bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum Golgi Protein 73 as a Potential Biomarker for Hepatic Necroinflammation in Population with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Wang Leijie , Yao Mingjie , Liu Shuhong , Yang Danli , Wen Xiajie , Ning Jing , Wang Lu , Zhou Guangde , Xu Qiang , Chen Xiangmei , Zhao Jingmin , Lu Fengmin
Published: February 2020

Aims. Persistent hepatic necroinflammatory damage almost always results in fibrosis/cirrhosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, the presence of active necroinflammation in the liver suggests that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients are in urgent need of treatment. Unfortunately, alanine transaminase (ALT), a routine indicator of liver inflammatory damage, showed a poor performance in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients. Thus, it will be valuable to find an alternative indicator to identify patients with hepatic necroinflammatory damage. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic value of serum Golgi protein 73 (GP73) for hepatic necroinflammatory damage in patients with NASH. Methods. The clinical data of 201 patients with NASH diagnosed by liver biopsy according to the Brunt staging system were collected retrospectively. The in situ expression of GP73 protein was measured by immunohistochemistry. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to calculate the area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of serum GP73 for diagnosing hepatic necroinflammatory damage. Results. The serum GP73 levels of NASH patients increased with the aggravation of liver necroinflammation. The median levels significantly increased from 49.98 ng/ml (31.49, 75.05) for G0-1 to 76.61 ng/ml (48.68, 110.03) for G2 and to 116.44 ng/ml (103.41, 162.17) for G3 patients (G0-1 vs. G2, P<0.0001; G2 vs. G3, P=0.0228). In consistent, the gradual increase of GP73 protein expression in situ was also observed in liver tissue, in parallel with the increasing severity of necroinflammatory activity. Therefore, serum GP73 correlated well with the intensity of protein expression in liver tissue. The AUROCs of serum GP73 for G2 and G3 inflammatory activity were 0.742 (0.676 to 0.801) and 0.891 (0.840 to 0.931), respectively. Conclusions. GP73 is a valuable alternative serum marker reflecting the severity of hepatic necroinflammation in NASH patients.
Thermal Proteome Profiling Identifies Oxidative-Dependent Inhibition of the Transcription of Major Oncogenes as a New Therapeutic Mechanism for Select Anticancer Compounds
Authors: Peuget Sylvain , Zhu Jiawei , Sanz Gema , Singh Madhurendra , Gaetani Massimiliano , Chen Xinsong , Shi Yao , Saei Amir Ata , Visnes Torkild , Lindström Mikael S. , Rihani Ali , Moyano-Galceran Lidia , Carlson Joseph W. , Hjerpe Elisabet , Joneborg Ulrika , Lehti Kaisa , Hartman Johan , Helleday Thomas , Zubarev Roman , Selivanova Galina
Published: February 2020

Identification of the molecular mechanism of action (MoA) of bioactive compounds is a crucial step for drug development but remains a challenging task despite recent advances in technology. In this study, we applied multidimensional proteomics, sensitivity correlation analysis, and transcriptomics to identify a common MoA for the anticancer compounds RITA, aminoflavone (AF), and oncrasin-1 (Onc-1). Global thermal proteome profiling revealed that the three compounds target mRNA processing and transcription, thereby attacking a cancer vulnerability, transcriptional addiction. This led to the preferential loss of expression of oncogenes involved in PDGF, EGFR, VEGF, insulin/IGF/MAPKK, FGF, Hedgehog, TGFβ, and PI3K signaling pathways. Increased reactive oxygen species level in cancer cells was a prerequisite for targeting the mRNA transcription machinery, thus conferring cancer selectivity to these compounds. Furthermore, DNA repair factors involved in homologous recombination were among the most prominently repressed proteins. In cancer patient samples, RITA, AF, and Onc-1 sensitized to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors both in vitro and ex vivo. These findings might pave a way for new synthetic lethal combination therapies.

Significance: These findings highlight agents that target transcriptional addiction in cancer cells and suggest combination treatments that target RNA processing and DNA repair pathways simultaneously as effective cancer therapies.
Proteomic Profiling of the ECM of Xenograft Breast Cancer Metastases in Different Organs Reveals Distinct Metastatic Niches
Authors: Hebert Jess D. , Myers Samuel A. , Naba Alexandra , Abbruzzese Genevieve , Lamar John M. , Carr Steven A. , Hynes Richard O.
Published: February 2020

Metastasis causes most cancer-related deaths, and one poorly understood aspect of metastatic cancer is the adaptability of cells from a primary tumor to create new niches and survive in multiple, different secondary sites. We used quantitative mass spectrometry to analyze the extracellular matrix (ECM), a critical component of metastatic niches, in metastases to the brain, lungs, liver, and bone marrow, all derived from parental MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells. Tumor and stromal cells cooperated in forming niches; stromal cells produced predominantly core, structural ECM proteins and tumor cells produced a diverse array of ECM-associated proteins, including secreted factors and modulators of the matrix. In addition, tumor and stromal cells together created distinct niches in each tissue. Downregulation of SERPINB1, a protein elevated in brain metastases, led to a reduction in brain metastasis, suggesting that some niche-specific ECM proteins may be involved in metastatic tropism.

Significance:

Tumor and stromal cells together create distinct ECM niches in breast cancer metastases to various tissues, providing new insight into how tumor cells adapt to survive in different tissue environments.
Synergistic Combination of Oncolytic Virotherapy and Immunotherapy for Glioma
Authors: Tang Bingtao , Guo Zong Sheng , Bartlett David L. , Yan David Z. , Schane Claire P. , Thomas Diana L. , Liu Jia , McFadden Grant , Shisler Joanna L. , Roy Edward J.
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

We hypothesized that the combination of a local stimulus for activating tumor-specific T cells and an anti-immunosuppressant would improve treatment of gliomas. Virally encoded IL15Rα-IL15 as the T-cell activating stimulus and a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor as the anti-immunosuppressant were combined with adoptive transfer of tumor-specific T cells.

Experimental Design:

Two oncolytic poxviruses, vvDD vaccinia virus and myxoma virus, were each engineered to express the fusion protein IL15Rα-IL15 and a fluorescent protein. Viral gene expression (YFP or tdTomato Red) was confirmed in the murine glioma GL261 in vitro and in vivo. GL261 tumors in immunocompetent C57BL/6J mice were treated with vvDD-IL15Rα-YFP vaccinia virus or vMyx-IL15Rα-tdTr combined with other treatments, including vaccination with GARC-1 peptide (a neoantigen for GL261), rapamycin, celecoxib, and adoptive T-cell therapy.

Results:

vvDD-IL15Rα-YFP and vMyx-IL15Rα-tdTr each infected and killed GL261 cells in vitro. In vivo, NK cells and CD8+ T cells were increased in the tumor due to the expression of IL15Rα-IL15. Each component of a combination treatment contributed to prolonging survival: an oncolytic virus, the IL15Rα-IL15 expressed by the virus, a source of T cells (whether by prevaccination or adoptive transfer), and prostaglandin inhibition all synergized to produce elimination of gliomas in a majority of mice. vvDD-IL15Rα-YFP occasionally caused ventriculitis-meningitis, but vMyx-IL15Rα-tdTr was safe and effective, causing a strong infiltration of tumor-specific T cells and eliminating gliomas in 83% of treated mice.

Conclusions:

IL15Rα-IL15–armed oncolytic poxviruses provide potent antitumor effects against brain tumors when combined with adoptive T-cell therapy, rapamycin, and celecoxib.
Validation of a Hematopoietic Cell Transplant-Composite Risk (HCT-CR) Model for Post-Transplant Survival Prediction in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Ciurea Stefan O. , Kongtim Piyanuch , Hasan Omar , Ramos Perez Jorge M. , Torres Janet , Rondon Gabriela , Champlin Richard E.
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHCT) outcomes depend on disease and patient characteristics. We previously developed a novel prognostic model, hematopoietic cell transplant composite-risk (HCT-CR) by incorporating the refined disease risk index (DRI-R) and hematopoietic cell transplant–comorbidity/age index (HCT-CI/Age) to predict post-transplant survival in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. Here we aimed to validate and prove the generalizability of the HCT-CR model in an independent cohort of patients with hematologic malignancies receiving AHCT.

Experimental Design:

Data of consecutive adult patients receiving AHCT for various hematologic malignancies were analyzed. Patients were stratified into four HCT-CR risk groups. The discrimination, calibration performance, and clinical net benefit of the HCT-CR model were tested.

Results:

The HCT-CR model stratified patients into four risk groups with significantly different overall survival (OS). Three-year OS was 67.4%, 50%, 37.5%, and 29.9% for low, intermediate, high, and very high-risk group, respectively (P < 0.001). The HCT-CR model had better discrimination on OS prediction when compared with the DRI-R and HCT-CI/Age (C-index was 0.69 vs. 0.59 and 0.56, respectively, P < 0.001). The decision curve analysis showed that HCT-CR model provided better clinical utility for patient selection for post-transplant clinical trial than the “treat all” or “treat none” strategy and the use of the DRI-R and HCT-CI/Age model separately.

Conclusions:

The HCT-CR can be effectively used to predict post-transplant survival in patients with various hematologic malignancies. This composite model can identify patients who will benefit the most from transplantation and helps physicians in making decisions regarding post-transplant therapy to improve outcomes.
27-Hydroxycholesterol Impairs Plasma Membrane Lipid Raft Signaling as Evidenced by Inhibition of IL6–JAK–STAT3 Signaling in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Dambal Shweta , Alfaqih Mahmoud , Sanders Sergio , Maravilla Erick , Ramirez-Torres Adela , Galvan Gloria C. , Reis-Sobreiro Mariana , Rotinen Mirja , Driver Lucy M. , Behrove Matthew S. , Talisman Tijana Jovanovic , Yoon Junhee , You Sungyong , Turkson James , Chi Jen-Tsan , Freeman Michael R. , Macias Everardo , Freedland Stephen J.
Published: February 2020

We recently reported that restoring the CYP27A1–27hydroxycholesterol axis had antitumor properties. Thus, we sought to determine the mechanism by which 27HC exerts its anti–prostate cancer effects. As cholesterol is a major component of membrane microdomains known as lipid rafts, which localize receptors and facilitate cellular signaling, we hypothesized 27HC would impair lipid rafts, using the IL6–JAK–STAT3 axis as a model given its prominent role in prostate cancer. As revealed by single molecule imaging of DU145 prostate cancer cells, 27HC treatment significantly reduced detected cholesterol density on the plasma membranes. Further, 27HC treatment of constitutively active STAT3 DU145 prostate cancer cells reduced STAT3 activation and slowed tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. 27HC also blocked IL6-mediated STAT3 phosphorylation in nonconstitutively active STAT3 cells. Mechanistically, 27HC reduced STAT3 homodimerization, nuclear translocation, and decreased STAT3 DNA occupancy at target gene promoters. Combined treatment with 27HC and STAT3 targeting molecules had additive and synergistic effects on proliferation and migration, respectively. Hallmark IL6–JAK–STAT gene signatures positively correlated with CYP27A1 gene expression in a large set of human metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancers and in an aggressive prostate cancer subtype. This suggests STAT3 activation may be a resistance mechanism for aggressive prostate cancers that retain CYP27A1 expression. In summary, our study establishes a key mechanism by which 27HC inhibits prostate cancer by disrupting lipid rafts and blocking STAT3 activation.

Implications:

Collectively, these data show that modulation of intracellular cholesterol by 27HC can inhibit IL6–JAK–STAT signaling and may synergize with STAT3-targeted compounds.
Metabolome of Pancreatic Juice Delineates Distinct Clinical Profiles of Pancreatic Cancer and Reveals a Link between Glucose Metabolism and PD-1+ Cells
Authors: Cortese Nina , Capretti Giovanni , Barbagallo Marialuisa , Rigamonti Alessandra , Takis Panteleimon G. , Castino Giovanni F. , Vignali Debora , Maggi Giulia , Gavazzi Francesca , Ridolfi Cristina , Nappo Gennaro , Donisi Greta , Erreni Marco , Avigni Roberta , Rahal Daoud , Spaggiari Paola , Roncalli Massimo , Cappello Paola , Novelli Francesco , Monti Paolo , Zerbi Alessandro , Allavena Paola , Mantovani Alberto , Marchesi Federica
Published: February 2020

Better understanding of pancreatic diseases, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is an urgent medical need, with little advances in preoperative differential diagnosis, preventing rational selection of therapeutic strategies. The clinical management of pancreatic cancer patients would benefit from the identification of variables distinctively associated with the multiplicity of pancreatic disorders. We investigated, by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, the metabolomic fingerprint of pancreatic juice (the biofluid that collects pancreatic products) in 40 patients with different pancreatic diseases. Metabolic variables discriminated PDAC from other less aggressive pancreatic diseases and identified metabolic clusters of patients with distinct clinical behaviors. PDAC specimens were overtly glycolytic, with significant accumulation of lactate, which was probed as a disease-specific variable in pancreatic juice from a larger cohort of 106 patients. In human PDAC sections, high expression of the glucose transporter GLUT-1 correlated with tumor grade and a higher density of PD-1+ T cells, suggesting their accumulation in glycolytic tumors. In a preclinical model, PD-1+ CD8 tumor–infiltrating lymphocytes differentially infiltrated PDAC tumors obtained from cell lines with different metabolic consumption, and tumors metabolically rewired by knocking down the phosphofructokinase (Pfkm) gene displayed a decrease in PD-1+ cell infiltration. Collectively, we introduced pancreatic juice as a valuable source of metabolic variables that could contribute to differential diagnosis. The correlation of metabolic markers with immune infiltration suggests that upfront evaluation of the metabolic profile of PDAC patients could foster the introduction of immunotherapeutic approaches for pancreatic cancer.
Immunosuppressive Mediators Impair Proinflammatory Innate Lymphoid Cell Function in Human Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Ercolano Giuseppe , Garcia-Garijo Andrea , Salomé Bérengère , Gomez-Cadena Alejandra , Vanoni Giulia , Mastelic-Gavillet Beatris , Ianaro Angela , Speiser Daniel E. , Romero Pedro , Trabanelli Sara , Jandus Camilla
Published: February 2020

Innate lymphoid cells (ILC) are a family of immune cells that are emerging as potent orchestrators of immune responses. In cancer, ILCs display both pro- and antitumorigenic functions depending on the nature of the tumor and the involved ILC subset. Little is known about the ILC–tumor cross-talk in human melanoma. Here, we showed that ILC1s were enriched but functionally impaired in cytokine secretion in both peripheral blood mononuclear cells and tumor-infiltrated lymph nodes of melanoma patients. These findings were confirmed in vivo in murine cutaneous melanoma. Multiple immunosuppressive mechanisms are described in the melanoma microenvironment. Among others, adenosine and kynurenines were shown to suppress antitumor immune responses. By exposing ILCs to adenosine and kynurenines, we observed a similar shift toward the ILC1 subset distribution and impairment in proinflammatory cytokine production to that of patient samples studied ex vivo. Thus, we hypothesized that the immunosuppressive microenvironment of malignant melanoma might shape ILC subpopulations. Hence, we provide a rationale for the use of drugs targeting adenosine and kynurenine pathways in melanoma patients.
γδ T-cell Receptors Derived from Breast Cancer–Infiltrating T Lymphocytes Mediate Antitumor Reactivity
Authors: Janssen Anke , Villacorta Hidalgo Jose , Beringer Dennis X. , van Dooremalen Sanne , Fernando Febilla , van Diest Eline , Terrizi Antonela R. , Bronsert Peter , Kock Sylvia , Schmitt-Gräff Annette , Werner Martin , Heise Kerstin , Follo Marie , Straetemans Trudy , Sebestyen Zsolt , Chudakov Dmitry M. , Kasatskaya Sofya A. , Frenkel Felix E. , Ravens Sarina , Spierings Eric , Prinz Immo , Küppers Ralf , Malkovsky Miroslav , Fisch Paul , Kuball Jürgen
Published: February 2020

γδ T cells in human solid tumors remain poorly defined. Here, we describe molecular and functional analyses of T-cell receptors (TCR) from tumor-infiltrating γδ T lymphocytes (γδ TIL) that were in direct contact with tumor cells in breast cancer lesions from archival material. We observed that the majority of γδ TILs harbored a proinflammatory phenotype and only a minority associated with the expression of IL17. We characterized TCRγ or TCRδ chains of γδ TILs and observed a higher proportion of Vδ2+ T cells compared with other tumor types. By reconstructing matched Vδ2– TCRγ and TCRδ pairs derived from single-cell sequencing, our data suggest that γδ TILs could be active against breast cancer and other tumor types. The reactivity pattern against tumor cells depended on both the TCRγ and TCRδ chains and was independent of additional costimulation through other innate immune receptors. We conclude that γδ TILs can mediate tumor reactivity through their individual γδ TCR pairs and that engineered T cells expressing TCRγ and δ chains derived from γδ TILs display potent antitumor reactivity against different cancer cell types and, thus, may be a valuable tool for engineering immune cells for adoptive cell therapies.
Improved Antitumor Efficacy of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells that Secrete Single-Domain Antibody Fragments
Authors: Xie Yushu Joy , Dougan Michael , Ingram Jessica R. , Pishesha Novalia , Fang Tao , Momin Noor , Ploegh Hidde L.
Published: February 2020

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is effective in the treatment of cancers of hematopoietic origin. In the immunosuppressive solid tumor environment, CAR T cells encounter obstacles that compromise their efficacy. We developed a strategy to address these barriers by having CAR T cells secrete single-domain antibody fragments [variable heavy domain of heavy chain antibodies (VHH) or nanobodies] that can modify the intratumoral immune landscape and thus support CAR T-cell function in immunocompetent animals. VHHs are small in size and able to avoid domain swapping when multiple nanobodies are expressed simultaneously—features that can endow CAR T cells with desirable properties. The secretion of an anti-CD47 VHH by CAR T cells improves engagement of the innate immune system, enables epitope spreading, and can enhance the antitumor response. CAR T cells that secrete anti–PD-L1 or anti–CTLA-4 nanobodies show improved persistence and demonstrate the versatility of this approach. Furthermore, local delivery of secreted anti-CD47 VHH-Fc fusions by CAR T cells at the tumor site limits their systemic toxicity. CAR T cells can be further engineered to simultaneously secrete multiple modalities, allowing for even greater tailoring of the antitumor immune response.
Prediction of Perinatal Mortality in Ebstein’s Anomaly Diagnosed in the Second Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Masoller Narcís , Gómez del Rincón Olga , Herraiz Ignacio , Gómez-Montes Enery , Soveral Iris , Pérez-Cruz Miriam , Martínez-Biosques Concepción , Granados Miguel Angel , Bennasar Mar , Escobar-Diaz Maria Clara , Martínez Josep María , Galindo Alberto
Published: February 2020

Objectives: Firstly, to describe the outcome of a series of fetuses with Ebstein’s anomaly (EA) and, secondly, to study the utility of different second-trimester echocardiographic parameters to predict fetal and neonatal mortality. Methods: 39 fetuses with EA diagnosed between 18 and 28 weeks of gestation were included. Fetal echocardiography included the cardiothoracic ratio (CTR); right atrial (RA) area index; displacement of the tricuspid valve (TV); tricuspid regurgitation; pulmonary artery; and ductus arteriosus flow characteristics. Additionally, 2 novel parameters were obtained: the relative RA area ratio (RA area/cardiac area) and the TV displacement index (TVDI, TV displacement distance/longi­tudinal diameter of the left ventricle). Correlation between the echocardiographic variables and the primary outcome of perinatal mortality or survival at 1 year of life was evaluated. Results: From the initial cohort, 8 cases were excluded due to complex congenital heart defects. Termination of pregnancy (TOP) was performed in 15 cases, and fetal death was diagnosed in 3 cases. In the live-born cohort of 13 patients, 4 died in the neonatal period, yielding a perinatal survival rate of 29 and 56%, respectively, after excluding TOP cases. Compared with survivors, nonsurvivors showed a significantly higher CTR (56.7 ± 16.2 vs. 42.6 ± 8.6; p = 0.04), relative RA area ratio (0.39 ± 0.13 vs. 0.25 ± 0.05; p = 0.01), and TVDI (0.62 ± 0.17 vs. 0.44 ± 0.12; p = 0.03) at diagnosis. The best model to predict perinatal mortality was obtained by using a scoring system which included the relative RA area ratio and TVDI (AUC 0.905 [95% CI 0.732–1.000]). Conclusions: Fetuses with a relative RA area ratio ≥0.29 and TVDI ≥0.65 at the second trimester have the highest risk of dying in the perinatal stage.
Personalized Treatment Approach to Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer with BRCA2 and PTEN Mutations: A Case Report
Authors: Julka Pramod Kumar , Verma Amit , Gupta Kush
Published: February 2020

DNA repair mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2) are found in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients. Here, we report a case of a 71-year-old male patient with metastatic CRPC along with BRCA2 and PTEN mutations. As per the genomic findings of the Foundation One report, FDA-approved therapies were available for other tumor types, such as olaparib for the loss of BRCA2 and everolimus for the loss of PTEN exons 2–9. These findings were confirmed in another novel phenotypic assay that revealed the sensitivity of olaparib and carboplatin combination therapy. After 4 cycles, our patient achieved a partial response along with a good performance status.
Accelerated, Pulsed Collagen Cross-Linking versus the Dresden Protocol in Keratoconus: A Case Series
Authors: Dervenis Nikolaos , Dervenis Panagiotis , Dragoumis Nikolaos , Papandroudis Andreas , Zachariadis Zachos , Balidis Miltos
Published: February 2020

Purpose: The aim of our study was to compare the depth of the demarcation line developing in the cornea after the standard Dresden protocol versus the accelerated, pulsed, epithelium-off corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL). Methods: This was a nonrandomized, retrospective case series. Patients with progressive keratoconus were treated with either the standard Dresden protocol (Group 1) or accelerated, epithelium-off CXL using the Avedro (Waltham, MA, USA) device (Group 2). The accelerated CXL protocol involved 18 min of pulsed ultraviolet-A (20 mW/cm2, 7.2 J/cm2, pulsed pro-file: 1 s on, 2 s off). The depth of the demarcation line was measured about 3 months postoperatively. Results: Fifty-nine eyes of 35 subjects were included in the analysis. Group 1 consisted of 19 eyes, and Group 2 of 40 eyes. The mean age of the participants was 22.21 years in Group 1 and 26.55 years in Group 2 (p = 0.184). The mean preoperative K value was 44.89 D in Group 1 and 45.20 D in Group 2 (p = 0.768). The depth of the demarcation line was 322.50 μm in Group 1 and 319.95 μm in Group 2 (p = 0.937). Conclusions: The demarcation line depth was not statistically significantly different between the two protocols. The significance of the demarcation line depth has not been fully clarified in the literature. Our results support the contention that these two techniques may have similar structural outcomes and ef­ficacies in the treatment of keratoconus.
Jung, Neumann and Gebser
Authors: Mitchell Robert L.
Published: February 2020

In recent decades, indeterminate states of cultural identity in both individuals and nations have resulted from cross-cultural migrations and the resistance of host nations to critically re-evaluate traditional cultural complexes and welcome new influences. Jung’s theory of individuation, Neumann’s centroversion and Gebser’s integrality provide a new foundation in consciousness for re-evaluating both individual and national cultural identities. In terms of the development and education of children, the two common threads in these three theories are individuation and recapitulation theory. Individuation, re-imagined by Neumann as centroversion, parallels Gebser’s concept of integrality and provides a mediating foundation for comparing individuation and integrality. Both concepts are compared in terms of the first phase of the individuation process, characterized by the development and education of the child. The objective is to achieve an individuated-integral, spiritualized personality in the first half of life so that the spiritually mature adult can contribute to an evolved human consciousness and global cultural identity in the second half of life.
Dendrobium taprobanium (Orchidaceae): a new species from Sri Lanka with taxonomic notes on some species of the genus

Authors: PRIYADARSHANA THARAKA SUDESH , ATTHANAGODA ANUSHA GAYAN , WIJEWARDHANE ISHARA HARSHAJITH , ABERATHNA NIMANTHA , PEABOTUWAGE INDIKA , KUMAR PANKAJ
Published: February 2020

A new species, Dendrobium taprobanium (Orchidaceae), is described and illustrated from the Sabaragamuwa Province in Sri Lanka. The new species is morphologically similar to D. trinervium from Indochina. However, it can be readily distinguished by having a rounded callus with fine glandular hairs at the seam of the hypochile and epichile, while D. trinervium has three rows of thickened glabrous calli arising from the middle or posterior end of the lip and extending to the apex of the midlobe. Due to its morphological similarities, D. gunnarii, an endemic orchid from the Andaman Islands, India, is synonymised to D. trinervium. Additionally, taxonomic notes are also provided for D. heterocarpum, D. macrostaychum and D. nutantiflorum, and a lectotype is designated for D. panduratum. A key to all the Dendrobium species in Sri Lanka is provided along with colour photographs.
Review of the Oriental leafhopper genus Balala Distant, with new species and new records (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Hylicinae)
Authors: TANG JIU , ZHANG YALIN
Published: February 2020

The Oriental leafhopper genus Balala Distant is reviewed and newly recorded from Malaysia and Thailand. Four known species are redescribed and illustrated, with Balala lui newly recorded from Malaysia. And four new species are reported with descriptions and figures. A key to males of Balala species is provided. The female ovipositor of B. nigrifrons is described and photographed for the first time.
Two new species of Entomobrya Rondani (Collembola, Entomobryidae) from northeastern Brazil and comments on the genus
Authors: DA CUNHA SANTOS NATHÁLIA MICHELLY , DOS SANTOS-COSTA RENATA CLICIA , SIQUEIRA ORQUIANNE JUDY RAFAEL , GODEIRO NERIVÂNIA NUNES , BELLINI BRUNO CAVALCANTE
Published: February 2020

Entomobrya Rondani, 1861 is one of the largest genera of springtails and the most diverse group of scaleless Entomobryoidea. Only 14 species of Entomobrya were recorded from Brazil so far. Herein we present two new Brazilian species of the genus. Entomobrya juneae sp. nov. can be diagnosed by antennae shorter or as long as the trunk; prelabral and labial chaeta e smooth, mesothorax lacking m5 and p5 macrochaetae, mucro distal tooth reduced, among other features. It is somehow similar to E. atrocincta Schött, 1896 and E. nivalis (Linnaeus, 1758) sensu Katz et al. (2015) in some aspects of dorsal chaetotaxy, but the new species presents less macrochaetae on mesothorax and third and fourth abdominal segments. Entomobrya barbata sp. nov. is quite similar to E. linda Soto-Adames 2002 especially due to its remarkable reduced dorsal chaetotaxy, but can be separated from it in dorsal head, mesothorax, fourth abdominal segment and manubrial plate chaetotaxy. We also investigate the similarities of Brazilian Entomobrya species with Entomobryoides Maynard, 1951 and provide comments on the morphology of both genera.
A remarkable burrow-dwelling alpheid shrimp, new genus and new species, from the tropical eastern Pacific (Malacostraca: Decapoda: Caridea)
Authors: ANKER ARTHUR
Published: February 2020

A new alpheid shrimp genus, Pachelpheus gen. nov., is established to accommodate Pachelpheus pachyacanthus sp. nov., described based on two specimens from the Las Perlas Archipelago, Pacific coast of Panama. Pachelpheus pachyacanthus sp. nov. appears to be an obligate symbiont dwelling in burrows of yet unknown infaunal hosts, on shallow near-shore subtidal sand flats. The main morphological characters of Pachelpheus gen. nov. are: (1) frontal margin of carapace with broadly rounded rostral projection, without orbital teeth; (2) sixth pleonite with articulated plate; (3) telson with two pairs of cuspidate setae dorsally, without anal tubercles; (4) eyes concealed in dorsal view, partly visible in lateral view; (5) chelipeds equal in size, symmetrical in shape, moderately enlarged, stout, carried extended; (6) cheliped carpus without rows of setae mesially; (7) cheliped fingers without snapping mechanism, each finger armed with one stout tooth; (8) second pereiopod carpus with five sub-articles; (9) third, fourth and fifth pereiopods with ischia armed with single robust cuspidate seta, meri armed with one to several unusually robust cuspidate setae; (10) second pleopod with appendix masculina in males only; (11) uropodal exopod and endopod with rows of slender spiniform setae on their distal margins; (12) uropodal diaeresis unusually thickened laterally, with two very stout spiniform setae; and (13) lateral lobe of the uropodal protopod rounded. The new genus appears to be morphologically most similar to Jengalpheops Anker & Dworschak, 2007 and Leslibetaeus Anker, Poddoubtchenko & Wehrtmann, 2006.
Unesconia coibensis, gen. et sp. nov., a miniature sponge-associated shrimp from a biodiversity hotspot in the tropical eastern Pacific (Decapoda: Palaemonidae)
Authors: ANKER ARTHUR
Published: February 2020

A new palaemonid shrimp genus, Unesconia gen. nov., is established to accommodate a peculiar, small, presumably sponge-associated species, Unesconia coibensis gen. et sp. nov. The description of the new genus and species is based on several specimens found in the shallow marine waters of the Coiba Archipelago, Pacific coast of Panama. Unesconia gen. nov. does not seem to have close affinities to other eastern Pacific or western Atlantic palaemonid genera, including those harbouring sponge symbionts. On the other hand, it shares many characters with three Indo-West Pacific genera, which contain sponge-associated species, viz. Paraclimenaeus Bruce, 1988, Apopontonia Bruce, 1976 and Climeniperaeus Bruce, 1996. The most important diagnostic features of Unesconia gen. nov. are the strongly carinate, dorsally dentate rostrum, with its lateral carinae greatly expanded basally and armed with strong supraorbital teeth; the non-filtering mouthparts, with mandible lacking palp; the first pereiopod chela with excavated fingers and strongly tridentate fingertips; the asymmetrical second pereiopods (chelipeds), with the major chela bearing a double-fossa mechanism on the finger cutting edges; the ambulatory pereiopod dactylus armed with one large tooth and at least two small spinules on the ventral margin of the corpus, in addition to the terminal unguis; the lateral section of the uropodal diaeresis armed with five spiniform setae, the latter not extending to the lateral margin of the exopod; and the telson with two pairs of stout long cuspidate setae on dorsal surface and three pairs of strong, elongate spiniform setae on the posterior margin.
Spelaeobochica mahnerti, a new cave-dwelling pseudoscorpion from Brazil (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones: Bochicidae), with comments on the troglomorphism of the Brazilian bochicid species
Authors: VIANA ANA CLARA M. , FERREIRA RODRIGO L.
Published: February 2020

Spelaeobochica mahnerti sp. n., found in a limestone cave located in the municipality of Monjolos (Minas Gerais state, Southeastern Brazil), is described. It differs from congeneric species mainly by the rallum with 3 apically dentate blades, the position of the trichobothrium ib in the far distal half of the hand dorsum (near the base of fixed finger), the smooth subterminal setae, and by the arolia that are a little longer than the claws. A key to the species of Spelaeobochica is provided, as well as information on the habitat and threats for this new species. We further discuss troglomorphic traits in Brazilian species of Bochicidae.
Enlarging the Severe Hail Database in Finland by Using a Radar-Based Hail Detection Algorithm and Email Surveys to Limit Underreporting and Population Biases
Authors: Tuovinen Jari-Petteri , Hohti Harri , Schultz David M.
Published: February 2020

Collecting hail reports to build a climatology is challenging in a sparsely populated country such as Finland. To expand an existing database, a new approach involving daily verification of a radar- and numerical weather prediction–based hail detection algorithm was trialed during late May–August for the 10-yr period, 2008–17. If the algorithm suggested a high likelihood of hail from each identified convective cell in specified locations, then an email survey was sent to people and businesses in these locations. Telephone calls were also used occasionally. Starting from 2010, the experiment was expanded to include trained storm spotters performing the surveys (project called TATSI). All the received hail reports were documented (severe or ≥2 cm, and nonsevere, excluding graupel), giving a more complete depiction of hail occurrence in Finland. In combination with reports from the general public, news, and social media, our hail survey resulted in a 292% increase in recorded severe hail days and a 414% increase in observed severe hail cases compared to a climatological study (1930–2006). More than 2200 email surveys were sent, and responses to these surveys accounted for 53% of Finland’s severe hail cases during 2008–17. Most of the 2200 emails were sent into rural locations with low population density. These additional hail reports allowed problems with the initial radar-based hail detection algorithm to be identified, leading to the introduction of a new hail index in 2009 with improved detection and nowcasting of severe hail. This study shows a way to collect hail reports in a sparsely populated country to mitigate underreporting and population biases.
China–Qatar Strategic Partnership and the Realization of One Belt, One Road Initiative
Authors: Chaziza Mordechai
Published: February 2020

China–Qatar ties have strengthened considerably in recent years. The relationship between the two countries has seen steady and smooth bilateral development in the political, economic and cultural fields; in trade, energy and other areas and has given active play to the complementarities between the two economies. This study wants to examine the motivation behind Beijing’s measures to formalise a strategic partnership with Qatar to understand the impact and the extent of the Qatar-Gulf crisis on Doha engagement and integration within the Belt and Road Initiative. China’s measures to formalise strategic partnerships with Qatar includes seven major areas for cooperation: policy coordination, connectivity, trade and investments, energy cooperation, financial cooperation, military ties, tourism and cultural ties.
Discourse on Europe’s Migrant Crisis in Chinese Social Media: Recontextualising Nationalism and Defending Perceived Homogeneity
Authors: Gan Chun
Published: February 2020

Since 2015, the strong resentment in Chinese social media against international immigration triggered by the European migrant crisis has been noticed, and in many cases harshly criticised, by foreign media. Using primary sources retrieved from a major microblogging site, this article provides a critical review of the way in which the crisis was represented in popular discourse between 2015 and 2017and explores the intricate sentiments it provoked. It employs the analytical framework of critical discourse analysis developed by Fairclough to illustrate how multi-dimensional discourse construction shaped the perceptions in social media. It argues that the mostly sensationalist narratives, created through recontextualisation of long-standing nationalist discourses, reflect the dilemma between China’s ambitious globalist vision for future development and the persistent myth of homogeneity of Chinese nationhood. As China undergoes a slow and reluctant transition from a traditional source of emigration to a budding destination for international immigrants, such a dilemma has broader implications for the Chinese perceptions of the European Other and China’s self-positioning in the world.
Different Countries, Different Perspectives: A Comparative Analysis of the South China Sea Disputes Coverage by Malaysian and Chinese Newspapers
Authors: Fong Yang Lai , Ponnan Ramachandran , De Rycker Antoon
Published: February 2020

The South China Sea disputes involve both island and maritime claims among several sovereign states within the region, namely China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam and Taiwan. Framing an analysis of international news and diplomatic relations allows researchers to examine how news organisations provide their audiences with context regarding news stories through content promotion and exclusion. This study examined how the Malaysian and Chinese newspapers reported about the South China Sea disputes and Malaysia–China bilateral relations. The findings indicated that the newspapers reported the topics with different intensity and prominence, while different news sources were employed. It was also found that conflict was a salient frame used by the various newspapers. In addition, this study found that the Malaysian and Chinese newspapers exhibited different valence in reporting the South China Sea disputes. Among the Malaysian newspapers under examination in this study, Sin Chew Daily (a Chinese-language daily) employed the most similar frame to that of the Chinese newspapers, where the coverage was pervasive with supportive valence towards China.
Team Combat Identification: Effects of Gender, Spatial Visualization, and Disagreement
Authors: Baker Anthony L. , Keebler Joseph R. , Anania Emily C. , Schuster David , Plummer John P.
Published: February 2020

Objective

The combat identification (CID) abilities of same-gender and mixed-gender dyads were experimentally assessed, along with measures of spatial skills and team communication.

Background

CID is a high-stakes decision-making task involving discrimination between friendly and enemy forces. Literature on CID is primarily focused on the individual, but the extensive use of teams in the military means that more team-based research is needed in this area.

Method

After a set of training sessions, 39 dyads were tasked with identifying 10 armored vehicles in a series of pictures and videos. Team communication was recorded, transcribed, and coded for instances of disagreements.

Results

Analyses indicated that males scored higher on a spatial visualization measure than did females. M-M teams performed significantly better than M-F teams on the CID task, but when spatial ability and team disagreements were added as predictors, the effect of team gender composition became nonsignificant. Spatial ability and team disagreement were significant predictors of team CID performance.

Conclusion

Results suggest that spatial skills and team disagreement behaviors are more important for team CID performance than a team’s gender composition. To our knowledge, this is the first lab study of team CID.

Application

This research highlights the importance of understanding both individual differences (e.g., spatial skills) and team processes (e.g., communication) within CID training environments in the military context.
Efficiency and Domination in the Socialist Republic: A Reply to O’Shea
Authors: Frye Harrison
Published: February 2020

In a recent essay in this journal, Tom O’Shea defends socialist republicanism, marrying the value of freedom as nondomination to public ownership of the means of production. In this reply, I argue that the efficiency costs that often attach to public ownership may undercut the ability of the socialist republic to combat domination by public agents. I provide two reasons in support of this claim. First, the economic gains provided by efficiency can insulate individuals from the discretionary power of other agents. Put briefly, the more wealth you have, the less the discretionary power threatens your basic interests. Second, the efficiency costs of public ownership also make it more difficult to hold accountable the managers of economic organizations. This shortcoming of O’Shea’s argument reveals a point hitherto neglected in the republican literature—caring about nondomination implies caring about efficiency.
The Bidirectional Causal Relation Between Implicit Stereotypes and Implicit Prejudice
Authors: Phills Curtis E. , Hahn Adam , Gawronski Bertram
Published: February 2020

Although stereotypes and prejudice are commonly regarded as conceptually distinct but related constructs, previous research remains silent on the processes underlying their relation. Applying the balance-congruity principle to the concepts (a) group, (b) valence, and (c) attribute, we argue that the valence of attributes contained in a group-stereotype shapes evaluations of the group, while prejudice toward a group influences which attributes are stereotypically associated with the group. Using fictitious (Experiments 1 and 3) and real (Experiments 2 and 4) groups, the current studies demonstrate that (a) experimentally induced changes in the valence of semantic attributes associated with a group (stereotypes) influence implicit prejudice toward that group (Experiments 1 and 2), and (b) experimentally induced changes in the valence of a group (prejudice) influence implicit stereotyping of that group (Experiments 3 and 4). These findings demonstrate a bidirectional causal relation between prejudice and stereotypes.
Smooth Muscle Diversity in Arterial Wound Repair*
Authors: Majesky Mark W. , Schwartz Stephen M.
Published: February 2020

Repair of arterial injury results in formation of a new structure, a neointima, that causes luminal narrowing. Smooth muscle cell (SMC) properties required for neointima formation are also found in nascent SMCs of developing blood vessels in the embryo (e.g., proliferation, extracellular matrix synthesis, cell migration). We isolated 2 distinct types of SMC from aortic media of newborn rats that were distinguished by cell shape, secretion of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and expression of PDGF-B and PDGF α-receptor genes. These two SMC types did not interconvert over many cell generations in vitro. Adult rat aorta yields only one SMC type, suggesting that the “pup” SMC variant is developmentally regulated. However, SMC with the “pup” phenotype reappear in the adult artery wall during neointima formation after balloon catheter injury. These observations raise the possibility that SMC proliferation and arterial remodeling during development, repair and disease of the artery wall might depend upon a SMC subpopulation with special properties.
An Overview of Atherosclerosis: A Look to the Future*
Authors: Getz Godfrey S.
Published: February 2020

This overview briefly summarizes the cellular pathobiology of experimental atherosclerosis and is then followed by a consideration of how 3 major risk factors interact with the hypothesized pathogenetic process. First, since hemodynamics and blood flow influence the localization of atherosclerotic plaques, possible mechanisms and directions of research are considered. Secondly, the recent hypothesis relating the oxidation of LDL to several of the early processes of atherogenesis is briefly discussed in view of the fact that hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor. The possibility that subsets of LDL and lipoproteins other than LDL might be involved is also discussed. Family history is the last of the 3 contributors to atherosclerosis reviewed and some prototypes of gene abnormalities are considered. Finally, the needs and prospects of future research are summarized.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo in Community Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
Authors: Singh Jeffrey M. , Corser William D. , Monsell Edwin M.
Published: February 2020

Objective

Cardiovascular risk factors have been associated with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), possibly causing degeneration of the utricular epithelium and subepithelium, but supportive evidence is mixed. This is the first study to examine the association between cardiovascular risk factors and BPPV as they present in the community practice of comprehensive otolaryngology–head and neck surgery.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional case‐matched case‐control series.

Setting

A community practice of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery with 3 clinical offices and a socioeconomically diverse patient population.

Subjects and Methods

Clinical data were collected retrospectively from the electronic health records of a continuous 4‐year series of 628 patients with BPPV and age‐ and sex‐matched controls.

Results

There were no statistically significant associations found between BPPV and diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or body mass index in the study population in pairwise comparisons or multivariable modeling.

Conclusion

This study suggests that BPPV as encountered in a community ear, nose, and throat practice is not generally associated with cardiovascular risk factors. The possibility that these or other cardiovascular risk factors may be causative in some cases cannot be excluded, though most cases of BPPV appear to be caused primarily by shedding of otoconia from the utricle that is idiopathic or at least in part by unconfirmed noncardiovascular factors.
Molecular Politics, Wearables, and the Aretaic Shift in Biopolitical Governance
Authors: Lindner Peter
Published: February 2020

Since the publication of Nikolas Rose’s ‘The Politics of Life Itself’ (2001) there has been vivid discussion about how biopolitical governance has changed over the last decades. This article uses what Rose terms ‘molecular politics’, a new socio-technical grip on the human body, as a contrasting background to ask anew his question ‘What, then, of biopolitics today?’ – albeit focusing not on advances in genetics, microbiology, and pharmaceutics, as he does, but on the rapid proliferation of wearables and other sensor-software gadgets. In both cases, new technologies providing information about the individual body are the common ground for governance and optimization, yet for the latter, the target is habits of moving, eating and drinking, sleeping, working and relaxing. The resulting profound differences are carved out along four lines: ‘somatic identities’ and a modified understanding of the body; the role of ‘expert knowledge’ compared to that of networks of peers and self-experimentation; the ‘types of intervention’ by which new technologies become effective in our everyday life; and the ‘post-discipline character’ of molecular biopolitics. It is argued that, taken together, these differences indicate a remarkable shift which could be termed aretaic: its focus is not ‘life itself’ but ‘life as it is lived’, and its modality are new everyday socio-technical entanglements and their more-than-human rationalities of (self-)governance.