In ARIC and MESA, the categorical net reclassification improvements (95% CI) were 0.25 (0.13–0.39) and 0.51 (0.18–0.86), respectively, and the relative integrated discrimination improvement (95% CI) were 1.19 (0.96–1.44) and 0.82 (0.36–1.39), respectively.

Conclusions:

Abnormal P-wave axis—an ECG correlate of left atrial abnormality— improves ischemic stroke prediction in AF. Compared with CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc, the P
2
-CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc is a better prediction tool for AF-related ischemic stroke.
Associations of Income Volatility With Incident Cardiovascular Disease and All-Cause Mortality in a US Cohort
Authors: Elfassy Tali , Swift Samuel L. , Glymour M. Maria , Calonico Sebastian , Jacobs David R. , Mayeda Elizabeth R. , Kershaw Kiarri N. , Kiefe Catarina , Zeki Al Hazzouri Adina
Published: January 2019

Background:

Income volatility is on the rise and presents a growing public health problem. Because in many epidemiological studies income is measured at a single point in time, the association of long-term income volatility with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality has not been adequately explored. The goal of this study was to examine associations of income volatility from 1990 to 2005 with incident CVD and all-cause mortality in the subsequent 10 years.

Methods:

The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study is an ongoing prospective cohort study conducted within urban field centers in Birmingham, AL; Chicago, IL; Minneapolis, MN; and Oakland, CA. We studied 3937 black and white participants 23 to 35 years of age in 1990 (our study baseline). Income volatility was defined as the intraindividual SD of the percent change in income across 5 assessments from 1990 to 2005. An income drop was defined as a decrease of ≥25% from the previous visit and less than the participant’s average income from 1990 to 2005. CVD events (fatal and nonfatal) and all-cause mortality between 2005 and 2015 were adjudicated with the use of medical records and death certificates. CVD included primarily acute events related to heart disease and stroke.

Results:

A total of 106 CVD events and 164 deaths occurred between 2005 and 2015 (incident rate, 2.76 and 3.66 per 1000 person-years, respectively). From Cox models adjusted for sociodemographic, behavioral, and CVD risk factors, higher income volatility and more income drops were associated with greater CVD risk (high versus low volatility: hazard ratio, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.10–3.90; ≥2 versus 0 income drops: hazard ratio, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.24–5.19) and all-cause mortality (high versus low volatility: hazard ratio, 1.78; 95% CI,1.03–3.09; ≥2 versus 0 income drops: hazard ratio, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.07–3.44).

Conclusions:

In a cohort of relatively young adults, income volatility and drops during a 15-year period of formative earning years were independently associated with a nearly 2-fold risk of CVD and all-cause mortality.
GRP78 (Glucose-Regulated Protein of 78 kDa) Promotes Cardiomyocyte Growth Through Activation of GATA4 (GATA-Binding Protein 4)
Authors: Zhang Guangyu , Wang Xiaoding , Bi Xukun , Li Chao , Deng Yingfeng , Al-Hashimi Ali A. , Luo Xiang , Gillette Thomas G. , Austin Richard C. , Wang Yanggan , Wang Zhao V.
Published: January 2019

The heart manifests hypertrophic growth in response to elevation of afterload pressure. Cardiac myocyte growth involves new protein synthesis and membrane expansion, of which a number of cellular quality control machineries are stimulated to maintain function and homeostasis. The unfolded protein response is potently induced during cardiac hypertrophy to enhance protein-folding capacity and eliminate terminally misfolded proteins. However, whether the unfolded protein response directly regulates cardiac myocyte growth remains to be fully determined. Here, we show that GRP78 (glucose-regulated protein of 78 kDa)—an endoplasmic reticulum-resident chaperone and a critical unfolded protein response regulator—is induced by cardiac hypertrophy. Importantly, overexpression of GRP78 in cardiomyocytes is sufficient to potentiate hypertrophic stimulus-triggered growth. At the in vivo level, TG (transgenic) hearts overexpressing GRP78 mount elevated hypertrophic growth in response to pressure overload. We went further to show that GRP78 increases GATA4 (GATA-binding protein 4) level, which may stimulate Anf (atrial natriuretic factor) expression and promote cardiac hypertrophic growth. Silencing of GATA4 in cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes significantly diminishes GRP78-mediated growth response. Our results, therefore, reveal that protein-folding chaperone GRP78 may directly enhance cardiomyocyte growth by stimulating cardiac-specific transcriptional factor GATA4.
Mind-Body Interventions, Psychological Stressors, and Quality of Life in Stroke Survivors
Authors: Love Mary F. , Sharrief Anjail , Chaoul Alejandro , Savitz Sean , Beauchamp Jennifer E. Sanner
Published: January 2019

Background and Purpose—

Psychological stressors, including poststroke depression, poststroke anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder, are highly prevalent in stroke survivors. These symptoms exact a significant toll on stroke survivors. Clinical and research efforts in stroke recovery focus on motor disability, speech and language deficits, and cognitive dysfunction while largely neglecting psychological stressors. Evidence suggests mind-body interventions in other chronic illness populations decrease symptoms of depression, regulate immune responses, and promote resilience, yet similar studies are lacking in stroke populations. This review aims to synthesize evidence of the effects of mind-body interventions on psychological stressors, quality of life, and biological outcomes for stroke survivors.

Methods—

A systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL was conducted from database inception to November 2017.

Results—

Eight studies were included in the review, with a total of 292 participants. Mind-body interventions included yoga or tai chi. Of the 5 included randomized controlled trials, most were pilot or feasibility studies with small sample sizes. Psychological stressors, including poststroke depression and anxiety, along with the quality of life, improved over time, but statistically significant between-group differences were largely absent. The 3 included studies with a qualitative design reported themes reflecting improvement in psychological stressors and quality of life. No included studies reported biological outcomes.

Conclusions—

Studies of mind-body interventions suggest a possible benefit on psychological stressors and quality of life; however, rigorously designed, sufficiently powered randomized controlled trials with mixed-methods design are warranted to delineate specific treatment effects of these interventions. Studies with both biological and psychological stressors as outcomes would provide evidence about interaction effects of these factors on stroke-survivor responses to mind-body interventions.
Vertebral Artery Patency and Thrombectomy in Basilar Artery Occlusions
Authors: Boeckh-Behrens Tobias , Pree David , Lummel Nina , Friedrich Benjamin , Maegerlein Christian , Kreiser Kornelia , Kirschke Jan , Berndt Maria , Lehm Manuel , Wunderlich Silke , Mosimann Pascal J. , Fischer Urs , Zimmer Claus , Kaesmacher Johannes
Published: January 2019

Background and Purpose—

Factors influencing recanalization success in basilar artery occlusions are largely unknown. Preliminary evidence has suggested that flow arrest in the vertebral artery contralateral to the catheter bearing vertebral artery may facilitate recanalization. The aim of this analysis was to assess the impact of anatomic variations and flow conditions on recanalization success in basilar artery occlusion treated with mechanical thrombectomy.

Methods—

Consecutive basilar artery occlusions treated with second-generation thrombectomy devices at a single-center were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline patients’ characteristics, occlusion length, collateral circulation, underlying stenosis, incomplete occlusions, and patency of the vertebral arteries were analyzed with regards to recanalization success. Aplastic or hypoplastic vertebral artery contralateral to the catheter position was defined as contralateral low flow condition. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between anatomic variations and flow conditions in relation to complete recanalization and the modified Rankin Scale score while controlling for several potentially confounding variables. Clinical impact was evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale score of ≤3.

Results—

One hundred fifteen patients were included (mean age 71.5±12.8, m:f=2:1, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale =15, interquartile range =10–22). Complete recanalization was more often observed in patients with contralateral low flow conditions (80.6% versus 50.0%), which remained an independent predictor of complete recanalization in multivariable analysis (adjusted odds ratio, 5.81; 95% CI, 1.97–17.19). Patients with complete posterior recanalization had lower in-hospital mortality (16.4% versus 41.7%) and more often achieved modified Rankin Scale score of ≤3 (49.4% versus 8.3%), even after adjusting for potential confounders (adjusted odds ratio, 15.93; 95% CI, 1.42–179.00).

Conclusions—

Contralateral low flow condition (vertebral artery aplasia or hypoplasia) seems to be an independent factor for fewer distal emboli and complete recanalization in basilar artery occlusion patients treated by modern endovascular devices. Complete recanalization reflecting the absence of peri-interventional clot fragmentation brings clear clinical benefit. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the need for contralateral flow modulation or ipsilateral balloon guide catheter during posterior circulation thrombectomy in patients with bilaterally patent vertebral arteries.
Safety of Carotid Revascularization in Patients With a History of Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Volkers Eline J. , Algra Ale , Kappelle L. Jaap , Becquemin Jean-Pierre , de Borst Gert J. , Brown Martin M. , Bulbulia Richard , Calvet David , Eckstein Hans-Henning , Fraedrich Gustav , Gregson John , Halliday Alison , Hendrikse Jeroen , Howard George , Jansen Olav , Roubin Gary S. , Bonati Leo H. , Brott Thomas G. , Mas Jean-Louis , Ringleb Peter A. , Greving Jacoba P. ,   on behalf of the Carotid Stenosis Trialists’ Collaboration
Published: January 2019

Background and Purpose—

We investigated whether procedural stroke or death risk of carotid artery stenting (CAS) compared with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is different in patients with and without history of coronary heart disease (CHD) and whether the treatment-specific impact of age differs.

Methods—

We combined individual patient data of 4754 patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis from 4 randomized trials (EVA-3S [Endarterectomy Versus Angioplasty in Patients With Symptomatic Severe Carotid Stenosis], SPACE [Stent-Protected Angioplasty Versus Carotid Endarterectomy], ICSS [International Carotid Stenting Study], and CREST [Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy Versus Stenting Trial]). Procedural risk was defined as any stroke or death ≤30 days after treatment. We compared procedural risk between both treatments with Cox regression analysis, stratified by history of CHD and age (<70, 70–74, ≥75 years). History of CHD included myocardial infarction, angina, or coronary revascularization.

Results—

One thousand two hundred ninety-three (28%) patients had history of CHD. Procedural stroke or death risk was higher in patients with history of CHD. Procedural risk in patients treated with CAS compared with CEA was consistent in patients with history of CHD (8.3% versus 4.6%; hazard ratio [HR], 1.96; 95% CI, 0.67–5.73) and in those without (6.9% versus 3.6%; HR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.40–2.65;
P
interaction
=0.89). In patients with history of CHD, procedural risk was significantly higher after CAS compared with CEA in patients aged ≥75 (CAS-to-CEA HR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.32–5.85), but not in patients aged <70 (HR, 1.71; 95% CI, 0.79–3.71) and 70 to 74 years (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.45–2.65). In contrast, in patients without history of CHD, procedural risk after CAS was higher in patients aged 70 to 74 (HR, 3.62; 95% CI, 1.80–7.29) and ≥75 years (HR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.52–4.59), but equal in patients aged <70 years (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.63–1.73; 3-way
P
interaction
=0.09).

Conclusions—

History of CHD does not modify procedural stroke or death risk of CAS compared with CEA. CAS might be as safe as CEA in patients with history of CHD aged <75 years, whereas for patients without history of CHD, risk after CAS compared with CEA was only equal in those aged <70 years.
Segmentability Differences Between Child-Directed and Adult-Directed Speech: A Systematic Test With an Ecologically Valid Corpus
Authors: Cristia Alejandrina , Dupoux Emmanuel , Ratner Nan Bernstein , Soderstrom Melanie
Published: January 2019

Previous computational modeling suggests it is much easier to segment words from child-directed speech (CDS) than adult-directed speech (ADS). However, this conclusion is based on data collected in the laboratory, with CDS from play sessions and ADS between a parent and an experimenter, which may not be representative of ecologically collected CDS and ADS. Fully naturalistic ADS and CDS collected with a nonintrusive recording device as the child went about her day were analyzed with a diverse set of algorithms. The difference between registers was small compared to differences between algorithms; it reduced when corpora were matched, and it even reversed under some conditions. These results highlight the interest of studying learnability using naturalistic corpora and diverse algorithmic definitions.
Taxonomic notes on desmids from the Netherlands II, with a description of six new species
Authors: VAN WESTEN MARIEN C. , COESEL PETER F. M.
Published: January 2019

From the Netherlands, six desmid species are described as new to science: Closterium joostenii, Cosmarium abbreviatiforme, Cosmarium kouwetsii, Cosmarium spierense, Staurastrum exlooënse, and Staurastrum subcomptum. Furthermore, Closterium archerianum var. pseudocynthia is raised to species level with the name Closterium cynthiaforme. The affinity with similarly looking taxa is discussed.
New species of Neritidae (Neritimorpha) from the Ypresian and Bartonian of the Paris and Basse-Loire Basins, France
Authors: SYMONDS MALCOLM FRANCIS , PACAUD JEAN-MICHEL
Published: January 2019

Five gastropod taxa of the family Neritidae in the Ypresian and Bartonian (Eocene) of the Paris and Basse-Loire Basins, are introduced: Cuisenerita gen. nov., Tomostoma angusta sp. nov., Nerita gouetensis sp. nov., Clithon barbei sp. nov., Neritodryas guillioui sp. nov. and Cuisenerita tuberosa sp. nov. New combinations introduced are: Neritodryas dutemplei (Deshayes, 1864) and Neritodryas globosa (J. de C. Sowerby, 1823). This is the earliest record of Neritodryas and the first record for this genus from Europe.
The Neotrichia caxima Group (Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae) in the southeastern United States
Authors: HARRIS STEVEN C. , RASMUSSEN ANDREW K.
Published: January 2019

The Neotrichia caxima Group in the southeastern United States is reviewed and a new species from Virginia is described. New figures for the males are provided and females of the 8 species are illustrated and diagnosed. Keys are provided to separate the males and associated females of the N. caxima Group occurring in the southeastern United States.
Shallow-water squat lobsters (Crustacea, Decapoda, Galatheidae) from Mayotte (Comoros Island), La Réunion and Madagascar, with the description of a new genus and two new species
Authors: MACPHERSON ENRIQUE , CLEVA RÉGIS
Published: January 2019

Shallow water species of galatheid crustaceans collected in Mayotte (Comoros Island), La Réunion and Madagascar have been studied. The collection contains one species of Sadayoshia and seven species of the genus Galathea, including a new species (G. denticulata) closely related to G. amamiensis known from the Indian Ocean and western Pacific waters, a new genus (Macrothea) and species (M. bouchardi). The new genus is closely related to the genus Fennerogalathea and it is easily distinguished by the following combination of characters: (1) rostrum with 4 strong lateral teeth on each side, (2) spines present on epigastric and hepatic regions only, (3) telson completely subdivided, (4) pereiopods 2–4 dactyli sharply biunguiculate. The new genus is also close to Lauriea Baba, 1971, from which it can be differentiated, among other characters, by the shape of the endopod of uropods and the number of male gonopods.
Temnocephala pignalberiae Dioni, 1967 (Platyhelminthes, Temnocephalida) from two allopatric populations of Dilocarcinus pagei Stimpson, 1861 (Crustacea, Decapoda) — first record for Brazil
Authors: AMATO JOSÉ F. R. , AMATO SUZANA B. , SEIXAS SAMANTHA A. , FONSECA MARILUCE , ILÁRIO RODRIGO J.
Published: January 2019

The presence of adult specimens and eggs of Temnocephala pignalberiae Dioni, 1967 in Dilocarcinus pagei Stimpson, 1861, at Poconé, Brazilian ‘Pantanal’, State of Mato Grosso, together with abundant material also collected from D. pagei at Bebedouro, State of São Paulo, are reported. These two records allowed the extension of the known geographical distribution of T. pignalberiae from Argentina to Central Brazil, and the comparison of the temnocephalan infrapopulations from two allopatric crab populations, living approximately 1,300 km apart from each other. The entire sample from Poconé and part of the sample from Bebedouro were fixed according to our protocols. Juvenile and adult temnocephalans were whitish to light pink and presented the typical red-eye pigmentation. The worms were living in the branchial chambers, where they deposited their eggs, over the tissue covering the inner upper part of the carapace. These eggs were thin-shelled and the most delicate, so far recorded, for any temnocephalan species our group has studied. The most distinctive features of the temnocephalan specimens from the two localities representing different watersheds were the: 1. cirrus with unarmed introvert; 2. prostatic bulb thick-walled; 3. body ellipsoid, with small and more separate tentacles; 4. syncytial plates elongated and with similar shape; and 5. excretory pores in the same position inside the each syncytial plate. Differing minimally by the: 1. contrasting shaft bases – specimens from Poconé, with rims of the shaft base directed inward, while specimens from Bebedouro, with straight and more open shaft base rims, similar to the shaft bases drawn based on specimens found in Argentina; and 2. ratio between cirrus length and prostatic bulb length, resulting in longer prostatic bulbs in the specimens from Bebedouro. Statistical analysis of measurements taken from flattened adult specimens from the infrapopulations of the two localities showed only minimal differences in the length and width of some organs. This is expected to occur when the same species is collected from populations of the same host species living far from each other and representing separate watersheds.
A new species of Hersilia Audouin, 1826 (Araneae: Hersiliidae) from India, with notes on its natural history
Authors: JAVED S. M. MAQSOOD , FOORD STEFAN H. , TAMPAL FARIDA
Published: January 2019

A new species of Hersilia Audouin, H. orvakalensis sp. nov., is described from Andhra Pradesh, India. The taxonomic affinities of the species are discussed and a brief note on its natural history is provided.
The leafhopper tribe Agalliini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Megophthalminae) in Pakistan
Authors: KHATRI IMRAN , RUSTAMANI M. A. , WAGAN M. S. , NIZAMANI S. M.
Published: January 2019

Nine species of the tribe Agalliini are listed from Pakistan and a key is provided for their separation. Four new records are included. Six species are redescribed and illustrations and distributions are provided.
The most common sponges on the Great Barrier Reef seabed, Australia, include species new to science (Phylum Porifera)
Authors: SUTCLIFFE PATRICIA R. , HOOPER JOHN N. A. , PITCHER C. ROLAND
Published: January 2019

We describe two new species amongst the most common sponges living on the seabed (inter-reef) of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) collected during a multi-agency survey (GBR Seabed Biodiversity Project 2003–2006) of the shelf benthic biota using a trawl and dredge at 1254 sites. More than 1,200 sponge morphospecies (operational taxonomic units or OTUs) were recognised, many of which are potentially new species. This paper describes five of the most common sponges, two of which are new to science, Dercitus xanthus sp. nov. and Paracornulum fistulosum sp. nov. Taxonomic revisions of the three other most common species (Coscinoderma nardorus (Lendenfeld, 1886), Spheciospongia vagabunda (Ridley, 1884) and Xenospongia patelliformis Gray, 1858), reveal new characters not previously recorded. Extensive distribution maps are provided for these species within the GBR Marine Park. Analysis of the physical data associated with the biota revealed these species had strong preference for sand and carbonate sediments. As colonisers of the soft seabed these most prevalent species provide important habitat stabilisation, enabling succession communities to more readily establish on the seabed. This wide-scale study along the length and breadth of the GBR provides a concise and encompassing view of the distribution and diversity of the seabed benthos, and has significant implications for the conservation and management of the GBR World Heritage Area.
Taxonomic revision of the clearwing moth genus Crinipus Hampson, 1896 (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae)
Authors: BARTSCH DANIEL
Published: January 2019

The poorly known and so far monotypic sesiid genus Crinipus Hampson, 1896 is revised. This genus, which had not been assigned to a tribe before, is here placed in Synanthedonini. In addition to the type species C. leucozonipus Hampson, 1896, which is from the Arabian Peninsula, three species from southern Africa are assigned to the genus: Hypanthedon marisa (Druce, 1899), Synanthedon vassei (Le Cerf, 1917) and Lepidopoda pictipes Hampson, 1919. Hypanthedon Hampson, 1919 is established as a subjective junior synonym of Crinipus. Redescriptions of all species with the exception of C. pictipes are presented. The male of C. marisa is described for the first time.
Two new species and two new synonyms of Systropus Wiedemann, 1820 from Palaearctic China (Diptera: Bombyliidae)
Authors: CUI WEINA , YANG DING
Published: January 2019

The following two new species of the genus Systropus Wiedemann, 1820 from China are described: Systropus brochus sp. nov., Systropus coalitus sp. nov.. Two new synonyms, Systropus beijinganus Du & Yang, syn. nov. of Systropus hoppo Matsumura, 1916 and Systropus oestrus Du & Yang, syn. nov. of Systropus chinensis Bezzi, 1905, are provided. A key to the species of the genus from Palaearctic China is presented.
A new species of Hexacola Foerster (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), parasitoid of Lemnaphila neotropica Lizarralde de Grosso (Diptera: Ephydridae)
Authors: GADDI ANA L. , DÍAZ NORMA B. , GALLARDO FABIANA E.
Published: January 2019

A new parasitoid wasp species, the eucoiline Hexacola lemnaphilae Gaddi & Díaz, is described. Specimens were reared from pupae of Lemnaphila neotropica Lizarralde de Grosso (Diptera: Ephydridae), a shore fly that mines least duckweed, Lemna minuta Kunth (Lemnaceae); the material examined was collected in Berisso (Buenos Aires, Argentina) and is housed in the collection of the División Entomología of the Museo de La Plata, Argentina. Photographs of diagnostic characters and data about the ecological and economic importance of these organisms are included.
Littoral Maeridae and Melitidae (Amphipoda: Gammaridea) from the Gulf of Tehuantepec, Mexico
Authors: DEL SOCORRO GARCÍA-MADRIGAL MARÍA
Published: January 2019

In the Tropical Eastern Pacific region, the gammaridean amphipods of the families Maeridae and Melitidae are represented by 28 species and 11 genera; the genus Elasmopus is the richest, with 13 species. The examination of approximately 3,250 specimens resulted in 12 new records from the Gulf of Tehuantepec, belonging to four genera, Elasmopus, Maera, Quadrimaera and Melita. All species are illustrated and described. Seven new species are described as: Elasmopus bastidai n. sp., Elasmopus karlae n. sp., Elasmopus lecroyae n. sp., Elasmopus marcelae n. sp., Elasmopus oaxaquensis n. sp., Maera umarae n. sp., and Melita bousfieldi n. sp. With these new species the genus Elasmopus from the Tropical Eastern Pacific is increased to 18 species that corroborates the hypothesis of Barnard (1979) “on the Pacific there are (sic) a mark of speciation of genus Elasmopus”. In addition, there are five new records from the Gulf of Tehuantepec: three species of Elasmopus and two of Quadrimaera. Also, the range distribution of Elasmopus temori Barnard and E. zoanthidea Barnard, is increased to the north from the Galapagos Islands to the Gulf of Tehuantepec; for E. tubar Barnard, Quadrimaera chinarra Barnard, and Q. reishi Barnard, there are new intermediate records between the Gulf of California and the Galapagos Islands. With the exception of the species of Quadrimaera, all known species represent the second record in the region after their first descriptions.
A new species of the genus Microhyla Tschudi, 1838 (Amphibia: Anura: Microhylidae) from Tay Nguyen Plateau, Central Vietnam
Authors: NGUYEN LUAN THANH , POYARKOV NIKOLAY A. JR. , NGUYEN TIEP TAN , NGUYEN TAM AI , TRAN VY HUU , GORIN VLADISLAV A. , MURPHY ROBERT W. , NGUYEN SANG NGOC
Published: January 2019

We describe a new species of Microhyla from Tram Lap forest, Gia Lai Province, Central Vietnam based on morphological, molecular, and acoustic data. The new species resembles M. butleri morphologically, but differs from all congeners by a combination of the following morphological attributes: (1) medium-sized adult snout–vent length 25.2–27.0 mm in 15 males and 30.5 mm in a single female; (2) body habitus moderately stocky; (3) head flat, snout rounded, slightly prominent in ventral profile; (4) dorsum and flanks slightly shagreened with evenly scattered tiny tubercles, ventral skin smooth; (5) first finger well developed, more than one-half the length of the second finger; (6) tips of three outer fingers slightly enlarged, forming weak disks and tips of all toes distinctly dilated into wide disks with narrow peripheral grooves; (7) finger and toe disks with dorsal median longitudinal grooves; (8) three palmar tubercles and two metatarsal tubercles; (9) tibiotarsal articulation of adpressed limb reaching slightly beyond the orbit; (10) webbing formula: I 1¾–2 II 1½–2¾ III 2–31/3 IV 3¼–1½ V; (11) in life, chin and throat yellowish to bright-orange with tiny dark brown speckling laterally; and (12) a call consisting of 15–26 pulses with a dominant frequency of 1.8–2.2 kHz (recorded at 18.5ºC). We also provide a preliminary genealogy of Microhyla based on analysis of a 2644 bp fragment of 12S–16S rRNA mitochondrial DNA. Based on the examed data, the new species and M. butleri are sister-species (genetic p-distance: 9.0%) and it can be distinguished from M. butleri by its morphology (size, webbing on toes, color) and advertisement call. Interspecific genetic p-distances between the new species and its congeners vary from 9.0% to 14.8%. Microhyla aurantiventris sp. nov. occurs in evergreen montane tropical forests at elevations around 1200 m a.s.l. and is known only from the type locality. The new species appears to be threatened due to intensive logging and agriculture plantation.
The first record of genus Gryllomorpha Fieber in Romania (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Gryllomorphinae)
Authors: IORGU IONUȚ ȘTEFAN , CHOBANOV DRAGAN , SKOLKA MARIUS , ZAHARIA RĂZVAN , IORGU ELENA IULIA
Published: January 2019

Although the fauna of Dobrogea (south-eastern Romania and north-eastern Bulgaria) is relatively well studied, the discovery of a crevice cricket was quite unexpected. Described from Ukraine and known to occur in Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Kazakhstan and possibly Uzbekistan, Gryllomorpha miramae is now recorded for the first time in Romania.
Redescription of a wall crab spider species from Taiwan: Siamspinops formosensis (Kayashima, 1943) comb. nov., with the first description of males and taxonomic notes (Araneae: Selenopidae)
Authors: YU KUANG-PING , LO YING-YUAN , HUANG WEN-CHUN , HSIAO YUN , DING TZUNG-SU
Published: January 2019

The wall crab spider Selenops formosensis Kayashima, 1943 was described from three females collected from northern Taiwan (Kayashima 1943a), but subsequently referred to as S. formosanus and S. formosansis in an illustrated handbook on Taiwanese spiders written by the same author (Kayashima 1943b). The original descriptions lacked illustrations of the epigyne or vulva which are extremely useful in determining genera and species of Selenopidae.
Anthrenus (s. str.) amandae (Coleoptera: Dermestidae): a new species from Mallorca, Spain
Authors: HOLLOWAY GRAHAM J.
Published: January 2019

A new species, Anthrenus amandae sp. nov., from Mallorca, Spain is described and illustrated. The species differs from likely confusion species on the basis of a combination of habitus morphometrics, antennal and male genitalia structure.
Fabrication and characterization of microwave cured high-density polyethylene/carbon nanotube and polypropylene/carbon nanotube composites
Authors: Arora Gaurav , Pathak Himanshu , Zafar Sunny
Published: January 2019

Carbon nanotubes have been used as reinforcements in polymers due to their high elasticity, flexibility, and thermal conductivity. In this study, pellets of high-density polyethylene +20 wt% carbon nanotube and polypropylene +20 wt% carbon nanotube were cured using microwave energy. X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, uniaxial tensile test, and scanning electron microscopy was used to study morphology, thermal stability, and mechanical performance of the microwave-cured composites. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the bonding between the polymer and carbon nanotube as the peaks shifted and intensified. From the thermal study, it was observed that melting point of the composites is affected by microwave curing and the crystallinity of high-density polyethylene/carbon nanotube and polypropylene/carbon nanotube changed by 57.67% and 47.28%, respectively. Results of the uniaxial tensile test indicated that Young’s modulus of microwave cured high-density polyethylene/carbon nanotube and polypropylene/carbon nanotube composites were improved by 295% and 787.8%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopic fractography shows the stretching of polymer over-lapped on carbon nanotubes in the direction of the applied load.
A True-False Test that Tests
Authors: Clark Robert
Published: January 2019

The author describes four steps by which he at length arrived at a satisfactory method of questioning.
In Defence of Knowledge
Authors: Chrisman Lewis H.
Published: January 2019

Is it a pedagogical sin to teach facts and pass along information? If so, the author pleads guilty, but with reservations.
A Neglected Language
Authors: Landrum Miriam Gordon
Published: January 2019

Have we been too easily satisfied with musical instruction that has merely been a sort of rehearsal?
Silent-Oral Wins in Test
Authors: Kirby Byron C.
Published: January 2019

The author experimented with two modes of teaching reading—the silent and the silent-oral. Silent was a poor second.
Do you Hate History?
Authors: Emery James Newell
Published: January 2019

If you do—the reason probably lies within your power to remedy. The author's hints should help.