bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustained Improvement in a Metastatic Colon Cancer Patient with FOLFIRI-Aflibercept after FOLFOX Failure
Authors: Aggarwal Shyam
Published: November 2015

The present report illustrates a case of a 37-year-old Indian male patient diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon who underwent an anterior resection with total mesorectal excision surgery. He was administered adjuvant chemotherapy with 10 cycles of a FOLFOX-4 (folinic acid, fluorouracil and oxaliplatin) regimen but developed relapse. He was then put on a FOLFIRI (folinic acid, fluorouracil and irinotecan)-aflibercept (Zaltrap) regimen and received 12 cycles during the next 6 months. During the treatment period, a reduction in ascites along with a decline in serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level was observed, though the tumor size was unchanged. After completion of 12 cycles, the patient was asymptomatic but showed signs of progression in the form of increased CEA level. The FOLFIRI-aflibercept therapy was discontinued, and the patient was given supportive treatment, but he eventually died after another 6 months. The FOLFIRI-aflibercept treatment provided a progression-free survival of 6 months and an overall survival of 1 year to this patient, which corroborates the findings of the VELOUR trial.
Prehospitalization Risk Factors for Acute Kidney Injury during Hospitalization for Serious Infections in the REGARDS Cohort
Authors: Wang Henry E. , Powell T. Clark , Gutiérrez Orlando M. , Griffin Russell , Safford Monika M.
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims: Acute kidney injury (AKI) frequently occurs in hospitalized patients. In this study, we determined prehospitalization characteristics associated with AKI in community-dwelling adults hospitalized for a serious infection. Methods: We used prospective data from 30,239 participants of the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study, a national cohort of community-dwelling adults ≥45 years old. We identified serious infection hospitalizations between 2003 and 2012. Using the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria, we defined AKI as an increase in serum creatinine (sCr) ≥0.3 mg/dl from the first inpatient sCr measurement during the first 7 hospitalization days. We excluded individuals with a history of renal transplant or preexisting end-stage renal disease as well as individuals with <2 sCr measurements. We identified baseline characteristics (sociodemographics, health behaviors, chronic medical conditions, biomarkers, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, statin, or antihypertensive medication use) independently associated with AKI events using multivariable generalized estimating equations. Results: Over a median follow-up of 4.5 years (interquartile range 2.4-6.3), we included 2,074 serious infection hospitalizations among 1,543 individuals. AKI occurred in 296 of 2,074 hospitalizations (16.5%). On multivariable analysis, prehospitalization characteristics independently associated with AKI among individuals hospitalized for a serious infection included a history of diabetes [odds ratio (OR) 1.38; 95% CI 1.02-1.89], increased cystatin C (OR 1.73 per SD; 95% CI 1.20-2.50), and increased albumin-to-creatinine ratio (OR 1.19 per SD; 95% CI 1.007-1.40). Sex, race, hypertension, myocardial infarction, estimated glomerular filtration rate, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, statin, or antihypertensive medications were not associated with AKI. Conclusions: Community-dwelling adults with a history of diabetes or increased cystatin C or albumin-to-creatinine ratio are at increased risk for AKI after hospitalization for a serious infection. These findings may be used to identify individuals at high risk for AKI.
The Challenges of Precision Oncology Drug Development and Implementation
Authors: Hollingsworth Simon J. , Biankin Andrew V.
Published: November 2015

The drivers of precision medicine are clear: for patients (and physicians) - more options, durable clinical benefit, reduced exposure to non-effective drugs and potential to leverage current scientific and technological advances; for the pharmaceutical industry - the potential to tackle core challenges in discovering and developing better and more efficacious medicines, to reduce rates of attrition in drug development and to reduce development costs; for healthcare systems and payers - improved efficiency through the provision of effective care and avoiding ineffective treatments. Oncology has been at the vanguard, the improvements gained in patient survival notable. However, the increasing number of molecular subgroups requires an equally increasing number (and new generation) of highly selective agents targeting inevitably lower incidence molecular segments. Innovative trial designs (umbrella/basket studies) are emerging as a patient-centric approach to drug development, and the rise in public-private partnerships, cross-industry, government and non-profit sector collaborations is enabling implementation of complex clinical trial designs. This poses significant challenges for healthcare systems and regulatory approval. Further substantial evolution of policy and processes, particularly regulatory requirements for approval for new therapeutics, are required.
Association of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone with Resting Energy Expenditure in Euthyroid Elderly Subjects: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nagel Anja , Spinneker Andre , Neuhäuser-Berthold Monika
Published: November 2015

Background: Several studies have reported positive correlations between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and body mass index (BMI) in euthyroid subjects. As impaired thyroid function is known to affect the metabolic rate, this study investigated whether TSH is associated with resting energy expenditure (REE) in euthyroid elderly subjects, independent of age, anthropometric data and body composition. Methods: Cross-sectional data of 77 women (66-96 years, BMI 18-36 kg/m2) and 55 men (66-86 years, BMI 20-39 kg/m2) were analyzed. REE was measured using indirect calorimetry, body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis and serum TSH using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: REE, fat-free mass (FFM) and waist circumference (WC) were significantly lower, whereas TSH and fat mass (FM) were significantly higher in women than in men. In multiple stepwise regression analysis, with age-adjusted REE (REEadj) as the dependent variable and FFM, FM and WC as independent variables, FFM and WC explained 40.7% in women and FFM 32.8% in men of the variability in REEadj. Including TSH in the model led to a significant rise of the adjusted R-squared value in women only, and explained an additional 2.8% of the variability in REEadj. Conclusions: TSH is independently and negatively associated with REE in euthyroid elderly women.
Combination of mTOR Inhibitors Augments Potency while Activating PI3K Signaling in Pituitary Tumors
Authors: Rubinfeld Hadara , Cohen Ortal , Kammer Adi , Yang Guang , Cohen Zvi R. , Hadani Moshe , Shimon Ilan
Published: November 2015

Background: Despite the success in treating some cancers, the efficacy of the mTOR inhibitors rapalogs as anti-cancer therapeutics has been limited. Aims: We undertook to examine the effects of Torin1, a second-generation selective ATP-competitive mTOR inhibitor, in non-functioning pituitary tumor cells. During characterization of the molecular mechanisms that mediate Torin1 actions, there seemed to be a rationale for combining it with rapalogs. Methods: Proliferation assays, flow cytometry and Western blotting were applied to assess the effects of Torin1, RAD001 and their combination on an MtT/E pituitary cell line and human-derived non-functioning pituitary tumor cells. Results: Combined long treatments of Torin1 and RAD001 induced a pronounced reduction in cell growth and viability of both MtT/E pituitary cells and human-derived non-functioning pituitary tumor cells, superior to each drug alone. This was remarkable in the 10 nM combination and was reflected in a triggered decrease of cyclin D3 and p21/CIP expression. Interestingly, Akt-Thr308 and SIN1-Thr86 phosphorylations were robustly elevated in the combined treatment, accompanied by a reduction in PTEN expression. Phosphorylation of p70S6K was abolished in all individual and combined treatments. Akt-Ser473 phosphorylation, induced by RAD001, was reduced by the combined treatment to the same extent as when treated by Torin1 alone. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the differential signaling mechanisms induced by these compounds eventually converge to lead to an efficient blockade of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in pituitary tumor cells and may facilitate a reduction in treatment dosage.
Repeated Blood Pressure Measurements in Childhood in Prediction of Hypertension in Adulthood
Authors: Oikonen Mervi , Nuotio Joel , Magnussen Costan G. , Viikari Jorma S.A. , Taittonen Leena , Laitinen Tomi , Hutri-Kähönen Nina , Jokinen Eero , Jula Antti , Cheung Michael , Sabin Matthew A. , Daniels Stephen R. , Raitakari Olli T. , Juonala Markus
Published: November 2015

Hypertension may be predicted from childhood risk factors. Repeated observations of abnormal blood pressure in childhood may enhance prediction of hypertension and subclinical atherosclerosis in adulthood compared with a single observation. Participants (1927, 54% women) from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study had systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements performed when aged 3 to 24 years. Childhood/youth abnormal blood pressure was defined as above 90th or 95th percentile. After a 21- to 31-year follow-up, at the age of 30 to 45 years, hypertension (>140/90 mm Hg or antihypertensive medication) prevalence was found to be 19%. Carotid intima-media thickness was examined, and high-risk intima-media was defined as intima-media thickness >90th percentile or carotid plaques. Prediction of adulthood hypertension and high-risk intima-media was compared between one observation of abnormal blood pressure in childhood/youth and multiple observations by improved Pearson correlation coefficients and area under the receiver operating curve. When compared with a single measurement, 2 childhood/youth observations improved the correlation for adult systolic (r=0.44 versus 0.35,
P
<0.001) and diastolic (r=0.35 versus 0.17,
P
<0.001) blood pressure. In addition, 2 abnormal childhood/youth blood pressure observations increased the prediction of hypertension in adulthood (0.63 for 2 versus 0.60 for 1 observation,
P
=0.003). When compared with 2 measurements, third observation did not provide any significant improvement for correlation or prediction (
P
always >0.05). A higher number of childhood/youth observations of abnormal blood pressure did not enhance prediction of adult high-risk intima-media thickness. Compared with a single measurement, the prediction of adult hypertension was enhanced by 2 observations of abnormal blood pressure in childhood/youth.
Achieved Blood Pressure and Outcomes in the Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes Trial
Authors: Odden Michelle C. , McClure Leslie A. , Sawaya B. Peter , White Carole L. , Peralta Carmen A. , Field Thalia S. , Hart Robert G. , Benavente Oscar R. , Pergola Pablo E.
Published: November 2015

Abstract—

Studies suggest a J-shaped association between blood pressure and cardiovascular events in the setting of intensive systolic blood pressure control; whether there is a similar association with stroke remains less well established. The Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes was a randomized trial to evaluate higher (130–149 mm Hg) versus lower (<130 mm Hg) systolic blood pressure targets in participants with recent lacunar infarcts. We evaluated the association of mean achieved blood pressure, 6 months after randomization, and recurrent stroke, major vascular events, and all-cause mortality. After a mean follow up of 3.7 years, there was a J-shaped association between achieved blood pressure and outcomes; the lowest risk was at ≈124 and 67 mm Hg systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively. For example, above a systolic blood pressure of 124 mm Hg, 1 standard deviation higher (11.1 mm Hg) was associated with increased mortality (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.9; 95% confidence interval: 1.4, 2.7), whereas below this level, this relationship was inverted (0.29; 0.10, 0.79),
P
<0.001 for interaction. Above a diastolic blood pressure of 67 mm Hg, a 1 standard deviation higher (8.2 mm Hg) was associated with an increased risk of stroke (2.2; 1.4, 3.6), whereas below this level, the association was in the opposite direction (0.34; 0.13, 0.89),
P
=0.02 for interaction. The lowest risk of all events occurred at a nadir of ≈120 to 128 mm Hg systolic blood pressure and 65 to 70 mm Hg diastolic blood pressure. Future studies should evaluate the impact of excessive blood pressure reduction, especially in older populations with preexisting vascular disease.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00059306.
Deoxycorticosterone Acetate/Salt–Induced Cardiac But Not Renal Injury Is Mediated By Endothelial Mineralocorticoid Receptors Independently From Blood Pressure
Authors: Lother Achim , Fürst David , Bergemann Stella , Gilsbach Ralf , Grahammer Florian , Huber Tobias B. , Hilgendorf Ingo , Bode Christoph , Moser Martin , Hein Lutz
Published: November 2015

Chronic kidney disease has a tremendously increasing prevalence and requires novel therapeutic approaches. Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonists have proven highly beneficial in the therapy of cardiac disease. The cellular and molecular events leading to cardiac inflammation and remodeling are proposed to be similar to those mediating renal injury. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate and directly compare the effect of MR deletion in endothelial cells on cardiac and renal injury in a model of deoxycorticosterone acetate–induced hypertension. Endothelial MR deletion ameliorated deoxycorticosterone acetate/salt–induced cardiac remodeling. This was associated with a reduced expression of the vascular cell adhesion molecule
Vcam1
in MR-deficient cardiac endothelial cells. Ambulatory blood pressure telemetry revealed that the protective effect of MR deletion was independent from blood pressure. Similar to the heart, deoxycorticosterone acetate/salt–induced severe renal injury, including inflammation, fibrosis, glomerular injury, and proteinuria. However, no differences in renal injury were observed between genotypes. In conclusion, MR deletion from endothelial cells ameliorated deoxycorticosterone acetate/salt–induced cardiac inflammation and remodeling independently from alterations in blood pressure but it did not affect renal injury. These findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory mechanism mediating organ protection after endothelial cell MR deletion is specific for the heart versus the kidney.
Jean-Georges Varsy et l’« Histoire d’Ali Baba » : révélations et silences de deux manuscrits récemment découverts
Authors: Zakharia Katia
Published: November 2015

Première partie d’une étude à paraître en deux temps, consacrée aux versions arabes du conte d’Ali Baba, cet article est centré sur l’orientaliste Jean-Georges Varsy. En opposition avec le point de vue de Mohsen Mahdi, qui considère que « Varsy [. . .] a composé [Ali Baba] comme un quelconque écolier français aurait pu le faire en grec ou latin » et souligne son « indigence » « stupide » et « ridicule », cette étude établit que Varsy était un arabisant compétent, avec une solide connaissance de la langue et de la civilisation arabes. À cet effet, je me suis appuyée sur des documents imprimés portant sur la Campagne d’Égypte, du matériau généalogique et, surtout, sur deux manuscrits que j’ai récemment découverts : une autobiographie de Varsy et un commentaire qu’il a rédigé en arabe du Qāmūs d’al-Fīrūzābādī.
Posterity or Prosperity?
Authors: Swoboda A.J.
Published: November 2015

At the beginning of the twenty-first century, prosperity theologies have simultaneously received a warm reception by some and a critical cold shoulder by others. With emotive responses provoked on both sides, what cannot be ignored is the influence prosperity thinking has, and will have, on the global church. Yet, little to no attention has been devoted to the intersection between prosperity theology and the issues surrounding the ecological crisis, such as climate change, environmental degradation, human greed, and wanton consumerism. Does such an intersection exist? This article explores this question by contrasting prosperity theology’s divine economy and agrarianism’s great economy. In sum, it suggests that the uncritical reception of prosperity teachings—though they speak pointedly to real, felt human needs—can ultimately create ecologically harmful, if not anti-ecological, modes of thinking and living within its adherents.
Pentecostalism, Witchdemonic Accusations, and Symbolic Violence in Ghana
Authors: Tweneboah Seth
Published: November 2015

The increasing numerical strength of Ghanaian pentecostalism and the movement’s involvement in filling in the socioeconomic vacuum in society means that the position of the pastor-prophet cannot be a neglected one. Yet, the extent to which human rights violations are involved in the activities of some of these pastor-prophets has raised some concerns. This article will focus on the often violent treatment of alleged witches during exorcism and explore how these challenge human rights development and implementation in Ghana. Bourdieu’s notion of habitus and symbolic violence will be applied to a discussion of human rights and Ghanaian popular deliverance-oriented pentecostal/charismatic ministries. I will argue that pentecostal/charismatic discourse on witchcraft fashions an ideological foundation for symbolic and actual violence against those accused of witchcraft.
Impact of Vestibular Lesions on Allocentric Navigation and Interval Timing: The Role of Self-Initiated Motion in Spatial-Temporal Integration
Authors: Dallal Nancy L. , Yin Bin , Nekovářová Tereza , Stuchlík Aleš , Meck Warren H.
Published: November 2015

Bilateral intratympanic sodium arsenate injections (100 mg/ml in isotonic saline) in adult male Long Evans rats produced impairments in allocentric navigation using a 12-arm radial maze procedure as well as a motor test battery designed to evaluate vestibular function. In contrast, no impairments in the accuracy or precision of duration reproduction using 20-s and 80-s peak-interval procedures were observed when both target durations were associated with the same lever response, but distinguished by signal modality (e.g., light or sound). In contrast, an ordinal-reproduction procedure with 800, 3200, and 12,800 ms standards requiring the timing of self-initiated movements during the production phase revealed large impairments in the accuracy and precision of timing for vestibular lesioned rats. These impairments were greater on trials in which self-initiated body movements (e.g., holding down the response lever for a fixed duration) were required without the support of external stimuli signaling the onset and offset of the reproduced duration in contrast to trials in which such external support was provided. The conclusion is that space and time are separable entities and not simply the product of a generalized system, but they can be integrated into a common metric using gravity and self-initiated movement as a reference.
Impatiens kingdon-wardii (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Mt. Victoria (Natma Taung), Myanmar
Authors: TANAKA NOBUYUKI , SUGAWARA TAKASHI , AUNG MU MU , MURATA JIN
Published: November 2015

A new species, Impatiens kingdon-wardii Nob. Tanaka & T. Sugaw. (Balsaminaceae), is described and illustrated from Mt. Victoria (Natma Taung), northwestern Myanmar. This species is distinguished from any other species by the pink orbicular, densely pubescent lateral sepals, appearance of which is like two ears of the mouse, and upper lobes of lateral united petals with hairy club-shaped protuberance.
A new genus of Trachelipodidae Strouhal, 1953 (Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea) from the eastern Mediterranean
Authors: CARDOSO GIOVANNA MONTICELLI , TAITI STEFANO , SFENTHOURAKIS SPYROS
Published: November 2015

Levantoniscus n. gen. is erected for two new species from Cyprus: Levantoniscus bicostulatus n. sp. and Levantoniscus makrisi n. sp. Levantoniscus wahrmani (Strouhal, 1968) n. comb. from Israel and southern Turkey is transferred from the genus Bathytropa Budde-Lund, 1885 and family Bathytropidae. The new genus is included in the family Trachelipodidae and is characterized by distinct dorsal ornamentation, interlocking pleopods and uncovered pleopodal lungs which are located in invaginations on pleopod 3–5 exopodites.
Characterization of an isolate of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Nematoda: Heterorhabditidae) from the Northern Territory, Australia, using morphology and molecular data
Authors: SAGUN JOHN HENRY , DAVIES KERRIE Ann , FONTANILLA IAN KENDRICH , CHAN MERAB ANTONE , LAURENTE DARREN ANTON
Published: November 2015

An entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis H39, was found in Darwin, Australia. Based on morphological and morphometric similarities, and molecular characterisation, it is an isolate of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. Males, hermaphrodites, females and juveniles showed important similarities on most characters that define H. bacteriophora. The morphometrics of the infective juvenile of Heterorhabditis H39 are similar to those of H. bacteriophora, including average body length (562 (537–587) vs 570 (520–600) µm), maximum body width (21 (19–22) vs 24 (21–31) µm), distance from the anterior end to the EP (96 (87–104) vs 104 (94–109) µm) and tail length (101 (94–111) vs 91 (83–99) µm). The morphology of the spicules and gubernaculum of male Heterorhabditis H39 are indistinguishable from those of H. bacteriophora. The biology and life cycle of Heterorhabditis H39 are similar to those of other Heterorhabditis species. The Neighbour-Joining Tree based on 475 nucleotides of the SSU rRNA gene showed that Heterorhabditis H39 formed a monophyletic group with other H. bacteriophora isolates with a bootstrap value of 100. Thus, phylogenetic study of SSU sequence data provided strong evidence that Heterorhabditis H39 is an isolate of H. bacteriophora. This is the first record of H. bacteriophora in northern Australia.
Molecular systematics and undescribed diversity of Madagascan scolecophidian snakes (Squamata: Serpentes)
Authors: NAGY ZOLTÁN T. , MARION ANGELA B. , GLAW FRANK , MIRALLES AURÉLIEN , NOPPER JOACHIM , VENCES Miguel , HEDGES S. BLAIR
Published: November 2015

We provide an updated molecular phylogenetic analysis of global diversity of typhlopid and xenotyphlopid blindsnakes, adding a set of Madagascan samples and sequences of an additional mitochondrial gene to an existing supermatrix of nuclear and mitochondrial gene segments. Our data suggest monophyly of Madagascan typhlopids, exclusive of introduced Indotyphlops braminus. The Madagascar-endemic typhlopid clade includes two species previously assigned to the genus Lemuriatyphlops (in the subfamily Asiatyphlopinae), which were not each others closest relatives. This contradicts a previous study that described Lemuriatyphlops based on a sequence of the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene from a single species and found this species not forming a clade with the other Malagasy species included. Based on our novel phylogenetic assessment we include all species in this endemic typhlopid clade in the genus Madatyphlops and in the subfamily Madatyphlopinae and consider Lemuriatyphlops as junior synonym. Within Madatyphlops, we identify several candidate species. For some of these (those in the M. arenarius complex), our preliminary data suggest sympatric occurrence and morphological differentiation, thus the existence of undescribed species. We also comment on the genus-level classification of several non-Madagascan typhlopids. We suggest that African species included in Madatyphlops (Afrotyphlops calabresii, A. cuneirostris, A. platyrhynchus, and Rhinotyphlops leucocephalus) should not be included in this genus. We furthermore argue that recent claims of Sundatyphlops, Antillotyphlops, and Cubatyphlops being “undiagnosable” or “not monophyletic” were based on errors in tree reconstruction and failure to notice diagnostic characters, and thus regard these three genera as valid.
A new species of Dixonius (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Phu Quy Island, Vietnam
Authors: BOTOV ANDREAS , PHUNG TRUNG MY , NGUYEN TRUONG QUANG , BAUER AARON M. , BRENNAN IAN G. , ZIEGLER THOMAS
Published: November 2015

We describe a new species of Dixonius on the basis of five specimens from Phu Quy Island, Binh Thuan Province, in southern Vietnam. The new species can be distinguished from congeners based on molecular and morphological differences. Diagnostic features are: small size (SVL up to 44 mm); 7 or 8 supralabials; 11 or 12 rows of keeled tubercles on dorsum; 21–23 ventral scale rows; 5 or 6 precloacal pores in males; a canthal stripe running from rostrum through the eye and terminating behind the head; second pair of postmentals about one third to one half size of first pair; ground color of dorsum brown, with one or two rows of light yellow or orange spots in one or two rows along flanks, and irregular bands or a reticulated network of dark marks on dorsum. This is the fifth species of Dixonius known to occur in Vietnam.
Taxonomic notes on Wahydra Steinhauser (Hesperiidae, Hesperiinae, Anthoptini) with description of four new species
Authors: HENAO EFRAIN R. , CARNEIRO EDUARDO , MIELKE OLAF H.H. , CASAGRADE MIRNA M.
Published: November 2015

The genus Wahydra Steinhauser, 1991 was classified as Anthoptini together with other eight genera, based on the shape of the brand, hind tibial spurs and male genitalia, the species of Wahydra are scarcely represented in collections, therefore the taxonomic knowledge of the genus remains poorly explored. Aiming to contribute to the recognition and organization of the diversity of Wahydra, in the present study, four new species: Wahydra trinitas Henao, Mielke, Carneiro & Casagrande sp. nov., Wahydra curtis Mielke, Henao, Carneiro & Casagrande sp. nov., Wahydra shueyi Carneiro, Henao, Mielke & Casagrande sp. nov., and Wahydra mapiriensis Casagrande, Henao, Carneiro & Mielke sp. nov.; are describe. In addition Dalla curia Evans, 1955 is considered a syn. nov. of Wahydra tassa Evans, 1955, and Wahydra obscura is treated as a syn. nov. of Wahydra ekka Evans, 1955 comb. nov. Male genitalia is illustrated for all species, except for Wahydra dores (Bell, 1959) and Wahydra thisbe (Hayward, 1942). The female and genitalia of Wahydra vola (Evans, 1955) are described and illustrated here for the first time.
Morphological and molecular characterization of Tylencholaimellus persicus sp. n. (Dorylaimida: Tylencholaimellidae) from Iran
Authors: ADELDOOST YASER , HEYDARI RAMIN , PEDRAM MAJID
Published: November 2015

Tylencholaimellus persicus sp. n. is described and illustrated based on morphological and molecular characters. The new species is characterized by its 613–885 μm long body, expanded lip region separated from body contour by a sharp constriction, forming a large disk-like structure, odontostyle and odontophore respectively 12–14 and 6.5–8.0 μm long, female genital system mono-opisthodelphic with relatively long anterior uterine sac (AUS; 50–80 μm in length), position of vulva relative to the body length (V = 36.5–41.5), broadly rounded tail, abundant males in population with 22–25 μm long spicules and one ventromedian copulatory supplement. The new species is compared with five known species of the genus that have a perioral disc, rounded tail and AUS: T. coronatus, T. incertus, T. montanus, T. ozarkensis and T. projectus. Compared to these five species, the new species has an expanded lip region separated from body contour by a sharp constriction, but can further be separated by a combination of morphological and morphometric characters such as odontostyle length, tail shape, differences in ratios c´ and V and male characters. Because of having similar general morphology, the new species was also compared with a species of genus Margollus, M. bokanicus, and the differences between the two species are discussed. In addition to morphological and morphometric data, molecular phylogenetic analyses were performed using partial sequences of the 18S SSU and 28S LSU D2/D3 rDNA segments, in which the new species forms a clade with four species/isolates of Tylencholaimellus in the SSU tree and one isolate of Tylencholaimus in the LSU tree using Bayesian inference (BI).
Notes on some enigmatic taxa of limnoterrestrial rhabdocoels, with the description of two new species
Authors: HOUBEN ALBRECHT M. , SCHWANK PETER , PROESMANS WILLEM , BERT WIM , ARTOIS TOM J.
Published: November 2015

Six taxa of limnoterrestrial rhabdocoels are discussed, two of them, both belonging to Typhloplanidae Graff, 1905, are new to science. Adenoplea reisingeri n. sp. can be distinguished from its congeners by the absence of a separate seminal receptacle, the presence of a copulatory bursa and the fact that it has an unarmed copulatory organ. Carcharodopharynx schlitzensis n. sp. can be distinguished from C. arcanus (Reisinger, 1924) Poche, 1926, the only other species within the genus, by the fact that the cirrus bears spines. For four other taxa: Adenoplea perigraptopera Reisinger, 1924, A. meridionalis Kolasa, 1981, C. arcanus (Reisinger, 1924) Poche, 1926 and Archivortex silvestris Reisinger, 1924, new data on morphology and distribution are provided. Neotypes are designated for A. perigraptopera and C. arcanus.
A new species of Blattisocius (Acari: Mesostigmata: Blattisociidae), with a new characterisation of the genus
Authors: OLIVEIRA DANIEL C. , CHANDRAPATYA ANGSUMARN , MORAES GILBERTO J. DE
Published: November 2015

A new species of Blattisocius Keegan, Blattisocius thaicocofloris n. sp., is described from Thailand from adult females and males, raising to 18 the number of species known in this genus. This is the first species of this genus described from flowers (of Cocos nucifera L.; Arecaceae), although two species, Blattisocius apis Basha & Yousef and Blattisocius apisassociae Chinniah & Mohanasundaram, were reported in association with honeybees, which could suggest an association with flowers. The new species requires updates to the diagnostic characteristics of the genus and recently published keys for generic identification of blattisociid subfamilies, blattisociine genera and Blattisocius species.
Review of some species in the genera Pselaphodes Westwood and Labomimus Sharp (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae)
Authors: YIN ZI-WEI , LI LI-ZHEN
Published: November 2015

Eight species of the genera Pselaphodes Westwood and Labomimus Sharp described from 1870 to 1925 are reviewed, six of them are redescribed, with their major diagnostic characters illustrated. Lectotypes are designated for the following names: Pselaphodes antennatus Bryant, 1915, Pselaphodes simplicicornis Champion, 1925, Pselaphodes spinosus Champion, 1925, and Pselaphodes villosus Westwood, 1870. Three new combinations and a new synonymy are proposed: Labomimus foveolatus (Raffray, 1882) comb. n. (transferred from Pselaphodes), Labomimus torticornis (Champion, 1925) comb. n. (transferred from Pselaphodes), and Pselaphodes championi (Jeannel, 1960) comb. n. (transferred from Labomimus), syn. n. (= Pselaphodes spinosus Champion, 1925).
Description of the final stadium larvae of Onychargia atrocyana Selys, 1865 from Sarawak, identified using DNA barcoding (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platycnemididae), with an overview of larval characters in the Platycnemididae
Authors: ORR ALBERT G. , DOW RORY A.
Published: November 2015

The final stadium larva of Onychargia atrocyana Selys, 1865, is described and illustrated based on two female specimens collected at Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, East Malaysia. The larvae were identified by matching the mitochondrial marker COI with that of known adult specimens from Gunung Mulu, Bintulu and Kuching in Sarawak and from Pahang state in West Malaysia. The specimens presented close matches with all adults in this gene. As O. atrocyana is a taxonomically isolated species with no close congeners in Borneo the determination is beyond doubt. O. atrocyana is the only member of the Onychargiinae for which the larva is known. It is compared with the known larvae of other platycnemidid subfamilies, and the possible significance of larval morphology in higher classification of the group is discussed.
Early Cellular Response to Radiation in Human Vocal Fold Fibroblasts
Authors: Erickson-DiRenzo Elizabeth , Enos Gabrielle , Thibeault Susan L.
Published: November 2015

Objectives:

Radiation therapy is a common treatment strategy for laryngeal carcinoma. However, radiation is not without adverse side effects, especially toward healthy vocal fold tissue, which can lead to long-term impairments in vocal function. The objective of this preliminary study was to investigate early responses of healthy human vocal fold fibroblasts (VFF) to radiation.

Methods:

VFF were exposed to a single or fractionated dose radiation scheme. Nonradiated VFF served as controls. Morphology of radiated and control VFF was subjectively examined. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the effect of radiation on extracellular matrix and inflammatory-related genes. VFF viability was investigated using a LIVE/DEAD and clonogenic assay.

Results:

Single or fractioned dose radiated VFF were morphologically indistinguishable from control VFF. No significant differences in gene expression were observed following either radiation scheme and as compared to controls. Clonogenic assay revealed reduced VFF viability following the fractionated but not single dose scheme. No changes in viability were detected using the LIVE/DEAD assay.

Conclusions:

We present one of the first investigations to evaluate early responses of healthy VFF to radiation. Findings will contribute to a growing body of literature seeking to elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying voice changes following radiation therapy for laryngeal carcinoma.
Outcomes of Laryngeal Reinnervation for Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis in Children
Authors: Smith Marshall E. , Houtz Daniel R.
Published: November 2015

Objective:

Outcomes of laryngeal reinnervation with ansa-cervicalis for unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) may be influenced by age of the patient and time interval between laryngeal nerve injury and reinnervation, suggesting less favorable outcomes in older patients and greater than 2-year time interval after injury. This study examines these issues in the pediatric population.

Method:

Review of prospectively collected data set of 35 children and adolescents (1-21 years) that underwent ansa-recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) laryngeal reinnervation for UVFP.

Results:

The time from RLN injury to reinnervation averaged 5.0 years (range, 0.8-15.2 years). No correlation was found between age at reinnervation ( r = 0.15) and patient- or parent-reported global percentage voice outcome or perceptual ratings. There was slight negative correlation in duration between RLN injury and reinnervation and voice outcomes ( r = −0.31). Postoperative voice self/surrogate global percentage rating average was 80.5% (range, 50%-100%), and perceptual rating GRBAS sum score average was 2.9 (range, 0-7).

Conclusion:

In pediatric ansa-RLN reinnervation for UVFP, no correlation between age at surgery and postoperative outcome was found. Denervation duration showed slight negative correlation, similar to what has been reported in adults, though voice improvement was seen in all patients.
The Incentivized Action View of Institutional Facts as an Alternative to the Searlean View
Authors: Smit J. P. , Buekens Filip , du Plessis Stan
Published: November 2015

In our earlier work, we argued, contra Searle, that institutional facts can be understood in terms of non-institutional facts about actions and incentives. Butchard and D’Amico claim that we have misinterpreted Searle, that our main argument against him (“the circularity objection”) has no merit and that our positive view cannot account for institutional facts created via joint action. We deny all three charges.
Thermal, mechanical and viscoelastic properties of compatibilized polypropylene/multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites
Authors: Borovanska Irena , Kotsilkova Rumiana , Pradas Manuel Monleón , Vallés-Lluch Ana , Djoumaliisky Strashimir
Published: November 2015

Polymer composites containing nanofillers are among the most promising research fields for advanced materials. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are considered an ideal inclusion for polymer nanocomposites due to superior electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties which can be explained with the unique atomic structure of the nanotubes. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are used as extremely strong nano-reinforcements for composites to produce a new generation of fiber-reinforced plastics with better application properties. In this experimental study, PP/MWCNT polymer nanocomposites with nanofiller concentrations in the range of 0.05–1 wt% MWCNT and the maleic anhydride amount from 0 to 7.5 wt% were investigated. An experimental study is conducted to examine the influence of MWCNT and compatibilizer contents on the thermal, mechanical, and viscoelastic properties of polypropylene (PP)/MWCNT nanocomposites. Extruded samples are characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), and microindentation tests. Standard Berkovich indentation test determined by residual surface impression method based on load–displacement curves was used. DSC results show an increase in the crystallization temperature of maleinated PP with the increase of MWCNT contents proving the nucleation effect of CNTs. DMTA results prove the good modification properties of maleic anhydride in MWCNT/PP nanocomposites at 0.05 wt% nanotubes concentration. Elastic moduli, obtained from both DMTA and microindentation, are compared to investigate the difference between surface and bulk mechanical properties of nanocomposites with increasing nanotubes concentration. Measured values of elastic moduli are within comparable ranges, but the absolute values are different.
Sketching and learning: A planning support system field study
Authors: Goodspeed Robert
Published: November 2015

One of the important bottlenecks to the wider adoption of planning support systems is a lack of evidence about whether they improve planning processes. In addition, existing research does not include field studies with high context validity. This paper fills this gap in the literature by reporting the results from a field study evaluating the performance of a planning support systems used for sketch planning as part of a land use planning project in metropolitan Austin, Texas, USA. Participants reported high levels of learning and dialog quality, the two chosen planning support systems performance measures. A regression analysis finds both are related to the ability of planning support systems to change participants’ perceptions. In addition, as suggested by learning theory, the planning support systems performance outcomes are significantly related to participants’ identity as a planner and meeting attendance, but are not related to gender or educational attainment. Finally, for the planning support systems studied here, participation in the planning support systems creation is less important than other factors in explaining planning support systems performance. The paper contributes to efforts to develop and implement robust measures of planning support systems performance and links concept of planning support systems performance to broader theories of learning.
Shortening the trip to school: Examining how children’s active school travel is influenced by shortcuts
Authors: Clark Andrew F , Bent Emily A , Gilliland Jason
Published: November 2015

For children and youth, the journey to and from school represents a significant opportunity to increase daily levels of physical activity by using non-motorized modes of travel, such as walking and biking. Studies of active school travel have demonstrated that the likelihood a child will walk or bike is significantly influenced by the distance they must travel between home and school, which in turn, is influenced by built environment characteristics such as the configuration of the local road network. This study examines how shortcuts can facilitate active school travel by decreasing the distance children must travel to get to and from school. A geographic information system was used to compare shortest route distances along road networks with and without shortcuts in 32 elementary school zones in London, Ontario, Canada and provide evidence on the effectiveness of shortcuts to facilitate active school travel. This study contributes two key findings: (1) shortcuts have a greater impact in areas with low street connectivity and low population density and (2) children living farther from school are more likely to benefit from shortcuts. The findings suggest that planners should consider the location and maintenance of shortcuts in school neighbourhoods in order to promote increased physical activity, health and well-being among students.
Une typologie des contribuables travailleurs indépendants basée sur les attitudes motivationnelles
Authors: Schwarzenberger Herbert , Muehlbacher Stephan , Bazart Cécile , Unger Lucas , Kirchler Erich
Published: November 2015

A representative sample of 471 Austrian self-employed taxpayers was investigated and types of taxpayers selected on the basis of their motivational postures were extracted. By means of a cluster analysis four basic clusters of taxpayers were identified. ‘Solidary’ taxpayers pay their taxes because they perceive the tax system as fair. ‘Non-solidary’ taxpayers experience their tax burden as unfair. ‘Critical’ taxpayers feel unfairly treated and show high resistance but do not necessarily react by evading taxes. ‘Strategic’ taxpayers feel fairly treated but still try to reduce their tax burden if they perceive the opportunity to do so. The results show that positive and negative attitudes, respectively, to taxes do not necessarily lead to tax compliance or tax evasion. Cooperative and uncooperative behaviour originates from different motives.
Human-applicable dendrigraft poly-l-lysine-based nanoparticle-coated Plasmodium yoelii-transamidase DNA vaccine is immunogenic and protective as the polyethylenimine-based formulation
Authors: Cherif Mahamoud Sama , Mbanefo Evaristus Chibunna , Shuaibu Mohammed Nasir , Kodama Yukinobu , Avenido Eleonor Fundan , Campos-Alberto Eduardo , Mizukami Shusaku , Camara Facely , Helegbe Gideon Kofi , Kikuchi Mihoko , Yanagi Tetsuo , Sasaki Hitoshi , Huy Nguyen Tien , Karbwang Juntra , Hirayama Kenji
Published: November 2015

The objective was to assess the immunoequivalence and protective efficacy of the novel, relatively safe dendrigraft poly-l-lysine-based nanoparticle formulation in comparison to the non-degradable polyethylenimine-based system. Groups of 6-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were immunized three times biweekly. Each mouse received 100 µg of the Plasmodium yoelii GPI8p-transamidase PyTAM formulated with nanoball that consisted of PyTAM/PEI/γ-PGA or PyTAM/DGL/γ-PGA and their respective nanoparticle-coated blank vector controls. Two weeks after the last immunization, the humoral responses and cellular immune response were assessed. The survival and parasitemia were evaluated in each group challenged intraperitoneally with 106 of a lethal strain of P. yoelii 17XL-parasitized red blood cells. Mice immunized with PyTAM/PEI/γ-PGA or PyTAM/DGL/γ-PGA showed similar survival rates, humoral responses and T helper 1 pro-inflammatory cellular immune responses in vivo and ex vivo. In particular, the PyTAM/DGL/γ-PGA formulation showed a significant increase in conventional dendritic cells in the spleen, which were consistently associated with high interleukin-12 production, the driver of the T helper 1 response. We show that the substitution of non-degradable polyethylenimine with the biodegradable dendrigraft poly-l-lysine in the nanoparticle formulation is immunoequivalent and elicits protective immunity against the lethal strain of P. yoelii. Therefore, this new gene-delivery vehicle with a good safety profile presents an exciting prospect for application in vaccination strategies.
Synthesis and characterization of an in situ forming hydrogel using tyramine conjugated high methoxyl gum tragacanth
Authors: Tavakol Moslem , Vasheghani-Farahani Ebrahim , Mohammadifar Mohammad Amin , Soleimani Masoud , Hashemi-Najafabadi Sameereh
Published: November 2015

In this study, an enzyme catalyzed in situ forming hydrogel based on tyramine conjugated high methoxyl content gum tragacanth (TA-HMGT) was prepared and characterized. TA-HMGT was synthesized via heterogeneous ammonolysis of methyl ester groups of HMGT. Then, the hydrogel was prepared via horseradish peroxidase catalyzed coupling reaction in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogel properties, such as gelation time, swelling/degradation behavior and rheological properties could be adjusted by tuning the gelation parameters and extent of tyramine conjugation. This system was a soft elastic hydrogel with appropriate biocompatibility. The fast gelation of the hydrogel is desirable for clinical applications. Also, in vitro bovine serum albumin release from the synthesized hydrogel showed good release profile with limited burst release.
A study of cytocompatibility and degradation of iron-based biodegradable materials
Authors: Oriňaková Renáta , Oriňak Andrej , Giretová Mária , Medvecký L'ubomír , Kupková Miriam , Hrubovčáková Monika , Maskal'ová Iveta , Macko Ján , Kal'avský František
Published: November 2015

Biodegradable metallic implants are of significant importance in the replacement of bones or the repair of bone defects. Iron-phosphate-coated carbonyl iron powder (Fe/P) was prepared by the phosphating method. Moreover, Fe/P–Mn alloy was produced by sintering the Fe/P powder mixed with manganese powder. Bare carbonyl iron samples and the Fe/P and Fe/P–Mn sintered samples were evaluated for their microstructure, cytotoxicity, and hemocompatibility. The microstructure of the sintered samples was examined using an optical microscope and scanning electron microscopic analysis. Corrosion behavior was evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization in Hank’s solution. The in vitro biocompatibilities were investigated by cytotoxicity and hemolysis tests. The results obtained demonstrate that the addition of Mn resulted in higher surface inhomogeneity, porosity and roughness as well as in increased cytotoxicity. The phosphate coating has a moderately negative effect on the cytotoxicity. The corrosion rates determined from Tafel diagrams were ordered in the following sequence: Fe/P–Mn, Fe, Fe/P from high to low. The hemocompatibility of experimental samples was ordered in the following sequence: Fe/P, Fe/P–Mn, Fe from high to low. All samples were found to be hemocompatible.