bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ER Stress Activates the NLRP3 Inflammasome: A Novel Mechanism of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Chen Xinnong , Guo Xiaochen , Ge Qihui , Zhao Yixuan , Mu Huaiyu , Zhang Junping
Published: October 2019

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an important organelle that regulates several fundamental cellular processes, and ER dysfunction has implications for many intracellular events. The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is an intracellularly produced macromolecular complex that can trigger pyroptosis and inflammation, and its activation is induced by a variety of signals. ER stress has been found to affect NLRP3 inflammasome activation through multiple effects including the unfolded protein response (UPR), calcium or lipid metabolism, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Intriguingly, the role of ER stress in inflammasome activation has not attracted a great deal of attention. In addition, increasing evidence highlights that both ER stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation contribute to atherosclerosis (AS). AS is a common cardiovascular disease with complex pathogenesis, and the precise mechanisms behind its pathogenesis remain to be determined. Both ER stress and the NLRP3 inflammasome have emerged as critical individual contributors of AS, and owing to the multiple associations between these two events, we speculate that they contribute to the mechanisms of pathogenesis in AS. In this review, we aim to summarize the molecular mechanisms of ER stress, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and the cross talk between these two pathways in AS in the hopes of providing new pharmacological targets for AS treatment.
Effects of Permissive Hypercapnia on Laparoscopic Surgery for Rectal Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Lei , Yang Lina , Yang Jing , Shan Shiqiang
Published: October 2019

Background. Permissive hypercapnia has been recommended during the treatment of chronic diseases; however, there are insufficient clinical data to investigate the feasibility of permissive hypercapnia in relatively long-term surgeries such as laparoscopic surgery for rectal carcinoma. This prospective study is aimed at investigating the efficacy and safety of permissive hypercapnia under different CO2 pneumoperitoneum pressures during the laparoscopic surgery for rectal carcinoma. Methods. A total of 90 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for rectal carcinoma were recruited from July 2016 to March 2017. They were randomly assigned to high hypercapnia group (n=30), low hypercapnia group (n=30), or control group (n=30), whose PaCO2 levels were maintained at 56-65 mmHg, 46-55 mmHg, or 35-45 mmHg, respectively. The primary endpoint was peak pressure. Plateau pressure, dynamic compliance, arterial blood analysis, and hemodynamic measures were collected as secondary outcomes. Adverse events were monitored. Results. High hypercapnia group were reported to be associated with significantly lower peak pressure and plateau pressure, but higher dynamic compliance compared to low hypercapnia and control group (all P<0.01). Moreover, patients in the high hypercapnia group had higher postoperation oxygenation index values compared to those in the low hypercapnia and control group (all P<0.01). There is no significant difference in the pH, Spo2, MAP, heart rate, and adverse events among the three groups. Conclusion. Permissive hypercapnia with a PaCO2 level of 56-65 mmHg was able to improve respiratory function after laparoscopic surgery in rectal cancer patients.
Simultaneous Determination of 15 Sulfonate Ester Impurities in Phentolamine Mesylate, Amlodipine Besylate, and Tosufloxacin Tosylate by LC-APCI-MS/MS
Authors: Jin Bo , Guo Kaijing , Zhang Tingting , Li Tong , Ma Chen
Published: October 2019

Sulfonate esters have been recognized as potential genotoxic impurities (PGIs) in pharmaceuticals. An LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of 15 sulfonate esters, including methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, and n-butyl esters of methanesulfonate, benzenesulfonate, and p-toluenesulfonate in drug products. The method utilized atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode for the quantitation of impurities. The method employed an ODS column as the stationary phase and water-acetonitrile as the solvents for gradient elution without derivatization steps. The method was specific, linear, accurate, precise, and robust. Recoveries of the sulfonic esters from three drug matrices were observed in the range of 91.6∼109.0% with an RSD of not greater than 17.9% at the concentration of the LOQ and in the range of 90.4%∼105.2% with an RSD of not greater than 7.1% at the concentration of 50 ng/mL for the methanesulfonates and 10 ng/mL for the benzenesulfonates and p-toluenesulfonates. The LOD was not greater than 15 ng/mL, 2 ng/mL, and 1 ng/mL for the methanesulfonate, benzenesulfonate, and p-toluenesulfonate esters, respectively. This method was sufficiently sensitive to detect the 15 PGIs in the phentolamine mesylate tablet, amlodipine besylate tablet, and tosufloxacin tosylate tablet. This analytical method is a direct, specific, rapid, and accurate quality control tool for the determination of the 15 sulfonate esters that are most likely to exist in drug products.
Serum and Dietary Folate and Vitamin B12 Levels Account for Differences in Cellular Aging: Evidence Based on Telomere Findings in 5581 U.S. Adults
Authors: Tucker Larry A.
Published: October 2019

Folate and vitamin B12 are essential for a variety of metabolic processes. Both micronutrients have been shown to reduce oxidative stress significantly. The present cross-sectional investigation evaluated the association between serum and dietary folate and vitamin B12 levels and leukocyte telomere length, an index of cellular aging influenced by oxidative stress. The study included 5581 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Because participants were randomly selected, results are generalizable to all civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S. adults. A blood draw provided DNA and serum folate and B12 information. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction method was used to measure telomere length. The Bio-Rad Quantaphase II folate and vitamin B12 radioassay kit was used to quantify levels of folate and vitamin B12. Dietary folate and vitamin B12 were assessed using a multipass 24 h recall. In some models, age, race, smoking pack-years, alcohol use, body mass index, total physical activity, hours fasted before the blood draw, and diabetes status were employed as covariates to minimize their influence. Findings showed that for each additional year of chronological age, telomeres were 15.6 base pairs shorter, on average (F=378.8, p<0.0001). Men had shorter telomeres than women after adjusting for all the covariates (F=6.8, p=0.0146). Serum (F=10.5, p=0.0030) and dietary (F=5.0, p=0.0325) folate concentrations were each linearly related to telomere length in women, but not in men, after controlling for age and race. Serum vitamin B12 and telomere length had a nonsignificant, inverse relationship in women, with age and race controlled (F=2.8, p=0.1056), but no relation in men. Dietary vitamin B12 was linearly related to telomere length in women, after adjusting for age and race (F=4.3, p=0.0468), but not in men. Overall, evidence indicates that folate and vitamin B12 levels, especially folate, account for meaningful differences in cell aging in women, but not in men.
Focal Choroidal Elevations: Localized Pigment Epithelial Contour Alterations due to Isolated Choroidal Vessels
Authors: Chu Rachel L. , Pannullo Nicole A. , Sigler Eric J.
Published: October 2019

Purpose. The objective of this case series was to describe the clinical and imaging features of focal choroidal elevations (FCE), which are chorioretinal contour changes induced by individual choroidal vessels within an overall thin-appearing choroid. Methods. A total of 787 enhanced depth imaging (EDI) spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) patient images were initially screened for the presence of FCE. Prospective imaging analysis of 38 patients with FCE was done. Mean central macular choroidal thickness (CMCT), FCE location, FCE vessel lumen diameter, patient demographics, cycloplegic autorefraction, ophthalmoscopic findings, and presence of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in the fellow eye were recorded. Results. FCE were observed in 25 patients with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), in 5 patients with high myopia, and in 8 patients with age-related choroidal atrophy (ARCA). Mean patient age was 80 ± 9.4 years. Mean CMCT was 86 ± 40 μm. Mean lumen diameter of the vessels inducing FCE was 131 ± 33 μm. Conclusions. FCE are relatively frequently encountered morphologic features of elderly patients with ARMD, high myopia, and ARCA, and have a distinct clinical and imaging morphology which differs from classically described chorioretinal folds. The lesions may commonly be mistaken for pigment epithelial detachments on ophthalmoscopy, may be associated with CNV in fellow eyes, and have a characteristic SD-OCT appearance.
Nontraumatic Epithelial Ingrowth 15 Years Post Laser In Situ Keratomileusis
Authors: Saade Joanna S. , Noureddin Baha’ , Awwad Shady T.
Published: October 2019

Purpose.Epithelial ingrowth occurring many years after primary Laser in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) without a preceding traumatic event is very rare.Case Report.We describe the case of a 61-year-old woman with epithelial ingrowth in her right eye 15 years after primary LASIK. She presented with right eye redness, pain, and decreased vision and denied any preceding trauma. An epithelial cells’ tract was visible on Optical Coherence Tomography. Conservative treatment lead to the stabilization of the epithelial nests.Discussion.Epithelial ingrowth can occur many years after LASIK and may be due to a microtrauma to the edge of the flap.
Granuloma Multiforme: A Rare Granulomatous Disease
Authors: Poudyal Yogesh , Shah Anita
Published: October 2019

Granuloma Multiforme (GM) is a reactive skin disorder with annular lesion and focal necrobiosis. It was first described in Nigeria (Africa), since than it was mostly described from various regions of Africa where leprosy was endemic. Outside Africa, this disease is rarely reported. Till 2016 only five cases were reported from India. This is the second case report from Nepal. A fifty-nine-year-old female, farmer by occupation, presented with annular and polycyclic plaques with elevated beaded border for one year. It was distributed over upper trunk, lower back, and arms, and was mildly pruritic. Histopathologically, loss of elastic fibres at focal area of upper dermis, with elastic fibres engulfed histiocytes were noted. GM was mostly noted from leprosy endemic areas of Africa. Clinically, it is very difficult to distinguish from granuloma annulare. This report adds the number of GM occurrence in Asia especially from area where leprosy is still prevalent. This report also emphasizes in resource poor settings where most diagnosis is made clinically, the granuloma annulare should be looked for very carefully in order not to miss GM.
Modeling of the Growth Kinetics of Boride Layers in Powder-Pack Borided ASTM A36 Steel Based on Two Different Approaches
Authors: Ortiz-Domínguez M. , Gómez-Vargas O. A. , Ares de Parga G. , Torres-Santiago G. , Velázquez-Mancilla R. , Castellanos-Escamilla V. A. , Mendoza-Camargo J. , Trujillo-Sánchez R.
Published: October 2019

An indispensable tool to choose the suitable process parameters for obtaining boride layer of an adequate thickness is the modeling of the boriding kinetics. In this work, two mathematical approaches were used in order to determine the value of activation energy in the Fe2B layers on ASTM A36 steel during the iron powder-pack boriding in the temperature range of 1123–1273 K for treatment times between 2 and 8 h. The first approach was based on the mass balance equation at the interface (Fe2B/substrate) and the solution of Fick’s second law under steady state (without time dependent). The second approach was based on the same mathematical principles as the first approach for one-dimensional analysis under non-steady-state condition. The measurements of the thickness (Fe2B), for different temperatures of boriding, were used for calculations. As a result, the boron activation energy for the ASTM A36 steel was estimated as 161 kJ·mol−1. This value of energy was compared between both models and with other literature data. The Fe2B layers grown on ASTM A36 steel were characterized by use of the following experimental techniques: X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Finally, the experimental value of Fe2B layer’s thickness obtained at 1123 K with an exposure time of 2.5 h was compared with the predicted thicknesses by using these two approaches. A good concordance was achieved between the experimental data and the simulated results.
Andrographolide Derivative AL-1 Ameliorates Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Murine Colitis by Inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK Signaling Pathways
Authors: Jing Mei , Wang Yuqiang , Xu Lipeng
Published: October 2019

Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) are commonly used to induce experimental murine ulcerative colitis (UC). Our recent study has demonstrated that a novel andrographolide derivative, AL-1, ameliorated TNBS-induced colitis in mice. However, the effect of AL-1 on DSS-induced murine colitis and the underlying mechanisms are yet unknown. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of AL-1 against DSS-induced UC in mice and to define its mechanisms of action. Oral administration of AL-1 attenuated body weight loss, reduced colon length shortening, lowered the disease activity index score, and alleviated colon histological damage. AL-1 significantly inhibited myeloperoxidase activity and suppressed immune inflammatory responses in colonic tissues. Moreover, AL-1 reversed DSS-altered expression of inflammatory cytokines in DSS-induced colitis mice. Importantly, the efficacy of 45 mg/kg of AL-1 was higher than that of 100 mg/kg of the positive control drugs 5-aminosalicylic acid and mesalazine. AL-1 decreased lipopolysaccharide-induced generation of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide in cultured macrophages in vitro; it also reversed the altered expression of inflammatory cytokines. In both in vivo and in vitro studies, Western blot analysis revealed that AL-1 reduced the expression of phosphorylated NF-κB p65 and IκBα, downregulated the expression of iNOS and COX-2, and attenuated the expression of phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), ERK, and JNK. In conclusion, AL-1 alleviated DSS-induced murine colitis by inhibiting activation of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Our data suggest that AL-1 could be a potential new treatment for UC.
Quality of Sliced Cured Pork Loin with Spinach: Effect of Incubation Period with Starter Culture
Authors: Kim Tae-Kyung , Yong Hae In , Jang Hae Won , Lee Heeyoung , Kim Young-Boong , Jeon Ki-Hong , Choi Yun-Sang
Published: October 2019

An increasing concern about the usage of chemical additives in meat products has resulted in the use of natural ingredients instead of chemical additives in meat products. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of incubation period on the physicochemical characteristics of meat products cured with spinach and starter culture containing Staphylococcus carnosus. The pH, color, TBARS lipid oxidation, volatile basic nitrogen, residual nitrite content, and microbial number in cured pork loin were determined by incubating it with spinach and starter culture for the following durations: 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, and 48 h. The pH and TBARS values of cured pork loin incubated with spinach and starter culture decreased in a time-dependent manner. An increase in the incubation time from 3 to 48 h resulted in a significant increase in the redness and volatile basic nitrogen content. The residual nitrite content was observed to be maximum in samples from the I48 group followed by the control (+), preconverted nitrite group, and I24 groups. Thus, we found that incubation with spinach and starter culture for 24 h yields a good-quality cooked sliced cured pork loin.
Energy-Efficient Control for an Unmanned Ground Vehicle in a Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Alcaina José , Cuenca Ángel , Salt Julián , Zheng Minghui , Tomizuka Masayoshi
Published: October 2019

In this paper, an energy-efficient control solution for an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) in a Wireless Sensor Network is proposed. This novel control approach integrates periodic event-triggered control, packet-based control, time-varying dual-rate Kalman filter-based prediction techniques, and dual-rate control. The systematic combination of these control techniques allows the UGV to track the desired path preserving performance properties, despite (i) existing scarce data due to the reduced usage of the wireless sensor device, which results in less number of transmissions through the network and, hence, bandwidth and battery saving; (ii) appearance of some wireless communication problems such as time-varying delays, packet dropouts, and packet disorder; and (iii) coping with a realistic scenario where external disturbance and sensor noise can arise. The main benefits of the control solution are illustrated via simulation.
Cutting‐Caving Ratio Optimization of Fully Mechanized Caving Mining with Large Mining Height of Extremely Thick Coal Seam
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhao Tong , Yetilmezsoy Kaan , Zhang Xiaoqiang
Published: October 2019

Serious rib spalling and low recovery rate problems caused by the poor top‐coal caving property (TCCP) were investigated in fully mechanized caving mining with large mining height (FMCMLMH) of extremely thick coal seam. For this aim, theoretical calculation, numerical simulation, and engineering application were applied to study the reasonable cutting‐caving ratio under the influence of different factors. The calculation formula of reasonable cutting height in FMCMLMH was obtained, and effective factors were determined. Moreover, Ft (the top‐coal yield failure coefficient) and Fw (the coal wall yield failure coefficient) were defined, and each factor was fitted by using a linear regression equation. The minimum Ft of fully fractured top coal was 0.6, and the main influencing factors were buried depth and Protodyakonov coefficient. The maximum Fw of the stable coal wall was 1.5, and the main influencing factors were buried depth and cutting height. According to the relationship between coal wall stability and recovery rate, the relationship between coal seam strength and top‐coal thickness at different cutting heights was obtained, and the mining zone was divided into four subzones. Engineering application showed that the optimal cutting height of Xiegou Coal Mine was 4 m, the cutting‐caving ratio was 1 : 2.75, and the recovery rate could reach more than 85%, which was the most reasonable.
Determination of Gradation of Recycled Mixed Coarse Aggregates for Pavement Base or Subbase by Crushing Fractals
Authors: Li Jianjun , Pei Yong , Xu Pengcheng , Chang Hui
Published: October 2019

A loading crushing test of recycled mixed coarse aggregates in the same particle diameter range is carried out, and the crushed coarse aggregates are screened, manually sorted, and weighed to study the crushing characteristics of recycled mixed coarse aggregates. The results show that the effect of “reinforcing the strong and discarding the weak” exists between two types of recycled mixed coarse aggregates with different strength in the course of crushing. After crushing, the cumulative mass content under each sieve at all levels and the sieve diameter ratio conform to the geometric fractal characteristics, and the fractal dimension is influenced by the material strength, the initial mixing ratio, and the initial void ratio. On this basis, the fractal dimension of recycled mixed coarse aggregates is determined by the crushing test, and the gradation of recycled mixed coarse aggregates for pavement base or subbase is then determined by fractal dimension. Finally, the mixing amount of recycled clay bricks in recycled mixed coarse aggregates for pavement base or subbase is discussed.
Responsiveness and Predictive Ability of the Chinese Version of the Action Research Arm Test in People with Cerebral Infarction
Authors: Zhao Jiang-Li , Zhang Tao , Xu Zhi-Qin , Ding Ming-Hui , Leng Yan , Bian Rui-Hao , Mao Yu-Rong , Huang Dong-Feng
Published: October 2019

Purpose.To detect the responsiveness and predictive ability of the Chinese version Action Research Arm Test (C-ARAT) in participants within the first 3 months after cerebral infarction.Methods.Ninety-seven individuals (75 men, mean age 59.87 ± 10.94 years) with a first cerebral infarction were enrolled in this study. The participants were evaluated by two outcome measures: C-ARAT and the Barthel Activities of Daily Living Index (BI) at five time points: 0D, 3W, 3M, 6M and 1Y after enrolment. The standardised response mean (SRM) and the Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to analyse responsiveness. Predictive validity was determined by using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients. The predicted performance of C-ARAT on activities of daily living (ADLs) was measured by linear regression model. Floor and ceiling effects were estimated by counting the proportion of subjects falling outside the 5% lower or upper boundary, respectively.Results.The C-ARAT showed moderate to large responsiveness in detecting changes over time (SRM = 0.58–0.84). The C-ARAT subscales showed small to large responsiveness (SRM = 0.44–0.90). The C-ARAT at 0D showed moderate to good correlation with the BI scores at 3W, 3M and 6M (ρ = 0.561–0.624,p<0.001), and exhibited fair correlation with the BI score 1Y after enrolment (ρ = 0.384,p<0.05). C-ARAT was a good predictor (adjustedR2 = 0.185–0.249) of BI within 3M follow-up. The C-ARAT total score showed a notable floor effect at 0D and 3W and a notable ceiling effect at 3M, 6M and 1Y.Conclusion.The results of this study support the use of the C-ARAT as a measurement of upper extremity function in individuals with a first cerebral infarction.
Tracking the Brain State Transition Process of Dynamic Function Connectivity Based on Resting State fMRI
Authors: Liu Chang , Xue Jie , Cheng Xu , Zhan Weiwei , Xiong Xin , Wang Bin
Published: October 2019

BOLD-fMRI technology provides a good foundation for the research of human brain dynamic functional connectivity and brain state analysis. However, due to the complexity of brain function connectivity and the high dimensionality expression of brain dynamic attributions, more research studies are focusing on tracking the time-varying characteristics through the transition between different brain states. The transition process is considered to occur instantaneously at some special time point in the above research studies, whereas our work found the brain state transition may be completed in a time section gradually rather than instantaneously. In this paper, a brain state conversion rate model is constructed to observe the procedure of brain state transition trend at each time point, and the state change can be observed by the values of conversion rate. According to the results, the transition of status always lasts for a few time points, and a brain state network model with both steady state and transition state is presented. Network topological overlap coefficient is built to analyze the features of time-varying networks. With this method, some common regular patterns of time-varying characteristics can be observed strongly in healthy children but not in the autism children. This distinct can help us to distinguish children with autism from healthy children.
Utility of Botulinum Injections in Stiff-Person Syndrome
Authors: Conners L. M. , Betcher A. , Shahinian A. , Janda P.
Published: October 2019

Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is an uncommon neurological disorder characterized by significant rigidity and muscle spasms primarily affecting the truncal and proximal musculature. Furthermore, a wide-based gait with functional impairment is generally seen. High-dose benzodiazepines or baclofen are widely considered the optimal initial therapy; however, major adverse effects often preclude adequate dosing. Refractory cases may be treated with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), plasma exchange, or B-cell depletion with rituximab, although these are also associated with major, sometimes fatal, adverse reactions. Several reports have validated the safety and utility of botulinum injections in this setting, yet botulinum remains markedly underutilized in this cohort. Below, a case report and review of the literature show botulinum can decrease pain and stiffness, improve gait and balance, and decrease dependence on powerful systemic treatments in this group.
Association between the -844 G>A, HindIII C>G, and 4G/5G PAI-1 Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to Multiple Sclerosis in Western Mexican Population
Authors: Valdés-Alvarado Emmanuel , Huerta Miguel , Trujillo Xochil , Valle Yeminia , Padilla Gutiérrez Jorge Ramón , Mireles-Ramírez Mario Alberto , Macías-Islas Miguel Angel , Luz Margarita Baltazar-Rodríguez , Muñoz-Valle José Francisco
Published: October 2019

Introduction. Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease, where fibrin deposition and the impairment in its degradation have been shown to play an important role in the demyelination process. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a serine protease that enhances the conversion of plasminogen into its active form plasmin, the principal tPA inhibitor is the PAI-1. Several PAI-1 polymorphisms impact its gene expression and protein activity. Furthermore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between the - 844 G>A, HindIII C>G, and 4G/5G PAI-1 polymorphisms and susceptibility to MS. Material and Methods. The study group included 400 Mexican mestizo subjects: 200 unrelated patients and 200 unrelated individuals identified as control subjects. The analysis of PAI-1 polymorphisms was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results. A significant association was found between the CG genotype of the HindIII C>G PAI-1 polymorphism and susceptibility to MS (OR=1.58, p=0.03); moreover, the frequency of 5G allele and 5G/5G genotype of the 4G/5G PAI-1 polymorphism was statistically significant (OR=1.36 and p=0.04 and OR=2.43 and p=0.02, respectively). With respect to the relation between the scores of progression (EDSS) and severity (MSSS), no association was found between EDSS and genotypes of the PAI-1 polymorphisms analyzed. Regarding MSSS, male that carries genotype GA of the -844 G>A and genotype 4G/5G of the 4G/5G PAI-1 polymorphisms showed a significant association with an increase of media of MSSS in comparison with females (p=0.01 in both cases).
Prospective Memory Relates to Attentional Control: Differential Patterns in Old Age
Authors: Ihle Andreas , Kliegel Matthias , Ballhausen Nicola , Da Silva Coelho Chloé , Haas Maximilian , Hering Alexandra , Künzi Morgane , Laera Gianvito , Mikneviciute Greta , Tinello Doriana , Zuber Sascha
Published: October 2019

Aims: We investigated the associations of prospective memory (PM) with memory, attentional control, and conscientiousness and whether they differed between young-old (YO) and old-old adults (OO). Methods: We analyzed data from 562 older adults (mean = 80.04 years) who were tested on four PM tasks, memory (immediate and delayed cued recall), attentional control (letter and category fluency), and reported conscientiousness. Results: Latent variable analyses showed that in both YO and OO PM was associated with memory and attentional control (but not conscientiousness). Notably, testing for moderation effects revealed that the relation between PM and attentional control was significantly stronger in YO than in OO. Conclusion: YO may be able to better (than OO) achieve a good PM performance with good attentional control.
Terminology of Dental Caries and Dental Caries Management: Consensus Report of a Workshop Organized by ORCA and Cariology Research Group of IADR
Authors: Machiulskiene Vita , Campus Guglielmo , Carvalho Joana Christina , Dige Irene , Ekstrand Kim Rud , Jablonski-Momeni Anahita , Maltz Marisa , Manton David J. , Martignon Stefania , Martinez-Mier E. Angeles , Pitts Nigel B. , Schulte Andreas G. , Splieth Christian H. , Tenuta Livia Maria Andaló , Ferreira Zandona Andrea , Nyvad Bente
Published: October 2019

A 2-day workshop of ORCA and the IADR Cariology Research Group was organized to discuss and reach consensus on definitions of the most commonly used terms in cariology. The aims were to identify and to select the most commonly used terms of dental caries and dental caries management and to define them based on current concepts. Terms related to definition, diagnosis, risk assessment, and monitoring of dental caries were included. The Delphi process was used to establish terms to be considered using the nominal group method favored by consensus. Of 222 terms originally suggested by six cariologists from different countries, a total of 59 terms were reviewed after removing duplicates and unnecessary words. Sixteen experts in cariology took part in the process of reaching consensus about the definitions of the selected caries terms. Decisions were made following thorough “round table” discussions of each term and confirmed by secret electronic voting. Full agreement (100%) was reached on 17 terms, while the definitions of 6 terms were below the agreed 80% threshold of consensus. The suggested terminology is recommended for use in research, in public health, as well as in clinical practice.
Elderly Patients with Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Are Undertreated and Have Shorter Survival: The LyREMeNET Study
Authors: Lemelin Annie , Maucort-Boulch Delphine , Castel-Kremer Elisabeth , Forestier Julien , Hervieu Valérie , Lorcet Marianne , Boutitie Florent , Theillaumas Aurélie , Robinson Philip , Duclos Antoine , Lombard-Bohas Catherine , Walter Thomas
Published: October 2019

Introduction: The incidence of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) is rising, especially in elderly patients. The elderly cancer population presents considerable challenges, yet little is known about the characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes of metastatic NET (mNET) patients. Methods: The Lyon Real-life Evidence in Metastatic NeuroEndocrine Tumors study (LyREMeNET, NCT03863106) included consecutive mNET patients, diagnosed between January 1990 and December 2017. The exclusion criteria were nonmetastatic NET, poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma, and mixed neuroendocrine-nonneuroendocrine neoplasms. We aimed to compare patients ≥70 years old to patients <70 years old. Results: A total of 866 patients were included, 198 (23%) were ≥70 years old. There was no significant difference in characteristics except that elderly patients had synchronous metastasis more frequently. Elderly patients received significantly fewer treatments (median of 2.0 vs. 3.0 lines, respectively, p < 0.0001), were significantly less frequently treated by chemotherapy (32 vs. 54%), targeted therapy (16 vs. 30%), peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (5 vs. 16%), and they underwent significantly less frequently locoregional intervention. Median overall survival was significantly shorter in elderly patients (5.2 vs. 9.6 years). The most frequent cause of death was related to disease progression (71%). Multivariate analysis found that, after adjustment for tumor location, tumor grade, and number of metastatic sites, age remained significantly associated with overall survival (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.26–2.18), indicating a poorer survival in patients ≥70 years old in comparison with younger patients (p = 0.0003). Conclusion: Patients ≥70 years old have a worse survival, die frequently from their disease, and are undertreated compared to younger patients.
Interfacility Transfer of Medicare Beneficiaries With Acute Type A Aortic Dissection and Regionalization of Care in the United States
Authors: Goldstone Andrew B. , Chiu Peter , Baiocchi Michael , Lingala Bharathi , Lee Justin , Rigdon Joseph , Fischbein Michael P. , Woo Y. Joseph
Published: October 2019

Background:

The feasibility and effectiveness of delaying surgery to transfer patients with acute type A aortic dissection—a catastrophic disease that requires prompt intervention—to higher-volume aortic surgery hospitals is unknown. We investigated the hypothesis that regionalizing care at high-volume hospitals for acute type A aortic dissections will lower mortality. We further decomposed this hypothesis into subparts, investigating the isolated effect of transfer and the isolated effect of receiving care at a high-volume versus a low-volume facility.

Methods:

We compared the operative mortality and long-term survival between 16 886 Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with an acute type A aortic dissection between 1999 and 2014 who (1) were transferred versus not transferred, (2) underwent surgery at high-volume versus low-volume hospitals, and (3) were rerouted versus not rerouted to a high-volume hospital for treatment. We used a preference-based instrumental variable design to address unmeasured confounding and matching to separate the effect of transfer from volume.

Results:

Between 1999 and 2014, 40.5% of patients with an acute type A aortic dissection were transferred, and 51.9% received surgery at a high-volume hospital. Interfacility transfer was not associated with a change in operative mortality (risk difference, –0.69%; 95% CI, –2.7% to 1.35%) or long-term mortality. Despite delaying surgery, a regionalization policy that transfers patients to high-volume hospitals was associated with a 7.2% (95% CI, 4.1%–10.3%) absolute risk reduction in operative mortality; this association persisted in the long term (hazard ratio, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.75–0.87). The median distance needed to reroute each patient to a high-volume hospital was 50.1 miles (interquartile range, 12.4–105.4 miles).

Conclusions:

Operative and long-term mortality were substantially reduced in patients with acute type A aortic dissection who were rerouted to high-volume hospitals. Policy makers should evaluate the feasibility and benefits of regionalizing the surgical treatment of acute type A aortic dissection in the United States.
Evaluation of Risk Factors for Heart-Lung Transplant Recipient Outcome
Authors: Shudo Yasuhiro , Wang Hanjay , Lingala Bharathi , He Hao , Kim Flora Y. , Hiesinger William , Lee Anson M. , Boyd Jack H. , Currie Maria , Woo Y. Joseph
Published: October 2019

Background:

Heart-lung transplantation (HLTx) is an effective treatment for patients with advanced cardiopulmonary failure. However, no large multicenter study has focused on the relationship between donor and recipient risk factors and post-HLTx outcomes. Thus, we investigated this issue using data from the United Network for Organ Sharing database.

Methods:

All adult patients (age ≥18 years) registered in the United Network for Organ Sharing database who underwent HLTx between 1987 and 2017 were included (n=997). We stratified the cohort by patients who were alive without retransplant at 1 year (n=664) and patients who died or underwent retransplant within 1 year of HLTx (n=333). The primary outcome was the influence of donor and recipient characteristics on 1-year post-HLTx recipient death or retransplant. Kaplan-Meier curves were created to assess overall freedom from death or retransplant. To obtain a better effect estimation on hazard and survival time, the parametric Accelerated Failure Time model was chosen to perform time-to-event modeling analyses.

Results:

Overall graft survival at 1-year post-HLTx was 66.6%. Of donors, 53% were male, and the mean age was 28.2 years. Univariable analysis showed advanced donor age, recipient male sex, recipient creatinine, recipient history of prior cardiac or lung surgery, recipient extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, transplant year, and transplant center volume were associated with 1-year post-HLTx death or retransplant. On multivariable analysis, advanced donor age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.017;
P
=0.0007), recipient male sex (HR, 1.701;
P
=0.0002), recipient extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support (HR, 4.854;
P
<0.0001), transplant year (HR, 0.962;
P
<0.0001), and transplantation at low-volume (HR, 1.694) and medium-volume centers (HR, 1.455) in comparison with high-volume centers (
P
=0.0007) remained as significant predictors of death or retransplant. These predictors were incorporated into an equation capable of estimating the preliminary probability of graft survival at 1-year post-HLTx on the basis of preoperative factors alone.

Conclusions:

HLTx outcomes may be improved by considering the strong influence of donor age, recipient sex, recipient hemodynamic status, and transplant center volume. Marginal donors and recipients without significant factors contributing to poor post-HLTx outcomes may still be considered for transplantation, potentially with less impact on the risk of early postoperative death or retransplant.
How the ‘Post-Truth’ Phenomenon Harms Political Dialogue between States
Authors: Arnaud Damien
Published: October 2019

The post-truth phenomenon harms political dialogue between nations. Our collective approach to news and to ‘truth in the news’ has been blown off course by a combination of factors, described by twelve statesmen and diplomats in interviews, which this practitioner attempts to explain here by drawing on his perspective as a communicator at NATO. Post-truth has made political dialogue unattractive and unpleasant for many leaders. It has given wider credence to the notion that the truth is unimportant and that the search for truth is unnecessary and pretentious. This has proven costly to stable international relations, because truth speaks of what is just, accepted and therefore stable. Dialogue is devalued today on account of its association with the search for truth. To have any chance of restoring a functioning European security system, dialogue must be restored. This can be achieved by considering anew George Orwell’s famed concept of ‘common decency’.
Notes about the Berger’s new Opuntia s.l. species (Cactaceae) described from the Hanbury Botanical Gardens collection

Authors: GUIGGI ALESSANDRO , MARIOTTI MAURO
Published: October 2019

Alwin Berger, a German Botanist, was curator of the Hanbury Botanical Gardens (also known as “La Mortola” from the name of its locality near Ventimiglia, North-Western Italy) during the period 1897–1915. During his curatorship, the cactus collection was enlarged thanks to the numerous specialist, American collectors and the exchanges with prestigious Botanical Gardens such as New York Botanical Gardens and Botanic Garden of Palermo. The study of this unique collection allowed Berger to publish a revolutionary systematics work on the genus Cereus s.l., including the description of many new species under Opuntia s.l.. The taxa described as new by Berger are currently considered as unresolved cases with a incertae status, and few names are typified with dry specimens at present, and without still living known or studied plants in cultivation or with modern illustrations. The discovery of many Berger’s Opuntia in cultivation in some Italian historical gardens and as well as the finding of exsiccata in K, HMGBH (Herbarium Mortolensis), NY and US which were never before studied, led us to start a revision of the Berger’s new names in Opuntia s.l.. Our investigation allowed to confirm the identities of Opuntia bergeriana, O. gilva, O. haematocarpa, O. ledienii and O. winteriana, and the recognition as valid species for O. exaltata, O. schumannii and O. zacuapanensis. 5 lectotypes, 1 neotype, and 4 epitypes are designated in the present paper. In addition, a new Opuntia species, O. mantaroensis is here described for a Peruvian plant misidentified by F. Ritter as O. inaequilateralis. To completion, the neotype of O. tomentosa, the valid species to which the Berger’s name is referred (i.e. O. tomentella) was also designated here.
A new species of Hohenbuehelia (Pleurotaceae) from India

Authors: BIJEESH C. , KUMAR A. MANOJ , PRADEEP C.K. , VRINDA K.B.
Published: October 2019

Hohenbuehelia odorata sp.nov. is described based on morphological and molecular data of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) region from Kerala State, India. The macro- and micromorphological features in conjunction with nrITS-based phylogenetic analysis performed using Maximum Likelihood (ML) method supported the novelty of H. odorata. Complete morphological descriptions, photographs and comparisons with similar species and a key to the Indian species of Hohenbuehelia are provided.
First record of the dinoflagellate Metadinophysis sinensis (Dinophysales, Dinophyceae) in the Atlantic Ocean

Authors: AFFE HELEN MICHELLE DE JESUS , NUNES JOSÉ MARCOS DE CASTRO , PROENÇA LUIS ANTÔNIO DE OLIVEIRA , FONSECA RENATA STOCK , MENEZES MARIÂNGELA
Published: October 2019

The genus Metadinophysis was proposed by Nie & Wang (1941) based on their description of the new species Metadinophysis sinensis Nie & Wang, from collections in Ching-lan Bay, Hainan Province, China. In addition to the Pacific Ocean, coastal waters of Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam, the genus was recorded for the southern coast of Myanmar (Su-Myat et al. 2012) and more recently in New Caledonia (Chomérat 2016).  The present study constitutes the first record of Metadinophysis sinensis for the tropical Atlantic Ocean, from collections made in five coastal systems located in the coast of Bahia (13°01’30” S and 038°34’40” W, 13°52’44” S and 038°57’58” W), northeastern Brazil (Fig. 1).
A review of the siphonophore species mentioned in Haeckel’s (1888b) Challenger Monograph
Authors: PUGH P.R.
Published: October 2019

In his Challenger Monograph Haeckel (1888b) listed a total of 204 species of siphonophores and 36 species of Porpitidae (Disconectae, according to Haeckel), which are now known not to belong to the Siphonophorae. In this paper the siphonophore species have been divided into four categories: a). species that had been described previously by an acknowledged authority other than Haeckel; b). species where Haeckel changed the generic or specific name of a previously described species by another authority, and then ascribed the authority to himself; c). species that Haeckel actually described and illustrated as what he believed to be new; and d). species that Haeckel mentioned in the text as a new species, but with the description deferred to a later publication or simply not given. The validity of the forty-three species that Haeckel actually described is then discussed. A full list of all these species is given in an Appendix.
A review of the genus Dolgoma Moore from India, with notes on the genus taxonomy and descriptions of a new genus, four new species and a new subspecies (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae, Lithosiini)
Authors: SINGH NAVNEET , KIRTI JAGBIR SINGH , DATTA HARVINDER SINGH , JOSHI RAHUL , VOLYNKIN ANTON V.
Published: October 2019

In the present paper, we review the genus Dolgoma from India, establish three species-groups and describe a new species, D. xanthoma N. Singh, Kirti, Datta & Volynkin, sp. nov. and a new subspecies, D. rectoides arunachala N. Singh & Joshi, ssp. nov. A new genus, Teuloma Volynkin & N. Singh, gen. nov. is established for Lithosia oblitterans Felder like species. Eight species are included here under Teuloma gen. nov., with five species known from India. Three of them are new for science and described below: T. microoblitterans N. Singh, Kirti & Datta, sp. nov., T. neooblitterans N. Singh, Joshi & Kirti, sp. nov. and T. falsinebulosa N. Singh, Kirti, Datta & Volynkin, sp. nov. Eight new combinations are established: Dolgoma steineri (Holloway, 2001), comb. nov., D. locus Bucsek, 2012, comb. nov., Teuloma oblitterans (Felder, 1868), comb. nov., T. montanebula (Holloway, 2001), comb. nov., T. nebulosa (Walker, 1862), comb. nov., T. divisa (Walker, 1862), comb. nov., T. setiniformis (Hampson, 1900), comb. nov. and Wittia lucida (Fang, 2000), comb. nov. In addition, checklists of presently known species of Dolgoma and Teuloma gen. nov. are provided.
A new species of Uroplatus (Gekkonidae) from Ankarana National Park, Madagascar, of remarkably high genetic divergence
Authors: RATSOAVINA FANOMEZANA M. , SCHERZ MARK D. , TOLLEY KRYSTAL A. , RASELIMANANA ACHILLE P. , GLAW FRANK , VENCES MIGUEL
Published: October 2019

Previous studies on leaf-tailed geckos of the genus Uroplatus identified a lineage from the Ankarana karst massif in northern Madagascar as genetically highly divergent, but only fragmentary information was available on these geckos. Here, we provide an integrative analysis based on molecular and morphological data, including a newly collected specimen from this locality. Phylogenetic analysis placed the Ankarana lineage sister to U. ebenaui, but with a surprisingly high genetic divergence of over 19% uncorrected pairwise distance in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. We formally describe the Ankarana lineage as Uroplatus fetsy sp. nov. and provide new information on the distribution and genetic differentiation of its sister species, Uroplatus ebenaui. Based on DNA sequences of newly examined samples this latter species is confirmed as widespread, ranging from low-elevation dry forests from Beanka in western Madagascar to Forêt d’Ambre and Analalava/Fanambana in northern Madagascar, and thus far has not been found in the Ankarana Massif, where U. fetsy occurs.
Deep Convection over Africa: Annual Cycle, ENSO, and Trends in the Hotspots
Authors: Hart Neil C. G. , Washington Richard , Maidment Ross I.
Published: October 2019

Africa is one of the three key regions of deep convection in the global tropics. There is a wealth of information on the intensity, variability, and change of convection and associated rainfall in regions across the continent but almost all of this literature is regionally focused and confined to specific seasons. This fragmented approach precludes a continent-wide view of deep convection leaving the following key issues unanswered: When is deep convection the most widespread across Africa? Where on the continent is deep convection most active? Where does widespread convection have the most interannual variability? This paper confronts these questions using a satellite-derived integral of deep convection. At the continental scale, March exhibits the most extensive deep convection whereas the West African monsoon during June–July exhibits the least. El Niño generally suppresses pan-African convective activity while La Niña enhances this activity. These pan-African signals are largely determined by regional hotspots: the eastern Congo hosts the most persistent widespread deep convection, southeastern southern Africa displays the highest interannual variability, and regional highlands maintain local convective activity hotspots. Furthermore, pan-African annual mean convective activity has increased ~10% between 1983 and 2015 with increases of >20% recorded in local hotspots. Results in this study provide a climatological baseline for both observational and model-based studies of African climates and offer insights into when African convection has the greatest potential impact on the general circulation.