bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-6 Receptor Signaling and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Growth Rates
Authors: Paige Ellie , Clément Marc , Lareyre Fabien , Sweeting Michael , Raffort Juliette , Grenier Céline , Finigan Alison , Harrison James , Peters James E. , Sun Benjamin B. , Butterworth Adam S. , Harrison Seamus C. , Bown Matthew J. , Lindholt Jes S. , Badger Stephen A. , Kullo Iftikhar J. , Powell Janet , Norman Paul E. , Scott D. Julian A. , Bailey Marc A. , Rose-John Stefan , Danesh John , Freitag Daniel F. , Paul Dirk S. , Mallat Ziad
Published: February 2019

Background:

The Asp358Ala variant (rs2228145; A>C) in the IL (interleukin)-6 receptor (
IL6R
) gene has been implicated in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), but its effect on AAA growth over time is not known. We aimed to investigate the clinical association between the
IL6R
-Asp358Ala variant and AAA growth and to assess the effect of blocking the IL-6 signaling pathway in mouse models of aortic aneurysm rupture or dissection.

Methods:

Using data from 2863 participants with AAA from 9 prospective cohorts, age- and sex-adjusted mixed-effects linear regression models were used to estimate the association between the
IL6R
-Asp358Ala variant and annual change in AAA diameter (mm/y). In a series of complementary randomized trials in mice, the effect of blocking the IL-6 signaling pathways was assessed on plasma biomarkers, systolic blood pressure, aneurysm diameter, and time to aortic rupture and death.

Results:

After adjusting for age and sex, baseline aneurysm size was 0.55 mm (95% CI, 0.13–0.98 mm) smaller per copy of the minor allele [C] of the Asp358Ala variant. Change in AAA growth was −0.06 mm per year (−0.18 to 0.06) per copy of the minor allele; a result that was not statistically significant. Although all available worldwide data were used, the genetic analyses were not powered for an effect size as small as that observed. In 2 mouse models of AAA, selective blockage of the IL-6 trans-signaling pathway, but not combined blockage of both, the classical and trans-signaling pathways, was associated with improved survival (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions:

Our proof-of-principle data are compatible with the concept that IL-6 trans-signaling is relevant to AAA growth, encouraging larger-scale evaluation of this hypothesis.
Sex Differences in the Prevalence of, and Trends in, Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Treatment, and Control in the United States, 2001 to 2016
Authors: Peters Sanne A.E. , Muntner Paul , Woodward Mark
Published: February 2019

Background:

Improvements have been made in the treatment and control of some but not all major cardiovascular risk factors in the United States. It remains unclear whether women and men have benefited equally.

Methods:

Data from the 2001 to 2002 through the 2015 to 2016 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey on adults aged 20 to 79 years were used. We assessed sex differences in temporal trends in the levels of systolic blood pressure, body mass index, smoking status, high-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol, and hemoglobin A
1c
. Trends in treatment and control rates of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia were also assessed.

Results:

Overall, 35 416 participants (51% women) were included. Trends in systolic blood pressure, smoking status, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and hemoglobin A
1c
were similar between the sexes. Body mass index increased more in women than men (
P
=0.006). Mean levels were 28.1 and 29.6 kg/m
2
in women and 27.9 and 29.0 kg/m
2
in men in 2001 to 2004 and 2013 to 2016, respectively. Total cholesterol decreased more in men than women (
P
=0.002): mean levels in 2001 to 2004 and 2013 to 2016, respectively, were 203 and 194 mg/dL in women and 201 and 188 mg/dL in men. Improvements in the control of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia were similar between the sexes; however, sex differences persisted. In 2013 to 2016, control rates in women versus men were 30% versus 22% for hypertension, 30% versus 20% for diabetes mellitus, and 51% versus 63% for dyslipidemia.

Conclusions:

Temporal trends in cardiovascular risk factor levels were broadly similar between the sexes, except for total cholesterol and body mass index. Sex differences in the control of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia persist, and further efforts are required to reduce this differential.
A Review of the Role of Breast Arterial Calcification for Cardiovascular Risk Stratification in Women
Authors: Bui Quan M. , Daniels Lori B.
Published: February 2019

Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death among women in the United States. One of the barriers to improving cardiovascular disease outcomes in women is the lack of reliable, effective screening modalities. Breast arterial calcification has emerged as a potential risk stratification tool. Localized deposition in the media of the artery, known as Mönckeberg medial calcific sclerosis, is notably different from the intimal atherosclerotic process commonly associated with coronary artery disease. Nonetheless, studies favor a correlation between breast arterial calcification and cardiovascular risk factors or coronary artery disease, defined as coronary artery calcification on computed tomography scan or both nonobstructive and obstructive lesions on angiography. Since a majority of women over the age of 40 undergo yearly breast cancer screening with mammography, measurement of breast arterial calcification may offer a personalized, noninvasive approach to risk-stratify women for cardiovascular disease at no additional cost or radiation. Mammography has the potential to alter the course of the leading cause of death in women, heart disease, through the evaluation of breast arterial calcification and identification of opportunities for prevention. Current evidence supports the universal reporting of breast arterial calcifications and personalized patient-provider discussions to more aggressively treat cardiac risk factors through targeted medical therapies or healthy lifestyle changes.
Inflammation and Apparent Treatment-Resistant Hypertension in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Chen Jing , Bundy Joshua D. , Hamm L. Lee , Hsu Chi-yuan , Lash James , Miller Edgar R. , Thomas George , Cohen Debbie L. , Weir Matthew R. , Raj Dominic S. , Chen Hsiang-yu , Xie Dawei , Rao Panduranga , Wright Jackson T. , Rahman Mahboob , He Jiang ,   for the CRIC Study Investigators
Published: February 2019

Apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (ATRH) is highly prevalent and associated with cardiovascular disease risk in patients with chronic kidney disease. We analyzed the association of inflammatory biomarkers with ATRH and its complications in patients with chronic kidney disease. ATRH was defined as blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg while taking ≥3 antihypertensive medications or blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg while taking ≥4 medications. Analyses included 1359 CRIC study (Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort) participants with ATRH and 2008 hypertensive participants without. Logistic regression was used to examine cross-sectional associations of inflammatory biomarkers and ATRH adjusting for demographic, lifestyle, and clinical risk factors and treatments. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the impact of inflammatory biomarkers on associations of ATRH with composite cardiovascular disease and mortality beyond conventional risk factors. Multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of ATRH for the highest tertile versus the lowest tertile of inflammatory biomarker levels was 1.29 (95% CI, 1.05–1.59) for IL (interleukin)-6, 1.49 (95% CI, 1.20–1.85) for TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α), and 0.77 (95% CI, 0.63–0.95) for TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β). High-sensitivity CRP (C-reactive protein), fibrinogen, IL-1β, and IL-1 receptor antagonist were not significantly associated with ATRH. Adding inflammatory biomarkers to Cox models did not attenuate the significant association of ATRH with cardiovascular disease and mortality. Our findings show higher levels of IL-6 and TNF-α and lower levels of TGF-β were independently associated with odds of ATRH. Targeting specific inflammatory pathways may improve blood pressure control in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Aging, Arterial Stiffness, and Blood Pressure Association in Chinese Adults
Authors: Wu Shouling , Jin Cheng , Li Shanshan , Zheng Xiaoming , Zhang Xinyuan , Cui Liufu , Gao Xiang
Published: February 2019

Arterial stiffness and blood pressure (BP) both increase with aging synchronously. Whether elevated BP results from thickening of arterial wall or vice versa is controversial in previous studies. This study included 17 862 participants without history of myocardial infarction, stroke, atrial fibrillation or flutter, or cancer and with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and BP measurements during 2010 to 2016. Age was calculated from the self-reported birthdate to the first date of baPWV examination. Mediation analyses were applied to assess the mediation effect by baPWV in the association between age and BP. Temporal relation between baPWV and BP was assessed by cross-lagged analyses among 1508 participants with repeated assessment of baPWV. We found that systolic BP increased 0.47 (95% CI, 0.45–0.49) mm Hg per 1 year older by the mediation effect of baPWV and that the direct effect of aging on systolic BP was −0.07 (95% CI, −0.09 to −0.05) mm Hg per 1 year older. The standard regression coefficient from baseline baPWV to follow-up systolic BP was 0.09 (95% CI, 0.04–0.15), which was greater than the standard regression coefficient from baseline systolic BP to follow-up baPWV (0.01; 95% CI, −0.04 to 0.06). Arterial stiffness mediated the positive association between aging and BP, and arterial stiffness might precede elevated BP.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.chictr.org.cn
. Unique identifier: ChiCTR-TNRC-11001489.
Effects of a Disease Management Program for Preventing Recurrent Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Fukuoka Yasuko , Hosomi Naohisa , Hyakuta Takeshi , Omori Toyonori , Ito Yasuhiro , Uemura Jyunichi , Yagita Yoshiki , Kimura Kazumi , Matsumoto Masayasu , Moriyama Michiko ,   for DMP Stroke Trial Investigators
Published: February 2019

Background and Purpose—

Disease management is a healthcare strategy that includes self-management education and treatment coordination. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to determine whether a disease management program intervention could improve risk factor profiles and, thus, reduce the recurrence of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

Methods—

This study is a prospective randomized, open-label, parallel group study involving outpatients with a history of stroke. Between September 2010 and November 2012, we enrolled patients aged between 40 and 80 years who experienced their last ischemic stroke event or transient ischemic attack within 1 year. After stratifying by the ischemic stroke subtype, 321 subjects (67.5±8.5 years, 95 female) were randomly assigned to either the disease management program intervention group (n=156) or the usual care group (n=165). The primary end point of this study was the difference in the Framingham risk score (general cardiovascular disease 10-year risk) from baseline. The secondary end points of this study included stroke recurrence, onset of cardiovascular disease, all-cause mortality, and all vascular events.

Results—

Regarding the primary end point, there was no significant difference in the changes in the Framingham risk score at any follow-up time between the groups. The incidence of stroke recurrence tended to be lower in the disease management program intervention group, although no significant difference was found (hazard ratio, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.19–1.29).

Conclusions—

We were unable to demonstrate a clear benefit of disease management program intervention.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02121327.
Prediction of Outcomes for Ruptured Aneurysm Surgery
Authors: Ban Vin Shen , El Ahmadieh Tarek Y. , Aoun Salah G. , Plitt Aaron R. , Lyon Kristopher A. , Eddleman Christopher , Beecher Jeffrey , McDougall Cameron M. , Reisch Joan , Welch Babu G. , Samson Duke , Batjer H. Hunt , White Jonathan
Published: February 2019

Background and Purpose—

Predicting long-term functional outcomes after intracranial aneurysmal rupture can be challenging. We developed and validated a scoring system—the Southwestern Aneurysm Severity Index—that would predict functional outcomes at 1 year after clipping of ruptured aneurysms.

Methods—

Ruptured aneurysms treated microsurgically between 2000 and 2014 were included. Outcome was defined as Glasgow Outcome Score (ranging from 1, death, to 5, good recovery) at 1 year. The Southwestern Aneurysm Severity Index is composed of multiple prospectively recorded patient demographic, clinical, radiographic, and aneurysm-specific variables. Multivariable analyses were used to construct the best predictive models for patient outcomes in a random 50% of the cohort and validated in the remaining 50%. A scoring system was created using the best model.

Results—

We identified 527 eligible patients. The Glasgow Outcome Score at 1 year was 4 to 5 in 375 patients (71.2%). In the multivariable logistic regression, the best predictive model for unfavorable outcome included intracerebral hemorrhage (odds ratio [OR], 2.53; 95% CI, 1.55−4.13), aneurysmal size ≥20 mm (OR, 6.07; 95% CI, 1.92−19.2), intraventricular hemorrhage (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.15−5.67), age >64 (OR, 3.53; 95% CI, 1.70−7.35), location (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.10−3.03), and hydrocephalus (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.07−5.35). The Southwestern Aneurysm Severity Index predicts Glasgow Outcome Score at 1 year with good discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, derivation: 0.816, 95% CI, 0.759−0.873; validation: 0.803, 95% CI, 0.746−0.861) and accurate calibration (
R
2
=0.939).

Conclusions—

The Southwestern Aneurysm Severity Index has been internally validated to predict 1 year Glasgow Outcome Scores at initial presentation, thus optimizing patient or family counseling and possibly guiding therapeutic efforts.
Studies of botryosphaerialean fungi associated with canker and dieback of tree hosts in Dongling Mountain of China
Authors: ZHU HAI-YAN , TIAN CHENG-MING , FAN XIN-LEI
Published: February 2019

Botryosphaeriales is an order comprising of latent fungal pathogens with a wide range of woody hosts. These pathogens represent interesting and diverse fungi with a confusing taxonomy due to their similar morphological characters. Many genera or families of this order have not been robustly sampled or systematically studied in separate hosts and regions, although recent studies have made enormous progress. In this study, five species of Aplosporellaceae and Botryosphaeriaceae were isolated from Juglans regia (Juglandaceae), Rhus typhina (Anacardiaceae) and Ziziphus jujuba (Rhamnaceae) in Dongling Mountain of China. These species include Aplosporella ginkgonis, Aplosporella javeedii, Botryosphaeria dothidea, Phaeobotryon rhoinum sp. nov. and Phaeobotryon rhois. Of which, Aplosporella javeedii and A. ginkgonis were identified as the first records from Ziziphus jujube and Rhus typhina, respectively. Phaeobotryon rhoinum is characterised by its globose, scattered to gregarious pycnidia with ellipsoid to oblong, brown, 1-septate conidia. It can be distinguished from the similar species P. cercidis, P. cupressi, P. mamane, P. quercicola and P. rhois based on host association and conidial size and colour. The results represent the first attempts to study Aplosporella, Botryosphaeria and Phaeobotryon with descriptions and multi-locus phylogenies (ITS, LSU and TEF-1α) in Dongling Mountain of China.
Erratum: unnecessary neotypification of Psidiastrum (Myrtaceae)
Authors: MAZINE FIORELLA FERNANDA
Published: February 2019

The only species of Psidiastrum, P. dubium Bello (1881: 272), native to Puerto Rico, is a synonym of Eugenia axillaris (Swartz 1788: 78) Willdenow (1799: 960), a Caribbean/Central American species. In our 2016 paper on sections in Eugenia Linnaeus (1753: 470), Mazine et al. 2016), a neotype was designated for P. dubium.  Nevertheless, this had already been done in 2015 by Santiago-Valentín et al. (2015: 335). Therefore the neotypification presented by Mazine et al. (2016) should be disregarded. This is a minor point, but I hope it helps in future publications.
Three novel species of Russula from southern China based on morphological and molecular evidence
Authors: LI JING-WEI , ZHENG JIAN-FEI , SONG YU , YUAN FA , QIU LI-HONG
Published: February 2019

Three new species of Russula collected from southern China are proposed based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. Russula bubalina sp. nov. is characterized by cinnamon buff to pink pileus with striate margin, interveined and forked lamellae, basidiospores with warty ornamentations not forming reticulum, hymenial cystidia becoming brown in sulphovanillin (SV) and slender terminal cells in suprapellis. R. pseudobubalina sp. nov. is closely related to Russula bubalina in macro-morphology, but it can be recognized by its unforked lamellae, shorter cheilocystidia, bigger basidia and basidiospores with lower ornamentations. Russula subatropurpurea sp. nov. can be recognized by the purplish brown pileus, mild-tasted and white context changing to light purplish red with FeSO4, white and forking lamellae without lamellulae, long hymenial cystidia becoming brown in SV. Both morphological and phylogenetic analysis consistently confirmed the distinct positions of three new species in subg. Heterophyllidia subsection Heterophyllinae.
Floristic divergence of the evergreen broad-leaved forests in Yunnan, southwestern China
Authors: ZHU HUA
Published: February 2019

The Yunnan boast three broad-leaved forests, the semi-wet evergreen broad-leaved forest (SWEB) occurring in subtropical plateaus areas, the lower montane evergreen broad-leaved forest (LMEB) in tropical lower montane, and the upper montane evergreen broad-leaved forest (UMEB) in subtropical upper montane regions. Floristic composition and biogeography of these evergreen broad-leaved forests are studied and their diversification and divergence are revealed. I found similarities across the three forest types with species-rich families tending to have cosmopolitan distributions and families with less species exhibiting other distribution types. In biogeographical elements, the SWEB and the UMEB showed similar affinity in the proportion of tropical elements comprising total genera, specifically 45% and 44% respectively, and temperate elements totaling 46% and 48%, of all genera with northern temperate distribution comprising the highest ratio (18% in the SWEB and 20% in the UMEB ). LMEB tropical elements comprised 79% of the total genera, with tropical Asian distributed elements contributing the highest ratio (27%). While the three forest floras comprised of similar families, the same is not true at the genus and species levels. I suggest our results indicate divergence of the three forest floras, possibly from events in the geological history of Yunnan. From recent palaeobotanical studies, the diversification of floras of these evergreen broad-leaved forests in Yunnan occurred during the late Miocene with increased divergence with time in response not only to altitude changes and at the same time global cooling in Yunnan, but also the southeastward extrusion of Indochina geoblock influencing LMEB, and the Himalayan uplift affecting the floras of SWEB and UMEB.
Delicata chongqingensis sp. nov., a new cymbelloid diatom species (Bacillariophyceae) from Daning River, Chongqing, China
Authors: YANG SONG-QI , ZHANG WEI , BLANCO SAùL , JüTTNER INGRID , WU ZHONG-XING
Published: February 2019

A new Delicata species, Delicata chongqingensis sp. nov. was found during a survey of freshwater diatoms in the Daning River, Chongqing municipality, China. A detailed morphological description of D. chongqingensis is presented, based on light and scanning electron microscopy. Delicata chongqingensis has dorsiventral, semi-lanceolate valves with a moderately and evenly arched dorsal margin, a straight ventral margin in the central section, and slightly protracted, rounded ends. The central area is a large, irregular semifascia on the dorsal side, bordered by 2–4 shorter central striae. The morphology of the taxon is compared to Delicata sinensis, another species from China with a dorsal semifascia, and other species in the genus. Ecological data including water chemistry and co-occurring diatom taxa are provided for the locations where the new species was found.
Synopsis and keys to the tribes, genera, and species of Miridae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) of Minas Gerais, Brazil Part I: Bryocorinae
Authors: FERREIRA PAULO SERGIO FIUZA , HENRY THOMAS J.
Published: February 2019

This paper begins a series of synoptic taxonomic treatments on the Miridae known from Minas Gerais, Brazil, by subfamily, beginning with the Bryocorinae. We provide diagnoses, host-plant information, distribution data, and illustrated keys to four tribes, 24 genera, and 56 species. For most species, illustrations of the adults, selected morphological characters, and male genitalia are provided to facilitate identification.
On the species-group taxa of Taiwanese social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) described and/or treated by J. Sonan
Authors: KOJIMA JUN-ICHI , SAITO FUKI , NGUYEN LIEN THI PHUONG
Published: February 2019

Taiwanese social wasps described and/or treated by Jinhaku Sonan are revised based on specimens housed in the Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute. A checklist of the Taiwanese social wasp species is provided, recognizing 13 Polistes, two Ropalidia, three Parapolybia, eight Vespa and three Vespula species in the Taiwanese fauna. The lectotypes are designated for Polistes mandarinus var. eboshinus Sonan, 1943, Polistes shirakii Sonan, 1943, Polistes takasagonus Sonan, 1943 and Vespa formosana Sonan, 1927. Parapolybia takasagona Sonan, 1944 is treated as a valid species and its status is resurrected. A key to valid species of Taiwanese Polistes is provided. A record of Vespa (Provespa) dorylloides [= Provespa anomala] from Taiwan is based on incorrect labeling. The holotypes of Polistes yamanakai Sonan, 1937 and Vespa matsumurai Sonan, 1935 described from Japan are examined.
A review of the moss bug genus Xenophyes (Hemiptera: Coleorrhyncha: Peloridiidae) from New Zealand: systematics and biogeography
Authors: BURCKHARDT DANIEL , BOCHUD ESTÉE , DAMGAARD JAKOB , GIBBS GEORGE W. , HARTUNG VIKTOR , LARIVIÈRE MARIE-CLAUDE , WYNIGER DENISE , ZÜRCHER ISABELLE
Published: February 2019

The moss bug genus Xenophyes from New Zealand is revised. Six species are recognised, four of which are described as new: X. adelphus, X. goniomus, X. metoponcus, and X. rhachilophus. The synonymy of Xenophyes forsteri with X. cascus is confirmed. Illustrated descriptions and identification keys are provided for the adult and the last instar. The male aedeagus is recognised as the most important structure to diagnose species. Other useful morphological characters include body shape, head, pronotum, and tegmina expressed as length and width measurements. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) shows that five species are well separated from each other, but X. goniomus greatly overlaps with X. cascus, X. kinlochensis, and X. rhachilophus. There is also broad morphometric overlap between North Island and South Island specimens of X. cascus, confirming their conspecificity. Results from a Canonical Variate Analysis (CVA) determined which morphometric characters are most suitable for use in keys and descriptions. X. cascus is the only species occurring on both the North and South Islands. Other species are restricted to the South Island.
A taxonomic study of Chinese Empoascini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) (II)
Authors: QIN DAO-ZHENG , LIU YANG , ZHANG YA-LIN
Published: February 2019

A new empoascine genus, Membranacea Qin & Zhang, gen. n., with three new species (M. spinata Qin & Zhang, sp. n., M. unijugata Qin & Zhang, sp. n. and M. plana Qin & Zhang, sp. n.), from China are described. In addition, the genus Bhatasca Dworakowska, 1995 is newly recorded from the Chinese mainland and a new species, B. rectangulata Qin & Zhang, sp. n., is described. The genus Ghauriana Thapa, 1985 is reported for the first time from China and a new species, G. sinensis Qin & Zhang sp. n. is added to the Chinese typhlocybine fauna. Keys to all species in each genus are given. Habitus photos and illustrations of male genitalia of these new species are also provided.
On the morphology of Procryptocerus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Some comments and corrigenda
Authors: SERNA FRANCISCO , BOLTON BARRY , MACKAY WILLIAM
Published: February 2019

In order to decipher biodiversity, we need to maintain and improve the descriptive scope by pursuing the fundamental ontology and conceptual foundations. Descriptive morphology is currently the clearest avenue to conceiving, understanding and conceptually conveying species as units of evolution and ecology (Serna and Mackay 2010; Wheeler 2008 and references therein). Morphological descriptions ought to be independent of homology as explanatory mechanisms (Vogt 2008). Although essential to providing conceptual criteria for choosing and delimiting morphological units, homology does not require morphological terms to be defined in reference to it (Vogt et al. 2010). Ant morphology and its associated terminology demands intensive studies in order to unify criteria for the basic descriptive and comparative work (Serna and Mackay 2010).
Four new species of the interstitial family Cobanocytheridae (Crustacea: Ostracoda) from central Japan
Authors: HIGASHI RYOUICHI , TSUKAGOSHI AKIRA
Published: February 2019

Four interstitial cobanocytherid species are described from central Japan: Cobanocythere ikeyai sp. nov., Cobanocythere lata sp. nov., Paracobanocythere watanabei sp. nov. and Paracobanocythere grandis sp. nov. The reports of the two new Paracobanocythere species are the second and third for this genus since the original description of P. hawaiiensis Gottwald, 1983. Cobanocythere ikeyai sp. nov., and C. lata sp. nov., from Japan are morphologically more similar to the species of the “lanceolata group” by Gottwald (1983) and C. guttaeformis Gottwald, 1983 from the Galapagos Islands, respectively, rather than to other Cobanocythere species from Japan. The Japanese archipelago (eastern Eurasian Continent) and the Galapagos Islands (north-western South America) are separated by about 15,000 km from each other, and have never been adjoined throughout geological history. This fact, and also the morphological similarities between Cobanocythere species from Japan and the Galapagos Islands, suggests that this genus may have undergone global dispersal at several times in the past. Conversely, the genera Cobanocythere and Paracobanocythere are distributed not only around continents and continental islands but also around oceanic islands such as the Hawaiian and Galapagos Islands. We conclude, therefore, that the cobanocytherids seem to have been able to disperse long distances across oceans.
Pseudochromis erdmanni, a new species of dottyback with medially placed palatine teeth from Indonesia (Teleostei: Perciformes: Pseudochromidae)
Authors: GILL ANTHONY C. , ALLEN GERALD R.
Published: February 2019

Pseudochromis erdmanni is described from eight specimens from Halmahera, Ambon and the Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia. It is also recorded from Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi, on the basis of photographs. Pseudochromis erdmanni belongs to a clade of species with medially placed palatine tooth patches, which also includes P. colei Herre, P. howsoni Allen, P. moorei Fowler, P. quinquedentatus McCulloch, P. perspicillatus Günther and P. steenei Gill & Randall. Based on derived coloration characters, P. erdmanni is nested within this group as the sister to P. steenei.
A taxonomic revision of the Stictopterinae (Lepidoptera, Noctuoidea, Noctuidae) in China
Authors: QI FENG , WANG KE , XUE DAYONG , YANG DING
Published: February 2019

The Stictopterinae from China are revised. Seven genera and forty species are reported from China. Five new species (Lo- phoptera hamata sp. nov., Lophoptera solealis sp. nov., Lophoptera acutiprocessa sp. nov., Lophoptera purpurfera sp. nov. and Lophoptera trigonoprocessa sp. nov.) are described. One genus and ten species are recorded from China for the first time. Nine misidentifications in Chen (1982b, 1991, 1999) are revised. The male genitalia of Lophoptera obliquilinea Prout, 1928 are described for the frist time. Descriptions for the subfamily, all genera, and new species in China are provided, as are keys to genera and species, diagnoses for all species, and illustrations of adults and genitalia.
A new species of Pseudococcus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) belonging to the “Pseudococcus maritimus” complex from Chile: molecular and morphological description
Authors: CORREA MARGARITA , AGUIRRE CARLOS , GERMAIN JEAN-FRANÇOIS , HINRICHSEN PATRICIO , ZAVIEZO TANIA , MALAUSA THIBAUT , PRADO ERNESTO
Published: February 2019

A new species of mealybug from Chile, Pseudococcus meridionalis Prado sp. n., is described and illustrated based on the morphological and molecular characterization of adult females. This species belongs to the “Pseudococcus maritimus” complex and displays a wide host plant range, including Japanese pear, persimmon, pomegranate, pear and grape.
A new species of Franklinothrips Back (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae) from Yunnan, China
Authors: MIRAB-BALOU MAJID , SHI MIN , CHEN XUE-XIN
Published: February 2019

Species of the genus Franklinothrips Back are predators and ant-mimics, with the first two abdominal segments narrow and sometimes pale (Mound & Marullo, 1996), and an illustrated identification key to the 15 known species was provided by Mound & Reynaud (2005). A further new species was described recently from northern India (Vijay Veer, 2010), and these species have been found in the tropical areas of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Australia, and the southern United States. Previous studies on the genus include a key to six species from North America (Stannard, 1952), a key to six New World species (Mound & Marullo, 1996), and to two species from Europe (zur Strassen, 2003). From the Oriental region, species have also been described by Okajima (1997), and Reyes (1994).
A new Afrotropical genus Doggerella gen. nov. of braconine wasp (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) with twelve new species
Authors: MAHMOOD KHALID , PAPP JENO , QUICKE DONALD L. J.
Published: February 2019

A new genus Doggerella gen. nov. (Braconinae, Braconidae) is erected to include one previously described and twelve new species predominantly from the southern part of Africa. These species are Doggerella turneri sp. nov. (the type species), D. augustata sp. nov., D. longitergita sp. nov., D. deflexa sp. nov. and D. sulphurea sp. nov. from Republic of South Africa (Cape Province), D. albopilosa (Szépligeti, 1913) comb. nov. from Kenya, D. azhari sp. nov. and D. minuta sp. nov. from Namibia, D. cohaerens sp. nov. from Angola, D. landingi sp. nov. and D. shaheena sp. nov. from Cote d’Ivoire, D. mishkati sp. nov. from Madagascar and D. transversa. sp. nov. from Zimbabwe. Photomicrographs are provided to illustrate morphological characters of the species.
A Taxonomic Study of the Scaly Cricket Family Mogoplistidae (Orthoptera: Ensifera: Grylloidea) in Korea
Authors: KIM TAEWOO
Published: February 2019

The little-known scaly cricket family Mogoplistidae is reviewed for Korea for the first time. Three members are confirmed: Ectatoderus tamna sp. nov. is newly described from Jejudo Island; Ornebius bimaculatus (Shiraki, 1930) is newly recognized from Marado Island, a small island near Jejudo Island; and Ornebius kanetataki (Matsumura, 1904) is reconfirmed. A key to the species, descriptions, photographs, and figures are provided for their identification. All type and voucher specimens are deposited in the Entomological Collection of the National Institute of Biological Resources.
Synonymical notes on Neotropical Cerambycidae (Insecta, Coleoptera)
Authors: MONNÉ MIGUEL A. , R. JUAN PABLO BOTERO
Published: February 2019

New synonymies are proposed: in Macrotomini, Prioninae, Strongylaspis (Curitiba) scheerpeltzi Tippmann, 1953 = Strongylaspis (Curitiba) brunni Lameere, 1903; in Cerambycini, Cerambycinae, Amphelictus jumerim Martins & Monné, 2005 = Amphelictus fortunensis Eya & Chemsak, 2003, Amphelictus novellus Martins & Monné, 2005 = Amphelictus fuscipennis Eya & Chemsak, 2003, Amphelictus aibussu Martins & Monné, 2005 = Amphelictus abaiba Martins & Monné, 2005, and in Forsteriini, Lamiinae, Paraphaula Fuchs, 1963 = Udamina Thomson, 1868 and Paraphaula porosa Fuchs, 1963 = Udamina leprieurii Thomson, 1868.
Brief Summary of Holochlorini (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Phaneropterinae), with Description of Seven New Species from China
Authors: LIU CHUN-XIANG
Published: February 2019

Inclusion of the tribe Holochlorini has been questionable, for its complicated history and its controversial important diagnostic character about structure of tibial tympana. Here we briefly introduce its history and summarize its inclusion in the world and in China. We also introduce a newly recorded genus from China, Arnobia, and other two genera in the tribe, Psyrana and Phaulula, provide a list of Chinese species for the three genera, separately, together with the key to species of the three genera. At the same time, we describe seven new species to science in the Holochlorini, i.e., Arnobia hainanensis sp. nov., Arnobia guangxiensis sp. nov., Phaulula apicalis sp. nov., Psyrana magna sp. nov., Psyrana heptagona sp. nov., Parapsyra brevicauda sp. nov., and Sinochlora semicircula sp. nov. Diagnostic illustrations are presented.
Triskelionia, a new African genus of the Celaenorrhinini (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) and the promotion of T. compacta to species-status.
Authors: LLARSEN TORBEN B. , CONGDON T. COLIN E.
Published: February 2019

Triskelionia is defined and described as a new genus for the Afrotropical skipper known as Sarangesa tricerata (Mabille, 1891) (Hesperiidae, Pyrginae, Celaenorrhinini). Its subspecies S. tricerata compacta Evans, 1937 is raised to species rank. The host plant is Dalbergia armata (Fabaceae) and it is the only known member of the African Celaenorrhinini that does not have Acanthaceae as host-plant and the pupa is the only one known without a free proboscis sheath.
New hosts and localities for species of Cancricepon Giard & Bonnier, 1887 Isopoda: Epicaridea: Bopyridae) with description of two new species and comments on the relationship between Cancricepon and Trapezicepon Bonnier, 1900
Authors: AN JIANMEI , WANG MINGXIAO , BOYKO CHRISTOPHER B. , WILLIAMS JASON D.
Published: February 2019

The genus Cancricepon Giard & Bonnier, 1887 is recorded for the first time from Australia, the Maldives, Papua New Guinea and Taiwan. Four species of Cancricepon are reported here, and two are new to science. Cancricepon choprae (Nierstrasz & Brender à Brandis, 1925) is reported from the Gulf of Mexico on the Florida coast, infesting a new host, Micropanope cf. sculptipes Stimpson, 1871. Cancricepon castroi n. sp. is described from Australia, the Maldives, Japan and Papua New Guinea parasitizing coral crabs of the family Trapeziidae. Cancricepon cf. multituberosum An, Yu & Williams, 2012 is recorded from a specimen of Leptodius affinis (De Haan, 1835) from Taiwan. Specimens previously misidentified as C. choprae parasitizing Scalopidia spinosipes Stimpson, 1858, from China are described as C. beibusinus n. sp. All known hosts and localities of species of Cancricepon are summarized, and a key to the species in the genus is provided. The similarities between species of Cancricepon and the type species of Trapezicepon Bonnier, 1900, are discussed and Trapezicepon thalamitae Markham, 1985, is transferred to Scyracepon Tattersall, 1905.
Amphisbaena mensae Catro-Mello, 2000 is a synonym of Amphisbaena talisiae Vanzolini, 1995 (Squamata: Amphisbaenia: Amphisbaenidae)
Authors: COSTA HENRIQUE C. , GRABOSKI ROBERTA , ZAHER HUSSAM
Published: February 2019

Amphisbaena talisiae and A. mensae, two worm lizard species endemic to the Cerrado ecoregion, in central Brazil, are considered synonyms based on morphological characters. With the proposed synonymy, the name A. talisiae has priority of use over A. mensae. Amphisbaena talisiae can be distinguished from its congeners by a series of morphological characters, including a round head, three supralabial and three infralabial scales, postmalar row absent, four precloacal pores without a median hiatus, 205–234 body annuli, 17–29 caudal annuli, 10–14 dorsal and 14–18 ventral segments in a midbody annulus. The species is recorded from southeastern Mato Grosso, eastern Minas Gerais and central Tocantins states in central Brazil, and its conservation status should be changed from Data Deficient to Least Concern.
Acetone Tracer Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF) at 282 nm Excitation as a Diagnostic Tool in Elevated Pressure and Temperature Systems
Authors: Hartwig Jason , Mittal Gaurav , Sung Chih-Jen
Published: February 2019

This paper provides new data at constant pressure, variable temperature and constant temperature, variable pressure over the range of temperature (295–750 K) and pressure (0.5–40 atm), in air and nitrogen bath gases at both constant number density and constant mole fraction needed to enable acetone laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) as a diagnostic tool in an elevated temperature and pressure environment. Results clearly indicate that the effect of elevated pressure on the temperature sensitivity of acetone LIF is negligible when the excitation wavelength is chosen near the absorption maximum, making acetone LIF ideal for measuring temperature fields in high-pressure systems. The data also show that the temperature sensitivity of fluorescence is relatively insensitive to changes in pressure at 282 nm excitation. Furthermore, at 282 nm, fluorescence per mole fraction can be used to extract temperature while fluorescence per molecule is relatively insensitive to temperature, making it optimal for concentration or pressure measurements.
War, Comfort, and Compassion in Lamentations
Authors: Middlemas Jill
Published: February 2019

The biblical book of Lamentations presents in strikingly vivid detail the actuality of war through figurative language and poetic technique. Its composition and loose connection to actual specific historical events, suggests a liturgical and reflective use. Close attention to the interaction of literary personae in the first two chapters discloses not only the important themes of compassion and comfort, but also the role of human empathy and as such discloses an ethic of importance today.
Strategies and Tactics in Armed Conflict: How Governments and Foreign Interveners Respond to Insurgent Threats
Authors: Sullivan Patricia Lynne , Karreth Johannes
Published: February 2019

We introduce a new data set on the strategies and tactics employed by belligerents in 197 internal armed conflicts that occurred between 1945 and 2013. The Strategies and Tactics in Armed Conflict (STAC) data set provides scholars with a rich new source of information to facilitate investigations of how regimes and their foreign supporters have responded to insurgent threats and the effects of actors’ force employment choices on a wide variety of intra- and postconflict outcomes. In addition to seventeen novel variables that measure the strategies and tactics employed by governments and intervening states, the STAC data set contains independently coded measures of many variables that overlap with existing data sets—a feature that facilitates the replication of existing studies and robustness checks on the results of new studies. We demonstrate the utility of the STAC data with an analysis of the impact of rebel mobilization on the basis of ethnicity on the propensity of governments to employ forced resettlement, civilian protection, civilian welfare projects, and civilian targeting to counter the insurgent threat.
WDR72 Mutations Associated with Amelogenesis Imperfecta and Acidosis
Authors: Zhang H. , Koruyucu M. , Seymen F. , Kasimoglu Y. , Kim J.-W. , Tinawi S. , Zhang C. , Jacquemont M.L. , Vieira A.R. , Simmer J.P. , Hu J.C.C.
Published: February 2019

Dental enamel malformations, or amelogenesis imperfecta (AI), can be isolated or syndromic. To improve the prospects of making a successful diagnosis by genetic testing, it is important that the full range of genes and mutations that cause AI be determined. Defects in WDR72 (WD repeat-containing protein 72; OMIM *613214) cause AI, type IIA3 (OMIM #613211), which follows an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. The defective enamel is normal in thickness, severely hypomineralized, orange-brown stained, and susceptible to attrition. We identified 6 families with biallelic WDR72 mutations by whole exome sequence analyses that perfectly segregated with the enamel phenotype. The novel mutations included 3 stop-gains [NM_182758.2: c.377G>A/p.(Trp126*), c.1801C>T/p.(Arg601*), c.2350A>T/p.(Arg784*)], a missense mutation [c.1265G>T/p.(Gly422Val)], and a 62,138–base pair deletion (NG_017034.2: g.35441_97578del62138) that removed WDR72 coding exons 3 through 13. A previously reported WDR72 frameshift was also observed [c.1467_1468delAT/p.(Val491Aspfs*8)]. Three of the affected patients showed decreased serum pH, consistent with a diagnosis of renal tubular acidosis. Percentiles of stature and body weight varied among 8 affected individuals but did not show a consistent trend. These studies support that WDR72 mutations cause a syndromic form of AI and improve our ability to diagnose AI caused by WDR72 defects.
The effect of agglomeration economies on firm deaths: A comparison of firm and regional based approaches
Authors: Power Bernadette , Doran Justin , Ryan Geraldine
Published: February 2019

This paper compares the merits of regional and firm based approaches for analysing the effect of agglomeration economies on firm deaths in Ireland. We aggregate a comprehensive data set on Irish firm deaths to Electoral Division (ED) level, the lowest geographical scale available. Estimates of the effect of agglomeration on firm deaths from a regional analysis at ED level using a cross-sectional spatial-autoregressive spatial error model are compared with firm-level estimates from a contemporary log-log model with spatially weighted agglomeration regressors. While estimates of the effects of agglomeration using these alternative methods is much discussed in existing literature rarely are the approaches or results compared. We show that contrasting results are found using the same data set dependent upon the unit of analysis used. Diversity lowers regional and firm deaths while specialisation raises regional deaths but lowers firm deaths. Greater urbanisation does not have a significant effect on firm hazard rates or equivalent regional estimates. While regional estimates provide evidence on the existence and nature of spatial dependence (negative in this case), firm estimates do not provide evidence that agglomeration in neighbouring regions is the source of this spatial dependence. No empirical analysis to our knowledge directly compares regional and firm based approaches for analysing the effect of spatial agglomeration economies on firm deaths.
Long‐Term Hearing Outcomes following Total Ossicular Reconstruction with Titanium Prostheses
Authors: Wood C. Burton , Yawn Robert , Lowery Anne Sun , O'Connell Brendan P. , Haynes David , Wanna George B.
Published: February 2019

Objective

(1) Characterize a large cohort of patients undergoing total ossicular chain reconstruction with titanium prosthesis. (2) Analyze long‐term hearing outcomes of the same cohort.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Subject and Methods

This study reviews patients who underwent total ossicular chain reconstruction (OCR) with titanium prostheses (TORPs) at a single tertiary care center from 2005 to 2015. Patient charts were reviewed for demographic data, diagnosis, and operative details. Patients were included in statistical analysis if length of follow‐up was 2 years or more. Evaluation of hearing improvement was made by comparing preoperative air‐bone gap (ABG) and ABG at follow‐up at 2 years.

Results

In total, 153 patients were identified who met inclusion criteria. The mean age of included patients was 40 years (range, 6‐89 years). Sixty patients (39%) had a history of OCR, and 120 patients (78%) had a diagnosis of cholesteatoma at the time of OCR. Preoperatively, the mean ABG was 36 ± 12, whereas the mean ABG at 2‐year follow‐up improved to 26 ± 13. This was statistically significant (P <. 0001) using a Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed rank test. Twelve patients (8%) required revision OCR. Two revisions were performed due to prosthesis extrusion (<1%).

Conclusion

Titanium prostheses lead to significant improvement in hearing over long periods. The results are sustained as far out as 5 years following surgery. In addition, rates of revision surgery with titanium TORPs are low. Based on this series, there are no readily identifiable predictors for outcomes following total OCR.
Epistaxis Risk Associated with Intranasal Corticosteroid Sprays: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Eric L. , Harris William C. , Babcock Casey M. , Alexander Bailin H. , Riley Charles A. , McCoul Edward D.
Published: February 2019

Objective

Intranasal corticosteroids (INCSs) are widely utilized for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Epistaxis is a known adverse effect of INCSs, but it is not known if the risk of epistaxis differs among INCSs.

Data Sources

Systematic review of primary studies identified through Medline, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed Central, and Cochrane databases.

Review Methods

Systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA standard. English‐language studies were queried through February 1, 2018. The search identified randomized controlled trials of INCSs for treatment of allergic rhinitis that reported incidence of epistaxis. An itemized assessment of the risk of bias was conducted for each included study, and meta‐analysis was performed of the relative risk of epistaxis for each INCS.

Results

Of 949 identified studies, 72 met the criteria for analysis. Meta‐analysis demonstrated an overall relative risk of epistaxis of 1.48 (95% CI, 1.32‐1.67) for all INCSs. The INCSs associated with the highest risk of epistaxis were beclomethasone hydrofluoroalkane, fluticasone furoate, mometasone furoate, and fluticasone propionate. Beclomethasone aqueous, ciclesonide hydrofluoroalkane, and ciclesonide aqueous were associated with the lowest risk of epistaxis. Conclusions about epistaxis with use of budesonide, triamcinolone, and flunisolide are limited due to the low number of studies and high heterogeneity.

Conclusions

While a differential effect on epistaxis among INCS agents is not clearly demonstrated, this meta‐analysis does confirm an increased risk of epistaxis for patients using INCSs as compared with placebo for treatment of allergic rhinitis.