bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract CT134: Intratumoral electroporation of plasmid IL-12 can prime response to anti-PD1/PD-L1 blockade in patients with Stage III/IV-M1a melanoma
Authors: Algazi Alain , Tsai Katy K. , Takamura Kathryn T. , Chen Lawrence , Twitty Chris , Dwyer Mary , Greaney Samantha , Diep Tu , Pierce Robert H. , Le Mai H. , Fong Lawrence , Daud Adil
Published: July 2016

Background: Intratumoral electroporation of plasmid IL-12 (IT-pIL12-EP) induces tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and anti-tumor immunity in melanoma as described in previous Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials. PD-1 and PD-L1 antibodies induce durable tumor responses in advanced melanoma, however responses to these agents are far less common in tumors lacking significant numbers of TILs. Therefore, in this retrospective study, patients were evaluated for response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies post IT-pIL12-EP.

Methods: A multi-center, Phase 2 trial of IT-pIL12-EP was conducted in patients with stage III/IV melanoma. Upon disease progression or treatment discontinuation with IT-pIL12-EP, many patients received subsequent PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Patients with documented follow up history and evaluable for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 response were included in this analysis.

Results: We evaluated 34 patients enrolled and treated with IT-pIL12-EP monotherapy at a single center, of which, 14 patients went on to receive a systemic PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor and were evaluable for PD-1/PD-L1 best overall response (BOR). The PD-1/PD-L1-associated BOR was 9/14 (64%) with CR in 5 patients (36%), PR in 4 (29%), SD in 2 (14%), and PD in 3 (21%). Eight of these evaluable patients received a systemic PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor with no intervening therapy post-IT-pIL12-EP. Of these 8 patients, a BOR of 75% was observed (50% CR and 25% PR).

Conclusion: Patients who received IT-pIL12-EP and later went on to receive a PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor demonstrated a high PD-1/PD-L1-associated response rate (64% CR+PR). Interestingly, patients who received a PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor with no intervening therapy post-IT-pIL12-EP had a BOR of 75% (CR+PR). These data suggest that IT-pIL12-EP may prime for responses to PD-1 blockade. Patient tumor samples are being evaluated for TIL status and gene expression analysis to determine the mechanism of IT-pIL12-EP priming. A prospective clinical trial combining IT-pIL12-EP and pembrolizumab in advanced melanoma is ongoing at the University of California San Francisco.

NCT01502293

Citation Format: Alain Algazi, Katy K. Tsai, Kathryn T. Takamura, Lawrence Chen, Chris Twitty, Mary Dwyer, Samantha Greaney, Tu Diep, Robert H. Pierce, Mai H. Le, Lawrence Fong, Adil Daud. Intratumoral electroporation of plasmid IL-12 can prime response to anti-PD1/PD-L1 blockade in patients with Stage III/IV-M1a melanoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr CT134.
Abstract LB-068: Classification of cancer by synthesis of rare non-coding mutations within recurrent epigenetic and protein networks
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ideker Trey ,   the Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes Working Group on Regulatory drivers and Pathways/Networks
Published: July 2016

Cancers are mutationally heterogeneous, resulting in multiple subtypes with different clinical outcomes and responses to treatment. Newly available data from the Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PCAWG) working group have revealed vast numbers of mutations located in non-coding regions of the human genome. However, few of these mutations are recurrent and their functions are poorly characterized. Here, we synthesize all mutations identified in a patient, both coding and non-coding, in the context of prior knowledge of epigenetic architecture and molecular networks. Non-coding mutations are selected using a functional segmentation of the genome defined by the ENCODE, Roadmap, and FANTOM consortia; these are then aggregated with coding mutations using enhancer-gene (eQTL, HiC, Roadmap, linkage) and gene-gene functional interactions relevant to human cancer. This approach enables stratification of 756 patients from 22 cancer types into biologically and clinically informative subtypes, based on highly recurrent alteration of networks mediating cell adhesion, DNA damage checkpoint and apoptosis, HLA class I, PI3K signaling, telomere maintenance, or p53 signaling. Non-coding mutations (e.g. to enhancers of IKBKB, IL1A, and MALT1) are unified with coding mutations (e.g. in BTRC, ATM, and the PPAR subunits) within common networks, providing valuable prognostic power beyond the baseline survival rate of the tissue. We find that most of the relevant non-coding elements are affected in only one patient, with the recurrent signal becoming clear only after aggregation within epigenetic networks.

Citation Format: Wei Zhang, Trey Ideker, the Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes Working Group on Regulatory drivers and Pathways/Networks. Classification of cancer by synthesis of rare non-coding mutations within recurrent epigenetic and protein networks. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-068.
Abstract LB-215: Combination studies using PI3K isoform-selective inhibitors in PTEN-deficient cancer cells
Authors: Blackwell Christina , De Young. M. Phillip
Published: July 2016

A large and growing body of evidence indicates that dysregulation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway signaling activity is necessary for cancer cell survival, most commonly as a result of genetic defects causing a deficiency of the tumor suppressor PTEN or activating mutations or amplification of PIK3CA (PI3Kα). In the context of PTEN-deficient cancer cells, it appears that in most cases PI3Kβ (PIK3CB) and not PI3Kα is required for PI3K survival signaling. GSK2636771 is a potent, orally bioavailable, selective ATP-competitive inhibitor of PI3Kβ with single digit nanomolar potency. It possesses >10-fold selectivity over PI3Kδ and >1000-fold selectivity over other lipid/atypical kinases including PI3Kα and mTOR. In this study, western blot analysis was performed to assess phosphorylation changes to AKT, ERK, and S6 proteins in 21 tumor cell lines of various histologies and genetic backgrounds treated with GSK2636771. PTEN deficiency (lack of PTEN protein expression) was the best marker to predict response to PI3Kβ inhibition based on reduction of phospho-AKT levels. Some of these “responsive” cells also harbored other genetic alterations such as amplified and/or mutated (V600E) BRAF, NF1 mutations, or EGFR amplification. For example, inhibition of PI3Kβ resulted in partial reduction of phospho-AKT and phospho-S6 levels in PTEN-deficient A2058, MDA-MB-468, and LNCAP cells, whereas PI3Kα inhibition by BYL719 treatment had no effect on AKT, ERK, and S6 phosphorylation. In PTEN-deficient, PIK3CA (E542K) mutant CAL-51 cells, the opposite was observed: GSK2636771 had no effect on phospho levels of AKT, ERK, and S6, but BYL719 treatment caused reductions of phospho-AKT and phospho-S6. Interestingly, when both isoforms were inhibited, the effects on phospho-AKT and phospho-S6 levels were more pronounced in all four cell lines, suggesting that these compounds may synergize to inhibit PI3K signaling. Combination treatment of both inhibitors had modest effects on cell growth in LNCAP cells, although it was observed that 6-day GSK2636771 treatment pulsed with BYL719 for 2 days in LNCAP provided similar antiproliferative effects as co-treatment of both molecules for 6 days. This may suggest that pulsing BYL719 with constant GSK2636771 treatment may be effective at inhibiting tumor growth in vivo while minimizing the on target toxicity that has been observed with sustained PI3Kα inhibition.

Citation Format: Christina Blackwell, M. Phillip De Young. Combination studies using PI3K isoform-selective inhibitors in PTEN-deficient cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-215.
Abstract LB-236: Self-renewal of CD133hi cells by IL6/Notch3 signaling regulates endocrine resistance in metastatic breast cancers
Authors: Sansone Pasquale , Claudio Ceccarelli , Berishaj Marjan , Chang Qing , Vinagolu Rajasekhar , Perna Fabiana , Bowman Robert , Vidone Michele , Daly Laura , Nnoli Jennifer , Santini Donatella , Mario Taffurelli , Shih Natalie , Feldman Michael , Mao Jun James , Colameco Christopher , Chen Jinbo , DeMichele Angela , Fabbri Nicola , Healey John , Cricca Monica , Gasparre Giuseppe , Lyden David , Bonafe Massimiliano , Bromberg Jacqueline F.
Published: July 2016

The mechanisms of metastatic progression from hormonal therapy (HT)-induced tumour dormancy to hormonal therapy resistance is largely unknown in luminal breast cancer. Analysis of clinical specimens revealed the enrichment of CD133hi/ERlo cancer cells in primary tumours following neo-adjuvant endocrine therapy and in HT refractory metastatic disease. We developed spontaneous experimental models of metastatic luminal breast cancer and determined that endocrine therapy can promote the generation of HT- resistant, self-renewing CD133hi/ERlo/IL6hicells. Dual pharmacological inhibition of IL6R-IL6 (tocilizumab) and ER (HT) abrogated the establishment of CD133hi/ERlo/IL6hi cancer stem cells (CSCs), restoring endocrine sensitivity to hormone-refractory metastatic disease, in both experimental and patient-derived endocrine-resistant bone metastasis. Hormonal therapy, initially abrogated oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) generating dormant (self-renewal deficient-CD133hi/ERlo/OXPHOSlo) cancer cells, These cells exited metabolic dormancy via an IL6 driven feed-forward ERlo-IL6hi-Notchhi loop, activating OXPHOS, in the absence of ER activity. Importantly, the inhibition of IL6R/IL6-Notch pathways switched the self-renewal of CD133hi CSCs, from an IL6/Notch-dependent one to an ER-dependent one, through the re-expression of ER. Thus, HT induces an OXPHOS metabolic editing of luminal breast cancers, paradoxically establishing HT-driven self-renewal of dormant CD133hi/ERlo cells mediating metastatic progression, which is sensitive to dual targeted therapy.

Citation Format: Pasquale Sansone, Ceccarelli Claudio, Marjan Berishaj, Qing Chang, Rajasekhar Vinagolu, Fabiana Perna, Robert Bowman, Michele Vidone, Laura Daly, Jennifer Nnoli, Donatella Santini, Taffurelli Mario, Natalie Shih, Michael Feldman, Jun James Mao, Christopher Colameco, Jinbo Chen, Angela DeMichele, Nicola Fabbri, John Healey, Monica Cricca, Giuseppe Gasparre, David Lyden, Massimiliano Bonafe, Jacqueline F. Bromberg. Self-renewal of CD133hi cells by IL6/Notch3 signaling regulates endocrine resistance in metastatic breast cancers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-236.
Abstract LB-365: Novel susceptibility loci for colorectal cancer: Findings from the colorectal transdisciplinary (CORECT) study OncoArray analysis
Authors: Schmit Stephanie L. , Schumacher Fredrick R. , Edlund Christopher K. , Gong Jian , Rennert Gad , Zheng Wei , Le Marchand Loic , Peters Ulrike , Casey Graham , Hsu Li , Gruber Stephen B. , Conti David V. ,   CORECT, GECCO, CCFR, ACCC, and MEC
Published: July 2016

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified 58 susceptibility alleles across 37 regions associated with the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) with P<5E-08, yet much of the disease's familial risk remains to be explained. In its first phase, the Colorectal Transdisciplinary (CORECT) study, in collaboration with the Genetics and Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer Consortium (GECCO), the Colon Cancer Family Registry (CCFR), the Asian Colorectal Cancer Consortium (ACCC) and the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC), identified 6 of these loci based on 18,299 cases and 19,656 controls. The CORECT consortium recently completed genotyping on approximately 26,000 cases and 18,000 controls using the Illumina Infinium® OncoArray platform with the goals of 1) identifying novel overall and ethnic-specific susceptibility alleles and 2) fine-mapping known CRC risk loci. Newly genotyped samples represent multiple ethnic groups and include individuals primarily of European (75%), Asian (19%) and Hispanic (2.5%) origins. Combining both phases of CORECT, this study constitutes the largest GWAS meta-analysis of CRC to date. Here, we present European-specific results derived from genetically-defined Europeans genotyped on the OncoArray (16,456 cases and 10,442 controls), CORECT Phase I (5,584 cases and 5,329 controls), and CCFR/GECCO (12,715 cases and 14,327 controls), for a total of 34,755 cases and 30,098 controls. OncoArray genotype data were imputed to the 1000 Genomes Phase III reference panel, and summary results from logistic regression adjusting for age, sex, global ancestry, and study-specific covariates were combined in a fixed-effects inverse variance-weighted meta-analysis. Preliminary results indicate at least 10 new low-penetrance risk variants that reach genome-wide significance (P<5E-08) and that are independent of known risk loci. Further, fine-mapping of well-established CRC susceptibility regions is underway. This investigation provides additional insight into the etiology of CRC and informs future risk modeling efforts.

Citation Format: Stephanie L. Schmit, Fredrick R. Schumacher, Christopher K. Edlund, Jian Gong, Gad Rennert, Wei Zheng, Loic Le Marchand, Ulrike Peters, Graham Casey, Li Hsu, Stephen B. Gruber, David V. Conti, CORECT, GECCO, CCFR, ACCC, and MEC. Novel susceptibility loci for colorectal cancer: Findings from the colorectal transdisciplinary (CORECT) study OncoArray analysis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-365.
Malignant Melanoma on a Thermal Burn Scar with an Interval of More Than 70 Years
Authors: Uchida Shusuke , Oiso Naoki , Shiga Kuriko , Narita Tomohiko , Kawada Akira
Published: July 2016

Cases of malignant melanoma on thermal burn scars have occasionally been reported. We report a 78-year-old Japanese female with malignant melanoma on a thermal burn scar with an interval of more than 70 years. Our case reemphasizes the importance of regular examinations in persons with thermal burn scars.
Serum Levels of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Rosso Gianluca , Zanardini Roberta , Chiodelli Daniela Francesca , Ferrari Clarissa , Gennarelli Massimo , Bocchio-Chiavetto Luisella
Published: July 2016

Background/Aims: Recent findings suggest an involvement of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in the pathogenesis of many psychiatric disorders; however, there is a lack of data regarding IGF-1 in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The aims of the present study were (1) to analyze putative alterations of IGF-1 serum content in patients with OCD compared to patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy controls, and (2) to analyze putative changes of IGF-1 levels during drug treatment in subjects with OCD compared to patients with MDD. Methods: We recruited 40 OCD patients, 37 MDD patients, and 43 healthy controls. All participants were adults. Serum IGF-1 levels were measured by the ELISA method on venous blood samples collected at baseline and after 10 ± 1 weeks of drug treatment. Results: IGF-1 levels were increased in OCD patients compared to controls (149.9 ± 60.2 vs. 121.2 ± 51.6 ng/ml; p = 0.040). No correlations were observed between baseline IGF-1 levels, clinical features, and response to treatment at follow-up in OCD or MDD patients. No changes in serum IGF-1 were observed after drug treatment. Conclusion: Our results show for the first time that serum IGF-1 levels are altered in patients with OCD. Further research on the role of IGF-1 in OCD is warranted.
Higher Fluorosis Severity Makes Enamel Less Resistant to Demineralization
Authors: Marín Lina María , Cury Jaime Aparecido , Tenuta Livia Maria Andaló , Castellanos Jaime Eduardo , Martignon Stefania
Published: July 2016

Fluorotic teeth could either be more resistant or more susceptible to the caries process than sound ones due to their higher enamel fluoride concentration and higher porosity (subsurface hypomineralization), respectively; however, there is no consensus on this subject. In this study, a total of 49 human unerupted third molars presenting Thylstrup and Fejerskov (TF) fluorosis scores 0-4 were used. Two enamel slabs were obtained from each tooth. The rest of the tooth crown was powdered, and the enamel was separated from the dentine. In purified powdered enamel, the calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphate (Pi), and fluoride (F) concentrations were determined. The F concentration gradient throughout the enamel and in the enamel volume was determined in one slab. The other enamel slab was isolated with acid-resistant varnish, subjecting the exposed enamel surface half to a pH-cycling model to evaluate its demineralization resistance and to calculate the demineralization area. The nonexposed surface was used to determine the natural hypomineralization area found in fluorotic enamel and normalize the demineralization data. The hypomineralization and demineralization areas were assessed by cross-sectional microhardness. For statistical analyses, the data for TF1 and 2, and for TF3 and 4 were pooled. Concentrations of powered enamel Ca and Pi were not significantly different (p > 0.05) among groups TF0, TF1-2 and TF3-4, but a higher F concentration was found in fluorotic enamel (p < 0.05). Highly fluorotic teeth (TF3-4) presented a greater hypomineralization subsurface area and demonstrated lower demineralization resistance than sound enamel (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that a higher severity of fluorosis makes enamel less resistant to the caries process due to its greater subsurface mineral area exposed to demineralization and deeper acid diffusion through the enamel.
Overexpression of KIF11 in Gastric Cancer with Intestinal Mucin Phenotype
Authors: Imai Takeharu , Oue Naohide , Nishioka Masahiro , Mukai Shoichiro , Oshima Takashi , Sakamoto Naoya , Sentani Kazuhiro , Matsusaki Keisuke , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Yasui Wataru
Published: July 2016

Objective: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common human cancers. A useful method of gastric cancer stem cell (CSC) characterization is spheroid colony formation. Previously, we reported that KIF11 expression is >2-fold in spheroid-body-forming GC cells compared with parental cells. Here, we analyzed the expression and distribution of KIF11 in human GC by immunohistochemistry. Methods: Expression of KIF11 in 165 GC cases was determined using immunohistochemistry. For mucin phenotypic expression analysis of GC, immunostaining of MUC5AC, MUC6, MUC2 and CD10 was evaluated. RNA interference was used to inhibit KIF11 expression in GC cell lines. Results: In total, 119 of 165 GC cases (72%) were positive for KIF11. Expression of KIF11 was not associated with any clinicopathologic characteristics; however, it was observed frequently in GC exhibiting an intestinal phenotype. Both the number and size of spheres formed by MKN-74 cells were significantly reduced following transfection of KIF11-targeting siRNA compared with negative-control siRNA. Furthermore, levels of phosphorylated Erk1/2 were lower in KIF11 siRNA-transfected cells than with negative-control siRNA-transfected cells. Conclusion: These results indicate that KIF11 is involved in intestinal mucin phenotype GC.
A Mutation in NPAS3 That Segregates with Schizophrenia in a Small Family Leads to Protein Aggregation
Authors: Nucifora Leslie G. , Wu YeeWen Candace , Lee Brian J. , Sha Li , Margolis Russell L. , Ross Christopher A. , Sawa Akira , Nucifora Jr Frederick C.
Published: July 2016

Schizophrenia and other major mental illnesses result from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. We previously identified a mutation in NPAS3 that results in a valine to isoleucine (V304I) amino acid substitution segregating with schizophrenia in a small family. The amino acid change occurs in a potentially critical region for protein function. Furthermore, the same amino acid substitution in proteins related to familial Alzheimer's disease and transthyretin amyloidosis has been associated with protein aggregation. In this study, we demonstrate that NPAS3 is prone to aggregation, and that the V304I mutation in NPAS3 increases this propensity in both bacterial and mammalian expression systems. We also show that NPAS3-V304I reduces soluble endogenous NPAS3, and increases insoluble endogenous NPAS3 and leads to alteration of transcriptional activity. These results suggest that protein aggregation, potentially leading to cell dysfunction via a loss of protein function through sequestration, may contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and other forms of mental illness. Further exploration of the mechanisms leading to abnormal protein quality control could lead to new therapeutic targets.
Dual Task Gait Performance in Frail Individuals with and without Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Martínez-Ramírez Alicia , Martinikorena Ion , Lecumberri Pablo , Gómez Marisol , Millor Nora , Casas-Herrero Alvaro , Zambom-Ferraresi Fabrício , Izquierdo Mikel
Published: July 2016

Background: Several studies have stated that frailty is associated with cognitive impairment. Based on various studies, cognition impairment has been considered as a component of frailty. Other authors have shown that physical frailty is associated with low cognitive performance. Dual task gait tests are used as a strong predictor of falls in either dementia or frailty. Consequently, it is important to investigate dual task walking tests in elderly populations including control robust oldest old, frail oldest old with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and frail oldest old without MCI. Methods: Dual task walking tests were carried out to examine the association between frailty and cognitive impairment in a population with advanced age. Forty-one elderly men and women participated in this study. The subjects from control, frail with MCI and frail without MCI groups, completed the 5-meter walk test at their own gait velocity. Arithmetic and verbal dual task walking performance was also assessed. Kinematic data were acquired from a unique tri-axial inertial sensor. Results: The spatiotemporal and frequency parameters related to gait disorders did not show any significant differences between frail with and without MCI groups. Conclusions: The evaluation of these parameters extracted from the acceleration signals led us to conclude that these results expand the knowledge regarding the common conditions in frailty and MCI and may highlight the idea that the impairment in walking performance does not depend of frailty and cognitive status.
Seed germination studies on Gymnacranthera canarica (King) Warb. - a Vulnerable tree species of a highly threatened Myristica swamp ecosystem
Authors: Keshavachandra K. , Krishnakumar G.
Published: July 2016

Gymnacranthera canarica (King) Warb. is an exclusive Myristica swamp species endemic to the Western Ghats.  The Myristica swamp is a Critically Endangered ecosystem.  Studies were carried out to assess the viability, germination and storage behaviour of Gymnacranthera canarica seeds.  In the present study, it was observed that seeds have shown an initiation of germination after two weeks.  A maximum of 90% germination was recorded when the initial moisture content was 38.04 ± 1.75 %.  A decreased percentage (3%) was observed when the moisture content reached 14.26 ± 2.3 after 70 days of storage.  Seeds failed to germinate beyond this moisture level.  A desiccation study showed recalcitrant behaviour and seeds can be stored in lab conditions for up to two and half months.
An updated checklist of shrimps on the Indian coast
Authors: Samuel Vijay Kumar Deepak , Sreeraj Chemmencheri Ramakrishnan , Krishnan Pandian , Parthiban Chermapandi , Sekar Veeramuthu , Chamundeeswari Kanagaraj , Immanuel Titus , Shesdev Patro , Purvaja Ramachandran , Ramesh Ramachandran
Published: July 2016

This study reports an updated checklist of marine shrimps found along the Indian coast, including the Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.  A total of 364 species classified under 128 genera belonging to the order Decapoda is reported, thus adding 27 species to the existing checklist of 337 species.  Marine shrimps are classified under two suborders of the order Decapoda, viz., Dendrobranchiata and Pleocyemata, and the two suborders account for 155 (42.6 %) and 209 species (57.4 %) of these 364 species, respectively.  Pleocyemata is represented by three infraorders, viz., Axiidea, Caridea and Stenopodidea, while Caridea has a maximum of 199 reported species. Among the 12 superfamilies, Penaeoidea contributed to 38.13% (135 species) followed by Paleaemonidea with 18.07% (64 species).  All other superfamilies were found to contribute less than 12%.  Superfamilies, Bresilloidea and Psalidopodoidea had only single species representatives (0.28% each).  The final list was compiled after reviewing all existing literature including monographs, catalogues, checklists, websites and fishery reports. The scientific names were validated with the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) database.  A total of 25 issues were identified from the previous checklist out of which 19 species have been updated with the correct, accepted names and six species have been removed from the previous list.
Bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) of the southeastern Truong Son Mountains, Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam
Authors: Son Nguyen Truong , O'shea Thomas J. , Gore Jeffery A. , Csorba Gabor , Tu Vuong Tan , Oshida Tatsuo , Endo Hideki , Motokawa Masaharu
Published: July 2016

Bat communities of mainland Southeast Asia can be highly diverse. Many are under threat. Despite this, regional faunal composition is not well documented for many areas, including regions of Vietnam.  We assessed the biodiversity of bats in a watershed protection forest in the southeastern Truong Son (Annamite) Mountains, southwestern Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam in 2011–2013.  Twenty species of insectivorous bats were documented including a high diversity of Murina species Tube-nosed Bats.  Diversity and abundance indices were compared with that recorded previously in two nature reserves and one national park in Vietnam, and were higher or comparable in several measures despite the lack of a karst substrate for roosts.  Reproduction in the insectivorous bat fauna coincided with the early rainy season.  In the late dry season, pregnant females of several species were observed but volant juveniles were not present, whereas in the early wet season adult females were lactating or post-lactating and volant juveniles of nine species were detected.  We recorded echolocation calls of 14 bat species; for each species, we compared features of calls with those reported previously in other Asian localities.  For some species we found discrepancies in call metrics among studies, perhaps suggesting a greater hidden biodiversity of bats in Southeast Asia.
Inhaled Sodium Nitrite Improves Rest and Exercise Hemodynamics in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Borlaug Barry A. , Melenovsky Vojtech , Koepp Katlyn E.
Published: July 2016

Rationale:

Abnormalities in nitric oxide signaling play a pivotal role in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Intravenous sodium nitrite, which is converted to nitric oxide in vivo, improves hemodynamics in HFpEF, but its use is limited by the need for parenteral administration. Nitrite can also be administered using a novel, portable micronebulizer system suitable for chronic use.

Objective:

Determine whether inhaled nitrite improves hemodynamics in HFpEF.

Methods and Results:

In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial, subjects with HFpEF (n=26) underwent cardiac catheterization with simultaneous expired gas analysis at rest and during exercise before and after treatment with inhaled sodium nitrite (90 mg) or placebo. The primary end point was the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure during exercise. Before study drug administration, HFpEF subjects displayed an increase in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure with exercise from 20±6 to 34±7 mm Hg (
P
<0.0001). After study drug administration, exercise pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was substantially improved by nitrite as compared with placebo (baseline-adjusted mean 25±5 versus 31±6 mm Hg; analysis of covariance
P
=0.022). Inhaled nitrite reduced resting pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (−4±3 versus −1±2 mm Hg;
P
=0.002), improved pulmonary artery compliance (+1.5±1.1 versus +0.6±0.9 mL/mm Hg), and decreased mean pulmonary artery pressures at rest (−7±4 versus −3±4 mm Hg;
P
=0.007) and with exercise (−10±6 versus −5±6 mm Hg;
P
=0.05). Nitrite reduced right atrial pressures, with no effect on cardiac output or stroke volume.

Conclusions:

Acute administration of inhaled sodium nitrite reduces biventricular filling pressures and pulmonary artery pressures at rest and during exercise in HFpEF. Further study is warranted to evaluate chronic effects of inhaled nitrite in HFpEF.

Clinical Trial Registration:

This single center randomized clinical trial is registered at
clinicaltrials.gov
(NCT02262078).
Frequency, Type, and Volume of Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Young Women
Authors: Chomistek Andrea K. , Henschel Beate , Eliassen A. Heather , Mukamal Kenneth J. , Rimm Eric B.
Published: July 2016

Background:

The inverse association between physical activity and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk has primarily been shown in studies of middle-aged and older adults. Evidence for the benefits of frequency, type, and volume of leisure-time physical activity in young women is limited.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective analysis among 97 230 women aged 27 to 44 years at baseline in 1991. Leisure-time physical activity was assessed biennially by questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the associations between physical activity frequency, type, and volume, and CHD risk.

Results:

During 20 years of follow-up, we documented 544 incident CHD cases. In multivariable-adjusted models, the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of CHD comparing ≥30 with <1 metabolic equivalent of task-hours/wk of physical activity was 0.75 (0.57–0.99) (
P
, trend=0.01). Brisk walking alone was also associated with significantly lower CHD risk. Physical activity frequency was not associated with CHD risk when models also included overall activity volume. Finally, the association was not modified by body mass index (kg/m
2
) (
P
, interaction=0.70). Active women (≥30 metabolic equivalent of task-hours/wk) with body mass index<25 kg/m
2
had 0.52 (95% confidence interval, 0.35–0.78) times the rate of CHD in comparison with women who were obese (body mass index≥30 kg/m
2
) and inactive (physical activity <1 metabolic equivalent of task-hours/wk).

Conclusions:

These prospective data suggest that total volume of leisure-time physical activity is associated with lower risk of incident CHD among young women. In addition, this association was not modified by weight, emphasizing that it is important for normal weight, overweight, and obese women to be physically active.
Novel Therapeutic Role for Dipeptidyl Peptidase III in the Treatment of Hypertension
Authors: Pang Xiaoling , Shimizu Akio , Kurita Souichi , Zankov Dimitar P. , Takeuchi Keisuke , Yasuda-Yamahara Mako , Kume Shinji , Ishida Tetsuo , Ogita Hisakazu
Published: July 2016

Dipeptidyl peptidase III (DPP III) cleaves dipeptide residues from the N terminus of polypeptides ranging from 3 to 10 amino acids in length and is implicated in pathophysiological processes through the breakdown of certain oligopeptides or their fragments. In this study, we newly identified the biochemical properties of DPP III for angiotensin II (Ang II), which consists of 8 amino acids. DPP III quickly and effectively digested Ang II with
K
m
= 3.7×10
−6
mol/L. In the in vivo experiments, DPP III remarkably reduced blood pressure in Ang II–infused hypertensive mice without alteration of heart rate. DPP III did not affect hemodynamics in noradrenalin-induced hypertensive mice or normotensive mice, suggesting specificity for Ang II. When DPP III was intravenously injected every other day for 4 weeks after Ang II osmotic minipump implantation in mice, Ang II–induced cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy were significantly attenuated. This DPP III effect was at least similar to that caused by an angiotensin receptor blocker candesartan. Furthermore, administration of DPP III dramatically reduced the increase in urine albumin excretion and kidney injury and inflammation markers caused by Ang II infusion. Both DPP III and candesartan administration showed slight additive inhibition in the albumin excretion. These results reveal a novel potential use of DPP III in the treatment of hypertension and its protective effects on hypertension-sensitive organs, such as the heart and kidneys.
Chronic Treatment With an Erythropoietin Receptor Ligand Prevents Chronic Kidney Disease–Induced Enlargement of Myocardial Infarct Size
Authors: Nishizawa Keitaro , Yano Toshiyuki , Tanno Masaya , Miki Takayuki , Kuno Atsushi , Tobisawa Toshiyuki , Ogasawara Makoto , Muratsubaki Shingo , Ohno Kouhei , Ishikawa Satoko , Miura Tetsuji
Published: July 2016

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is known to increase myocardial infarct size after ischemia/reperfusion. However, a strategy to prevent the CKD-induced myocardial susceptibility to ischemia/reperfusion injury has not been developed. Here, we examined whether epoetin β pegol, a continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA), normalizes myocardial susceptibility to ischemia/reperfusion injury by its effects on protective signaling and metabolomes in CKD. CKD was induced by 5/6 nephrectomy in rats (subtotal nephrectomy, SNx), whereas sham-operated rats served controls (Sham). Infarct size as percentage of area at risk after 20-minutes coronary occlusion/2-hour reperfusion was larger in SNx than in Sham: 60.0±4.0% versus 43.9±2.2%. Administration of CERA (0.6 μg/kg SC every 7 days) for 4 weeks reduced infarct size in SNx (infarct size as percentage of area at risk=36.9±3.9%), although a protective effect was not detected for the acute injection of CERA. Immunoblot analyses revealed that myocardial phospho-Akt-Ser473 levels under baseline conditions and on reperfusion were lower in SNx than in Sham, and CERA restored the Akt phosphorylation on reperfusion. Metabolomic analyses showed that glucose 6-phosphate and glucose 1-phosphate were reduced and malate:aspartate ratio was 1.6-fold higher in SNx than in Sham, suggesting disturbed flux of malate–aspartate shuttle by CKD. The CERA improved the malate:aspartate ratio in SNx to the control level. In H9c2 cells, mitochondrial Akt phosphorylation by insulin-like growth factor-1 was attenuated by malate–aspartate shuttle inhibition. In conclusion, the results suggest that a CERA prevents CKD-induced susceptibility of the myocardium to ischemia/reperfusion injury by restoration of Akt-mediated signaling possibly via normalized malate–aspartate shuttle flux.
More Versus Less Intensive Blood Pressure–Lowering Strategy
Authors: Verdecchia Paolo , Angeli Fabio , Gentile Giorgio , Reboldi Gianpaolo
Published: July 2016

Several randomized trials compared a more versus less intensive blood pressure–lowering strategy on the risk of major cardiovascular events and death. Cumulative meta-analyses and trial sequential analyses can establish whether and when firm evidence favoring a specific intervention has been reached from accrued literature. Therefore, we conducted a cumulative trial sequential analysis of 18 trials that randomly allocated 53 405 patients to a more or less intensive blood pressure–lowering strategy. We sought to ascertain the extent to which trial evidence added to previously accrued data. Outcome measures were stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, cardiovascular death, and all-cause death. Achieved blood pressure was 7.6/4.5 mm Hg lower with the more intensive than the less intensive blood pressure–lowering strategy. For stroke and myocardial infarction, the cumulative Z curve crossed the efficacy monitoring boundary solely after the SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial) study, thereby providing firm evidence of superiority of a more intensive over a less intensive blood pressure–lowering strategy. For cardiovascular death and heart failure, the cumulative Z curve crossed the conventional significance boundary, but not the sequential monitoring boundary, after SPRINT. For all-cause death, the SPRINT trial pushed the cumulative Z curve away from the futility area, without reaching the conventional significance boundary. We conclude that evidence accrued to date strongly supports the superiority of a more intensive versus a less intensive blood pressure–lowering strategy for prevention of stroke and myocardial infarction. Cardiovascular death and heart failure are likely to be reduced by a more intensive blood pressure–lowering strategy, but evidence is not yet conclusive.
A Causal Role for Primary Motor Cortex in Perception of Observed Actions
Authors: Palmer Clare E. , Bunday Karen L. , Davare Marco , Kilner James M.
Published: July 2016

It has been proposed that motor system activity during action observation may be modulated by the kinematics of observed actions. One purpose of this activity during action observation may be to predict the visual consequence of another person's action based on their movement kinematics. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the primary motor cortex (M1) may have a causal role in inferring information that is present in the kinematics of observed actions. Healthy participants completed an action perception task before and after applying continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) over left M1. A neurophysiological marker was used to quantify the extent of M1 disruption following cTBS and stratify our sample a priori to provide an internal control. We found that a disruption to M1 caused a reduction in an individual's sensitivity to interpret the kinematics of observed actions; the magnitude of suppression of motor excitability predicted this change in sensitivity.
Proactive, but Not Reactive, Distractor Filtering Relies on Local Modulation of Alpha Oscillatory Activity
Authors: Vissers Marlies E. , van Driel Joram , Slagter Heleen A.
Published: July 2016

Filter mechanisms that prevent irrelevant information from consuming the limited storage capacity of visual STM are critical for goal-directed behavior. Alpha oscillatory activity has been related to proactive filtering of anticipated distraction. Yet, distraction in everyday life is not always anticipated, necessitating rapid, reactive filtering mechanisms. Currently, the oscillatory mechanisms underlying reactive distractor filtering remain unclear. In the current EEG study, we investigated whether reactive filtering of distractors also relies on alpha-band oscillatory mechanisms and explored possible contributions by oscillations in other frequency bands. To this end, participants performed a lateralized change detection task in which a varying and unpredicted number of distractors were presented both in the relevant hemifield, among targets, and in the irrelevant hemifield. Results showed that, whereas proactive distractor filtering was accompanied by lateralization of alpha-band activity over posterior scalp regions, reactive distractor filtering was not associated with modulations of oscillatory power in any frequency band. Yet, behavioral and post hoc ERP analyses clearly showed that participants selectively encoded relevant information. On the basis of these results, we conclude that reactive distractor filtering may not be realized through local modulation of alpha-band oscillatory activity.
Trimma tevegae and T. caudomaculatum revisited and redescribed (Acanthopterygii, Gobiidae), with descriptions of three new similar species from the western Pacific
Authors: WINTERBOTTOM RICHARD
Published: July 2016

A redescription and diagnosis of Trimma tevegae, based on 50 additional specimens from the type locality at Rabaul, New Britain is provided, and contrasted with the redescription and diagnosis of T. caudomaculatum, based on the type material and an additional 22 specimens from various western Pacific localities. Trimma tevegae may most easily be recognized by the lack of a blue stripe (dark in preservative) in the dorsal midline of the snout, and a short second spine in the first dorsal fin, reaching posteriorly to the origin or first few ray bases of the second dorsal fin. Trimma caudomaculatum can be identified by the blue stripe from the snout along the dorsal midline, the blue spots and stripes in front of the eye, on the opercle and beneath the eye (dark in preserved material), and the very elongate second dorsal spine, usually extending to beyond the end of the second dorsal fin. Three similar-looking new species are described. Trimma burridgeae and T. hollemani are morphologically very close to each other, differing mainly in the length of the second dorsal spine (to the posterior base of the second dorsal fin or beyond in T. burridgeae; to the anterior base of that fin in T. hollemani). These two species differ by over 9% of the bases of the COI gene. Trimma corerefum is the most distinctive of the species, differing in lacking a blue stripe on the dorsal surface of the snout, in the pigment pattern around the eye, in having fewer cephalic sensory papillae (free neuromasts) in rows dʹ, ea, ep, f, r and ot, and in a shorter fifth pelvic fin ray (34–45% length of fourth pelvic ray). The morphological differences between the species are reinforced by the results of a barcode analysis of the COI gene, based on 105 specimens.
New fossil genus of Silvanidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) from Baltic amber (Tertiary, Eocene)
Authors: Alekseev Vitalii I. , Bukejs ANDRIS
Published: July 2016

The fossil silvanid beetle Mistran ot gen. et sp. nov. is described from Baltic amber. The new taxon is illustrated and compared with morphologically close extant and fossil taxa. A checklist of fossil Silvanidae is provided.
New and interesting species of the genus Bryaxis Kugelann, 1794 (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae) from Croatia
Authors: Bekchiev Rostislav , Hlaváč Peter
Published: July 2016

New data on the genus Bryaxis Kugelann, 1974 from Croatia are presented. Two new species, Bryaxis bedeki sp. nov. and Bryaxis biokovensis sp. nov. are described and illustrated. Bryaxis issensis (J. Müller, 1909) is redescribed based on six males collected at the type locality, in the cave Špilja kod Vlore on the island of Vis, and the aedeagus of this species is figured for the first time. New distributional data of Bryaxis scapularis (Reitter, 1881), Bryaxis crepsensis crepsensis (J. Müller, 1947), Bryaxis stolzi (Machulka, 1932), and Bryaxis erichsonii erichsonii (Kiesenwetter, 1849) are also provided.
Passandra septentrionaria sp. nov.: the first described species of Passandridae (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea) from Eocene Baltic amber
Authors: BUKEJS ANDRIS , ALEKSEEV VITALII I. , McKellar Ryan C.
Published: July 2016

Based on two relatively well-preserved specimens from Eocene Baltic amber, Passandra septentrionaria sp. nov. is described and illustrated. It is the first formally described species of Passandridae from Baltic amber, and the first known European representative of the family. The global distribution of extant Passandra Dalman is mapped, and the historical distribution of the group is briefly discussed.
The Influence of Topography on Convective Storm Environments in the Eastern United States as Deduced from the HRRR
Authors: Katona Branden , Markowski Paul , Alexander Curtis , Benjamin Stanley
Published: July 2016

Relatively little is known about how topography affects convective storms. The first step toward understanding these effects is to investigate how topography affects storm environments. Unfortunately, the effects of topography on convective environments are not easily observed directly. Instead, it is necessary to resort to using output from the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR). The HRRR’s 3-km grid spacing can resolve some of the larger-scale topographic effects. Popular convective storm forecasting parameters obtained from the HRRR are averaged on convective days from February to September 2013–15. It is surmised that most of the day-to-day variability attributable to synoptic- and mesoscale meteorological influences is removed by averaging; the remaining horizontal heterogeneity in parameters related to instability and vertical wind shear is due to the hemispheric-scale meridional temperature and pressure gradient, and likely also topographic influences, especially where recurring longitudinal variations in instability, wind shear, etc. are found. Anomalies are sensitive to the ambient low-level wind direction (i.e., whether winds are locally blowing upslope or downslope), especially for parameters that depend on the low-level vertical shear. The statistical significance of local maxima and minima is demonstrated by comparing the amplitudes of the anomalies to bootstrapped estimates of the standard errors.
Factors Affecting the Enrolment Rate of Students in Higher Education Institutions in the Gauteng province, South Africa
Authors: Matsolo Mpho Joyce , Ningpuanyeh Wilson C , Susuman A Sathiya
Published: July 2016

The purpose of this research is to investigate and analyse higher education institutions’ enrolment and drop-out rates within the Gauteng province, South Africa. Large-scale secondary data from the General Household Survey, obtained from Statistics South Africa (2012) were used. This study’s findings show that finance, orphan-hood, transport to the higher education institutions and, to a lesser extent, unplanned pregnancies, are some of the main factors that affect the enrolment rate of students. This study hopes to be useful to policy-makers, research managers and other decision-makers within the higher education (HE) landscape.
Watching the Clock: Boredom and Vigilance Performance
Authors: Kass Steven J. , Vodanovich Stephen J. , Stanny Claudia J. , Taylor Tiffany M.
Published: July 2016

The current study investigated the relationship between a measure of trait boredom, Boredom Proneness, and vigilance performance on a variation of Mack-worth's original clock test. Performance, assessed as Sensory Efficiency, was negatively correlated with Boredom Proneness scores early in the vigil but not during later trials. The results suggested that the trait of Boredom Proneness is predictive of performance on monotonous tasks within the first 10-min. block of trials; however, no differences in performance occurred on subsequent blocks, suggesting that as state boredom increases, differences between individuals diminish, e.g., a ceiling effect. The authors discuss the importance of examining Boredom Proneness as a multidimensional construct. Practical implications for these results are presented, particularly in terms of using Sensory Efficiency as a measure of performance during vigilance tasks.
Relationships between Performance toward Accomplishment and Self-Efficacy in Amateur Boxing
Authors: Lane Andrew M.
Published: July 2016

Combined ratings of magnitude and strength of self-efficacy by 59 20-yr.-old amateur boxers in a multiple regression were predicted only by Perceived Performance, i.e., their working toward successful performance.