bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre-Operative Interictal Discharge Patterns and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings Affect Prognosis of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Surgery
Authors: Ma Weining , Li Chun , Liu Liping , Li Shaoyi , Liu Yunhui
Published: July 2019

Objective: This study investigated whether pre-operative interictal discharge patterns detected by electroencephalogram (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings affect the surgical prognosis in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 115 cases of patients with refractory TLE was carried out from October 2010 to 2014 based on the classification of pre-operative interictal discharge patterns in EEG and MRI findings. The patients were followed up for 4 years after surgery. The ILAE method was used to assess differences in seizure-free rate among different types of interictal discharge pattern as well as in MRI findings. Results: A total of 115 cases were classified according to interictal discharge patterns in EEG, including normal cases, unilateral anterior discharge, unilateral multi-region discharge, and bilateral discharge. MRI findings were classified into negative results and positive results. Unilateral anterior and bilateral discharges showed statistically significant differences in post-operative seizure-free rates (p< 0.001). MRI-positive cases showed good overall post-operative outcome, irrespective of interictal discharge pattern in the EEG, whereas MRI-negative cases showed good overall prognosis if the interictal discharge pattern in EEG occurred in the unilateral anterior region. Conclusion: If the pre-operative interictal discharge pattern in EEG is confined to the unilateral anterior region, prognosis is good. If there are abnormalities in MRI findings, post-operative prognosis is good, regardless of pre-operative interictal discharge patterns in EEG. Surgical intervention is highly recommended for TLE patients with normal MRI findings and interictal discharge confined to the unilateral anterior region.
A Novel Technique to Intelligently Monitor and Control Renal Pelvic Pressure during Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Deng Xiaolin , Xie Donghua , Du Chuance , Song Leming , Huang Jianrong , Tan Wanlong
Published: July 2019

Objective: To introduce a novel technique for intelligently monitoring and controlling renal pelvic pressure (RPP) in minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) and to investigate its reliability and stability. Materials and Methods: A total of 63 kidney stone patients (41 males and 22 females) were enrolled in the study. The average stone size was 3.7 ± 1.1 cm. The average age was 41.6 ± 15.6 years old. All patients underwent MPCNL under combined spinal and epidural anesthesia in prone position. A ureteral catheter connected to an invasive blood pressure monitor was retrogradely placed to measure renal pelvic outlet pressure. The MPCNL was performed with the aid of the patented device, including an irrigation and suctioning platform and a pressure-measuring suctioning sheath. On the platform, the RPP control value was set at –5 mm Hg, and the RPP warning value was set at 20 mm Hg. RPP was measured during the irrigation and suctioning period (ISP), and therapeutic period (TP) when the infusion flow was set at 300, 400, and 500 mL/min, respectively, for 5 min. Results: Sixty-three patients successfully underwent the procedure without serious complications. The mean operative time was 67 min (range 31–127 min). Three patients had residual stones >2 mm in size. No statistical significance was observed between the renal pelvic outlet pressure, platform RPP values, and RPP control values for the 300, 400, and 500 mL/min groups during the ISP and TP (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The patented devices including the platform and the sheath can reliably and stably monitor and control RPP in real time and within a safe range during MPCNL.
Association of Glasgow Coma Scale with Total Homocysteine Levels in Patients with Hemorrhagic Stroke
Authors: Dai Dapeng , Sun Yong , Liu Chengzhang , Xing Houxun , Wang Binyan , Qin Xianhui , Liu Xiguang , Li Aimin
Published: July 2019

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the association between Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and total homocysteine (tHcy) levels and examine the possible effect modifiers in patients with hemorrhagic stroke. Methods: A total of 1,516 participants with hemorrhagic stroke and having the complete data on baseline GCS and tHcy measurements were included in the final analysis. Results: The mean (SD) of age, tHcy, and GCS levels were 61.5 (11.3) years, 17.0 (10.3) μmol/L, and 13.9 (2.2), respectively. Compared with participants with severe damage (GCS <9), those with mild damage (GCS ≥13) had significantly lower transformed tHcy levels (β = –2.46; 95% CI –4.80 to –0.12). Consistently, a significantly lower transformed tHcy levels were found in participants with mild damage (GCS ≥13; β = –1.37; 95% CI –2.66 to –0.08) compared with those with moderate to severe damage (GCS <13). In the stratified analysis, a stronger inverse association between GCS categories (≥13 vs. <13) and tHcy concentrations was observed in ever smokers (vs. never; p for interaction = 0.045), and in participants with systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥160 mm Hg (vs. <160 mm Hg; p for interaction = 0.031), or total cholesterol (TC) ≥5.2 mmol/L (vs. <5.2 mmol/L; p for interaction = 0.025). Conclusion: There was an inverse association between GCS level and tHcy concentration among patients with hemorrhagic stroke, especially in ever smokers or in participants with higher SBP or TC levels.
Clinical Classification and Severity Scoring Systems in Chronic Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rahman Abidur , O’Connor Donal B. , Gather Felix , Koscic Sarah , Gilgan Joshua , Mockler David , Bashir Yasir , Memba Robert , Duggan Sinead N. , Conlon Kevin C.
Published: July 2019

Introduction: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is characterised by pain, functional deficits, nutritional and mechanical complications. Frequently managed in out-patient settings, the clinical course is unpredictable and requires multi-disciplinary care. There remains substantial variation in management. In contrast to acute pancreatitis, there are no globally accepted classification or severity scores to predict the disease course or compare interventions. We conducted a systematic review to determine the scope and clinical use of existing scoring systems. Methods: A systematic search was developed with a medical librarian using the Embase, Medline and Cochrane databases. Original articles and conference abstracts describing an original or modified classification or scoring system in CP that stratified patients into clinical and/or severity categories were included. To assess clinical application/validation, studies using all or part of a score as a stratification tool to measure another parameter or outcome were selected. Studies reporting on diagnosis or aetiology only were excluded. Four authors performed the search in independent pairs and conflicts were resolved by a fifth author using CovidenceTM systematic review software. Results: Following screening 6,652 titles and 235 full-text reviews, 48 papers were analysed. Eleven described original scores and 6 described modifications of published scores. Many were comprehensive but limited in capturing the full spectrum of disease. In 31 studies, a score was used to categorise patients to compare or correlate various outcome measures. Exocrine and endocrine dysfunction and pain were included in 6, 5, and 4 scoring systems, respectively. No score included other nutrition parameters, such as bone health, malnutrition, or nutrient deficiency. Only one score has been objectively validated prospectively and independently for monitoring clinical progression and prognosis, but this had been applied to an in-patient population. Conclusion: Available systems and scores do not reflect recent advances and guidelines in CP and are not commonly used. A practical clinical classification and scoring system, validated prospectively for prognostication would be useful for the meaningful analysis in observational and interventional studies in CP.
Changing Protein Permeability with Nephron Loss: Evidence for a Human Remnant Nephron Effect
Authors: Willows Jamie , Odudu Aghogho , Logan Ian , Sheerin Neil , Tomson Charlie , Ellam Timothy
Published: July 2019

Background: If loss of functioning nephrons predisposes to glomerular barotrauma (a “remnant nephron” effect), then glomerular permeability should increase as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) falls, as is observed in animal models of nephron loss. Methods: Changes in net renal protein permeability, defined as proteinuria or albuminuria per mL/min of GFR, were measured in the setting of nephron loss due to kidney donation (Assessing Long Term Outcomes in Living Kidney Donors cohort) or progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD; Modification of Diet in Renal Disease [MDRD], African American Study of Kidney Disease [AASK], and Chronic Renal insufficiency Cohort [CRIC] studies). Results: Following kidney donation, renal albumin permeability increased by 31% from predonation levels (p < 0.001). With progression of CKD, a 50% loss of residual GFR was accompanied by increases in proteinuria per mL/min GFR of 1.8-, 2.1-, and 1.6-fold in the MDRD, AASK, and CRIC cohorts, respectively (p < 0.001 for all), independent of changes in systolic blood pressure and ACEi/ARB use. A 70% reduction in GFR was associated with permeability increases of 3.1-, 4.4-, and 2.6-fold in the same cohorts. Among MDRD participants with progression of nonglomerular primary disease, the 75th percentile of final permeability was 141 mg/24 h proteinuria per mL/min GFR. This degree of permeability would have resulted in nephrotic range proteinuria had it been present at the baseline mean GFR of 40 mL/min, implying the development of de novo glomerular pathology as GFR fell. Increasing permeability also accompanied CKD progression in participants with nephrotic syndrome at baseline. Consequently, these participants had little improvement in 24 h proteinuria or serum albumin, despite substantial loss of functioning nephron mass across which the protein leak occurred. In the absence of a fall in GFR, there was no increase in permeability in any cohort. Conclusion: Nephron loss is accompanied by an increase in renal protein permeability, even in the absence of a primary glomerular disease. This is consistent with a remnant nephron effect in human CKD.
Association between High Levels of Circulating Chemerin and Colorectal Adenoma in Men
Authors: Yagi Makoto , Sasaki Yu , Abe Yasuhiko , Yaoita Takao , Sakuta Kazuhiro , Mizumoto Naoko , Shoji Masakuni , Onozato Yusuke , Kon Takashi , Nishise Shoichi , Ueno Yoshiyuki
Published: July 2019

Background: Obesity and metabolic syndrome are considered the risk factors of colorectal adenoma (CRA) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Chemerin is a novel adipocytokine associated with the development of gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and CRC. However, the relationship between chemerin levels and CRA remains unclear. Objective: This study is aimed at investigating the ­association between serum chemerin levels and the development of CRA. Methods: We conducted a total colonoscopy-based cross-sectional case-control study of 80 male patients with CRA and 80 male age-matched control individuals without CRA, according to their endoscopic findings. Serum chemerin concentrations were measured using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, and the OR of CRA was calculated via logistic regression analysis. Results: The mean serum chemerin level of the CRA group was significantly higher than that of the control group (7.9 ± 0.41 vs. 5.16 ± 0.34 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Serum chemerin level was positively correlated to the development of CRA (r = 0.34). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a high chemerin level was independently associated with the development of CRA (OR 2.82, 95% CI 1.39–5.72). Conclusions: Our findings indicated that increased serum chemerin levels are positively associated with the presence of CRA in men. Chemerin may play an important role in the development of CRA.
Juízo e opinião em Hannah Arendt
Authors: Frateschi Yara
Published: July 2019

A primeira parte deste texto reconstrói a história da filosofia política, tal como contada por Hannah Arendt a partir de alguns dos seus personagens principais: Platão, Hegel e Marx. A despeito dos distintos contextos, problemas e eventos aos quais respondem, estes filósofos apresentam um traço comum: a fuga da política e a hostilidade contra a pluralidade humana. Trata-se de mostrar que, para Arendt, a possibilidade de uma nova filosofia política depende desse exercício de submeter a filosofia política ocidental a uma crítica radical. A segunda parte analisa as soluções filosóficas que Arendt apresenta na sua tentativa de reconciliar a filosofia com a política no que diz respeito a dois temas centrais e interligados: a formação do juízo e da opinião. A formação dialógica e intersubjetiva de opinião (que Arendt formula com Sócrates) e o pensamento representativo (que Arendt formula com Kant) são, na minha interpretação, dois dos momentos mais potentes da sua obra, capazes de fornecer insights preciosos para a constante atualização do seu pensamento político.
Performance of the Meta-Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure Score in Black Patients Compared With Whites
Authors: Radjef Ryhm , Peterson Edward L. , Michaels Alexander , Liu Bin , Gui Hongsheng , Sabbah Hani N. , Spertus John A. , Williams L. Keoki , Lanfear David E.
Published: July 2019

Background:

Risk stratification is critical in heart failure (HF) and the Meta-Analysis Global Group in Chronic HF (MAGGIC) score is a validated tool derived from ~40,000 patients. However, few of these patients self-identified as black, raising uncertainty regarding performance in blacks with HF.

Methods and Results:

This study analyzed a racially diverse group of 4046 patients (1646 black and 2400 white) from a single center from 2007 to 2015. Baseline characteristics were collected to tabulate MAGGIC score and test its discrimination and calibration within race groups. The primary end point was all-cause mortality. Death was detected using system records and the social security death master file. Discrimination was tested using Cox models of MAGGIC score stratified by race, and combined analysis including MAGGIC, race, and MAGGIC×race. Calibration was assessed using linear regression models and plots of observed versus predicted data. Overall, 901 (21%) patients died during 1-year follow-up. MAGGIC score discrimination was similar in both race groups in terms of C statistic (0.707±0.027 versus 0.725±0.014, for black versus white;
P
=0.556) and the hazard ratio (HR) per MAGGIC point was 1.12 in black patients (95% CI, 1.10–1.14) and 1.13 in white patients (95% CI, 1.12–1.14). Race was a significant correlate of survival, with better survival in black patients compared with white (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.56–0.78), but the interaction of MAGGIC×race was not significant (β=−0.013;
P
=0.16), and adding race to the model did not improve discrimination (C statistic for MAGGIC versus MAGGIC+race, 0.721 versus 0.722;
P
=0.79). In calibration testing, the slope was not significantly different from 1 in either group, but the groups differed from each other, and it was closer to unity among black patients (0.94 versus 1.4;
P
=0.004).

Conclusions:

These data support the use of the MAGGIC score to risk stratify black patients with HF.
Optimized Treatment of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Niccoli Giampaolo , Montone Rocco A. , Ibanez Borja , Thiele Holger , Crea Filippo , Heusch Gerd , Bulluck Heerajnarain , Hausenloy Derek J. , Berry Colin , Stiermaier Thomas , Camici Paolo G. , Eitel Ingo
Published: July 2019

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention is nowadays the preferred reperfusion strategy for patients with acute ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction, aiming at restoring epicardial infarct-related artery patency and achieving microvascular reperfusion as early as possible, thus limiting the extent of irreversibly injured myocardium. Yet, in a sizeable proportion of patients, primary percutaneous coronary intervention does not achieve effective myocardial reperfusion due to the occurrence of coronary microvascular obstruction (MVO). The amount of infarcted myocardium, the so-called infarct size, has long been known to be an independent predictor for major adverse cardiovascular events and adverse left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction. Previous cardioprotection studies were mainly aimed at protecting cardiomyocytes and reducing infarct size. However, several clinical and preclinical studies have reported that the presence and extent of MVO represent another important independent predictor of adverse left ventricular remodeling, and recent evidences support the notion that MVO may be more predictive of major adverse cardiovascular events than infarct size itself. Although timely and complete reperfusion is the most effective way of limiting myocardial injury and subsequent ventricular remodeling, the translation of effective therapeutic strategies into improved clinical outcomes has been largely disappointing. Of importance, despite the presence of a large number of studies focused on infarct size, only few cardioprotection studies addressed MVO as a therapeutic target. In this review, we provide a detailed summary of MVO including underlying causes, diagnostic techniques, and current therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, we discuss the hypothesis that simultaneously addressing infarct size and MVO may help to translate cardioprotective strategies into improved clinical outcome following ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction.
Pensions and Late-Career Teacher Retention
Authors: Kim Dongwoo , Koedel Cory , Kong Wei , Ni Shawn , Podgursky Michael , Wu Weiwei
Published: July 2019

Public school teachers retire much earlier than comparable professionals. Pension rule changes affecting new teachers can be used to close this gap in the long run, but any effects will not be observed for decades and the implications for workforce quality are unclear. This paper considers targeted incentive policies designed to deter retirement among senior, experienced high-need science and math teachers, as a policy to staff classrooms with qualified teachers and improve workforce quality. We use structural estimates from a dynamic retirement model to simulate the workforce effects of targeted late-career salary bonuses and deferred retirement plans (DROPs) using administrative data from Missouri. Although both policies produce additional teaching years at relatively low costs, by forcing teachers to reveal work–retirement preferences, DROPs generally yield incremental teacher years at lower cost per year. More generally, this work highlights the utility of using structural retirement models to analyze fiscal and workforce effects of changes to public sector pension plans, since the effects of pension rule changes cumulate over many years.
Effector gene vap1-based DGGE fingerprinting to assess variation within and among Globodera species and populations
Authors: Nuaima Rasha Haj , Mwangi James M. , Kiewnick Sebastian , Heuer Holger
Published: July 2019

Population-level genetic tools to study the epidemiology of potato cyst nematodes (PCN) are needed to evaluate their adaptive potential and validate management strategies. The effector gene vap1 is essential in early infection by PCN. We expected high allelic variation due to diversifying selection. A technique was developed specifically to amplify vap1 fragments of PCN, and electrophoretically separate variants in a denaturing gradient (DGGE). Sequenced gene variants differed in intron as well as exon regions. Siblings were more similar in vap1 pattern than juveniles from different cysts. Nearly all juveniles analysed had unique patterns with up to ten or five vap1 variants for Globodera pallida or G. rostochiensis, respectively. Patterns differed significantly among populations, with similarities increasing from between-species, within-species to within-pathotype comparisons. In conclusion, the method is suitable to determine the similarity of heterogeneous PCN populations for studies on their temporal change and spread.
Optimisation of a species-specific primer set to quantify the soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines, in soil using real-time PCR
Authors: Shirai Sayo , Toyota Koki
Published: July 2019

We previously reported a real-time PCR primer set (SCN) that is specific to the soybean cyst nematode Heterodera glycines, a major nematode pest in soybean production in Japan. However, the primer set also amplified the related species H. trifolii and H. schachtii, whose presence was recently reported in Japan. The objective of this study was to optimise a primer set to be more specific for quantification of H. glycines. The newly optimised primer set (SCNnew) amplified H. trifolii and H. schachtii at amplification efficiencies less than 1% of H. glycines. Surveys for H. glycines in different green soybean fields in Japan demonstrated that most fields judged to contain low densities of H. glycines based on the SCN primer set were not actually infested with H. glycines. The SCNnew primer set quantifies H. glycines in soil more precisely.
Skepticism as Vice and Virtue
Authors: Le Morvan Pierre
Published: July 2019

I articulate and defend a conception of skepticism inspired by Aristotle’s doctrine of the mean. On it, skepticism is vicious when deficient (as in gullibility) and when excessive (as in closedmindedness). Virtuous skepticism lies as a mean between these two extremes.
Fever in the Perspective of Hadith and Malay Medical Manuscript: an Analysis on Kitab Bermacam-Macam Khasiat
Authors: Fauzi Nurulwahidah , Ahmad Khadher , Kamaruzaman Wan Noor Azila Binti Wan
Published: July 2019

Fever is one of the body’s natural responses to any virus or bacterial infection. In the hadith, fever is described as being a compassionate spark made from fire, proof of which is that fever is caused by body heat. Using both inductive and deductive methodologies, this article seeks to provide a comparative examination of fever from the perspective both of hadith and of the discussions contained within a Malay medical text. This study, on the sources of al-Kutub al-sitta, has found that there are nine hadiths that expound on fever and its treatment, and that these can be divided into two main types: [1] those that view fever as a disease and then show the most suitable methods for treatment, including treatment techniques, the reading of appropriate ruqya, and the most suitable materials for so doing; and [2] those that present fever as being the eternal removal of sin by Allah. On the other hand, the Malay medical manuscript Kitab Bermacam-Macam Khasiat explains fever and its various types, how to treat fever using herbs, and its use as a means for healing. From the similarities between the hadith that are discussed here and the Malay medical text, it can be seen that the primary means for treating fever is through the use of water. In terms of medical philosophy, the Prophet SAW gave and emphasised a single-compound treatment method, whereas Malay medical manuscripts place more emphasis on mixed-compound treatments. In order to explain the hadith, our analysis has found that it is suggested that prayers or specific ruqya in which our submission of hope to Allah are employed, while Malay medical manuscripts help highlight the experience and knowledge of herbal remedies within the community and how such treatments have been passed from one generation to the next.
Merit and Virtue – Buddhist and Daoist Foundations in China (500–1500 CE)
Authors: Olles Volker
Published: July 2019

Religious foundations in China (500–1500 CE) were largely characterized by the interaction of Buddhist and Daoist institutions with the state (court) and the populace. The present contribution tries to offer some preliminary insights into the endowment culture of traditional China, which is still an understudied and not well-understood area of endowment studies. The peculiarities of Chinese culture and history require a special approach to the topic as well as a basic knowledge of the relevant Chinese terminology. The endowment culture of traditional China was fundamentally influenced and shaped by monasticism, its key impulses obviously coming from Buddhism. I thus propose that in principle all monasteries in traditional China, including Daoist institutions, were foundations. Furthermore, I will introduce basic terms of the Chinese endowment culture, with a special focus on the key notion of religious merit (gongde).
Petrocodon longitubus (Gesneriaceae), a new species from Guizhou, China
Authors: LI CONG-RUI , LIU FANG-PU , GADAGKAR SUDHINDRA R. , LUO YANG
Published: July 2019

Petrocodon longitubus, a new species of Gesneriaceae from Guizhou province, China, is described and illustrated. It is similar to P. hunanensis in having four stamens, but readily differs in being rosulate and stemless and having a narrowly infundibuliform floral tube with the adaxial lip bending upward. Molecular evidence indicates that it is sister to P. hunanensis, but the two species differ markedly in morphology.
The identity of John Rattray, diatomist and collector on the Buccaneer expedition (1885–1886) to West Africa
Authors: FIGUEIREDO ESTRELA , WILLIAMS DAVID , SMITH GIDEON F.
Published: July 2019

Herbarium records show that during the second half of the 19th century John Rattray collected several plant specimens at ports of call along the West African coast (Canary Islands, Senegal, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Ghana, São Tomé, Príncipe, and Angola). At the herbarium (K) of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, England, four such specimens are databased, three of which can be examined online. At the herbarium (E) of the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, Scotland, 26 specimens are databased, twenty of which are imaged. All the specimens we examined have printed labels stating ‘Collected by John Rattray, H.M. Challenger Commission, Edinburgh’ with only a handwritten indication of the locality, for example ‘Loanda’ (Luanda, Angola). The collecting date has been omitted from the labels and there are no further details on the specimens. An investigation of the literature revealed that there is some confusion regarding the origin of the material and the identity of John Rattray, the collector.
Genus- and family-group names in the order Embioptera (Insecta)
Authors: MILLER KELLY B.
Published: July 2019

All available genusand family-group names in the Embioptera (Embiidina, Embiodea) are listed along with the original citation, original and current status, and the type taxon and method of designation. The early literature is reviewed, and the following taxonomic acts are established: 1) Embia brasiliensis Gray in Griffith and Pidgeon 1832 is fixed as the type species of Olyntha Gray in Griffith and Pidgeon 1832 (junior homonym, replaced by Embolyntha Davis) using the First Revisor Principle, 2) Embia savignii Westwood 1837 is fixed as type species of Euembia Verhoeff 1904, and 3) Saussurembia davisi Ross 1992 is synonomized with Saussurembia ruficollis Davis 1939. Numerous other taxonomic problems are examined and clarified and the various ordinal names briefly summarized.
Four new species and a new record of Villa Lioy, 1864 from China (Diptera: Bombyliidae)
Authors: YAO GANG , YANG DING , EVENHUIS NEAL L.
Published: July 2019

The following four new species of the genus Villa Lioy from China are described: Villa aspros sp. nov., Villa aquila sp. nov., Villa obtusa sp. nov., and Villa flavida sp. nov. One species, V. cingulata (Meigen, 1804), is recorded from China for the first time. A key to the species of the genus from China is presented.
Bindius triquetrus gen. nov. sp. nov. (Eutardigrada, Hypsibiidae) from Sicily (Italy)
Authors: PILATO GIOVANNI
Published: July 2019

A new species is described for which a new genus, Bindius gen. nov., is also instituted. This new genus belongs to the family Hypsibiidae. The claws are of the Hypsibius type; the bucco-pharyngeal apparatus is of the Diphascon model (i.e., with an anterior rigid buccal tube and a posterior, flexible pharyngeal tube), and it is a variant of the Diphascon type; it is characterized by large apophyses for the insertion of the stylet muscles, asymmetrical with respect to the frontal plane for shape and dimensions; the dorsal apophysis is triangular in shape with rectilinear dorsal margin and posterior apex very distant from the buccal tube wall; the ventral apophysis is similar to the one of Diphascon, i.e., in the shape of a semilunar hook, but larger. The new species, Bindius triquetrus sp. nov., has smooth cuticle; eye spots absent; elongated pharyngeal bulb with small apophyses and three long, rod-shaped macroplacoids; a small, very faint, microplacoid may be present; septulum absent; claws slender; lunules and other cuticular thickenings on the legs absent.
New species of Leptohalysis (Rhizaria, Foraminifera) from an extreme hadal site in the western Pacific Ocean
Authors: KITAZATO HIROSHI , UEMATSUI KATSUYUKI , TODO YUKO , GOODAY ANDREW J.
Published: July 2019

Leptohalysis kaikoi sp. nov., a new hormosinacean foraminiferan, is described from a core sample collected using the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology’s Remote Operated Vehicle, KAIKO, in the Challenger Deep (10,896 m water depth, Izu-Bonin-Mariana-Arc-trench system). The agglutinated test is Leptohalysis in the following features: 1) the chambers are rounded and abut closely with a distinct suture between them, rather than being flask-shaped with more or less flat, truncated bases; 2) the wall structure is less regular and consists mainly of grains with flat exposed faces that abut to create an outer surface resembling an uneven pavement, the edges of the grains being obscured by copious amounts of organic cement; 3) the proloculus is sometimes followed by a single “adventitious”chamber, located to one side of the axis of growth. A second species with similar characteristics is represented by a single individual in our material. These two species may represent a new genus. However, we prefer to retain them within Leptohalysis pending a detailed comparison of their wall structure with that of typical members of this genus. We also briefly describe a single specimen of a typical Leptohalysis morphotype. Leptohalysis kaikoi sp. nov. was the most common multilocular agglutinated foraminiferan in the 32-63 µm sieve fraction of the Challenger Deep sample. It has not been found in the same size fraction of samples from abyssal depths in the North and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.
Knightjonesia, a new genus (Polychaeta: Spirorbidae) with a winged opercular peduncle, and its taxonomy
Authors: PILLAI T. GOTTFRIED
Published: July 2019

It had hitherto been assumed in publications on serpulimorph systematics that spirorbids are characterized by an operculum borne on a wingless peduncle. However, while examining various spirorbid collections in the Natural History Museum, London, it was found that the type specimens of Helicosiphon platyspira Knight-Jones, 1978 possess a winged opercular peduncle, a character that had hitherto been used to distinguish between other serpulimorph genera. Accordingly, Helicosiphon platyspira is transferred to a new genus, Knightjonesia, in which the opercular peduncle is winged, in contrast with Helicosiphon in which it is wingless.
Toward a unified taxonomy of Niphargus (Crustacea: Amphipoda): a review of morphological variability
Authors: FIŠER CENE , TRONTELJ PETER , LUŠTRIK ROMAN , SKET BORIS
Published: July 2019

Niphargus is the largest genus of freshwater amphipods, burdened with problematic and largely incomplete taxonomy. This paper is an overview of the morphological characters relevant for niphargid taxonomy, and is conceived as an early step toward a unified taxonomy in the emerging era of cyber-taxonomy. The core element is a taxonomic on-line revision system based on a continuously updated, peer-reviewed and freely accessible morpho-databases (see for example http:// niphargus.info/) that would provide a source of data necessary for comparisons of taxa, generation of species descriptions, and testing phylogenetic hypotheses. In Niphargus, the coding of morphological variability is not straightforward. Several characters are continuous, polymorphic, or subject to allometric growth. We here present a detailed overview of published and new characters together with their variability levels, and describe how the characters are measured and quantified.
New species of New World Opilioacaridae (Acari: Parasitiformes) with the description of a new genus from the Caribbean region
Authors: VÁZQUEZ MA. MAGDALENA , KLOMPEN HANS
Published: July 2019

Four new species and one new subspecies of Opilioacaridae are described from Mexico, Cuba, and Panama. The classification of Opilioacaridae is updated with recognition of the genus Neocarus as separate from Opilioacarus, and by recognition of a new genus, Caribeacarus, with three species from the greater Antilles and Panama. A key to the North/ Central American and Caribbean species of Opilioacaridae is provided.
A taxonomic revision of the Asian endemic subgenus Physocrema of the genus Crematogaster (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: HOSOISHI SHINGO , OGATA KAZUO
Published: July 2019

The subgenus Physocrema of the genus Crematogaster is revised. Twelve species are recognized in the subgenus, of which two are new to science: C. (Physocrema) tanakai sp. nov. and C. (P.) yamanei sp. nov. An identification key based on the worker caste is provided. Taxonomic relationships between C. (P.) difformis and similar species are clarified. Crematogaster (P.) vacca Forel 1911 is raised to species level. The following new synonymies are proposed: C. (P.) inflata F. Smith 1857 = C. (P.) moorei Donisthorpe 1941 syn. nov.; C. (P.) mucronata Emery 1900 = C. (P.) fulmeki Forel 1922 syn. nov.; C. (P.) vacca Forel 1911 = C. (P.) stethogompha Wheeler 1919 syn. nov. = C. (P.) stethogompha detritinodis Wheeler 1919 syn. nov. Crematogaster (P.) onusta Stitz 1925 is referred to the subgenus Physocrema. C. tumidula Emery 1900 is transferred to the subgenus Oxygyne from Physocrema.
Revision of the genus Ennada Blanchard (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)
Authors: PARRA LUIS E. , ALVEAR CARLA A.
Published: July 2019

The genus Ennada Blanchard, 1852 is reviewed and redefined. A coniform signum in the genitalia of the female and androconium in the basal third of the costa of the valvae in the male genitalia constitute diagnostic characters for the genus. The genera Phyllia Blanchard 1852 and Anchiphyllia Butler 1893 are junior synonyms of Ennada. The following species are included: E. flavaria Blanchard 1852, E. pellicata (Felder & Rogenhofer 1875) comb. nov., and E. blanchardi sp. nov. The geographic distribution of the genus is between 29º and 44º S in Chile. The adults, their genitalia and distribution are described and illustrated. A key to differentiate the species is provided.
Description of eggs and nymphal instars of Triatoma baratai Carcavallo & Jurberg, 2000 based on optical and scanning electron microscopy (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae)
Authors: ROCHA DAYSE S , JURBERG JOSÉ , DA ROSA JOÃO ARISTEU , SCHAEFER CARL W. , GALVÃO CLEBER
Published: July 2019

Triatoma baratai Carcavallo & Jurberg, is a wild ( i.e., nonperidomestic) species found in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul (Bodoquena region, county of Bonito), Brazil. Its eggs and nymphs are described here based on optical and scanning electron microscopy. The operculum and exochorion have pentagonal, hexagonal, and heptagonal cells, with small cracks and small random pits. Differences in the eggs and five nymphal instars of T. baratai allow them to be distinguished from the sympatric species Triatoma williami Galvão, Souza & Lima, and from six of the nine members of the Triatoma oliveirai complex. The most useful differentiating characters are in the color, shape of the abdomen, head, and total body length. Keys are provided to separate the eggs and nymphal instars of six of the nine members of the Triatoma oliveirai species complex.
Revision of the genus Macrostomus Wiedemann (Diptera: Empididae: Empidinae). I. The ferrugineus species-group
Authors: RAFAEL JOSÉ ALBERTINO , CUMMING JEFFREY M.
Published: July 2019

All species of Macrostomus Wiedemann allied with the type-species, Macrostomus ferrugineus (Fabricius), are treated in the ferrugineus species-group. Three currently recognized species and six new species are included, namely M. fuscithorax, n. sp. from Brazil (Amazonas state), M. fusciventris, n. sp. from Brazil (Amazonas and Acre states), M. melanothorax, n. sp. from Peru and Brazil (Amazonas state), M. ferrugineus (Fabricius), M. longipennis, n. sp. from Brazil (Amazonas state), M. flavus, n. sp. from Brazil (Roraima and Amazonas states), M. furcatus, n. sp. from Brazil (Amazonas and Acre states), M. fulvithorax (Curran) and M. occidentalis Rafael & Cumming. A key to species is presented.
Molecular phylogeny, classification, and biogeography of West Indian racer snakes of the Tribe Alsophiini (Squamata, Dipsadidae, Xenodontinae)
Authors: HEDGES S. BLAIR , COULOUX ARNAUD , VIDAL NICOLAS
Published: July 2019

Most West Indian snakes of the family Dipsadidae belong to the Subfamily Xenodontinae and Tribe Alsophiini. As recognized here, alsophiine snakes are exclusively West Indian and comprise 43 species distributed throughout the region. These snakes are slender and typically fast-moving (active foraging), diurnal species often called racers. For the last four decades, their classification into six genera was based on a study utilizing hemipenial and external morphology and which concluded that their biogeographic history involved multiple colonizations from the mainland. Although subsequent studies have mostly disagreed with that phylogeny and taxonomy, no major changes in the classification have been proposed until now. Here we present a DNA sequence analysis of five mitochondrial genes and one nuclear gene in 35 species and subspecies of alsophiines. Our results are more consistent with geography than previous classifications based on morphology, and support a reclassification of the species of alsophiines into seven named and three new genera: Alsophis Fitzinger (Lesser Antilles), Arrhyton Günther (Cuba), Borikenophis Hedges & Vidal gen. nov. (Puerto Rican Bank and nearby islands), Caraiba Zaher et al. (Cuba), Cubophis Hedges & Vidal gen. nov. (primarily Cuba but extending throughout the western Caribbean and Bahamas Bank), Haitiophis Hedges & Vidal gen. nov. (Hispaniola), Hypsirhynchus Günther (Hispaniola and Jamaica), Ialtris Cope (Hispaniola), Magliophis Zaher et al. (Puerto Rican Bank), and Uromacer Duméril & Bibron (Hispaniola). Several subspecies are recognized as full species. Three subtribes are recognized within the tribe Alsophiini Fitzinger: Alsophiina Fitzinger (for Alsophis, Borikenophis, Caraiba, Cubophis, Haitiophis, Hypsirhynchus, Ialtris, and Magliophis), Arrhytonina Hedges & Vidal subtribus nov. (for Arrhyton), and Uromacerina Hedges & Vidal subtribus nov. (for Uromacer). Divergence time estimates based on the molecular data indicate a relatively recent (~17–13 million years ago, Ma) origin for alsophiines. A single species apparently dispersed from South America, probably colonizing Hispaniola or Cuba and then later (13–0 Ma) there was dispersal to other islands and subsequent adaptive radiation, mostly in the Pliocene (5.3–1.8 Ma) and Pleistocene (1.8–0.01 Ma). More evidence will be needed to resolve all relationships among the genera and species groups and further details of their biogeographic history.
Two new species of Helobdella Blanchard 1896 (Hirudinida: Rhynchobdellida: Glossiphoniidae) from Taiwan, with a checklist of hirudinea fauna of the island
Authors: LAI YI-TE , CHANG CHIH-HAN , CHEN JIUN-HONG
Published: July 2019

In this study, two new species of Helobdella leeches, Helobdella octatestisaca n. sp. and Helobdella melananus n. sp., and a newly recorded species, Helobdella europaea, are reported. Morphological characters and DNA barcode analysis were used to identify the three new species. The differences between these species and other morphologically congeneric species were also compared. In addition, the potential ecological impact of these species was discussed and a checklist of the hirudinea fauna in Taiwan, including eight species in Family Glossiphoniidae, four in Hirudinidae, two in Haemopidae, two in Haemadipsidae, and two in Salifidae, was provided.
New Polygordiidae (Polychaeta) from the Australian region
Authors: AVERY LYNDA , RAMEY PATRICIA A. , WILSON ROBIN S.
Published: July 2019

The interstitial polychaete family Polygordiidae is recorded from Australia for the first time, based on two new species: Polygordius arafura sp. nov. from continental shelf depths in the Arafura Sea, northern Australia, and Polygordius kiarama sp. nov. from the continental shelf and slope off southeastern Australia. Polygordius kiarama sp. nov., found at slope depths up to 1650 m, is the deepest record to date for the family, which has previously been recorded from intertidal habitats, shallow coastal waters and continental shelf depths.
New records of water mites (Acari: Hydrachnidia) from Tasmania, with descriptions of three new species
Authors: PESIC VLADIMIR , SMIT HARRY
Published: July 2019

Three new water mite (Acari: Hydrachnidia) species are described from Tasmania, Tasmanobates separatus sp. nov., Procorticacarus karanovici sp. nov. and Guineaxonopsis tasmanica sp. nov. The material was collected in 2008 during a biological survey by Tom and Ivana Karanović (Hobart, Tasmania) from surface and interstitial waters of Tasmania. Moreover, a detailed description of Litarachna cf. amnicola Cook, 1986 is given.
Pseudobagrus fui Miao, a valid bagrid species from the Yangtze River drainage, South China (Teleostei: Bagridae)
Authors: CHENG JIAN-LI , LÓPEZ J. ANDRÉS , ZHANG E
Published: July 2019

Pseudobagrus fui Miao is a valid bagrid species that can be separated from all its congeners in having 27–33 anal-fin rays. Among the species of Pseudobagrus, it forms part of a group of approximately 20 species putatively characterized by having a smooth anterior margin of the pectoral-fin spine and short maxillary barbels not extending to the base of the pectoral-fin spine. Pseudobagrus fui, together with P. nitidus and P. vachelli, can be differentiated from all other forktailed species of this group by having no fewer than 20 branched anal-fin rays, the posterior end of the anal-fin base posterior to the vertical through the posterior end of the adipose-fin base, and anal-fin base longer than the adipose-fin base. It further differs from P. nitidus in having a gas bladder without beaded lateral and posterior margins, and from P. vachelli in having short maxillary barbels not extending to the base of the pectoral-fin spine. Pseudobagrus fui is currently known from the main stream of the upper Yangtze River and its tributaries, the Min River, Jialing River, Tuo River, Wu River and Chishui River in Sichuan Province, Guizhou Province, and the Chongqing City. The identity and nomenclature of Pseudobagrus nitidus is also discussed.
A new polyploid species of Pleurodema (Anura: Leiuperidae) from Sierra de Comechingones, Córdoba, Argentina and redescription of Pleurodema kriegi (Müller, 1926)
Authors: VALETTI JULIÁN A. , SALAS NANCY E. , MARTINO ADOLFO L.
Published: July 2019

We describe a new anuran species of the genus Pleurodema from Sierra de Comechingones, Córdoba province, Argentina and redescribe Pleurodema kriegi with designation of neotype. The new species has lumbar glands and according to its external morphology is cryptic with Pleurodema kriegi. Morphometry, bioacoustics, erythrometry and cytogenetics have allowed differentiating the new species from Pleurodema kriegi. The new species, Pleurodema cordobae, is the single species of its genus with an octoploid chromosomic complement. Its distribution is only known from type locality and two temporary ponds located 5 kilometers away from the former.
A new flat mite genus, Acaricis (Prostigmata: Tenuipalpidae), from Australian sedges (Cyperaceae)
Authors: BEARD J. J. , GERSON U.
Published: July 2019

We describe two new species of false spider mite in a new genus, Acaricis gen. nov., collected from native Australian sedges (Cyperaceae). The new genus shares morphological characters with the genera Tenuipalpus Donnadieu and Prolixus Beard, Fan & Walter. All three genera have dorsal opisthosomal seta h2 long and attenuate. Acaricis shares the presence of a rostral shield with Tenuipalpus; and shares with Prolixus an elongate body shape, absence of dorsal seta c1, genua I with two setae, nude genua IV, and setae g1 being inserted anterior to g2. Acaricis differs from both genera in having four palpal segments, as opposed to one to three.
Systematics, morphology and ecology of rails (Aves: Rallidae) of the Mascarene Islands, with one new species
Authors: HUME JULIAN PENDER
Published: July 2019

Five species in five genera of extinct endemic rails have been described from the Mascarene Islands of Mauritius, Réunion and Rodrigues: the Mauritian Red Rail or Poule Rouge Aphanapteryx bonasia; Mascarene Coot or Poule d’eau Fulica newtonii; which occurred on Mauritius and Réunion; Réunion Wood Rail Dryolimnas augusti; Réunion Gallinule or Oiseaux bleu ‘Porphyrio caerulescens’; and Rodrigues or Leguat’s Rail Erythromachus leguati. All are known from fossil remains and/or from contemporary accounts and illustrations. A sixth species of rail Dryolimnas sp. nov. is described herein from fossils from Mauritius, but was not unequivocally previously reported in the contemporary literature. This paper provides an analysis of the Rallidae of the Mascarene Islands based on existing and newly discovered fossil remains, and details historical reports and accounts. Comprehensive osteological descriptions and synonymies are also included. Their ecology and extinction chronologies are interpreted from historical ev­idence. The relationships of Aphanapteryx and Erythromachus are unresolved, having clearly been isolated for a considerable time; the middle Miocene is the earliest their ancestors could have arrived on the Mascarenes, but this may have happened more recently. Mascarene derivatives of Fulica, Porphyrio and Dryolimnas are of much more recent origin, and appear to have originated in Africa or Madagascar. All terrestrial rails on Mauritius, Réunion and Rodrigues, were probable victims of cat predation following their historic introduction to the islands, whereas over-hunting by humans was probably the primary cause of extinction of ‘Porphyrio caerulescens’ on Réunion. The only extant rail on the Mascarenes today, the Madagascar race of Eurasian Moorhen Gallinula chloropus pyrrhorrhoa, is a recent arrival, having colonised Mauritius and Réunion after the extinction of Fulica newtonii.
Austrocnephia, new genus, for five species of ‘Paracnephia’ (Diptera: Simuliidae), with a key to Australian black fly genera
Authors: CRAIG DOUGLAS A. , CURRIE DOUGLAS C. , GIL-AZEVEDO LEONARDO H. , MOULTON JOHN K.
Published: July 2019

A segregate of the so-called Australian ‘Paracnephia’ (Diptera: Simuliidae) is assigned to a new genus, Austrocnephia. The taxon is fully diagnosed and a key to constituent species presented. Two species-groups are recognized: the aurantiaca species-group, comprised of A. aurantiaca (Tonnoir 1925) and A. strenua (Mackerras & Mackerras 1950), and the tonnoiri species-group, comprised of A. fuscoflava (Mackerras & Mackerras 1948), A. orientalis (Mackerras & Mackerras 1950) and A. tonnoiri (Drummond 1931). Both species-groups are diagnosed and the included species fully redescribed. Detailed locality data is given, as is information about biology, when known. Brief comments are offered about the historical biogeography of Austrocnephia. A key to Australian simuliid genera is also provided.