bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Functional Recovery in Chronic Stroke Rehabilitation Using Event-Related Desynchronization-Synchronization during Robot-Assisted Movement
Authors: Caimmi Marco , Visani Elisa , Digiacomo Fabio , Scano Alessandro , Chiavenna Andrea , Gramigna Cristina , Molinari Tosatti Lorenzo , Franceschetti Silvana , Molteni Franco , Panzica Ferruccio
Published: January 2016

Although rehabilitation robotics seems to be a promising therapy in the rehabilitation of the upper limb in stroke patients, consensus is still lacking on its additive effects. Therefore, there is a need for determining the possible success of robotic interventions on selected patients, which in turn determine the necessity for new investigating instruments supporting the treatment decision-making process and customization. The objective of the work presented in this preliminary study was to verify that fully robot assistance would not affect the physiological oscillatory cortical activity related to a functional movement in healthy subjects. Further, the clinical results following the robotic treatment of a chronic stroke patient, who positively reacted to the robotic intervention, were analyzed and discussed. First results show that there is no difference in EEG activation pattern between assisted and no-assisted movement in healthy subjects. Even more importantly, the patient’s pretreatment EEG activation pattern in no-assisted movement was completely altered, while it recovered to a quasi-physiological one in robot-assisted movement. The functional improvement following treatment was large. Using pretreatment EEG recording during robot-assisted movement might be a valid approach to assess the potential ability of the patient for recovering.
AnIn VitroComparison of PMMA and Calcium Sulfate as Carriers for the Local Delivery of Gallium(III) Nitrate to Staphylococcal Infected Surgical Sites
Authors: Garcia Rebecca A. , Tennent David J. , Chang David , Wenke Joseph C. , Sanchez Carlos J.
Published: January 2016

Antibiotic-loaded bone cements, including poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and calcium sulfate (CaSO4), are often used for treatment of orthopaedic infections involvingStaphylococcusspp., although the effectiveness of this treatment modality may be limited due to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance and/or the development of biofilms within surgical sites. Gallium(III) is an iron analog capable of inhibiting essential iron-dependent pathways, exerting broad antimicrobial activity against multiple microorganisms, includingStaphylococcusspp. Herein, we evaluated PMMA and CaSO4as carriers for delivery of gallium(III) nitrate (Ga(NO3)3) to infected surgical sites by assessing the release kinetics subsequent to incorporation and antimicrobial activity againstS. aureusandS. epidermidis. PMMA and to a lesser extent CaSO4were observed to be compatible as carriers for Ga(NO3)3, eluting concentrations with antimicrobial activity against planktonic bacteria, inhibiting bacterial growth, and preventing bacterial colonization of beads, and effective against established bacterial biofilms ofS. aureusandS. epidermidis. Collectively, ourin vitroresults indicate that PMMA is a more suitable carrier compared to CaSO4for delivery of Ga(NO3)3; moreover they provide evidence for the potential use of Ga(NO3)3with PMMA as a strategy for the prevention and/or treatment for orthopaedic infections.
Local Hypoellipticity by Lyapunov Function
Authors: Aragão-Costa E. R.
Published: January 2016

We treat the local hypoellipticity, in the first degree, for a class of abstract differential operators complexes; the ones are given by the following differential operators:Lj=∂/∂tj+(∂ϕ/∂tj)(t,A)A,j=1,2,…,n, whereA:D(A)⊂H→His a self-adjoint linear operator, positive with0∈ρ(A), in a Hilbert spaceH, andϕ=ϕ(t,A)is a series of nonnegative powers ofA-1with coefficients inC∞(Ω),Ωbeing an open set ofRn, for anyn∈N, different from what happens in the work of Hounie (1979) who studies the problem only in the casen=1. We provide sufficient condition to get the local hypoellipticity for that complex in the elliptic region, using a Lyapunov function and the dynamics properties of solutions of the Cauchy problemt′(s)=-∇Reϕ0(t(s)),s≥0,t(0)=t0∈Ω,ϕ0:Ω→Cbeing the first coefficient ofϕ(t,A). Besides, to get over the problem out of the elliptic region, that is, in the pointst∗ ∈Ωsuch that∇Reϕ0(t∗)= 0, we will use the techniques developed by Bergamasco et al. (1993) for the particular operatorA=1-Δ:H2(RN)⊂L2(RN)→L2(RN).
Positive Solutions of a General Discrete Dirichlet Boundary Value Problem
Authors: Li Xinfu , Zhang Guang
Published: January 2016

A steady state equation of the discrete heat diffusion can be obtained by the heat diffusion of particles or the difference method of the elliptic equations. In this paper, the nonexistence, existence, and uniqueness of positive solutions for a general discrete Dirichlet boundary value problem are considered by using the maximum principle, eigenvalue method, sub- and supersolution technique, and monotone method. All obtained results are new and valid on anyn-dimension finite lattice point domain. To the best of our knowledge, they are better than the results of the corresponding partial differential equations. In particular, the methods of proof are different.
Preparation of Magnetic Nanoparticles via a Chemically Induced Transition: Presence/Absence of Magnetic Transition on the Treatment Solution Used
Authors: Chen Yanshuang , Chen Qin , Mao Hong , Lin Yueqiang , Li Jian
Published: January 2016

The dependence of magnetic transition on the treatment solution used in the preparation of magnetic nanoparticles was investigated using as-prepared products from paramagnetic FeOOH/Mg(OH)2via a chemically induced transition. Treatment using FeCl3and CuCl solutions led to a product that showed no magnetic transition, whereas the product after treatment with FeSO4or FeCl2solutions showed ferromagnetism. Experiments revealed that the magnetism was caused by the ferrimagneticγ-Fe2O3phase in the nanoparticles, which had a coating of ferric compound. This observation suggests that Fe2+in the treatment solution underwent oxidation to Fe3+, thereby inducing the magnetic transition. The magnetic nanoparticles prepared via treatment with an FeSO4solution contained a larger amount of the nonmagnetic phase. This resulted in weaker magnetization even though these nanoparticles were larger than those prepared by treatment with an FeCl2solution. The magnetic transition of the precursor (FeOOH/Mg(OH)2) was dependent upon treatment solutions and was essentially induced by the oxidation of Fe2+and simultaneous dehydration of FeOOH phase. The transition was independent of the acid radical ions in the treatment solution, but the coating on the magnetic crystallites varied with changes in the acid radical ion.
A Method for the Simultaneous Cleansing of H2S and SO2
Authors: Uzun Dzhamal R. , Razkazova-Velkova Elena , Beschkov Venko , Petrov Konstantin
Published: January 2016

A method for the simultaneous electrochemical purification of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide from sea water or industrial wastes is proposed. Fundamentally the method is based on the electrochemical affinity of the pair H2S and SO2. The reactions (oxidation of H2S and reduction of SO2) proceed on а proper catalyst in a flow reactor, without an external power by electrochemical means. The partial curves of oxidation of H2S and reduction of SO2have been studied electrochemically on different catalysts. Following the additive principle the rate of the process has been found by intersection of the curves. The overall process rate has been studied in a flow type reactor. Similar values of the process rate have been found and these prove the electrochemical mechanism of the reactions. As a result the electrochemical method at adequate conditions is developed. The process is able to completely convert the initial reagents (concentrationsCH2S, SO2=0), which is difficult given the chemical kinetics.
Manipulation of P2X Receptor Activities by Light Stimulation
Authors: Kim Sang Seong
Published: January 2016

P2X receptors are involved in amplification of inflammatory responses in peripheral nociceptive fibers and in mediating pain-related signals to the CNS. Control of P2X activation has significant importance in managing unwanted hypersensitive neuron responses. To overcome the limitations of chemical ligand treatment, optical stimulation methods of optogenetics and photoswitching achieve efficient control of P2X activation while allowing specificity at the target site and convenient stimulation by light illumination. There are many potential applications for photosensitive elements, such as improved uncaging methods, photoisomerizable ligands, photoswitches, and gold nanoparticles. Each technique has both advantages and downsides, and techniques are selected according to the purpose of the application. Technical advances not only provide novel approaches to manage inflammation or pain mediated by P2X receptors but also suggest a similar approach for controlling other ion channels.
Parameter Estimation and Joint Confidence Regions for the Parameters of the Generalized Lindley Distribution
Authors: Gui Wenhao , Chen Man
Published: January 2016

We deal with the problem of estimating the parameters of the generalized Lindley distribution. Besides the classical estimator, inverse moment and modified inverse estimators are proposed and their properties are investigated. A condition for the existence and uniqueness of the inverse moment and modified inverse estimators of the parameters is established. Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to compare the estimators’ performances. Two methods for constructing joint confidence regions for the two parameters are also proposed and their performances are discussed. A real example is presented to illustrate the proposed methods.
Electrocardiography as the First Step for the Further Examination of Cardiac Involvement in Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Kato Takao , Hirose Sayako , Kumagai Shogo , Ozaki Akihiko , Matsumoto Sadayuki , Inoko Moriaki
Published: January 2016

Introduction. Cardiac involvement of myasthenia gravis (MG) accompanies a poor prognosis. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between ECG abnormality and cardiac involvement.Methods. Of 178 patients diagnosed with MG between 2001 and 2013 at our hospital, we retrospectively analyzed consecutive 58 patients who underwent both ECG and echocardiography and without underlying cardiovascular disease. ECG abnormalities were defined by computer-assigned Minnesota-codes. Cardiac damage was defined as either (1) ejection fraction (EF) <55% on echocardiography or (2) elevatedE/e′, the ratio of mitral velocity to early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus >8 on echocardiography.Results. Thirty-three patients (56.8%) had ECG abnormality. An elevatedE/e′was observed in patients with ECG abnormality compared to those without ECG abnormality (11.2±3.2,8.7±2.2, resp.,p=0.03). Among patients with ECG abnormality, 14 of 15 patients showed cardiac damage. Among patients without ECG abnormality, 6 of 33 patients showed cardiac damage (p=0.003). Reduced EF was observed in five patients (8.6%) with ECG abnormality and none in patients without ECG abnormality.Conclusions. ECG may aid as the first step for the further examination of cardiac damage in patients with MG.
An Unusual Prepatellar Bursa Swelling: Patellar Button Dissociation and Migration
Authors: Hester Thomas , Moftah Farid
Published: January 2016

Implant loosening is not a new phenomenon, nor is implant migration; however they are rarely seen after knee arthroplasty surgery. Complications with patellar buttons have been reported before with peg failure, loosening, and patella fracture; however extra-articular migration is extremely rare. We report an unusual case of patellar button migration 11 years after total knee arthroplasty to the prepatellar bursa.
Quantitative Imaging and In Situ Concentration Measurements of Quantum Dot Nanomaterials in Variably Saturated Porous Media
Authors: Uyuşur Burcu , Snee Preston T. , Li Chunyan , Darnault Christophe J. G.
Published: January 2016

Knowledge of the fate and transport of nanoparticles in the subsurface environment is limited, as techniques to monitor and visualize the transport and distribution of nanoparticles in porous media and measure their in situ concentrations are lacking. To address these issues, we have developed a light transmission and fluorescence method to visualize and measure in situ concentrations of quantum dot (QD) nanoparticles in variably saturated environments. Calibration cells filled with sand as porous medium and various known water saturation levels and QD concentrations were prepared. By measuring the intensity of the light transmitted through porous media exposed to fluorescent light and by measuring the hue of the light emitted by the QDs under UV light exposure, we obtained simultaneously in situ measurements of water saturation and QD nanoparticle concentrations with high spatial and temporal resolutions. Water saturation was directly proportional to the light intensity. A linear relationship was observed between hue-intensity ratio values and QD concentrations for constant water saturation levels. The advantages and limitations of the light transmission and fluorescence method as well as its implications for visualizing and measuring in situ concentrations of QDs nanoparticles in the subsurface environment are discussed.
Effect of Carnosine in Experimental Arthritis and on Primary Culture Chondrocytes
Authors: Ponist S. , Drafi F. , Kuncirova V. , Mihalova D. , Rackova L. , Danisovic L. , Ondrejickova O. , Tumova I. , Trunova O. , Fedorova T. , Bauerova K.
Published: January 2016

Carnosine’s (CARN) anti‐inflammatory potential in autoimmune diseases has been but scarcely investigated as yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of CARN in rat adjuvant arthritis, in the model of carrageenan induced hind paw edema (CARA), and also in primary culture of chondrocytes under H2O2 injury. The experiments were done on healthy animals, arthritic animals, and arthritic animals with oral administration of CARN in a daily dose of 150 mg/kg b.w. during 28 days as well as animals with CARA treated by a single administration of CARN in the same dose. CARN beneficially affected hind paw volume and changes in body weight on day 14 and reduced hind paw swelling in CARA. Markers of oxidative stress in plasma and brain (malondialdehyde, 4‐hydroxynonenal, protein carbonyls, and lag time of lipid peroxidation) and also activity of gamma‐glutamyltransferase were significantly corrected by CARN. CARN also reduced IL‐1alpha in plasma. Suppression of intracellular oxidant levels was also observed in chondrocytes pretreated with CARN. Our results obtained on two animal models showed that CARN has systemic anti‐inflammatory activity and protected rat brain and chondrocytes from oxidative stress. This finding suggests that CARN might be beneficial for treatment of arthritic diseases.
Management of Femoral Shaft Fracture in Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome with External Fixator
Authors: Gupta Yogendra , Jha Ranjib Kumar , Karn Navin Kumar , Sah Sanjaya Kumar , Mishra Bibhuti Nath , Bhattarai Manoj Kumar
Published: January 2016

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare complex malformation characterized by the clinical triad of capillary malformations, soft tissue and bone hypertrophy, and venous/lymphatic malformation. Fractures of long bones in such cases are challenging to treat. A 12-year-old female with this syndrome presented with femoral shaft fracture of right thigh. She was initially kept on skeletal traction for two weeks and then she underwent closed reduction and immobilization with external fixator with uneventful intraoperative and postoperative period. Fracture united at four and half months.
Oscillations Control of Rocking-Block-Type Buildings by the Addition of a Tuned Pendulum
Authors: Collini Luca , Garziera Rinaldo , Riabova Kseniia , Munitsyna Mariya , Tasora Alessandro
Published: January 2016

This study deals with the dynamical evolutions exhibited by a simple mechanical model of building, comprising a parallelepiped standing on a horizontal plane. The main goal is the introduction of a pendulum in order to reduce oscillations. The theoretical part of the work consists of a Lagrange formulation and Galerkin approximation method, and dry friction has also been considered. From the analytical/numerical simulations, we derive some important conclusions, providing us with the tools suitable for the design of absorbers in practical cases.
Efficacy of EDTA and Phosphorous on Biomass Yield and Total Lipid Accumulation in Two Green Microalgae with Special Emphasis on Neutral Lipid Detection by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Satpati Gour Gopal , Gorain Prakash Chandra , Pal Ruma
Published: January 2016

Chlorella ellipsoidea and Chlorococcum infusionum, promising microalgae for biodiesel feedstock production, were treated with ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) and phosphorous to induce stress which was then followed by flow cytometry to study the enhanced intracellular neutral lipid content. Treatment resulted in up to a threefold increase in total lipid content of Chlorella (41.8±1.9% at 16 days of incubation period) and more than twofold increases in Chlorococcum (31.3±1.0% at 18 days of incubation period) under phosphorous starvation in the culture. It was observed that maximum biomass yields in Chlorella and Chlorococcum were 1.56±0.06 and 2.17±0.12 g/L at 1.5 g/L of phosphorous after 20 and 18 days of incubation periods, respectively. The qualitative analyses of neutral lipid bodies under stress conditions were performed by confocal microscopy and revealed bright golden-yellow lipid droplets in stress exposed cells. Significant increase of monounsaturated fatty acids under the nutrient limited conditions was suitable to produce biodiesel. The maximum biomass (g/L) and lipid content (% dry cell weight) at different stresses showed significant results (p<0.05) by single-factor Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT).
SDN-Based Double Hopping Communication against Sniffer Attack
Authors: Zhao Zheng , Gong Daofu , Lu Bin , Liu Fenlin , Zhang Chuanhao
Published: January 2016

Sniffer attack has been a severe threat to network communication security. Traditional network usually uses static network configuration, which provides convenience to sniffer attack. In this paper, an SDN-based double hopping communication (DHC) approach is proposed to solve this problem. In DHC, ends in communication packets as well as the routing paths are changed dynamically. Therefore, the traffic will be distributed to multiple flows and transmitted along different paths. Moreover, the data from multiple users will be mixed, bringing difficulty for attackers in obtaining and recovering the communication data, so that sniffer attack will be prevented effectively. It is concluded that DHC is able to increase the overhead of sniffer attack, as well as the difficulty of communication data recovery.
Automatic Classification of Specific Melanocytic Lesions Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Jaworek-Korjakowska Joanna , Kłeczek Paweł
Published: January 2016

Background. Given its propensity to metastasize, and lack of effective therapies for most patients with advanced disease, early detection of melanoma is a clinical imperative. Different computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems have been proposed to increase the specificity and sensitivity of melanoma detection. Although such computer programs are developed for different diagnostic algorithms, to the best of our knowledge, a system to classify different melanocytic lesions has not been proposed yet.Method. In this research we present a new approach to the classification of melanocytic lesions. This work is focused not only on categorization of skin lesions as benign or malignant but also on specifying the exact type of a skin lesion including melanoma, Clark nevus, Spitz/Reed nevus, and blue nevus. The proposed automatic algorithm contains the following steps: image enhancement, lesion segmentation, feature extraction, and selection as well as classification.Results. The algorithm has been tested on 300 dermoscopic images and achieved accuracy of 92% indicating that the proposed approach classified most of the melanocytic lesions correctly.Conclusions. A proposed system can not only help to precisely diagnose the type of the skin mole but also decrease the amount of biopsies and reduce the morbidity related to skin lesion excision.
Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Mycobacterial Diseases in the Barletta-Andria-Trani Province, Italy (2005–2013)
Authors: Brindicci Gaetano , Santoro Carmen Rita , Trillo Giovanna , Volpe Anna , Loconsole Daniela , Monno Laura , Fontana Tommaso
Published: January 2016

Tuberculosis remains one of the major worldwide problems regarding public health. This study evaluates the burden of this disease in the BAT Province of the Apulia region (Italy); 12,295 patients were studied, including 310 immigrants. Tubercular disease and mycobacteriosis were found in 129 patients. The number of new TB cases/year ranged from three in 2005 to 12 in 2009. TB was more frequently localized in the lung (70.5%). 14.4% of cases were institutionalized patients for severe neurological and/or psychiatric disease. The database evidenced certain aspects of our study population: the large number of TB patients institutionalized between natives, but no larger presence of TB among HIV-positive patients in immigrants compared to Italians. Our findings should help to redefine the alarm regarding the spread of an epidemical form of TB but also to present certain criticisms regarding patient management (especially immigrants) regarding costs, hospitalization, and difficulty of reinstating the patient in the community. Further our data underscore the importance of prevalence of TB in bedridden, institutionalized patients.
Primary Myelofibrosis Presenting as Extramedullary Hematopoiesis in a Transplanted Liver Graft: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mohyuddin Ghulam Rehman , Yacoub Abdulraheem
Published: January 2016

Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) commonly results in extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) in the spleen and liver as well as a variety of other organs. We present a first report of a unique presentation of PMF in a liver transplant recipient patient as EMH in the transplanted liver graft. A 76-year-old man with history of cryptogenic cirrhosis received cadaveric liver transplantation in 1996. He maintained a normal graft function and stable hematologic parameters until 2013 when he presented with anemia and progressive fatigue. Extensive work-up did not identify the etiology of the recent decline in his hemoglobin; thus a liver biopsy was done which showed findings of EMH within the sinusoids with increased megakaryocytes, some with atypical morphology. A BM biopsy revealed a hypercellular marrow, moderately increased reticulin fibrosis, and features consistent with primary myelofibrosis. Abdominal imaging showed a normal-size spleen and did not identify any sites of EMH outside of the liver. The diagnosis of myelofibrosis was thus made, and this case demonstrated predominant tropism to a transplanted liver graft with absence of EMH elsewhere. We would thus like to emphasize that findings of EMH in subjects with no preexisting hematologic neoplasm should warrant close follow-up and assessment.
Biomechanical Comparison of Pedicle Screw Augmented with Different Volumes of Polymethylmethacrylate in Osteoporotic and Severely Osteoporotic Synthetic Bone Blocks in Primary Implantation: An Experimental Study
Authors: Liu Da , Zhang Xiao-jun , Liao Dong-fa , Zhou Jiang-jun , Li Zhi-qiang , Zhang Bo , Wang Cai-ru , Lei Wei , Kang Xia , Zheng Wei
Published: January 2016

This study was designed to compare screw stabilities augmented with different volumes of PMMA and analyze relationship between screw stability and volume of PMMA and optimum volume of PMMA in different bone condition. Osteoporotic and severely osteoporotic synthetic bone blocks were divided into groups A0-A5 and B0-B5, respectively. Different volumes of PMMA were injected in groups A0 to A5 and B0 to B5. Axial pullout tests were performed andFmaxwas measured.Fmaxin groups A1-A5 were all significantly higher than group A0. Except between groups A1 and A2, A3 and A4, and A4 and A5, there were significant differences onFmaxbetween any other two groups.Fmaxin groups B1-B5 were all significantly higher than group B0. Except between groups B1 and B2, B2 and B3, and B4 and B5, there were significant differences onFmaxbetween any other two groups. There was significantly positive correlation betweenFmaxand volume of PMMA in osteoporotic and severely osteoporotic blocks. PMMA can significantly enhance pedicle screw stability in osteoporosis and severe osteoporosis. There were positive correlations between screw stability and volume of PMMA. In this study, injection of 3 mL and 4 mL PMMA was preferred in osteoporotic and severely osteoporotic blocks, respectively.
Early Gastric Cancer: Current Advances of Endoscopic Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Zhu Linlin , Qin Jinyu , Wang Jin , Guo Tianjiao , Wang Zijing , Yang Jinlin
Published: January 2016

Endoscopy is a major method for early gastric cancer screening because of its high detection rate, but its diagnostic accuracy depends heavily on the availability of endoscopic instruments. Many novel endoscopic techniques have been shown to increase the diagnostic yield of early gastric cancer. With the improved detection rate of EGC, the endoscopic treatment has become widespread due to advances in the instruments available and endoscopist’s experience. The aim of this review is to summarize frequently-used endoscopic diagnosis and treatment in early gastric cancer (EGC).
Cytokine Reduction in the Setting of an ARDS-Associated Inflammatory Response with Multiple Organ Failure
Authors: Träger Karl , Schütz Christian , Fischer Günther , Schröder Janpeter , Skrabal Christian , Liebold Andreas , Reinelt Helmut
Published: January 2016

A 45-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with a small bowel obstruction due to torsion and was immediately scheduled for surgical intervention. At anesthesia induction, the patient aspirated and subsequently developed a severe SIRS with ARDS and multiple organ failure requiring the use of ECMO, CRRT, antibiotics, and low dose steroids. Due to a rapid deterioration in clinical status and a concurrent surge in inflammatory biomarkers, an extracorporeal cytokine adsorber (CytoSorb) was added to the CRRT blood circuit. The combined treatment resulted in a rapid and significant reduction in the levels of circulating inflammatory mediators. This decrease was paralleled by marked clinical stabilization of the patient including a significant improvement in hemodynamic stability and a reduced need for norepinephrine and improved respiratory function as measured by PaO2/FIO2, ventilator parameters, lung mechanics, and indirect measures of capillary leak syndrome. The patient could be discharged to a respiratory weaning unit where successful respiratory weaning could be achieved later on. We attribute the clinical improvement to the rapid control of the hyperinflammatory response and the reduction of inflammatory mediators using a combination of CytoSorb and these other therapies. CytoSorb treatment was safe and well tolerated, with no device-related adverse effects observed.
Association between Polymorphisms in Bitter Taste Receptor Genes and Clinical Features in Korean Asthmatics
Authors: Yoon Sun-Young , Shin Eun-Soon , Park So Young , Kim Sujeong , Kwon Hyouk-Soo , Cho You Sook , Moon Hee-Bom , Kim Tae-Bum
Published: January 2016

Background: Bitter taste receptors (TAS2R) in human airway smooth muscle have recently been shown to have an important role in bronchodilation, together with β2-adrenergic receptors. Object: To evaluate the association between genetic variations in TAS2R and clinical features, including bronchodilator response and asthma control. Method: We analyzed the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TAS2R10 and TAS2R14 and variables such as demographic data, atopy, duration of disease, and asthma control status, including variables such as asthma control test (ACT) score, percent predicted value of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC ratio, as well as bronchodilator response (BDR), in 721 asthma patients in Korea. Result: Three novel SNPs of 633G>A, 645C>A, and -79G>A in TAS2R10 and 3 known SNPs of -815T>C, -1267G>A, and -1897T>C in TAS2R14 were analyzed. Increased BDR was significantly associated with SNPs of -815T>C [OR (95% CI) = 1.88 (1.01-3.49), p = 0.04 ] [J Gen Physiol 2005;125:535-553; Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2010;42:373-3812], -1267A>G [OR (95% CI) = 2.07 (1.03-4.15), p = 0.04] and -1897T>C [OR (95% CI) = 3.05 (1.01-9.23), p = 0.04, in a dominant model, and OR = 1.91 (1.08−3.36), p = 0.02, in a codominant model] of the TAS2R14 gene. There was a significant association between -815T>C and a low mean ACT score [OR (95% CI) = 5.84 (1.94-17.61), p = 0.001]. In haplotype analysis, TAC, CAT, and TGT, or TG and CA haplotypes on TAS2R14 were significantly associated with increased BDR; CAT and CA haplotypes were significantly associated with a low ACT score. Conclusion: Genetic variations in TAS2Rs may be valuable genetic markers to predict therapeutic response and outcomes in asthma. Further research in an independent cohort is needed.
Taxonomic studies on Acridinae (Orthoptera: Acridoidea: Acrididae) from the northeastern states of India
Authors: Khan Mohammed Imran , Usmani Mohammed Kamil
Published: January 2016

From a survey of the northeastern states of India, seven species belonging to three genera of the subfamily Acridinae were recorded.  In addition to conventional morphological characters, the detailed structure of the male and female genitalia were studied.  All the species are described and illustrated.  A key to the known genera of the subfamily Acridinae is also provided. 

 
Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus (Aves: Passeriformes: Sylviidae) in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Maharashtra - a rare record for peninsular India
Authors: Pandya Parvish , Choursiya Vikrant , James Jyoti
Published: January 2016

Dusky Warbler (Phylloscopus fuscatus) winters in certain Asian and European countries. It is commonly seen in the eastern parts of India but sporadically distributed in peninsular India. It was observed on few occasions at the site visited by authors. This report is for one of its rare sightings, in the peninsular region of India in Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

 
Total Thrombus‐Formation Analysis System (T‐TAS) Can Predict Periprocedural Bleeding Events in Patients Undergoing Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Ito Miwa , Kaikita Koichi , Sueta Daisuke , Ishii Masanobu , Oimatsu Yu , Arima Yuichiro , Iwashita Satomi , Takahashi Aya , Hoshiyama Tadashi , Kanazawa Hisanori , Sakamoto Kenji , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Tsujita Kenichi , Yamamuro Megumi , Kojima Sunao , Hokimoto Seiji , Yamabe Hiroshige , Ogawa Hisao
Published: January 2016

Background

Non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants are used to prevent thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. The T‐
TAS
“Total Thrombus‐formation Analysis System” (Fujimori Kogyo Co Ltd) was developed for quantitative analysis of thrombus formation using microchips with thrombogenic surfaces (collagen, platelet chip [
PL
] ; collagen plus tissue factor, atheroma chip [
AR]
). We evaluated the utility of T‐
TAS
in predicting periprocedural bleeding in atrial fibrillation patients undergoing catheter ablation (
CA
).

Methods and Results

After exclusion of 20 from 148 consecutive patients undergoing
CA
, the remaining 128 patients were divided into 2 treatment groups: the warfarin group (n=30) and the non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants group (n=98). Blood samples obtained on the day of
CA
(anticoagulant‐free point) and at 3 and 30 days after
CA
were used in T‐
TAS
to compute the thrombus formation area under the curve (
AUC
;
AUC
for the first 10 minutes for
PL
tested at flow rate of 24 μL/min [
PL
24
‐
AUC
10
];
AUC
for the first 30 minutes for
AR
tested at flow rate of 10 μL/min [
AR
10
‐
AUC
30
]).
AR
10
‐
AUC
30
and
PL
24
‐
AUC
10
levels were similar in the 2 groups on the day of
CA
. Levels of
AR
10
‐
AUC
30
, but not
PL
24
‐
AUC
10
, were significantly lower in the 2 groups at days 3 and 30 after
CA
. Multiple logistic regression analyses identified the
AR
10
‐
AUC
30
level on the day of
CA
as a significant predictor of periprocedural bleeding events (odds ratio 5.7; 95%
CI
1.54–21.1;
P
=0.009). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the
AR
10
‐
AUC
30
level on the day of
CA
significantly predicted periprocedural bleeding events (
AUC
0.859, 95%
CI
0.766–0.951;
P
<0.001). The cutoff
AR
10
‐
AUC
30
level was 1648 for identification of periprocedural bleeding events.

Conclusions

These results suggested that the
AR
10
‐
AUC
30
level determined by T‐
TAS
is a potentially useful marker for prediction of bleeding events in atrial fibrillation patients undergoing
CA
.
Senegalia montis-salinarum, a new species of Fabaceae: Mimosoideae endemic to the Soutpansberg, South Africa
Authors: Hahn Norbert
Published: January 2016

Senegalia montis-salinarum is a proposed new species, related to S. burkei. This species was found to be a distinct edaphic entity, endemic to the Soutpansberg Centre of Endemism. This article also clarifies some taxonomic problems within the Senegalia burkei complex.
Fragilariforma Hajósiae: re-description and revision of Pantocsek’s species Diatoma fossile (Bacillariophyta)
Authors: Williams David Mervyn , Buczko Kristina
Published: January 2016

Fragilariforma Hajósiae is re-described from Pantocsek’s specimens of Diatoma fossile; these specimens are from Deménd (Demandice, Slovakia). Nomenclatural issues are examined and clarified as the name Fragilaria fossilis has previously been invalidly used by Hajós (1973a) and the combination Fragilariforma fossilis (Pant.) Tanaka unavailable thus making it necessary to create a new name to effect the transfer of Pantocsek’s Diatoma fossile to Fragilariforma.
The importance of tracking introduced species: nine synonyms of Atheta (Dimetrotina) pasadenae Bernhauer, 1906 (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae)
Authors: GUSAROV VLADIMIR I.
Published: January 2016

Five species names are placed in synonymy with Atheta (Dimetrotina) pasadenae Bernhauer, 1906: Dimetrota vaniuscula Casey, 1911; Atheta pseudocoriaria Bernhauer, 1943 (non Cameron, 1939); A. zealandica Cameron, 1945; A. aucklandensis Pace, 1987 and A. pseudoinsulana Klimaszewski in Klimaszewski et al., 2002. Four names are confirmed to be junior synonyms of A. pasadenae: Atheta pseudolaticollis Erber & Hinterseher, 1992 (non Bernhauer, 1936, non Cameron, 1944); A. immucronata Pace, 1999; A. gulosa Tronquet, 2000 and A. atlantidum Smetana, 2004. Lectotypes are designated for A. pseudocoriaria Bernhauer, 1943; A. zealandica Cameron, 1945 (both designations are to be attributed to Richard A.B. Leschen); and A. pasadenae Bernhauer, 1906. Relationships among the subgenera Xenota Mulsant & Rey, 1874, Dimetrotina Casey, 1911, Oxypodera Bernhauer, 1915 and Mycetota Ádám, 1987 of the genus Atheta Thomson, 1858 are discussed. The name Mycetota Ádám, 1987 is placed in synonymy with Dimetrotina Casey, 1911 (treated as valid subgenus of Atheta), resulting in three new subgeneric assignments: Atheta (Dimetrotina) laticollis (Stephens, 1832), A. (D.) mucronata (Kraatz, 1859), and A. (D.) pasadenae Bernhauer, 1906. Atheta pasadenae is a species with almost cosmopolitan distribution, most likely originating from Africa and (unintentionally) introduced to Europe, North and South America, New Zealand, the Macaronesian islands, Tristan da Cunha archipelago, Juan Fernandez archipelago and Hawaii.
A new small frog species of the genus Pristimantis (Anura: Craugastoridae) from the northern paramos of Colombia
Authors: GONZÁLEZ-DURÁN GUSTAVO A.
Published: January 2016

I describe a new species of a small-sized frog of the genus Pristimantis found in the paramo ecosystem (3700 masl) on the northern slope of Los Nevados National Park, Cordillera Central, department of Caldas, Colombia. This new species is assigned to the Pristimantis leptolophus species-group, given that Toe V is much longer than Toe III and extends to the distal edge of the distal subarticular tubercle on Toe IV. The new species differs from other taxa by its dorsal golden or yellowish color patterns, the absence of nuptial pads, lateral fringes on its fingers and toes, and the absence of vomerine odontophores. Discriminant analyses of morphometric characters of females of P. leptolophus, P. uranobates, and the new species separate the new species by snout-vent length, tibia length, eye diameter, eye-to-nostril distance, tympanum diameter, and length of toe III. Vomer terms frequently used to describe species are reviewed, such as the oblique keels of the vomer and the different forms of the dentigerous process. Species belonging to the high Andean Pristimantis leptolophus species-group are allopatric, suggesting vicariant speciation in different areas of the paramos.
Limnodrilus sulphurensis n. sp., from a sulfur cave in Colorado, USA, with notes on the morphologically similar L. profundicola (Clitellata, Naididae, Tubificinae)
Authors: FEND STEVEN V. , LIU YINGKUI , STEINMANN DAVID , GIERE OLAV , BARTON HAZEL A. , LUISZER FRED , ERSÉUS CHRISTER
Published: January 2016

A new species of the tubificine genus Limnodrilus is described and COI barcoded from Sulphur Cave and associated springs in Colorado, USA. The habitats are characterized by high sulfide concentrations. The new species, L. sulphurensis, is distinguished from all congeners by the elongate, nearly parallel teeth of chaetae in its anterior segments. It has a penis sheath resembling that of L. profundicola; consequently, museum specimens and new collections are examined here to resolve some of the taxonomic confusion surrounding that widespread, but uncommon species.
A new species of the predaceous midge genus Brachypogon Kieffer from the Neotropical Region and first description of the female of Brachypogon (Isohelea) cuacuahuitlus Huerta & Borkent (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: HUERTA HERÓN , SPINELLI GUSTAVO R.
Published: January 2016

The predaceous midge genus Brachypogon Kieffer is presently known in Mexico by Brachypogon (Brachypogon) fuscivenosus (Lutz, 1914), B. (B.) bimaculatus Spinelli & Grogan, 1998, B. (B.) woodruffi Spinelli & Grogan, 1998 and B. (Isohelea) cuacuahuitlus Huerta & Borkent, 2005. In this contribution a new species, Brachypogon (Brachypogon) ginue, is described and illustrated from a male specimen collected in Tlanchinol, State of Hidalgo, Mexico. This new species belongs to the impar species group. The first description of the female of Brachypogon (Isohelea) cuacuahuitlus Huerta & Borkent is also provided.
Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) of Morocco: new records, descriptions of five new species, re-descriptions of two species, and key for identification
Authors: TIXIER MARIE-STEPHANE , ALLAM LATIFA , DOUIN MARTIAL , KREITER SERGE
Published: January 2016

The family Phytoseiidae includes more than 2,300 species distributed all over the world. However despite the huge numbers of faunistic surveys carried out for more than 60 years, the fauna of some countries and particular ecosystems remain little explored. This paper reports results of surveys carried out in various regions of Morocco (from Sahara to Atlantic and Mediteranean coasts) in 2002 and 2003. A total of 43 species was found. Among them 19 are new for the Moroccan fauna and five are new to science. This paper provides the descriptions of these five new species, Neoseiulus thymeleae, Transeius audeae, Typhlodromus (Typhlodromus) ballotae, T. (T.) leclanti, T. (T.) mazarii, and re-descriptions of two species (Typhlodromus (T.) setubali and Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) clairathiasae. A key to females of the 52 species now known from Morocco is given.
A new species of bent-toed gecko, genus Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Reptilia: Squamata: Gekkonidae), from Jawa Timur Province, Java, Indonesia, with taxonomic remarks on C. fumosus (Müller, 1895)
Authors: HARTMANN LUKAS , MECKE SVEN , KIECKBUSCH MAX , MADER FELIX , KAISER HINRICH
Published: January 2016

A new species of the gekkonid lizard genus Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 is described from Klakah, Lumajang Regency, Jawa Timur Province, Java, Indonesia. Cyrtodactylus klakahensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other congeners by the presence of (1) a deep precloacal groove in males, (2) three rows of enlarged precloacofemoral scales, of which the third row bears 37–38 pores in males, (3) three or four rows of enlarged scales between the precloacofemoral scale rows and the cloaca, forming distinct chevrons, (4) raised and strongly keeled dorsal tubercles in 15–19 rows at midbody, (5) an indistinct lateral fold, (6) 17–20 subdigital lamellae under the 4th toe, and (7) subcaudal scales which are not transversely enlarged. Cyrtodactylus klakahensis sp. nov. is only the third bent-toed gecko species described from Java, indicating that the diversity of this genus on this island has been neglected in the past. Furthermore, we confirm that C. fumosus (Müller, 1895) is a species that possesses a precloacal groove in males and is most likely restricted to northern Sulawesi. That species is defined by a single female holotype (NMB-REPT 2662). Specimens in museum collections catalogued as C. fumosus from localities elsewhere are misidentified and likely represent undescribed species.
The orb-weaving spider genus Chrysometa in Uruguay: distribution and description of a new species (Araneae, Tetragnathidae)
Authors: SIMÓ MIGUEL , ÁLVAREZ LUIS , LABORDA ÁLVARO
Published: January 2016

The spider genus Chrysometa Simon, 1895 comprises 138 species of small (3–5 mm) Neotropical orb-weavers spiders (Nogueira et al. 2011; World Spider Catalogue 2015) mainly associated with arboreal vegetation from intermediate to low altitude forests (Levi 1986). Males of Chrysometa differ from other tetragnathids by having the palpal tibial length approximately as long as its widest point; paracymbium articulated and with several apophyses located at both ends; male cephalic region narrower than in the female and having cymbial ectobasal and ectomedian processes. Females are diagnosed by having femora without trichobothria; abdomen covered with silver guanine patches; a flat epigynum and also by their fertilization ducts originating anteriorly and crossing over the spermathecae (Levi 1986; Alvarez-Padilla & Hormiga 2011).
Description of the final stadium larva of Macromia calliope Ris, 1916
(Odonata: Anisoptera: Macromiidae)
Authors: XU QI-HAN
Published: January 2016

The final stadium larva of Macromia calliope Ris is described and illustrated for the first time and diagnosed against other larvae of Chinese Macromia species on the basis of published descriptions. Among the fourteen known Chinese Macromia larvae, that of M. calliope can be separated from those of non-calliope-group species by having distinctive diamond-shaped black spots located at the outside of the base of the wing sheaths. And in five Chinese calliope-group species, the larva of M. calliope can be separated from that of M. flavocolorata by apical border of prementum not obviously projecting forwards; from that of M. septima by dorsal hook on S3 thinnest and tallest of all; from that of M. chui by a relatively smaller body; from that of M. urania by nine premental setae on each side of interior prementum, five longer ones accompanied medially by four shorter ones; and finally, from those of all other Chinese Macromia species by several distinctive large V-shaped black markings on mid-dorsum of distal abdominal segments.
Functional connectivity predictors and mechanisms of cognitive behavioural therapies: A systematic review with recommendations
Authors: Mason Liam , Peters Emmanuelle , Kumari Veena
Published: January 2016

Objective:

While there is now strong evidence that psychological therapies can alter the activity of individual brain regions, their impact on the functional integration between regions has not yet been systematically evaluated. This area is important given that brain dysconnectivity has been implicated across almost all psychiatric disorders. Accordingly, we sought to establish connectivity predictors and mechanisms of effective psychological therapies. We further establish whether connectivity changes represent normalisation of disorder pathophysiology or compensatory changes.

Method:

We reviewed studies examining structural and functional connectivity longitudinally as either a predictor or outcome variable of successful psychological therapies across psychiatric disorders.

Results:

Fifteen studies met our inclusion criteria. All but three related to cognitive behavioural therapy. Of these, five assessed resting state, nine probed affective processing and one probed cognitive processing. Twelve studies reported evidence of functional connectivity as a significant predictor or outcome of cognitive behavioural therapy, with prefronto-limbic circuitry most commonly implicated. Only six studies included healthy participants, limiting direct inferences about normalisation as opposed to compensatory changes. Anxiety disorders were overrepresented, totalling 13 of the studies reviewed. No studies examined structural connectivity or utilised analyses allowing the directionality of functional connectivity to be inferred.

Conclusion:

While the evidence base is still in its infancy for other therapy approaches, there was clearer evidence that functional connectivity both predicts and is altered by cognitive behavioural therapy. Connections from prefrontal cortex appear especially key, perhaps given their role in cognitive appraisal of lower order affective, motivational and cognitive processes. A number of recommendations are made for this rapidly developing literature.