bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-HER2 scFv-Directed Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated mRNA-Based Gene Delivery Inhibits Growth of HER2-Positive Human Breast Tumor Xenografts by Prodrug Activation
Authors: Wang Jing-Hung , Forterre Alexis V. , Zhao Jinjing , Frimannsson Daniel O. , Delcayre Alain , Antes Travis J. , Efron Bradley , Jeffrey Stefanie S. , Pegram Mark D. , Matin A.C.
Published: February 2018

This paper deals with specific targeting of the prodrug/enzyme regimen, CNOB/HChrR6, to treat a serious disease, namely HER2+ human breast cancer with minimal off-target toxicity. HChrR6 is an improved bacterial enzyme that converts CNOB into the cytotoxic drug MCHB. Extracellular vesicles (EV) were used for mRNA-based HchrR6 gene delivery: EVs may cause minimal immune rejection, and mRNA may be superior to DNA for gene delivery. To confine HChrR6 generation and CNOB activation to the cancer, the EVHB chimeric protein was constructed. It contains high-affinity anti-HER2 scFv antibody (ML39) and is capable of latching on to EV surface. Cells transfected with EVHB-encoding plasmid generated EVs displaying this protein (“directed EVs”). Transfection of a separate batch of cells with the new plasmid, XPort/HChrR6, generated EVs containing HChrR6 mRNA; incubation with pure EVHB enabled these to target the HER2 receptor, generating “EXO-DEPT” EVs. EXO-DEPT treatment specifically enabled HER2-overexpressing BT474 cells to convert CNOB into MCHB in actinomycin D–independent manner, showing successful and specific delivery of HChrR6 mRNA. EXO-DEPTs—but not undirected EVs—plus CNOB caused near-complete growth arrest of orthotopic BT474 xenografts in vivo, demonstrating for the first time EV-mediated delivery of functional exogenous mRNA to tumors. EXO-DEPTs may be generated from patients' own dendritic cells to evade immune rejection, and without plasmids and their potentially harmful genetic material, raising the prospect of clinical use of this regimen. This approach can be used to treat any disease overexpressing a specific marker. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(5); 1133–42. ©2018 AACR.
Impact of Chemical-Induced Mutational Load Increase on Immune Checkpoint Therapy in Poorly Responsive Murine Tumors
Authors: Kuczynski Elizabeth A. , Krueger Janna , Chow Annabelle , Xu Ping , Man Shan , Sundaravadanam Yogi , Miller Jessica K. , Krzyzanowski Paul M. , Kerbel Robert S.
Published: February 2018

A recurring historic finding in cancer drug development is encouraging antitumor effects observed in tumor-bearing mice that fail to translate into the clinic. An intriguing exception to this pattern is immune checkpoint therapy, as the sustained tumor regressions observed in subsets of cancer patients are rare in mice. Reasoning that this may be due in part to relatively low mutational loads of mouse tumors, we mutagenized transplantable mouse tumor cell lines EMT-6/P, B16F1, RENCA, CT26, and MC38 in vitro with methylnitro-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) or ethylmethane sulfonate (EMS) and tested their responsiveness to PD-L1 blockade. Exome sequencing confirmed an increase in somatic mutations by mutagen treatment, an effect mimicked in EMT-6 variants chronically exposed in vivo to cisplatin or cyclophosphamide. Certain mutagenized variants of B16F1, EMT-6/P, CT26, and MC38 (but not RENCA) were more immunogenic than their parents, yet anti-PD-L1 sensitization developed only in some EMT-6/P and B16F1 variants. Treatment response patterns corresponded with changes in immune cell infiltration and especially increases in CD8+ T cells. Chronically cisplatin-exposed EMT-6 variants were also more responsive to anti-PD-L1 therapy. Although tumor PD-L1 expression was upregulated in in vivo chemotherapy-exposed variants, PD-L1 expression levels were not consistently associated with anti-PD-L1 treatment activity across mutagenized or chemotherapy-exposed variants. In summary, mutagenized and more immunogenic mouse tumors were not universally sensitized to PD-L1 blockade. Chemically mutagenized variants may be useful to evaluate the impact of immunologically “hot” or “cold” tumors with a high mutational load, to which certain chemotherapy agents may contribute, on immunotherapy outcomes. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(4); 869–82. ©2018 AACR.
SMARCB1 Deficiency Integrates Epigenetic Signals to Oncogenic Gene Expression Program Maintenance in Human Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Chatterjee Shankha Subhra , Biswas Mayukh , Boila Liberalis Debraj , Banerjee Debasis , Sengupta Amitava
Published: February 2018

SWI/SNF is an evolutionarily conserved multi-subunit chromatin remodeling complex that regulates epigenetic architecture and cellular identity. Although SWI/SNF genes are altered in approximately 25% of human malignancies, evidences showing their involvement in tumor cell–autonomous chromatin regulation and transcriptional plasticity are limiting. This study demonstrates that human primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells exhibit near complete loss of SMARCB1 (BAF47 or SNF5/INI1) and SMARCD2 (BAF60B) associated with nucleation of SWI/SNFΔ. SMARCC1 (BAF155), an intact core component of SWI/SNFΔ, colocalized with H3K27Ac to target oncogenic loci in primary AML cells. Interestingly, gene ontology (GO) term and pathway analysis suggested that SMARCC1 occupancy was enriched on genes regulating Rac GTPase activation, cell trafficking, and AML-associated transcriptional dysregulation. Transcriptome profiling revealed that expression of these genes is upregulated in primary AML blasts, and loss-of-function studies confirmed transcriptional regulation of Rac GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEF) by SMARCB1. Mechanistically, loss of SMARCB1 increased recruitment of SWI/SNFΔ and associated histone acetyltransferases (HAT) to target loci, thereby promoting H3K27Ac and gene expression. Together, SMARCB1 deficiency induced GEFs for Rac GTPase activation and augmented AML cell migration and survival. Collectively, these findings highlight tumor suppressor role of SMARCB1 and illustrate SWI/SNFΔ function in maintaining an oncogenic gene expression program in AML.

Implications: Loss of SMARCB1 in AML associates with SWI/SNFΔ nucleation, which in turn promotes Rac GTPase GEF expression, Rac activation, migration, and survival of AML cells, highlighting SWI/SNFΔ downstream signaling as important molecular regulator in AML. Mol Cancer Res; 16(5); 791–804. ©2018 AACR.
External Validation of the Proposed Kiel Staging System and Comparison with the Old (6th Edition) and the Currently Used (7th Edition) TNM Classification in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Lyros Orestis , Thomaidis Thomas , Müller Manuel , Sivanathan Visva , Grimminger Peter , Lang Hauke , Gockel Ines , Hartmann Jörg T. , Moehler Markus
Published: February 2018

Background: Despite the announcement of the 8th edition of TNM classification, the 7th edition (2010) is still being used for prognostic assessment in gastric cancer patients. A proposed new staging system (termed as the Kiel proposal) claims to offer a better prognostic stratification. Our objective was to retrospectively evaluate the Kiel proposal and compare it with the 6th and 7th TNM editions on a collected database. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed gastric cancer patients who had undergone surgical resection without any previous treatment from selected randomized trials and from a cohort of patients operated at the University Hospital of Mainz, Germany. All patients were restaged using the 3 staging systems and overall survival was estimated and compared. Results: A study population of 491 patients was identified. Relevant changes in stage distribution between the 6th and 7th TNM and the Kiel staging systems were observed. The 6th classification appears to display the best discriminatory measures. The Kiel staging system is slightly less prognostic than the TNM editions, but provides clearly separated strata as with the 6th edition. Conclusions: The Kiel staging system for gastric cancer appears promising in terms of simplicity, predictability and applicability and should be taken into consideration in future TNM revisions.
Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy versus Fixed-Field Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy in Radical Irradiation for Cervical Cancer without Lymphadenectasis: Dosimetric and Clinical Results
Authors: Guo Mingfang , Huang Erliang , Liu Xianfeng , Tang Ying
Published: February 2018

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the dosimetric parameters, clinical complications, and efficacy of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and fixed-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy (f-IMRT) in radical radiotherapy for cervical cancer without lymphadenectasis. Methods: 84 cervical cancer patients undergoing treatment with VMAT and f-IMRT were selected. Dose-volume histograms were used to evaluate the dose distribution in the planning target volume (PTV) and organs at risk. The clinical complications and efficacy were observed. Results: The homogeneity index (HI) and the conformity index (CI) of VMAT plans were both superior to the HI and CI of f-IMRT plans (p = 0.043, 0.025). VMAT plans resulted in a reduction in the V30 of the rectum and V40 of the bladder (p = 0.002). Furthermore, the monitor units (MUs) for VMAT were less than a quarter of those for f-IMRT. The treatment time for VMAT was less than a half of that for f-IMRT. Both clinical complications and efficacy showed no significant differences. Conclusion: VMAT plans showed superior dose coverage of the PTV, better protection of the rectum and bladder in dosimetry, and significantly reduced MUs and treatment time compared with f-IMRT. Clinical results were similar for both plans.
Genetic Variation in Genes Underlying Diverse Dementias May Explain a Small Proportion of Cases in the Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project
Authors: Blue Elizabeth E. , Bis Joshua C. , Dorschner Michael O. , Tsuang Debby W. , Barral Sandra M. , Beecham Gary , Below Jennifer E. , Bush William S. , Butkiewicz Mariusz , Cruchaga Carlos , DeStefano Anita , Farrer Lindsay A. , Goate Alison , Haines Jonathan , Jaworski Jim , Jun Gyungah , Kunkle Brian , Kuzma Amanda , Lee Jenny J. , Lunetta Kathryn L. , Ma Yiyi , Martin Eden , Naj Adam , Nato Alejandro Q. , Navas Patrick , Nguyen Hiep , Reitz Christiane , Reyes Dolly , Salerno William , Schellenberg Gerard D. , Seshadri Sudha , Sohi Harkirat , Thornton Timothy A. , Valadares Otto , van Duijn Cornelia , Vardarajan Badri N. , Wang Li-San , Boerwinkle Eric , Dupuis Josée , Pericak-Vance Margaret A. , Mayeux Richard , Wijsman Ellen M. ,   on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: The Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project (ADSP) aims to identify novel genes influencing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Variants within genes known to cause dementias other than AD have previously been associated with AD risk. We describe evidence of co-segregation and associations between variants in dementia genes and clinically diagnosed AD within the ADSP. Methods: We summarize the properties of known pathogenic variants within dementia genes, describe the co-segregation of variants annotated as “pathogenic” in ClinVar and new candidates observed in ADSP families, and test for associations between rare variants in dementia genes in the ADSP case-control study. The participants were clinically evaluated for AD, and they represent European, Caribbean Hispanic, and isolate Dutch populations. Results/Conclusions: Pathogenic variants in dementia genes were predominantly rare and conserved coding changes. Pathogenic variants within ARSA, CSF1R, and GRN were observed, and candidate variants in GRN and CHMP2B were nominated in ADSP families. An independent case-control study provided evidence of an association between variants in TREM2, APOE, ARSA, CSF1R, PSEN1, and MAPT and risk of AD. Variants in genes which cause dementing disorders may influence the clinical diagnosis of AD in a small proportion of cases within the ADSP.
First Experiences with the New Senhance® Telerobotic System in Visceral Surgery
Authors: Stephan Dietmar , Sälzer Heike , Willeke Frank
Published: February 2018

Until recently, robotic-assisted surgery has exclusively been connected to the name DaVinci®. In 2016, a second robotic system, the Senhance®, became available. To introduce the new robotic system into clinical routine, detailed team training and an integration program were useful. Within the first 6 months, 116 cases were performed with this system. The integration program intended to start with simple and well-standardized clinical cases. We chose inguinal hernia repair using the TAPP (transabdominal preperitoneal) technique as the starting procedure. Subsequently, we added upper gastrointestinal surgery and cholecystectomies, and colorectal procedures have since also been included. Initial experience with the Senhance system as the first installation in Germany shows that it is suitable for surgery in general and for visceral surgery in particular. The application is safe due to the unproblematically quick changeover to normal laparoscopy and easy to integrate due to the very short system integration times (docking times). Since it is a laparoscopic-based system, following an integration program will enable experienced laparoscopic surgeons to very quickly manage more complex procedures. Due to lower costs, introducing robotic surgery starting with simple and standardized procedures is more feasible. After the establishment of this second robotic system, future studies will have to specifically look at differences in surgical results and basic conditions of different robotic-assisted systems. This paper documents the decision-making process of a hospital towards the integration of a robotic system and the selection criteria used while also demonstrating the planning and execution process during the introduction of the system into clinical routine.
Improving Family Functioning to (Hopefully) Improve Treatment Efficacy of Borderline Personality Disorder: An Opportunity Not to Dismiss
Authors: Fossati Andrea , Somma Antonella
Published: February 2018

People having intimate relationships with persons suffering from borderline personality disorder (BPD) – for instance, members of their family – are likely to be involved in stormy, roller coaster relationships. Thus, they may feel overwhelmed by extreme, unpredictable feelings and situations, even when they do not suffer from any mental disorder or have no problems with mentalization. As a consequence of living with a BPD relative, family members often experience an emotional and financial burden, and may blame themselves for their relative’s illness or for not being able to do more to help. This can lead to emotional pain including anxiety, guilt, anger, frustration, despair, and hopelessness. Available evidence suggests a possible usefulness of family interventions for relatives of BPD persons. Starting from these background considerations, a qualitative review of the published literature on family interventions for relatives of BPD persons was carried out. The main findings concerning specific contents and available effectiveness data of psychoeducational family interventions, family skills training, and mentalization-based family programs are reported, in the perspective of 3 family intervention scenarios: (a) taking care of the family of origin of the BPD person; (b) taking care of the new family that the BPD person has started; (c) helping the BPD person to be an effective parent.
Sports Behavior in Middle-Aged Individuals with Anomalous Coronary Artery from the Opposite Sinus of Valsalva
Authors: Gräni Christoph , Benz Dominik C. , Steffen Dominik A. , Giannopoulos Andreas A. , Messerli Michael , Pazhenkottil Aju P. , Gaemperli Oliver , Gebhard Cathérine , Schmied Christian , Kaufmann Philipp A. , Buechel Ronny R.
Published: February 2018

Objectives: Recommendations regarding sports restriction are lacking for middle-aged athletes with anomalous coronary arteries originating from the opposite sinus of Valsalva (ACAOS). Methods: Sixty-three patients with ACAOS were subdivided into ACAOS with (n = 38) or without (n = 25) an interarterial course (IAC). Sports behavior, either competitive (COMP) or recreational (REC), was evaluated at the time of diagnosis and after a median follow-up of 4.2 years. Results: Mean age was 56 ± 11 years and 48 (76.2%) patients were engaged in sports. Three individuals (4.8%) were surgically corrected after diagnosis. Thirty-eight (60.3%) patients were aware of their diagnosis at follow-up and 12 (19.0%) were counseled by their physician about sports restrictions. Sports behavior at the time of diagnosis and at follow-up did not differ significantly, neither in patients engaged in COMP (17.5 vs. 12.7%, p = 0.619) nor those engaged in REC (58.7 vs. 61.9%, p = 0.856). Sport-related symptoms were not significantly different between ACAOS patients with and without IAC. No athlete had died at follow-up. Conclusions: The majority of middle-aged individuals with ACAOS were involved in sports activities at the time of diagnosis and at follow-up. Awareness and counseling about ACAOS diagnosis had no significant effect on sports behavior. IAC did not have an impact on sport-related symptoms, and outcomes were favorable in all athletes, regardless of surgical correction.
Ultrasonography in Gastroenterology: The Need for Training
Authors: Pinto João , Azevedo Richard , Pereira Eduardo , Caldeira Ana
Published: February 2018

The use of ultrasonography (US) as an imaging modality in medicine has spread across almost every clinical specialty. This diffusion is based on the simplicity, accessibility, portability and affordability of the technique producing real-time high-resolution images using non-ionising radiation. On the other hand, this trend also extended the technique to settings other than healthcare, such as public facilities, private houses or remote sites. This tendency can be observed worldwide, from developing countries to prestigious medical schools and tertiary referral hospitals. Furthermore, point-of-care US (POCUS), i.e., US executed at the patient’s bedside to obtain real-time objective information with diagnostic and clinical monitoring purposes or to guide invasive procedures, has been incorporated in many specialties. In gastroenterology, despite the essential role of endoscopy, clinical practice is highly dependent on non-endoscopic imaging techniques. However, as in other specialties, the indications of US in gastroenterology have been increasing steadily, covering a broad range of conditions. In response to the generalised employment of US by non-radiologists, institutions such as the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology and the Royal College of Radiologists issued recommendations to ensure high-quality practice. These theoretical and practical requisites include performing a certain number of examinations and mandatory skills in order to achieve certification to execute unsupervised US. Therefore, there is a need for modern gastroenterology to include US as a basic skill in its clinical practice. To ensure the provision of high-quality US, adequate instruction of future specialists should be guaranteed by the gastroenterology departments and required in the residency training programme.
Chromosome Rearrangements Caused by Double Monosomy in Wheat-Barley Group-7 Substitution Lines
Authors: Danilova Tatiana V. , Friebe Bernd , Gill Bikram S. , Poland Jesse , Jackson Eric
Published: February 2018

Interspecific or introgressive hybridization is one of the driving forces in plant speciation, producing allopolyploids or diploids with rearranged genomes. The process of karyotype reshaping following homoploid interspecific hybridization has not been studied experimentally. Interspecific hybridization is widely used in plant breeding to increase genetic diversity and introgress new traits. Numerous introgression stocks were developed for hexaploid wheat Triticum aestivum L. (2n = 6x = 42, genome AABBDD). Double monosomic lines, containing one alien chromosome from the tertiary gene pool of wheat and one homoeologous wheat chromosome, represent a simplified model for studying chromosome rearrangements caused by interspecific hybridization. The pairing of a chromosome from the tertiary gene pool with a wheat homoeologue is restricted by the activity of the wheat Ph1 gene, thus, rearrangements caused by chromosome breakage followed by the fusion of the broken arms can be expected. We analyzed chromosome aberrations in 4 sets of lines that originated from double monosomics of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) chromosome 7H and wheat group-7 chromosomes with dicentric or ring chromosomes. The dynamics of wheat-barley dicentric chromosomes during plant development was followed and an increased diversity of rearrangements was observed. Besides the targeted group-7 chromosomes, other wheat chromosomes were involved in rearrangements, as chromosomes broken in the centromeric region fused with other broken chromosomes. In some cells, multi-centric chromosomes were observed. The structure and dosage of the introgressed barley chromatin was changed. The transmission of the rearrangements to the progenies was analyzed. The observed aberrations emphasize the importance of cytogenetic screening in gene introgression projects.
“Ask of the Beasts and They Shall Teach Thee”
Authors: Flack Andrew , Maddeaux Sarah Joy
Published: February 2018

People have been visiting zoos to look at non-human animals for almost two centuries. They observe a real animal, but what they see in their mind’s eye could be informed by how the animal is represented in the zoo’s guidebooks. Representations are rooted in two ways of looking: one positions the animal as an object of scientific study representative of his or her species, the other turns him or her into an individual animal with a life framed in terms of human experiences. Bristol Zoo Gardens, opened in 1836, offers a rich case study of the value of guidebooks because of its long history and surviving sources. The article begins by highlighting the theoretical approach adopted before applying it by reviewing the objectification and anthropomorphism of different animals over the chronological range of guidebooks. It then interrogates the depiction of gender roles to illuminate this style of representation.
The Ordinary Language Case for Contextualism and the Relevance of Radical Doubt
Authors: Wolf Michael P. , Koons Jeremy Randel
Published: February 2018

Many contextualist accounts in epistemology appeal to ordinary language and everyday practice as grounds for positing a low-standards knowledge (knowledgeL) that contrasts with high-standards prevalent in epistemology (knowledgeH). We compare these arguments to arguments from the height of “ordinary language” philosophy in the mid 20th century and find that all such arguments face great difficulties. We find a powerful argument for the legitimacy and necessity of knowledgeL(but not of knowledgeH). These appeals to practice leave us with reasons to accept knowledgeLin the face of radical doubts raised by skeptics. We conclude by arguing that by relegating knowledgeHto isolated contexts, the contextualist fails to deal with the skeptical challenge head-on. KnowledgeHand knowledgeLrepresent competing, incompatible intuitions about knowledge, and we must choose between them. A fallibilist conception of knowledge, formed with proper attention to radical doubts, can address the skeptical challenge without illicit appeal to everyday usage.
Cultural Humility and Dewey’s Pattern of Inquiry: Developing Good Attitudes and Overcoming Bad Habits
Authors: Tschaepe Mark
Published: February 2018

When we assume that we have cultural competence rather than thoroughly engaging in what Dewey calls the pattern of inquiry, we fail to achieve cultural humility. By analyzing how habits undermine inquiry and underlie failure in situations that call for cultural humility, we may be better equipped to address unintentional offenses. In this essay, I define cultural humility and contrast it with cultural competence, explaining why aiming for cultural competence alone is problematic. Next, I consider the attributes necessary for cultural humility and the attitudes that Dewey considers beneficial for inquiry. This is followed by an outline of Dewey’s pattern of inquiry and explanation of how unquestioned habits of thought short-circuit our ability to become culturally humble. I suggest that we forgo attempting to achieve cultural competence and instead use Dewey’s pattern of inquiry with the attitudes he recommends as tools to work toward cultural humility.
Additional notes on South American Carex sect. Schiedeanae (Cyperaceae) and description of the new species Carex pachamamae
Authors: JIMÉNEZ-MEJÍAS P. , REZNICEK A. A.
Published: February 2018

The revision of additional materials from MICH, MO, NY and US herbaria revealed interesting findings in Carex sect. Schiedeanae in South America. Carex pachamamae, a distinctive species from northern and central Bolivia is newly described and illustrated. The new species closely resembles C. subandrogyna, from southern Bolivia and northern Argentina, but it is distinguished from it by its leaves (pale bluish-green, subcoriaceous, usually with no lateral veins more prominent than the others adaxially, in C. pachamamae, vs. dark-green, herbaceous, with two conspicuously raised whitish lateral veins on the adaxial side more prominent than the rest in in C. subandrogyna) and utricle morphology (pale whitish-green, with the sides concave in C. pachamamae, vs. green to brownish below, with the sides convex in C. subandrogyna). Also, the first modern collections of C. lepida are presented, including the first reports of the species for Bolivia and Colombia, which implies a considerable expansion of the area of the taxon.
Lectotypification of the name Thalictrum purdomii (Ranunculaceae)
Authors: YUAN QIONG , REN CHEN , YANG QIN-ER
Published: February 2018

Thalictrum purdomii Clark (1913: 39) was described on the basis of a gathering, W. Purdom 169 (K), which includes two plants grown from seeds collected from northern China. Wang & Wang (1980) pointed out that the two plants represent two different taxa, with one sheet (K000694124; Fig. 1) belonging to T. minus var. hypoleucum (Siebold & Zuccarini 1846: 178) Miquel (1867: 3) and the other (K000694123; Fig. 2) belonging to T. squarrosum Stephen ex Willdenow (1799: 1299). As a result, they cited T. purdomii as synonyms of both T. minus var. hypoleucum and T. squarrosum, not proposing a lectotypification for the name. Fu & Zhu (2001) cited T. purdomii as a synonym of only T. minus var. hypoleucum, but they also did not designate a lectotype for T. purdomii.
Nomenclatural notes and typification of the name Viola calcarata var. pseudogracilis (Violaceae)
Authors: BARTOLUCCI FABRIZIO , GALASSO GABRIELE , RAINER HEIMO , WAGENSOMMER ROBERT P.
Published: February 2018

The present contribution is part of an ongoing work promoted by the Italian Botanical Society aimed at recognizing and typifying all the taxa described from Italy and their loci classici, in order to increase their systematic knowledge and promote further studies (Domina et al. 2012, Passalacqua et al. 2014, Peruzzi et al. 2015, Brundu et al. 2017). One of these taxa is Viola pseudogracilis Strobl (1877: 227), an Italian endemic (Bartolucci et al. 2018) that, according to Heywood (1967), includes two subspecies: V. pseudogracilis subsp. pseudogracilis and V. pseudogracilis subsp. cassinensis (Strobl 1877: 228) Merxm. & A.F.W.Schmidt in Heywood (1967: 30).
A review of Synegiodes Swinhoe, 1892 (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), with description of two new species
Authors: CUI LE , JIANG NAN , STÜNING DIETER , HAN HONGXIANG
Published: February 2018

The genus Synegiodes Swinhoe, 1892 is reviewed and redescribed, S. sanguinaria (Moore, 1868) is formally fixed as type-species according to the provisions of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Seven species, including S. brunnearia (Leech, 1897), are presently recognized as members of this genus and two new species from China and N. Vietnam, S. expansus sp. nov. and S. elasmlatus sp. nov., are described herein. The original specific status of S. histrionaria ornata (Bastelberger, 1909) is restored. The systematic position of S. brunnearia is discussed. Diagnoses for all the species are provided and illustrations of external features and genitalia are presented.
A new genus Austrimonus for Eutettix melaleucae Kirkaldy (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Opsiini) and nine new species
Authors: FLETCHER MURRAY J. , DAI WU
Published: February 2018

The new genus Austrimonus is created for Eutettix melaleucae Kirkaldy, previously in Hishimonus Ishihara, and the species redescribed as Austrimonus melaleucae (Kirkaldy), comb. nov. Nine new Australian species are added to the genus: A. apicalis sp. nov., A. biapicalis sp. nov., A. bidentatus sp. nov., A. clavatus sp. nov., A. curvatus sp. nov., A. flagellatus sp. nov., A. koebelei sp. nov., A. litorus sp. nov. and A. luteus sp. nov. A key for the determination of males of the species is provided.
A new Pardosa species from northern Iran (Araneae, Lycosidae)
Authors: SHAFAIE SEPIDEH , MIRSHAMSI OMID , ALIABADIAN MANSOUR , MORADMAND MAJID , MARUSIK YURI M.
Published: February 2018

A study of Pardosa pontica (Thorell, 1875) in Iran indicates two distinct morphospecies. A detailed comparison of these morphospecies and types of P. pontica reveals that populations from Mazandaran, Golestan and North Khorasan Provinces of Iran and Balkan Welaýaty of Turkmenistan belong to a newly described species, P. mirzakhaniae sp. n., and populations in western and easternmost Iran belong to P. pontica. Although the two morphospecies differ in colour, size and spination, no molecular differences in 16S rRNA and COI were detected.
Sensory processing, cognitive fatigue, and quality of life in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Colbeck Melissa
Published: February 2018

Background.

Quality of life for persons living with multiple sclerosis (MS) is significantly lower than population norms. Fatigue, both physical and cognitive, is one of the most prevalent and debilitating symptoms of MS that decrease quality of life. Cognitive fatigue presents similarly to sensory overresponsiveness, but the connection has not been explored.

Purpose.

This study aims to describe how sensory-processing preferences and cognitive fatigue relate to variances in quality of life for people with MS.

Method.

A cross-sectional design was used with 30 people living with MS to complete the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and RAND-36. Spearman’s coefficient measured nonparametric correlations between variables.

Findings.

People with MS who have high scores in low registration, sensory sensitivity, and sensation avoidant quadrants of the AASP also have higher levels of cognitive fatigue and poorer quality of life. Those with high scores in sensory seeking experience greater quality of life and less cognitive fatigue.

Implications.

The findings shape clinical practice by supporting the assessment of sensory processing alongside fatigue, offering individualized intervention planning to shape fatigue management, and fostering hope and quality of life for persons living with MS.
“Chist’ è ‘o paese d’ ‘o sole”. La rappresentazione di Napoli in Rossellini e Martone
Authors: Coen Carlo
Published: February 2018

La rappresentazione di Napoli nel cinema ha utilizzato spesso numerosi luoghi comuni. Tuttavia, piuttosto che facile stereotipo, è talvolta divenuta un complesso sistema di simboli, di carattere storico e filosofico. È il caso del rosselliniano Viaggio in Italia (1953), nel quale vengono contrapposte la civiltà della “toga” e quella del “vestito cucito”. Napoli diviene un personaggio che interagisce con Alex e Katherine Joyce, venuti dal Nord a confrontarsi con le profondità della civiltà mediterranea.

Napoli è anche il luogo delle scene finali de Il giovane favoloso di Mario Martone, nelle quali Leopardi si confronta con la città e ciò che essa simboleggia. Napoli occupa una posizione centrale, come luogo al contempo reale e letterario-narrativo, in tutte le opere di Martone e ha contribuito ad ampliare le prospettive del regista proprio per la sua natura di città-simbolo. L’aspetto sonoro gioca un ruolo decisivo: vengono esaminati i testi di alcune canzoni della tradizione e l’uso il dialetto napoletano per ribadire ciò che Napoli ha significato per gli autori presi in considerazione.

L’analisi di alcuni passaggi dei testi de L’amore molesto esplora in profondità la “napoletanità” dei due autori, intesa come rapporto con i luoghi della città.
Sustainable hybrid composites of recycled polypropylene and construction debris
Authors: Macedo Katharina Rodrigues Malafaia , Cestari Sibele Piedade , Mendes Luis Claudio , Albitres Gerson Alberto Valencia , Rodrigues Dayana Coval
Published: February 2018

We prepared composites of recycled polypropylene and construction debris aiming to obtain a sustainable hybrid material, with prospective application in the construction industry. We varied the amount of debris in 0, 1, 2, 3 and 7 m/m/% and the compounded materials were analysed by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, melt flow rate, wide angle X-ray diffractometry, nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation time and dynamic mechanical analysis. The melt flow rate varied non-linearly according to the debris content. The thermal stability of recycled polypropylene was slightly improved due to the presence of debris particles. The degree of crystallinity of the recycled polypropylene also showed a non-linear change, and we noticed some transcrystallization phenomenon in the polymeric matrix. The glass transition temperature decreased for all composites, denoting an increase in the segmental mobility of the polymeric chains. Considering the domains curves of the nuclear magnetic resonance, there was some interaction between polymer and debris particles, mainly ascribed to the nanometric portion of the hybrid debris particles. We concluded that this hybrid composite may become of great interest to the construction industry, used as replacement for closing boards.
Supply-side subsidies to improve food access and dietary outcomes: Evidence from the New Markets Tax Credit
Authors: Freedman Matthew , Kuhns Annemarie
Published: February 2018

In an effort to improve diet and health outcomes, policymakers have increasingly turned to supply-side subsidies aimed at encouraging investment by supermarkets and other food retailers in low-income areas. This article examines whether the US federal government’s New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) has affected the entry of retail food establishments, and in turn food shopping and purchasing patterns, in low-income communities. To identify the impacts of the programme, we take advantage of a discontinuity in NMTC funding generated by the formula used to determine the eligibility of census tracts for investment under the programme. We find that the NMTC Program has had modest, but positive impacts on supermarket entry in low-income communities. Based on household-level scanner data, there are no detectable effects on households’ food purchasing patterns in affected neighbourhoods, at least in the short run.
Tourism Ethnocentrism and Its Effects on Tourist and Resident Behavior
Authors: Kock Florian , Josiassen Alexander , Assaf A. George , Karpen Ingo , Farrelly Francis
Published: February 2018

People often demonstrate a home country bias toward their own nation over other nations. This bias is an important determinant of their behavior. Drawing on seminal research from marketing and psychology, the authors provide the first investigation of the tourism ethnocentrism (TE) phenomenon that captures tourists’ and residents’ motivation to support the domestic tourism economy. The research reported herein develops the parsimonious, reliable, and valid TE scale, and provides an empirical test thereof. The results show that TE is an important means to investigate both tourists’ and residents’ behavior. It drives tourists’ willingness to engage in and recommend domestic tourism, as well as residents’ support for domestic tourism development. The results further reveal that higher levels of tourists’ “perceived self-efficacy to contribute to the domestic economy” and lower levels of “perceived economy support of others” strengthen TE’s effect. The authors discuss the implications of these findings for research and practice.
Broadening the Perspective on Military Cohesion
Authors: Käihkö Ilmari
Published: February 2018

It is difficult to underestimate the importance of cohesion for armed groups or organizations specialized and engaged in organized violence. This article argues that the recent debate on military cohesion has been far too narrow as it focused on Western state militaries during the 20th and 21st centuries, and even then only on the microlevel. It is necessary to broaden the perspective in order to construct theories that encompass even the vast majority of armed groups—the non-Western, nonstate, and nonmodern. This article advocates two ways of doing so: the investigation of cases that belong to these three types and broadening analysis to two new levels of analysis—the meso-level of armed groups and the macro-level, which contains state and society. Cohesion is established through harmonizing these three levels, which necessitates including them in the analysis in the first place.
Surgical Management of Gunshot Injuries of the Large Intestine
Authors: Parks T G
Published: February 2018

Eighty-eight patients suffering from gunshot injuries of the large intestine were admitted during an 8-year period to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast. In 16 patients who died there was an average of 3.8 intra-abdominal organs injured. No patient with an isolated colonic or rectal injury succumbed.
Cataract Surgery in Leprosy Patients
Authors: Ffytche T J
Published: February 2018

Blind patients from three leprosy centres in South Korea were examined and 44 underwent cataract surgery. The ocular findings in these cases are recorded and the surgical techniques adopted are described. The early visual results demonstrate that the majority of these unfortunate individuals can be benefited by this simple form of cataract surgery, especially as avoidance of the late crippling complications of leprosy depend to a large extent on the patient's own visual surveillance of the anaesthetic areas of the body.
Single-Layer Mass Closure of Major Laparotomies by Continuous Suturing
Authors: Pollock A V , Greenall M J , Evans Mary
Published: February 2018

Surgeons who close major laparotomy incisions in a single layer (excluding skin) usually put interrupted sutures of non-absorbable monofilament material. In 305 consecutive patients we have, instead, used continuous deep-bite mass sutures with satisfactory results. The suture material, chosen at random, was either monofilament nylon, monofilament stainless steel wire or polyglycolic acid (PGA). The length of material used was measured, and this figure divided by the number of bites to give the mean distance from the cut edges at which the needle had been inserted. The ratio of length of suture material to number of bites ranged from 3-10 em (mean 5.90, s.d.I.46).

There were no burst abdomens, but 26 incisonal hernias were detected within six months of operation; these were significantly associated with male sex, old age, long incisions, long operations, postoperative coughing and distension, blood transfusion and wound sepsis. Steel sutures were removed from 5 patients because of pain or sinuses, and nylon sutures from one.

We conclude that laparotomy closure by a single continuous layer of sutures is satisfactory, and that there is little to choose among nylon, PGA and steel. The incidence of incisional hernias would be reduced by the elimination of wound sepsis.
Safety of Cimetidine in Obstetric Patients
Authors: McGowan W A W
Published: February 2018

Cimetidine has been suggested as a new approach to the prevention of the acid pulmonary aspiration syndrome in obstetric anaesthesia. In 20 patients in labour cimetidine 200 mg intravenously did not prolong labour or alter the pattern or strength of uterine contractions. The fetal heart rate did not show any alteration in rate or pattern and it was confirmed that cimetidine crosses the placenta. These findings suggest that further studies of cimetidine in obstetric patients would be safe.
Integrated modeling of coking flue gas indices based on mechanism model and improved neural network
Authors: Li Yaning , Wang Xuelei , Tan Jie
Published: February 2018

Focusing on the first domestic coking flue gas desulfurization and denitration integrated unit in China, the current condition of inlet flue gas indices cannot be determined timely owing to the large detection lag and complex upstream coking process, which is extremely unfavorable for the optimal control of desulfurization and denitration process. In order to solve this problem, an intelligent integrated modeling method of flue gas SO2 concentration, O2 content and NOx concentration is proposed. Firstly, the gas flow diagram in combustion process is built, the mechanism models of SO2, NOx concentration and O2 content are established according to the principle of material balance and reaction kinetics, respectively. Then the RBF neural network is adopted to compensate the prediction error, an improved training algorithm combining optimal stopping principle and dual momentum adaptive learning rate is proposed to improve the training speed and generalization ability of neural network. Based on the practical data of two 55-hole and 6-meter top charging coke ovens in the coking group, the effectiveness and superiority of proposed model and method are verified by simulation via comparison of various methods.
Commitment in Interracial Relationships: Dyadic and Longitudinal Tests of the Investment Model
Authors: Brooks James E. , Ogolsky Brian G. , Monk J. Kale
Published: February 2018

Empirical research to explain why partners in interracial relationships appear to be less committed than partners in intraracial relationships is scarce. The Investment Model has been shown to be a robust predictor of relationship commitment, but has only been applied to interracial relationships on a few occasions. Using a sample of 232 couples ( n = 172 intraracial; n = 60 interracial), we found the Investment Model performs comparatively well in interracial and intraracial relationships. However, there were some differences in the influence of investments on commitment. Investments were associated with concurrent commitment in intraracial but not interracial relationships, and an interdependent version of the Investment Model (Actor–Partner Interdependence Investment Model) fit intraracial relationships better than interracial relationships. The results suggest there are nuances in applying the Investment Model to interracial relationships, but that the model is promising for understanding the commitment of partners who experience marginalization.
Antithrombotic Therapy for Venous Thromboembolism and Prevention of Thrombosis in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery: State of the Art Review
Authors: Cramer John D. , Shuman Andrew G. , Brenner Michael J.
Published: February 2018

Objective

The aim of this report is to present a cohesive evidence‐based approach to reducing venous thromboembolism (VTE) in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery. VTE prevention includes deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Despite national efforts in VTE prevention, guidelines do not exist for otolaryngology–head and neck surgery in the United States.

Data Sources

PubMed/MEDLINE.

Review Methods

A comprehensive review of literature pertaining to VTE in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery was performed, identifying data on incidence of thrombotic complications and the outcomes of regimens for thromboprophylaxis. Data were then synthesized and compared with other surgical specialties.

Conclusions

We identified 29 articles: 1 prospective cohort study and 28 retrospective studies. The overall prevalence of VTE in otolaryngology appears lower than that of most other surgical specialties. The Caprini system allows effective individualized risk stratification for VTE prevention in otolaryngology. Mechanical and chemoprophylaxis (“dual thromboprophylaxis”) is recommended for patients with a Caprini score ≥7 or patients with a Caprini score of 5 or 6 who undergo major head and neck surgery, when prolonged hospital stay is anticipated or mobility is limited. For patients with a Caprini score of 5 or 6, we recommend dual thromboprophylaxis or mechanical prophylaxis alone. Patients with a Caprini score ≤4 should receive mechanical prophylaxis alone.

Implications for Practice

Otolaryngologists should consider an individualized and risk‐stratified plan for perioperative thromboprophylaxis in every patient. The risk of bleeding must be weighed against the risk of VTE when deciding on chemoprophylaxis.
The Otolaryngologist's Role in Providing Gender‐Affirming Care: An Opportunity for Improved Education and Training
Authors: Chaiet Scott R. , Yoshikawa Noriko , Sturm Angela , Flanary Valerie , Ishman Stacey , Streed Carl G.
Published: February 2018

Currently, there are limited resources and training available for otolaryngologists and otolaryngology practice personnel to provide gender‐affirming care for transgender or gender nonconforming patients. This unique patient population may present to our offices for gender‐specific care or with complaints of the ear, nose, and throat unrelated to gender identity. Our current practice has unintentional but direct consequences on our patients care, as transgender patients often report negative experiences in the healthcare setting related to their gender identity. The absence of resources and training is also seen in other specialties. Physicians who create an environment where patients of all gender identities feel welcome can better meet their patients’ health care needs. In addition, otolaryngologists can play a role in easing the gender dysphoria experienced by transgender patients. We suggest educational content should be created for and made available to otolaryngologists and office staff to provide gender‐affirming care.
Subcortical nuclei in Alzheimer’s disease: a volumetric and diffusion kurtosis imaging study
Authors: Wang Ming-Liang , Wei Xiao-Er , Fu Jian-Liang , Li Wei , Yu Meng-Meng , Li Peng-Yang , Li Wen-Bin
Published: February 2018

Background

Previous studies revealed that subcortical nuclei were harmed in the process of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Purpose

To investigate the volumetric and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) parameter changes of subcortical nuclei in AD and their relationship with cognitive function.

Materials and Methods

A total of 17 mild AD patients, 15 moderate to severe AD patients, and 16 controls underwent neuropsychological tests and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Volume, mean kurtosis (MK), mean diffusivity (MD), and fractional anisotropy (FA) were measured in hippocampus, thalamus, caudate, putamen, pallidum, and amygdala. MRI parameters were compared. Correlation analysis was performed between subcortical nuclei volume, DKI parameters, and MMSE score.

Results

Significant volume reduction was seen in the left hippocampus in mild AD, and the bilateral hippocampus, thalamus, putamen, left caudate, and right amygdala in moderate to severe AD ( P < 0.05). Increased MD values were observed in the left hippocampus, left amygdala, and right caudate in mild AD, and the bilateral hippocampus and right amygdala in moderate to severe AD ( P < 0.05). Decreased MK values were observed only in the bilateral hippocampus in moderate to severe AD ( P < 0.05). No group significances were found in FA value. MMSE score was positively correlated with the volume of the bilateral hippocampus, thalamus, and putamen, and MK value of the left hippocampus ( P < 0.05). A negative correlation was found with the MD value of the bilateral hippocampus and left amygdala ( P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Mild AD mainly has microscopic subcortical changes revealed by increased MD value, and moderate to severe AD mainly has macroscopic subcortical changes revealed by volume reduction. MK is more sensitive in severe AD than mild AD.