bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Hyperoxic Preconditioning in Normobaric Hypoxia (3500 m) on Balance Ability in Highly Skilled Skiers: A Randomized, Crossover Study
Authors: Morawetz David , Dünnwald Tobias , Faulhaber Martin , Gatterer Hannes , Schobersberger Wolfgang
Published: January 2019

It is well known that acute hypoxia has negative effects on balance performance. An attempt to compensate for the influence of hypoxia on competition performance was made by the application of hyperoxic gases (inspiratory fraction of oxygen > 0.2095) prior to exercise. Purpose: To investigate whether hyperoxic preconditioning (pure-oxygen supplementation prior to exercise) improves balance ability and postural stability during normobaric hypoxia (3500 m) in highly skilled skiers. Methods: In this single-blind randomized, crossover study, 19 subjects performed a 60-s balance test (MFT S3-Check) in a normobaric hypoxic chamber. After a short period of adaptation to hypoxia (60 min), they received either pure oxygen or chamber air for 5 min prior to a balance test (hyperoxic preconditioning vs nonhyperoxic preconditioning). Capillary blood was collected 3 times. Results: Balance performance, indexed by sensory (P = .097), stability (P = .937), and symmetry (P = .202) scores, was not significantly different after the hyperoxic preconditioning phase. Balance performance decreased over time (no group difference). After hyperoxic preconditioning, arterial partial pressure of oxygen increased from 52.7 (4.5) mm Hg to 212.5 (75.8) mm Hg, and oxygen saturation of hemoglobin increased from 85.8% (3.5%) to 98.9% (0.7%) and remained significantly elevated to 90.1% (2.0%) after the balance test. Conclusion: A hyperoxic preconditioning phase does not affect balance performance under hypoxic environmental conditions. A performance-enhancing effect, at least in terms of coordinative functions, was not supported by this study.
Responsiveness and Seasonal Variation of a 12 × 25-m Swimming Test
Authors: Mitchell Lachlan J.G. , Rattray Ben , Wu Paul , Saunders Philo U. , Pyne David B.
Published: January 2019

Purpose: Critical speed (CS) and supra-CS distance capacity (D′) are useful metrics for monitoring changes in swimmers’ physiological and performance capacities. However, the utility of these metrics across a season has not been systematically evaluated in high-level swimmers. Methods: A total of 27 swimmers (mean [SD]: 18 females, age = 19.1 [2.9] y, and 9 males, age = 19.5 [1.9] y) completed the 12 × 25-m swimming test multiple times (4 [3] tests/swimmer) across a 2-y period. Season-best times in all distances for the test stroke were sourced from publicly available databases. Swimmers’ distance speciality was determined as the event with the time closest to world record. Four metrics were calculated from the 12 × 25-m test: CS, D′, peak speed, and drop-off %. Results: Guyatt responsiveness index values were calculated to ascertain the practically relevant sensitivity of each 12 × 25-m metric: CS = 1.5, peak speed = 2.3, D′ = 2.1, and drop-off % = 2.6. These values are modified effect sizes; all are large effects. Bayesian mixed modeling showed substantial between-subjects differences between genders and strokes for each variable but minimal within-subject changes across the season. Drop-off % was lower in 200-m swimmers (14.0% [3.3%]) than in 100-m swimmers (18.1% [4.1%], P = .003, effect size = 1.10). Conclusions: The 12 × 25-m test is best suited to differentiating between swimmers of different strokes and events. Further development is needed to improve its utility in quantifying meaningful changes over a season for individual swimmers.
Benefits of a Pole Walking Program Offered by Community Organizations on Physical Fitness, Psychological Well-Being, and Cognitive Function Among Older Adults
Authors: Fournier Baptiste , Lussier Maxime , Bier Nathalie , Filiatrault Johanne , Parisien Manon , Chagnon Miguel , Mathieu Marie-Ève
Published: January 2019

The authors examined the effects of a 12-week pole walking program on function and well-being in 123 older adults aged 60 years and older, recruited by community organizations. The results showed a significant improvement in the participants’ upper and lower limb strength in the experimental groups compared with those in the control groups (p < .05) and a significant deterioration in the walking speed and grip strength in women in the control groups compared with those in the experimental groups (p < .05). Although not statistically significant, the results also showed a trend toward greater improvement in global cognitive function in the participants in the experimental groups (p = .076). These results suggest that a pole walking program provided in natural conditions can improve physical capabilities in older adults. Other studies are warranted to further explore the impact of pole walking programs on older adults offered in such conditions, especially their impact on cognitive functions.
Acceptance and Commitment Training to Promote Psychological Flexibility in Ice Hockey Performance: A Controlled Group Feasibility Study
Authors: Lundgren Tobias , Reinebo Gustaf , Näslund Markus , Parling Thomas
Published: January 2019

Despite the growing popularity of mindfulness and acceptance-based performance enhancement methods in applied sport psychology, evidence for their efficacy is scarce. The purpose of the current study is to test the feasibility and effect of a psychological training program based on Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) developed for ice hockey players. A controlled group feasibility designed study was conducted and included 21 elite male ice hockey players. The ACT program consisted of four, once a week, sessions with homework assignments between sessions. The results showed significant increase in psychological flexibility for the players in the training group. The outcome was positive for all feasibility measures. Participants found the psychological training program important to them as ice hockey players and helpful in their ice hockey development. Desirably, future studies should include objective performance data as outcome measure to foster more valid evidence for performance enhancement methods in applied sport psychology.
IL-6: A hack to body fat and exercise?
Authors: Yang Ming
Published: January 2019

The IL-6 receptor antibody tocilizumab abolished the ability of exercise to reduce visceral fat and cholesterol levels in obese individuals.
Gaussian and critical scalings in the magnetoconductivity fluctuations of Y3Ba5Cu8O18 superconductor
Authors: Dias F. T. , Vieira V. N. , Oliveira C. P. , Silva D. L. , Mesquita F. , Lima J. R. , Wolff-Fabris F. , Kampert E. , Pureur P.
Published: January 2019

We have studied the superconducting transition and the magnetoconductivity fluctuations in the polycrystalline Y3Ba5Cu8O[Formula: see text] (Y358) superconductor under magnetic fields upto 1 T. A two-step superconducting transition could be observed as a consequence of the granular structure of the sample, which is strongly affected by the applied magnetic field. Gaussian and genuine critical 3D-XY-E fluctuation regimes were identified. A critical scaling regime beyond 3D-XY was identified for magnetic fields upto 0.25 T, corresponding to the averaged exponent 0.19 and suggesting the occurrence of the weak first-order character of the superconducting transition. In the approximation to the zero resistance a power law regime could be observed, corresponding to the averaged exponent 2.37, which are smaller than previously reported for the Y358 system. Our results are discussed in terms of the Y358 and YBa2Cu3O[Formula: see text](Y123) results in the literature.
FINANCIAL MOTIVATIONS AND SMALL BUSINESS LONGEVITY: THE EFFECTS OF GENDER AND RACE
Authors: SMITH BETHANY , TOLBERT CHARLES M.
Published: January 2019

It is well established in previous research that female and minority entrepreneurs are less successful with business ventures in comparison to whites and males. In that same literature, motivation and growth expectations have been shown to be positively associated with business success. This paper examines how motivations and business goals differ by gender and race and how they affect disparity in business outcomes. Using data from the Second Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics (PSED II), we find that stronger motivations for financial gain have a negative effect on business survival rate for black women and Hispanic men. In contrast, the effect is positive for black men and Hispanic women. When considering interactions between financial motivations, race and gender, various significant effects were found and are detailed in the paper. It is important for researchers and practitioners who want to promote entrepreneurship to understand the differences and adapt advisory and training curricula accordingly.
Local pulmonary drug delivery in the preterm rabbit: feasibility and efficacy of daily intratracheal injections
Authors: Salaets Thomas , Gie André , Jimenez Julio , Aertgeerts Margo , Gheysens Olivier , Vande Velde Greetje , Koole Michel , Murgia Xabi , Casiraghi Costanza , Ricci Francesca , Salomone Fabrizio , Villetti Gino , Allegaert Karel , Deprest Jan , Toelen Jaan
Published: January 2019

Recent clinical trials in newborns have successfully used surfactant as a drug carrier for an active compound, to minimize systemic exposure. To investigate the translational potential of surfactant-compound mixtures and other local therapeutics, a relevant animal model is required in which intratracheal administration for maximal local deposition is technically possible and well tolerated. Preterm rabbit pups (born at 28 days of gestation) were exposed to either hyperoxia or normoxia and randomized to receive daily intratracheal surfactant, daily intratracheal saline, or no injections for 7 days. At day 7, the overall lung function and morphology were assessed. Efficacy in terms of distribution was assessed by micro-PET-CT on both day 0 and day 7. Lung function as well as parenchymal and vascular structure were altered by hyperoxia, thereby reproducing a phenotype reminiscent of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Neither intratracheal surfactant nor saline affected the survival or the hyperoxia-induced BPD phenotype of the pups. Using PET-CT, we demonstrate that 82.5% of the injected radioactive tracer goes and remains in the lungs, with a decrease of only 4% after 150 min. Surfactant and saline can safely and effectively be administered in spontaneously breathing preterm rabbits. The described model and method enable researchers to evaluate intratracheal pharmacological interventions for the treatment of BPD.
Microscale to mesoscale analysis of parenchymal tethering: the effect of heterogeneous alveolar pressures on the pulmonary mechanics of compliant airways
Authors: Ryans Jason M. , Fujioka Hideki , Gaver Donald P.
Published: January 2019

In the healthy lung, bronchi are tethered open by the surrounding parenchyma; for a uniform distribution of these peribronchial structures, the solution is well known. An open question remains regarding the effect of a distributed set of collapsed alveoli, as can occur in disease. Here, we address this question by developing and analyzing microscale finite-element models of systems of heterogeneously inflated alveoli to determine the range and extent of parenchymal tethering effects on a neighboring collapsible airway. This analysis demonstrates that micromechanical stresses extend over a range of ∼5 airway radii, and this behavior is dictated primarily by the fraction, not distribution, of collapsed alveoli in that region. A mesoscale analysis of the microscale data identifies an effective shear modulus, Geff, that accurately characterizes the parenchymal support as a function of the average transpulmonary pressure of the surrounding alveoli. We demonstrate the use of this formulation by analyzing a simple model of a single collapsible airway surrounded by heterogeneously inflated alveoli (a “pig-in-a-blanket” model), which quantitatively demonstrates the increased parenchymal compliance and reduction in airway caliber that occurs with decreased parenchymal support from hypoinflated obstructed alveoli. This study provides a building block from which models of an entire lung can be developed in a computationally tenable manner that would simulate heterogeneous pulmonary mechanical interdependence. Such multiscale models could provide fundamental insight toward the development of protective ventilation strategies to reduce the incidence or severity of ventilator-induced lung injury.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A destabilized lung leads to airway and alveolar collapse that can result in catastrophic pulmonary failure. This study elucidates the micromechanical effects of alveolar collapse and determines its range of influence on neighboring collapsible airways. A mesoscale analysis reveals a master relationship that can that can be used in a computationally efficient manner to quantitatively model alveolar mechanical heterogeneity that exists in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which predisposes the lung to volutrauma and/or atelectrauma. This analysis may lead to computationally tenable simulations of heterogeneous organ-level mechanical interactions that can illuminate novel protective ventilation strategies to reduce ventilator-induced lung injury.
Effect of heat stress on vascular outcomes in humans
Authors: Cheng Jem L. , MacDonald Maureen J.
Published: January 2019

In addition to its role as an environmental stressor, scientists have recently demonstrated the potential for heat to be a therapy for improving or mitigating declines in arterial health. Many studies at both ends of the scientific controls spectrum (tightly controlled, experimental vs. practical) have demonstrated the beneficial effects of heating on microvascular function (e.g., reactive hyperemia, cutaneous vascular conductance); endothelial function (e.g., flow-mediated dilation); and arterial stiffness (e.g., pulse-wave velocity, compliance, β-stiffness index). It is important to note that findings of beneficial effects are not unanimous, likely owing to the varied methodology in both heating protocols and assessments of outcome measures. Mechanisms of action for the effects of both acute and chronic heating are also understudied. Heat science is a very promising area of human physiology research, as it has the potential to contribute to approaches addressing the global cardiovascular disease burden, particularly in aging and at risk populations, and those for whom exercise is not feasible or recommended.
Nonlinear Sloshing of Liquid in a Rigid Cylindrical Container with a Rigid Annular Baffle under Lateral Excitation
Authors: Wang Jiadong , Lo Sai Huen , Zhou Ding , Dong Yun
Published: January 2019

Nonlinear response of liquid partially filled in a rigid cylindrical container with a rigid annular baffle subjected to lateral excitation is studied. A semianalytical approach is presented to determine the natural frequencies and modes of the liquid sloshing. Introducing the generalized time‐dependent coordinates, the surface wave height and the velocity potential are expressed in terms of the natural modes of liquid sloshing. Based on the Bateman–Luke variational principle, the infinite‐dimensional modal system is given by the variational procedure. The infinite‐dimensional modal system is reduced by using the Moiseev asymptotic relations. The resultant hydrodynamic force and moment of the liquid pressure acting on the container mainly depend on the position vector of the mass center of the liquid. Expanding the integral about the weighted position coordinates into the Taylor series about the surface wave height at the unperturbed free surface gives the formula of the position vector of the mass center, which depends only on the generalized time‐dependent coordinates. Excellent agreements have been achieved by comparing the present results with those obtained from Gavrilyuk’s solution and SPH solution. Finally, the surface wave height, resultant hydrodynamic force, and hydrodynamic moment for a container subjected to harmonic lateral excitation are discussed in detail.
Cracking Mode Analysis of Crack Initiation in Rocks under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Lou Ye , Zhang Guangqing , Wang Xiaoxiao
Published: January 2019

Crack initiation is related to the behavior of the preexisting microcracks within a rock specimen, which suggests the specimen starts to fail. The determination of crack initiation stress is important for identifying the elastic stage and related mechanical parameters. Uniaxial compression tests with acoustic emission monitoring were performed to study crack initiation for tight sandstone, loose sandstone, and granite. The evolution of the cracking mode, i.e., the statistics of the cracking mode under compression, was obtained through modified acoustic emission parameter analysis. Based on the logarithm of the acoustic emission parameter (LAEP), a cracking mode analysis (CMA) method is proposed and used to determine the crack initiation stress. Results from the tests indicate that the crack initiation stress between the same rock specimens obtained by CMA is very close. The mean ratio of crack initiation stress to compression strength is 0.45, 0.34, and 0.35 for tight sandstone, loose sandstone, and granite, respectively. According to the results of CMA, crack volumetric strain (CVS) method, and lateral strain response (LSR) method, there is no big difference among those methods in tight sandstone and loose sandstone. In granite, the results obtained by CMA are close to those obtained by CVS, but smaller than those obtained by LSR. The CMA interprets the initiation of cracks from the fracture behavior of microcracks and is an objective method to determine the initiation stress.
PDE4 and Epac1 Synergistically Promote Rectal Carcinoma via the cAMP Pathway
Authors: Kong Xiangyu , Ai Ganghao , Wang Dai , Chen Renzhen , Guo Dongbei , Yao Youliang , Wang Kai , Liang Guiye , Qi Fengjie , Liu Wenzhi , Zhang Yongxing
Published: January 2019

Objective. To assess the expression levels of exchange protein 1 directly activated by cAMP (Epac1) and phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) in rectal carcinoma, and their associations with clinicopathological indexes. In addition, the associations of PDE4 and Epac1 with A-kinase anchor protein 95, connexin 43, cyclin D1, and cyclin E1 were evaluated. Methods. The PV-9000 two-step immunohistochemistry method was used to determine protein expression in 44 rectal carcinoma tissue samples and 16 paracarcinoma tissue specimens. Results. The positive rate of PDE4 protein expression in rectal carcinoma tissues was higher than that of paracarcinoma tissues (59.09% vs. 12.5%, P<0.05). Similar findings were obtained for Epac1 (55% vs. 6.25%, P<0.05). No significant associations of PDE4 and Epac1 with degree of differentiation, histological type, and lymph node metastasis were found in rectal carcinoma (P>0.05). Correlations between PDE4 and Epac1, PDE4 and Cx43, PDE4 and cyclin E1, and Epac1 and Cx43 were observed (all P<0.05). There was no correlation between the other protein pairs examined (P>0.05). Conclusion. PDE4 and Epac1 expression levels are increased in rectal carcinoma tissues, suggesting that the two proteins may be involved in the development of this malignancy. Meanwhile, correlations between PDE4 and Epac1, PDE4 and Cx43, PDE4 and cyclin E1, and Epac1 and Cx43 suggested synergistic effects of these proteins in promoting rectal carcinoma.
Sensitivity Analysis Based on Polynomial Chaos Expansions and Its Application in Ship Uncertainty‐Based Design Optimization
Authors: Wei Xiao , Chang Haichao , Feng Baiwei , Liu Zuyuan
Published: January 2019

In order to truly reflect the ship performance under the influence of uncertainties, uncertainty‐based design optimization (UDO) for ships that fully considers various uncertainties in the early stage of design has gradually received more and more attention. Meanwhile, it also brings high dimensionality problems, which may result in inefficient and impractical optimization. Sensitivity analysis (SA) is a feasible way to alleviate this problem, which can qualitatively or quantitatively evaluate the influence of the model input uncertainty on the model output, so that uninfluential uncertain variables can be determined for the descending dimension to achieve dimension reduction. In this paper, polynomial chaos expansions (PCE) with less computational cost are chosen to directly obtain Sobol′ global sensitivity indices by its polynomial coefficients; that is, once the polynomial of the output variable is established, the analysis of the sensitivity index is only the postprocessing of polynomial coefficients. Besides, in order to further reduce the computational cost, for solving the polynomial coefficients of PCE, according to the properties of orthogonal polynomials, an improved probabilistic collocation method (IPCM) based on the linear independence principle is proposed to reduce sample points. Finally, the proposed method is applied to UDO of a bulk carrier preliminary design to ensure the robustness and reliability of the ship.
Tumor pH and Protein Concentration Contribute to the Signal of Amide Proton Transfer Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Ray Kevin J. , Simard Manon A. , Larkin James R. , Coates James , Kinchesh Paul , Smart Sean C. , Higgins Geoff S. , Chappell Michael A. , Sibson Nicola R.
Published: January 2019

Abnormal pH is a common feature of malignant tumors and has been associated clinically with suboptimal outcomes. Amide proton transfer magnetic resonance imaging (APT MRI) holds promise as a means to noninvasively measure tumor pH, yet multiple factors collectively make quantification of tumor pH from APT MRI data challenging. The purpose of this study was to improve our understanding of the biophysical sources of altered APT MRI signals in tumors. Combining in vivo APT MRI measurements with ex vivo histological measurements of protein concentration in a rat model of brain metastasis, we determined that the proportion of APT MRI signal originating from changes in protein concentration was approximately 66%, with the remaining 34% originating from changes in tumor pH. In a mouse model of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (FaDu), APT MRI showed that a reduction in tumor hypoxia was associated with a shift in tumor pH. The results of this study extend our understanding of APT MRI data and may enable the use of APT MRI to infer the pH of individual patients' tumors as either a biomarker for therapy stratification or as a measure of therapeutic response in clinical settings.

Significance:

These findings advance our understanding of amide proton transfer magnetic resonance imaging (APT MRI) of tumors and may improve the interpretation of APT MRI in clinical settings.
Ultrasensitive Immunoprofiling of Plasma Extracellular Vesicles Identifies Syndecan-1 as a Potential Tool for Minimally Invasive Diagnosis of Glioma
Authors: Indira Chandran Vineesh , Welinder Charlotte , Månsson Ann-Sofie , Offer Svenja , Freyhult Eva , Pernemalm Maria , Lund Sigrid M. , Pedersen Shona , Lehtiö Janne , Marko-Varga Gyorgy , Johansson Maria C. , Englund Elisabet , Sundgren Pia C. , Belting Mattias
Published: January 2019

Purpose:

Liquid biopsy has great potential to improve the management of brain tumor patients at high risk of surgery-associated complications. Here, the aim was to explore plasma extracellular vesicle (plEV) immunoprofiling as a tool for noninvasive diagnosis of glioma.

Experimental Design:

PlEV isolation and analysis were optimized using advanced mass spectrometry, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and electron microscopy. We then established a new procedure that combines size exclusion chromatography isolation and proximity extension assay–based ultrasensitive immunoprofiling of plEV proteins that was applied on a well-defined glioma study cohort (n = 82).

Results:

Among potential candidates, we for the first time identify syndecan-1 (SDC1) as a plEV constituent that can discriminate between high-grade glioblastoma multiforme (GBM, WHO grade IV) and low-grade glioma [LGG, WHO grade II; area under the ROC curve (AUC): 0.81; sensitivity: 71%; specificity: 91%]. These findings were independently validated by ELISA. Tumor SDC1 mRNA expression similarly discriminated between GBM and LGG in an independent glioma patient population from The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort (AUC: 0.91; sensitivity: 79%; specificity: 91%). In experimental studies with GBM cells, we show that SDC1 is efficiently sorted to secreted EVs. Importantly, we found strong support of plEVSDC1 originating from GBM tumors, as plEVSDC1 correlated with SDC1 protein expression in matched patient tumors, and plEVSDC1 was decreased postoperatively depending on the extent of surgery.

Conclusions:

Our studies support the concept of circulating plEVs as a tool for noninvasive diagnosis and monitoring of gliomas and should move this field closer to the goal of improving the management of cancer patients.
Toward Optimizing cVEMP: 2,000-Hz Tone Bursts Improve the Detection of Superior Canal Dehiscence
Authors: Noij Kimberley S. , Herrmann Barbara S. , Guinan Jr. John J. , Rauch Steven D.
Published: January 2019

Background: The cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) test measures saccular and inferior vestibular nerve function. The cVEMP can be elicited with different frequency stimuli and interpreted using a variety of metrics. Patients with superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SCD) syndrome generally have lower cVEMP thresholds and larger amplitudes, although there is overlap with healthy subjects. The aim of this study was to evaluate which metric and frequency best differentiate healthy ears from SCD ears using cVEMP. Methods: Twenty-one patients with SCD and 23 age-matched controls were prospectively included and underwent cVEMP testing at 500, 750, 1,000 and 2,000 Hz. Sound level functions were obtained at all frequencies to acquire threshold and to calculate normalized peak-to-peak amplitude (VEMPn) and VEMP inhibition depth (VEMPid). Third window indicator (TWI) metrics were calculated by subtracting the 250-Hz air-bone gap from the ipsilateral cVEMP threshold at each frequency. Ears of SCD patients were divided into three groups based on CT imaging: dehiscent, thin or unaffected. The ears of healthy age-matched control subjects constituted a fourth group. Results: Comparing metrics at all frequencies revealed that 2,000-Hz stimuli were most effective in differentiating SCD from normal ears. ROC analysis indicated that for both 2,000-Hz cVEMP threshold and for 2,000-Hz TWI, 100% specificity could be achieved with a sensitivity of 92.0%. With 2,000-Hz VEMPn and VEMPid at the highest sound level, 100% specificity could be achieved with a sensitivity of 96.0%. Conclusion: The best diagnostic accuracy of cVEMP in SCD patients can be achieved with 2,000-Hz tone burst stimuli, regardless of which metric is used.
High Serum CA19-9 Concentration Predicts Poor Prognosis in Elderly Patients with Stage IV Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Hidaka Eiji , Maeda Chiyo , Nakahara Kenta , Wakamura Kunihiko , Ishiyama Yasuhiro , Shimada Shoji , Seki Junichi , Takano Yojiro , Oae Sonoko , Enami Yuta , Sawada Naruhiko , Ishida Fumio , Kudo Shin-ei
Published: January 2019

Background/Aim: The optimal treatment strategy for elderly patients with stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) remains controversial due to limited research data. The purpose of this study was to evaluate treatment results and to clarify the prognostic factors, especially poor prognosis factors, in elderly patients with stage IV CRC. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 82 elderly patients (aged ≥75 years) with stage IV CRC who underwent surgical treatment at our hospital between April 2001 and March 2017. Factors that affected prognosis and the ability to undergo treatment were analyzed via multivariate analysis. Results: The median overall survival (OS) in the patients with high pretreatment serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) concentration (> 370 U/mL) was significantly worse than in those with lower serum CA19-9 concentration (0–370 U/mL) (8.5 vs. 19.2 months, p = 0.0059). In univariate analysis, age (≥80 years) (p = 0.014), performance status of 1–3 (p = 0.028), and high pretreatment serum CA19-9 concentration (p = 0.014) were significant prognostic factors for poor OS. By contrast, resection of the primary tumor (p = 0.024), chemotherapy (p < 0.0001), and resection of distant metastasis (p = 0.0005) were significant prognostic factors for favorable OS. Multivariate analysis showed that a high pretreatment serum CA19-9 concentration was an independent prognostic factor for poor OS (p = 0.01). Meanwhile, resection of the primary tumor (p = 0.033), chemotherapy (p < 0.0001), and resection of distant metastasis (p = 0.0008) were prognostic factors for favorable OS. Conclusions: A high pretreatment serum CA19-9 concentration (> 370 U/mL) was a reliable predictive factor for poor prognosis, and aggressive treatments should be performed carefully in these patients. Moreover, various treatments, including surgery and chemotherapy, might improve OS in elderly patients with stage IV CRC.
Conjunctival Leiomyosarcoma, a Rare Neoplasm Always Originating at the Limbus? Report of a New Case and Review of 11 Published Cases
Authors: De Groot V. , Verhelst E. , Hogendoorn P.C.W. , de Keizer R.J.W.
Published: January 2019

Purpose of the Study: To describe the differential diagnosis and management of a rare conjunctival malignancy. Procedures: A 79-year-old man presented with a conjunctival mass at the limbus. Excisional biopsy revealed a malignant mesenchymal tumor with myogenic differentiation. Six months later, three suspect lesions developed at the border of the previous excision. Pathological diagnosis pointed to a leiomyosarcoma. Adjuvant radiotherapy with strontium-90 brachytherapy was applied. After 3 years, there was neither recurrence nor distant metastases. A literature review revealed 11 cases of conjunctival leiomyosarcoma. Results: All 12 cases seemed to originate at the limbal conjunctiva. Scleral invasion was found only in one patient with multiple previous resections. Corneal invasion was reported in two patients. Four patients had a globe-sparing resection. In two of them, margins were not tumor free and additional brachytherapy gave a tumor-free follow-up of 1 and 3 years. Four cases underwent an exenteration. Conclusion and Message: Primary conjunctival leiomyosarcoma is a rare tumor with a favorable prognosis due to early detection and consequently limited size. Diagnosis involves histopathological investigation including immunohistochemistry. If possible, complete resection has the best prognosis. Adjunctive radiotherapy can be effective when the margins are not free and should be considered.
Social Isolation Rearing Induces Neuropsychiatric Diseases: Updated Overview
Authors: Famitafreshi Hamidreza , Karimian Morteza
Published: January 2019

Neuropsychiatric and neurologic diseases cause a great burden for individuals, families, and societies. Social isolation rearing can trigger a variety of psychiatric diseases. New advances suggest that epigenetic factors along with other neurochemical changes can be an important topic in neuropsychiatric diseases. It is thought that the prevention of social isolation rearing that occurs around birth can reduce the occurrence of neuropsychiatric diseases. It has been suggested that the environment can induce epigenetic alternation. So, for the diagnosis of a proportion of neuropsychiatric diseases, assessing epigenetic factors may be helpful. Also, apart from epigenetic factors, new advances have been made about new mechanisms of and treatments for such a disorder.
Effects of Prednisone on a Patient with Dysferlinopathy Assessed by Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction: Alternate-Day Low-Dose Administration for a 17-Year Period
Authors: Takahashi Keiichi
Published: January 2019

Glucocorticoids are candidates for the pharmacological treatment of dysferlinopathy. Deflazacort, however, showed a worse effect on muscle strength than placebo. Alternate-day low-dose prednisone may have beneficial effects with fewer adverse effects. The outcomes for a female patient with dysferlinopathy (limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B) were assessed by maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) using a newly devised chair and arm table with push-pull type strain gauges. Grip strength was also measured isometrically. Prednisone 15 mg was started orally at the age of 24 years and was taken every other day in the morning until 41 years of age. The MVIC of flexion of the knees and elbows increased gradually and significantly. The MVIC of extension of the knees and elbows increased to a lesser extent. Isometric grip strength showed no remarkable increase, but strength was sustained over 10 years. Muscle fiber types account for these differences. The beneficial effects of alternate-day prednisone treatment on dysferlinopathy are reported.
An Undetected Case of Tinea Capitis in an Elderly Woman Affected by Dermatomyositis: How Trichoscopy Can Guide to the Right Diagnosis
Authors: Vastarella Maria , Gallo Lucia , Cantelli Mariateresa , Nappa Paola , Fabbrocini Gabriella
Published: January 2019

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the skin and muscles, but may also have a systemic involvement. The frequency of scalp involvement in DM varies from 28 to 82% and is often encountered as part of a DM flare. However, it frequently presents as a treatment-resistant disease, and patients reporting no improvement with conventional therapies require further investigation. We report a case of tinea capitis (TC) in a 79-year-old woman affected by DM with scalp involvement which did not respond to conventional therapies. Thanks to trichoscopy we could detect “comma hairs,” “zigzag hairs,” and “pigtail hairs” at scalp examination, made the right diagnosis of TC, and instituted the best treatment without delay.
Coexisting Optic Disc Melanocytoma and Pituitary Adenoma
Authors: Attiku Yamini , Rishi Pukhraj , Bassi Shikha
Published: January 2019

Aim: To report a rare case of optic disc melanocytoma coexistent with pituitary adenoma. Methods: Ophthalmological examination with perimetry and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and orbits was done. Results: A 42-year-old woman presented with complaints of progressive diminution of vision in the right eye of 6 weeks’ duration. Visual acuity in the affected right eye was 6/60 and in the left eye it was 6/6. On examination, a brown-black lesion was noted over the optic nerve head in the right eye. On perimetry, the visual field was constricted in the right eye and a superior altitudinal defect was found in the left eye. MRI of the brain and orbits revealed a pituitary adenoma with suprasellar extension. The patient underwent endoscopic transphenoidal pituitary adenoma excision with uneventful recovery. Three months following surgery, visual acuity improved to 6/6 in both eyes with partial visual field recovery and was maintained at 10 months of follow-up. There was no recurrence or metastasis. Conclusion: A high degree of suspicion is required to screen for possible coexistent orbital or central nervous system pathology in cases of optic disc melanocytoma with disproportionate signs or symptoms.
Neurosarcoidosis Occurring 6 Years after Onset of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease
Authors: Sehara Yoshihide , Otsuka Hideaki , Sakamoto Shinichi , Ando Yoshihito , Sawada Mikio
Published: January 2019

A 43-year-old Japanese woman visited a clinic with a 2-week history of visual loss, hyperemia, and bilateral eye pain. Dilated fundus and optical coherence tomography showed hyperemic optic disc and multifocal serous retinal detachments. Fundus fluorescein angiography revealed optic disc leakage and numerous hyperfluorescent pinpoints of leakage, which are typical of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKHD). She also showed tinnitus, poliosis, and alopecia. With a diagnosis of VKHD, steroid therapy was started. At the age of 48, oral prednisolone was tapered off, and only corticosteroid eye drops were continued. Eighteen months later, dysesthesia appeared in the left side of her face and in her left ring and little fingers, which spread to the ulnar side of her forearm. Blood tests indicated elevated serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) levels. Chest CT showed bilateral lymphadenopathy, and histological analysis of the subcutaneous mass in her right arm showed multinucleated giant cells. Steroid therapy was started under a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Serum ACE and lysozyme levels decreased in response to steroid therapy. We report a case of the concurrence of VKHD and sarcoidosis, which may share a common pathophysiology. Accumulation of further similar cases is necessary to elucidate the precise mechanism underlying the concurrence of these two diseases.
EFFECTS OF RED YAM FLOUR (Ipomoea batatas L.) ON THE GROWTH, SURVIVAL RATE AND SKIN COLOR OF GOLDFISH (Carrasius auratus)
Authors: Putra Dedi Fazriansyah , Armaya Lia , El Rahimi Sayyid Afdhal , Othman Norhayati
Published: January 2019

The best quality goldfish requires a good environment and a highly nutritious feed. Thus, this study evaluated the effects of commercial diets supplemented with 0%, 3%, 6%, 9% and 12% red yam flour (Ipomoea batatas L.) on the growth rate, survival rate and skin color of the goldfish Carrasius auratus. A completely randomized experimental design with five treatments and three replicates was used. Seventy-five goldfishes with an average initial length of 4.4 cm were fed the supplemented commercial diets for twenty-eight days inside fifteen experimental tanks. The results showed that the 9% dietary treatment significantly affected the skin color of the goldfishes but not their growth and survival rates (P > 0.05). Hence, the administration of 9% concentrated red yam flour was a suitable dietary supplement to improve skin pigmentation, an important characteristic of aquarium fishes.
CARBON SEQUESTRATION OF MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM IN SEGARA ANAKAN LAGOON, INDONESIA
Authors: Hilmi Endang , Sari Lilik Kartika , Cahyo Tri Nur , Kusmana Cecep , Suhendang Endang
Published: January 2019

Carbon conservation programs in mangrove ecosystems focus on the growth of mangrove vegetation that is measured based on the amount of carbon present at different tree stages particularly, the seedlings, saplings and mature mangrove trees. This study was aimed to determine carbon percentage of mangrove ecosystems using the SNI 06 â€“ 3730 â€“ 1995 and TAPPI T 211 om 85 methods, and to analyse the mangrove clustering based on carbon percentage. TheÂ  results showed that (1) Avicennia spp, Sonneratia spp, Bruguiera spp, Rhizophora spp, Aegiceras spp, Lumnitzera spp, Ceriop spp, Exoecaria agallocha and Xylocarpus granatum had carbon percentages between 45.01-55.54%; (2)Â  the carbon percentage of mangroves at different growth stages were as follows; seedlings at 16.3-21.2%, sapling at 19.0-28.1%, trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) of 10-20 at 38.1-46.3%, trees with DBH of 20-30 cm at 40.2-51.1% and trees with DBH of 30-40 cm at 49.1-55.2%. The carbon conservation is positively correlated with the carbon sequestration ability and growth of the mangroves.
Spirulina platensis DIET FOR MILKFISH, Chanos chanos, LARVAE
Authors: Sukardi Purnama , Yansah Noprie , Winanto Tjahyo , Marnani Sri , Prayogo Norman Arie , Harisam Taufan , Sudaryono Agung
Published: January 2019

In aquaculture, Spirulina platensis is used as feed supplement in which contains amino acid phenylalanine. This study was conducted to evaluate the differences in the effect of spirulina-based microcapsules and commercial diets on the absolute, daily and specific growth and survival rates of milkfish larvae. The larvae were fed with Spirulina platensis as a core diet in microcapsules with different matrix (walls). The first capsule wall was gelatin and fish oil, while the second capsule wall was gelatin, fish oil and whole egg. The control group was fed with the commercial diet. A total of 1200 larvae were used in this experiments using the recirculation systems. The experiment was conducted in 42 days of culture. Larvae were fed three times a day and the feed was increased regularly as the size of the larvae increased. The results showed that the effects of both sprirulina-based microcapsules diets on the absolute growth rate (AG), specific growth rate (SGR) and average daily growth rate (ADGR) of Chanos chanos larvae were the same as on those larvae which were fed with the commercial diet. The survival rates were at 80.6Â±11.17% for those fed with Spirulina platensis with gelatin and fish oil wall; 84.6Â±8.44% for those fed with Spirulina platrensis with gelatin, fish oil and whole egg wall, and; 83.8Â±16.50% for those fed with the commercial diet. This study showed that Spirulina-based microcapsules had the same effect as the commercial feed on the growth of milkfish larvae indicating that this diet could replace the commercial diet.
Phylogeny of Pnyxiopalpus Vilkamaa & Hippa, with the description of P. persimplex sp. n. (Diptera, Sciaridae)
Authors: VILKAMAA PEKKA , HIPPA HEIKKI
Published: January 2019

Phylogeny of the Oriental genus Pnyxiopalpus Vilkamaa & Hippa, 1999 was re-studied in the light of the recently described, putatively related genus Vulagisciara Evenhuis, 2007, from Fiji, and a new species of Pnyxiopalpus, P. persimplex sp. n. from Selangor, Malaysia. Characters of these taxa were added to a previously published data matrix . The parsimony analysis yields two most parsimonious cladograms. In the strict concensus cladogram, Vulagisciara appears as the sister group of a monophyletic Pnyxiopalpus. Pnyxiopalpus persimplex sp. n. is described. The new species shares the basic structure of Pnyxiopalpus, but lacks some of the unique morphological modifications present in congeneric species. P. persimplex appears as the sister species to P. simplex, these two species together appearing as the sister group to all other Pnyxiopalpus.
Redescription of Verrucoentomon montanum new status (=Acerella montana Martynova) (Protura: Acerentomidae, Nipponentominae)
Authors: SHRUBOVYCH JULIA
Published: January 2019

E. F. Martynova (1970) described two species of Protura from the Tian-Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan: Hesperentomon tianschanicum and Acerella montana. The descriptions are now outdated due to progress in proturan taxonomy in the last three decades, and the systematic position of A. montana is unclear. I redescribe A. montana based on the holotype female and another specimen mounted on the same slide. This slide is preserved in the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia. The paratypes were not marked. I thank the head curator of Zoological Institute RAS, Dr. V.A. Krivokhatsky, Dr. V. Kuznetsova (St. Petersburg) and Dr. A. Nadachovska (Krakow) for their kindness and help. This work was supported by grant NN303 0683 34 from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Poland.
Re-discovery of the Giant West African Squeaker, Arthroleptis krokosua Ernst, Agyei & Rödel, 2008 (Amphibia: Anura: Arthroleptidae) in two forests of south-western Ghana with observations on the species’ variability and habitat preferences
Authors: ADUM GILBERT BAASE , OFORI-BOATENG CALEB , ODURO WILLIAM , RÖDEL MARK-OLIVER
Published: January 2019

Arthroleptis krokosua Ernst, Agyei & Rödel, 2008 is a recently described, morphologically distinct squeaker species. It has no apparent affiliations to any other West African member of the genus (Ernst et al. 2008), but instead is most closely related to some Central African Arthroleptis (Blackburn et al. 2010). It differs from all known West African Arthroleptis by its large size (> 40 mm snout-vent-length), coloration and other morphological characters, such as a very broad head. Until now the species is only known from the type locality, the Krokosua Hills Forest Reserve and only from the holotype (Ernst et al. 2008). Other large Arthroleptis (larger than 35 mm SVL) are known from Central and East Africa (Blackburn et al. 2009). As A. krokosua might be locally endemic, i.e. amphibian assessments in other Ghanaian and eastern Ivorian forests failed to detect this species (Hillers et al. 2009 and literature cited therein); we herein aim to add more data on the variability, distribution and ecology of A. krokosua.
Specific separation of Polypedates braueri (Vogt, 1911) from P. megacephalus (Hallowell, 1861) (Amphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae)
Authors: KURAISHI NORIHIRO , MATSUI MASAFUMI , OTA HIDETOSHI , CHEN SZU-LUNG
Published: January 2019

The Taiwan population of the Polypedates leucomystax complex has been assigned to P. megacephalus, which was originally described from Hong Kong. The Taiwan and Hong Kong populations, however, are markedly differentiated in DNA sequences, and advertisement call and morphological characteristics. The Taiwan population is therefore regarded as a distinct species, for which the name P. braueri (Vogt 1911) is available. Since the holotype of P. braueri was not designated, a lectotype is chosen among the nine syntypes examined.
Dina orientalis sp. nov. —an overlooked new leech (Annelida: Hirudinea: Erpobdellidae) species from the Near and Middle East
Authors: GROSSER CLEMENS , NESEMANN HASKO F. , PEŠIĆ VLADIMIR
Published: January 2019

The new species described here has, for a long time, been confused with Dina stschegolewi (Lukin & Epshtein, 1960), a species described from Krym (the Crimean Peninsula, Ukraine). Both species are similar in having rows of yellow spots on the dorsal surface. As the latter species had been poorly defined in the past, all yellow spotted specimens of the genus Dina Blanchard, from the area of the Near and Middle East, were attributed to Dina stschegolewi (Rückert 1985, Nesemann 1993, Nesemann & Neubert 1999). Prof. V. M. Epshtein (Wuppertal/Germany, oral communication) suspected that the specimens attributed to Dina stschegolewi by Nesemann (1993) and Nesemann & Neubert (1999) differed from the species from Krym. Furthermore, Grosser & Pešić (2006) mentioned that populations of Dina stschegolewi sensu Nesemann, 1993 most probably belong to a new species.
Water mites of the family Aturidae Thor, 1900 from Turkey (Acari: Hydrachnidia), with description of two new species
Authors: ESEN YUNUS , PEŠIĆ VLADIMIR , ERMAN ORHAN
Published: January 2019

This paper deals with the water mite species of the family Aturidae Thor, collected from running waters in Bingöl Province, Turkey. Javalbia (Javalbicula) turcica sp. nov. and Barbaxonella bingolensis sp. nov. are described as new species; Axonopsis armata Chaudonneret & Angelier, 1949 is synonymized with A. romijni Viets, 1923; Kongsbergia (Kongsbergia) persica Pešić, 2005, Albaxona lundbladi Motaş & Tanasachi, 1947, Axonopsis (Hexaxonopsis) romijni Viets, 1923, A. (Navinaxonopsis) persica Pešić, 2004 and A. (Paraxonopsis) vietsi Motaş & Tanasachi, 1947 are reported for the first time for Turkey.
Two new species of shrub frogs (Rhacophoridae: Pseudophilautus) from Sri Lanka
Authors: MEEGASKUMBURA MADHAVA , MANAMENDRA-ARACHCHI KELUM
Published: January 2019

Two new species of Sri Lankan shrub frogs of the genus Pseudophilautus are described. These species are diagnosed from their congeners on the basis of morphology, morphometrics and mitochondrial DNA sequence data. Pseudophilautus schneideri, new species, is distinguished from all Sri Lankan Pseudophilautus by its small size (< 22.8 mm SVL), distinct tympanum and supratympanic fold, sharp canthal edges, granular throat, chest and belly, and absence or presence of a vomerine ridge. Pseudophilautus hankeni, new species, is distinguished by its diminutive size (< 21.9 mm SVL), distinct tympanum, rounded canthal edges, tuberculated outer edge of lower arm, tuberculated dermal fold on outer edge of foot, granular throat, chest and belly, and the absence of a vomerine ridge. Pseudophilautus schneideri inhabits shrubs in open areas of the low to mid-elevations of the island’s south-western ‘wet zone’ (rainfall > 2,000 mm•yr -1 ), including anthropogenic habitats, while P. hankeni is found on shrubs in the understorey of montane forests of the highest peaks (c. 1,200– 1,600 m elevation) of the Knuckles region. These descriptions bring the total number of valid species of Sri Lankan Pseudophilautus to 67, 48 of which are extant.