bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inermonephtys brasiliensis sp. nov. (Polychaeta: Nephtyidae) from SE Brazil, with a redescription of I. palpata Paxton, 1974

Authors: MARTIN DANIEL , GIL JOÃO , LANA PAULO DA CUNHA
Published: November 2019

A new species of Nephtyidae, Inermonephtys brasiliensis, is described from material previously referred to I. palpata Paxton 1974 from off São Paulo and Paraná States, SE Brazilian coast. The new species is characterized by interramal branchiae starting from setiger 3, basal papillae starting on setiger 5, and two kinds of lyrate setae. Several lyrate setae occur as a postacicular spiral bundle in both noto- and neuropodia all along the body, showing two different morphologies (i.e., very short or very long tines). Lyrate setae with long tines are the most common, while those with short tines are more difficult to distinguish and may be absent in some parapodia. A redescription of I. palpata is also provided.
Nervous system of the dwarf ectoparasitic male of Scolelepis laonicola (Polychaeta, Spionidae)

Authors: VORTSEPNEVA ELENA , TZETLIN ALEXANDER , TSITRIN EUGENI
Published: November 2019

The nervous system of the ectoparasitic male of Scolelepis laonicola (Tzetlin, 1985),  which attaches to the dorsal side of the female, was investigated by immunohistochemical methods in combination with confocal laser scanning microscopy. The male’s nervous system is reduced; no ganglia are found in the central nervous system. The circumesophageal connective is split into dorsal and ventral roots. Two median and one paramedial nerve run along the midventral axis of the male. The peripheral nervous system is well developed. Five commissures arise from each main cord per segment. There are two dorsolateral and two ventrolateral longitudinal nerves. The biggest segmental transverse nerve runs to the parapodia and diverges into a few fine nerves at the top of the parapodia. The nerve cord turns 90° in the male-female contact zone. Well-developed peripheral nerves, the presence of lateral nerves, and the absence of differentiated ganglia indicate the progenetic origin of the S. laonicola male. Well-developed parapodial nerves in immobilized mature males suggest  an important role of the parapodia prior to settlement and possible presence of chaetae in the larva.
Two new records of Tipuloidea (Diptera) from a cold spring in NW Russia
Authors: PRZHIBORO ANDREY A.
Published: November 2019

Dicranota (Rhaphidolabis) exclusa (Walker, 1848) (Pediciidae) and Tipula (Savtshenkia) benesignata Mannheims, 1954 (Tipulidae) inhabit a cold spring habitat in the environs of St. Petersburg. The first species is for the first time recorded for European Russia, the second one, for Leningrad Province. The habitat is briefly characterized and illustrated.
Evgeniy Nikolaevich Savchenko and his contribution to the knowledge of Palaearctic Tipuloidea
Authors: LANTSOV VLADIMIR I.
Published: November 2019

A biography of Evgeniy Savchenko, an outstanding entomologist, who made a considerable contribution to the knowledge of tipuloid dipterans of the Palaearctic. The various stages of his scientific activity are presented. He gave names to a large number of taxa of tipuloids and taniderids, 435 in all.
A rare Tipula rediscovered
Authors: BYERS GEORGE W.
Published: November 2019

Tipula spatha Doane, previously known from only two males, is recorded from Arizona and New Mexico, with first habitat data and a brief description of the female.
Acaridia (Acari: Astigmatina) of China: a review of research progress
Authors: FAN QING-HAI , CHEN YAN , WANG ZI-QING
Published: November 2019

Research history of the taxonomy and morphology, investigation and survey, biology and ecology, and pest management of the Acaridia in China until 31 Dec 2009 was summarized in time line format. A checklist of 136 species in 50 genera of 14 families is provided.
English-Chinese names of personal/institutional authors
Authors: FAN Q.-H. , YI T.-C. , JIN D.-C. , ZHANG Z.-Q. , HONG X.-Y. , XUE X.-F. , CHEN J. , LIN J.-Z. , XIA B. , GAO J.-R.
Published: November 2019

This list for names of Chinese authors cited in this volume was compiled because it is not easy to translate names listed in English such as “Ai, M.” to Chinese accurately. We tried to include as many names as possible here, but this list is not complete.
Adult caddisflies (Trichoptera) attracted to artificial lights in the middle reaches of the Shinano River from 2005 to 2007
Authors: HIRABAYASHI KIMIO , KIMURA GORO , INOUE EISO
Published: November 2019

The species composition and abundance of adult caddisflies attracted to the illuminated showcase of a vending machine set along the middle reaches of the Shinano River were investigated every Sunday night from April to November in 2005 to 2007. A total of 1,405 adult caddisflies was collected during the investigation periods. We identified a total of 13 species belonging to 11 genera of 8 families. The most abundant species was Psychomyia acutipennis (Ulmer 1908) each year. Psychomyia acutipennis adults were collected from mid-May to the beginning of October (the range of mean air temperature was 13.8 to 27.7°C), with its seasonal abundance divided into several peaks, i.e., the end of May, the beginning of June, and the end of August to the beginning of September in both 2006 and 2007. On the other hand, in 2005 when there was no large-scale summer flood and there were no marked abundance peaks. The present study suggests that the mean air temperature and summer floods impacted the seasonal abundance of P. acutipennis adults.
Observations on the caddisfly fauna (Insecta, Trichoptera) of the lower Orange and Fish Rivers in southern Africa with the description of a new species

Authors: MEY WOLFRAM
Published: November 2019

The Trichoptera of the lower Orange River were collected at irregular intervals from 1993 to 2008. A total of 15 species are listed, including a new species which is described as Catoxyethira gariepensis n. sp. (Hydroptilidae). The composition of the taxocenosis and the dominant species at different sample sites are briefly documented. The survey has revealed the occurrence of a poor fauna, which consists mainly of widespread species. Records from the literature and the present data are summarised. Twenty-six species are now known to occur in the Orange River. Droughts and flash-floods are major events in this watershed.  These are unpredictable and contribute to the unstable conditions of the river ecosystem and do not allow the development of a more diverse fauna.
Caddisflies from Chernovskie Kopi (Jurassic/Cretaceous of Transbaikalia)
Authors: SUKATSHEVA IRINA D. , VASSILENKO DMITRY V.
Published: November 2019

The Jurassic or Cretaceous insect fossil site Chernovskie Kopi (Siberia, Transbaikalia) has yielded a rich and diverse insect fossil assemblage dominated by caddisflies (Order Trichoptera). Imaginal caddisflies from this site belong to the families Phryganeidae, Dysoneuridae, Philorheithridae, and Calamoceratidae, and the larval cases represent mainly the formal genus Folindusia. The family Philorheithridae is recorded as fossil for the first time. A combination of unusual ecology related to volcanic environments with unexpected abundance of the so-called prophetic larval forms (those occurring for short time intervals well before the time of their normal appearance) resulted in high endemism of the adult assemblage as well as in occurrence of the cases characteristic of much younger caddis case assemblages.
Structure and synthesis of the peritrophic membrane in Trichoptera larvae
Authors: CORALLINI CARLA
Published: November 2019

The peritrophic membrane (PM) in Trichoptera larvae was examined by light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The gut of most insects produces 2 fundamental types of PM: Type I is synthesized and secreted by the entire midgut epithelium in response to the ingestion of food; type II is synthesized by specialized cells of the cardiac valve located in the anterior midgut independent from food ingestion. Corallini (2003) described, in the midgut of Limnephilidae larvae, a type I PM which is also secreted by unfed larvae. In this study, both types of PM were observed. Type I PM was evident in larvae of Rhyacophilidae, Leptoceridae, Sericostomatidae and Odontoceridae; the type II PM was observed in larvae of Philopotamidae, Polycentropodidae and Hydropsychidae.
Biology and morphology of the larva of Ecnomus tenellus (Rambur, 1842) (Trichoptera: Ecnomidae)

Authors: CORALLINI CARLA , BICCHIERAI MARIA CLARA
Published: November 2019

Ecomus tenellus (Rambur) is the only species of the Family Ecnomidae found in Italy. In northern Italy it is only found along the river Po and its affluents. In Central Italy this species is more evenly distributed and in southern Italy it was found in few locations. Our study deals with the biology and the diet of the larva of E. tenellus. The specimens for this study were collected in Lake Trasimeno (Umbria, Italy) where E. tenellus is the most abundant species of Trichoptera. Larval morphology was investigated. Examination of the mouth parts showed that larvae can be shovel-predators.
Assessment of an integrated pest mite and disease management program on Florida citrus utilizing 224°C or 235°C horticultural mineral oils (HMO)*

Authors: CHILDERS CARL C.
Published: November 2019

The objective of this work was to compare HMO-only foliar spray programs with grower´s usual practices for the control of the fungal pathogen greasy spot, Mycosphaerella citri Whiteside, and for suppression of arthropod pests, primarily the citrus rust mite, Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead), the pink citrus rust mite, Aculops pelekassi (Keifer), and the spider mites, Eutetranychus banksi (McGregor) and Panonychus citri (McGregor). Four cooperators with 2.38 to 5.22 hectare blocks of either ‘Hamlin’ or ‘Valencia’ oranges were switched to 224°C or 235°C horticultural mineral oil (HMO)-only foliar spray programs applied at 46.8 liters/hectare for four years. HMO applications varied from one to three applications in the test blocks per location at each year. Cooperating grower spray programs included various fungicides, acaricides, insecticides, and HMOs. First year transition from the standard fungicide-insecticide-acaricide programs resulted in active citrus rust mite development, and multiple HMO treatments were required in three of the four sites for their control. Subsequent rust mite populations in years two, three, and four did not develop in three of four sites using the HMO-only foliar spray programs. Spider mite densities in the four HMO blocks never reached levels of economic injury during any year of the study. One of the cooperators was dropped after the third (2002) season, as the test block in his property was sprayed sometime early in 2003 with a pesticide that eliminated beneficial mite populations. No secondary arthropod or disease problems developed in any of the remaining three HMO-only blocks through March 2004. The percentage of greasy spot infected leaves was significantly greater in each HMO block most years compared to the grower spray programs. However, there were no differences in leaf retention, tree canopy vigor, or yields between the HMO-only foliar spray program and the control pesticide programs. The severity of greasy spot on leaves averaged in the lowest rating category (e.g., 0 to 5%) in all treatment blocks in all years and ranged from 0.1 to 2.0% in the HMO blocks versus 0.2 to 1.5% in the control blocks. Greasy spot was effectively controlled with HMO-only treatments through the four years of this study in all orchard sites. Comparative effects between the HMO and grower spray programs on beneficial mites in the families Phytoseiidae, Stigmaeidae and Tydeidae are reported through 2002. All three mite families failed to re-establish in the four HMO-only foliar spray program blocks by the end of the third year.
Aoki’s oribatid-based bioindicator systems*
Authors: SHIMANO SATOSHI
Published: November 2019

The “MGP analysis” created by Dr. J. Aoki in 1983 and the “100 oribatid species” system proposed by Aoki in 1995, both for using oribatid communities as bioindicators, are described herein and compared to some other bioindicator protocols. By using the term “naturalness”, Aoki proposed to explain human impact on a gradient of several environments ranging from urban boulevard trees to intact forests.Although using “naturalness” was a vague concept, the idea might reflect the process of plant succession and changes in oribatid assemblages associated with different seral stages. Therefore, the use of oribatid mites as bioindicators might also be based on succession of the oribatid fauna.
Mesostigmatid mite (Acari: Mesostigmata) diversity and abundance in two sites in Pedregal de San Ángel Ecological Reserve, Distrito Federal, México*

Authors: PÉREZ-VELÁZQUEZ DANIELA , CASTAÑO-MENESES GABRIELA , CALLEJAS-CHAVERO ALICIA , PALACIOS-VARGAS JOSÉ G.
Published: November 2019

The Pedregal de San Ángel Ecological Reserve (REPSA) is located in the central campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), in México City. Diversity and abundance of edaphic mites of the order Mesostigmata were estimated in two sites of REPSA. One site had scanty vegetation, due to human alterations, and was designated as “open site” (O), whereas the other had less altered, denser vegetation, being designated as “closed site” (C). Samples of soil and litter collected during the rainy and dry seasons of 2008 were processed for the extraction of mites of that group, which were then mounted and quantified by morphospecies. Mite abundance was much higher in site O, but the number of morphospecies was about the same in both sites. The same mite families were found in both sites. For each season and for both seasons considered together, Shannon diversity and Pielou´s evenness indexes were significantly higher in site C. Sörensen similarity coefficient between sites was high in both seasons, but higher in the dry season; considering both seasons together, similarity coefficient between sites was 94%. This indicates that anthropogenic alteration of the vegetation at REPSA, reducing the height of the vegetation and turning it less dense, was not sufficient to cause major alterations in Mesostigmata species composition.
Mites associated with the eared dove, Zenaida auriculata (Des Murs, 1847), in São Paulo State, Brazil*

Authors: GOULART THAÍS M. , MORAES DAVI L. , PRADO ANGELO P.
Published: November 2019

The aim of this study was to report the mite species found in association with the eared dove, Zenaida auriculata (Des Murs, 1847), in São Paulo State, Brazil. A total of 34 bird specimens was examined, and mites were found on 31 of them. The following numbers of mite species were found: Astigmata: Falculiferidae - three species; Analgidae - two species; Dermoglyphidae, Epidermoptidae, Hypoderatidae and Pyroglyphidae - one species each. Prostigmata: Cheyletidae, Cheyletiellidae and Syringophilidae - one species each. Mesostigmata: Macronyssidae and Rhinonyssidae - one species each. We present the first report of Z. auriculata as host of Diplaegidia columbae Buchholz, 1869; Diplaegidia columbigallinae Cerny´, 1975; Byersalges talpacoti Cerny´, 1975; Pterophagus spilosikyus Gaud & Barré, 1992; Hypodectes propus (Nitzch in Giebel, 1861), Ornithocheyletia columbigallinae Fain & Bochkov, 2002; Ornithonyssus bursa (Berlese, 1888) and Tinaminyssus zenaidurae (Crossley, 1952).
Proceedings of the 1st International Workshop on Symbiotic Copepoda
Authors: TANG DANNY , PASSARELLI JULIANNE KALMAN
Published: November 2019

TABLE OF CONTENT
Preface: Proceedings of the 1st International Workshop on Symbiotic Copepoda
Authors: TANG DANNY , PASSARELLI JULIANNE KALMAN
Published: November 2019

The 1st International Workshop on Symbiotic Copepoda (IWOSC) was held from 4–8 December, 2010, at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (CMA) in San Pedro, California, U.S.A. We, along with Kazuya Nagasawa of Hiroshima University, Japan, organized the workshop. Ju-Shey Ho of California State University Long Beach, U.S.A., Geoff Boxshall of The Natural History Museum, U.K., and Rodrigo Johnsson of Universidade Federal da Bahia, Brazil, served as tutors.
A global catalog of primary reptile type specimens
Authors: UETZ PETER , CHERIKH SAMI , SHEA GLENN , INEICH IVAN , CAMPBELL PATRICK D. , DORONIN IGOR V. , ROSADO JOSÉ , WYNN ADDISON , TIGHE KENNETH A. , MCDIARMID ROY , LEE JUSTIN L. , KÖHLER GUNTHER , ELLIS RYAN , DOUGHTY PAUL , RAXWORTHY CHRISTOPHER J. , SCHEINBERG LAUREN , RESETAR ALAN , SABAJ MARK , SCHNEIDER GREG , FRANZEN MICHAEL , GLAW FRANK , BÖHME WOLFGANG , SCHWEIGER SILKE , GEMEL RICHARD , COUPER PATRICK , AMEY ANDREW , DONDORP ESTHER , OFER GALI , MEIRI SHAI , WALLACH VAN
Published: November 2019

We present information on primary type specimens for 13,282 species and subspecies of reptiles compiled in the Reptile Database, that is, holotypes, neotypes, lectotypes, and syntypes. These represent 99.4% of all 13,361 currently recognized taxa (11,050 species and 2311 subspecies). Type specimens of 653 taxa (4.9%) are either lost or not located, were never designated, or we did not find any information about them. 51 species are based on iconotypes. To map all types to physical collections we have consolidated all synonymous and ambiguous collection acronyms into an unambiguous list of 364 collections holding these primary types. The 10 largest collections possess more than 50% of all (primary) reptile types, the 36 largest collections possess more than 10,000 types and the largest 73 collections possess over 90% of all types. Of the 364 collections, 107 hold type specimens of only 1 species or subspecies. Dozens of types are still in private collections. In order to increase their utility, we recommend that the description of type specimens be supplemented with data from high-resolution images and CT-scans, and clear links to tissue samples and DNA sequence data (when available). We request members of the herpetological community provide us with any missing type information to complete the list.
Neotype designation and generic re-definition of the monotypic genus
Dialeurotrachelus Takahashi (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), and first record of its occurrence in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Authors: DUBEY ANIL KUMAR
Published: November 2019

Takahashi (1942) described Dialeurotrachelus cambodiensis, the type species of the monotypic whitefly genus, Dialeurotrachelus Takahashi from three syntype specimens collected on an unidentified tree in Cambodia, which were subsequently lost or destroyed. It was rediscovered after eight decades in the Indian territories of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. A neotype is designated for D. cambodiensis Takahashi, from specimens collected on Diospyros kurzii Hiern (Ebenaceae) from Andaman Island, India. It is recorded for the first time from the Indian territories, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Pupal morphology is assessed for redefining the generic description with differential diagnoses from related genera, and anomalies involved with structure of the vasiform orifice and associated structures are discussed. Illustrations are provided of the puparia in life, camera lucida drawings, slide mounts, and scanning electron photomicrographs.
Dual-Ray Net: Automatic Diagnosis of Thoracic Diseases Using Frontal and Lateral Chest X-rays
Authors: Huang Xin , Fang Yu , Lu Mingming , Yan Fengqi , Yang Jun , Xu Yilu
Published: November 2019

Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) is an important work which can improve the working efficiency of physicians. With the availability of large-scale data sets, several methods have been proposed to classify pathology on chest X-ray images. However, most methods report performance based
on a frontal chest radiograph, ignoring the effect of the lateral chest radiography on the diagnosis. This paper puts forward a kind of model, Dual-Ray Net, of a deep convolutional neural network which can deal with the front and lateral chest radiography at the same time by referring the
method of using lateral chest radiography to assist diagnose during the diagnosis used by radiologists. Firstly, we evaluated the performance of parameter migration to small data after pre-training for large datasets. The data sets for pre-training are chest X-ray 14 and ImageNet respectively.
The results showed that pre-training with chest X-ray 14 performed better than with the generic dataset ImageNet. Secondly, We evaluated the performance of the Frontal and lateral chest radiographs in different modes of input model for the diagnosis of assisted chest disease. Finally, by comparing
different feature fusion methods of addition and concatenation, we found that the fusion effect of concatenation is better, which average AUC reached 0.778. The comparison results show that whether it is a public or a non-public dataset, our Dual-Ray Net (concatenation) architecture shows
improved performance in recognizing findings in CXR images when compared to applying separate baseline frontal and lateral classes.
What LED to the Boom? Unpacking China's Development Cooperation in Latin America
Authors: Malacalza Bernabé
Published: November 2019

What led to the boom of Chinese development cooperation in Latin America? This article provides a systematic analysis of China's foreign behavior, motives, and policies regarding development cooperation toward the region between 2000 and 2014. I propose a comparative framework that defines Chinese development cooperation as a tool of economic diplomacy. Drawing on empirical evidence from AidData's Global Chinese Official Finance Dataset and Chinese white papers on foreign aid, the findings evidence that China was motivated by multiple and conjunctural factors in providing development cooperation. In the realm of theory, the article contributes to the literature on economic statecraft—filling in gaps in understanding the relationship between economics and politics. Empirically, it provides a set of tools for understanding the important role that development cooperation plays in a nation's statecraft. Regarding Chinese foreign policy studies, it offers insight into the financial dimension of China's international economic relations.
PHQ‐9 and SNOT‐22: Elucidating the Prevalence of Depression in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Vandelaar Laura J. , Jiang Zi Yang , Saini Alok , Yao William C. , Luong Amber U. , Citardi Martin J.
Published: November 2019

Objective

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has been associated with comorbid depression, yet the prevalence of depression among all patients with CRS is not well described. The Patient Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ‐9), a validated instrument for diagnosing depression, has been used to assess depression in a variety of clinical settings. PHQ‐9 scores ≥10 are the threshold for a depression diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of depression in a rhinology practice and compare the PHQ‐9 with the 22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22).

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Tertiary rhinology practice.

Subjects and Methods

During the 2‐month period ending April 30, 2018, all rhinology patients were asked to complete the PHQ‐9 and SNOT‐22.

Results

Among 216 patients, 46 (21.3%) had a self‐reported history of depression, and 39 (18.1%) had a PHQ‐9 score ≥10. Of the 39 patients screening positive for depression, 18 (41.9%) had no history of depression. Comparison of PHQ‐9 with overall SNOT‐22 score had a Pearson’s coefficient of 0.632 (P <. 005). Logistic regression showed that the highest 2 quintiles of SNOT‐22 scores had an odds ratio of 60.6 (95% CI, 9.7‐378.3) for a positive depression screen (PHQ‐9 score ≥10).

Conclusion

Depression rates (estimated by PHQ‐9 responses) among rhinology patients are similar to chronic disease populations; depression may be underdiagnosed in rhinology patients. Higher SNOT‐22 scores were associated with higher PHQ‐9 scores. Further studies are warranted to understand the impact of comorbid conditions of depression and CRS in patient quality of life.
Do next-generation sequencing results drive diagnostic and therapeutic decisions in MDS?
Authors: Sanz Guillermo F. , Ibañez Mariam , Such Esperanza
Published: November 2019

This article has a companion Point by Thol and Platzbecker.
Impact of γδ T cells on clinical outcome of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Arruda Lucas C. M. , Gaballa Ahmed , Uhlin Michael
Published: November 2019

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) using αβ T-/B-cell–depleted grafts recently emerged as a transplant strategy and highlighted the potential role of γδ T cells on HSCT outcomes. Our aim was to scrutinize available evidence of γδ T-cell impact on relapse, infections, survival, and acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies assessing γδ T cells in HSCT. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and conference abstracts from inception to March 2019 for relevant studies. We included all studies that assessed γδ T cells associated with HSCT. Data were extracted independently by 2 investigators based on strict selection criteria. A random-effects model was used to pool outcomes across studies. Primary outcome was disease relapse. We also assessed infections, survival, and aGVHD incidence. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019133344). Our search returned 2412 studies, of which 11 (919 patients) were eligible for meta-analysis. Median follow-up was 30 months (interquartile range, 22-32). High γδ T-cell values after HSCT were associated with less disease relapse (risk ratio [RR], 0.58; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.40-0.84; P = .004; I2 = 0%), fewer viral infections (RR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.43-0.82; P = .002; I2 = 0%) and higher overall (HR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.18-0.44; P < .00001; I2 = 0%) and disease-free survivals (HR 0.29; 95% CI, 0.18-0.48; P < .00001; I2 = 0%). We found no association between high γδ T-cell values and aGVHD incidence (RR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.41-1.27; P = .26; I2 = 0%). In conclusion, high γδ T cells after HSCT is associated with a favorable clinical outcome but not with aGVHD development, suggesting that γδ T cells have a significant effect on the success of HSCT. This study was registered with PROSPERO as #CRD42019133344.
Egg Albumin-Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis of Co3O4 Quasi-Cubes as Superior Electrode Material for Supercapacitors with Excellent Performances
Authors: Sun Jiale , Wang Ya , Zhang Yanfei , Xu Chunju , Chen Huiyu
Published: November 2019

Novel Co3O4 quasi-cubes with layered structure were obtained via two-step synthetic procedures. The precursors were initially prepared via hydrothermal reaction in the presence of egg albumin, and then the precursors were directly annealed at 300 °C in air to be converted into pure Co3O4 powders. It was found that the size and morphology of final Co3O4 products were greatly influenced by the amount of egg albumin and hydrothermal durations, respectively. Such layered Co3O4 cubes possessed a mesoporous nature with a mean pore size of 5.58 nm and total specific surface area of 80.3 m2/g. A three-electrode system and 2 M of KOH aqueous electrolyte were employed to evaluate the electrochemical properties of these Co3O4 cubes. The results indicated that a specific capacitance of 754 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 was achieved. In addition, the Co3O4 cubes-modified electrode exhibited an excellent rate performance of 77% at 10 A g−1 and superior cycling durability with 86.7% capacitance retention during 4000 repeated charge-discharge process at 5 A g−1. Such high electrochemical performances suggest that these mesoporous Co3O4 quasi-cubes can serve as an important electrode material for the next-generation advanced supercapacitors in the future.
Correction to: Validation of genomic predictions for body weight in broilers using crossbred information and considering breed-of-origin of alleles
Authors: Duenk Pascal , Calus Mario P. L. , Wientjes Yvonne C. J. , Breen Vivian P. , Henshall John M. , Hawken Rachel , Bijma Piter
Published: November 2019

Following publication of original article [1], we noticed that there was an error: Eq. (3) on page 5 is the genomic relationship matrix that
lncRNA H19 promotes matrix mineralization through up-regulating IGF1 by sponging miR-185-5p in osteoblasts
Authors: Wu Yuan , Jiang Yu , Liu Qiang , Liu Cui-Zhong
Published: November 2019

Background

Matrix mineralization is a key stage in bone formation involving in many bone-specific genes and signaling pathways. Emerging evidence indicate that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating the mineralization process of osteoblasts. This study aims to characterize the function and mechanism of lncRNA H19/miR-185-5p/IGF1 axis in modulating matrix mineralization of osteoblasts.

Results

H19 and IGF1 were highly expressed while miR-185-5p was lowly expressed in mineralized cells. Knocking down H19 inhibited matrix mineralization of osteoblasts, yet miR-185-5p had opposite effects. Moreover, H19 directly targeted miR-185-5p, whereas miR-185-5p repressed IGF1 expression. Meanwhile, miR-185-5p inhibition compensated the suppression of the matrix mineralization in osteoblasts by H19 knockdown.

Conclusions

The findings of this study showed that lncRNA H19 was upregulated in mineralized osteoblasts and promoted matrix mineralization through miR-185-5p/IGF1 axis in osteoblasts for the first time. This study may provide a new perspective for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to bone metabolism.
The synergistic effect of chlorotoxin-mApoE in boosting drug-loaded liposomes across the BBB
Authors: Formicola Beatrice , Dal Magro Roberta , Montefusco-Pereira Carlos V. , Lehr Claus-Michael , Koch Marcus , Russo Laura , Grasso Gianvito , Deriu Marco A. , Danani Andrea , Bourdoulous Sandrine , Re Francesca
Published: November 2019

We designed liposomes dually functionalized with ApoE-derived peptide (mApoE) and chlorotoxin (ClTx) to improve their blood–brain barrier (BBB) crossing. Our results demonstrated the synergistic activity of ClTx-mApoE in boosting doxorubicin-loaded liposomes across the BBB, keeping the anti-tumour activity of the drug loaded: mApoE acts promoting cellular uptake, while ClTx promotes exocytosis of liposomes.
Decreased plasma phospholipid concentrations and increased acid sphingomyelinase activity are accurate biomarkers for community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Arshad Haroon , Alfonso Juan Carlos López , Franke Raimo , Michaelis Katina , Araujo Leonardo , Habib Aamna , Zboromyrska Yuliya , Lücke Eva , Strungaru Emilia , Akmatov Manas K. , Hatzikirou Haralampos , Meyer-Hermann Michael , Petersmann Astrid , Nauck Matthias , Brönstrup Mark , Bilitewski Ursula , Abel Laurent , Sievers Jorg , Vila Jordi , Illig Thomas , Schreiber Jens , Pessler Frank
Published: November 2019

Background

There continues to be a great need for better biomarkers and host-directed treatment targets for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Alterations in phospholipid metabolism may constitute a source of small molecule biomarkers for acute infections including CAP. Evidence from animal models of pulmonary infections and sepsis suggests that inhibiting acid sphingomyelinase (which releases ceramides from sphingomyelins) may reduce end-organ damage.

Methods

We measured concentrations of 105 phospholipids, 40 acylcarnitines, and 4 ceramides, as well as acid sphingomyelinase activity, in plasma from patients with CAP (n = 29, sampled on admission and 4 subsequent time points), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation with infection (COPD, n = 13) as a clinically important disease control, and 33 age- and sex-matched controls.

Results

Phospholipid concentrations were greatly decreased in CAP and normalized along clinical improvement. Greatest changes were seen in phosphatidylcholines, followed by lysophosphatidylcholines, sphingomyelins and ceramides (three of which were upregulated), and were least in acylcarnitines. Changes in COPD were less pronounced, but also differed qualitatively, e.g. by increases in selected sphingomyelins. We identified highly accurate biomarkers for CAP (AUC ≤ 0.97) and COPD (AUC ≤ 0.93) vs. Controls, and moderately accurate biomarkers for CAP vs. COPD (AUC ≤ 0.83), all of which were phospholipids. Phosphatidylcholines, lysophosphatidylcholines, and sphingomyelins were also markedly decreased in S. aureus-infected human A549 and differentiated THP1 cells. Correlations with C-reactive protein and procalcitonin were predominantly negative but only of mild-to-moderate extent, suggesting that these markers reflect more than merely inflammation. Consistent with the increased ceramide concentrations, increased acid sphingomyelinase activity accurately distinguished CAP (fold change = 2.8, AUC = 0.94) and COPD (1.75, 0.88) from Controls and normalized with clinical resolution.

Conclusions

The results underscore the high potential of plasma phospholipids as biomarkers for CAP, begin to reveal differences in lipid dysregulation between CAP and infection-associated COPD exacerbation, and suggest that the decreases in plasma concentrations are at least partially determined by changes in host target cells. Furthermore, they provide validation in clinical blood samples of acid sphingomyelinase as a potential treatment target to improve clinical outcome of CAP.
Regulatory impairment in untreated Parkinson’s disease is not restricted to Tregs: other regulatory populations are also involved
Authors: Álvarez-Luquín Diana D. , Arce-Sillas Asiel , Leyva-Hernández Jaquelín , Sevilla-Reyes Edgar , Boll Marie Catherine , Montes-Moratilla Esteban , Vivas-Almazán Viridiana , Pérez-Correa Citzielli , Rodríguez-Ortiz Ulises , Espinoza-Cárdenas Raquel , Fragoso Gladis , Sciutto Edda , Adalid-Peralta Laura
Published: November 2019

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world. Various studies have suggested that the immune response plays a key role in this pathology. While a predominantly pro-inflammatory peripheral immune response has been reported in treated and untreated PD patients, the study of the role of the regulatory immune response has been restricted to regulatory T cells. Other immune suppressive populations have been described recently, but their role in PD is still unknown. This study was designed to analyze the pro and anti-inflammatory immune response in untreated PD patients, with emphasis on the regulatory response.

Methods

Thirty-two PD untreated patients and 20 healthy individuals were included in this study. Peripheral regulatory cells (CD4+Tregs, Bregs, CD8+Tregs, and tolerogenic dendritic cells), pro-inflammatory cells (Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells; active dendritic cells), and classical, intermediate, and non-classical monocytes were characterized by flow cytometry. Plasmatic levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, GM-CSF, IL-12p70, IL-4, IL-13, IL-17α, IL-1β, IL-10, TGF-β, and IL-35 were determined by ELISA.

Results

Decreased levels of suppressor Tregs, active Tregs, Tr1 cells, IL-10-producer CD8regs, and tolerogenic PD-L1+ dendritic cells were observed. With respect to the pro-inflammatory response, a decrease in IL-17-α and an increase in IL-13 levels were observed.

Conclusion

A decrease in the levels of regulatory cell subpopulations in untreated PD patients is reported for the first time in this work. These results suggest that PD patients may exhibit a deficient suppression of the pro-inflammatory response, which could contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease.
Potential link between the RagA-mTOR-p70S6K axis and depressive-behaviors during bacterial liposaccharide challenge
Authors: Zhao Jia , Lao Lixing , Cui Wei , Rong Jianhui
Published: November 2019

Background

Bacterial infection is a potential risk factor for depression. However, little is known about the mechanistic link between bacterial endotoxin and depressive-like behaviors. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether liposaccharide (LPS) could induce depressive-like behaviors in mice via sequentially activating small GTPase RagA, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and p70S6K.

Methods

C57BL/6 N mice were treated with 0.83 mg/kg LPS by intraperitoneal injection for 24 h. The animals were assessed for depressive-like behaviors by forced swim test and tail suspension test. The expression levels of RagA, mTOR, and p70S6K were determined in mice, primary cortical neurons, neural stem cells, and PC12 cells.

Results

LPS effectively induced depressive-like behaviors in mice. Biochemical examination revealed that LPS not only upregulated RagA expression but also activated mTOR/p70S6K pathway in mouse brains. LPS challenge also achieved a similar effect in primary cortical neurons, neural stem cells, and PC12 cells. Following the silencing of RagA expression with specific siRNA, LPS failed to induce mTORC1 translocation to the lysosomal membranes in PC12 cells. These results suggested that LPS might sequentially upregulate RagA and activate mTOR and p70S6K pathways in mice and neural stem cells.

Conclusions

This study for the first time demonstrated that LPS might induce depressive-like behaviors in mice via the upregulation of RagA and subsequent activation of mTOR/p70S6K pathway. Such information may highlight the RagA-mTOR-p70S6K signaling cascade as a novel therapeutic target for the development of new anti-depressant therapeutics.
Wound monitoring of pH and oxygen in patients after radiation therapy
Authors: Auerswald Steffen , Schreml Stephan , Meier Robert , Blancke Soares Alexandra , Niyazi Maximilian , Marschner Sebastian , Belka Claus , Canis Martin , Haubner Frank
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Postradiogenic wound healing disorders are an important clinical problem. While a variety of treatment modalities are available, there is no strategy to objectively judge treatment success. The aim of this study was to evaluate a 2D luminescence imaging system for pH and oxygen in non-healing wounds after radiotherapy.

Methods

Luminescence 2D imaging was performed with the VisiSens (Presens, Regensburg, Germany) 2D imaging systems A1 and A2 for oxygen and pH, respectively. Biocompatible planar luminescent sensor foils were applied to non-irradiated and irradiated skin as well as to radiogenic wounds of five patients and the pH and the oxygen saturation was determined.

Results

pH measurements showed significant differences between non-irradiated skin (6.46 ± 0.18) and irradiated skin (6.96 ± 0.26). Radiogenic wounds exhibited the highest pH values (7.53 ± 0.26). Oxygen measurements revealed a mean oxygen saturation of non-irradiated skin of 6.19 ± 0.83 mmHg. The highest value of oxygen saturation (28.4 ± 2.4 mmHg) was found on irradiated skin while irradiated wounds had a poor oxygen saturation (9.4 ± 2.2 mmHg) (mean ± s.e.m.).

Conclusion

We found that routine measurement of pH and pO2 in patients could be easily integrated into the clinical routine. The results of the measurements show unfavorable pH and oxygen saturation conditions for wound healing in irradiated wounds. Interestingly, irradiated wounds exhibit a more pronounced hypoxia than irradiated skin which is reflected by an altered pH and pO2 compared to unirradiated skin, which has the potential to serve as a prognostic marker in the future. In addition to the objectification of the treatment success of postradiogenic wound healing disorders, the extent of skin toxicity could already be predicted during radiotherapy with this method.
Healthcare disparities among orthopedic trauma patients in the USA: socio-demographic factors influence the management of calcaneus fractures
Authors: Zelle Boris A. , Morton-Gonzaba Nicolas A. , Adcock Christopher F. , Lacci John V. , Dang Khang H. , Seifi Ali
Published: November 2019

Background

Socio-demographic factors have been suggested to contribute to differences in healthcare utilization for several elective orthopedic procedures. Reports on disparities in utilization of orthopedic trauma procedures remain limited. The purpose of our study is to assess the roles of clinical and socio-demographic variables in utilization of operative fixation of calcaneus fractures in the USA.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) dataset was used to analyze all patients from 2005 to 2014 with closed calcaneal fractures. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of clinical and socio-demographic variables on the utilization of surgical versus non-surgical treatment.

Results

A total of 17,156 patients with closed calcaneus fractures were identified. Operative treatment was rendered in 7039 patients (41.03%). A multivariate logistic regression demonstrated multiple clinical and socio-demographic factors to significantly influence the utilization of surgical treatment including age, gender, insurance status, race/ethnicity, income, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, psychosis, drug abuse, and alcohol abuse (p <  0.05). In addition, hospital size and hospital type (teaching versus non-teaching) showed a statistically significant difference (p <  0.05).

Conclusions

Besides different clinical variables, we identified several socio-demographic factors influencing the utilization of surgical treatment of calcaneus fractures in the US patient population. Further studies need to identify the specific patient-related, provider-related, and system-related factors leading to these disparities.
Does serum interleukin-6 guide the diagnosis of persistent infection in two-stage hip revision for periprosthetic joint infection?
Authors: Qu Peng-Fei , Xu Chi , Fu Jun , Li Rui , Chai Wei , Chen Ji-Ying
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The diagnosis of persistent infection at reimplantation of two-stage revision arthroplasty for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains challenging. Several studies have shown the benefit of serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) in diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Recent data indicated serum IL-6 could be promising in differentiating persistent infection. The purpose of this study was to validate the efficacy of serum IL-6 in diagnosing persistent infection at reimplantation.

Methods

A retrospective review of 86 PJI patients with a two-stage exchanged hip arthroplasty from 2013 to 2017 was conducted. Persistent infection was defined using the modified Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria combined with follow-up results. Serum IL-6 at reimplantation were collected and compared among patients with or without persistent infection. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to evaluate the diagnostic performance and optimal cut-off value of serum IL-6 at reimplantation.

Results

Sixteen cases were diagnosed as persistent infection at reimplantation. There was no significant difference in serum IL-6 levels between cases with persistent infection and controls (7.89 pg/ml vs. 5.56 pg/ml; P = 0.179). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for serum IL-6 in diagnosing persistent infection at reimplantation was 0.59 (95% confidential interval [CI] 0.40–0.77). With the calculated threshold set at 8.12 pg/ml, the corresponding sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values were 38%, 88%, 38%, and 87%, respectively.

Conclusion

Serum IL-6 is inadequate in diagnosing persistent infection at reimplantation for two-stage revision arthroplasty. With the serum IL-6 threshold set at 8.12 pg/ml, the specificity to rule out persistent infection is high, but the sensitivity to predict persistent infection is not satisfactory.
Analysis of sternal healing after median sternotomy in low risk patients at midterm follow-up: retrospective cohort study from two centres
Authors: Wang Bin , He Dapu , Wang Min , Qian Yongxiang , Lu Youran , Shi Xinping , Liu Yang , Zhan Xianghong , Di Dongmei , Zhu Kai , Zhang Xiaoying
Published: November 2019

Background

For low risk patients undergoing median sternotomies, no midterm follow-up studies involving sternal healing have been conducted. In this study we evaluated sternal healing in low risk patients by chest CT scan and the risk factors associated with poor healing were analyzed.

Methods

Patients who underwent sternal median incision heart surgery from September 2014 to March 2015 were recruited. The clinical information of these patients during hospitalization was collected, and the CT scan data were submitted to the two chief physicians of the Radiology Department for radiographical sternal healing score determination. Based on the method of wound closure, the patients were divided into sternum plate (Plates) and wire groups (Wires).

Results

Forty-four patients were recruited. The mean CT examination time was 17.27 ± 2.30 months postoperatively. Twenty-nine (65.9%) patients met the criteria for radiographic sternal healing. Three segments, including the aortopulmonary window, the main pulmonary artery, and the aortic root, had healed less in comparison to the manubrium segment. Compared to patients in whom 6–7 metal wires were used for sternal closure, healing of the lower sternum was worse in patients in whom five wires were used, but the difference in healing was not statistically significant. Univariate analysis of sternal healing showed that patient age was a risk factor for sternal non-healing. When the patient age was > 45 years, the predicted risk of radiographic sternal non-union was 1.833 (95% CI: 1.343–2.503).

Conclusions

At the mid-term follow-up, 65.9% of patients undergoing median sternotomies demonstrated radiographic sternal healing. Age, but not closure device, was a risk factor for sternal non-healing in low risk patients. Use of more wires had a positive impact on sternal healing.

Trial registration

researchregistry4918, registered 28 May 2019, retrospectively registered.
Tim-3 signaling blockade with α-lactose induces compensatory TIGIT expression in Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected mice
Authors: Zhang Yiwei , Jiang Ning , Zhang Ting , Chen Ran , Feng Ying , Sang Xiaoyu , Yang Na , Chen Qijun
Published: November 2019

Background

Malaria, one of the largest health burdens worldwide, is caused by Plasmodium spp. infection. Upon infection, the host’s immune system begins to clear the parasites. However, Plasmodium species have evolved to escape the host’s immune clearance. T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (Tim-3), a surface molecule on most immune cells, is often referred to as an exhaustion marker. Galectin (Gal)-9 is a Tim-3 ligand and the T helper (Th) 1 cell response is inhibited when Gal-9 binds to Tim-3. In the present study, dynamic expression of Tim-3 on key populations of lymphocytes during infection periods of Plasmodium berghei and its significance in disease resistance and pathogenesis were explored.

Methods

Tim-3 expression on critical lymphocyte populations and the proportion of these cells, as well as the levels of cytokines in the sera of infected mice, were detected by flow cytometry. Further, in vitro anti-Tim-3 assay using an anti-Tim-3 antibody and in vivo Tim-3-Gal-9 signaling blockade assays using α-lactose (an antagonist of Gal-9) were conducted. An Annexin V Apoptosis Detection Kit with propidium iodide was used to detect apoptosis. In addition, proteins associated with apoptosis in lung and spleen tissues were confirmed by Western blotting assays.

Results

Increased Tim-3 expression on splenic CD8+ and splenic CD4+, and circulatory CD4+ T cells was associated with a reduction in the proportion of these cells. Furthermore, the levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-22, and interferon (IFN)-γ, but not that of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-10, and IL-9, increased to their highest levels at day 4 post-infection and decreased thereafter. Blocking Tim-3 signaling in vitro inhibited lymphocyte apoptosis. Tim-3-Gal-9 signaling blockade in vivo did not protect the mice, but induced the expression of the immunosuppressive molecule, T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT), in Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected mice.

Conclusions

Tim-3 on lymphocytes negatively regulates cell-mediated immunity against Plasmodium infection, and blocking Tim-3-galectin 9 signaling using α-lactose did not significantly protect the mice; however, it induced the compensatory expression of TIGIT. Further investigations are required to identify whether combined blockade of Tim-3 and TIGIT signaling could achieve a better protective effect.