bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quasigeostrophic Equations for Fractional Powers of Infinitesimal Generators
Authors: Abadias Luciano , Miana Pedro J.
Published: February 2019

In this paper we treat the following partial differential equation, the quasigeostrophic equation: ∂/∂t+u·∇f=-σ-Aαf,  0≤α≤1, where (A,D(A)) is the infinitesimal generator of a convolution C0-semigroup of positive kernel on Lp(Rn), with 1≤p<∞. Firstly, we give remarkable pointwise and integral inequalities involving the fractional powers (-A)α for 0≤α≤1. We use these estimates to obtain Lp-decayment of solutions of the above quasigeostrophic equation. These results extend the case of fractional derivatives (taking A=Δ, the Laplacian), which has been studied in the literature.
Evaluation of a Rapid Kit for Detection of IgM against Leptospira in Human
Authors: Rao Mohan , Amran Fairuz , Aqilla Nadia
Published: February 2019

Introduction. Leptospirosis is an acute febrile illness, known for its protean clinical manifestations and the challenge in differentiating from other infectious diseases. Standardized confirmatory test is antibody dependent and not accessible by the suburban community. This study measures efficiency of an immune-chromatographic assay, Leptocheck WB, in detecting acute leptospirosis. Methods. A total of 142 sera were used for kit evaluation. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated by comparing rapid kit results with gold standard laboratory, microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Results. We found this rapid kit to have a sensitivity and specificity of 66.6% and 78.9%, respectively, whereas the PPV and NPV of the kit appeared to be 73.3% and 73.2%, respectively. Discussion. Test efficiency of this rapid kit is reasonable. It is specific in detecting leptospiral antibody and assures clinician of accurate diagnosis by having higher PPV and NPV. It is prompt and efficient in comparison with conventional methods in assisting differential diagnosis. High sensitivity and specificity leptospirosis rapid test is indeed a crucial measure to assist the diagnosis of acute undifferentiated febrile illnesses.
Adult Cardiac Stem Cell Aging: A Reversible Stochastic Phenomenon?
Authors: Cianflone Eleonora , Torella Michele , Chimenti Cristina , De Angelis Antonella , Beltrami Antonio P. , Urbanek Konrad , Rota Marcello , Torella Daniele
Published: February 2019

Aging is by far the dominant risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases, whose prevalence dramatically increases with increasing age reaching epidemic proportions. In the elderly, pathologic cellular and molecular changes in cardiac tissue homeostasis and response to injury result in progressive deteriorations in the structure and function of the heart. Although the phenotypes of cardiac aging have been the subject of intense study, the recent discovery that cardiac homeostasis during mammalian lifespan is maintained and regulated by regenerative events associated with endogenous cardiac stem cell (CSC) activation has produced a crucial reconsideration of the biology of the adult and aged mammalian myocardium. The classical notion of the adult heart as a static organ, in terms of cell turnover and renewal, has now been replaced by a dynamic model in which cardiac cells continuously die and are then replaced by CSC progeny differentiation. However, CSCs are not immortal. They undergo cellular senescence characterized by increased ROS production and oxidative stress and loss of telomere/telomerase integrity in response to a variety of physiological and pathological demands with aging. Nevertheless, the old myocardium preserves an endogenous functionally competent CSC cohort which appears to be resistant to the senescent phenotype occurring with aging. The latter envisions the phenomenon of CSC ageing as a result of a stochastic and therefore reversible cell autonomous process. However, CSC aging could be a programmed cell cycle-dependent process, which affects all or most of the endogenous CSC population. The latter would infer that the loss of CSC regenerative capacity with aging is an inevitable phenomenon that cannot be rescued by stimulating their growth, which would only speed their progressive exhaustion. The resolution of these two biological views will be crucial to design and develop effective CSC-based interventions to counteract cardiac aging not only improving health span of the elderly but also extending lifespan by delaying cardiovascular disease-related deaths.
Uniform Asymptotics for a Delay‐Claims Risk Model with Constant Force of Interest and By‐Claims Arriving according to a Counting Process
Authors: Gao Qingwu , Liu Xijun
Published: February 2019

The insurance risk model involving main claims and by‐claims has been traditionally studied under the assumption that every main claim may be accompanied with a by‐claim occurring after a period of delay, but in reality each main claim can cause many by‐claims arriving according to a counting process. To this end, we construct a new insurance risk model that is also perturbed by diffusion with constant force of interest. In the presence of heavy tails and dependence structures among modelling components, we obtain some asymptotic results for the finite‐time ruin probability and the tail probability of discounted aggregate claims, where the results hold uniformly for all times in a finite or infinite interval.
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection Demonstrates Higher Replicative Capacity and Decreased Antiviral Response in the First-Trimester Placenta
Authors: Enninga Elizabeth Ann L. , Theiler Regan N.
Published: February 2019

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a rodent disease that can be transmitted to humans. A majority of persons infected with LCMV have only minor symptoms; however, it can cross the placental barrier during pregnancy and cause congenital defects in the fetus. Some viral infections early in gestation are hypothesized to lead to worse outcomes compared to those acquired during late gestation; however, LCMV has not been studied in this context. In the present study, differences in immunomodulation between the first- and third-trimester placental explants infected with LCMV were measured. LCMV replication was observed in the first-trimester chorionic villi, but not in term. The term placenta exhibited a robust innate immune response to infection by LCMV, marked by induction of ifn-α, il-6, and tnf-α gene expression which was not seen in the first-trimester explants. Cytokine secretion was also only seen in term explants. The results indicate that the first-trimester and term placentas differ in their permissiveness for LCMV infection, inversely correlating with the innate antiviral responses. This has implications for developing effective mechanisms that protect the fetus from infection based on stage of development.
On a New Characterization of Some Class Nonlinear Eigenvalue Problem
Authors: Akin Lutfi
Published: February 2019

A normal mode analysis of a vibrating mechanical or electrical system gives rise to an eigenvalue problem. Faber made a fairly complete study of the existence and asymptotic behavior of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions, Green’s function, and expansion properties. We will investigate a new characterization of some class nonlinear eigenvalue problem.
Association between Pretreatment Serum Uric Acid Levels and Progression of Newly Diagnosed Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Li Shengjie , Shao Mingxi , Cao Wenjun , Sun Xinghuai
Published: February 2019

Purpose. Increased evidence reveals that uric acid (UA) may have an important neuroprotective effect through its antioxidant properties. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between pretreatment serum UA levels and the progression of newly diagnosed primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Methods. This prospective observational cohort study included 64 patients with newly diagnosed PACG who were followed up for a mean period of 12.77 months (range: 3–28 months). All subjects underwent a complete ophthalmological examination during the baseline and final follow-up visits, together with the acquisition of blood samples for UA measurements. During the follow-up period, the progression of PACG was defined as a clinical diagnosis of medically uncontrolled intraocular pressure and a loss of visual field with a mean deviation of >1 dB/year. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were used to investigate the association between baseline serum UA levels and the progression of PACG. The cumulative probability of progression of glaucoma was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results. During follow-up, 32 subjects were defined as progressive PACG, among whom baseline UA values were significantly higher in nonprogressing subjects than in progressing subjects (0.314±0.069 mmol/l versus [vs.] 0.258±0.069 mmol/l, respectively; P=0.002). Similar results were also observed in male and female subgroups (P<0.05). In a multivariable model, a decreased baseline serum UA level was associated with an increased risk for progressing PACG: both in male (hazard ratio [HR] 6.088 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.163–31.8638]; P=0.032) and female subjects (HR 3.565 [95% CI 1.131–11.236]; P=0.030). Subjects with high UA levels demonstrated higher cumulative probabilities of nonprogressing PACG than those with low UA levels (male [16.67% vs. 80.00%; P=0.0084] and female [29.41% vs. 68.00%; P=0.0182]). Conclusion. An association between high baseline serum UA levels and a decreased risk for progressing PACG was found. This primary finding suggests that high serum UA levels may have a protective role against PACG and could slow disease progression.
Cellulase-Assisted Extraction, Characterization, and Bioactivity against Rheumatoid Arthritis of Astragalus Polysaccharides
Authors: Cao Ling , Yu Mi , Wang Chonghui , Bao Yunhui , Zhang Minghui , He Ping , Zhang Yan , Yang Tingting , Li Lulu , Li Gang , Gong Yun
Published: February 2019

This study investigated the effect of cellulase on the isolation of crude Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), analyzed the monosaccharide component of deproteinized APS, detected the molecular weights of purified APS, and examined the biological activities and the preliminary mechanism against rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Compared with water extraction method, cellulase-assisted extraction increased the yield of crude APS to 154% and polysaccharide contents to 121%. Crude APS was then purified by ethanol precipitation, Sevag deproteinization, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis; monosaccharide contents of APS were different after cellulase-assisted method, especially galacturonic acid content which significantly increased. DEAE-52 cellulose column chromatography isolated three polysaccharide fractions, including a neutral polysaccharide (APS-water) and two acidic polysaccharides (APS-NaCl1 and APS-NaCl2). Using high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), the molecular weights of APS-water, APS-NaCl1, and APS-NaCl2 were identified as 67.7 kDa, 234.1 kDa, and 189.4 kDa, respectively. Then their therapeutic effects and possible mechanism against RA were explored using type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model. APS could significantly reduce paw swelling, serum concentration of IL-1β and TNF-α, and the expression levels of NF-κB-p65 and IκBα in synovial membranes in CIA rats. Our study indicated that cellulase significantly increases the yield and polysaccharide contents of crude APS, improves the product quality, and preserves the biological features against RA in CIA rats.
Assessment of Energy Production in the Deep Carbonate Geothermal Reservoir by Wellbore-Reservoir Integrated Fluid and Heat Transport Modeling
Authors: Li Fengyu , Xu Tianfu , Li Shengtao , Feng Bo , Jia Xiaofeng , Feng Guanhong , Zhu Huixing , Jiang Zhenjiao
Published: February 2019

Geothermal energy is clean and independent to the weather and seasonal changes. In China, the huge demanding of clean energy requires the geothermal energy exploitation in the reservoir with depth larger than 1000 m. Before the exploitation, it is necessary to estimate the potential geothermal energy production from deep reservoirs by numerical modeling, which provides an efficient tool for testing alternative scenarios of exploitation. We here numerically assess the energy production in a liquid-dominated middle-temperature geothermal reservoir in the city of Tianjin, China, where the heat and fluid transport in the heterogeneous reservoir and deep wellbores are calculated. It is concluded that the optimal injection/production rate of the typical geothermal doublet well system is 450 m3/h, with the distance between geothermal doublet wells of 850 m. The outflow temperature and heat extraction rate can reach 112°C and 43.5 MW, respectively. Through decreasing injection/production rate lower than 450 m3/h and optimizing layout of the injection well and production well (avoiding the high permeability zone at the interwell sector), the risk of heat breakthrough can be reduced. If the low permeability zone in the reservoir is around injection well, it usually leads to abnormal high wellhead pressure, which may be solved by stimulation technique to realize stable operation. The methodology employed in this paper can be a reference for a double-well exploitation project with similar conditions.
Extract of Rhus verniciflua Stokes Induces p53-Mediated Apoptosis in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Kim Min Sung , Lee Chul Won , Kim Jung-Hoon , Lee Jang-Cheon , An Won Gun
Published: February 2019

Rhus verniciflua Stokes has long been used as a food supplement and traditional herbal medicine for various ailments in East Asia. We evaluated the anticancer effects of Rhus verniciflua Stokes extract (RVSE) on MCF-7 cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, flow cytometry, annexin V/7-AAD staining, and western blotting. In addition, the gallic acid content of RVSE was assayed using high-performance liquid chromatography. RVSE inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner by inducing apoptosis in the sub-G1 phase. RVSE also significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells and increased the expression of p53 and p21 in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, RVSE treatment increased the Bax:Bcl-2 ratio and the levels of apoptosis-related factors, such as cleaved caspase-3 and -9 and PARP, in MCF-7 cells. Our findings suggest that the proapoptotic effect of RVSE on MCF-7 cells is mediated by p53, p21, and the intrinsic mitochondrial cascade. Thus, RVSE shows promise for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.
A Computational Investigation of the Binding of the Selenium Analogues of Ergothioneine and Ovothiol to Cu(I) and Cu(II) and the Effect of Binding on the Redox Potential of the Cu(II)/Cu(I) Redox Couple
Authors: Wiebe Jacqueline , Zaliskyy Vasyl , Bushnell Eric A. C.
Published: February 2019

The complexes formed from the binding of ovoselenol (OSeH) and ergoseloneine (ESeH) to Cu(II) and Cu(I) have been investigated with DFT methods. From the calculated thermodynamics, the binding of OSeH and ESeH to Cu(II) and Cu(I) ions increases the reduction potential for the Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox couple. The calculated reduction potentials for the Cu(II)(OSe)2/Cu(I)(OSeH)3+ and Cu(II)(ESe)2/Cu(I)(ESeH)3+ redox couples were found to be 1.15 V and 1.24 V in a dilute aqueous solution. By combining the half reactions for the oxidation of OSeH to the diselenide OSeSeO with the reduction of Cu(II)(OSe)2 to Cu(I)(OSeH)3+, the calculated EMF was 0.90 V. For the oxidation of ESeH to the diselenide ESeSeE with the concomitant reduction of Cu(II)(ESe)2 to Cu(I)(ESeH)3+, the calculated EMF was 0.67 V. Thus, for both systems, the reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) with concomitant formation of either diselenide is thermodynamically favourable, and it is expected that both OSeH and ESeH are suitable for the protection against copper induced oxidative damage. As a result, the inhibition of the recycling of Cu(I) to Cu(II) is thermodynamically favourable in the presence of OSeH and ESeH.
Multicriteria Evaluation of the Emotional Intelligence of Small Retail E‐Commerce Network Firms
Authors: Li Jianfeng , Feng Linhui , Zhai Jun
Published: February 2019

The electronic commerce (e‐commerce) market is experiencing explosive growth. Millions of retail network firms compete in the virtual e‐commerce market. A key aspect of online trading is emotional intelligence: these retail firms adopt emotional tactics to attract and retain customers. This article evaluates the emotional intelligence of small retail e‐commerce network firms. By analyzing the emotional information transmitting process, we propose a framework to measure virtual emotional intelligence abilities in e‐commerce. Based on that framework, we adopt the ELECTRE III multicriteria evaluation method to evaluate the emotional intelligence of some small retail network firms on the TAOBAO e‐commerce website. The results show that a correlation exists between emotional intelligence and sales in a network environment. Thus, improving virtual emotional intelligence abilities is important for retail network firms to increase customers’ satisfaction, gain competitive advantage, and promote their sales in the current information society.
Similar Material Simulation Study on Protection Effect of Steeply Inclined Upper Protective Layer Mining with Varying Interlayer Distances
Authors: Yuan Zhigang , Shao Yaohua , Zhu Zhuohui
Published: February 2019

Protective layer mining, as a dominating regional prevention measure, is generally adopted to prevent and control gas disasters in highly gassy or outburst mines of China. Interlayer distance is one of the most important factors that influences protection effect. However, how does interlayer distance affect the protection effect of steeply inclined upper protective layer mining is not understood fully. According to the engineering practice in Nantong mining district, a new method for similar material simulation experiment of steeply inclined upper protective layer mining is proposed, in which an orthogonal test of similar materials comprising of sand, cement (containing gypsum and fly ash), and water mixture is conducted to obtain relations between proportioning parameters and mechanical properties using a multiple regression method. And then the method is applied to study the protection effect of steeply inclined upper protective layer mining with varying interlayer distances. The results show the following. (1) The proportioning parameters of similar material have strong linear relations with its mechanical properties, and mechanical behaviors of such similar material denote that it can simulate most coal‐rock lithologies in coal mine. (2) Both pressure‐relief curves and swelling strain curves for protected layer present convex shapes; protection angles at lower excavation boundary are greater than those of upper excavation boundary; with the increase of interlayer distance, the pressure‐relief curve evolves from pattern “∩” to pattern “∧” and corresponding pressure‐relief region becomes narrower, the center of pressure‐relief region tends to transfer to the corresponding center of upper protective layer excavation region, the stress concentration coefficient decreases, the protection angles change little, and the length of the protection region reduces dramatically. (3) The protection region and protection angle calculated based on swelling strain of 3‰ are less than the empirical values based on the dip angle in Provisions, denoting that the method proposed in this study is safer than that in Provisions. The research results provide a useful guide for layouts of roadway and gas drainage boreholes to prevent gas disaster in Nantong coal mine district.
Selective MMP Inhibition, Using AZD3342, to Reduce Gastrointestinal Toxicity and Enhance Chemoefficacy in a Rat Model
Authors: Gibson Rachel J.  , van Sebille Ysabella Z.A. , Wardill Hannah R. , Wignall Anthony , Shirren Joseph , Ball Imogen A. , Williams Nicole , Wanner Kiara , Bowen Joanne M.
Published: February 2019

Background: The common cytotoxic mechanisms that underpin chemoefficacy and toxicity have hampered efforts to deliver effective supportive care interventions, particularly for gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in both tumor growth and GI toxicity, and as such MMP inhibitors present as a novel therapeutic avenue to simultaneously enhance treatment efficacy and reduce toxicity. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of an MMP-9/12 inhibitor, AZD3342, on tumor growth and GI toxicity in a rat model. Methods: Female tumor-bearing Dark Agouti rats (n = 90) were divided into 4 groups: vehicle control; methotrexate (MTX); AZD3342, and MTX + AZD3342. Tumors were measured daily (for 5 days) using digital calipers. GI toxicity was assessed using well-established clinical markers (diarrhea/weight loss), histopathological analysis, and functional assessment of intestinal barrier permeability. Results: AZD3342 delayed the onset of severe diarrhea by 1 day (vs. MTX) but was unable to improve the overall severity of diarrhea. No changes were detected in tissue morphology or intestinal barrier function. AZD3342 alone suppressed tumor growth (p = 0.003 vs. vehicle) but did not enhance the efficacy of MTX. Conclusions: This study showed partial efficacy of AZD3342 in reducing tumor growth and delaying the onset of severe diarrhea caused by MTX in rats. We suggest further studies be undertaken targeting appropriate scheduling of AZD3342 as well as investigating different cytotoxic therapies that strongly activate MMP signaling.
Reprocessing of Single-Use Medical Devices: Clinical and Financial Results
Authors: de Sousa Martins Bruno , Queiroz e Melo João , Logarinho Monteiro João , Rente Graça , Teixeira Bastos Pedro
Published: February 2019

Introduction: Excellent results regarding clinical efficacy and cost reduction are achieved by using certified reprocessed single-use medical devices (SUMDs). This explains why this practice is common in most hospitals across the USA and Germany. However, this is not a common practice at a national level and there are no reports regarding its use in Portugal. We present our experience using these methods at Centro Hospitalar de São João (CHSJ) in Porto. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical results and the financial impact of the use of 2 SUMDs, original and reprocessed, namely the linear suture machine GIA CovidienTM and Harmonic ACE® scissors. Method: A group of 733 patients operated in 2014 was evaluated. Of these patients, 316 were operated on with reprocessed SUMDs and 417 with original SUMDs. Variables referring to the clinical and financial results were analyzed through clinical and management information provided by Unidade de Gestão Autónoma de Cirurgia. A comparison between groups was performed using the χ2 test and the Mann-Whitney test. Results: Indicators related to clinical efficacy show that the use of these SUMDs, professionally reprocessed, did not represent any added risk in comparison to the use of original devices. Regarding costs, there is a very significant difference between the use of a new medical device and that of a reprocessed one. In the case of the Harmonic ACE® scissors and of the linear suture machine GIA CovidienTM, savings were up to 50% per device. Conclusion: This study, the first in Portugal, confirms the economic advantages of reprocessing these 2 devices. The financial benefit was obtained with maintenance of the same clinical results as the ones achieved using original devices. These results are in line with the published literature, proving the validity of using SUMDs after professionally certified reprocessing.
Single-Dose Linaclotide Is Equal in Efficacy to Polyethylene Glycol for Bowel Preparation Prior to Capsule Endoscopy
Authors: Stein Daniel J. , Copland Andrew , McDaniel Deborah , Hays R. Ann
Published: February 2019

Background: Video capsule endoscopy provides noninvasive visualization of the small bowel, but yield is often limited by debris. At our institution, preparation with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and simethicone is used to improve visualization. Aims: We hypothesized that linaclotide and simethicone would yield equal to better results. Methods: We enrolled 29 subjects for the experimental regimen of linaclotide and simethicone. We maintained standard NPO status, clear liquid period, and simethicone dose. Subjects received 290 μg of linaclotide 1 h prior to capsule. We randomly selected 30 historical PEG controls. Two blinded gastroenterologists graded visualization as ideal/excellent, good, fair, or poor and measured small bowel transit time. Results: Thirteen men and 16 women were enrolled with an average age of 61. There was no significant difference in exam quality between linaclotide and control. Preparation was rated as ideal/excellent or good in 19 of 28 of linaclotide and 18 of 28 PEG subjects when recorder entered the small bowel (p = 0.78, chi-square). Median small bowel transit was 192 min (linaclotide) versus 202 min (PEG), respectively (p = 0.93, t test). Three studies (1 linaclotide and 2 PEG) failed to leave the stomach; 1 linaclotide subject had recorder failure. Diagnostic yield was similar (18/29 for linaclotide and 16/30 for PEG, p = 0.50, chi-square). There were no serious side effects. No differences in age, sex, BMI, or frequency of diabetes, GERD, or gastroparesis were measured between the groups. Conclusions: Single-dose linaclotide 1 h before capsule endoscopy was equally effective when compared to PEG in terms of visualization and transit time. This trial was registered at ClincialTrials.gov, number NCT02465385.
Pediatric Traumatic Pneumorrhachis: Case Report
Authors: Bilgin Emre , Ökten Ali İhsan , Çavuş Gökhan , Açık Vedat , Arslan Ali , Olguner Semih Kıvanç , Gezercan Yurdal , İştemen İsmail
Published: February 2019

The existence of air in the spinal canal is referred to as pneumorrhachis. It is classified as extradural (epidural) or intradural (subdural or subarachnoid) according to the location where it is found. Nontraumatic, traumatic, and iatrogenic causes have been attributed to its occurrence. Traumatic pneumorrhachis is very rare and rarely seen in children. In our article, a 16-year-old male child in which air formation within the spinal canal was detected after an injury by a penetrating and cutting (knife) tool is discussed. Observing air within the spinal canal due to traumatic causes is an important situation rarely seen in the pediatric age group. In general, this situation, which can be seen after multiple trauma, may be encountered following a minor trauma. The correct assessment of the radiologic imaging methods ensures not to miss the manifestation of the disease.
Decreased Na+/K+-ATPase Activity and Altered Susceptibility to Peroxidation and Lipid Composition in the Erythrocytes of Metabolic Syndrome Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Namazi Gholamreza , Asa Parastoo , Sarrafzadegan Nizal , Pourfarzam Morteza
Published: February 2019

Background: The increased generation of reactive oxygen species that occurs in the case of a metabolic syndrome (MetS) may be responsible for the increased oxidative injury to erythrocyte membranes in coronary artery disease (CAD). Therefore, we studied the effects of MetS on both indexes of oxidative damage and biochemical properties of erythrocyte membranes in CAD patients. Methods: We analyzed the markers of oxidative stress, Na+/K+-ATPase activity, total cholesterol content of erythrocyte membranes (CEM), and fatty acid compositions of the erythrocyte membrane in 82 patients with stable CAD and 39 non-CAD subjects. Results: The CAD patients had higher levels of CEM, membrane lipid peroxidation, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and Na+/K+-ATPase activity compared with non-CAD subjects. The Na+/K+-ATPase activity was correlated negatively with membrane lipid peroxidation, and positively with the CEM. In CAD patients with MetS compared with those without MetS, we found that the membrane lipid peroxidation and CEM were increased, whereas the n-3 fatty acids content, SOD activity, Na+/K+-ATPase activity were decreased. Conclusion: These findings suggest an impairment of erythrocyte membrane biochemical properties in stable CAD patients as a consequence of oxidative injury that may contribute to the development of CAD. In addition, MetS may be related to increased oxidative injury to erythrocyte membranes.
Immunotherapy in Esophagogastric Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Stein Alexander , Thuss-Patience Peter
Published: February 2019

Immunotherapy, particular PD-1/L1 inhibition, is a relevant treatment approach in esophagogastric adenocarcinoma. To date, single-agent activity is limited to the chemotherapy refractory setting and molecularly defined subgroups. Currently, ongoing trials, which are likely to relevantly change the landscape of treatment for this disease in the next years, evaluate different combination approaches with chemotherapy and/or molecular targeted agents in different disease settings. The German AIO study group has launched several combination trials in the perioperative, first-line, and advanced disease setting to further define the role of immunotherapy in esophagogastric adenocarcinoma.
The Emerging Role of Chromatin Remodeling Factors in Female Pubertal Development
Authors: Aylwin Carlos Francisco , Vigh-Conrad Katinka , Lomniczi Alejandro
Published: February 2019

To attain sexual competence, all mammalian species go through puberty, a maturational period during which body growth and development of secondary sexual characteristics occur. Puberty begins when the diurnal pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release from the hypothalamus increases for a prolonged period of time, driving the adenohypophysis to increase the pulsatile release of luteinizing hormone with diurnal periodicity. Increased pubertal GnRH secretion does not appear to be driven by inherent changes in GnRH neuronal activity; rather, it is induced by changes in transsynaptic and glial inputs to GnRH neurons. We now know that these changes involve a reduction in inhibitory transsynaptic inputs combined with increased transsynaptic and glial excitatory inputs to the GnRH neuronal network. Although the pubertal process is known to have a strong genetic component, during the last several years, epigenetics has been implicated as a significant regulatory mechanism through which GnRH release is first repressed before puberty and is involved later on during the increase in GnRH secretion that brings about the pubertal process. According to this concept, a central target of epigenetic regulation is the transcriptional machinery of neurons implicated in stimulating GnRH release. Here, we will briefly review the hormonal changes associated with the advent of female puberty and the role that excitatory transsynaptic inputs have in this process. In addition, we will examine the 3 major groups of epigenetic modifying enzymes expressed in the neuroendocrine hypothalamus, which was recently shown to be involved in pubertal development and progression.
Haptoglobin Phenotype Is Associated With High-Density Lipoprotein–Bound Hemoglobin Content and Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients With Mild Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Asleh Rabea , Levy Andrew P. , Levy Nina S. , Asleh Ayat , Goldenstein Hagit , Segol Inbar , Gulati Rajiv , Lerman Lilach O. , Lerman Amir
Published: February 2019

Objective—

Coronary endothelial dysfunction (ED) is an early stage of atherosclerosis and is associated with impaired high-density lipoprotein (HDL) function. A functional polymorphism at the haptoglobin (Hp) gene locus (rs72294371) has been associated with marked differences in HDL structure and function. We sought to determine whether Hp phenotype was associated with coronary ED and whether the amount of hemoglobin (Hb) tethered to HDL via Hp was Hp-type dependent and associated with ED.

Approach and Results—

Microvascular and epicardial coronary endothelial function was assessed in 338 individuals with nonobstructive coronary artery disease. Microvascular ED was defined as <50% change in coronary blood flow and epicardial ED as ≥20% decrease in coronary artery diameter after intracoronary acetylcholine infusion. The amount of Hb bound to HDL was measured by ELISA after HDL purification from plasma samples using immune-affinity chromatography. One hundred and seventy of the individuals in this study (50.3%) were diagnosed with microvascular ED, 143 (42.3%) with epicardial ED, and 67 (19.7%) had diabetes mellitus (DM). Hp phenotype was significantly associated with microvascular (
P
=0.01) and epicardial ED (
P
=0.04) among DM individuals. There was a significant and inverse correlation between the amount of HDL-bound Hb and change in coronary blood flow (r=−0.40;
P
<0.0001) and in coronary artery diameter (r=−0.44;
P
<0.0001) in response to acetylcholine infusion. Hb content of HDL was significantly increased in individuals with Hp 2-2 and DM. In a logistic regression model, Hp 2-2 phenotype was associated with microvascular ED (odds ratio, 1.9;
P
=0.03) and the amount of HDL-bound Hb was an independent predictor of both microvascular (odds ratio, 4.6 for each 1-SD increase;
P
<0.0001) and epicardial (odds ratio, 2.2;
P
<0.0001) ED.

Conclusions—

Hp phenotype is significantly associated with coronary ED in DM individuals. This association is likely related to increased Hb tethering to HDL via Hp 2-2 in DM.
Carl—the accidental nomenclaturalist
Authors: HEINRICHS JOCHEN , HAGBORG ANDERS , SÖDERSTRÖM LARS
Published: February 2019

Eleven Plagiochila species previously regarded as invalid names turns out to be validly published by Helmut Carl ahead of their formal publication by Theodor Herzog. We identify them here and argue that Carl should be credited as the author of these taxa.
Frullania grabenhorstii sp. nov., a fossil liverwort (Jungermanniopsida: Frullaniaceae) with perianth from Bitterfeld amber
Authors: FELDBERG KATHRIN , MÜLLER ALINA S. , SCHÄFER-VERWIMP ALFONS , VON KONRAT MATT , SCHMIDT ALEXANDER R. , HEINRICHS JOCHEN
Published: February 2019

Frullaniaceae are the most diverse family of leafy liverworts preserved in amber and are known from several deposits dating from the Miocene to the Early Cretaceous. In the fossil record, Frullania is represented by 15 species as well as the extinct genera Pseudofrullania, Protofrullania and Kaolakia. Here, we describe another species of Frullania from Bitterfeld amber (Germany) as Frullania grabenhorstii sp. nov. A combination of characters associated with the leaf lobe, leaf lobule, underleaf, branching patterns, and perianth distinguishes it from all other known extant and extinct taxa. Many characters of the new fossil are shared with F. subg. Frullania sect. Australes, especially the morphologically similar extant species F. incumbens and F. subincumbens-both of Australasia. Another similar species, Fullania densiloba, occurs in Japan. These distribution patterns reinforce previously described affinities of the Baltic and Bitterfeld bryophyte floras to the extant flora of Asia and Australasia. This pattern has been found in several taxa, e.g., Notoscyphus, Nipponolejeunea, and Metacalypogeia. The new fossil is compared with other species from Bitterfeld, Baltic, and Rovno amber, which show significant morphological differences. In addition to the description, we provide an overview of the family Frullaniaceae in different amber deposits.
Typification of the name Hypochaeris facchiniana Ambrosi (Asteraceae)
Authors: ORSENIGO SIMONE , GALASSO GABRIELE , BONOMI COSTANTINO
Published: February 2019

The present contribution is related to the project “Italian loci classici census”, promoted by the Italian Botanical Society and aimed at typifying all the names of the taxa described from Italy and at increasing their systematic knowledge (Domina et al. 2012, Passalacqua et al. 2014, Peruzzi et al. 2015, Brundu et al. 2017).
Redefinition of the vittata species group of Epicauta Dejean (1834) (Coleoptera: Meloidae) and taxonomic revision of the species from southern South America
Authors: CAMPOS-SOLDINI MARÍA PAULA , ROIG-JUÑENT SERGIO ALBERTO
Published: February 2019

The Epicauta vittata group are commonly known as striped blister beetles and was defined by previous authors to include 32 species, 18 from North America, Central America and northern South America, and 14 from southern South America. In the present revision we revised 22 species from South America, excluding the following southern South American species: E. borgmeieri Denier, 1935; E. floydwerneri Martínez, 1955; E. franciscana Denier, 1935; E. fulginosa (Oliver, 1795); E. purpureiceps (Berg, 1889); E. rutilifrons Borchmann, 1930; and E. zebra (Dohrn, 1876) because they do not have the diagnostic characters of the group. The species of the E. vittata group from southern South America are: E. bosqi Denier, 1935; E. clericalis (Berg, 1881); E. grammica (Fischer, 1827); E. leopardina (Haag-Rutemberg, 1880); E. luteolineata Pic, 1933; E. missionum (Berg, 1881); E. monachica (Berg, 1883); E. rutilifrons Borchmann, 1930; plus two more species E. excavata (Klug, 1825); and E. semivittata (Fairmaire, 1875) until now not included in other groups. We provide a complete diagnosis of the E. vittata group from southern South America, redescribing and illustrating all included species. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of female and male genitalia are presented for the first time for these species. Finally, we provide an identification key for the ten species presently included in the E. vittata group, and update the geographic distribution of each species.
Histerid beetles of French Guiana. V. Revision of the genus Ebonius Lewis (Coleoptera, Histeridae, Omalodini)
Authors: DEGALLIER NICOLAS , LEIVAS FERNANDO W. T. , MOURA DANIEL P.
Published: February 2019

The Neotropical histerid genus Ebonius Lewis, 1885 is revised. Characters are provided for the recognition of the genus and its species. All three species are illustrated and keyed and information about the collection methods is given. Ebonius can be recognized by the "U"-shaped carinal stria, sutural region of elytra concave, first abdominal sternum stria present anteriorly and laterally, and middle region of pygidium with a transverse elevation.
A new specimen of the theropod dinosaur Baryonyx from the early Cretaceous of Portugal and taxonomic validity of Suchosaurus
Authors: MATEUS OCTÁVIO , ARAÚJO RICARDO , Natário Carlos , CASTANHINHA RUI
Published: February 2019

Although the Late Jurassic of Portugal has provided abundant dinosaur fossils, material from the Early Cretaceous is scarce. This paper reports new cranial and postcranial material of the theropod dinosaur Baryonyx walkeri found in the Barremian (Papo Seco Formation) of Portugal. This specimen, found at Praia das Aguncheiras, Cabo Espichel, consists of a partial dentary, isolated teeth, pedal ungual, two calcanea, presacral and caudal vertebrae, fragmentary pubis, scapula, and rib fragments. It represents the most complete spinosaurid yet discovered in the Iberian Peninsula and the most complete dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous of Portugal. This specimen is confidently identified as a member of Baryonychinae due to the presence of conical teeth with flutes and denticles in a dentary rosette. The specimen ML1190 shares the following characteristics with Baryonyx walkeri: enamel surface with small (nearly vertical) wrinkles, variable denticle size along the carinae, 6–7 denticles per mm, wrinkles forming a 45 degree angle near the carinae, and tooth root longer than crown. In addition, dubious taxa based on teeth morphology such as Suchosaurus cultridens (Owen, 1840–1845), and Suchosaurus girardi (Sauvage 1897–98; Antunes & Mateus 2003) are discussed, based on comparisons with well-known material such as Baryonyx walkeri Charig & Milner, 1986. Suchosaurus cultridens and S. girardi are considered as nomina dubia due to the lack of diagnostic apomorphies, but both specimens are referred to Baryonychinae incertae sedis.
The species of Grammostola (Araneae: Theraphosidae) from Central Argentina: taxonomy, distribution, and surface ultrastructure of coxal setae
Authors: FERRETTI N. , POMPOZZI G. , PÉREZ-MILES F.
Published: February 2019

Three species of Grammostola (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae) from central Argentina are redescribed and illustrated and their geographic distributions are reported. A new synonymy between G. vachoni Schiapelli & Gerschman 1961 and G. schulzei (Schmidt 1994) n. syn. is proposed. We did not find zones of co-occurrence with the three species but, in several localities, we found two Grammostola species in sympatry. The surface ultrastructure of three types of coxal setae was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Two morphological types of spiniform setae were found on the coxae. The first type consisted of short and strong piriform setae, with the surface completely covered by ridges, and the second type consisted of long and thinner spiniform setae, with a piriform basal portion. The basal portion of the setae had ridges, the central portion was smooth and the apical zone had numerous short barbs with curved tips. The different types of setae found in these Grammostola species are clearly distinguished, and could be new useful character to diagnose at least these species. In combination with other characteristics, these characters could probably help to solve the problems in other species of this difficult genus if not also other genera.
A new species of Dibamus (Squamata: Dibamidae) from Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary, southwestern Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia
Authors: NEANG THY , HOLDEN JEREMY , EASTOE TOBY , SENG RATHEA , ITH SAVENG , GRISMER L. LEE
Published: February 2019

A new species of legless lizard, Dibamus dalaiensis sp. nov. of the family Dibamidae is described from Phnom Dalai in Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary, southwestern Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia, based on the following unique combination of characters: maximum SVL 127.6 mm; tail 18–22% of SVL; a single postocular scale; three scales bordering the posterior edge of first infralabial; an enlarged, medial, sublabial scale; labial and nasal sutures complete; rostral suture present but incomplete; 20 midbody scale rows; 22 scale rows just posterior to head and 20 scale rows just anterior to vent; 185–209 ventrals; and 48–52 subcaudal scales. The discovery of D. dalaiensis sp. nov. represents a new family, genus and species record for Cambodia.
Descriptions of Matrona oreades spec. nov. and Matrona corephaea spec. nov. from China (Odonata: Calopterygidae)
Authors: HÄMÄLÄINEN MATTI , YU XIN , ZHANG HAOMIAO
Published: February 2019

Matrona oreades Hämäläinen, Yu & Zhang, spec. nov. (holotype ♂ , China, Gansu, Wenxian, Bikou, alt. 950m, 9/13 vii 2005) and Matrona corephaea Hämäläinen, Yu & Zhang, spec. nov. (holotype ♂ , China, Zhejiang, West Tianmushan, alt. 700m, 8 viii 2007) are described and illustrated for both sexes. These two species differ markedly from the members of the Matrona basilaris species group by their sparser venation and absence of bluish-white reticulation at the wing base.
Centrolene daidaleum (Ruiz-Carranza & Lynch, 1991) (Anura, Centrolenidae): A glassfrog with primitive and derived combat behavior
Authors: ROJAS-RUNJAIC FERNANDO J. M. , CABELLO PEDRO
Published: February 2019

Glassfrogs (family Centrolenidae) constitute a diverse Neotropical group of epiphyllous and arboreal anurans (Señaris & Ayarzagüena 2005; Guayasamin et al. 2009). They are commonly encountered on stream-side vegetation and many species may show high densities during their reproductive season, with numerous territorial males calling for mates in relative small areas (Señaris & Ayarzagüena 2005; Kubicki 2007; Delia et al. 2010). Territoriality of males in several glassfrog species occasionally implies combat behaviors. Combat behavior has been poorly documented in glassfrogs, mainly reported from anecdotal observations in just 11 species (McDiarmid & Adler 1974; Duellman & Savitzky 1976; Greer & Wells 1980; Jacobson 1985; Restrepo-Toro 1996; Bolívar et al. 1999; Savage 2002; Guayasamin & Barrio-Amorós 2005; Kubicki 2007; Delia et al. 2010).
Two new species of the genus Stenohya Beier, 1967 (Pseudoscorpiones, Neobisiidae) from China
Authors: ZHAO YONG-WEI , ZHANG FENG , JIA YING
Published: February 2019

Two new species of the genus Stenohya are described from China: Stenohya curvata sp. nov. from Yunnan Province and S. xiningensis sp. nov. from Qinghai Province, China. Detailed diagnosis, descriptions and illustrations of the two new species are presented.
Two new genera and species of fossil true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pachymeridiidae) from northeastern China
Authors: LU YING , YAO YUNZHI , REN DONG
Published: February 2019

Two new genera and new species, Peregrinpachymeridium comitcola gen. et sp. nov. and Corollpachymeridium heteroneurus gen. et sp. nov., of fossil Pachymeridiidae are described and illustrated from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation in Daohugou Village, Shantou Township, Ningcheng County, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. We summarized all fossil genera of pachymeridiids found in China and set up a key to these 7 genera and 7 species. In addition, we hypothesize the significance of a rare, well-preserved, unusual bug fossil showing a male and a female together with their abdomen terminalia facing each other and their heads in the opposite direction.
Erratum: BARAHOEI, H., MADJDZADEH, S.M. & MEHRPARVAR, M. (2011) Morphometric differentiation of five biotypes of Lysiphlebus fabarum (Marshall) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) in Iran. Zootaxa, 2745, 43–52.
Authors: BARAHOEI H. , MADJDZADEH S. M. , MEHRPARVAR M.
Published: February 2019

(Erratum)
ANOVA Based Sleep Quality Index Analysis on Mental State and Sleep Quality Quantification
Authors: Yuchen Zhao , Xinyi Jiao , Hongbo Lv , Xiaolong Yang
Published: February 2019

To explore the influence of the parturients' mental factors on the delivery mode and postpartum hemorrhage and the nursing intervention countermeasures, the research randomly divided the expectant primiparae hospitalized in our hospital during February 2012–February 2013 into
the intervention group and the control group. Wherein, the control group received routine nursing, while the intervention group received nursing intervention based on the routine nursing, to compare the postpartum hemorrhage and satisfaction of the two groups of parturients. Result:
36 of 112 parturients suffered from dysphoria, accounting for 32.14%; 37 parturSients suffered from depression, accounting for 33.04%. The parturients' hemorrhage incidence, postpartum amount of bleeding within 2 h and postpartum amount of bleeding within 24 h all significantly declined compared
with those of the control group (x2/t = 3.98, 4.02, 4.96 p < 0.05). The cesarean rate of the control group (7.14%, 4/56) was significantly higher than that of the control group (16.07%, 9/56) (x2 = 4.02 p < 0.05). The postpartum satisfaction of the
patients in the intervention group was apparently higher than that of the control group (x2 = 4.26 p < 0.05). Conclusion: The nursing intervention can obviously reduce the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage and improve postpartum satisfaction, so it is worth popularizing.